Figures from Barclaycard Payments show spending on monthly subscriptions fell 4.2 per cent between May and June as households tighten their belts. While separate research shows concerns around rising costs have prompted seven in 10 adults to be more selective about the subscription services they use. More than a third (36 per cent) have cancelled at least one subscription because …

A study of 1,000 mums and dads of kids aged six-15 found 31 per cent feel ‘powerless’ to protect them – with 36 per cent anxious their own finances are at risk. However, 38 per cent have never spoken to their little ones about the threat posed by fraud when gaming online. And this is despite 55 per cent of …

A poll of 2,000 sports enthusiasts who own phones found 37 per cent are watching more action through the small screen.   And 11 per cent claimed the amount they watch on phones is ‘significantly’ more than 12 months ago.   More than four in 10 (43 per cent) are turning to their mobiles to watch sports on the go, …

British households have reduced their energy spend by an average of £22 a month by making simple changes since the price cap rise in April, such as leaving hair to dry naturally, switching devices off at the socket – and limiting use of the tumble dryer. A study of 5,000 adults found 28 per cent say this is the first …

Brits have revealed the most elusive animals they have never seen in real life – including dormice, beavers and otters. But the nocturnal nightjar and tiny pine marten topped the list of critters Brits have never glimpsed while out and about. A poll of 2,000 adults found 85 per cent have never seen an otter in the wild and 87 …

Playing with a cardboard box and some sticky tape can be just as valuable a learning experience for children as an elaborate day trip to the zoo, according to an expert. As the summer holidays approach, parents have been reassured there are plenty of ways to aid a child’s development and keep them entertained from the comfort of your own …

Students spend 40 hours a week on their laptops, using them for Zoom classes, video games and online shopping. Research of 600 adults who have been a student in the past five years revealed seven hours of laptop time was used for getting on with coursework, and another six hours were taken up with Zoom classes or lectures. Video games …

A poll of 2,000 adults found two thirds have picked up a free item during the past six months, with 29 per cent of those doing so for the first time.   A third have even gone as far as saying no completely to buying any new non-essential items.   While 54 per cent experience anxiety when purchasing something new, …

Exploring a new city, paddleboarding, kayaking and even skateboarding are other activities they are keen to experience together with their pups.   Other adventures listed in top 30 include travelling on a road trip, watching a sunset and attending a dog yoga class.   The study of 2,000 dog owners also found 32 per cent class their four-legged friend as …

The UK’s most extravagant sofa has been designed – including double-decker functionality to house more people, a built-in fridge and a button to make the sofa change colour. An artist’s impression also revealed a built-in popcorn machine for peckish people, and heated seats that will warm up backsides in the winter. It comes after a poll of 2,000 adults revealed …