Money Tips email | 2 June 2021

MSE_Laura_F

Like the splatter of sun cream on a reddening forearm, the latest Money Tips email has splashed into email inboxes across the land. 

There's a huge amount of valuable MoneySaving information as usual, so do give it a read when you have a free moment. In the meantime, here are five highlights we think you might like:

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1. Updated stamp duty calculator
   The stamp duty holiday (in its current form) ends on 30th June in England, Northern Ireland and Wales
    
2. Check your driving licence renewal date
   DON'T risk a fine of up to £1,000. Last year the DVLA gave an 11-month extension to many, but it means 100,000s more renewals than usual are now due
    
3. McDonald's MoneySaving hacks
   Including £5 off a £15 spend via the app and regular Monday deals
    
4. Secret Office and Schuh outlets sell cheap, slightly blemished shoes
   Plus we've blagged a code for an extra 15% off until Sunday
   
   
5. 'We claimed £1,000 in tax back for being married.'
   Marriage tax allowance explained, including how to find out if you're eligible and how to apply

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Grumpy_chap

In this week's e-mail there is a section about water bills and the direct debits increasing because people on water meters have used more water by being at home rather than work during the various lock-downs. 

There are proud examples of people who challenged increases in the direct debit, so that it stayed the same "Welsh Water wanted to increase payments from £36.50/mth to £44/mth. I phoned and it stayed at £36.50".
"My firm doubled mine. I rang and said 'no thanks' and it put it back down."

Are these examples truly a "success" as the e-mail infers?
If the water use on a metered supply has increased, which is likely for many people, then the best thing is for the direct debit to increase to cover that level of consumption and avoid running up a debt.

Ideally, total monthly payments over twelve months match consumption over twelve months - the regular direct debit simply helps with household budgeting by smoothing the peaks and troughs.  Refusing an increase only to then receive a substantial debit demand at some future point in time may create more pain than gain.