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MoneySaving mums

A place for mums with kids of all ages to discuss parent MoneySaving matters.

Tax Credits new claim
Hi, a bit of different situation but I would like advice please. My Husband and I have split up but neither of us can afford to move out of our house (mortgaged), so we are just living separately basically in the house. I'm on maternity leave, due to go back to work in October, so my income at the moment is only statutory…
Divorce/separation/house sale advice please
I'm in the early process of attempting to split with my husband after 12 years of marriage. It's myself who has initiated this, and my husband is not in agreement, as he is worried about the negative effect this would have on our children, and that they would not get as much, financially, as what they do now, due to both…
Belated birthday tea? Ideas needed
My eldest was 6 on New Years Day and as you might imagine it is one of the worst days to have a birthday party or similar as everyone (particularly of her age) is busy so we haven't been able to do much. Tbh this has been fine with me as I'm not really into arranging children's parties etc. However now she is a bit older…
Prescription Penalty charge notice
Hi, Wasn't really sure which forum to put this on but will try here! I've had a prescription penalty charge notice through with a fine for £100.80 as I 'ticked' the maternity exemption certificate. I used to have one as I had a baby but she is 1 now and the pharmacy deliver my parcels so they just assumed it was still…
Shool Fees - Charity Status Question
Sorry if this is the wrong place to post - please advise/move as necessary. Not looking for sympathy - just advice. Hubby (was a high earner) has been off work for nearly 2 years due to illness. Critical Illness insurance wont pay out. As a result we are in arrears with school fees for £12,000 (we are £50,000 in debt in…
Best Washer/Dryer
Hi I need to buy a washer/dryer and would welcome recommendations. My budget is around £300 - £400. I am particularly interested in one that offers a quick wash cycle. I won't be using the tumble dryer much as it will really only be used in emergencies. PS - Is there another thread I could/should post this on? Thanks in…
Childcare vouchers
I have been researching childcare vouchers but no matter how much I read I am still confused, I know they take the money before tax but how does that help me save money? Someone told me they put in £64 out of their wages and get that money plus extra back in vouchers or are they telling a porky pie
Pushchairs - bouncy vs firm suspension?
Hi, we're choosing our first pram/pushchair. Today went to a shop and tried a few. There was a notable difference in the two models we liked - Uppababy Cruz/Vista and Babystyle Hybrid. The Hybrid suspension was much more bouncy - you could rock the pushchair slightly and I could see the springs in the wheels compressing.…
Found 40% off KidZania
Day Out With The Kids website has a 40% off deal - you can use it in half term but have to buy the tickets by Tuesday,:money:
Petition Regarding Child maintenance
Hello, Just wondering if anyone is willing to sign my petition re child maintenance assessment. The system needs reviewing, it makes a mockery of single parent Mums and Dads trying to make ends meet. I have 3 children, my ex left me for another women 2.5 years ago. He earns £27000 with performance related pay on top of…
Educating my children on money
Hi Quick back story, I am a single mum with 2 beautiful kids aged 6 and 3. Ex is not money conseus or responsible. So my 6 year old has got to a stage where she wants everything but no thought on cost of course as money means nothing to her other than it can buy things, I want to start educating her on money and over time…
I am actually bad at maths tutoring
Here's one for the mums! Do you make your husband do all the maths tutoring at home to save money? "Oh, history? I can help.." "Oh, Shakespeare..? I can help.." "Oh GCSE Maths? Daaaaannnnn? C'mere!" I am that husband! And I am not that good at maths either! If it weren't for sites like Khan Academy, StudyPug's GCSE Maths…
Money trouble shtf
Hi, I don't know if this is the right place but I desperately need help. My stupid fiance has just spent our last £35 on flowers for mothers day for me, a really lovely gesture but we now have £2 to last until the end of the month, I've got no petrol to get to work, our cupboards will be bare come monday, our 2 year old…
money saving web sites
Ladies, I would like to ask you whether you can suggest me reliable money-saving web sites with coupons?
What Washing Did You Use for Newborn?
Out of interest, what washing liquid/gel/powder/tablets/capsules did you use? The only suggestion I have seen is non-bio. But did you have an old fashioned name like Fairy? Or go with supermarkets own brand? We use use Persil (bio) at the moment as find the aroma is nice and stays with clothes for longer than others (even…
Fresh party food ideas
I've organised a small birthday party for my 2 year old next week (very small - 7 adults, 3 kids). I am providing lunch for the kids and have asked adults to sort themselves out (no complaints there). I was also going to put some party rings and Oreos in a bowl for the little ones to pick at if wanted and that's it…
Will he ever eat anything else?
My wee boy will be 1 in a month and I'm already feeling like a failure as he's not fully on a sippy cup, in fact he uses it as a toy more than anything, he's still supping a good 16oz of formula and he'll only eat the cow and gate cereal for breakfast. He's a great eater the rest of the day but at breakfast it's the…
Cord Stem Cell Storage
£240 Savings On Stem Cell Storage For Newborn Babies Have managed to negotiate £240 off for stem cell storage! Thank you for your inspiration MSE! If 3 people from an anti natal class subscribe, potential savings of £390 for each child!! Hello Everyone, expecting our first child and looking into stem cord cell storage.…
SAHM looking for advice
Hi there I am a frequent mse user and was looking for some advice from other like minded mums I am in my late 20s and am on maternity leave after having my first child I am a professional but am considering not returning to work once my mat leave ends, in order to look after my baby and hopefully in due course expand our…
Child Maintenance and Salary Sacrifice Pension
Hi All, My ex is a financial advisor very shrewd about his pension. The last five years or so my Child Maintenance has reduced further (by £100 2 years ago, then an further £100 recently). I am convinced he is purposefully reducing his relevant earnings through salary sacrifice but the CSA (and now the CMS) don't seem…

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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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