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MoneySaving mums
Archives for October 2020
Discussion List
Deed poll
Wasn’t sure where to post sort of wrong. Son just turned 16 and can finally change his surname , there are lots of online ways it seems ? Some free some charging I don’t mind paying if it’s proper, but is there a need ? Just been through one which I think is official and with buying extra copies and something saved on line…
How much board to charge?
Hi, just looking for some views on here, which I appreciate may differ depending on people's financial status. My son has just started an apprenticeship (18 months) and is being paid £12,500 a year, which equates to roughly £980 a month take home. I have asked him for £150 a month board, although I feel strangely uneasy…
Am I legally allowed to keep “unsolicited” goods
Hi all I placed an online order with a large retail chain for 3 items. The order turned up and I received 19 of the same. Can the company make me give them back? Or am I legally allowed to keep them under the unsolicited goods act? Thank you 😊
Cannot afford a car
Hello, just wondering if anyone can help me please! I’m currently going through divorce proceedings, a child arrangements order and a financial order as I split up with my husband two years ago and he’s dragged me through court (which I’ve had to pay for) and now refusing to sort finances out and is living in our jointly…
Ex refusing child maintenance
Hi all, I am currently looking for some advice regarding child maintenance and a very stubborn ex husband. We separated in January 2015 and divorced December 2018. We have a joint mortgage but neither of us can buy the other one out. It’s interest only and I’ve been living here with our youngest child and paying it by…
Dealing with my difficult mother
I have Type Two diabetes which is a chronic condition ie it's not supposed to get better. I eat low carb so it's in remission. but if I ate normally, I would get sick again. It takes a lot of effort on my part. I can't eat anything with sugar, so that rules out not just chocolate and ice cream, but also tinned soup, loads…
Kids clubs and coronavirus
Hi, hoping for some advice - my son has swimming lessons that have been back on for 4 weeks, but I have concerns that guidance isn’t being followed. I wrote a lengthy letter to the organisers, which helped a little but the problem is that without a member of staff poolside to organise the parents it descends into chaos -…
Change fence colour
Hi. My fence panels at mo are dark oak, but am wanting them grey, has anyone ever had dark colour fence panels and made them lighter, do I just put new paint over till I get desired grey I want. Thanks for your help
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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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