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EVERYONE loves a discount, voucher or promo code, but finding working codes for shopping websites can take a lot of work.

Dedicated voucher websites such as MyVoucherCodes.co.uk and HotUKDeals can help you find – and share – the latest offers.

But searching these sites takes time and effort, with codes typically only working a limited number of times or for a certain time period. 

This is where web browser extensions (also called web widgets, add-ons or plug-ins) come in handy. Installing a free extension to your internet browser can mean finding the best working discount codes in a matter of seconds. 

Instead of copying and pasting promo codes from random websites and hoping they work, the web extension does all the legwork for you by scanning and testing all available codes at the checkout and applying the best code to your shopping cart.

For the non-techy people, browsers are software programs we use to search the internet. The top three popular browsers are Chrome, Safari and Edge.

Browser extensions are small programs or ‘add-ons’ you can download to add new features to your browser. 

Deepak Tailor, founder of LatestFreeStuff.co.uk, explained: “Free discount code browser extensions should be on everyone’s browser. After ad blockers, I think it’s the most important thing you could have. It’s like free money.

“When you’re on a shop’s website, with the Chrome extension installed for free, you’ll see a little pop-up suggesting there may be some discount codes available. At checkout, you can try the codes and see if it saves you any money.

“These extensions save you from manually searching on Google and going to lots of different coupon websites. It’s there right where you want it.”

ITV is the latest organisation to launch a discount code browser extension via its new consumer-facing affiliate marketing brand ‘ITV Kerching’. The add-on uses tech company Kindred’s technology to search for discount codes from retailers. 

Other discount-hunting browser add-ons have been around much longer.

Honey launched in 2012 and was acquired by PayPal in 2020 for about $4billion (£3.73billion).

Now called PayPal Honey, the extension searches for promo codes from more than 30,000 online stores across the world. It also offers a price tracking tool called Droplist and a rewards system called Honey Gold. 

Pouch is a UK-based browser extension, offering exclusive deals from thousands of UK retailers. Alternatively, VoucherCodes.co.uk has a linked browser extension called DealFinder which automates the search for codes. Coupert, which tests codes at more than 20,000 retailers, is worth experimenting with too.  

Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert, said: “If you’re a frequent online shopper, consider installing more than one voucher code extension. Each extension may have unique deals and discounts in its database, so cross-referencing them can help you to maximise your savings.

“Some extensions allow you to set up notifications for your favourite retailers. This feature is well worth activating – it ensures you’re alerted as soon as new discount codes are available, so you never miss a great deal.”

While voucher code extensions are a no-brainer when it comes to saving money shopping online, there are other types of money-saving extensions too. 

Price comparison extensions

For example, price comparison extensions can be useful when it comes to navigating sales such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which often leads to retailers overstating deals and savings. 

“They can help you quickly identify genuine deals and avoid falling for inflated prices. Shoptimate and PriceBlink are great options here, which both automatically compare prices to other retailers selling the same item,” said Hunter.

PriceScout works in a similar way, automatically scanning more than 21,000 stores in order to let you know which retailer has the lowest price on the item you’re viewing. Its automatic coupon notifications will then alert you to money-saving codes to use at the checkout.

Earn cash back while shopping

There are also cashback browser extensions which allow you to earn money back on your online purchases by tracking your shopping activity and rewarding you with a percentage of your spending back in cash. 

TopCashback’s browser extension both searches for discount codes and also automatically activates cashback offers, meaning users can earn money back on their purchases across a wide range of UK retailers, including Boots, eBay, and Expedia.

Adam Bullock, UK director at TopCashback, said: “On average, our members can save £300 a year by shopping through the site, and as long as the browser extension is installed, members don’t even have to click out to TopCashback to shop.

Shoppers can make purchases at their favourite brands directly through their sites just by clicking the ‘Activate Now’ button that pops up.”

Compare price histories

If you’re a regular Amazon user, a browser extension called CamelCamelCamel allows you to compare products and view price history on the site, meaning you can see how prices have fluctuated over time and when might be the best time to buy.

How do browser extensions make money? It’s basically a type of affiliate marketing strategy where the companies behind the plug-ins earn a commission from a brand if shoppers use a certain code. 

Installing browser extensions is fairly straightforward. You can either click the buttons on the browser extension’s website, or go to the ‘extensions library’ in your web browser. They’re all free. 

The only catch is that not every browser extension works on every web browser. ITV Kerching only works on Chrome, for example. They might not work on your phone’s browser either. If that’s the case, it will be best to use a laptop, PC or Mac for  online shopping.

Tailor said: “You do need to watch out which you install. Check reviews and the permissions requested. Go with trusted UK brands that adhere to UK data protection laws (Honey and Latest Deals is such a company).

“There are many unofficial extensions that do not disclose what they’re doing with your data.”

A WINTER Fuel Payment loophole means thousands on Universal Credit can claim the £300 bonus – but you only have hours to apply.

The Winter Fuel Payment was previously available to everyone aged at least 66 – the current State Pension age.

But this year, the rules have changed. Now, you can only get the cash if you get one of the qualifying means-tested benefits.

This includes state pensioners claiming Pension Credit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment support allowance, tax credits, or Universal Credit.

To qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, you must have an active claim for any of these benefits during the “qualifying week”, which runs from September 16 to 22 (this week).

However, claims can be backdated by between one and three months, depending on the benefit you’re applying through – so it’s not too late to claim.

To be eligible for Pension Credit, you and your partner need to have both reached the State Pension age, which has excluded many from applying.

But, if you have a younger partner, you may be able to make a claim to receive the Winter Fuel Payment through Universal Credit.

Claims for Universal Credit can be backdated by one month.

This means that the absolute deadline to claim the benefit and qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment is today at midnight.

If you fail to apply for the benefit before the end of the day, you won’t qualify for this year’s cash.

According to Age UK, you can ask for your Universal Credit to be backdated if:

• you could not reasonably have claimed earlier because of disability
• illness – which must be confirmed by medical evidence
• Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) computer failure
• where a joint claim ends or is refused, in some circumstances.

Thousands of couples could be missing out on this benefit, which is worth up to £618 a month with the standard allowance before the Winter Fuel Payment is added.

To receive Universal Credit you need to be on a low income or need help with your living costs and have £16,000 or less in savings and investments.

Bear in mind that if your claim for Universal Credit is accepted, then you will need to ask for it to be backdated by a month – it won’t just happen automatically.

Other backdating deadlines

If you think you may be one of the thousands eligible for Pension Credit though, you may be able to backdate a claim in order to get the payment too.

Pensioners have three months to backdate a claim for the top-up benefit.

This means that the absolute deadline to claim the benefit and qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment is December 21.

Of course, if you fail to apply for the benefit before this date, you won’t qualify for this year’s £300 payment.

The amount you get for the Winter Fuel Payment varies depending on your age.

If you are aged between 66 and 79, you will get £200, while those aged 80 or over will receive £300.

Whatever your situation, it’s worth checking what benefits you can receive as some 850,000 people who could be claiming Pension Credit and, in turn, the Winter Fuel Payment, have not yet applied.

If you’re not sure if you will be able to get Pension Credit or Universal Credit, you can use our handy tool to check what benefits you’re eligible for.

How to apply for Universal Credit

Applying for Universal Credit should be relatively easy.

You have to go online and create an account, then there are further steps to take.

Creating an account

Once you’ve created an account you must make a claim within 28 days otherwise you’ll have to start the process again.

If you live with your partner, you’ll both have to create accounts and you’ll join them together when you claim.

If you’re struggling to claim online you can use the Universal Credit helpline which is 0800 328 5644.

What you’ll need

To apply online you’ll need your bank, building society or credit union account details.

On top of this, you’ll need an email address and access to a phone.

If you don’t have these things, you can call the Universal Credit helpline or go to a job centre.

To find your nearest job centre, you can use its website.

After you’ve offered your bank details, you will have to provide your driving licence, passport, debit or credit card and payslip of P60.

In addition, you’ll need to prove how much rent you pay, your earnings, any disability or health condition that affects your work, how much you pay for childcare your savings and any investments, such as shares or a property you rent out.

EMMERDALE fans will see Billy Fetcher take a horrifying risk in the soap next week as his illegal fighting storyline continues. 

Billy (Jay Kontzle) has already had one near death experience fighting, but he seems ready to risk his life again to protect his wife and kids. 

ITV

Billy Fletcher is set to take a horrifying risk in next week’s Emmerdale[/caption]

ITV

The husband and father is ready to put himself in harms way as he gears up for another illegal fight[/caption]

ITV

Billy got hurt badly last time but now has John Sugden in his corner[/caption]

Since moving out of Home Farm and into his own place with his wife Dawn (Olivia Bromley) and their kids Lucas and Evan, Billy has been struggling. 

And with Evan so sick, Billy feels like a useless dad unable to provide for his family. 

Because of this, he decides to take a huge risk that has a potentially big payoff – another boxing match. 

In scenes next week, Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) will be shocked to see that Billy is training for another unlicensed fight. 

But soon Mack is impressed because John Sugden’s (Oliver Farmworth) impromptu coaching session have improved Billy’s defence. 

But John, who found out about the illegal boxing after Billy’s last injury, secretly isn’t convinced by his new money earner.

He enlisted Aaron Dingle’s (Danny Miller) help in his effort to persuade Billy he’s not in a fit state to fight. But will it work?

As Emmerdale viewers know, Billy previously entered the work of illegal fighting with the best of intentions; to provide a better life for his wife and kids. 

It’s already nearly cost him his life, after he accidentally fell on something sharp during a fight (allegedly) and was left biting down on a belt while John stitched him up without anaesthetic.

After such a brush with death, and despite warnings to stop, Mack is shocked to discover that his pal is gearing up for yet another fight.

But Mack can’t stop him, so now all he can do is help.

Will John and Aaron be able to get through to him instead?

ITV

Mack is impressed that Billy is improving but John is worried he’s not up to it[/caption]

ITV

DEE-DEE Bailey is set to cause concern following suspicious behaviour in upcoming Coronation Street scenes.

The character – played by Channique Sterling-Brown – is dealing with the aftermath of villainous ex-fiancé Joel Deering (Calum Lill) being found murdered.

ITV

Dee-Dee Bailey sparks concern in upcoming Coronation Street scenes[/caption]

ITV

Lauren prepares to move in with Dee-Dee – and brings her flowers as a thank you[/caption]

ITV

With her current behaviour, will Dee-Dee be able to cope?[/caption]

Until discovering his true colours, Dee-Dee had been happily with Joel.

Earlier this year, however, she learned the truth about his abusive actions towards Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton).

Since then, the two women became friends and had a shared goal to bring Joel down.

In scenes yet to air, Lauren gives Dee-Dee flowers as thanks for letting her and son Frankie – fathered by Joel – move in.

Meanwhile, the solicitor’s brother Michael (Ryan Russell) praises Dee-Dee for letting them move in.

Lauren’s social worker calls at Dee-Dee’s flat for a chat while Dee-Dee starts to make tea.

However, after finding an old love note from Joel in the cupboard, she’s upset and dashes out.

Can Dee-Dee cope with Lauren moving in?

Over in the café, police officer Kit (Jacob Roberts) is suspicious of Dee-Dee’s abstracted behaviour.

Viewers learned how corrupt lawyer Joel groomed and pursued Lauren.

After surviving an assault by Joel, Lauren fled Weatherfield – and was feared dead in the process.

Roy Cropper (David Neilson) was at one point charged with her alleged murder and later Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper) found himself in the frame.

After months of mystery, Lauren later resurfaced and revealed herself to be pregnant with Joel’s baby.

It comes as she is set to make a shock confession after confirmation of the villain’s funeral.

In upcoming scenes, the young woman is gobsmacked upon going to the baby unit and finding Max (Paddy Bever) there.

She’s left further shock after her friend admits to having feelings for her.

Although Lauren admits she feels the same way, what will happen next?

Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.

DENSE fog is blanketing parts of the UK this morning causing travel chaos.

The Met Office has issued a severe warning lasting right through rush hour and covering much of the South East of England and the Midlands.

Alamy

Early morning mist and fog has struck parts of the UK[/caption]

MET Office

The weather warning remains in place until mid morning today[/caption]

Alamy

It covers the South East and the Midlands[/caption]

The weather agency says: “Areas of fog, dense in places, are likely to cause travel delays this morning.”

The warning is in place until 9am, with the weather slowing down journey times – with cancellations to flights a distinct possibility.

The area covered by the alert includes both Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

It comes as the weather is set to turn increasingly wet and windy today.

Although it’s a dry start for many, a low-pressure system is expected to bring strong winds to the north and west – with a yellow wind warning in place until 3pm in Scotland.

This combined with high spring tides may result in some coastal impacts, potentially continuing into the weekend on some coasts, the Met Office says.  

Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “A period of strong south to southeasterly winds is likely across western Scotland on Friday morning into the early afternoon, before easing and turning southwesterly through the afternoon.  

“Wind gusts of 45-55mph are possible fairly widely for a time, and perhaps in excess of 60mph in more exposed locations.

“Given the wind direction and high spring tides, some disruption is possible.” 

However, things will be dry and brighter further south and east, with temperatures near normal or just above average.  

The weather is set to remain unsettled going into the weekend, with further rain at times tomorrow.

By Sunday, a deep area of low pressure will arrive from the Atlantic bringing more widespread strong winds, particularly in northern and western areas.

A yellow warning for wind has been issued from 3am on Sunday until midday on Monday.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson said: “This low-pressure system is not expected to develop until Friday near the coast of Canada, so at this stage there is still a lot of uncertainty about the strength and track of this system as it interacts with the jet stream over the weekend.

“It’s likely that parts of Ireland will see impacts from this before the UK though. 

“At present, a windy period is expected across the whole of the UK on Sunday and into Monday, but across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northwest England and North West Wales, there is an increased chance of some disruption. 

“Initially a period of strong south to southeasterly winds will likely develop through Sunday morning, with gusts of 50-60mph possible in some inland areas, especially Northern Ireland and western Scotland, and perhaps up to 60-70mph along exposed coasts and hills.  

“Winds will then likely turn southwesterly, with a period of especially strong winds possible during Sunday afternoon and evening in western Scotland, where gusts could potentially reach 70-80mph in exposed areas, and more generally 55-65mph in other parts of the warning area.

“These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides, may cause some disruption. 

“It’s likely that Sunday’s wind warning will be updated and refined as confidence increases, and more warnings for the rainfall that is expected is likely.

“It is therefore important people stay up to date with the latest forecast.”  

The Mets are showing heart, guts and resilience in throughout their magical October run. But it looks like they are no match for one Shohei Ohtani.

There is really only one lineup spot in which it would be justified for the Islanders to consider a change.

The Mets’ sputtering in critical spots has threatened their season. 

The home and garden guru revealed this week it was "very easy" to keep confidential the decades-old affair she recently revealed.

A nightmare scenario played out at a Kentucky hospital as a transplant donor woke up on the operating table just as doctors prepared to remove his heart, according to witnesses. Thomas T.J. Hoover was taken to Baptist Health Richmond Hospital in Kentucky in October 2021 after overdosing on drugs. Doctors declared him braindead and proceeded...