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Risk of ID fraud
Hi, I recently sent some information overseas in connection with a holiday that I paid a deposit for and subsequently cancelled. The information sent could be used to apply for credit in my name etc (bank account, date of birth, passport, address etc). No bank account usernames/passwords were provided. There has been no…
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Sell or rent family home?
Hi, we own our family home with no mortgage. House is in a fairly desirable area for buyers and renters. I would like to move and have the option to either (1) sell the family home or (2) keep it and rent it out. I'm struggling to decide what is the best option. Considerations for me are: * we have spent quite a bit on the…
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Alternative to Benson for Beds Staple Heirloom?
Hi, we have seen a Benson for Beds Staple Heirloom divan bed that we really like, with 2650 pocket springs mattress. However, we don't really want to buy from Bensons due to the poor reviews etc. Does anyone know of any alternatives? Thanks
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Pension carry forward question
Hello, I am contributing up to the max £40k gross into my pension this year and didn't contribute in previous tax years (although I was a member of a scheme). I may want to use the carry forward rules to carry forward unutilised pension allowance, however am I limited by how much I earn in this tax year? E.g. if my gross…
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Question re carry forward of pension allowance
HI, in view of possible tax relief changs for high earners, I am intending to maximise my pension contributions using unutilised pension allowance. How is this shown on my tax return form? I am just doing my 14./15 tax return and whilst it isn't an issue for that tax year, I can't see how it is shown??? Thanks in advance
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Question about scaffolding for extension over garage
Our property is detached but quite close to our neighbours - probably 2 - 3ft away from the boundary. We are extending over the garage, building up. Our builder wanted the scaffolding to be on next door's drive but they aren't happy re this. The builder says this is a problem but this was never mentioned until today and we…
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Bathroom designer/supplier in Warrington area
Hi, we are looking for a reasonably priced bathroom designer/supplier in the Warrington area, ideally someone who will design the bathroom then supply (we have our own fitter). A higher end bathroom designer came up with some initial designs at between £15 - £20k. Needless to say we will not be going with those! Thanks for…
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Advice re choosing a builder
We have had plans drawn up and approved for an extension and have asked a few builders for quotes, based on a recommendation from our architect. Most of the quotes are quite similar in terms of price, but of these: - one builder has asked for a 10% deposit (all the advice online suggests this is a no no), also his company…
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warning re perfume sample
Hi I don't know if anyone has had this problem before but am posting for others' benefit. I signed up for a free sample of Gucci Guilty. However, postage was not paid by the sender and as it came from Switzerland, it cost me £1.53 for a small card - obviously I wouldn't have paid if I had known what it was.
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HMRC Compliance Check
Hello, I am the subject of a HMRC enquiry regarding bank interest. This identified an error in that tax year so HMRC are now going back another tax year, and are also asking me further questions about how the issue in the first tax year arose. I dealt with the first round of questions myself as it was mainly supplying the…
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Question re investing for a child
Hi, a savings account opened for my son has just matured and I have a cheque for £3k. He has a Child Trust Fund also with £3k in it that I intend to transfer to a Junior ISA at the earliest opportunity (heard this is April 2015). Would you pay that into the CTF now (perhaps via 3 instalments to drip feed) or hold fire and…
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HMRC Compliance check - advice wanted please!
I've been notified by HMRC that they are undertaking a compliance check in relation to bank interest for the 2012/13 tax year and requesting documentation. I have been gathering information and can see that I have accidentally missed out interest on more than one account so clearly have to pay additional tax. The accounts…
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Scottish Widows stakeholder pension
Hi, not sure if I am posting in the right place ... I have a stakeholder pension with Scottish Widows. I set it up about 8 years ago as it was reputed to be one of the best at the time. I just wondered if anyone had any thoughts about it and whether it is still a good pension to have.
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Views on this portfolio?
Our investment fund portfolio currently breaks down as follows: UK large/mid caps - 56% UK small companies - 9% Asia Pac - 8% Emerging Markets - 9% Europe - 6% North America - 2% Bond - 8% Absolute return - 2% My current thoughts are to increase investments into Europe and North America in order to balance out the…
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Switching funds within a stakeholder pension
Has anyone done this and is it easy to do? It's a while since I reviewed the funds my pension is invested in - a Scottish Widows stakeholder.
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Destination ideas for fantastic family holiday either July or October
Hi, we are looking for a destination for a 2 week family holiday either July or October. We're not really after a package holiday but a holiday with a bit of adventure but yet still family friendly. Somewhere hot and sunny but with more than a beach to keep us busy! Prepared to travel and budget can expand as necessary…
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Paying into pension from net salary
Hi, my company only offers a stakeholder pension and pays no contributions. I already have a stakeholder pension so would prefer to use that. Question is, if I pay into my own stakeholder pension from my net salary, will I still end up in the same position as if the pension were paid from gross salary? I complete a self…
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What is causing green/dark growth on exterior chimney wall and how to treat?
Our house is a corner house and on the exterior of the chimney breast, there seems to be a darker patch of green/black- can't really think of how to describe it. My husband thinks it is just the weather however it is only on the chimney breast. The previous owner had removed the fire and it is now covered over with…
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How to transfer out of a with profits pension fund?
I am looking to transfer out of with profits pension fund into a different fund altogether. I understand that the transfer value can vary depending upon the position of the fund at any given time. Is there a way whereby I can instruct the pension fund only to transfer out if the value of the fund is say within x% of its…
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When should my rental deposit be returned tome?
We recently ended a tenancy and the check out inspection was fine. The lettings company have advised us that they are waiting for the landlord's approval but from their perspective, we are entitled to our full deposit back. Is there a time period during which the landlord needs to confirm either way?
