The Money Blog by Sky News Wraps Up 2025 with Insightful Reads and Festive Offers
As 2025 draws to a close, Sky News’ Money blog bids farewell for the year, promising a return on 5 January. Throughout the year, the blog tackled significant financial topics shaped by fluctuating markets and political uncertainty across the UK and beyond. To end the year, the blog highlights some of its essential long reads and timely money news, along with useful money-saving tips during the festive season.
A Year in Review: Key Long Reads from 2025
Money blog readers were provided with thoughtful, in-depth features designed to decode complex financial issues affecting everyday lives:
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Financial Control and Domestic Abuse: One of the most powerful stories this year was Amy’s harrowing experience of 25 years of domestic abuse, where financial control played a crucial role. Despite having earned a substantial income previously, Amy was left with nothing when she escaped her abusive relationship. This feature resonates poignantly with the government’s recent release of its Violence Against Women and Girls strategy. [Read Amy’s story here.]
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Food Security in the UK: During the summer, the blog explored the UK’s food supply chain vulnerabilities, especially the potential impact of disaster scenarios that could close borders. The surprising findings shed light on the nation’s food resilience. [Catch up here.]
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Artificial Intelligence and Job Security: Highlighting the story of Joe Turner, a freelance writer who lost £120,000 of work to AI advances, the blog examined the professions most at risk from automation — as well as those unlikely to be replaced by AI. This analysis provided practical insight for workers worried about their future employment prospects. [Discover if your job is vulnerable.]
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The UK’s Workforce Health Crisis: A revealing investigation considered why millions in the UK remain off work long-term due to health issues. It identified a concerning trend: mental health problems often start young in careers, whereas musculoskeletal issues tend to affect older workers.
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The Economic Tale Behind Freddo Chocolate: On a lighter note, the blog examined how this beloved chocolate’s fluctuating availability and pricing reflect broader economic trends. An exclusive interview with the creator’s daughter provided insider views on this surprising economic indicator.
Festive Money-Saving Tips for Readers
In addition to thoughtful reporting, the Money blog shared practical advice to help readers save money during the holiday season:
- Fuel Discount at Asda Express: Drivers can benefit from a 3p per litre discount on fuel when they spend £15 or more on groceries at Asda Express stores until 31 December. Joseph Sutton from Asda emphasizes that every penny counts, especially during Christmas travel. To claim the discount, customers must fill up, purchase qualifying groceries, and pay for both at the till.
Consumer Safety Alert: Illegal Injectable Vitamins on Etsy
In an important consumer protection update, Which? revealed that injectable vitamins have been sold illegally on online marketplace Etsy without proper ingredient lists or dosage warnings. Of particular concern were loose erectile dysfunction pills containing prescription-only substances like sildenafil and tadalafil. Despite Etsy’s policies prohibiting medical items that claim to treat or diagnose conditions, the investigation found inadequate platform oversight. Etsy responded by removing flagged listings and stated ongoing monitoring efforts.
Business News: Ben Stokes-Backed Cricket Venues Enter Administration
The entertainment chain Sixes, which operates 16 cricket-themed venues throughout England and is supported by England cricketer Ben Stokes, has collapsed into administration due to challenging trading conditions. The Southampton venue closed immediately, while others continue to operate temporarily as administrators negotiate potential rescue deals. FRP Advisory emphasized their goal to maintain customer bookings through the holiday period.
Comprehensive Benefits and Discounts for Pensioners
The Money blog also offered an extensive guide for pensioners to access all available freebies, benefits, and discounts, covering multiple areas:
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Government Benefits: Including the state pension (£230.25/week full rate), attendance allowance, pension credit, cold weather payment, and warm home discount.
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Health and Prescriptions: Free prescriptions for those aged 60 and over, free NHS eye tests, and information on eligibility for free dental treatment in certain circumstances.
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Travel Discounts: Senior Railcard saving 1/3 on rail fares, a 10% discount on the Interrail pass for European train travel, free bus passes in devolved regions and London, and a National Express coachcard offering 1/3 off fares.
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Vehicle and Accommodation Discounts: Discounts for MOTs and servicing for over-60s through ATS Euromaster Club 60, plus various senior discounts at hotel chains such as Princess Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, Radisson, Hilton, and RH Hotels.
This guide is an invaluable resource for pensioners aiming to maximize their entitlements and save money on everyday expenses.
For a year-end wrap-up, Sky News’ Money blog provides both reflective journalism on significant financial challenges and practical advice, ensuring readers end 2025 informed and empowered for the year ahead.
The Money blog will resume updates on 5 January 2026. In the meantime, readers can explore these featured articles and stay tuned for more insights in the new year.