How much can you save?

tara747

LucyTheDwarf wrote: »

I've opened the A&L Current account for the interest rate and the Quidco cash back. I wouldn't trust them with my actual banking - sticking with HSBC for my current account.

Well, I'm a real newbie to dieting, but I found a website that looks pretty good! www.foodfocus.co.uk - it's told me how much I can eat calorie wise, and I've been logging my food, and on Friday I ate a shameful 2800 calories (thanks to a tub of Ben & Jerry's and fish n chips). But since then I've been under 1200, so I am on track - it tells me I can have 1226 calories a day to meet my target.

Same here re banking - I've opened lots of new accounts for bonuses, but have always kept my original account for day to day banking.

Thanks for the link, must check that site out - dread to think how many calories I've had today mind!!!

ljaneyr

I'm definitely keeping my HSBC account too, unfortunately I had to switch all DDs and my wages to the new account to qualify for the bonus. How long should I use the A&L account before moving things back do you think?

tara do you leave all the accounts open or close them after a while? I have opened a few over the years and I'm beginning to lose track! I had 3 with egg which I had opened each time for the interest bonuses and when I went to close two of them a while a go the lady on the phone couldn't understand why I didn't need three online savings accounts all with interest less than 1%! I only kept the one because I like their internet banking, it lets you see the balance on all your accounts with other banks:)

tara747

ljaneyr wrote: »

I'm definitely keeping my HSBC account too, unfortunately I had to switch all DDs and my wages to the new account to qualify for the bonus. How long should I use the A&L account before moving things back do you think?

tara do you leave all the accounts open or close them after a while? I have opened a few over the years and I'm beginning to lose track! I had 3 with egg which I had opened each time for the interest bonuses and when I went to close two of them a while a go the lady on the phone couldn't understand why I didn't need three online savings accounts all with interest less than 1%! I only kept the one because I like their internet banking, it lets you see the balance on all your accounts with other banks:)

Can you not tell them that you don't have any DDs?

I close accounts after I'm finished with them, I've so far closed First Direct, Co-operative and A&L accounts after the bonuses were paid/ high interest periods finished.

albacookie

tara747 wrote: »

Can you not tell them that you don't have any DDs?

I close accounts after I'm finished with them, I've so far closed First Direct, Co-operative and A&L accounts after the bonuses were paid/ high interest periods finished.

I transfer a couple of non essential direct debits that only come out occasionally - last time I think it was my iTunes account and lottery ticket d/d - usually enough to qualify for bonuses but not going to cause any problems if they mess up.

ljaneyr

I think they've got wise to that because you have to transfer everything - well they do the transfer anyway. I'm just going to wait and see I think, grab the bonus then change to a Lloyds graduate account for the third year overdraft when my 2yr HSBC one ends. By then I might have waded through the T&C to find out how long to wait before closing the account! I guess the hassle is what they pay the £100 for

FirstTimeSaver_2

Quick update on my saving. Haven't managed to do any of my personal savings as yet but get paid this week so hoping to put £91 in, this puts me on my target for £1000 by 31/12/2010. I can't believe how excited I am that I'll get to pay some of my wages in as savings.

Me and the OH have managed to put £200 into the holiday fund for summer 2010, so this brings a smile to my face. Will have to start searching for some cheap hot destinations. Any suggestions welcome!

I have never had any savings and it makes me feel quite happy that I'm trying to be pro-active and do something for my future. I promise if I manage to do it then anyone can.

Money just burns a hole in my pocket and I feel sickened to think how much money I have wasted in the past on rubbish. Oh well onwards and upwards for 2010!!

partlydave

FirstTimeSaver wrote: »

Quick update on my saving. Haven't managed to do any of my personal savings as yet but get paid this week so hoping to put £91 in, this puts me on my target for £1000 by 31/12/2010. I can't believe how excited I am that I'll get to pay some of my wages in as savings.

Me and the OH have managed to put £200 into the holiday fund for summer 2010, so this brings a smile to my face. Will have to start searching for some cheap hot destinations. Any suggestions welcome!

I have never had any savings and it makes me feel quite happy that I'm trying to be pro-active and do something for my future. I promise if I manage to do it then anyone can.

Money just burns a hole in my pocket and I feel sickened to think how much money I have wasted in the past on rubbish. Oh well onwards and upwards for 2010!!

better late than never to make a start which youve done. Good luck with reaching your first target

rictus123

Got about £1,600 to my name and hoping to add another £2,000 at least by the end of May, watch this space guys, Tara il be posting here in 2 years at your stage after you have bought a house and are at my level of savings lol the tables will be turned

LucyTheDwarf

I didn't bother getting the A&L switching bonus, as I only wanted the account for a savings account, so I didn't use their switching service. I was happy enough with the £50 Quidco cashback and the 6% for a year, tbh.

I didn't think £100 from A&L would cover the hassle :P

tara747

rictus123 wrote: »

Got about £1,600 to my name and hoping to add another £2,000 at least by the end of May, watch this space guys, Tara il be posting here in 2 years at your stage after you have bought a house and are at my level of savings lol the tables will be turned

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