Regular checks to maximise OP potential - Check for June

Welshlassie

In the "MFW What small thing have you done/will you do today" thread it was suggested by molit that we have a thread which we can all contribute towards for things to check on a regular (monthly/quarterly/annually) basis to ensure we are getting the best deals for things, finding all opportunities for extra cash and any other regular things we could be doing to maximise our potential for finding and making Over Payments.

Once a month I will then bump it up to remind those who are subscribed (with email notification) to it to complete the checks listed, it will be bumped at the beginning of every month. (1st/2nd)

I've had a bit of a brainstorm and come up with the following initially, please feel free to post additional checks we can include and I will update the post accordingly. Some are obvious things we probably already do, some are quick wins, some require a bit more work, all should help us ensure we maximise our OP potential and we don't use money already earmarked for something else.

Monthly

• Check bank statements to ensure DD/SO have been collected
• Check offers on Quidco and other cashback sites
• Check current account at month end and transfer any "spare" money into mortgage
• Enusre all your Direct Debits are still current and needed
• Check fuel prices in local area to ensure filling up at cheapest place - Petrol Prices
• Check tyre pressures are correct
• Check Fixture Ferret for non-perishable special offers

Quarterly

• Check current account/savings account rates to ensure best deals
• Check credit cards rates and cash back rates for best deals
• Check gas/electricity suppliers for best deals, use quidco if transferring
• Check Phone/Broadband/mobile suppliers for best deals
• Declutter house and garden and sell unwanted items on Ebay/Amazon/Car boot/Green Metropolis etc using profit for OP

Annually

• Check mortgage rate
• Check insurances are best deal, and if changing use cashback maximiser
  • Car, Van, Motorbike
  • House
  • Travel
  • Pet
  • Life
  • Health/Dental
  • Breakdown cover
• Update budget
• Check salary sacrific options at work (childcare voucher etc)
• Check P60 to ensure not overpaid tax in prior year
• Check new tax coding notice to prevent tax overpayment in following year

zebedy

Hi,

this is a really good idea. I'd add a couple of things.....
In monthly - add, check account at end of month and transfer any "spare" money to mortgage.
In annually check insurances - ensure to use a cahback site (e.g. quidco) if changing

I'd add in Quarterly - declutter house and sell unwanted items on ebay and use profits for overpayments

How about also adding a Daily - take lunch to work and save money for overpayments and the most important daily one is to feed the mortgage pig with any loose change

Welshlassie

Thanks Zebedy, I haven't added the daily one as yet as the initial thought was do have it as a checklist of things once a month and bump it up every month to remind people, however if people think adding a daily option is also worthwhile I can add it just say.

molit

Think any more than monthly might get a little too often, and people will ignore it

Could we add, monthly
check petrol prices in local area to ensure you are filling up (if you need to) at the cheapest place
Check car tyres are at correct pressure
Check routes to work in case of roadworks?
Check fixture ferrets to find special offers on non perishables (Washing powder, loo rolls etc)


Quarterly - check cashback credit card rates

Annually - not sure if we need this one, check mortgage rate ;-)
Check salary sacrific options at work (e.g. childcare couchers for those with kids etc)

gallygirl

I think the check on whether DD's are still live should be monthly - if you are taking up intro offers on mags, DVD rentals etc you really need to check this regularly.

How about quarterly - to add to zebedy's ebay check - Green Metropolis / Amazon / car boot purge of house & garden (plus children, visiting relatives etc ).

Welshlassie

thanks everyone have updated with your suggestions
Ali007 - wasn't saw what you meant by "plus children, visiting relatives etc"

molit

Thanks for updating this - with the links you're spoiling us.

Been racking my brains for other things to add, and cant get any more.

Was wondering idf there was anything to do with tax on an annual basis??

gallygirl

Welshlassie wrote: »

thanks everyone have updated with your suggestions
Ali007 - wasn't saw what you meant by "plus children, visiting relatives etc"

emmmmm....... if it don't move flog it.........

oh, and make sure male visitors sit on the deepest sofa, more chance of coins rolling down side of sofa that way

Welshlassie

ali007 wrote: »

emmmmm....... if it don't move flog it.........

oh, and make sure male visitors sit on the deepest sofa, more chance of coins rolling down side of sofa that way

Am with you now. Was having a blonde moment.

cake21

Great thread thanks Welshlassie :A

molit wrote: »

Was wondering if there was anything to do with tax on an annual basis??

How about checking your P60 to make sure you haven't overpaid tax during the last tax year?

And checking your coding notice to make sure you don't overpay tax in the next one

ali007 wrote: »

oh, and make sure male visitors sit on the deepest sofa, more chance of coins rolling down side of sofa that way

:rotfl:

Welshlassie

Monthly bump for June