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Make do and mend
A few events this week have made me think about my approach and indeed society's approach to repairing or replacing things. Firstly, a student at my school broke their phone screen and was going to bin their phone until I suggested a screen replacement. Secondly, the storm saw a patio heater break, but the spare part is…
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Eye test due - new glasses recommendations.
I have an eye test due soon. My prescription is pretty high (over -6 in both eyes) plus I need varifocals. So I really need high index lenses. Is anyone aware of any opticians other than Asda who offer these at no extra cost? Last time I got two pairs for £120, cheaper than a single pair of lenses in some places. I've just…
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Land Registry Labyrinth (help needed: on a budget)
Hi Wondering if anyone can help me with the Land Registry labyrinth? Although I’ve been divorced for 14 years, I’ve just
discovered that my ex-husband’s name is still on the Title deeds! Stunned isn’t the word. As part of the divorce proceedings, in 2011, there was a
court order stating that my ex must give up his legal…
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sky TV age discrimination?
Hi all My Mum is 85 and partially sighted, but other than that she is fit and well, and fully capable of managing her own affairs. Sky charge her £1.75 a month to have paper bill and recently when her monthly charge was bumped up by £12 a month, when she phoned them to discuss this they said she cannot have any offers they…
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Pension
Is it always a good idea to take the full 25% tax free lump sum from your pension?
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New Tax Year......ISAs on the move!
Well it's the start of a new tax year. Time to move savings into a new ISA. But also time to start looking at transferring ISAs. I'll be switching out of Plum to get a better rate and also because I didn't like the way they changed the payment of interest so it didn't land in my account until 30 days after it was…
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Over 60s Railcard valid in London if not issues in London
Live in Somerset. Going for a week in London. I think I can apply for an oyster card and add my rail card on it, at a main stIon. Is this right. Ta muchly
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Council tax increasing over 5%
Hi, We've just had our council tax bill for 2025/26 and found that it is increasing by 5.2% overall, despite Wolverhampton council declaring 4.99%. They seem to have done this by increasing the City council part by 4.99%, but then 6.6% and 6.5% respectively for Fire & civil Defence and Police. Is this allowed, as it seems…
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Notification of responses to Forum posts
Is there a way in the forum settings so that a notification is sent to my email when someone makes a comment on my query? That way I, and all forum users, would not have to check the forum every day to see if anybody can help. I chose over 50s for thread but applies to all ages. Maybe a simple "General" in start of new…
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Care Home, Financial Assessment and reasonability?
Myself and my Brother have POA for my mother who suffered a massive stroke a few years ago. The only thing to leave my mother's bank accounts for the last three years is the fees for the care home. Her bank statements only have the homes direct debits for the home costs. (No bills, no other transactions) It is now getting…
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Can we still gift £3000 per year if parent in care home
Before my mum was diagnosed with dementia she would gift £3000 per year between her 3 children. Mum is now in a care home and her house has been sold to cover the fees. We have power of attorney over her finances. Can we still "gift" the £3000 per year as Mum had been doing or will this be seen as deprivation of assets?
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Downsizing dilemma
I love my current house and will be happy here until retirement, however I don’t think i should wait until retirement as it will cost to move and this would be more affordable when working. the reason i will need to move is because this house will be too expensive in retirement and it’s not got good transportation links (…
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Open Savings Account as Power of Attorney
Hi, advice please. I am POA for my mother who is 95 and lives in a Care Home. She has a savings account to pay for the Care Home that I currently manage, but the interest rate is very low. As POA can I open a new savings account for her that has a better interest rate. She has no ID, I don't want correspondence going to…
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Area in UK where pensioners have the highest disposable income?
Pensioners in the UK with the highest disposable income are often found in areas with lower living costs and higher average incomes. According to recent data, some of the top areas include: * Colchester: Pensioners here have an average disposable income of around £1,392 per month. * Milton Keynes: Residents enjoy an…
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Stoma changing facilities being introduced at railway stations
An interesting news item of local BBC this morning. Trans pennine Express are introducing stoma friendly facilities in the railway station toilets. So good to see this.
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Applying for bluelight card when work for holding association
I work for a company that does cleaning and maintenance for a housing association company. Can I apply for a bluelight card? And what section would I put it under?
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The Telegraph
I had to use my annual acting skills today. I had to telephone to cancel The Telegraph. It cannot be done online. The caller told me about all of the articles I had read, including those I had read today. Q. What do you like to read? A. I like business and politics, but I hate sport. Q. Do you want puzzles? A. No. Q. So…
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What are you going to do with £1K Harrods gift card
My employer has abandoned the tradition of sending employees a basket of Christmas hampers. Instead, I received a £1,000 gift card from Harrods. I’ve only been there once for afternoon tea. Any suggestions for the most MSE way to spend the money? Cheers,
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Moved: Subscribing
This discussion has been moved.
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Tax on Investments
Hello hive minds I have an investment , giving me a monthly income in interest of approx £344 per month. since July 2024 . This is my only income .. what is my tax situation any advice ? I do not work and have only just recently returned to the Uk . I am paying NI contributions and I am 60 years old .
