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MoneySaving polls
Archives for October 2012
Discussion List
Is it time to re-nationalise energy firms?
Poll started 30 Oct 2012 Five of the big six have now announced price hikes. The average bill will hit £1,390/year, but if you switch provider the cheapest’s just £1,054. Until 1986, energy firms were Govt-owned, then privatised into companies with shareholders to try to boost competition and bring efficiencies. World…
Real-life MMD: Secret Santa standoff
Money Moral Dilemma: Secret Santa standoff Our office is doing Secret Santa again this year with a limit of £15, however, the girls in our office are notorious for over-spending. Last year, I was called a Scrooge for sticking to the agreed limit when nobody else did. I know I can get something decent with £15, especially…
Are you richer than your parents were?
Poll started 23 Oct 2012 Over the last century, each generation has got progressively richer. Yet in these difficult economic times, is it still true? We’re talking wealth and income here (factoring in inflation). Of course, you can’t be totally accurate but take your best guess. Are you richer than your parents were at…
Real-life MMD: Whose dog is it anyway?
Money Moral Dilemma: Whose dog is it anyway? We recently had to rehome our dog. My stepbrother offered to take him, but when he came to meet the dog, I explained he was older and vet fees can be a lot, but he wanted him anyway. Lo and behold, the dog got ill and our parents ended up handling the vet's arrangements for him,…
Have you put your heating on yet?
Poll started 15 Oct 2012 We're heading to winter, the energy companies are announcing price hikes. So have you turned your home heating on yet? Have you turned your heating on - which of this week's options is nearest to your situation? Vote in this week's poll Did you vote? Why did you pick that option? Are you surprised…
Real-life MMD: Whose glitch is it anyway?
Money Moral Dilemma: Whose glitch is it anyway? My friend agreed to get me some currency for our holiday, so I transferred him the £200. When we got back, he found he had £200 extra in his account as the bureau mistakenly didn't charg him for my euros. I asked him for the cash back, but he said it was rightfully his.…
Is it fair to discriminate on age, gender or race in insurance pricing?
Poll started 9 Oct 2012 In December the European Court of Justice 'gender equalisation' rule hits, meaning insurers can no longer charge men and women different prices (other things being equal). It'll mean hikes in car, life and medical insurance for women, and worse annuity rates for men. Which of the options in this…
Real-life MMD: Should student daughter contribute?
Money Moral Dilemma: Should student daughter contribute? My 18-year old daughter's just started at uni and lives at home. She gets £60/wk grant and has a part-time job on about £50/wk. I've asked for £20/wk maintenance, since I've lost my child tax credit and am a single parent. She's refusing as she believes HER grant's…
Is it wise to borrow £10,000 to travel the world?
Poll started 2 Oct 2012 This poll is inspired by the following tweet we received: “Is it a seriously silly idea to get a £10k loan to travel the world? I’m 23 with no responsibilities." Which of the options in this week's poll would be closest to your advice? Vote in this week's poll Did you vote? Why did you pick that…
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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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