Money Saving Expert has shared a "cost of living crisis survival guide". As millions of people across the country face heating poverty, the financial expert has issued a "desperate" guide on how to "heat the person, not the home", among others.
Days after the increase of the price cap saw gas and electricity bills go up by 54 per cent, Martin Lewis tried to give an alternative for people who simply cannot afford to put their heating on because of how expensive it is. Among others, he recommended hand warmers or an electric blanket.
In the Money Saving Expert site's 90-point survival guide, advice on a wider range of topics, including broadband or state pension top-ups, is offered. And, on point 14, the site has some tips on how to get free food.
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It says: "Free KFC, doughnuts, coffee or even get PAID to eat. Take advantage of clever tricks, coupons, apps or cards to eat and drink for nothing (or very cheaply). See Get free or cheap food."
And, under "Eat and drink for FREE", it says: "Fast-food chains often offer discounts and freebies to new and existing customers via their apps and membership 'clubs'. It's worth joining and keeping an eye out for any new offers which pop up."
The guide states that people can get a free side when they sign up to the KFC app, while people can get a free Krispy Kreme doughnut when they sign up to the company's newsletter. Taco Bell offers a crunchy taco when signing up to the app, while Greggs gives a free hot drink for doing so.
It also recommends downloading the apps from the following restaurants as they "also offer freebies from time to time": Burger King, which has in the past given away Whoppers, McDonald's, which gives 20 per cent off the first time you use the app to order, and Subway, which has previously given free six-inch subs.
It continues: "Coffee and sandwich chain Pret a Manger has a subscription service where you can get up to five drinks a day, for £25 a month. It offers the first month free, and you could just cancel after you've had that... without paying a penny.
"You can redeem up to five barista-made drinks a day – but only one at a time, every 30 minutes. This includes any hot or cold drink that's been made by a barista, including smoothies, frappes, coffees, teas, hot chocolates and iced drinks (it won't work on any bottled or canned drinks you can buy). Milk alternatives, syrups and extra shots are also included with the subscription.
"These drinks can range in price from about £1-£3.50 each, so in theory you could get up about £17 worth of totally free drinks a day, for a whole month."
The financial expert also recommends signing up to mystery-dining firms to get a free meal, including Mystery Dining by HGEM, Service Scan and Market Force.
It says: "Restaurants such as Giraffe, Leon and Wagamama use mystery-shopping companies to keep staff on their toes, and ensure food, service and premises are up to scratch. Not only will you usually get a free meal – in some cases you can actually be PAID too."
You can view the full guide here.