We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More » This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Coronavirus Board

Threads from the Coronavirus support boards. Support, help, travel, and positivity

Positive Money Saving
Good to see a positive board. What are the positive aspects of the lockdown in terms of money saving? Have you discovered that you can live without going to restaurants? Spent less on travel, but still working? Have you learnt to cook instead of ordering lots of takeaways? For me I have saved £140 in travel per month, I've…
Thankful to a stranger...
I had a parcel go missing with Hermes before Christmas, the company refunded me. Then last week Hermes sent me a message saying it was out for delivery, so I assumed it had been found in a warehouse, perhaps getting lost with all the Christmas parcels. I waited in, no parcel arrived but the delivery information updated to…
How to get a Ryanair cash refund - COVID flight cancellation
Dear MoneySaving friends, Short version: type 'cash refund' into the Ryanair ChatBot, found on Ryanair's 'contact us' webpage. Long version: I was one of the many unhappy Ryanair customers who had their flight cancelled due to COVID. I dutifully completed their 'refund application form' in the hope of getting my money…
Jk Rowling new book free
JK Rowling is publishing 2 chapters per day for free! She wrote this book 10 years ago and shelved it. But she got it out of the attic and has reworked some of it. It will be published in November of this year and children are invited to illustrate for it. It's giving us something to look forward to from now until July.…
British Airways: managed to get a refund
I had booked eight tickets in December 2019 for flights on 4th April and returns on 11th April. In March we received notification from British Airways that the flights had been cancelled. Going to the "My Bookings" as most people would, you'll find the only thing they offer is the future travel voucher - the refund page…
In this together
I hope everyone is coping and staying safe. In these uncertain times, one thing is for sure - we are all affected by the current situation and in this together. Let's try to remain safe and keep an eye out for each other because we need one another more than ever.
Message from ABTA A disgrace.
Just watched a short message from Mark Tanzer chief exec ABTA on twitter, basically stating that these " unprecedented times " are going to likely mean that we won't be seeing a cash refund to a cancelled package as was in the written T and Cs of our package holiday. Yes they are trying to persuade the government to turn…
People will have to make sacrifices
I am getting a bit fed up of the attitude of some people. If you are on the breadline, won't be able to pay for food, bills, mortgage and the rent, that is one thing. You need help. However there are too many people who think that this should impact them in noway. I'm sorry but you can't expect the government to maintain…
Running - And a random act of kindness!
So just before Christmas, I went out for a run! The stresses of family not talking to me much after the passing of mum in July, was back at the forefront of my mind. Ironically, the stress was back as one of my sisters had a go at me over a text message. So off I go for a run. Just before mile 1.7, I saw a lady with a…
its a bit lonely
I've never had christmas on my own before, and its awful. I was fine until my niece sent me pics of her 4 yr old opening her presents. not usually one to show my feelings but now I'm so sad. it just goes to show doesnt matter what you got in life. you need your family.
Getting paid £25
Sent a pic of Stephen Mulhern in Blackpool to New People Magazine, and they’re going to pay me £25, which is a lovely surprise.
Non COVID positive NHS experience
About 6 weeks ago I tripped up at home and hit my head rather badly, just above my right eye. Fortunately OH was close and called for an ambulance. Took half an hour and they were wonderful. Did a few tests and off we went to A & E. umpteen tests, blood test, 3 BP measurements, 3 ECGs and a CAT scan later a lovely Dr…
Pleasant Surprise - Council Tax Hardship Fund - Reduced Council Tax
Today I received a reduced Council tax Bill. Initially no idea why, then I saw £150 taken off with the label Covid 19 Hardship Fund Payment. I found https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874867/COVID-19_Council_Tax_Hardship_Fund_Guidance.pdf Local councils are…
Be happy
In this time and age we have to learn to give, be generous to the ones less fortunate. Be kind and I am sure everyone will be happy.
Premier Inn
Not really a "random act of kindness", but definitely something positive... I had a couple of Premier Inn bookings. One was for a few days in early May, the other for 2 June. They were prepaid and not cancellable. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, the attraction that I'd intended to visit in May was closed until further notice…
Thought for the day
The TRAFFIC has gone, LONG QUEUES are gone.FUEL is affordable, BILLS extended.KIDS are at home with their FAMILIES, PARENTS are home taking care of their CHILDREN.FAST FOOD replaced by HOME COOKED MEALS, hectic SCHEDULES replaced by NAPS.The AIR seems CLEANER, the WORLD QUIETER.PEOPLE are conscious about HYGIENE and HEALTH…
Well at least . . . #smallmercies
Well at least . . . This didn't happen during the storms and floods
What random acts of kindness have you seen displayed amid the coronavirus pandemic?
Hi all! Hope you're all keeping safe, healthy and happy during this unprecedented time*. The MSE Forum and Social crew are making it their mission to keep Forum morale up so we want to hear your uplifting stories! Did you see a neighbour struggling? Have you helped a foodbank? Have you made a care package for someone…
Did a Food Shop to donate to the supermarket food bank
I bought a special cake for Xmas which the supermarket said would be guaranteed fresh until 26th Dec. but on Xmas Day found it had a Use By date of 25th Dec.We'd already planned to use it on Boxing Day for a party, so had to revise our menu plans. I complained online and, when no reply was received complained in store. I…
MSE News: BA passenger wins battle for cash refund after successfully taking the airline to court
A MoneySaver has successfully taken British Airways to the small claims court and been awarded £300 after disputing the airline's decision to issue vouchers instead of a cash refund for flights cancelled due to the pandemic... Read the full story: 'British Airways passenger wins battle for cash refund after successfully…

★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

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.

View All

Coronavirus Board

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Categories

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free

Coronavirus Board

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Categories

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free