Martin's Information - Right or Wrong

FrugalNotTight_2 · 20 December 2017 at 2:32PM

Firstly and to be clear, I think what Martin does and this forum is superb in highlighting deals and workarounds to save money.

I would like to put a question out there and specifically to Martin but I'm guessing that's not possible since; "we simply do not have the resources" to "Ask Martin a question".

So, my question is this; "Do you think it's a good thing that Martin advises tricks and opportunities to get more money from our Government?"

The reason I ask is that the more money taken from the Government means the more we are hit elsewhere. If people find out how to suck more money from various benefits and so forth, does this mean there is more of a risk to increasing taxes such as council tax which is reported as increasing over the coming months.

I'm all for fairness, of course, but this bit concerns me and I welcome comments and specifically from Martin if possible. Would be great to see this subject\question covered on the programme too if possible.

Thanks all and please, no abuse to his question, I just want to hear opinions.

FNT

tykesi · 20 December 2017 at 2:53PM

Martin has no affiliation with this site anymore since he sold. You definitely won't get a response from him. Try tweeting if you really want a response from the man himself.

Wizzbang · 20 December 2017 at 8:26PM

If people are claiming benefits and so on that they are genuinely entitled to, then the government must have budgeted for this? I don't have a problem with legal ways to save money. I would have a problem with ripping people/ agencies/ companies off.

mjm3346 · 20 December 2017 at 8:34PM

In a way it's no different to getting people to switch to the best deals etc. Having lots of people paying more than the best price allows a company more room for some people to get really good deals, when the "overpayers" go then the savings on best deals are not as good.

asajj · 20 December 2017 at 10:16PM

I understand where you are coming from but as long as it is legal, I can't see what would be wrong with it. Think about a tax break, you need to meet certain requirements to get it.

If you do and you aren't aware of the opportunity, obviously it is good to be informed. The government can change the requirements if they feel too many people use/abuse it.

boo_star · 20 December 2017 at 10:58PM

If people are claiming what they’re allowed to claim and that’s causing budgeting problems for the Government then the problem is the Government not doing their sums, not people claiming as they can.

It’s a bit like those multinationals who avoid paying tax. As much as I wish they would pay more, they’re only playing by the rules set by the Government so the rules need to be changed to prevent it happening, if it’s a problem.

Seanymph · 23 December 2017 at 9:31AM

You have a problem with the general public being educated enough to understand what their entitlements are?

On the flip side, perhaps the government shouldn't let anyone know what the benefit system works like, what people are entitled to claim, and how they can access the money that they need to live - oh, hang on, that's what they do! Martin just let's people know what they are actually, legally, entitled to by way of support.

In a society where people are actually starving to death, homeless and sleeping on the streets, and unable to feed their children and wash their clothing for school - schools now are providing washing facilities so that children can have clean uniforms - that someone is able to disseminate information that the Government buries is awesome, and unfortunately necessary.

jbond · 25 December 2017 at 11:13AM

FrugalNotTight wrote: »

The reason I ask is that the more money taken from the Government means the more we are hit elsewhere.

If people find out how to suck more money from various benefits and so forth, does this mean there is more of a risk to increasing taxes such as council tax which is reported as increasing over the coming months.

I know you're just asking a general question, but as the present Govt has spent the past 7 years focusing on deliberately attacking the most vulnerable in our society by depriving those people of the money they need simply to survive, I support what Martin does even MORE than I did before!

CavendishWobble · 26 December 2017 at 2:05PM

Like others on this thread i see where you are coming from and is an interesting discussion.

In my view, sites such as this improve financial education to the masses and those who without it may not be aware of what is available to them, which is obviously a good thing for consumers.

Specifically regarding government incentives, the government put these in place to also help resolve an issue which could be problematic for themselves. For example, some entitlements for a specific segment of the population may be in place to also reduce strain on certain resources. It is important to look at the benefits of more people claiming and the impact that has, rather than just seeing it as more money being taken.

Martin's Information - Right or Wrong

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