New plastic fiver hits the streets, plus the contactless revolution

The new fiver held by the Bank of England’s chief cashier, Victoria Cleland. Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Hello and welcome to this week’s Money Talks – a roundup of the week’s biggest stories and some things you may have missed.

Money news

Annuity rates plummet, making 2016 ‘worst year for payouts’

Price of a funeral has ‘more than doubled’ since 2004

Move over London … UK’s hottest property spot is Outer Hebrides

Government urged to press for recall of faulty tumble dryers

LV= forced to pay rejected burglary claim

Ditch high heels to promote equality at work, Theresa May told

Co-operative Energy leads list of energy suppliers increasing prices

Feature

Learn how to balance a budget in the biggest university challenge of all

Research shows that although nine out of 10 students think they can deal with their finances effectively, most spend it all before the end of term. Photograph: Don McPhee for the Guardian

In pictures

Homes with private moorings

This three-bedroom house in Calstock, Cornwall, comes with a private mooring and great views. Photograph: Onthemarket.com

In the spotlight

The new plastic £5 note hit the streets on Tuesday - but how long will you be able to spend the old one, and should you keep one as a future investment? Patrick Collinson answers these questions, and more, while Rupert Jones looks at an alternative to cash.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney tests the new £5 note.

Consumer champions

Beware Goldcar – the hire firm that sells cover customers don’t want

Direct Line charged me less by phone than online as it said I was ‘sensible’

I’m at my wits’ end after BT disconnected my phone

Money deals

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If you need to send money overseas you can get expert advice and free online transfers with Moneycorp, provider of the Guardian money transfer service.