Sarah Handley
Sarah is GoodtoKnow’s Consumer Writer & Money Editor and is passionate about helping mums save money wherever they can - whether that's spending wisely on toys and kidswear or keeping on top of the latest news around childcare costs, child benefit, the motherhood penalty. After Sarah graduated from University of Wales, Aberystwyth, with a degree in English and Creative Writing, she entered the world of publishing and is now a writer, journalist and editor with more than 15 years' experience on a range of titles including Real Homes, Homebuilding & Renovating, The Money Edit and more. Sarah is all about the latest toy trends and is always on the look out for toys for her nephew or Goddaughters so that she remains one of their favourite grown ups. When not writing about toys or family finance, Sarah can be found hanging out with her rockstar dog Pepsi, getting opinionated about a movie, book or podcast, and trying her best to learn British Sign Language.
Latest articles by Sarah Handley
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Record number of families opt-out of claiming child benefit, but the decision could have serious repercussions for your future
Stark warning for families as number of parents who opt-out of receiving child benefit reaches 10-year high
By Sarah Handley Published
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Best interactive pets for kids: 15 gift ideas for children of all ages
From puppies to axolotls, take a look at our selection of the best interactive pets you can buy that are sure to be a hit with little animal lovers
By Sarah Handley Published
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7 baby skincare products mums love to use on themselves, according to our Beauty Editor
Could the gentle formulations of baby skincare products be the thing to reset your grown up skin? We find out
By Stephanie Maylor Last updated
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Magic Mixies Pixlings are a bestseller - but are they worth the money? We put this toy through its paces to find out
Magic by name and magic by nature? We review Magic Mixies Pixlings to see if it lives up to the hype
By Sarah Handley Published
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How much maternity pay will I get and how long for?
How much maternity pay you get can make a big difference to your lifestyle while you’re on leave
By Rachel Lacey Last updated
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This brand new Peppa Pig clothing collection is perfect for summer holidays (and prices start from just £15)
Perfect for little Peppa fans, this new clothing collection is just the thing for summer fun with their favourite character
By Sarah Handley Published
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'It isn’t a holiday – it is crucial bonding time' - 70% of dads can't afford to take two weeks paternity leave, according to new research
The research also found that only 14 per cent of fathers were ready to return to work mentally after taking their paternity leave
By Sarah Handley Published
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Two-child benefit cap 'pushes children into poverty' - campaigners urge government to scrap 'cruel policy' that impacts 1 in every 10 children
The controversial two-child benefit cap has met with strong opposition since its introduction in 2017
By Sarah Handley Published
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Gen-Z could be costing their parents £1,300 a year, by refusing to do this one thing (but it's not always their choice)
It's not just parents who are facing the additional costs, the costs for Gen Z could be even higher
By Sarah Handley Published
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More than half of parents want to do this important thing for their kid's education but can’t afford to, according to new research
Pressures on the family budget are preventing parents from paying for educational support outside of school
By Sarah Handley Published
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Does everyone get 15 hours free childcare now the scheme is being expanded? Here's everything you need to know
With various schemes available to help with costs, does everyone get 15 hours free childcare a week?
By Emma Lunn Last updated
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Go! Go! Go! There's 50% off this bestselling Beast Labs playset right now - but you'll need to be quick to bag the offer
We gave Beast Labs four stars in our review, and right now, it's got a five-star discount at both Amazon and John Lewis
By Sarah Handley Published
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75% of mums feel guilty buying things if they earn less than their partners, according to social media poll, and the comments section was part heartbreaking, part inspiring
Some mothers felt guilty for spending their partners money, while others saw it as household money instead
By Sarah Handley Published
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Child benefit is finally going to be made fairer - here's what's changing and when
Child benefit is finally going to be made fairer - here's what's changing and when
By Sarah Handley Published
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9 of the best mix and make toys that make perfect gifts when you have no idea what to buy
The best mix and make toys combine creativity, mystery and a touch of magic for an engaging play experience that is guaranteed to spark any child's imagination
By Sarah Handley Published
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6 best Tonies for preschoolers (perfect for independent play), including the brand new Blippi Tonie
As Tonies launches new Blippi character, we share our 6 favourite Tonies for preschoolers
By Sarah Handley Published
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How much does nursery cost in 2024? Average costs for parents explained
Wondering how much does nursery cost? Here, we look at average prices and how parents can cut costs to save money
By Rachel Wait Last updated
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Mum-of-three Helen Skelton shares 5 free and easy ways to keep kids entertained in the Easter holidays (and they all involve one thing)
Presenter Helen Skelton has revealed how parents can keep costs low when keeping the kids occupied during school holidays
By Sarah Handley Published
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Cookeez Makery is so much more than a one hit wonder, it's the toy I wish I had as a kid - here's why
We test the Cookeez Makery Baked Treatz Oven playset and explain why we think it's one of the best toys around
By Sarah Handley Published
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School holidays cost parents more than £3,000 according to new survey - here are 7 ways to keep costs under control
New research has revealed how much the school holidays cost parents, and it's an eye watering sum - so we've shared our top tips on how families can keep costs under control
By Sarah Handley Published
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Childcare costs have risen by 7% in the last 12 months, according to new report - and supply shortages are still a major issue
Childcare costs have risen again, and only a worryingly small number of councils believe they have the supply to meet the demand of the final phase of the free childcare expansion, according a new childcare survey
By Sarah Handley Published
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25% of Brits regularly hide purchases from their partner, according to new research - try these 5 tips to open up the money conversation
If you struggle to talk to your partner about your financial situation, try these five tips to get the conversation started
By Sarah Handley Published
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Best interactive books for babies and toddlers - 9 tried-and-tested collections that get our seal of approval
After putting the best interactive books through their paces, these are the collections we would recommend to any parent
By Sarah Handley Published
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Working parents of children from 9 months old will be able to apply for 15 hours free childcare from this date - here's everything you need to know
The government has announced when the application window for 15 hours free childcare from nine months old will open
By Sarah Handley Published