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Archives for December 2008

Question of the Week: Would student loans SHRINK if we had deflation?
Question of the Week: Would student loans SHRINK if we had deflation? Answer: Yes. If the rate of inflation was negative in the month of March, then the student loan interest rate would match it from the following September, meaning the amount owed would SHRINK month by month. Click reply to discuss
MONEY MORAL DILEMMA. Would you pay Brian the Builder in cash?
Here's this week's hypothetical situation for you to cogitate on: Would you pay Brian the Builder in cash? Brian the Builder's been rebuilding your front path. His original written quotation was £1,500 including VAT. Yet the day before he's due to settle, he suggests "why don't you just give me £1,200 in cash tomorrow...…
'Fantasy Chancellor II… now it's political' poll discussion
Poll started 30 Dec 2008: Fantasy Chancellor II… now it's political Last week it was the turn of a range of celebrities, and it was hard-fought between the Dragons (see result). This week, which current sitting member of parliament, irrelevant of political party, do you think would make the best Chancellor? A. Gordon Brown…
MONEY MORAL DILEMMA. Do you break the no Christmas present pact?
Here's this week's hypothetical situation for you to cogitate on: Do you break the no Christmas present pact? All your friends agreed a no adults Christmas presents pact for this year. Then two days before Christmas you receive a bottle of champagne from your best mate, who had been in on the pact, with a note "Wishing you…
'Fantasy Chancellor…' poll results/discussion
Poll between 22-30 Dec 2008: Fantasy Chancellor… It’s Christmas time, and if the fairy on the tree allowed you to pick any of the following to be Chancellor, who would you pick? A. Duncan Bannatyne 15% (1101 votes) B. James Caan 4% (331 votes) C. Seb Coe 1% (59 votes) D. Cheryl Cole 4% (325 votes) E. Simon Cowell 5% (408…
'How will the pound fare against the Euro?' poll results/discussion
Poll between 15-22 Dec 08: How will the pound fare against the Euro? Last week the pound hit a record low against the Euro. Its official rate is currently hovering around the £1 buys €1.10 mark. So where do you think it’ll be in peak summer holiday time? In July 09, £1 will buy... A. Less than €0.70 6% (358 votes) B. €0.70…
Money Moral Dilemma: Would you pay a parking back hander?
Here's this week's hypothetical situation for you to cogitate on: Would you give a car park attendant a back hander? You’re parking in a big private car park in the centre of town. When you return the cost will be about £14. Yet a member of staff who works there tells you if you give him a fiver in cash he’ll let you…
MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Should the twins get the same value presents?
Here's this week's hypothetical situation for you to cogitate on: Should the twins get the same value presents? Ten year old twins Monica and Gabriella have just decided what they want for Christmas. Monica’s cheekily asking for a £100 Nintendo DS and game, while Gabriella just wants a £40 pair of roller skates she picked…
'Christmas vs. Summer Holiday' poll results/discussion
Poll between 09-15 Dec 08: Which would you cut first… Christmas or Summer Holiday? The average UK family is said to spend £600 on Christmas, and not that much more on a holiday. So in tight times, which would you give up spending money on first? Note: If you are of a different religion, please substitute your nearest…
MONEY MORAL DILEMMA. Insult by paying or let them struggle?
Here's this week's hypothetical situation for you to cogitate on: Would you insult by paying or let them struggle? You’re travelling overseas to a developing nation, and a good friend who originates from there asks you to drop off a parcel. On arrival, though you’ve eaten, the father insists on taking you and your family…
Mortgage brokers poll results/discussion
Poll between 01-09 Dec 2008: Mortgage Brokers Which system did you use the last time your changed/got a mortgage? For years, I’ve always said never go to your bank/building society to get a mortgage, always use a whole of market mortgage broker (see mortgage brokers guide), but I'm interested to see how people actually do…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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