50 word Moneyfesto - Small changes for a big difference 2013

Tigsmom

Subsidised grants for energy saving products like insulation/solar panels available to EVERYONE not just those on benefits. I am on a very low p/t minimum wage and get less than those on benefits but don't qualify for any subsidies (not even dentists) because my husband works. Even though his wages have to support a family of 4, pay child maintenance to his ex wife (who remarried and is now loaded) and pay a massive mortgage on a tiny house.

and thats another point, make child maintenance means tested for BOTH parties involved. If my husbands ex won millions on the lottery he would still have to pay even though our 2 children are in poverty having to make do with second hand clothes and toys.

Racheee

Make it compulsory for all dog owners outside to carry some sort of plastic bag that could be used for clearing up after dog and spare bags. If on last bag when out - carry it all the way home in case it is needed again. No bag to use or re-use when out with a dog should equal a fine to help pay for dog wardens.

man-in-the-street

I was mis-sold a pension in the 1980s and the legislation that came in later didn't cover existing cases! Either get government to use Libor fines to make up the shortfall, or make pension companies face up to their responsibilities. Otherwise I shall be a drain on the taxpayer through no fault of my own.

onesixfive

Avoid the "cash for kids" families, and pay child benefit only for the first 2 children - thereafter its down to the parents to fund any additional children. Likewise cap benefits at a "2 adult 2 child family" level.

hannonle

Instead of sending everyone a winter fuel payment, you should apply credit with the energy companies of the old people who claim benefits (those who need the payment).
People who don't even have a fuel bill - such as those in nursing homes etc - shouldn't get a winter fuel payment. Crediting a person's account would save a lot of money and target the vulnerable.

Malcolm_E

mala11883 wrote: »

I am anti drugs but I think Cannabis should be legalized

There's a growing body of evidence linking cannabis use with mental illness. Also, if we're going to legalise any more drugs (we already have alcohol and tobacco), let's not choose an antisocial drug that is smoked and therefore affects people near the user.
In my view, the emphasis should be on educating people to use all recreational drugs less, legalised or otherwise.

ellieboo

legislation's needed so banks give clear info re charges on current accounts at time of opening. santander charge £2 a day, max £20pm. so if overdrawn by £100 for ten days then £20 charge = 20% pm or 240%pa. % ratio drops if overdrawn by more. need to know bank charges especially if regularly o/d by small amounts. :mad:

Tigsmom

pc1271 wrote: »

I'd like to see the likes of BrightHouse banned from targetting vulnerable people on low incomes by selling their massively overpriced goods coupled with expensive credit on the promise of "low weekly payments".

Accepting that we can't really ban them, we should educate people so that they understand that "low weekly payment" often means "really really expensive".

I'm sorry but no-one forces people to buy from Brighthouse and the repayment terms are clearly shown instore and explained at the time of contract. Where else would the people who cannot get credit go to get these goods? The interest is no different than purchasing on credit card or from catalogues or places like DFS. Brighthouse employ thousands of people who would all be out of work of you had your way and the 'vunerable' people would then have no way of purchasing essential items like white goods and sofas.

onesixfive

Make retirement compulsory / encourage it by reward if necessary. 1.5m pensioners currently work, and this is rising. With around 2.5 million unemployed, it makes economic sense to employ & invest in the younger generation.

Ingenuist

Merchant bankers, other investment bankers, and all PLC board members should be required to
1) sign a legally binding charter undertaking to act ethically and responsibly in disharging their duties and be accountable for their actions /decisions (forfeit of benefits, retrospective for severe infractions)
2) undertake specific training in both ethics and financial risk management
3) undertake appropriate additional training annually as Continuing Professional Development in order to keep the license
4) maintain professional indemnity insurance to the value of their responsibility