The Nets are getting closer to full health, as their center Nic Claxton is inching closer to a full workload.
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Nets’ Nic Claxton getting closer to ditching minutes restriction
Dan Hurley leaning into UConn three-peat storyline: ‘Everyone has signed on’
Dan Hurley has been encouraging his UConn players to embrace the challenge of trying to three-peat as NCAA champions.
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Doctors without Borders (MSF) HR Internships 2024 / 2025
Doctors without Borders (MSF) invites South African unemployed graduates to apply for Internship Programme 2024 / 2025. Internship Application Closing Date: 08 November 2024 Internship Location: Johannesburg, South Africa The HR Intern role is a trainee HR administrative function that forms part of the DHR unit within the HR Team of MSF SnA. The role ... Read more
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RMA Learnerships 2025
RMA invites unemployed youth to apply for Learnership Programme 2024 / 2025. Learnership Application Closing Date: Not specified Learnership Location: Parktown, Gauteng, South Africa As a social insurer RMA continues its positive contribution to society and ensuring that we drive change in the lives of many South African through our various corporate social investments. In ... Read more
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NedBank IT Learnerships 2024 / 2025
NedBank invites unemployed youth to apply for IT Learnership Programme 2024 / 2025. Learnership Application Closing Date: 11 November 2024 Learnership Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Our Cloud learnership programme offers participants the chance to gain practical experience and develop skills in cloud computing, DevOps, FinOps, cloud architecture, and site reliability engineering. These disciplines are ... Read more
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Oxford University Press Publishing Internships 2025
Oxford University Press invites South African unemployed graduates to apply for Internship Programme 2024 / 2025. Internship Application Closing Date: Not specified Internship Location: Goodwood, South Africa Publishing Internship (Internship position: 12 Month Contract) The intention is to give practical work experience to graduates who are in their last year of study and require exposure ... Read more
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TV property guru Phil Spencer reveals the five most common mistakes first-time buyers make – and how to avoid them
GETTING the keys to your first home can feel a near-impossible task after saving thousands for a deposit and then going through the gruelling home-buying process.
But TV property guru Phil Spencer has revealed that many first-time buyers make simple mistakes that make the whole thing even more difficult.
A complicated system of taxes, surveyors and loans can leave many would-be homeowners overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, the enormous costs that come with it can prevent many people from getting their foot on the housing ladder in the first place.
Property expert and TV personality Phil Spencer has been helping first-time buyers to navigate the process for more than 30 years.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun following the launch of his new YouTube channel, First Home Focus, he has revealed the biggest mistakes he often sees, and his top tips to help first-time buyers get their place as quickly as possible.
Don’t view too early
Mr Spencer said one of the big blunders many buyers make is viewing properties too soon, as they end up making offers without doing enough research.
“In the excitement to go house hunting, many first-time buyers go to view properties too early,” he said.
“The danger is that if you haven’t done your research thoroughly enough then you start looking at places you can’t really afford. I see that happen too often,” he explained.
Add up how much you have saved as a deposit then use a mortgage calculator to see how much you could borrow from a bank.
Include any money you may be given from parents or grandparents in these calculations.
Then narrow down properties in your price range before you tour any houses to make sure you can actually afford them.
Compare similar properties
It’s important to do some research into the property market and how much houses in your area cost before you go to any house viewings Mr Spencer suggests.
“There’s a danger you can end up blanket covering vast areas without any real focus,” he warns.
“Then, you’re not comparing like with like because you are moving around, looking at different types of property in different price brackets.”
Narrow down what you are looking for and what types of homes are available in your town or city before you go to any viewings.
My best advice when house hunting
TV property expert Phil Spencer shares his top tips when viewing a house.
I always encourage people to look for a property that is going to suit them for as long a time as possible.
Life changes very quickly between the ages of 25 to 35.
What is important to you right now might not be important in five years’ time.
It’s really important to try and think forward to what your life might look like in the future.
It’s a mistake to think that you’re going to have the same job for the next ten years or go to the same pub or gym.
In five years’ time, that might not be true.
Don’t focus on what’s convenient for your lifestyle now and look as long term as possible.
Try and choose a property that will give you flexibility as life evolves.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Can the flat or house evolve with you?
- Could a partner move in?
- Could you have a child there?
- Could you rent out a room if you lost your job?
- What are the community and parking options?
Don’t get too bogged down in minor things that are not going to affect the value of the property, for example if the windows need redecorating or the carpets are filthy.
A lot of buyers will be put off by these things.
Concentrate on the size of the rooms, the proportions and how it suits you.
The chances are during the time that you live there you will make cosmetic changes to suit you, your lifestyle and your tastes.
Doing so can help you to avoid falling in love with a property that you can’t afford, is overpriced or doesn’t really meet your requirements.
It can also help you to decide if you need to compromise on the area you want to live in, how much space you need or your budget.
Look to add value
“I always encourage first-time buyers to look for opportunities to add value,” Mr Spencer said.
For example, you could renovate a kitchen, add an extension or do a garage conversion.
But make sure you have the money to do the work before you put an offer in.
“Anything that you can do to make a property bigger or refurbish parts of the house can add value,” he said.
“But a lot of buyers go for a fixer upper as they see a lot of potential. Then they realise that they don’t have the money to do any of the work they want to do.”
When doing your research, check on websites such as B&Q and Wickes, which have calculators to check much it would cost to refurbish the house, before you put in an offer.
Buy in an area where prices could increase
Another option is to buy in an area which could increase in value over time, Phil advises.
“Buy in an area that you feel is going to change and improve during the time that you live there,” he said.
As the value of properties around you rise so could the amount your home is worth.
Dover in Kent, Thurrock in Essex and Waltham Forest in London all saw prices rise substantially from 2012-2022 according to online property portal Zoopla.
But this could take years to happen and is not guaranteed so it should not be the main reason you purchase a home in that location.
Use government schemes
There are several government schemes available to first-time buyers so check if you are eligible before you start your property search.
“There’s a lot of help out there, including savings accounts and shared ownership schemes,” Mr Spencer said.
One option is to save into a Lifetime Individual Savings Account (LISA).
These are special savings accounts which allow you to put money aside to buy your own home or for retirement.
You must be aged between 18 and 39 to open a LISA but you can pay into it until you are 50.
The maximum amount you can up in each year is £4,000 but the government will add a 25% bonus to your savings, up to a maximum of £1,00 a year.
But there is a penalty for taking money out of a LISA if you are not putting it towards a deposit.
Another option is to buy a shared ownership home.
This is where you buy a portion of a home’s value from a landlord, who is usually the council or a housing association.
You then pay rent on the remaining share.
You need a mortgage to pay for your share, which can be between a quarter and three-quarters of the home’s full value.
A reduced rent is charged on the share you don’t own.
Later on you can choose to buy a bigger share of the property’s value, up to 100% of its value.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Just one week left to make 5-minute check that unlocks £150 energy bill discount
HUNDREDS of thousands of households have just one week left to apply for a key benefit and ensure they receive a £150 energy bill discount this winter.
The extra support comes through the government’s Warm Home Discount.
There are two Warm Home Discount schemes – one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland.
Those living in England and Wales do not need to apply for the scheme, but those living in Scotland do.
Between now and December, the government will issue letters to households that qualify for the scheme.
However, to be eligible for the discount, you must have claimed one of nine means-tested benefits on a specific date in August.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which administers the £150 Warm Home Discount, says households must have had an active claim for any of the following benefits on Sunday, August 11:
- Guaranteed credit element of pension credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Housing benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credits
- The “Savings Credit” part of pension credit
However, even if you weren’t receiving Pension Credit on the qualifying date of August 11, there’s a trick you can follow to ensure that you get the extra cash later.
This is because your eligibility for certain benefits can be backdated.
For example, successful pension credit claims can be backdated by three months.
The latest figures show that a whopping 760,000 people are eligible but haven’t made a claim.
As well as missing out on a £300 winter fuel payment, they won’t get the £150 Warm Home Discount payment.
So, you’ll need to launch your claim by Sunday, November 10 and then successfully get it backdated to cover the August 11 Warm Home Discount qualifying date.
To find out more, visit gov.uk/pension-credit.
The Sun has already launched a free tool to help you check whether you are eligible for benefits.
The free benefits checker is in partnership with poverty charity Turn2Us as part of our Winter Fuel SOS campaign.
What is pension credit and how do I apply?
PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
This is known as “guarantee credit”.
If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.
However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following:
- Attendance allowance
- The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA)
- The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
- Armed forces independence payment
- The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.
ou could get the “savings credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:
- You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
- You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension
This part of pension credit is worth £17.01 for single people or £19.04 for couples.
Pension credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions, the winter fuel payment and the Warm Home Discount.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
Warm home discount timeline in England and Wales
Households in England and Wales will get a letter between October 2024 and early January 2025 telling you:
- You’re eligible and you’ll get the discount automatically
- You might be eligible, and you need to give more information.
- The letter will tell you to call the helpline by 29 February 2024 to confirm your details.
If you don’t get the letter by early January 2024 and you think you’re eligible, you need to call the helpline on 0800 030 9322.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2025.
Some Scottish households need to apply
In Scotland there’s a “core group” that’ll receive an automatic payment and a “broader group” which has to apply for the scheme with their energy provider.
You’ll need to check with your energy supplier directly to see the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply.
The scheme will have more applicants than places, so make sure you apply as soon as possible.
How it’s paid
If you pay by direct debit or when you get your bill, the £150 Warm Home Discount will usually be added to your electricity account as credit.
Once it has been applied, it will show on your next bill.
If you have a traditional prepayment meter, your energy supplier will send you a letter explaining how you’ll get your discount.
You’ll usually receive a Post Office voucher in the post with instructions on how to redeem it.
If you have a smart prepayment meter, your supplier will automatically credit your meter with the discount.
What energy bill help is available?
There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Tallia Storm puts on eye-popping display in tiny minidress as she celebrates her birthday
TALLIA Storm looked sensational as she partied in a sequin studded mini dress to celebrate her birthday.
The X Factor alumni was the centre of attention as she stepped out in her black bodycon frock, with the chest panels adorned with multicoloured sequin detail.
The busty garment’s thigh-skimming hemline also featured the same detailing and Tallia finished her cute look with thigh-high boots.
She used the bathroom of her party venue for an impromptu photoshoot, slinging her fur coat around her shoulders and black handbag on the sink.
Tallia, who turned 26 on October 30, squatted down for a sultry pose showing her looking over to one side.
Her blonde hair was styled poker straight and flowed over her shoulders for the snap, before she stood up and perched on the sink.
The birthday girl then pulled on a pair of sunglasses for a super-cool look before heading into the party venue.
There, more fun ensued as she grabbed her boobs in a very cheeky pose before heading for a glass of diamond-encrusted champagne.
Tallia captured herself enjoying a sip as she stared direct into the camera lense.
The close-up shot showed off her glowing make-up to perfection, with dark mascara and baby pink lip gloss.
Later in the night, the Glasgow lass gave her followers a glimpse of her array of birthday cards and flowers.
Later in the night, she switched to a hot pink frock as she matched her birthday cake.
The Ballers hitmaker was seen posing next to the pink heart-shaped bake before enjoying a cherry from the top.
GLAM GIRL
The Boyfriend singer is no stranger to a daring wardrobe choice.
Earlier this month, she stepped out in a hot pink two-piece at an Elton John movie premiere.
She later took to Instagram to reveal a special connection to Elton, 77.
Tallia wrote: “Celebrating the man, the legend, the greatest ever Sir @eltonjohn who changed my life at 13.
“It still feels like a Disney film that baby Tallia got to open the one and only Elton John’s concert in Scotland with 5 songs at 13!”
Tallia previously told how Elton hired her for the gig after she gave her demo to his husband David Furnish.
Recently, she pulled on a daring PVC dress for a night out in London.
She has now re-located to the English capital after leaving her job at Capital Radio in Scotland.
The reality TV star also sent fans wild as she put on an eye-popping display in a pretty patterned bikini.
Additionally, fans hailed The X Factor 2019 star as “breathtaking” as she stripped to her swimwear in LA.
The £3 B&M window hack to keep your house warm – it ‘prevents draughts, reduces heating costs’ & stops condensation
CONDENSATION is a common sight in millions of UK homes during winter.
But B&M claims to have the answer with a £2.99 item.
Exitex Secondary Glazing Film is said to “keep heat in your home”.
It works by “creating a double-glazed window effect to minimise draughts in the home”.
The product description continues: “A simple and cost effective way to keep your home warm and save energy.”
It also “prevents draughts” and therefore “reduces heating costs”.
And what’s more, it only takes 10 minutes to install.
As for how to apply it to your windows, there are a few steps.
First, cut the film to the size of your window and attach it carefully to create a seal.
Then, using a hairdryer, shrink the film with hot air until it pulls really tight.
If there is any excess film around the edges, trim it.
As for how well it works, reviews of a similar product on Amazon give it four out of five stars.
One customer said: “I was so sceptical about this product and reading some of the reviews, I was hesitant to try. I am so glad I did.
“No condensation at all anymore and it’s certainly warmer in my rooms.
“It is so easy to fit, I am confused about the reviewers citing difficulty; each windows took me less than 5 minutes on my own.
“I didn’t pre cut it either, I got an approx size, applied the tape, and started from the top, stretching the sheet wide as I pulled it down too.
“I can barely see it on my windows. Would highly recommend this product, I wish I had purchased it sooner!”
Another said: “It’s been on my bedroom windows for about a month and a half and since then condensation has been a very low amount.
“I left a decent amount of extra plastic at the bottom to allow any condensation that will (and does) form on the plastic it will not get on the window sill itself which really helps prevent damage and mould build up.
“From the first day of waking up with it on my windows, I noticed the room was a lot warmer from the days before, and it was on average colder outside.
“This means it helped keep heat in the room a lot, which is great to wake up to.
“Only issue is I will probably have to take it down in the summer if it gets warm as I don’t want to melt in this room.
“I would really recommend this product as it does the job really well, however I would suggest you get a friend to help you out to set it up just to make your life a little easier.”
Worried about how to remove it?
There are a few ways to remove secondary temporary film glazing…
Heat
Use a hair dryer, heat gun, or spray bottle to melt the glue and break down the film. Start at a corner of the glass and peel off a piece. Continue to heat new areas as the film starts to peel.
Soapy water
Soften the adhesive with soapy water to break down the film.
A plastic scraper
Use a plastic scraper for stubborn parts.
Window cleaning solution
Use a citrus or ammonia-based window cleaning solution to remove hard-to-remove film or adhesive residue.
Acetone
Mix equal parts water and acetone, dip a soft cloth in the solution, and rub the residue.
Dishwashing liquid
Soak the film in dishwashing liquid, cover with a garbage bag, and let it sit for two hours.
