• 04Oct

    Top tips to reduce your energy bills

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    It’s official; winter is here. The nights are getting longer, darker, colder and more expensive thanks to rising energy bills.

    Here are a few helpful hints and tips so you can reduce your energy bills this winter.

    Swap suppliers

    The energy market is largely made up of six energy providers who supply a massive 95% of the nation’s energy. Between them and the few independent suppliers there are hundreds of tariffs to choose from.

    It can all get a little overwhelming and most people don’t end up switching suppler because they are unaware of the offers available to them, while some just think it would be too much hassle.

    But it could be well worth switching suppliers to swap to a much more cost-effective energy tariff for your household circumstances. Not only could you save hundreds of pounds by doing so, but the process is fairly straightforward too.

    Get advice

    If you’re struggling with your energy bills, don’t suffer in silence. There are a number of organisations which could help you to find out ways to reduce your bill and avoid falling into fuel poverty this winter.

    Citizens Advice, for example, is running another ‘Big Energy Saving Week’   later this month to address the issue.

    This campaign aims to help thousands of households who are finding it difficult to make ends meet as the cost of energy continues to rise

    Be energy efficient

    Change starts at home and you could take measures to reduce your energy bills by being energy smart. This involves drawing the curtains to prevent the heat escaping through the windows.

    Invest in a high tog duvet instead of turning the heating up at night and unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use, rather than leaving them on standby.

    It is a good idea to address these issues as early as possible so you don’t find yourself in the midst of a financial emergency and forced to take out a payday loan to pay the bills.

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  • 18Sep

    How to cut the cost of the school run

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    Research by Santander Credit Cards found that equipping schoolchildren with clothes, books, stationary and other necessities for the school term costs parents across the UK a collective £2 billion.

    And with almost half (46%) of parents with children of a school age driving them there and back at least once a week – with the average number of journeys clocking in at seven per week – household fuels costs can be driven up substantially with the arrival of term time.

    In fact, parents collectively spend £868 million on fuel per year – and travel 4.8 billion miles. So, what can you do to cut the cost of school runs?

    Free transport – If your child is aged between five and 16, attending the nearest suitable school and that school is further away than the ‘statutory walking distance’ then they will be eligible for free school transport.

    Call in the troops – One in ten grandparents take their grandchildren to school at least once a week, according to research by Saga Motor Insurance, and an additional 30% do so if asked. Friends and family are often more than happy to help if you are pushed for time or money.

    Encourage kids to cycle – If your older child already has a bike, it may be an idea to suggest they cycle to school. This is, of course, dependant on whether there are safe cycle routes available, and how far away the school is. However, this could prove an expensive option in the short run, because equipment such as reflective clothing will be needed, especially in the winter.

    Walk to school – You could either walk with your kids yourself or take it in turns with another parent to accompany them to school. Alternatively, sign them up to a ‘walking bus’ initiative, which sees two responsible and CRB-checked adults known by the school walking groups of children to school along an agreed route.

    Cut driving costs – Take it in turns with nearby families to do the school run, which should cut school fuel costs in half. Or, get hold of an AA or Shell card – or something similar – to earn points which can be converted into money-off vouchers.

    If you think you might struggle with the costs associated with your child returning to school, you may be thinking about a payday advance. If an emergency has left you short, this may be useful, but it does need to be repaid within the month.

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  • 12Sep

    Back to school: how parents can save money this term

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    Many parents are relieved that term time has rolled around again. With the children kept busy all day, you can stop worrying about who will look after them while you’re at work – and your finances, which most likely suffered a significant dent after fun days out, will have a chance to get back on track.

    However, according to new research by Sheila’s Wheels home insurance, the latter of those may not be true. It revealed that parents spend an average of £1,247 a year on their children’s education – and that is excluding school fees.

    With school meals costing £242 overall, and school costs and class trips clocking in at £143 and £137 respectively, it is hardly surprising that 50% of parents found that the expense of schooling their children had proved a lot higher than they had expected.

    One in ten Brits also spends over £200 a year on after-school clubs for their children, forced to rely on extra-curricular activities in order to work the hours necessary to fund raising a family. So, how can you save money on back-to-school costs?

    • Second hand uniform – Whether you buy used uniform from the school’s lost property collection or from a family which no longer has any use for it, you will end up spending significantly less than if you purchase it new. If you follow the same route for sports kits you will make substantial savings.
    • Packed lunches – By spending just five minutes preparing lunch before they go to school, you will save yourself a significant amount of money. It may also be a healthier option, as you get to dictate what goes into your child’s lunchbox.
    • Recycle – Shop around at home before hitting Staples or WHSmith. You will probably have several ring binders, rulers and felt tips already floating around the house. Thoroughly inspect each and every drawer instead of automatically reaching for your wallet – it could save you a wad of cash.

    Of course, even the start of school doesn’t mean that emergencies can’t happen, and if you end up in a situation where you need some extra cash for the month, a payday advance may be useful.

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  • 10Aug

    How to educate your children about general finances

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    Children with bank accounts are increasingly proving to be more prudent than their parents when it comes to money matters, a new study has revealed.

    After surveying up to 1,000 children, the money-saving site MyFamilyClub has published research revealing that three in four children already have their own bank account. Out of this group, 81% of children said they put money into their account in the last year, a habit that seems to be notably beneficial as a way of educating them towards a healthy financial future.

    According to the figures, Scottish children are the best savers in the UK, with 89% of them putting money into their bank accounts last year. How can you improve your child’s financial education?

    • Give them money – Paying some pocket money to your children will make them more responsible of what they actually own. The first step to make them more aware of the value of money is by giving them some pounds to take care of.
    • Learn to earn – Although giving money to your kids will help them to feel responsible for the use of it, it is also a good idea to pay them in exchange for doing something specific, such as taking care of the garden or the household chores.
    • Financial goals and personal treats – If there is something that your children would like to purchase, a good idea might be to encourage them to save their own money in order to get hold of it- if the treat is very expensive you can help them out. Buying something they really desire with their own money will actually make them value it more; children will feel they deserve it as a result of their patience in saving and hard work.
    • Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries – As children grow older; they also like buying presents for their family and friends with their own money. This makes them feel independent – giving gifts they have chosen and paid for is a very ‘adult’ thing to do.

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  • 01Aug

    How to save money on car maintenance

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    According to a new study, in the last five years the number of people paying garages for basic vehicle maintenance has risen from 10% to 17%. The financial crisis is squeezing many British motorists, but how can you avoid large garage bills for simple maintenance tasks? 

    Data from the study published by Saga revealed that only 8% of Brits who own a car which is less than a year old feel confident enough to repair or perform maintenance task themselves. In contrast, the percentage among those with a vehicle that is more than a decade old stands at 15%.

    Although vehicles are becoming more complex with the arrival of electronic systems, there are a number of considerations you should keep in mind if you want to reduce your car maintenance costs:

    Prevention is key 

    Making sure that your vehicle has everything it needs to work at its optimal potential is essential to avoid problems in the future. Therefore, always make sure that your car has the right levels of oil, antifreeze and water, and find out where the different motoring systems are located under the car’s bonnet. This will help you to monitor the basics and ensure you are not surprised by unexpected problems.

    Learn the essential car maintenance check-list

    Every driver should be aware of the need for things such as changing the LED lights, the battery, oil filter or simply replacing the cam belt. Being able to carry out such a car maintenance checklist by yourself could save you considerable money on garage bills in the long term.

    Take care of your machine

    The better care you take of your vehicle, the longer it will last. This means that keeping in mind things such as not putting your engine under too much pressure by speeding, or avoiding the process of exposing the engine to adverse weather conditions will always help to extend the life of your vehicle.

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  • 23Apr

    Steps to take when falling behind on energy bills

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    Higher utility bills and frozen incomes are forcing nearly a half of Brits (48%) to undertake cut-backs in order to make ends meet. But, what can you do if you are already behind on paying your utility bills?

    Consumer Focus and Citizens Advice warned that steep bills could push more UK households into debt with their energy supplier. These two institutions also gave a number of tips to help Brits when falling behind on their energy bills:

    • Many British consumers ignore that fact that their energy provider has the duty to help them if their find themselves struggling to pay their bills. Therefore, make sure you let your supplier know as soon as you fall behind on your payments.
    • Similarly, explain your situation to your provider and let them know what you are able to pay. This will be considered when arranging future repayments.
    • If you need further help, do not hesitate to contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau as well as calling the Home Heat Helpline to find out about other free energy help available. Among other resources, they could offer you a discount or provide you with free insulation to help you save energy at home.
    • Switching to a cheaper deal is always a must-do when struggling with your current contract. Again, your provider could advise you about the different offers available. You could even switch to a another energy company – as long as you pay by pre-payment meter and have less than £200 of debt.
    • “Speak to your energy supplier as they have a duty to make sure you are repaying what you can afford. Citizens Advice Bureaux can also help you to find out what help is out there to cut your bills and claim any benefits you could be entitled to,” said Gillian Guy, Citizens Advice Chief Executive.
    Some people take out payday loans for household bills. We think that’s a bad idea, as they’re intended for emergency reasons only, and getting into a position where debt is being used to pay debt is never responsible.

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  • 09Mar

    Five financial tips given by British consumers

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    Nine out of ten Brits are now adopting financially efficient habits. New research found that consumers are more financial savvy now than three years ago, and revealed the tactics they utlise to save money on a daily basis. 

    Since the UK was plunged into an economic crisis, British consumers have become more aware of the importance of being finacially efficient. Standard Life’s new ‘Financial Efficiency’ study has revealed the top money saving tips given by today’s Brits. 

    Don’t spend what you don’t have

    This is, by far, the most popular piece of advice. 57% said they are doing this in 2012, while less than a half of Brits (45%) had this strategy in mind in 2009.

    Shop around regularly

    Comparing prices and shopping around is, indeed, a good way of saving money and securing the best deals. 11% more consumers are doing this now compared to 2009, growing from 39% to 50%.

    Regularly search out the best deals online

    The Internet is a great tool to find money saving deals. Internet-savvy consumers are making the most of the World Wide Web by searching online for new ways of making the most of their budget. 49% do this now, in comparison to only 37% in 2009.

    Use loyalty cards

    Loyalty cards benefit consumers by offering services or products at cheaper prices. Use them smartly and don’t overspend just because there is a special offer. Since 2009, 11% more Brits have taken advantage of loyalty card discounts – 36% against 47%.

    Set budgets

    This is another way of keeping your finances under control. While only one in five Brits did this in 2009, the proportion has now increased to one in three. 

    Further common tips include regularly reviewing utility providers and tariffs, saving into an ISA to get better returns or saving into a pension to esnure long term financial security. In addition, a same day payday loan could help when having money related difficulties.

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  • 05Jan

    Driving in poor weather conditions

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    2012 has started with strong winds that are affecting many British regions. Driving in winter is particularly dangerous due to the bad weather conditions motorists may encounter on UK roads.

    Having your car break down could be a nightmare that not only ruins your plans for that day, but could also cost a serious amount to fix. Following these tips, however, could help you to avoid road incidents or, at least, make them less stressful.

    • Before you leave, remove ice from your vehicle with a windscreen scraper or de-icer. Avoid using hot water or a knife.
    • In case of incident, your mobile phone will be your best friend to call for help. Ensure that you take it with you and that the battery is fully charged.
    • Check and top-up the anti-freeze and de-icing agent levels of your vehicle. Additionally, make sure you have enough fuel for the journey.
    • If the weather conditions are very bad, avoid driving unless it is totally necessary.
    • Even if the trip may take longer, always choose roads that have been properly gritted and salted.
    • In case of incident or car breakdown, make sure you have an emergency kit in the car. Items such a heavy-duty jump leads, a tow rope, a first aid kit, a torch, a warning triangle or a fire extinguisher can be a great help.
    • In poor weather conditions you will need more time for both braking and accelerating. Therefore, it is particularly important to leave more room between you and the vehicle in front.
    • It is always recommended to bring some food and drink with you in case you get stuck on the road.
    • Last but not least, make sure you have car insurance in place so you are covered for any potential incidents. Otherwise, you might need to rely on other sources of income such as payday loans to pay for any expenses.

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  • 13Oct

    Unemployment struggles: tips to find a job

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    The latest official employment figures reveal a tough reality for many British families. With the UK unemployment rate now set at 8.1%, the number of those without work now represents a 17-year high.

    Unemployment can be a real nightmare for families whose bills and debts exceed their monthly income. If employment struggles are making it difficult for you to cope financially, why not check out what you could do to increase your chances of finding a job.

    Tailor your CV to the employer: Every employer is looking for something different. Before sending over your CV, try to do some homework on the specific employer your pitching to and identify key skills they may be looking for and encompass this within the CV.

    Email alerts: Searching online is essential to find a job. A good way of saving time surfing the need is setting up as many email alerts as possible on the employment sites you visit. Just by introducing your field of work and other details, they can send you alerts with specific offers to your professional expertise. Searching professional social networks such as LinkedIn is also recommended.

    Spread the voice: Despite living in the IT era, word of mouth methods are still very effective when it comes to find a job. Don’t be ashamed of letting your friend and relatives know about your situation; they can be aware of potential job offers and tell you if something comes out.

    Further education: If you have got the energy and the finances left, a further qualification may help you to secure employment in the long term. Anything from an MA to an extension course will demonstrate your commitment to future employers and may allow you to learn more about your chosen subject.

    If your money commitments are stressing you out, payday loans are a good resource you can rely on to pay the bills while you are looking for employment.

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  • 05Oct

    How to Save Money on Gadgets

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    As a nation of gadget lovers, finding ways to save money on our spending can sometimes be difficult. No one likes to feel like they have missed out on the latest addition to the gadget world, so how can you make sure you get all the latest kit without spending a fortune?

    The need for gadget lovers to curb their spending has become even more pronounced recently as it was revealed that gadgets contribute heavily to the cost of energy bills (read the full story here). Along with these costs, gadgets can often incur fairly hefty price tags of their own, often being priced fairly highly in relation to other possessions and objects.

    Saving money on gadgets is, therefore, something which needs to be done alongside other money saving efforts in order to improve the efficiency of our homes: both economically and environmentally.

    Some top tips for saving money on gadgets include:

    • Consider buying gadgets second hand in order to save money. You may not get the device as quickly as everyone else but you may be surprised at how soon after a purchase people are willing to get rid of their new possessions, giving you the chance to save some hard earned cash.

    • See if it is possible to trade in your old gadgets in order to get money off a new purchase. This is commonly offered with mobile phone handsets but some places will have the same offer for laptops and other electrical gadgets.

    •Budget your spending and make sure you don’t get carried away. Factor in your gadget mania into your monthly expenses and assign a portion of this to go towards tech updates and additions.

    • Shop around and make sure that you get the best deal. Always compare prices to see where the item is being sold cheapest and take advantage of promotional offers and deals.

    • Consider using a payday loan as a way to fund expenditures, these quick and simple cash loans can help you afford the latest gadgets without dipping into your usual finances.

    Money Saving Tips

    For more tips on how to save money, take a look at the following great posts:

    How To Save Money On Your Mobile Phone Bill

    How To Give Gifts On a Budget

    How To Treat Yourself Without Breaking the Bank

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