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Over 50s MoneySaving

Archives for March 2011

Help - senior moment!
In my list of passwords and ID numbers for various websites I've described one of them as D. Agency (followed by the ID no. and password). I can't now recall what D. Agency stands for :o I know this is a long-shot but all suggestions gratefully received. I don't think it's anything to do with "driving". I'm retired so it's…
Valuation of shares for probate
Can anybody help - I'm trying to get shares in a private ltd company valued for probate purposes. The relative I'm an executor for owned the business 100% and its not a business that will qualify for BPR Has anybody used a professional valuer that they are happy with and didn't take the mick with their charges?
Distributing an estate
I am in the process of sorting out my mother-in-laws estate. Probate has been applied for and we have the interview tomorrow. Once probate has been granted we can go about collecting the the funds from the various sources and depositing into executors account. We will get a deed of appointment drawn up. My question is…
Over 60 rail card
I am 60 in May and I can apply for my bus pass up to 3 months before my birthday and it will be delivered approx a week before.[ I live on Merseyside and 60 is still the eligible age. Very MSE as I normally pay £600.00 for a yearly bus pass.] Does anyone know how soon I can apply for a rail card as there is no info on the…
pension credit entitles you tocouncil tax benefit
I claimed pension credit and was allowed it for a few months when my circumstances had changed, A benefits advisor completed everything for me and said the CTC would be awarded automatically but it wasnt. The pensions service did not pass on the information and it took months before I received a refund. so if this happens…
What can i spend my mum's money on?
My mother is now in a nursing home and we are in the process of selling her home to pay for it when her savings run out. Then the proceeds of her house sale will be used to pay for her care. When her assets are down to £21000, I believe her care will be paid for but any spending she does in the meantime must not be to…
Winter Fuel Allowance To Be Reduced
"Most of those aged 60-79 will get £200 instead of last year's £250 when the payment is made in November or December. Those who are 80 or older will get £300 instead of £400." http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/family/2011/03/winter-fuel-payments-cut-in-secret-budget-measure
Bus passes again
I received my replacement free bus pass for the next 5 years but I've decided to send it back. I don't want it or need it, and it is obviously costing money somewhere. I only used the last one once and am unlikely to use this one. When we used to pay £12 a year for a half-fare pass, from memory I only used that one half a…
missing executor
I am executor of a will and there is also a second executor named. The will was written many years ago and I have no idea where the other executor is (he is in his late 90s by now anyway). Is this likely to be a problem?
Telegraph: Council's give poor advice about funding long term care
Interesting article here regarding information given about funding long term residential care. http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/Long-term-care-stay-control-tele-118429251.html?x=0
Advice with regards to mother moving in with us
My mum has about £80k to her name which is not enough to buy even a small flat where she lives and she's fed up of renting. She would ideally like to move in with us but I have some concerns, she's not an easy person to live with, doesn't really like children - we have 4, hates our three cats etc, so I've said ok providing…
Why have my Acc details changed ?
I got a letter from the Pension Service today this is what it says... A CHANGE IN ACCOUNT DETAILS Your account details have recently changed. This means that future payments will be sent to your new account... Please retain for you future reference... Can anyone tell me what they are on about?... I'm assuming by 'account'…
Flat Rate Pensions
I have been reading up on the proposals for a Flat Rate Pension of approx £140 per week, and am somewhat amazed at the thinking behind this grossly unfair proposal. Having worked all my life, starting at age 15, paying both tax and NI contributions, I am at loss to understand the reasoning behind the Flat Rate Pension…
Computer/IT courses for complete beginner OAP
Hey all My nan has just bought her first laptop and has got online at the grand old age of 79 :) She wants to do a basic IT course but the one at the local library (BBC First Click one) is oversubscribed and the list is about a year long. There is another course she could do but it's a 40 min drive away and she doesn't…
Anyone had 1st time eczma in later life?
My G.P. did a punch biopsy and result came back that it's eczma :( Never had it before so would love to hear from anyone in their 50s and 60s who has had same problem. I realise you can't give "medical" advice but am interested in whether a particular moisturiser or cream has proved beneficial. Areas affected are legs…
daughter's marriage in trouble
Today I had the phone call I have been dreading. My daughter rang to say she is seriously considering leaving her husband. I don't want to go into her details. If the next call is for financial help, I honestly don't know how I shall react. I have money, which will eventually come to her, but am reluctant to facilitate her…
Loan with Natwest leaves 72 year old dad struggling
I am not particularly close to my Dad but I've been making an effort as i'm an only child. Last summer he rang me and asked for some money to help him out and I obliged. However since then it seems I get this call for help every month and I end up giving him around £70 each time and he never pays it back or even offers to.…
Paying for Care Home Fees
Our mother has just gone into a care home following a stay in hospital following a stroke. She has now been diagnosed with severe dementia. The social worker advised she should go into a care home for her own personal welfware. We understand anything above £23,500 in savings is used to pay for this care. She does not have…

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MSE News

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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
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Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
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Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
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Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
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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
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Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
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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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Over 50s MoneySaving

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