Motorfinity: 10 years of miles and smiles

 
Motorfinity: 10 years of miles and smiles

This month Motorfinity is marking ten years of helping the UK’s frontline workers buy brand-new cars for less.

Since 2016, Motorfinity has helped thousands of people save money when they buy a new car.

And the good news is, Motorfinity is part of Defence's Offer, so those savings are available to serving members of the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans, military families and MOD civil servants.

Motorfinity works with most major car manufacturers, so you can compare your options in one place.

Customers save an average of £7,400 on many makes and models – based on 2025 sales data.

The facts

• It's free to use – there's no cost or paperwork for you or Defence

• It won't affect your pay, pension or any workplace benefits

• There are no tax implications

• You get your own account manager, who supports you from your first enquiry to delivery day

• You can choose from flexible finance and leasing options, including HP and PCP, to spread the cost

• Your family may also be able to access discounts with some car brands

• You can part-exchange your old car as part of the process

• Your new car can be delivered to you, anywhere in the UK

How it works

• Choose a car and submit a quick enquiry on the Motorfinity website

• Motorfinity will check that you're eligible

• Their team will find the best offer for you, sort out your finance and arrange part-exchange if you need it

You don't need to visit a showroom. You can do everything online or by phone. There's no pressure to decide quickly, and no hard sell.

Find out more

• Read Royal Navy veteran Andy's story about the savings he made with Motorfinity and the benefits of going electric

• You can see the full range of car brands and current offers at www.motorfinity.uk

• Visit Discover My Benefits to find out more about Motorfinity and the other discount services available in Your Offer

DHK - Singo Bingo! - Friday 13th November

 

5 euro cash a game with tributes to Rod Stewart and Blondie.

Book your table now! 

Email - thelionssocialclub@gmail.com

What's on at The Lions Social Club in November?

What's on at The Lions Social Club in November?

As always check the Dhekelia FB pages for the most up to date information or contact the club via email - thelionssocialclub@gmail.com 

 

DHK Key Cinema - November 2026

 

Visit DHK for the latest cinema information

Ay Nik Mercury Cinema - November 2026

Visit Ay Nik for the latest cinema information

 

Struggling to save? Here’s How to Build a Savings Habit That Actually Sticks

 
Struggling to save? Here’s How to Build a Savings Habit That Actually Sticks

Starting to save is one thing.

Keeping it going every month is another.

You might save £50 one month, forget the next, then find yourself dipping into it when an unexpected expense comes along.

The trick isn't necessarily finding more money to save. It's building a savings habit that fits into your everyday life and is easy to keep going.

Whether you're serving, have left the Armed Forces, or are part of a military family, your financial circumstances can change over time. A savings routine that works for you now should be flexible enough to adapt when life does.

We've put together some simple ways to make saving feel less like another job on your to-do list.

What do you need help with?

• I keep forgetting to save

• I start saving but keep dipping into it

• I don't know how much to save

• I can't save the same amount every month

• I've built a habit. How do I save more?

I keep forgetting to save

If you have to remember to move money into your savings every month, there's a good chance it will sometimes get forgotten.

Make saving automatic instead.

Research from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has found that 46% of people do not save regularly. Saving what you can as regularly as possible helps in times of need, giving you greater financial security.

Set up a regular payment so your chosen amount moves into your savings around payday. That way, you don't have to make the decision every month.

Choose your amount. Set it up. Let it happen.

If you're serving personnel, veteran, or family of the Armed Forces, you can save directly from your MOD salary or set up regular savings by Direct Debit with a military credit union like First Defence Finance.

Find out more about saving with First Defence Finance on their website.

I start saving but keep dipping into it

It can be frustrating to see your savings grow, only to transfer the money back out again when you need it for everyday spending.

One simple way to make this easier is to keep your savings separate from the account you use for day-to-day spending.

Having your savings in a separate account reduces temptation to dip in for something you shouldn’t. It means you can see what you've set aside without having it sitting alongside the money you use for bills, shopping and other everyday expenses.

You could take this a step further by giving your savings a name and a purpose. If your savings provider lets you name your accounts or create separate savings pots, you could have separate goals for things like:

• Emergency fund

• Holiday

• Christmas

• Car

• Home improvements

Having a clear goal can make it easier to keep your savings on track. MoneyHelper recommends setting a specific savings goal, and naming your savings can help you remember what you're putting the money aside for.

The aim is to make your savings feel like money you've already given a job to, rather than money that's available to spend.

I don't know how much to save

You don't need to start with a big amount.

The best savings habit is one you can actually maintain.

Look at your budget and choose an amount that feels realistic. That could be £5, £10, £25 or more each month.

If you're not sure what you can afford, the MoneyHelper Budget Planner can help you work through your income and regular spending.

Remember, you're building a habit, not trying to win a savings competition.

£10 every month is better than £100 once and then nothing for the next six months.

And if your circumstances change, you can change the amount you're saving too.

I can't save the same amount every month

Life doesn't always fit neatly into a monthly budget.

You might have a more expensive month because of a holiday, Christmas, school costs or an unexpected bill. For serving personnel and military families, a change in circumstances or an upcoming move could also mean your usual budget needs adjusting.

That doesn't mean you've failed at saving.

If you need to reduce your savings for a month, do it. If you can't save anything one month, start again when you can.

Missing one month doesn't mean you have to give up the habit.

You could also set a smaller regular amount that you know you can usually manage, then add more when you have extra money available.

For example, you might save £10 instead of £50 automatically each month and make an additional payment when you receive a bonus, work overtime or finish paying for something else.

I've built a habit. How do I save more?

Once saving has become part of your routine, increasing the amount doesn't have to feel like a big change.

Try adding £5 or £10 a month.

An extra £5 gives you another £60 a year.

An extra £10 gives you another £120 a year.

You could increase your savings after a pay rise, when a regular expense ends or whenever you find a little more room in your budget.

Small increases can add up over time.

Depending on the savings account you use, your money may also earn interest or a dividend, helping your balance grow further. The amount and whether a return is paid depend on the account's terms.

Make saving part of your routine

A good savings habit doesn't need to be complicated.

Try these five steps:

1. Choose an amount you can maintain.

Start with what your budget allows.

2. Give your savings a purpose.

Knowing what you're saving for can make it easier to stay motivated.

3. Automate your savings.

Set up a regular payment around payday so you don't have to remember.

4. Keep your savings separate.

A dedicated savings account can make it easier to leave the money alone.

5. Increase it when you can.

Even an extra £5 or £10 a month can make a difference over time.

Make saving easy with salary savings

You don't need to have lots of spare money to build a savings habit.

You just need an amount you can realistically put aside and a system that makes it easier to keep going.

First Defence Finance makes it easy for serving personnel and veterans to save automatically every month.

You choose how much you want to save, and FDF will put a piece of your salary aside via payroll. For veterans, they help you set up a monthly direct debit. You can access your savings at anytime via their app or online.

Ready to make saving a habit?

Explore savings with First Defence Finance →

Check the eligibility requirements and account terms to find an option that suits your needs.

DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 29 October 2026

 

New DAS Mattress Pilot

From 1st November 2026, if you receive a DAS-issued mattress, you will be asked to keep it and continue to use it until it reaches the supplier's five-year shelf life or you no longer need it. To help keep track of this, all new mattresses issued from 1 November 2026 will be labelled with the month and year they were provided.

If you already have a mattress issued before 1 November 2026, there is no change and the current process will continue to apply.

In occupancy requests for mattresses will be only for collection, unless it is exchanging a cot mattress for a single mattress to grow with the child. All other in occupancy requests for new mattresses will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Once a mattress reaches five years old, a replacement can be requested through the usual in-occupancy process.

Changes to CAS Survey Communications

Improved communications for families about Condition Surveys (formerly CAS Surveys) were introduced on 1 October 2026. While the survey process remains the same, the new letters and booking process are designed to make it clearer why surveys are carried out and easier to arrange an appointment.

We encourage you to take part and provide access when requested as these condition surveys help DIO understand the condition and safety of your home, identify any maintenance needs, and plan future improvements. Please note, you will now be able to choose an appointment date before survey teams visit your area.

Access for safety inspections

Regular gas and electrical safety inspections are a vital part of keeping Service Family Accommodation safe for you and your family.

If you are unable to attend a booked appointment, please contact the service provider as soon as possible to arrange an alternative date. Failure to provide access may result in the matter being escalated through the Chain of Command and, where necessary, authorised entry arrangements may be implemented to enable essential safety inspections to be completed.

Storms: Checking your home for damage

Following the recent storms which affected many parts of the UK, we encourage Service families living in SFA to carry out a quick check of their home and garden for any signs of damage.

Taking a few minutes to inspect your home can help identify problems early and prevent further damage. If you spot any damage or have concerns about the condition of your home, please report it to Pinnacle as soon as possible. You can do this through HomeHub or by contacting the National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628. If there is an immediate danger to life or property, you should contact the emergency services first.

Be on the look out for:

• Loose, cracked or missing roof tiles.
• Damaged, leaning or fallen fencing.
• Fallen branches, trees or other debris in your garden.
• Signs of water ingress, leaks, damp patches or flooding.
• Damage to doors, windows, gutters or other parts of your home.
• Loose items or structures that may have been affected by high winds.

Aiming to move before Christmas?

If you are planning a move in the UK before or during the Christmas and New Year period, please submit your accommodation and removals applications as early as possible. Demand for moving services is typically higher at this time of year so booking early gives you the best opportunity to secure your preferred moving date and make arrangements confidently ahead of the festive period.

While arrangements are always in place to support short-notice needs, early applications help us to plan our effectively and reduce pressure during the busy winter period to deliver the best possible service to Service families. We encourage anyone expecting to move before Christmas or over the holiday period to start the process as soon as you can.

DIO: Families First Newsletter – 28 October 2026 edition now available

 

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Little Troopers: Latest newsletter, incl Christmas Smiles Boxes – bulk applications are now open for welfare teams!

 

The latest Little Troopers newsletter includes information about their 2026 Christmas Smiles Boxes, with the following article:

“We're excited to announce that our Christmas Smiles Boxes are back for 2026! Packed with separation support resources and festive goodies, they're designed to bring a little Christmas joy to military children missing their serving parent.

BULK APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Military welfare teams, units, ships and bases can now apply for 15 boxes or more to distribute to families in their communities, via this link: Little Troopers Christmas Smiles: Bid for Christmas Boxes 2026 Survey

Military families: Please encourage your welfare team to apply on behalf of families facing separation this Christmas.

Just need one box for your Little Trooper? Individual applications aren't open yet, so please don't use the bulk application form. Keep an eye on your inbox* for details of how to apply towards the end of November.”

*If not already subscribed, you can do this at: https://littletroopers.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2ba4cd8a62c4d00f3535de174&id=6c080a184f

There is more news, dates for your diary, and free downloadable Remembrance Crafts to explore in the newsletter – please read in full at: There's lots happening at Little Troopers!

Give Us Time - Remembrance Week breaks in Suffolk, Sussex and Cornwall

We have three wonderful Remembrance Week breaks available in November across the country. These are available to serving, veteran and bereaved families, which includes couples or solo travellers.

Bodmin

Set among the beautiful landscapes of Cornwall, Bodmin is a great base for exploring the county’s rugged coastline, countryside, and charming towns. A peaceful setting for a few days away, with plenty to discover.

Broadland Sands

Enjoy the best of the Suffolk coast at Broadland Sands, with beautiful beaches, coastal walks and traditional seaside towns close by. A relaxed setting for a refreshing break by the sea.

Pevensey Bay

With the beach on your doorstep, Pevensey Bay is an ideal base for discovering the Sussex coast, countryside, and historic towns. A peaceful coastal escape with plenty of opportunity to unwind and explore.

All breaks are 9 – 13 November, in Platinum standard accommodation

• King-size bed in the master bedroom
• En-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe
• Two twin bedrooms with full-size single beds
• Double glazing and central heating throughout
• Private decking with outdoor furniture
• Open-plan, fully equipped kitchen
• Dishwasher and integrated fridge freezer
• Coffee machine
• Large family dining table
• Luxury bedding
• Bathrobes, towels, slippers, and toiletries
• Full-size bath in the family bathroom
• Allocated parking

The breaks are live on the Give Us Time booking system now – families must have an account with us are at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login, breaks are booked on a first come first served basis, and are accommodation only; we are unable to cover the costs of travel, transport, food, entertainment etc.