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MSE Energy Big Switch Oct 2025
I have received email about the latest Collective Switch for energy and have tried to check the tariff details through the cheap energy club. But when I try the links, I get the message: Unfortunately, you're not eligible for this tariff This may be because it's not compatible with how you pay for energy (eg, it's Direct…
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Using eSIM on my phone for SO's banking apps and my physical SIM for my banking apps
I'm hoping someone with a good knowledge about eSIMs might be able to help — my SO lost their phone a few weeks back, and it was a total nightmare... New phone now, so all is good. BUT as I'm the one who does both mine and their banking online and using apps, would it be possible to put their mobile phone number on my…
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Ulster Savings
Hi, I have opened an account with them as they offer 4.5%. I've just gone for a savings account and not a current account. Since then, I've been reading a few horror stories online, such as being unable to close the account, interest not being paid, unable to transfer funds to a non Ulster account. Does Ulster just work…
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2025 Frugal Living Challenge
Welcome to the all new 2025 Frugal Living Challenge Challenge yourself to live a frugal lifestyle so you can afford the freedom to enjoy life. This is about household budgeting, simply living and being creative with your money. Frugality can be a fabulous lifestyle choice for debtbusting, boosting savings or investing in…
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Mantlepiece
I’d like a wooden ledge/mantlepiece on the wall above my fireplace. Does anyone have any examples or ideas to do this on a budget, please? How are they usually fixed to the wall? I will need to pay someone to fix it. (I also understand I need to check the fire manual for the required distance to position it ). Thanks for…
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Company sharesave cgt
Hi, I have a company sharesave scheme which matures in November. I have been putting £500 per month for 5 years so by November my initial investment will be £30000 but the shares are now worth approx £110000. Approx profit of £80000. My question is in regards to capital gains tax. I understand the rules may change by…
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G24 PCN *EDIT* Now with DCB Legal - Here we go!
Hi all! Long time lurker, first time poster :D The forums have helped me with a separate issue with another company, DCB Legal (may do a thread for that, went to county court, no update with courts for over 1 year now after defence was struck out, last correspondence from DCB was asking to settle out of court, LOL...)…
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Parking Charge Notice - Shield Security
Hi, I have a parking charge notice from a private car park. I did buy a ticket and have the ticket stub with my vehicle reg on to confirm I had paid for the correct time, but the ticket had blow off the dashboard. Any advice before I do the appeal please? Thanks
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Filled in the wrong vehicle Reg - Advice sought.
Hello, I'm hoping someone can offer advice. I parked in a private car park for 2 days running. In order to pay I had to reinstall an app on my phone (PayByPhone) Both days I paid the full fee (£7.70) to park for the day, believing in good faith that I was doing the correct thing. Unfortunately I was in a hurry to start a…
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New starter to Civil service pension
Having just spent a few years in the Local Government pension scheme and tackling making AVC’s I’m about to move to a civil service post and could do with some help around what my options are within the scheme as I’ve not been able to find much information. Thanks for any help.
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Milann’s mutterings through retirement
I thought it was about time for a new diary. Ive been a member of MSE many years now and got my debt down from £20,000’s to a big fat ZERO. I kept the debts to myself as I was the one who built them up. Dh would have been ok and we’d have worked through them together…..but it was my mess that I wanted to clear myself and…
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Purchased life annuity - can you recommend a broker
Hi, my parents (aged 83 and 89) want to set up a joint purchased life annuity from Aviva, however their in house financial advisor insists on full financial planning, which they don't need, plus they say it will take 12 weeks, by which time the quote will have run out. Aviva have told me they are not required to go through…
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Broadband speed test
Hi looking for a bit of ' education' Virgin installed and reasonable happy. Provided with Cisco samknows.com speed test. Snapshot readings are Router 135 @2mtr, Router 130 @ 15mtr Smart TV on own speed tester 25 @15mtr. A virgin wifi pod ( extender) tried in various areas but doesn't appear to improve TV speed or readings.…
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No choice but to consider DMP - help appreciated!
Hi, I have been reading advice on this forum for a while and I've realised that despite trying for years to repay my credit card debts I have actually just been treading water at best and now more recently getting further into debt month by month. It has been a combination of everything being more expensive post pandemic…
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EE Sim only monthly contract massive price hike
Hi all, I used to be with Plusnet for broadband and mobile phone etc. Then I got transferred to EE as Plusnet dropped their mobile phone service. Was paying around £6 per month, but after I transferred to EE they started the uual annual "inflation plus" increases, so was paying around £7. However they have just advised…
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Sim Card for Burglar Alarm
Hi all, I've recently had a new alarm installed and it has a slot for a SIM card so it can dial our phones if the alarm is triggered. I was looking to get a pay as you go SIM and stick a fiver of credit on it so it's got enough to dial out if needed but hopefully any calls will be few and far between and I believe that a…
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Busting this debt before 40
Time for me to de-lurk on this thread and start my own dairy. Long story short ish. Away on work last year all my co-workers talked about pensions. Then realised that I wouldn't get my state pension till 67. Also my work pension doesn't kick in till 67 either...(There's like a mini pension for when I've done my contracted…
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CGT on UK Property & SA return
In May 2025 I sold my interest in a residential property (somewhere I never lived). I made a capital gain which I reported within 60 days of completion by filing a 'Capital Gains Tax on UK Property' return online and paying the CGT by debit card. I am aware that additionally I have to include the property disposal on the…
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MET Parking via DCB Legal claim 2025
Hi everyone, I’ve received a Letter of Claim from DCB Legal. I’ve checked the forum threads but I’m still a bit confused about what steps I need to take next. Could anyone kindly guide me through the process? Thank you in advance for your help.
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The Mortgage Free Roll Of Honour
Welcome to the Mortgage-Free Roll of Honour. This is for Mortgage-Free Wannabees who are no longer Wannabees. Please report a. The date you decided to become a MFW b. Mortgage Debt at its highest c. Mortgage-Free Date d. Your one perl of wisdom. e. The MSE Mortgage guides and others that helped you f. And if you had a…
