Postal Strike Checklist Discussion

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] Postal Strike Checklist[/title]
This Thursday & Friday's planned postal strike is likely to add to the already large delivery backlog. While for most letters, delays are a pain not a problem, with bills always check online or call to ensure all's ok...

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] What to do[/title]
• Credit Cards: Late or missed payments can mean a £12 fine, a hit to your credit score, and a loss of any 0% or promo rates. While many big providers, e.g. Barclaycard, MBNA & Amex have promised leniency (see the credit card postal strike MSE News story), there's no guarantee.

• Bank Statements: Use ATM mini-statements to ensure you don't go overdrawn or get bank charges.

• Car / Home Insurance Renewal: Check when it's due in case you don't receive the renewal note in time to get a cheaper price (see cheap car & home insurance guides)

• 31 Oct tax deadline: If completing a paper tax assessment form, it needs to be in by 31 Oct, so if you're worried deliver by hand or do it online before 31 Jan instead (see the Tax return postal strike MSE News story).
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• Utility Bills: If you're billed by post, ensure you don't lose out on early payment discounts.

• School / Uni Applications: Many primary & secondary school applications close this week, deliver by hand if it's urgent.

• eBay sales: If you're an eBay seller, do communicate the possibility of late delivery to buyers, or your feedback could be hit (see ebay selling guide).

Plus as a general rule, don't post cheques, pay bills by debit card over the phone, by bank transfer, at bank counters, by Direct Debit, or via online billing.

Its worth noting delivery by specific parcel firms is unlikely to be affected, even from Royal Mail's ParcelForce, though if you need it you can often halve the cost via Cheap Parcel Delivery guide.

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