Just for fun

Decluttering, cooking dinner & robot cleaners – this week's MSE Forum highlights

Forum Executive

13 February 2026

Cleaning, tidying and home improvements have been among this week's big themes on the MSE Forum: from choosing a vacuum cleaner to what to do all those allen keys that come with flatpack furniture. Read on for more of the latest MoneySaving discussions.

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A few of this week's top threads

These are some of the Forum discussions that caught our eye this week:

Money Moral Dilemma

Every week, the Money Tips email features a real-life Money Moral Dilemma (MMD for short). They're intended to encourage debate and, as such, they're usually among the most discussed threads each week.

Do I keep paying extra for trains and hotels to see my friend who won't commit?

I live in the south and have a friend who lives in the north. I suggest dates and mid-point meet-ups early so we can bag cheap trains and hotels. But she takes ages to commit or suggests alternatives, so by the time we book, it costs more. I’ve paid up till now as I’m happy to see her and accept we have different personalities. I’m starting to feel resentful though, as it keeps happening, even after I’ve explained the financial implications delaying has on me. Do I ask her to cover the extra, or accept paying more is the price of staying friends?

See what our MSE Forumites had to say and add your own thoughts on the Money Moral Dilemma discussion thread. Do please stick to the MSE Forum rules: keep it kind and keep it clean. Remember, there's a real person behind every dilemma.

Photo of the week

Need some inspiration for your next meal? The What are you making for dinner? thread is a great place to look. Goldfinches posted this photo of their sweet potato, carrot, green bean, tomato and lentil stew.

Please note: We love seeing your photos in the MSE Forum, but if you're uploading one, make sure it doesn't include any personally-identifiable information such as your face or address.

Latest comping wins

A couple of nice wins to report this week: Missi28 is off for a luxurious midweek spa break in the Lake District whilst stacey2kids is celebrating a £500 Jet2 voucher as well as £100 to spend at Toby Carvery.

If you're feeling lucky, our Competitions Time section is the place to go.

Your two cents

Shrove Tuesday is on the way and over the years Forumites have shared some flipping good ideas for pancake toppings - we'd love to hear what you're eating in 2026.

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