Recent Discussions

Knowing First Active is part of NatWest Group is a good reason not to touch it. I have had many problems with every NatWest Group account I have ever opened - such as not getting the interest rate that was advertised, not being able to close an account without jumping through endless hoops, etc.

Welcome to the 10th Grocery Challenge of 2026! As always this challenge is to reduce your own grocery budget to levels that you will be pleased with, not forgetting that we always recommend that you stay inside your own comfort levels and take things gently one step at a time. Remember that this is not a…

https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/07/23/solar-balconies-are-booming-in-germany-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-popular-home- There was an item on radio four about a booming trend of pug in solar, in Germany. I got the impression that you just plug it into your 13amp socket and it gets used by your appliances. Have…

Hi all, This is my wall which is 4m x 3ft high. It obviously needs some TLC. Ive been quoted £800 for dismantling/rebuilding damaged areas, and reset stone Repointing both sides of the wall: £500 Cement capping: £200 Would you say it needs dismantling/rebuilding? And is this a fair quote? Thanks

Spotted this earlier. Has anyone received an email from TSB? TSB customers can get £30 paid easily with three taps

hi all Very new here. Have been reading a lot over the last few days and it’s been so helpful and supportive and has helped my worries no end so I want to start with a thank you. I’ve got myself into a lot of debt and I think self managing a dmp will be the way to go but want to sense check it and also ask a few questions.…

Hi, I went into a well known high street shop on Friday at 0700 hrs and ordered takeaway food and coffee. After drinking the coffee, I began to feel like a burning, painful sensation in the lower regions of my gullett. I believe that they must have washed the coffee machine with dishwasher detergent but forgotten to rinse…

Good afternoon, I'm looking to retire in 3.5 years time at 57 and wanted to share the basics of my plan for validation, other options or alternatives. I understand everyone's plan is unique to the individual and I am potentially seeking advice from an IFA. I haven't found another forum that supports the discussion for…

Ok I'm diving in as I've noticed several of us have lost posts we thought had posted, and there now seems to be a serious risk of losing the whole thread. So thanks for the heads up Karcher. (and i sympathise Frith - i too like to nip back) I've revisited the first thread of our part 2, posted 28th October 2009. It said:…

It’s that time again! As we wrap up one year and get ready to step into the next, the 26 for 2026 Challenge is officially open (and no I'm not using this as a way to procrastinate over my current 25 for 2025 list 🫣) If you fancy a bit of motivation, reflection, or just a fun way to track your year, come and join in. If…

Hi all, I'm after some advice please regarding a failed search for my London leasehold purchase. The search failed for former industrial land use within 25m of the property. This specifically was a small petrol station that closed in the very early 2000s and is now a retail unit. To be clear, the specific land my property…

OK, so this is a bit complicated (and sorry it sounds like a first world problem) but I will try to keep it simple. FiL called a few weeks ago concerned that there will be a change to IHT rules in the Budget at the end of this month. (Please do not discuss what may or may not happen in the Budget as that would be…

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE RULES AND THE CHANGES FROM NOW ON! A very warm welcome to another Sealed Pot Challenge, our 19th! Due to the Cost Of Living, I suggest we all save in the best way possible for each of us: if some still prefer to stick to cash, then please do so. Those wishing to use debit cards, or save via the bank…

After avidly reading others’ diaries over the past five years, it feels like the right time to shuffle in and create a cosy little corner of my own. Following the example of those much wiser, I have cleared a large amount of debt, including a hefty overdraft, student loan, credit cards, bank loans (that were consolidated…

After +15 years of lurking on the site l have finally decided to create a MFW diary of my own. A brief-ish history 2009 took out current mortgage a tracker with FD, +0.79% base rate, allows fee free unlimited overpayments, and crucially, withdrawals upto the original amount borrowed. Thanks to your inspiration, super low…

I have lurked on this forum for years and found it very inspirational, so I've taken the plunge and joined - hello! 😊 On Thursday (23 April) I had a phone call to fix my mortgage again, and I've decided that now is the time to buckle down and clear it. My new fix comes into effect on 2 August, and I've fixed for another 2…

What is FLYLADY? Well, it's our version of the US flylady idea - but we work on the principle that housework is not fun, it's boring, can be time-consuming, is often thankless but, unfortunately, necessary. It's here on Old Style to provide the support we all need and to make the whole task easier and quicker. We also…

So it's time for a brand new diary, welcome to anyone new, welcome back to anyone who has followed my journey along the way. I've been on here since I became a single parent in 2005, recording the highs, the lows, and mainly the hum drum of everyday life, all while trying to save my pennies. I've always loved this board…

Hello everyone, A little legal advice please. I received a letter from BW Legal for a parking fine issued while parked at the beach. I did not realise one needed to pay for parking. The fine was sent to my old address, despite the logbooks, driving licence and tax details being updated for all vehicles in the household,…

An unprovoked attack on my ankle by a metal workout bench has me lying down with a foot up this evening. Which makes this the ideal time to start this diary. And possibly to declutter some exercise equipment... Yesterday I was £9993.61 in debt. Today I have made a £1500 payment to one of my credit cards taking me down to…