Advice Column – Avoid Scams on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Everywhere I look I see adverts for upcoming sales - Black Friday and Cyber Monday ‘deals’ are jumping out at me from all directions. Some of the prices seem too good to be true - how can I be sure I really am getting a good deal and not being scammed? You’re not the only one eager to bag a bargain. The busiest shopping time of the year is also a busy time for cyber criminals who use the spike in spending to disguise their scams as legitimate shopping sites. Fraudsters are also taking advantage of AI advances
Changes to Winter Fuel Payments
On 29 July, the UK Government announced changes to the eligibility for winter fuel payments (WFP). They'll now only be paid to claimants in receipt of state pension credit (SPC). Here, our adviser Luke lets you know how you can check if you're eligible, and what else you can do to make sure you're able to afford to keep your home warm this winter. Statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions show that 800,000 people across the UK who could claim state pension credit don't claim this benefit. If you're a pensioner who is currently not claiming
Advice Column – Are My Kids’ Costumes Safe?
My kids are so excited about dressing up for Halloween this year, but I’ve been hearing about awful accidents involving costumes catching fire. I didn’t realise these products could be so flammable and now I’m really worried in case something happens. I don’t want to stop my kids having fun, so is there anything I can do to make sure any costumes I buy are fire-safe? Stories of Halloween costumes catching fire may sound a bit extreme, but some of these products do come with higher fire risks than you’d expect. So, it’s important to know what you
Advice Column – Protecting Yourself Against Holidays Gone Wrong
We’re booking a summer holiday to Spain. It’s been a while since we’ve gone on holiday and we really don’t want anything to go wrong. What can we do to protect ourselves and prepare for the unexpected? The chances are you’ll have the relaxing holiday you deserve, but there are a few things you can do in advance to help your holiday go smoothly. That includes the golden rule of getting travel insurance and brushing up on what your rights are if something goes wrong. The first thing to do is check if your passport is in date.
Energy efficiency support & building work
We all want to keep our homes warm, but the cost can put us off. One way to reduce these costs is through energy efficiency improvements. It’s not always easy to find out what support you can get with this or where to go when things go wrong. ECO scheme The ECO scheme can help cover the cost of insulation, boilers, and other energy efficiency improvements. You can apply through your local council or any energy supplier – it doesn’t have to be your supplier. Eligibility You’ll need to own your home to get energy efficiency support. You can
Advice Column – Understanding Your Payslip
I’ve just got my first payslip from a new job, I’m slightly embarrassed to say I don’t understand what all the different sections refer to. How do I know what each means and if it’s correct? There’s no need to be embarrassed about not understanding your payslip, it contains lots of information which can be tricky to get your head around but it is important to understand. Your payslip shows your pay, deductions and tax information. All employers are required to give their employees a payslip and it’s a good idea to keep them for as long as
Cracking the Code of Credit Scores: Your Path to Financial Empowerment
Your credit score is crucial in the world of managing your money. It's like a key that opens doors to financial opportunities. It's not just a number; it shows how healthy your finances are and has a big say in important decisions in your life, like getting a credit card, a mortgage, or even a job. Let's learn the basics and give you the know-how to make smart money choices. What is a Credit Score? At its core, a credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness. It's like a financial report card that lenders use
Navigating Rent Increases in the New Year: A Tenant’s Guide
As the new year starts, many tenants experience rent increases. This could be because of the housing market or other factors. It's important to know how to handle these changes so you can maintain as good landlord-tenant relationship. In this guide, we'll look at the rules for rent increases, how to talk with your landlord, and help you avoid common problems. Know the Rules: To understand rent going up, you need to know the rules. Landlords have to follow certain laws when they want to charge more rent. We'll talk about things like how much notice they have
Advice Column – Damp and Mould in Rented Accomodation
Damp and mould is building up in our house as the weather gets colder. Our living room is the worst and there’s a strong smell, so we’ve stopped having friends round. We’re also concerned about our health. We’ve reported it to our landlord, but they haven’t done anything. With six months left on the occupation contract, we’re running out of options. What should we do? You’ve done the right thing by bringing this to your landlord. To work out if they are responsible you’ll need to find the cause of the damp and mould, but this can take
Navigate The New Year With New Financial Resolutions
As we enter the new year, the idea of a fresh start encourages us to set goals and resolutions, often focused on achieving financial goals. Whether it's building an emergency fund, paying off debts, or improving overall financial well-being, achieving these goals in 2024 calls for a practical approach. Managing your finances can be challenging, especially in the new year. This guide is here to help you navigate your finances this year within the private rented sector. Reflect on 2023: Begin your journey by looking back on the past year. What worked well? What challenges did you face?
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