MRS MEAN
MONEY SHOW
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The podcast of Mrs Mean. Listen as she sets out to save you money every day.
Mrs Mean details the tricks and the ways we are persuaded to spend more than we can afford. With the economic crisis hitting so many people, now is the time to work out ways of saving your money. Let Mrs Mean and broadcaster Glen Thompsett guide you through the maze.
Latest Episode
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 90 Save Money When Shopping
Published on 6 December, 2024
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Shopping is no longer fun. It is hard work to make sure you do not pay too much or get misled into buying things you do not need or want.Loyalty prices add to the complications and are unfair to shoppers without smart phones or a loyalty card.Comparing prices should be easy but stores choose to provide inaccurate unit information that is difficult to compare.We need to take a list, plan our meals, check all prices are what they seem.Money can be saved and it is very satisfying to find the best value in a packet on the bottom shelf of your supermarket.Keep space in your freezer for items on their last day that have yellow stickers cutting the prices. Think about cashback and bulk buying.Put yourself back in control of your shopping.
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Episode Archive
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 89 - Beware Black Friday
Published on 22 November, 2024
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We are being beseiged with Black Friday offers everywhere we look. Most of them do not deliver what they promise. But if there is something you need or really, really want make sure you do your research to make sure you are not scammed, charged too much, or sold something that is not worth what you are paying.
While you are doing the research you can also prep by selling some of the items in your wardrobe, spare room, kitchen or garage that you no longer need or like. It is easier than ever before to sell old clothes, toys, kitchen equipment and earn much more to fund new purchases.
Fraud increases during the Black Friday big sell. Pay with your credit card to protect yourself and remember if the price seems to be good to be true the item either does not exist or is not as described.
And remember if you do not buy anything during the extended Black Friday sales you have savedc 100%.
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While you are doing the research you can also prep by selling some of the items in your wardrobe, spare room, kitchen or garage that you no longer need or like. It is easier than ever before to sell old clothes, toys, kitchen equipment and earn much more to fund new purchases.
Fraud increases during the Black Friday big sell. Pay with your credit card to protect yourself and remember if the price seems to be good to be true the item either does not exist or is not as described.
And remember if you do not buy anything during the extended Black Friday sales you have savedc 100%.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 88 Secure Your Future
Published on 8 November, 2024
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The pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have caused many people to make very difficult decisions about their spending to be able to keep within their stretched budgets. But an alarming number of workers need to look at their spending again if they are to avoid a poor old age. Up to 25% of workers stopped paying into their pensions to increase their take home pay, according to one survey. This also had the effect of saving their employers money as well.Times are still hard. But as the state pension is the worst in the developed world, workers need to invest for their old age and to make sure they do not miss out on their employers' pension contributions and the generous tax relief available.Pensions are a key part of our wage packages and many companies will help employees to catch up with their pension pots. In just the same way as employers pay employees different rates of pay they may pay more into individual pensions as this helps to keep the beneficiaries loyal. If you don't ask you don't get.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 87 Time to free up money
Published on 25 October, 2024
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It has never been more important to make our money go further. Inflation may have reduced, but we are still paying a lot more for our food,energy and homes. One way open to us all to make money is to sell stuff. It may be old clothes, old books, games, tech toys, kitchen equipment, in fact anything you have finished with.Remember we typically wear less than half the clothes we own. We have wardrobes, chests of drawers, and rooms full of items that could boost your bank balance.Every household has stuff that can be sold.It is straightfoward to set up as an online seller, and surprisingly addictive. There are no selling costs with most sales, and there should be no tax to pay either.Selling can make a big difference to our family budgets and as a bonus make space in our cluttered homes.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 86 How to Survive Fraud
Published on 11 October, 2024
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Fraud is an increasing problem in the UK made worse by the closure of thousands of bank branches. Banks are now required to pay compensation up to £85,000 within five days when criminals defraud their customers. But as banks try to reduce their potential compensation bills it is becoming more difficult to make bank transfers and open new accounts, especially if your bank has closed the local branch. It may be worth opening a second bank account that gives you local access to your money and the help of banking staff. Mobile phones, internet businesses, social media and the way we shop online make it easier for criminals, and the banks on the hook for our fraudulent losses are upping their game in providing information about what to watch out for. Essentially we should trust no one especially if they call on your land line, sound friendly and say they are from your bank; and never allow yourself to be rushed to make a payment.My bank has twice got in the way of transactions I wanted to make. It was annoying at the time but if the deals had been dodgy they would have saved me from being defrauded before compensation became compulsory.We need to make sure we understand the rules that our banks impose on interbank transactions before we have to make a transfer. If possible visit a bank branch. If you are making a payment to a new payee then send a small amount as a test transfer. Read the small print when buying online.It is also important to tell actionfraud.police.uk if your are defrauded. It may help them to warn others of a new danger.Most importantly taking time may save you from repenting at leisure.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 85 Stop supermarkets making bigger profits
Published on 27 September, 2024
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Supermarkets make it difficult for us to get the best value for our money. They game us with their loyalty cards, special prices, extra points, yo-yo pricing and price matching.The last quarter of the year is the most profitable for them.We all need to work hard to make sure we are not made fools of by attractive displays, misleading prices and two tier pricing.Shopping takes a little longer, but you can save a lot more by checking prices and trying own and basic brands than you will by being seduced by the loyalty card prices.And you will soon see the patterns of when prices are increased. Big shopping baskets at the end of the month are likely to be more expensive than mid month because shoppers are less price conscious when they have just been paid, and the stores know it.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 84 Save money with flexible working
Published on 13 September, 2024
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The way we work has changed in recent years and employees are set to get more opportunities to make work work for them and their families. Compressed four-day weeks will give employees the chance to complete a full working week in four days and continue to earn their full salaries. They will also be able to save big money as they are more productive for their employers. Working from home saves big on travel costs and a four-day week allows parents to cut their child care costs by thousands of pounds a year as well as cutting commuting costs.You may also be able to claim the cost of working from home from your employer or HMRC.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 83 Your Money Questions Answered
Published on 30 August, 2024
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Our finances have never been so sorely tested. Energy bills are increasing so are water bills and tax is also a worry among Mrs Mean listeners.
But that does not mean we have to accept the bad news without fighting back. There are lots of tips to save money on energy and water bills. Now is the time to check them out. Those trying to improve their financial positions also need to make sure that side hustles do not increase their tax bills.
New rules announced at the beginning of the year for people selling stuff on websites such as eBay, Vinted and Depop will increase the admin for the apps and websites but should not incur tax bills for most users. Check out the details and keep records to keep yourself safe.
Taking a lodger can also rescue a stressed family budget with £7,500 a year rent without incurring a tax bill, as lots of students and people starting their first jobs need better value accommodation than offered by private landlords.
Listen and save money.
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But that does not mean we have to accept the bad news without fighting back. There are lots of tips to save money on energy and water bills. Now is the time to check them out. Those trying to improve their financial positions also need to make sure that side hustles do not increase their tax bills.
New rules announced at the beginning of the year for people selling stuff on websites such as eBay, Vinted and Depop will increase the admin for the apps and websites but should not incur tax bills for most users. Check out the details and keep records to keep yourself safe.
Taking a lodger can also rescue a stressed family budget with £7,500 a year rent without incurring a tax bill, as lots of students and people starting their first jobs need better value accommodation than offered by private landlords.
Listen and save money.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 82 Student living cost crisis
Published on 16 August, 2024
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Student finances are even tougher this year for those starting their university courses, as maintenance loans are just 2.5% higher than last year, even though rents and other costs are increasing far faster than the cash help. The average maintenace loan is just £6,116 less than the average rent.And to make matters worse the financial help offered by the Students Loans Company has been reduced for students whose parents have a household income of £25,000 or more since 2008.Many parents with higher salaries will still struggle to help with the living costs of their children as their household finances are strained by higher mortgage rates, energy and food costs. Many parents are also not clear just how much they are expected to contribute to their children's living costs.It is not surprising that more than half of students have to find a job.We look at university living costs, the financial help available, getting a job, other ways of raising money and getting a guarantor for rental properties.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 81 - Cash Comeback
Published on 2 August, 2024
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Cash is making a comeback. The cost of living crisis means that millions of people have to watch every penny and cannot afford to get carried away with credit cards or contactless ones.The number of people using cash for day-to-day spending is at a four-year high and cash is used for 12% of all transactions. It gives greater control of our money and does not fool us into thinking we have more money than we do.
Supermarket shopping may take a little longer using cash and sticking to a budget but it is satsifying to cut grocery bills. You can also cut food waste if you plan for meals rather than buying the same things every week and throwing quite a bit when it goes off.
There is new help in keeping cash in our wallets. After 6,000 bank branches closing in recent years banks are being required not to close any more from next year without making sure that local people will still have access to cash.
Now is the time to avoid "card only" retailers and tell them why.
Cash can allow you to treat yourself and may mean that your money does not run out before the month does.
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Supermarket shopping may take a little longer using cash and sticking to a budget but it is satsifying to cut grocery bills. You can also cut food waste if you plan for meals rather than buying the same things every week and throwing quite a bit when it goes off.
There is new help in keeping cash in our wallets. After 6,000 bank branches closing in recent years banks are being required not to close any more from next year without making sure that local people will still have access to cash.
Now is the time to avoid "card only" retailers and tell them why.
Cash can allow you to treat yourself and may mean that your money does not run out before the month does.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 80 - Take your time to protect yourself
Published on 19 July, 2024
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The world gets faster but it can make us very vulnerable as scammers and the unscrupulous, trick us into making decisions too quickly. The banks are not always helpful if customers are defrauded.It is not only the elderly who are at risk. We all have to make sure we do not click on links, open attachments or accept phone calls from unknown senders.Busy people are probably the most vulnerable as they do not allow time to check things out. Just as dangerous are the friendly faces of stage and screen who encourage us to put our savings in special accounts or to take advantage of crypto currencies for the first time. These trustworthy faces are anything but. The celebrities know nothing about the investments being advertised their faces are being used by criminals to get us to trust them with our money.And once you have sent them your money it will disappear - probably out of the country - and in many cases the victims do not realise for years that they have been defrauded.Every time we check our emails we are in danger if we allow ourselves to be rushed. When we make holiday bookings we need to be just as careful as there are lots of criminals trying to tempt holidaymakers with super accommodation at bargain prices. Take time to do your research and protect yourself.Parking your car can also be a battleground with criminals and while supermarkets are not run by criminals they are not as open and honest as they used to be.Just take time to keep yourself and your money safe.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 79 - Cut Insurance Costs
Published on 5 July, 2024
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Home insurance bills are racing ahead. It means we all have to do our research early and be ready to move fast when renewing our policies if we want to save money. With average increases of 42% we need to check every aspect of our cover. Too many people pay too much for their buildings' insurance because they insure for the sale price of their home and not the rebuild cost. Lots of people are also encouraged to pay for cover they do not need and may even pay twice for specific cover such as travel insurance without realising. And even worse they may pay for travel cover that they will not be able to claim on because they are too old. Most important of all do not allow your policy to auto renew. This allows the insurance company to charge you what they like. And when you think you have the best value policy do not allow the insurance company to charge you up to 40% more by offering you so-called easy terms. Paying annually is far cheaper than in 12 instalments. Renewing insurance policies takes time but it is time well spent and should allow you to cut the cost.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 78 Make Sure Your Money is Safe
Published on 21 June, 2024
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Cyber attacks and IT glitches are happening more often, affecting millions of customers, and they can put our money in danger. Not only are hackers after our money, but fraudsters are ready to use news of IT glitches to persuade us to hand over our account details.They pretend to be from our banks, credit card companies or other organisations. They are very apologetic that our information is in danger and tell customers what to do to make sure our money is safe. They are nicely spoken and persuasive. Put the phone down. Do not open any links. Mobile phone thefts have overtaken cash and payment cards as the items most stolen from individuals in the UK. As our phones are also used as our bank accounts, payment cards, travel and event tickets they also put us in danger of losing far more than the value of their phones.Banks will be compelled to pay compensation to customers from October. Until then you have to be even more careful as some banks try to pay very few people who lose money. In the meantime keep your phone safe, believe no cold caller even if they appear to be calling from your bank. Fraud is the leading crime in the UK. Do not lose money.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep77-Mend your budget before the election
Published on 7 June, 2024
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We can all make extra money, and in most cases we will not have to pay any extra tax into the bargain. Whether it is selling on clothes that no longer fit, hiring out power tools, renting a room or space in your driveway you can start earning in days.With taxes at a 70-year-high and food and energy prices still much higher than they were a couple of years ago most of us need exta money, and it has never been easier to start a side hustle.There are also tax breaks that many are not benefiting from. Couples should make sure they use their tax allowances effectively. The marriage allowance is unclaimed by millions, many of whom could get £1,258 straightaway.The personal savings allowance allows basic rate taxpayers to earn £1,000 in interest without paying tax and those who have no other income can receive up to £18,570 in interest without paying any tax.We can all start by selling our old clothes, which is fee-free and tax-free.
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep76-Stop energy companies robbing customers
Published on 22 May, 2024
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Customers are owed £3.7 billion by energy companies. The money has built up from overpayments of direct debits and should be returned. Companies err on the side of overcharging when they set up the amounts we have to pay for direct debits. A small buffer is sensible, but all too often customers are owed hundreds of pounds and more. We need to get our money back and after a 12% price reduction in April and another cut due to start in July it is time to contact our energy companies if they have not volunteered a reduction in monthly payments or a refund. It can take time to get through to the call centres and then to get a refund agreed. If you are owed money and the company is refusing to make a refund the Energy Ombudsman should help you and if the company still refuses to hand over your cash you can move to a rival energy company and then the old one will have to give you your money in 10 working days or pay a penalty of an additional £30.Once you have got your refund it is worth checking if elderly relatives, neighbours or friends are due a refund.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep75-Saving money on holiday
Published on 10 May, 2024
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It is the peak holiday booking season as we look forward to summer sunshine. But first of all you need to make sure you get a great deal for your flight, hotel, hire car and holiday money. And as soon as you book you must protect the dream with travel insurance.We tell you how to avoid being ripped off by hire car companies, which are the best days to travel, and how to avoid extra costs.Avoid airport currency exchange bureaux and when abroad always pay in the local currency.Read the terms and conditions before you book, highlighter pen in hand, so that you are not shocked by by the cost for extra mileage on your hire car and know that trying to return the vehicle empty is the most expensive deal.Budget airlines are not always the cheapest and since Brexit passports expire sooner than you think. Check yours.Holiday bargains are not always what they seem. But holiday memories are worth the prep.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: www.mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: www.mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 74 - Beware reduced credit card payments
Published on 26 April, 2024
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Millions of credit card customers face a big increase in the cost of their borrowing, but many will not know.
Barclaycard is reducing the minimum payments that customers will be charged from July. Someone owing £2,500 will have a minimum payment of £71. 21 from July down from £89.96 - an apparent saving of £18 a month.
But this move alone increases the cost of paying off balances because customers paying the minimum will be paying the high interest charges for longer.
Not only is the company reducing the monthly payments but it is also increasing the interest rates at the same time by about 15% from 18.71% to 21.59% for example. So not only are cardholders paying for longer, but they are also paying a higher rate of interest.
The cost of paying off card balances could cost thousands of pounds more if minimum payments are made every month. A customer choosing to pay £100 on a £2,500 debt instead of £71.21 would save a massive £3,522.57 in interest.
Pay as much as you can each month or apply for a zero interest card to pay off debts even quicker.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Barclaycard is reducing the minimum payments that customers will be charged from July. Someone owing £2,500 will have a minimum payment of £71. 21 from July down from £89.96 - an apparent saving of £18 a month.
But this move alone increases the cost of paying off balances because customers paying the minimum will be paying the high interest charges for longer.
Not only is the company reducing the monthly payments but it is also increasing the interest rates at the same time by about 15% from 18.71% to 21.59% for example. So not only are cardholders paying for longer, but they are also paying a higher rate of interest.
The cost of paying off card balances could cost thousands of pounds more if minimum payments are made every month. A customer choosing to pay £100 on a £2,500 debt instead of £71.21 would save a massive £3,522.57 in interest.
Pay as much as you can each month or apply for a zero interest card to pay off debts even quicker.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 73 - The high cost of children
Published on 12 April, 2024
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Children are very expensive, especially if you work.
The government has increased the financial help it gives towards child care costs so that the parents of two-year-olds can now get a contribution towards the costs. But this is still likely to be a lot less than is needed.
The official line is that two-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours free child care a week if the parents each earn less than £100,001 a year. But when school holidays are taken into account the free care is equivalent to one 10-hour day a week and extra costs for food and nappies are also likely to be added. And that is if you can find a child care place.
Budgets for babies are undoubtedly stretched making it vital that parents get every bit of help they can to cover the costs of children.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The government has increased the financial help it gives towards child care costs so that the parents of two-year-olds can now get a contribution towards the costs. But this is still likely to be a lot less than is needed.
The official line is that two-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours free child care a week if the parents each earn less than £100,001 a year. But when school holidays are taken into account the free care is equivalent to one 10-hour day a week and extra costs for food and nappies are also likely to be added. And that is if you can find a child care place.
Budgets for babies are undoubtedly stretched making it vital that parents get every bit of help they can to cover the costs of children.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 72 Loyalty is hard work
Published on 29 March, 2024
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Loyalty is the latest tool that supermarkets use to lure us into their stores. Big signs and advertisements suggest we can save lots of money but in reality you need to take a calculator, check prices carefully on grocery websites and allow extra time if you are not going to be ripped off.
Loyalty cards offer cheaper prices to customers who have them. But this loyalty is fickle and the offers seem to change at whim. And often there is not enough information for us to compare prices and work out which is the best value.
Shrinkflation where the contents of packs are reduced but the price is not, add to the confusion.
The stores are constantly changing their scheme rules and the timing of their offers so we have to be alert. For many it is simpler and cheaper to use discount stores and the economy ranges.
We do not have to be loyal to one group. Remember the big chains are making bigger profits this year from our loyalty.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Loyalty cards offer cheaper prices to customers who have them. But this loyalty is fickle and the offers seem to change at whim. And often there is not enough information for us to compare prices and work out which is the best value.
Shrinkflation where the contents of packs are reduced but the price is not, add to the confusion.
The stores are constantly changing their scheme rules and the timing of their offers so we have to be alert. For many it is simpler and cheaper to use discount stores and the economy ranges.
We do not have to be loyal to one group. Remember the big chains are making bigger profits this year from our loyalty.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 71 Cut Living Costs Now
Published on 15 March, 2024
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April is the cruellest month when many of our household bills increase. The battle to tame inflation has not yet been won so we have to cut our household bills wherever possible.
Even energy bills that are set to be reduced by 12% on April 1 are still more than twice what they were before Ukraine was invaded.
So there is no better time to check all our household bills to find out where savings can be made.
Water bills are set to rise by an average of 6% in April, but the good news is that millions of households can cut their bills immediately. If you do not have a water meter they cost nothing and if you have more bedrooms than people living in the property you should save money. Those who shower at the gym or travel a lot may also benefit. If your bills do not come down after a meter is installed you can ask your water company to switch you back.
Energy bills may be falling but we still need to be alert and to make sure we are not wasting gas or electricity, and we must send a reading to our energy companies early on April 1 to make sure we are not charged winter prices for Spring usage under the new Ofcom price cap.
Also check how much you are in credit on your direct debits. Energy companies have £7 billion of our money accrued because we have paid for more energy than we have used, and as days get longer and warmer and the new price cap comes into operation it is a good time to get back any overpayment.
As council tax bills increase in April householders should check if they can save money.
Broadband and mobile costs are set to increase by up to 8.8% but only if you are in contract. Everyone else should call their supplier and negotiate a reduction.
There is also lots of money to be saved on insurance, credit cards, food and petrol.
Take one bill at a time and keep a record of the savings. If you do not ask you do not get.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Even energy bills that are set to be reduced by 12% on April 1 are still more than twice what they were before Ukraine was invaded.
So there is no better time to check all our household bills to find out where savings can be made.
Water bills are set to rise by an average of 6% in April, but the good news is that millions of households can cut their bills immediately. If you do not have a water meter they cost nothing and if you have more bedrooms than people living in the property you should save money. Those who shower at the gym or travel a lot may also benefit. If your bills do not come down after a meter is installed you can ask your water company to switch you back.
Energy bills may be falling but we still need to be alert and to make sure we are not wasting gas or electricity, and we must send a reading to our energy companies early on April 1 to make sure we are not charged winter prices for Spring usage under the new Ofcom price cap.
Also check how much you are in credit on your direct debits. Energy companies have £7 billion of our money accrued because we have paid for more energy than we have used, and as days get longer and warmer and the new price cap comes into operation it is a good time to get back any overpayment.
As council tax bills increase in April householders should check if they can save money.
Broadband and mobile costs are set to increase by up to 8.8% but only if you are in contract. Everyone else should call their supplier and negotiate a reduction.
There is also lots of money to be saved on insurance, credit cards, food and petrol.
Take one bill at a time and keep a record of the savings. If you do not ask you do not get.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 70 - Remortgaging
Published on 1 March, 2024
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It is crunch time for millions of homeowners whose fixed rate mortgages expire this year. They face much bigger monthly payments.
After 14 interest rate increases over the last two years, and no sign from the Bank of England that there will be a reduction any time soon, many are fearful they could lose their homes, and may be putting off finding out just how bad the news is.
It may be scary, but anyone facing having to remortgage cannot start soon enough. And delaying could be catastrophically expensive.
Lenders will allow homebuyers to secure a mortgage interest rate six months before their existing loans expire.
Those not familiar with how mortgage payments are calculated may find the new payments, while higher, are not as frightening as they have feared.
The earliest cut in interest rates is now expected in May and then may only be 0.25%. 10-year bond yields, which are the key influence on mortgage rates, have risen in recent weeks and the best remortgage rates have been withdrawn.
But if rates do fall sooner than expected homebuyers should be able to abandon their fixed offer and move to a better deal at no cost. Of course, it is important to establish the rules of the "insurance" offer when you agree it.
Starting early also gives you time to fix your household budget and maybe get £7,500 tax-free help.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After 14 interest rate increases over the last two years, and no sign from the Bank of England that there will be a reduction any time soon, many are fearful they could lose their homes, and may be putting off finding out just how bad the news is.
It may be scary, but anyone facing having to remortgage cannot start soon enough. And delaying could be catastrophically expensive.
Lenders will allow homebuyers to secure a mortgage interest rate six months before their existing loans expire.
Those not familiar with how mortgage payments are calculated may find the new payments, while higher, are not as frightening as they have feared.
The earliest cut in interest rates is now expected in May and then may only be 0.25%. 10-year bond yields, which are the key influence on mortgage rates, have risen in recent weeks and the best remortgage rates have been withdrawn.
But if rates do fall sooner than expected homebuyers should be able to abandon their fixed offer and move to a better deal at no cost. Of course, it is important to establish the rules of the "insurance" offer when you agree it.
Starting early also gives you time to fix your household budget and maybe get £7,500 tax-free help.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 69 - Student Living Costs
Published on 16 February, 2024
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Succeeding in your A level exams is vital for the school students wanting to go to university this autumn. But almost as important, as their studies, is working out how they will afford to live whilst they are at university.
The government has increased maintenance loans for undergraduates by 2.5% for students going to university this autumn. This comes after a 2.8% increase last year and two years of rapidly rising living costs.
Parents are not told how much they should contribute towards their children's living costs, but families with an income above £25,000 are on the hook for cash help even though their living costs have risen faster than their incomes.
The threshold for parental contribution to student living costs has not been increased more than 15 years.
This means that both parents and their children are likley to have difficulty funding university life.
So now is the time to start for families to have honest conversations and to work out how they will manage to fund university life without getting into debt.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The government has increased maintenance loans for undergraduates by 2.5% for students going to university this autumn. This comes after a 2.8% increase last year and two years of rapidly rising living costs.
Parents are not told how much they should contribute towards their children's living costs, but families with an income above £25,000 are on the hook for cash help even though their living costs have risen faster than their incomes.
The threshold for parental contribution to student living costs has not been increased more than 15 years.
This means that both parents and their children are likley to have difficulty funding university life.
So now is the time to start for families to have honest conversations and to work out how they will manage to fund university life without getting into debt.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 68 Time to get some tax back
Published on 2 February, 2024
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Tax returns have been filed so it is now time to find out if there is any money that HMRC owes you, and the quicker you are the more you might get.
The current tax year ends on April 5 and if you make a claim before then for an allowance you should have then you may be able to backdate the claim to 2019.
And there is lots of money waiting for you to claim it.
There are 2.1 million couples who are eligible for the married couples' allowance who have not claimed it. They could be able to claim up to £1,256 and have it in their bank accounts in weeks.
If you still have to work from home a tax rebate could be waiting for you. If you need specialist tools or uniform for work then you might be able to get money from the tax office.
Use your trading, property and savings allowances.
Rent a Room out and pay no tax on the £7,500 you receive from your tenant.
Make sure you claim the full tax relief on any charitable donations and for pension contributions.
We all need to get what we are due.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The current tax year ends on April 5 and if you make a claim before then for an allowance you should have then you may be able to backdate the claim to 2019.
And there is lots of money waiting for you to claim it.
There are 2.1 million couples who are eligible for the married couples' allowance who have not claimed it. They could be able to claim up to £1,256 and have it in their bank accounts in weeks.
If you still have to work from home a tax rebate could be waiting for you. If you need specialist tools or uniform for work then you might be able to get money from the tax office.
Use your trading, property and savings allowances.
Rent a Room out and pay no tax on the £7,500 you receive from your tenant.
Make sure you claim the full tax relief on any charitable donations and for pension contributions.
We all need to get what we are due.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 67 Do not let your insurance company make extra money from you
Published on 19 January, 2024
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Insurance companies are competting to charge us more. The average homes' insurance policy already cost 36% more this year than last, before storms Babet, Ciaran and Debi damaged thousands of homes causing half a billion pounds worth of damage. And then came the even more powerful Henk.
While the insurance companies will find reasons to increase our premiums we all need to make sure we do enough research to stop us being massively overcharged.
For two years the companies have been under instructions from the Financial Conduct Authority to treat existing customers fairly, and not to charge them more than new customers.
There is lots of evidence that they are not managing to do so yet. This means that when your policy is due for renewal you need to make sure you are not overcharged. Start your research early and never allow the company to auto renew.
Just as important: do not accept their "easy terms." Making monthly instalments can add 40% to the cost of the policy.
Do not leave renewal to the last days of your existing policy. The earlier you commit the cheaper the policy is likely to be. Twenty-three days before the policy expires is the sweet spot.
Mrs Mean wants you to be in control of the process and to pay less.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
While the insurance companies will find reasons to increase our premiums we all need to make sure we do enough research to stop us being massively overcharged.
For two years the companies have been under instructions from the Financial Conduct Authority to treat existing customers fairly, and not to charge them more than new customers.
There is lots of evidence that they are not managing to do so yet. This means that when your policy is due for renewal you need to make sure you are not overcharged. Start your research early and never allow the company to auto renew.
Just as important: do not accept their "easy terms." Making monthly instalments can add 40% to the cost of the policy.
Do not leave renewal to the last days of your existing policy. The earlier you commit the cheaper the policy is likely to be. Twenty-three days before the policy expires is the sweet spot.
Mrs Mean wants you to be in control of the process and to pay less.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 66 - Time to save starting with a penny
Published on 5 January, 2024
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Banks make billions a year by charging borrowers lots and paying savers little. Now with mortgage rates coming down as banks compete for customers savers have to be nimble if they are not going to lose out. Now is the time to find out whether you can get a better return on any savings you have. Banks are already reducing the interest they pay on deposits and have long paid little or nothing to customers with easy access to their money. At the end of 2023 it was reported that £255 billion was sitting in seven million bank accounts that paid no interest at all. It is time to make sure you do not have one of them. Benefit claimants can open a government-backed Help to Save Account that pays 50p for every £1 they save over four years.
If you have less than £12,570 in income each year you may be able to earn £18,570 in savings without paying any tax. Meanwhile it is worth starting very small with a penny on day one, two pence on day two and at the end of 366 days you will have £671.61 ready to save more in 2025.Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you have less than £12,570 in income each year you may be able to earn £18,570 in savings without paying any tax. Meanwhile it is worth starting very small with a penny on day one, two pence on day two and at the end of 366 days you will have £671.61 ready to save more in 2025.Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 65 - Avoid the sales
Published on 21 December, 2023
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We have been battling inflation all year and now retailers are trying to persuade us to spend whatever we have managed to save.
Everywhere we are being offered half price goods and even cheaper.
Before you are tempted you have tocheck whether the price cuts are as good as the stores say, and whether you need what is being offered.
It has been a tough year for retailers but we do not need to help them empty their warehouses of the goods they bought expecting to make big profits.
If you want to shop in the sales do your homework and make sure you are protected from fraudsters.Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everywhere we are being offered half price goods and even cheaper.
Before you are tempted you have tocheck whether the price cuts are as good as the stores say, and whether you need what is being offered.
It has been a tough year for retailers but we do not need to help them empty their warehouses of the goods they bought expecting to make big profits.
If you want to shop in the sales do your homework and make sure you are protected from fraudsters.Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 64 - New Year Budgeting podcast
Published on 8 December, 2023
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New Year is an opportunity to get our finances under control. There is the quiet period after Christmas to review all our accounts and to work out if there is money to be saved.
More people are using cash to give themselves better control of their money. It is much more difficult to overspend when the cash runs out and we notice every overspend.
It is tougher this year to balance budgets but there are quick wins for all of us if we check our bank accounts and credit cards.
We also need to check if we are using all the apps and services that we are paying for.
We have one advantage this New Year in that all employees and self employed will be getting a discount on their National Insurance premiums from January 6. Many more will get a pay rise in the New Year.
No budget can be sorted in one session. Little and often is the way to make progress. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More people are using cash to give themselves better control of their money. It is much more difficult to overspend when the cash runs out and we notice every overspend.
It is tougher this year to balance budgets but there are quick wins for all of us if we check our bank accounts and credit cards.
We also need to check if we are using all the apps and services that we are paying for.
We have one advantage this New Year in that all employees and self employed will be getting a discount on their National Insurance premiums from January 6. Many more will get a pay rise in the New Year.
No budget can be sorted in one session. Little and often is the way to make progress. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 63 Saving Money at Christmas
Published on 24 November, 2023
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Christmas is a tremendous financial strain each year, and it is probably worse this year as interest rates, food prices, energy bills all challenge household budgets. We all need to learn how to do more for less.
There are lots of ways of giving presents that cost nothing, and even more ways of raising extra cash in the next few weeks .
Banks are giving away up to £200 to customers who move their current accounts. It should only take seven days. Cashback schemes are slower, but can provide money for making a purchase that you always planned.
Make sure you plan all your spending and that you get the cheapest price. You need to do research and should be proud of getting a good deal. Nobody wants to be a sucker.
Retailers are as desperate to sell as we are to find gifts that are good value. Some people wait until the New Year sales in an attempt to get bargains.
But less is more when it comes to Christmas. Time together is worth a lot more than the latest toy or gadget. Free is good.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There are lots of ways of giving presents that cost nothing, and even more ways of raising extra cash in the next few weeks .
Banks are giving away up to £200 to customers who move their current accounts. It should only take seven days. Cashback schemes are slower, but can provide money for making a purchase that you always planned.
Make sure you plan all your spending and that you get the cheapest price. You need to do research and should be proud of getting a good deal. Nobody wants to be a sucker.
Retailers are as desperate to sell as we are to find gifts that are good value. Some people wait until the New Year sales in an attempt to get bargains.
But less is more when it comes to Christmas. Time together is worth a lot more than the latest toy or gadget. Free is good.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 62 Beware Black Friday
Published on 8 November, 2023
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Black Friday is a danger zone for anyone trying to live within their budgets. Retailers want us to splurge on things we didn't know existed or that we wanted them. Fraudsters also put in overtime to part us from our money. But if you do your research before the spending-fest there are bargains to be had as retailers battle to persuade us to buy.
Retail sales have been reduced by bad and good weather and our reluctance to spend when our finances are stressed.
But price reductions are not always clear cut. Without the Trade Descriptions Act to ensure that false claims about prices cannot be made we are on our own and need to research prices using websites such as Pricerunner and PriceSpy. Reviews can guide on what are the best buys. Fake websites and dodgy emails can part you from your money. The average loss per shopper in the Black Friday and festive shopping season in 2021 was £1,000 per person according to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Your credit card can protect you from loss. Even more important is allowing yourself time to assess "bargains." If you are rushed the chances are it is not. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Retail sales have been reduced by bad and good weather and our reluctance to spend when our finances are stressed.
But price reductions are not always clear cut. Without the Trade Descriptions Act to ensure that false claims about prices cannot be made we are on our own and need to research prices using websites such as Pricerunner and PriceSpy. Reviews can guide on what are the best buys. Fake websites and dodgy emails can part you from your money. The average loss per shopper in the Black Friday and festive shopping season in 2021 was £1,000 per person according to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Your credit card can protect you from loss. Even more important is allowing yourself time to assess "bargains." If you are rushed the chances are it is not. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 61 Money Saving Masterclass
Published on 27 October, 2023
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Mrs Mean has been listening to your questions and says you do not have to wait for the Government to provide a giveaway Autumn Statement or Budget. You can save money on your energy bills straightaway and some two million couples are missing out on tax benefits for being married that could provide more than £1,000 in weeks.
Getting savings rates that are higher than the current inflation rate and making sure you do not pay too much tax is a must for those who have any spare cash.
Answering listeners questions Mrs Mean also gives advice on avoiding fraud. Trust no one and do not allow yourself to be rushed.
While lots of parents are facing big bills because they have fallen foul of Child Benefit rules Mrs Mean explains ways of avoiding the penalties and says it is time that the chancellor lifted the threshold that has penalised parents earning £50,000 since 2013. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 60 Cut electric car costs
Published on 13 October, 2023
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The incentives to buy an electric vehicle are gradually being removed and the cost of running them has risen. It is not therefore surprising that the number of private buyers of electric cars fell by 14% in the year to September, even before the government rolled back the deadline by five years for the end to the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles.
Those drivers who already have an EV and those thinking of buying one need to check out all the costs and be aware of what to avoid.
The cost of insuring EVs rose by 72% in the last year and some companies have stopped covering any electric cars for the time being.
Charging the vehicle in your own driveway or at work if the company offers free top ups is usually the best deal.
Supermarkets have a plethora of charges and different chargers that take varying times to power your vehicle. Your local Sainsbury may be free and a Waitrose charger may cost £16 for a 50% 40 minute fill.
VAT on public chargers is charged at 20%. At home it is 5% and the price per unit may be cheaper, and can be free if you have solar panels.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Those drivers who already have an EV and those thinking of buying one need to check out all the costs and be aware of what to avoid.
The cost of insuring EVs rose by 72% in the last year and some companies have stopped covering any electric cars for the time being.
Charging the vehicle in your own driveway or at work if the company offers free top ups is usually the best deal.
Supermarkets have a plethora of charges and different chargers that take varying times to power your vehicle. Your local Sainsbury may be free and a Waitrose charger may cost £16 for a 50% 40 minute fill.
VAT on public chargers is charged at 20%. At home it is 5% and the price per unit may be cheaper, and can be free if you have solar panels.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 59 - Winning in the Rental Battle
Published on 6 October, 2023
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Renters are having it tougher than homebuyers to get a home, with more than 20 people asking to view properties as soon as they are advertised, and rents increasing by inflation-busting amounts.
Finding the right property, or one that is good enough, is just the start.
It probably takes more work than buying a home because you do not have a solicitor or broker to help you.
It means to get ahead of the other potential tenants you need to make yourself attractive. You need a reference from your current landlord and your employer and from anyone else who will speak up for you.
If you have not rented before landlords will want certainty that the rent will be paid. Offering six months' or a year's rent in advance is such a guarantee.
While most potential tenants do not have that sort of money to hand parents may be able to offer a loan from the Bank of Mum and Dad who the tenant can then pay back each month instead of the landlord. Or maybe they can guarantee your rent.
Some employers and colleges have relationships with letting agents, which may help their workers or students to get an early viewing.
Check with every colleague you have what their housing status is. Ask them if their landlords have any vacancies. A recommendation from a good tenant puts you at the front of the queue.
Being first to hear of a property also makes a big difference. Email alerts from letting agencies help, but you need to act quickly.
Make it a full time job if you can. Make sure your referees are ready to reply to requests instantly. Have copies of your last three pay slips to hand .
Dress to impress landlords and agents.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Finding the right property, or one that is good enough, is just the start.
It probably takes more work than buying a home because you do not have a solicitor or broker to help you.
It means to get ahead of the other potential tenants you need to make yourself attractive. You need a reference from your current landlord and your employer and from anyone else who will speak up for you.
If you have not rented before landlords will want certainty that the rent will be paid. Offering six months' or a year's rent in advance is such a guarantee.
While most potential tenants do not have that sort of money to hand parents may be able to offer a loan from the Bank of Mum and Dad who the tenant can then pay back each month instead of the landlord. Or maybe they can guarantee your rent.
Some employers and colleges have relationships with letting agents, which may help their workers or students to get an early viewing.
Check with every colleague you have what their housing status is. Ask them if their landlords have any vacancies. A recommendation from a good tenant puts you at the front of the queue.
Being first to hear of a property also makes a big difference. Email alerts from letting agencies help, but you need to act quickly.
Make it a full time job if you can. Make sure your referees are ready to reply to requests instantly. Have copies of your last three pay slips to hand .
Dress to impress landlords and agents.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 58 - Don't Be Ripped Off
Published on 29 September, 2023
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0:00
Online companies appear to set out to mislead customers about the prices they will charge when we get to the checkout.
Everyone knows that the flight price first offered is likely to be doubled by the time we pay. Unfortunately many other companies are using the same trickery.
The government is consulting on whether it needs to ban charging more than the initial price by what it calls "drip pricing."
It will, no doubt, take a long time for legislation to be imposed until then lots of prices will not be easy to understand or in many cases honest.
We should be able to ask for the cheapest price and be given it. But too many service providers make us do all the hard work to find the best price.
Until the law changes we have to do our homework and check out prices if we do not want to be ripped off.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everyone knows that the flight price first offered is likely to be doubled by the time we pay. Unfortunately many other companies are using the same trickery.
The government is consulting on whether it needs to ban charging more than the initial price by what it calls "drip pricing."
It will, no doubt, take a long time for legislation to be imposed until then lots of prices will not be easy to understand or in many cases honest.
We should be able to ask for the cheapest price and be given it. But too many service providers make us do all the hard work to find the best price.
Until the law changes we have to do our homework and check out prices if we do not want to be ripped off.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 57- Beware of Credit Card Offers
Published on 22 September, 2023
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Credit cards are charging historic rates of interest and they are also trying to find new customers to pay these rates, and possibly spend more than they should. Beware.
As people struggle to pay their increased mortgages, rents, food and heating costs the card providers are offering extra credit almost daily.
One offer I received told me I would get a decision in 60 seconds whether I had got the super new card or not. Never be rushed with a financial decision and before you make an application check out all the costs and details.
The card being offered was expensive. And remember if you make an application that information is available to the whole credit industry and may damage your credit profile.
Other offers received within days told me that I was 100% likely to get the new cards. They are all tempting if you run out of cash every month.
Now is the time for a masterclass in how not to be caught out by companies offering cards that will add to your debts.
You need to find out when you incur interest and how much it is. How you can fall foul of the rules and incur penalties and big increases in your interest rate?
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As people struggle to pay their increased mortgages, rents, food and heating costs the card providers are offering extra credit almost daily.
One offer I received told me I would get a decision in 60 seconds whether I had got the super new card or not. Never be rushed with a financial decision and before you make an application check out all the costs and details.
The card being offered was expensive. And remember if you make an application that information is available to the whole credit industry and may damage your credit profile.
Other offers received within days told me that I was 100% likely to get the new cards. They are all tempting if you run out of cash every month.
Now is the time for a masterclass in how not to be caught out by companies offering cards that will add to your debts.
You need to find out when you incur interest and how much it is. How you can fall foul of the rules and incur penalties and big increases in your interest rate?
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 56 Save £200 in less than an hour
Published on 1 September, 2023
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Motor insurance premiums are rising very fast, and unexpectedly for drivers who have made no claims or changes to their policies. Many loyal customers are getting renewal notices for premiums that have more than doubled.
Insurance companies say this is because car repairs are much more costly and those of us who have not incurred any costs are expected to pick up the bill.
That is unless we act quickly, and firmly, by challenging our insurance provider to reduce the premium, and failing that, to find out what other insurers will charge.
Companies are not supposed to charge loyal customers more than new ones, but personal research by Mrs Mean when her insurance premium was doubled showed that new customers are welcomed with competitive rate. She found that she could quickly get a reduction of more than £200 by moving to a new insurer and a policy that had extra features.
The quicker you check out the market the more you can save.
Direct Line has agreed to pay £30m to loyal customers who have been overcharged. There will be others. Make sure you do not pay too much.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Insurance companies say this is because car repairs are much more costly and those of us who have not incurred any costs are expected to pick up the bill.
That is unless we act quickly, and firmly, by challenging our insurance provider to reduce the premium, and failing that, to find out what other insurers will charge.
Companies are not supposed to charge loyal customers more than new ones, but personal research by Mrs Mean when her insurance premium was doubled showed that new customers are welcomed with competitive rate. She found that she could quickly get a reduction of more than £200 by moving to a new insurer and a policy that had extra features.
The quicker you check out the market the more you can save.
Direct Line has agreed to pay £30m to loyal customers who have been overcharged. There will be others. Make sure you do not pay too much.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 55 Get ready for winter now
Published on 25 August, 2023
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The energy price cap will fall again at the beginning of October, but will still be very high.
Meanwhile the nights are drawing in and lights are needed earlier.
Before it gets cold we need to look at how we can save money on heating, lighting and to cut our monthly direct debits.
And maybe it is time to check out whether you would save money by fixing your energy tariff or to find out whether you can get a grant paid directly into your bank account to improve the insulation in your home. Households can typically save £310 a year on energy bills.
Now is also the time to establish the rules for Christmas giving and to sell stuff you no longer need or use, to fund the festive season. Leave it too late and January will be a very tough month.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Meanwhile the nights are drawing in and lights are needed earlier.
Before it gets cold we need to look at how we can save money on heating, lighting and to cut our monthly direct debits.
And maybe it is time to check out whether you would save money by fixing your energy tariff or to find out whether you can get a grant paid directly into your bank account to improve the insulation in your home. Households can typically save £310 a year on energy bills.
Now is also the time to establish the rules for Christmas giving and to sell stuff you no longer need or use, to fund the festive season. Leave it too late and January will be a very tough month.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 54 - Don't be fooled by loyalty
Published on 11 August, 2023
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Food shopping has got a lot more complicated as supermarkets offer us different discounts and extra points if we use their loyalty cards. It takes time to get ready for a shopping trip, and once in the supermarket it can be hard work to find the advertised deals on the shelves and also to check whether it is really good value.
Mrs Mean has been analysing her weekly shops and believes that the loyalty schemes are designed to encourage us to buy market-leading brands and in-house premium products. You can get some Aldi prices at Tesco and Sainsbury and other supermarkets are also price-matching, but the cheap groceries are often sold out when you shop.
Take a little time and you may save more money than the shops want us to, and avoid the pricing confusion in the aisles. Most importantly do not trust the stores. Prices yo-yo up and down every week so the week after you buy some good value pasta sauce it is likely to cost you 70% more. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean has been analysing her weekly shops and believes that the loyalty schemes are designed to encourage us to buy market-leading brands and in-house premium products. You can get some Aldi prices at Tesco and Sainsbury and other supermarkets are also price-matching, but the cheap groceries are often sold out when you shop.
Take a little time and you may save more money than the shops want us to, and avoid the pricing confusion in the aisles. Most importantly do not trust the stores. Prices yo-yo up and down every week so the week after you buy some good value pasta sauce it is likely to cost you 70% more. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 53 Stop Your Bank Account Being Frozen
Published on 4 August, 2023
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Having your bank account frozen or closed can be very costly in financial terms, and damage your reputation and credit profile into the bargain.
While Nigel Farage was able to get full attention when Coutts Bank told him it wanted to close his account, most customers are on their own, and may not even to be able to get through to someone at their bank who can help them.
Banking legislation is intended to stop fraudsters and money launderers to use the banking systems, hundreds of thousands of bank customers fall foul of the algorithms used by banks to identify wrongdoing.
We are largely creatures of habit so any unusual payment, in or out of our accounts, may alert banks, but they do not ask customers about the unusual transactions.
Banks are supposed to give customers 30 days' notice of a planned closure, but they very rarely do.
Often the first hint customers get that their bank account is not working is when a direct debit is not paid or a cash machine refuses to give you cash.
This is the time for customers to check their accounts to see if anything has changed or if big sums have been banked and to tell the bank what the "suspicious" transaction really is. It may be a maturing investment, an inheritance, the proceeds of a property sale, or gifts from a relative or friend to help out during the cost-of-living crisis.
People taking on second jobs to pay their bills may also be suspected of wrong doing.
The more evidence you can provide the sooner the account should be freed up.
With luck the publicity about Mr Farage should help the thousands of other customers who find themselves locked out of their accounts every week. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
While Nigel Farage was able to get full attention when Coutts Bank told him it wanted to close his account, most customers are on their own, and may not even to be able to get through to someone at their bank who can help them.
Banking legislation is intended to stop fraudsters and money launderers to use the banking systems, hundreds of thousands of bank customers fall foul of the algorithms used by banks to identify wrongdoing.
We are largely creatures of habit so any unusual payment, in or out of our accounts, may alert banks, but they do not ask customers about the unusual transactions.
Banks are supposed to give customers 30 days' notice of a planned closure, but they very rarely do.
Often the first hint customers get that their bank account is not working is when a direct debit is not paid or a cash machine refuses to give you cash.
This is the time for customers to check their accounts to see if anything has changed or if big sums have been banked and to tell the bank what the "suspicious" transaction really is. It may be a maturing investment, an inheritance, the proceeds of a property sale, or gifts from a relative or friend to help out during the cost-of-living crisis.
People taking on second jobs to pay their bills may also be suspected of wrong doing.
The more evidence you can provide the sooner the account should be freed up.
With luck the publicity about Mr Farage should help the thousands of other customers who find themselves locked out of their accounts every week. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 52 Get Your Money Back
Published on 28 July, 2023
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Credit cards offer brilliant insurance for millions of us if we are ripped off when making purchases over £100. The protection is offered by the Consumer Credit Act and it has forced banks and credit cards to pay customers billions of pounds when their flights were cancelled, retailers went into administration without providing what we have paid for, and for many other financial disappointments.
But the protection provided under Section 75 of the Act is under threat. The Treasury is proposing that we should be protected by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Under the current legislation anyone who gets less than they pay for, or nothing at all, have up to six years to claim under the Consumer Credit Act. First call is to the retailer or service provider, but under this legislation credit card issuers and the retailer or service provider are jointly responsble to make sure we get what we pay for.
But before anything goes wrong make sure you pay for £100+ purchases using a credit card to protect yourself. You can just pay a deposit on the card for an item to get protection.
Even if the legislation is diluted next year you will still have six years' protection if your purchase is not fit for purpose. You also have the Financial Ombudsman on your side if the banks resist your claim.
There is additional help for the users of debit cards, but this is voluntary and is only available for 120 days.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
But the protection provided under Section 75 of the Act is under threat. The Treasury is proposing that we should be protected by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Under the current legislation anyone who gets less than they pay for, or nothing at all, have up to six years to claim under the Consumer Credit Act. First call is to the retailer or service provider, but under this legislation credit card issuers and the retailer or service provider are jointly responsble to make sure we get what we pay for.
But before anything goes wrong make sure you pay for £100+ purchases using a credit card to protect yourself. You can just pay a deposit on the card for an item to get protection.
Even if the legislation is diluted next year you will still have six years' protection if your purchase is not fit for purpose. You also have the Financial Ombudsman on your side if the banks resist your claim.
There is additional help for the users of debit cards, but this is voluntary and is only available for 120 days.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 51 Cut the cost of motor insurance
Published on 21 July, 2023
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Motor insurance is stoking inflation in the UK if we allow it do so. Data from Consumer Intelligence put the average motor policy increase at 34% in May and the Office of National Statistics said that motor policies were up 50% in the year to June.
These increases make it vital that no driver accepts an automatic renewal and that they all start to find the best deal a month out from their renewal date.
You can save hundreds of pounds by renewing early.
Renewal quotes can rise enormously even when there have been no claims or incidents in the previous 12 months. This makes it all the more important to check the whole insurance market including the companies that are not on price comparison sites.
Now is the time to cut insurance premiums and help in the fight against inflation.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
These increases make it vital that no driver accepts an automatic renewal and that they all start to find the best deal a month out from their renewal date.
You can save hundreds of pounds by renewing early.
Renewal quotes can rise enormously even when there have been no claims or incidents in the previous 12 months. This makes it all the more important to check the whole insurance market including the companies that are not on price comparison sites.
Now is the time to cut insurance premiums and help in the fight against inflation.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 50 Mrs Mean Money Clinic
Published on 14 July, 2023
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Mrs Mean is here to help you get money back when you have been ripped off and to help you to work out what to do next.
In today's Money Clinic she details how to get compensation from universities for lost access to tutors and not being able to graduate at the end of degree courses.
Every week she is asked by the customers of banks, energy companies, brokers and many more how to take the organisations to court. Here she looks at the options.
We must not let them get away with ripping us off.
Meanwhile the housing market is terrifying most owners, renters and potential buyers, who are asking when it will be safe to buy or sell a home.
And still we need to make sure that we save money on our energy bills.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today's Money Clinic she details how to get compensation from universities for lost access to tutors and not being able to graduate at the end of degree courses.
Every week she is asked by the customers of banks, energy companies, brokers and many more how to take the organisations to court. Here she looks at the options.
We must not let them get away with ripping us off.
Meanwhile the housing market is terrifying most owners, renters and potential buyers, who are asking when it will be safe to buy or sell a home.
And still we need to make sure that we save money on our energy bills.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep- 49 Time to get help with debt
Published on 7 July, 2023
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Household debt is at an all time high with unsecured debt - borrowing other than mortgages - averaging £14,300 a household.
There is lots of help from debt charities, who are doing a marvellous job, but you have to be careful as there are vampire advisers, who pop up on your browser and they are out to add to your debt. Or at least to charge you lots for help that can be got for free.
Stepchange.org, Turn2Us.org.uk, Christians Against Poverty capuk,org and Citizens Advice all have lots of useful information on their websites so that people can start to prepare for getting their finances sorted out before they make the first contact.
Mortgage lenders have more latitude to help borrowers.
Everyone can get help. Get your paperwork together and start the process.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There is lots of help from debt charities, who are doing a marvellous job, but you have to be careful as there are vampire advisers, who pop up on your browser and they are out to add to your debt. Or at least to charge you lots for help that can be got for free.
Stepchange.org, Turn2Us.org.uk, Christians Against Poverty capuk,org and Citizens Advice all have lots of useful information on their websites so that people can start to prepare for getting their finances sorted out before they make the first contact.
Mortgage lenders have more latitude to help borrowers.
Everyone can get help. Get your paperwork together and start the process.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 48 Battling Student inflation
Published on 30 June, 2023
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Managing finances at college or university is tougher than any exam. The maintenance loans to pay for the cost of living as a student will rise by a miserly 2.8% for English students in September following a rise of 2.36% last year.
Rents alone often cost more than the maximum maintenance loans. Parents whose household incomes are more than £25,000 a year are expected to contribute to their student's living costs, but may not be able to find up to £6,000 a year to do so as they struggle with increased mortgage costs, energy and food bills.
Now is the time to work out how to make the money stretch and where there might be financial help. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rents alone often cost more than the maximum maintenance loans. Parents whose household incomes are more than £25,000 a year are expected to contribute to their student's living costs, but may not be able to find up to £6,000 a year to do so as they struggle with increased mortgage costs, energy and food bills.
Now is the time to work out how to make the money stretch and where there might be financial help. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 47 Cut your mortgage payments
Published on 23 June, 2023
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The Bank of England has raised interest rates by 0.5% causing panic among mortgage payers.
It comes as more than a million homebuyers will have to remortgage before the end of the year as their fixed rate mortgages expire. Many more have variable or tracker mortgages that have already increased a dozen times in the last 18 months and may be getting behind with payments.
Now is the time for all of these homeowners to talk to their lenders about what deals they can do to cut their payments. Lenders should help. They have agreed to allow borrowers to change their mortgage terms, say to interest-only, and then return to their original deal.
They also will wait for 12 months before taking reposssession proceedings. Borrowers are facing hundreds of pounds extra each month.
Wages are not keeping pace and budgets are also being stretched by energy costs, food prices, insurance premiums, council tax mobile and water bills.
The Banks know many borrowers need help so get first in the queue to see what can be offered. Extending the length of your mortgage term, moving to interest-only payments, asking for a mortgage holiday, adding other loans to your mortgage to cut total outgoings, or asking for an offset loan that reduces monthly payments are some of the options.
All lenders have committed to helping borrowers. They are making billions in profits on the difference between savers' rates and what they charge borrowers. It costs them less to get customers onto deals that cut their monthly payments than to deal with customers in arrears. It is in their interests to help anyone caught by the financial crisis. Debt agencies like Step Change, Turn2Us, Christians Against Poverty and Citizens Advice may also be able to help but first of all the lenders should have teams trained to help borrowers.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It comes as more than a million homebuyers will have to remortgage before the end of the year as their fixed rate mortgages expire. Many more have variable or tracker mortgages that have already increased a dozen times in the last 18 months and may be getting behind with payments.
Now is the time for all of these homeowners to talk to their lenders about what deals they can do to cut their payments. Lenders should help. They have agreed to allow borrowers to change their mortgage terms, say to interest-only, and then return to their original deal.
They also will wait for 12 months before taking reposssession proceedings. Borrowers are facing hundreds of pounds extra each month.
Wages are not keeping pace and budgets are also being stretched by energy costs, food prices, insurance premiums, council tax mobile and water bills.
The Banks know many borrowers need help so get first in the queue to see what can be offered. Extending the length of your mortgage term, moving to interest-only payments, asking for a mortgage holiday, adding other loans to your mortgage to cut total outgoings, or asking for an offset loan that reduces monthly payments are some of the options.
All lenders have committed to helping borrowers. They are making billions in profits on the difference between savers' rates and what they charge borrowers. It costs them less to get customers onto deals that cut their monthly payments than to deal with customers in arrears. It is in their interests to help anyone caught by the financial crisis. Debt agencies like Step Change, Turn2Us, Christians Against Poverty and Citizens Advice may also be able to help but first of all the lenders should have teams trained to help borrowers.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 46 Change the Way You Shop
Published on 16 June, 2023
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Every week grocery prices increase and we all need to change the way we shop - avoiding the traps laid for us by supermarkets.
Check shelf edges for unit prices to work out what is cheapest. You may have to use your phone calculator as stores are not very good at maths or try to confuse.
Look to the lower shelves for better value products and avoid month-end price increases.
Count everything from crisps to biscuits to make sure that while the packets are the same size the contents are shrinking.
Do not let supermarkets increase their profits and break your budget. Supermarkets are battlegrounds. We must win every round.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Check shelf edges for unit prices to work out what is cheapest. You may have to use your phone calculator as stores are not very good at maths or try to confuse.
Look to the lower shelves for better value products and avoid month-end price increases.
Count everything from crisps to biscuits to make sure that while the packets are the same size the contents are shrinking.
Do not let supermarkets increase their profits and break your budget. Supermarkets are battlegrounds. We must win every round.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 45 Defeat Fraud Now
Published on 9 June, 2023
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We have been told that new rules are coming in to help anyone who has been defrauded to get refunds from their banks. But there is no date yet as to when this will come to pass so we all have to be extra careful as anyone defrauded through their bank account may still feel alone.
And the fraudsters may go into overdrive to make the most of their opportunities to persuade bank customers to pay them when they intend to pay their solicitor, builder, make an investment or to help their children.
The Payment Systems Regulator has ruled that banks must pay victims who have been tricked into paying fraudsters...but not quite yet. Maybe next year.
Last year fraudsters made off with £1.2 billion and to date only TSB has decided to pay all its customers who have lost money.
So we must be more vigilant. New scams are started every day. The fraudsters offer exam papers, cheap flights and investments that appear to be fronted by the great and the good.
The most important message is to trust no one, but most importantly you need to know how to get compensation when you are innocently scammed. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
And the fraudsters may go into overdrive to make the most of their opportunities to persuade bank customers to pay them when they intend to pay their solicitor, builder, make an investment or to help their children.
The Payment Systems Regulator has ruled that banks must pay victims who have been tricked into paying fraudsters...but not quite yet. Maybe next year.
Last year fraudsters made off with £1.2 billion and to date only TSB has decided to pay all its customers who have lost money.
So we must be more vigilant. New scams are started every day. The fraudsters offer exam papers, cheap flights and investments that appear to be fronted by the great and the good.
The most important message is to trust no one, but most importantly you need to know how to get compensation when you are innocently scammed. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 44 Don't pay too much for energy
Published on 2 June, 2023
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The sun is shining and energy bills are on their way down in July. Now is the time to check we are not paying too much each month. Energy companies increased our direct debits by an average of 60% between February and April and have not reduced them to take account of all our energy-saving. They are holding billions of pounds that belongs to us. It is time to claim it.
Now as unit prices for gas and electricty are reduced by 17% we should be making sure that the monthly payments are reduced.
Standing charges are now £300 a year before you use any gas or electricity. If your home is tiny and well-insulated you might be better off with an energy company that does not have a standing charge.
Watch out for fixed rate offers from your energy company, who can buy gas at a fraction of the price they were paying last year, but make sure the deal is cheaper for you and not a boost to their profits.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Now as unit prices for gas and electricty are reduced by 17% we should be making sure that the monthly payments are reduced.
Standing charges are now £300 a year before you use any gas or electricity. If your home is tiny and well-insulated you might be better off with an energy company that does not have a standing charge.
Watch out for fixed rate offers from your energy company, who can buy gas at a fraction of the price they were paying last year, but make sure the deal is cheaper for you and not a boost to their profits.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep- 43 Don't be ripped off on holiday
Published on 26 May, 2023
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Air fares have increased by up to 71% since last summer, which makes us all vulnerable to being lured by a cheap holiday offer. Beware of fares that seem too cheap. The budget airlines are adding lots of extra fees for choosing your seat, boarding early, air passenger duty and taking luggage. It can make them more expensive than flying with the bigger more traditional airlines.
Mrs Mean warns you not to believe the first fare you are offered and to be careful not to be tricked by warnings that there are only a few seats left, or to be rushed to book because the cost seems to increase each time you look.
Find out the cheapest day to book and fly and do not forget to insure your travel when you book and make sure you have a valid European Health Insurance card or Global Health Insurance card for travel to Europe. These cards are free but lots of unscrupulous websites will try to charge you for them. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean warns you not to believe the first fare you are offered and to be careful not to be tricked by warnings that there are only a few seats left, or to be rushed to book because the cost seems to increase each time you look.
Find out the cheapest day to book and fly and do not forget to insure your travel when you book and make sure you have a valid European Health Insurance card or Global Health Insurance card for travel to Europe. These cards are free but lots of unscrupulous websites will try to charge you for them. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 42 - Don't tip too much
Published on 19 May, 2023
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Tipping has changed in the UK and you could be paying too much. The National minimum wage, changing spending patterns and the growth of food delivery have reduced the reliance on fixed service charges.
Restaurants would rather we return and recommend them than be put off by fixed tips. It is also more honest to charge the correct price for dishes.
New laws mean that waiters and others, who get tips from customers in service charges or gratutities, should now get all the money.
Avoid new online service charges and beware if you are going to the US on holidayFrom Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Restaurants would rather we return and recommend them than be put off by fixed tips. It is also more honest to charge the correct price for dishes.
New laws mean that waiters and others, who get tips from customers in service charges or gratutities, should now get all the money.
Avoid new online service charges and beware if you are going to the US on holidayFrom Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 41 - Time to make sure all your money is safe
Published on 12 May, 2023
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Three American banks have failed and an unprecedented £4.8 billion was withdrawn from British banks in March. During the cost of living crisis we need to know our money is safe.
While UK banks are safe it is a good time to make sure that our savings are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and will be there whatever happens.
It is therefore important to know all the rules and to remember that there are lots of people trying to part us from our money.
Mrs Mean will be detailing where danger lies. To start with crypto currencies are as safe as betting on a horse, offshore accounts may be just as risky and we have to remember that there is no protection when an investment disappoints.
We all need to keep safe and to make sure that elderly and vulnerable friends and relatives are not conned. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
While UK banks are safe it is a good time to make sure that our savings are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and will be there whatever happens.
It is therefore important to know all the rules and to remember that there are lots of people trying to part us from our money.
Mrs Mean will be detailing where danger lies. To start with crypto currencies are as safe as betting on a horse, offshore accounts may be just as risky and we have to remember that there is no protection when an investment disappoints.
We all need to keep safe and to make sure that elderly and vulnerable friends and relatives are not conned. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep- 40 Don't be locked out of your bank account
Published on 5 May, 2023
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Every week hundreds of customers are locked out of their bank accounts with no warning. They cannot withdraw cash, pay bills and often cannot find out why.
As fraudsters come up with new scams, and commandeer the accounts of vulnerable customers, banks use complicated logarithms to detect suspicious activity and they often get it wrong.
The banks' systems are looking for unusual activities in our transactions and innocent payments may be mistaken for terrorist financing or money laundering.
Banks do not want to tip off fraudsters or other villains and do not have to tell customers what they suspect is going on.
It can be the arrival of a large sum of money from an inheritance, a cashed-in investment or a repaid loan that triggers the bank's freezing an account.
Once the account is frozen it is often too late to get the problem resolved quickly. Mrs Mean says we should all think ahead if we are expecting unusual payments into or out of our accounts and tell our banks in advance, providing documents to support the declaration.
It is also a wise move to have a second current account, so that you have access to money at all times, and you may be able to get £200 for opening a new account.
The Financial Ombudsman Service and the free online complaints service, Resolver, both help customers caught out.
You have to give the banks time to sort things out but the majority of customers struck out of their accounts. It is much better to be aware that banks do not like surprises and to keep them informed.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As fraudsters come up with new scams, and commandeer the accounts of vulnerable customers, banks use complicated logarithms to detect suspicious activity and they often get it wrong.
The banks' systems are looking for unusual activities in our transactions and innocent payments may be mistaken for terrorist financing or money laundering.
Banks do not want to tip off fraudsters or other villains and do not have to tell customers what they suspect is going on.
It can be the arrival of a large sum of money from an inheritance, a cashed-in investment or a repaid loan that triggers the bank's freezing an account.
Once the account is frozen it is often too late to get the problem resolved quickly. Mrs Mean says we should all think ahead if we are expecting unusual payments into or out of our accounts and tell our banks in advance, providing documents to support the declaration.
It is also a wise move to have a second current account, so that you have access to money at all times, and you may be able to get £200 for opening a new account.
The Financial Ombudsman Service and the free online complaints service, Resolver, both help customers caught out.
You have to give the banks time to sort things out but the majority of customers struck out of their accounts. It is much better to be aware that banks do not like surprises and to keep them informed.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 39 Time to act as credit cards are becoming even more expensive
Published on 28 April, 2023
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Credit card debt is swamping many of the holders of the UK's 59 million credit cards. With interest running close to £5 billion a month or £126m a day now is the time to find out how to cut the costs before the interest rates go up again in June.
More than 90% of credit card holders are in debt in that they do not pay off the bills in full each month and many could save substantial money by moving to an interest-free credit card, or one charging lower interest.
Checking bills every month makes sure we know what the total debt is and the minimum payments and may alert us to incorrect billing or regular payments that should be cancelled. If spending does not bring us joy it probably needs to be canned.
Don't allow yourself to make minimum payments and pay for today's spending for the next two decades. Make your money work for you not the credit card company.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More than 90% of credit card holders are in debt in that they do not pay off the bills in full each month and many could save substantial money by moving to an interest-free credit card, or one charging lower interest.
Checking bills every month makes sure we know what the total debt is and the minimum payments and may alert us to incorrect billing or regular payments that should be cancelled. If spending does not bring us joy it probably needs to be canned.
Don't allow yourself to make minimum payments and pay for today's spending for the next two decades. Make your money work for you not the credit card company.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 38 You must not reject free money from your employer
Published on 21 April, 2023
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Millions of workers have stopped paying into their pensions during the cost of living crisis. The short-term savings may be costing them thousands of pounds a year and could reduce their pension pot by tens of thousands.
Times are very hard with energy bills, mortgage rates, council tax, childcare fees and even broadband charges putting serious pressure on our budgets when wages are not keeping pace with costs.
It is tempting to cut pension contributions to help your budget. If you are one of the millions who have done so you may be feeling relief, but you need to plan to get yourself back into a position where you can once again join your pension scheme and benefit from your employers' contributions.
Your next pay rise may be the time to do so or when energy bills come down in July. Pensions may be boring but we really need to know what we are getting and what we might be missing. People forced into self-employment during the pandemic are also at risk of a poor old age.
If nothing else during these difficult times finding out how much you have built up in pensions may make you feel less poor and help you to plan for the future. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Times are very hard with energy bills, mortgage rates, council tax, childcare fees and even broadband charges putting serious pressure on our budgets when wages are not keeping pace with costs.
It is tempting to cut pension contributions to help your budget. If you are one of the millions who have done so you may be feeling relief, but you need to plan to get yourself back into a position where you can once again join your pension scheme and benefit from your employers' contributions.
Your next pay rise may be the time to do so or when energy bills come down in July. Pensions may be boring but we really need to know what we are getting and what we might be missing. People forced into self-employment during the pandemic are also at risk of a poor old age.
If nothing else during these difficult times finding out how much you have built up in pensions may make you feel less poor and help you to plan for the future. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 37- Save Money When You Shop Online
Published on 14 April, 2023
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Online shopping makes it too easy to spend money and to incur extra fees we are not expecting. It was vital during the pandemic and retailers are keen for us to continue buying from the comfort of our homes.
We are offered big discounts on our first online grocery shop and season passes to get regular deliveries. But you have to make sure that you do not make extra orders to get value from your delivery contract.
You can get 25% off if you spend £70. But you have to make sure that you get the discount and that it does not encourage you to buy more than you should.
Before you order you have to find out what the minimum spend is. Tesco has a minimum spend of £50 or a £5 charge. Sainsbury has a minimum of £40 for free delivery but spend £39 and you pay £4.
And you have to factor in the 10 p charge for each of the 14 carrier bags that the store uses to deliver 14 items.
The charges are constantly changing. Before you buy you need to check what the delivery charge might be. Amazon Prime costs £8.99 a month for free next day delivery or £107.88. There are 13 million UK Prime customers, which means the company earns more than £1 billion a year before any of the customers order a single thing. Don't let the size of the fee encourage you to spend more to get value. You also need to check what returns will cost. Some items are free. Others are not.
The premium online delivery contracts have different rules on how much you have to spend to get free delivery and free returns.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We are offered big discounts on our first online grocery shop and season passes to get regular deliveries. But you have to make sure that you do not make extra orders to get value from your delivery contract.
You can get 25% off if you spend £70. But you have to make sure that you get the discount and that it does not encourage you to buy more than you should.
Before you order you have to find out what the minimum spend is. Tesco has a minimum spend of £50 or a £5 charge. Sainsbury has a minimum of £40 for free delivery but spend £39 and you pay £4.
And you have to factor in the 10 p charge for each of the 14 carrier bags that the store uses to deliver 14 items.
The charges are constantly changing. Before you buy you need to check what the delivery charge might be. Amazon Prime costs £8.99 a month for free next day delivery or £107.88. There are 13 million UK Prime customers, which means the company earns more than £1 billion a year before any of the customers order a single thing. Don't let the size of the fee encourage you to spend more to get value. You also need to check what returns will cost. Some items are free. Others are not.
The premium online delivery contracts have different rules on how much you have to spend to get free delivery and free returns.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 36 Time to avoid supermarket rip-offs
Published on 7 April, 2023
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Food shopping has never been more difficult. We have to do the prep if we do not want to fall foul of the tricks designed to confuse us. We cannot trust offers as food prices are increasing by 17.5%.
Take time to check the price per ml or gram. Mrs Mean found one soap container at eye height on the shelves cost five times more than the bottles on the bottom shelf. Aisle ends are also a trap. Manufacturers pay supermarkets hundreds of millions of pounds for their products to be prominently displayed and the customers pay for it in the prices charged. Make sure you do not buy anything without comparing with other products, probably half way down the aisle.
And do not be a second-class shopper. Those who visit Tesco without its Clubcard app subsidise the Clubcard shoppers, who get cheaper prices. It is cheaper for supermarkets to offer special prices for loyal customers rather than to all. And don't we all like to feel special.
If your favourite brand of mayonnaise, baked beans or tomato soup are vastly more expensive now it is time to try the non-branded version. Many shoppers are visiting more than one supermarket to seek out cheaper deals.
Watch out for yo-yo pricing in the big supermarkets. Prices move up and down with no relation to the cost of the ingredients and production. Try to avoid buying when the price is high, and always check your till receipt to make sure you get the prices on the shelves.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Take time to check the price per ml or gram. Mrs Mean found one soap container at eye height on the shelves cost five times more than the bottles on the bottom shelf. Aisle ends are also a trap. Manufacturers pay supermarkets hundreds of millions of pounds for their products to be prominently displayed and the customers pay for it in the prices charged. Make sure you do not buy anything without comparing with other products, probably half way down the aisle.
And do not be a second-class shopper. Those who visit Tesco without its Clubcard app subsidise the Clubcard shoppers, who get cheaper prices. It is cheaper for supermarkets to offer special prices for loyal customers rather than to all. And don't we all like to feel special.
If your favourite brand of mayonnaise, baked beans or tomato soup are vastly more expensive now it is time to try the non-branded version. Many shoppers are visiting more than one supermarket to seek out cheaper deals.
Watch out for yo-yo pricing in the big supermarkets. Prices move up and down with no relation to the cost of the ingredients and production. Try to avoid buying when the price is high, and always check your till receipt to make sure you get the prices on the shelves.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 35 Don't be robbed by your bank
Published on 31 March, 2023
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Both savers and borrowers are getting a rough deal from banks who are making monster profits for their shareholders and their executives.
It is time that we all check our bank accounts to see if we are among the millions of customers who are getting little or no interest on their savings while NatWest has reported that it made 14 times more from its savers last year than it did in 2021. Its net revenue on savings was £1.09 billion.
Last summer the Bank of England reported that there was £280 billion in accounts paying no interest.
It is estimated that savers could be missing out on over £350 a year on savings of £10,000.
It is time to try to clear debt and to make sure your bank does not rob you by paying a criminal rate of interest. Do not let your accounts become dormant or to be closed without warning. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It is time that we all check our bank accounts to see if we are among the millions of customers who are getting little or no interest on their savings while NatWest has reported that it made 14 times more from its savers last year than it did in 2021. Its net revenue on savings was £1.09 billion.
Last summer the Bank of England reported that there was £280 billion in accounts paying no interest.
It is estimated that savers could be missing out on over £350 a year on savings of £10,000.
It is time to try to clear debt and to make sure your bank does not rob you by paying a criminal rate of interest. Do not let your accounts become dormant or to be closed without warning. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 34 Time for a Budget Spring Clean
Published on 17 March, 2023
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The chance to save £450 in a little over an hour should be incentive enough for most of us to check whether we can Spring Clean our spending.
Saving money is our second job as food prices, council tax, water bills, stamps, presciptions and much more are set to rise.
Meanwhile insurance companies and telecoms providers are increasing their costs by more than inflation.
More than 15 million credit card customers can save £1,000 a year in interest payments. There are as many opportunities to save as there are price icnreases.
You may have a few memberships that are not earning their keep. Whether they are a gym membership or streaming service can them before they cost you any more.
Set aside an hour and release your financial Marie Kondo.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Saving money is our second job as food prices, council tax, water bills, stamps, presciptions and much more are set to rise.
Meanwhile insurance companies and telecoms providers are increasing their costs by more than inflation.
More than 15 million credit card customers can save £1,000 a year in interest payments. There are as many opportunities to save as there are price icnreases.
You may have a few memberships that are not earning their keep. Whether they are a gym membership or streaming service can them before they cost you any more.
Set aside an hour and release your financial Marie Kondo.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep- 33 Get money from the tax person now
Published on 10 March, 2023
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His Majesty's Revenue and Customs is seen as a plunderer of money from our earnings but many of us can get serious money from the tax department.
The tax system is so complicated, that many people who could get hundreds if not thousands of pounds refunded do not know about the tax breaks.
Millions of married couples and those with a civil partnership are eligible for the marriage allowance that transfers part of the personal tax allowance of a non-taxpayer to their taxpaying spouse but they have not claimed the money even though up to £1,242 is waiting for them.
Parents can get £2,000 a year towards childcare for children up to 12 years but many do not claim even though child care costs break most family budgets.
Working from home, workplace uniforms and providing tools for work all attract tax refunds that can be claimed backdated to 2020.
Most important of all claim through gov.uk and avoid all the agencies offering their services. They will cost you dear.
Do not put it off claim what is yours.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The tax system is so complicated, that many people who could get hundreds if not thousands of pounds refunded do not know about the tax breaks.
Millions of married couples and those with a civil partnership are eligible for the marriage allowance that transfers part of the personal tax allowance of a non-taxpayer to their taxpaying spouse but they have not claimed the money even though up to £1,242 is waiting for them.
Parents can get £2,000 a year towards childcare for children up to 12 years but many do not claim even though child care costs break most family budgets.
Working from home, workplace uniforms and providing tools for work all attract tax refunds that can be claimed backdated to 2020.
Most important of all claim through gov.uk and avoid all the agencies offering their services. They will cost you dear.
Do not put it off claim what is yours.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 32 Getting Help from Ombudsmen
Published on 3 March, 2023
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Companies no longer look after their customers as they should, and in many cases they take hours to answer their phones when customers try to get issues sorted out.
Energy companies and banks are particularly bad at helping customers when things go wrong. It is therefore wonderful that there are ombudsmen to help energy and bank customers, plus for many other industries.
It means that we do not have to despair when insurance companies, credit card companies, garages, pension companies and so many more will not engage with their customers and just refuse to pay any compensation. Call centre staff often do not have the training or the authority to help customers properly.
The Financial Ombudsman finds in favour of up to 75% of customers who are victims of fraudsters, but cannot get any compensation from their banks. The Energy Ombudsman also finds in favour of up to 75% of complainants.
To get started customers have to show that they have tried to settle their dispute with the company involved. Then ombudsmen can arbitrate and help hundreds of thousands if not millions of customers each year who have had a bad deal.
The Financial Ombudsman can order financial institutions to pay up, to pay interest to compensate for delays and even in some cases to pay for the time customers spend on putting their evidence together.
The Financial Ombudsman can make awards of up to £375,000 and the service is totally free. Overall they find in favour of 43% of complainants and where they do not agree with the customer they explain why .
Mrs Mean is a big supporter of Ombudsmen and also Resolver.com, the online free complaints service. It is good to have someone on your side when things go wrong.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Energy companies and banks are particularly bad at helping customers when things go wrong. It is therefore wonderful that there are ombudsmen to help energy and bank customers, plus for many other industries.
It means that we do not have to despair when insurance companies, credit card companies, garages, pension companies and so many more will not engage with their customers and just refuse to pay any compensation. Call centre staff often do not have the training or the authority to help customers properly.
The Financial Ombudsman finds in favour of up to 75% of customers who are victims of fraudsters, but cannot get any compensation from their banks. The Energy Ombudsman also finds in favour of up to 75% of complainants.
To get started customers have to show that they have tried to settle their dispute with the company involved. Then ombudsmen can arbitrate and help hundreds of thousands if not millions of customers each year who have had a bad deal.
The Financial Ombudsman can order financial institutions to pay up, to pay interest to compensate for delays and even in some cases to pay for the time customers spend on putting their evidence together.
The Financial Ombudsman can make awards of up to £375,000 and the service is totally free. Overall they find in favour of 43% of complainants and where they do not agree with the customer they explain why .
Mrs Mean is a big supporter of Ombudsmen and also Resolver.com, the online free complaints service. It is good to have someone on your side when things go wrong.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 31 The High Cost of Convenience
Published on 24 February, 2023
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Grocery price inflation is over 16% making it difficult to budget. The discounters are regularly the cheapest in research by Which?, the consumer group, but often customers do not have one of their stores nearby.
Sainsbury and Tesco are the cheapest of the big supermarkets , but we have to be careful which of their stores we use. Tesco Extra and Sainsbury Local do not have the same prices as the group's larger stores.
Which? estimates that regular shoppers at Tesco Extra can pay more than £800 extra a year with the likes of Kipling Bakewell slices costing 28% more at the smaller stores. At Sainsbury Local the extra cost can be £400 a year. Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup was 19% more at the Local stores.
So, they are definitely too expensive for a big shop. Too often we call in for a bag of pasta and are tempted by other items and end up buying a full basket at the expensive store.
There is also less choice with big branded groceries taking up lots of space on the shelves. The loyalty prices offered to Nectar and Clubcard holders may also not be available.
The most essential thing is to allow time wherever you shop. Rushing in to a store on the way home is likely to cost you more than you can afford.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sainsbury and Tesco are the cheapest of the big supermarkets , but we have to be careful which of their stores we use. Tesco Extra and Sainsbury Local do not have the same prices as the group's larger stores.
Which? estimates that regular shoppers at Tesco Extra can pay more than £800 extra a year with the likes of Kipling Bakewell slices costing 28% more at the smaller stores. At Sainsbury Local the extra cost can be £400 a year. Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup was 19% more at the Local stores.
So, they are definitely too expensive for a big shop. Too often we call in for a bag of pasta and are tempted by other items and end up buying a full basket at the expensive store.
There is also less choice with big branded groceries taking up lots of space on the shelves. The loyalty prices offered to Nectar and Clubcard holders may also not be available.
The most essential thing is to allow time wherever you shop. Rushing in to a store on the way home is likely to cost you more than you can afford.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep30 - Council Tax
Published on 17 February, 2023
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Council tax bills are rising by up to 15% in April adding to the major financial burdens facing households. Most bills are rising by 5% at the same time as water rates are increasing by 7.5% and energy bills are set to increase by a further 20%.
Never has it been more important to ensure that you are paying the right amount. Hundreds of thousands of homes may be in the wrong council tax band and a few may be able to claim back for 30 years of overpayment.
We tell you what you need to do if you think you are paying too much.
Quite separately many households are not claiming council tax discounts that they are entitled to. People living alone can get 25% off their council tax bills. This can be worth hundreds of pounds a year and students do not have to pay council tax at all.
There are further discounts if you have modified your home for someone with a disability or added a granny flat.
Council tax bills vary so greatly between different councils that anyone looking for a new property to rent or buy should take the tax rates into account. Last year council tax payers in Rutland paid an average of £2,300 a year - 17% more than the national average. In London Westminster charged an average of £866 and the City of London £829 a year while nearby Camden residents were paying £1,720.
And then you may be charged extras such as £70 for a green bin. Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Never has it been more important to ensure that you are paying the right amount. Hundreds of thousands of homes may be in the wrong council tax band and a few may be able to claim back for 30 years of overpayment.
We tell you what you need to do if you think you are paying too much.
Quite separately many households are not claiming council tax discounts that they are entitled to. People living alone can get 25% off their council tax bills. This can be worth hundreds of pounds a year and students do not have to pay council tax at all.
There are further discounts if you have modified your home for someone with a disability or added a granny flat.
Council tax bills vary so greatly between different councils that anyone looking for a new property to rent or buy should take the tax rates into account. Last year council tax payers in Rutland paid an average of £2,300 a year - 17% more than the national average. In London Westminster charged an average of £866 and the City of London £829 a year while nearby Camden residents were paying £1,720.
And then you may be charged extras such as £70 for a green bin. Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 29 Childcare costs
Published on 10 February, 2023
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Millions of people are struggling to pay for the professional care of their children while they are at work.
But some are missing out on cash help offered to all for all children under 11 and may also be able to cut costs by sharing care with other parents.
There is no doubt child care is expensive and the number of women not returning to work after they have children is increasing because they cannot make work pay.
Mrs Mean looks at what help is available with childcare, how to cut childcare costs and to avoid losing any child benefit if they earn more than £50,000.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
But some are missing out on cash help offered to all for all children under 11 and may also be able to cut costs by sharing care with other parents.
There is no doubt child care is expensive and the number of women not returning to work after they have children is increasing because they cannot make work pay.
Mrs Mean looks at what help is available with childcare, how to cut childcare costs and to avoid losing any child benefit if they earn more than £50,000.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep28 - Mobile & Broadband Costs
Published on 27 January, 2023
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You may believe that your broadband or mobile deal is the best value in the market because you spent ages checking prices, but you could still be hit with inflation-busting increases this Spring.
Now is the time to check the small print of the contract that you thought fixed the price for your broadband or mobile service. The companies are allowed by Ofcom to increase fees by inflation plus around 4%. Some are choosing the CPI inflation rate for December, which was 10.5%, giving a total increase of more than14% . Others are increasing by the January RPI rate, which will be announced in February, and is likely to be about 3% more giving a total increase of around 17%.
Some are charging less. Now is the time to find out what your company plans.
While millions of customers will have no choice but to pay because they are in contract and would have to pay a hefty penalty if they cancel. They can be charged for the rest of the contract even if they have cancelled the service.
But the good news is that millions of customers are out of contract and even if they are told in coming weeks that their costs are going up they can leave the company and find a better deal.
With so many people looking for new broadband contracts there are bound to be good deals to win new customers. And now might be the time to check the packages you are paying for. Do you still a landline. They cost from about £20 a month and cost a lot more than mobiles to make calls. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Now is the time to check the small print of the contract that you thought fixed the price for your broadband or mobile service. The companies are allowed by Ofcom to increase fees by inflation plus around 4%. Some are choosing the CPI inflation rate for December, which was 10.5%, giving a total increase of more than14% . Others are increasing by the January RPI rate, which will be announced in February, and is likely to be about 3% more giving a total increase of around 17%.
Some are charging less. Now is the time to find out what your company plans.
While millions of customers will have no choice but to pay because they are in contract and would have to pay a hefty penalty if they cancel. They can be charged for the rest of the contract even if they have cancelled the service.
But the good news is that millions of customers are out of contract and even if they are told in coming weeks that their costs are going up they can leave the company and find a better deal.
With so many people looking for new broadband contracts there are bound to be good deals to win new customers. And now might be the time to check the packages you are paying for. Do you still a landline. They cost from about £20 a month and cost a lot more than mobiles to make calls. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep27 - Insurance
Published on 20 January, 2023
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Regulations were introduced last year that were supposed to cut the cost of motor and homes insurance by £4 billion over the next 10 years. But customers are being asked for increases of 80% and even the industry estimates we will all be paying an extra 30% on homes insurance this year and 15% more on motor premiums.
And unlike other years when we have been able to telephone our insurance company and negotiate a reduction, this year some companies are stating in their renewal letters the price and it is not negotiable.
So all customers have to start early when it comes to finding out where the best deals are and also to make sure they are not paying for features they do not need.
Remember the earlier you ask for a quote the cheaper it will be. The closer to the renewal date the premium will increase because the insurance companies know you are running out of time. We are frightened of missing the renewal date and being illegal when we drive or having no insurance when we claim.
Loyal customers used to be overcharged now it may seem that all insurance customers are at risk of paying too much. It is up to all of us to make sure we do not.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
And unlike other years when we have been able to telephone our insurance company and negotiate a reduction, this year some companies are stating in their renewal letters the price and it is not negotiable.
So all customers have to start early when it comes to finding out where the best deals are and also to make sure they are not paying for features they do not need.
Remember the earlier you ask for a quote the cheaper it will be. The closer to the renewal date the premium will increase because the insurance companies know you are running out of time. We are frightened of missing the renewal date and being illegal when we drive or having no insurance when we claim.
Loyal customers used to be overcharged now it may seem that all insurance customers are at risk of paying too much. It is up to all of us to make sure we do not.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep - 26 Making ends meet
Published on 13 January, 2023
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Lots of bills are getting bigger and our incomes are not keeping pace. It is estimated that the average household will have a shortfall in their spending power of £2,100 in 2023.
This is too much for most households to find by cutting their food and energy costs or reducing their streaming services.
Most us have to find new funds to get through the year. Mrs Mean suggests lots of ways to increase your income, often without incurring any tax.
The sooner you start the earlier you can feel in control of your bills again.
But before you start it is worth asking your employer for a pay rise, promotion or overtime -especially if you work in the private sector.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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This is too much for most households to find by cutting their food and energy costs or reducing their streaming services.
Most us have to find new funds to get through the year. Mrs Mean suggests lots of ways to increase your income, often without incurring any tax.
The sooner you start the earlier you can feel in control of your bills again.
But before you start it is worth asking your employer for a pay rise, promotion or overtime -especially if you work in the private sector.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep25_Cost of Living Budgeting
Published on 6 January, 2023
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It is much more difficult to know where our hard-earned money goes today than it used to be. Paperless bankand credit card accounts mean that there is no regular prompt to reduce our spending. Banking apps are useful but you have to remember to check them and not on public wi-fi.
The cost of living crisis has affected most of us and the New Year provides a breathing space for us to check that we are not wasting any money.
Energy companies are hoarding £2 billion of our money that they have overcharged when they calculated our direct debits. Ofgem, the energy regulator, wants them to mend their ways, but really it is down to us to sort it out. Many customers are thousands of pounds in credit but their energy companies are putting up their monthly payments. Time to call them out. It may take time as their call centres are not properly staffed.
It might also be time to find out if you can get cheaper credit card rates as the average interest charge is at an all time high.
Too many desperate workers have cut their pension payments. Now they need to find out if there are other ways to save money so they can restore the pension payments or face a frugal old age.
But your luck might be in. If you have ever owned Premium Bonds but did not tell National Savings and Investments when you moved there is a chance that you might have a claim for some of the £80 million in unclaimed prizes. If not, you may decide that cashing in the bonds you have forgotten about will be win for your finances.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The cost of living crisis has affected most of us and the New Year provides a breathing space for us to check that we are not wasting any money.
Energy companies are hoarding £2 billion of our money that they have overcharged when they calculated our direct debits. Ofgem, the energy regulator, wants them to mend their ways, but really it is down to us to sort it out. Many customers are thousands of pounds in credit but their energy companies are putting up their monthly payments. Time to call them out. It may take time as their call centres are not properly staffed.
It might also be time to find out if you can get cheaper credit card rates as the average interest charge is at an all time high.
Too many desperate workers have cut their pension payments. Now they need to find out if there are other ways to save money so they can restore the pension payments or face a frugal old age.
But your luck might be in. If you have ever owned Premium Bonds but did not tell National Savings and Investments when you moved there is a chance that you might have a claim for some of the £80 million in unclaimed prizes. If not, you may decide that cashing in the bonds you have forgotten about will be win for your finances.From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 24 - Pets
Published on 23 December, 2022
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Pets may give their owners unconditional love but it comes at a price. According to one animal charity, dogs can cost more than £30,000 over their lifetime and that is without counting in vets' bills.
Even that cute tiny puppy that you are considering can cost thousands over their lifetime, especially if they are pedigree and prone to certain health problems.
Mrs Mean looks at the high cost of owning a pet. With pet food inflation topping that on our groceries any pet owner should work out a budget before they buy. But it is never too late to save money on food, insurance, care and exercise. Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Even that cute tiny puppy that you are considering can cost thousands over their lifetime, especially if they are pedigree and prone to certain health problems.
Mrs Mean looks at the high cost of owning a pet. With pet food inflation topping that on our groceries any pet owner should work out a budget before they buy. But it is never too late to save money on food, insurance, care and exercise. Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep23 - Cashback Schemes
Published on 16 December, 2022
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Earning money when you buy things sounds too good to be true but lots of banks, credit cards and cashback sites are trying to enlist us. When they work we are paid for buying what we would normally buy, but they can cost us dear if we change our spending to chase their rewards.
And it is all too easy to be out of pocket if you incur interest on a cash back credit card or you do not check that the item you are buying is the best value available. You can also miss out on cash back because you have not read the terms and conditions. Membership fees can cost more than you get in cashback.
Cashback is not a quick fix for your finances, but if you do the research you can get good rewards. However, you may be better off if you do not spend at all.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
And it is all too easy to be out of pocket if you incur interest on a cash back credit card or you do not check that the item you are buying is the best value available. You can also miss out on cash back because you have not read the terms and conditions. Membership fees can cost more than you get in cashback.
Cashback is not a quick fix for your finances, but if you do the research you can get good rewards. However, you may be better off if you do not spend at all.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep22 - Cars
Published on 9 December, 2022
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Cars have become more expensive to buy in the last year or so. Petrol and diesel prices have also risen dramatically after Russia invaded Ukraine, and even though wholesale prices have fallen since, the prices at filling stations are staying high as retailers have widened their profit margins.
Shortages of new vehicles pushed up the price of second hand vehicles by more than 40% during the pandemic as people tried to avoid public transport.
Add to that the increase in electricity prices has made electric vehicles more expensive to run, especially if you need to use a public charging point and incur VAT at 20%.
Car finance often costs more than the attractive offers on posters round the showroom and if you buy a new model it loses value immediately.
Mrs Mean looks at how you can save money when buying or running a car and the alternatives to car ownership. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shortages of new vehicles pushed up the price of second hand vehicles by more than 40% during the pandemic as people tried to avoid public transport.
Add to that the increase in electricity prices has made electric vehicles more expensive to run, especially if you need to use a public charging point and incur VAT at 20%.
Car finance often costs more than the attractive offers on posters round the showroom and if you buy a new model it loses value immediately.
Mrs Mean looks at how you can save money when buying or running a car and the alternatives to car ownership. From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep21 - Selling Stuff
Published on 25 November, 2022
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Most of us have too much stuff. It may be clothes, bought but never worn, or books read crammed into shelves and any available surface or children's toys that will never be played with again. While they no longer have a value to us there is a ready market for all our cast-offs.
It has never been easier to sell stuff and you can get good prices for items that no longer have a value for you.
Lots of people have told surveys that they plan to buy second hand presents for Christmas. It is time to make sure there is enough stock for them to buy.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It has never been easier to sell stuff and you can get good prices for items that no longer have a value for you.
Lots of people have told surveys that they plan to buy second hand presents for Christmas. It is time to make sure there is enough stock for them to buy.
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 20 - Loyalty Cards
Published on 18 November, 2022
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Collectively we have £1 billion tied up on loyalty cards and apps. Sounds a lot but on average we have less than £20. That said we should spend it as we try to save as much as possible on our groceries and Christmas.
The loyalty schemes want us to spend more and are currently sending lots of offers to earn extra points but Mrs Mean warns that no one should spend more to get points that they cannot turn into cash for months.
Special prices offered by apps complicate our shopping even more. Beware they may not be so special and may not be applied at the till.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The loyalty schemes want us to spend more and are currently sending lots of offers to earn extra points but Mrs Mean warns that no one should spend more to get points that they cannot turn into cash for months.
Special prices offered by apps complicate our shopping even more. Beware they may not be so special and may not be applied at the till.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 19- Holidays
Published on 11 November, 2022
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Holidays have taken on a greater importance after two years of staycations or no vacations at all. The threat of blackouts and very high heating bills this winter seem to be encouraging more people to book holidays.
Ryanair has reported that we are prepared to pay more for our flights as it reported £1.2 billion of profits in the first half of 2022.
Mrs Mean looks at when it is best to book to get the best fares and how to avoid crippling charges at the airport and warns how holiday bargains can cost dear.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ryanair has reported that we are prepared to pay more for our flights as it reported £1.2 billion of profits in the first half of 2022.
Mrs Mean looks at when it is best to book to get the best fares and how to avoid crippling charges at the airport and warns how holiday bargains can cost dear.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 18 -Sales
Published on 4 November, 2022
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Retail sales volumes are down and shops have lots of stock they need to sell. It is not surprising that they are launching their year-end sales even earlier this year. And they are using all sorts of tricks to get us into their stores and onto their websites.
But we have to remember a bargain is only a bargain if it something that we need and it is on sale at a lower price.
We have to remember that prices may not be cheaper on Black Friday than on other days. We need to do research on who charged what, when for the item and how reliable it is in the product reviews. You will probably find that if something is very cheap there is likely to be a reason. Apart from anything else no one wanted to buy it at its full price.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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But we have to remember a bargain is only a bargain if it something that we need and it is on sale at a lower price.
We have to remember that prices may not be cheaper on Black Friday than on other days. We need to do research on who charged what, when for the item and how reliable it is in the product reviews. You will probably find that if something is very cheap there is likely to be a reason. Apart from anything else no one wanted to buy it at its full price.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message
From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 17- Getting the best mortgage deal
Published on 28 October, 2022
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Getting a mortgage has become very difficult for first-time buyers and homeowners who need to replace a fixed rate mortgage. Interest rates have tripled in a few months increasing typical monthly payments by hundreds of pounds.
It means that homebuyers cannot leave anything to chance. They need to find out what credit reference agencies have on their records about them before they start to find out what they can borrow. The better the data and they should be eligible for the cheapest loans.
First of all, you need to check your credit score by contacting Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You need to make sure that there is no information blighting your records. It may be a tiny debt that you have forgotten or a fraudulent transaction that you know nothing about.
If the information on file is wrong you can ask for it to be changed. You can also ask for an explanation to be added about a debt. It is quite common for people not to realise that they owe a couple of pounds for an old mobile or broadband account.
Any bad news can stop you getting the best mortgages on offer. We all need to be squeaky clean.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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It means that homebuyers cannot leave anything to chance. They need to find out what credit reference agencies have on their records about them before they start to find out what they can borrow. The better the data and they should be eligible for the cheapest loans.
First of all, you need to check your credit score by contacting Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You need to make sure that there is no information blighting your records. It may be a tiny debt that you have forgotten or a fraudulent transaction that you know nothing about.
If the information on file is wrong you can ask for it to be changed. You can also ask for an explanation to be added about a debt. It is quite common for people not to realise that they owe a couple of pounds for an old mobile or broadband account.
Any bad news can stop you getting the best mortgages on offer. We all need to be squeaky clean.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 16- Food shopping in the cost of living crisis
Published on 21 October, 2022
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Food shopping is changing. It is getting a lot more expensive and takes a lot longer if you want to get a good deal.
Comparing prices has never been more difficult. Prices are often missing from the shelves and may not be reflected in the price charged at the till. You have to watch carefully.
The price per unit can be difficult to find and may be quoted in kg for one detergent capsule and per capsule for a different size of the same brand.
It is worth calculating the price. You can make big savings. Only this week I saved almost £2 by buying two small boxes of laundry capsules instead of one big box.
Allow time to compare prices and be prepared to shop around.
It is time that manufacturers and stores made it easier for us to work out the prices instead of trying to confuse us.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Comparing prices has never been more difficult. Prices are often missing from the shelves and may not be reflected in the price charged at the till. You have to watch carefully.
The price per unit can be difficult to find and may be quoted in kg for one detergent capsule and per capsule for a different size of the same brand.
It is worth calculating the price. You can make big savings. Only this week I saved almost £2 by buying two small boxes of laundry capsules instead of one big box.
Allow time to compare prices and be prepared to shop around.
It is time that manufacturers and stores made it easier for us to work out the prices instead of trying to confuse us.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 15- Student costs
Published on 14 October, 2022
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The cost-of-living crisis is probably worse for students trying to survive at university. It is not surprising that some 80% have a job alongside their studies as the maintenance loans have not kept pace with inflation. They were increased by 2.36% this year when inflation is in double figures. The maximum that they can receive is £12,667 in London and that has to cover their accommodation, food, travel, books, phone contracts and maybe some socialising. And that is only paid if their parents' household income is below £25,000.
Most parents are expected to contribute to their students' living costs, paying up to £500 a month . The big problem is that most middle-class parents do not have £6,000 a year of taxed income spare.
In addition they may not realise how much the government expects them to pay towards their child's university costs.
Students therefore need to make savings where they can and earn. Mrs Mean has plenty of tips.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Most parents are expected to contribute to their students' living costs, paying up to £500 a month . The big problem is that most middle-class parents do not have £6,000 a year of taxed income spare.
In addition they may not realise how much the government expects them to pay towards their child's university costs.
Students therefore need to make savings where they can and earn. Mrs Mean has plenty of tips.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message From Passion to Purpose
"From Passion to Purpose" is a podcast that explores the world of nonprofit...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPlease send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 14 - Renting
Published on 7 October, 2022
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Rents are increasing by 8 per cent a year and more than 11 renters are chasing each property as the number of properties to rent declines. Letting agents get more than 100 applications per branch but have only 11 properties to rent.
It means you have to be professional in your search, but first of all you need to work out the real cost of properties including council tax, transport to and from work and the cost of heating your home. The Energy Performance Certificate is vital as people with D grade homes could end up paying twice as much to keep warm than a B grade EPC.
You also need to show landlords that you are the perfect tenant. Get old landlords and employers to give you references. Meet the landlord if you can, to demonstrate what a good and reliable person you are. Landlords do not want voids, when their properties are empty. These cost them money. You need to show how much you want to stay there long term.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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It means you have to be professional in your search, but first of all you need to work out the real cost of properties including council tax, transport to and from work and the cost of heating your home. The Energy Performance Certificate is vital as people with D grade homes could end up paying twice as much to keep warm than a B grade EPC.
You also need to show landlords that you are the perfect tenant. Get old landlords and employers to give you references. Meet the landlord if you can, to demonstrate what a good and reliable person you are. Landlords do not want voids, when their properties are empty. These cost them money. You need to show how much you want to stay there long term.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 13 - Christmas
Published on 30 September, 2022
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Most of us are wanting a good Christmas after two Covid ones. But the doubling of average energy bills, rapidly rising interest rates and record food price inflation will make the budgetting more difficult. That is why Mrs Mean has already started thinking about how we can all save money .
Starting now gives us all a better chance of making the money stretch without appearing mean.
Now is the time to agree the Rules of Engagement for Christmas 2022 with family and friends. Then work out how many gifts can be free or paid for by selling stuff on eBay, Vinted or Depop.
Loyalty points, regifting and personal pledges are key to cutting the cost but not the enjoyment.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Starting now gives us all a better chance of making the money stretch without appearing mean.
Now is the time to agree the Rules of Engagement for Christmas 2022 with family and friends. Then work out how many gifts can be free or paid for by selling stuff on eBay, Vinted or Depop.
Loyalty points, regifting and personal pledges are key to cutting the cost but not the enjoyment.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 12 - Cash is King
Published on 23 September, 2022
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Using cash is the best way to survive if you are struggling with your budget during the cost of living crisis and need to be mean.
It is not only the poor that are worried about paying for their rent, mortgages, food or energy bills.
Unfortunately we have got too used to contactless cards, credit and debit cards and do not always know how much money we have to spend. The money runs out before the month does and we can incur overdraft or penalty charges.
It may take longer to go round the supermarket when you are using cash and making sure you have enough for your shopping. But it puts you back in control of your spending.
Cash helps us to think before you spend.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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It is not only the poor that are worried about paying for their rent, mortgages, food or energy bills.
Unfortunately we have got too used to contactless cards, credit and debit cards and do not always know how much money we have to spend. The money runs out before the month does and we can incur overdraft or penalty charges.
It may take longer to go round the supermarket when you are using cash and making sure you have enough for your shopping. But it puts you back in control of your spending.
Cash helps us to think before you spend.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 10 The cost of babies
Published on 9 September, 2022
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Babies and children upset budgets more than any non-parent can imagine. We all want to do the best for our children, whether it is violin classes, shiny new laptops or the best buggy on the market.
Such is the desire to get everything right for our children we can easily be persuaded to part with our money, especially in the months leading up to the birth.
Much better to take advice from parents, who are a few months ahead of you in bringin up baby. It can save you lots.
Very young children do not understand the concept of Christmas or birthdays. They do not know what the latest trendy toys are. Watch and learn from them what makes them happy without breaking the bank.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Such is the desire to get everything right for our children we can easily be persuaded to part with our money, especially in the months leading up to the birth.
Much better to take advice from parents, who are a few months ahead of you in bringin up baby. It can save you lots.
Very young children do not understand the concept of Christmas or birthdays. They do not know what the latest trendy toys are. Watch and learn from them what makes them happy without breaking the bank.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 9 How to complain
Published on 2 September, 2022
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Complaining has never been more important. But you have to do it well. There are fewer employees waiting for our calls or emails in call centres so it can take literally hours to get through to someone who will help us to get things sorted out.
Mrs Mean tells when to call to get through and how to make sure you can be effective. Be prepared. Be professional and do not be fobbed off.
Ombudsmen can be your ally and the fees for the Small Claims Court are worth it if you are sure you have right on your side.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean tells when to call to get through and how to make sure you can be effective. Be prepared. Be professional and do not be fobbed off.
Ombudsmen can be your ally and the fees for the Small Claims Court are worth it if you are sure you have right on your side.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 8 Saving money on energy bills
Published on 26 August, 2022
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The massive hike in energy bills from October 1 2022 when the energy price cap is increased by 80% means that all of us have to think about using less gas and electricity. Even those who can afford the bills this winter should want to cut back as analysts warn of possible outages. The more we use now could also push up prices next year.
Mrs Mean says that now is the time to start cutting back. Reduce the hot water temperature, have shorter showers and only use the dishwasher or washer when it is full. And to get ready for when the heating goes back on you can save more than £300 a year by reducing the temperature by one degree.
Now that the electricity and gas unit costs are so high the savings to be made add up and will reduce bills if you are vigilant.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 11 Price comparison websites
Published on 6 August, 2022
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Price comparison websites promise to save us hundreds of pounds but we need to be wary and not leave all the work to these websites. To start with not all insurers, mortgage lenders, banks and apps are on all price comparison websites. To get the best deal you need to go on more than one comparison site, and then some. Direct Line Insurance is only available from the company. NFU Mutual does not sell online at all. And customers can do better by contacting an insurer or two themselves. The call centre workers may find ways of offering better terms.
You also need to compare like with like and make sure that excesses on policies are what you want and that the cover suits your home or motor. And if you call you know that the prices are current. Some websites do not update their listings regularly.
Remember the earlier you check prices, the better price you will get. Insurers give the best prices 28 days before renewal.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 6 Found Money
Published on 5 August, 2022
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In tough times more of us are looking down the back of the sofa for coins or in jacket pockets for forgotten fivers and we may need to raid the children's piggy banks, but we should be more ambitious. There is lots of money out there with our name on it.
Millions of bank accounts are dormant in that we have not paid money in or taken it out for more than 24 months. Sometimes we have even forgotten all about them. Mrs Mean tells you how to get access to your money again and also how to find that old work pension and to check if you are owed some of the £73million of Premium Bond prize money that has not been claimed.
You may have money on loyalty cards and there is £500 million in unused credit on Oyster cards, which is up for grabs. Good hunting.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Millions of bank accounts are dormant in that we have not paid money in or taken it out for more than 24 months. Sometimes we have even forgotten all about them. Mrs Mean tells you how to get access to your money again and also how to find that old work pension and to check if you are owed some of the £73million of Premium Bond prize money that has not been claimed.
You may have money on loyalty cards and there is £500 million in unused credit on Oyster cards, which is up for grabs. Good hunting.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 5 - The high price of free
Published on 28 July, 2022
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We all like it when we think we are getting something for nothing but we need to make sure these offers are not an expensive mistake. Free trials for Amazon Prime or other subscriptions are great if you do not forget to cancel within the 30 days and end up paying almost £100 annually for years.
Even worse are the birthday gifts offered by restaurants. You may get a free main course or bottle of Prosecco but unless you eat alone the birthday meal is likely to cost you dear.
Interest-free credit cards can be valuable if you do not infringe their terms and conditions and end up paying dearly and owing more.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Even worse are the birthday gifts offered by restaurants. You may get a free main course or bottle of Prosecco but unless you eat alone the birthday meal is likely to cost you dear.
Interest-free credit cards can be valuable if you do not infringe their terms and conditions and end up paying dearly and owing more.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 7 Warranties
Published on 26 July, 2022
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Retailers and manufactureres work hard to sell us expensive warranties for white goods such as fridges, freezers, washing machine, dishwashers. They try to sell the contracts when we buy the equipment and again when the regular warranty ends.
They are expensive and may not pay out when you have trouble. Remember the average washing machine will last seven years and two months and gas cookers 15 years. Even tumble dryers make it to 13 years. Warranties could cost you hundreds of pounds.
Beware of boiler cover, mobile cover and avoid the pipe insurance sold by water companies that costs us £100 million a year when out household insurance may already cover the pipes between the water meter and your home.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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They are expensive and may not pay out when you have trouble. Remember the average washing machine will last seven years and two months and gas cookers 15 years. Even tumble dryers make it to 13 years. Warranties could cost you hundreds of pounds.
Beware of boiler cover, mobile cover and avoid the pipe insurance sold by water companies that costs us £100 million a year when out household insurance may already cover the pipes between the water meter and your home.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 4 Transport Costs
Published on 20 July, 2022
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Transport costs are expensive whether it's by train, tube, bus or plane. Booking early should save money but there are lots of traps that can cost you dearly. Get the wrong middle name on an airplane booking can cost more than £100, failing to print a boarding pass or waiting until you arrive at the airport to pay for luggage to go into the hold is similarly costly.
You need to make sure you comply with all terms and conditions especially with cheap train tickets.
Travelling in the rush hour is misery and season tickets are very expensive, especially if you are not travelling in to work five days a week, and could rise another 10% next year. Find out when the first cheap trains of the day are and change your working hours.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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You need to make sure you comply with all terms and conditions especially with cheap train tickets.
Travelling in the rush hour is misery and season tickets are very expensive, especially if you are not travelling in to work five days a week, and could rise another 10% next year. Find out when the first cheap trains of the day are and change your working hours.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 3- Budgets
Published on 8 July, 2022
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The first thing you need to know is exactly what income you have each month after deductions for tax, National Insurance and pensions. Then you need to list the fixed costs such as rent, mortgage, council tax, energy and water bills.
But what catches most people out are those occasional costs such as birthdays or insurance renewals.
Even though we all have to work with a 12 month 52 week year Christmas often catches us out with too little money in our accounts to pay for it, and then it is a drag on the next year's spending.
It is more expensive not to plan as you may incur lots of interest that you cannot clear at the end of the month.
We all have expensive months. December is the Big Daddy but then we may have several family birthdays and a holiday in July. If you have few extra costs in the early months of the year don't congratulate yourself when there is money left at the end of February, March, May and June but save it for July and from then on save any money remaining for the final months of the year.
The secret is to know what you spend and to avoid expensive interest on monthly insurance payments or credit cards.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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But what catches most people out are those occasional costs such as birthdays or insurance renewals.
Even though we all have to work with a 12 month 52 week year Christmas often catches us out with too little money in our accounts to pay for it, and then it is a drag on the next year's spending.
It is more expensive not to plan as you may incur lots of interest that you cannot clear at the end of the month.
We all have expensive months. December is the Big Daddy but then we may have several family birthdays and a holiday in July. If you have few extra costs in the early months of the year don't congratulate yourself when there is money left at the end of February, March, May and June but save it for July and from then on save any money remaining for the final months of the year.
The secret is to know what you spend and to avoid expensive interest on monthly insurance payments or credit cards.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 2 - Credit
Published on 30 June, 2022
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Mrs Mean has used credit cards for more than 40 years but over the last 20 years she has made sure she has not paid a penny in interest or other charges. As families increase the use of cards to buy groceries she warns that we must all know the cost of using credit cards and other types of credit and the damage to their budgets and their credit profiles that can be caused by missed or late payments. Minimum payments and interest-free deals can be the biggest dangers for the unwary, but probably the biggest danger is representative rates of interest. The advertisements tell us that we can borrow at interest rates of three or four per cent but only half of successful applicants have to be given the loan at that rate. This is because the companies only have to say they are offering loans at a “representative” rate. It means that only half are given the advertised rate the others are charged more and it is usually too late to get a better deal elsewhere.
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
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If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mrs Mean Money Show
Ep 1 - Supermarkets
Published on 23 June, 2022
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Being a careful shopper can save you £s
In this episode Mrs Mean warns shoppers to allow time and use their calculators. The supermarket trickery may require you to compare the price per capsule with the price per kg for the same brand washing detergent in different size packs. Don't believe the bigger pack is always better value whatever the signage says. Usually the best value is on the shelf near your feet.
At the till check the shelf price is what you are charged. Mistakes happen too often. And watch for yo-yo prices which can increase by 50p or a £1 and then be reduced by the same amount two weeks later. But most of all look at the prices. The stores expect us just to pick up our favourite brands week after week, without realising the price has increased. It may be time to change brands
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message
Be like Mrs Mean and be careful with your money.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Mrs Mean warns shoppers to allow time and use their calculators. The supermarket trickery may require you to compare the price per capsule with the price per kg for the same brand washing detergent in different size packs. Don't believe the bigger pack is always better value whatever the signage says. Usually the best value is on the shelf near your feet.
At the till check the shelf price is what you are charged. Mistakes happen too often. And watch for yo-yo prices which can increase by 50p or a £1 and then be reduced by the same amount two weeks later. But most of all look at the prices. The stores expect us just to pick up our favourite brands week after week, without realising the price has increased. It may be time to change brands
If you've got a money saving idea you'd like Mrs Mean to get her teeth into, please send a message
Be like Mrs Mean and be careful with your money.
Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Lindsay Cook
Lindsay is an award-winning journalist, author, podcaster and broadcaster. She was the first woman to become Business Editor of The Times and is the 'Money Mentor' columnist for the Financial Times.
Her weekly podcast, Mrs Mean Money Show with Glen Thompsett, is posted every Friday and deals with timely money-saving tips.
She also has a weekly show on Connections B2B Radio reviewing the week’s business and finance news and is a regular contributor to BBC radio programmes.
Her first book “The Money Diet: Three Months to Financial Fitness", was serialised in three national newspapers, and is as useful today as it was when it was published in 1986.
Her last book “Money Fight Club: The Smart Way to Save Money One Punch at a Time”, was co-authored with colleague Anne Caborn.
Lindsay enjoys sharing her understanding of how to get the most from your money through her regular broadcasts, podcasts, newspaper column and financial workshops.
She also campaigns for individual readers, listeners and viewers, helping them to win compensation.
Glen Thompsett
Glen has been working in broadcasting for more than thirty years.
He started his career in local radio as an engineer before realising his real passion was in front of the microphone, so the programme controller of Severn Sound in Gloucestershire gave him the weekly rock show - that was back in 1980!
Since being let loose on-air, he’s never looked back.
Glen has worked on radio stations in Gloucester, Birmingham, Coventry, and Wiltshire and was one of the original team that launched Invicta Radio in Kent in 1984. He presented Invicta’s breakfast show achieving some of stations highest listening figures during the late 80’s and early 90’s.
Glen’s television journey began as a Continuity Announcer for TVS (the forerunner to ITV1 Meridian) in the South of England. From there he moved to London Weekend Television as one of the regular ‘voices of London’ until the demise of regional ITV in 2002.
Other work has included Sky News, a host on the shopping channel QVC and numerous corporate productions. He currently works as a regular on-screen correspondent for ITV News Meridian, a newsreader at LBC, Classic FM, Smooth Radio, and the BBC.
Glen runs his own small independent production company and produces numerous corporate films for industry. He also produces audio and video podcasts, media training and teaching, e-learning modules, radio commercials and promotional trailers.
The Money Fight Club Book
It all started...with the book
The Money Fight Club book has everything you need to start fighting and dodging the bad guys!
Buy the Book
From the moment you open Money Fight Club you will begin training for a fitter financial future. Your attitude to money and how you spend it will change forever. You’ll change the way you think about banks, building societies, insurance company, energy companies and supermarkets forever.
You’ll develop a fighter’s instinct for the dubious deals.
Money Fight Club has the power to save you hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds a year on your personal and household bills. It will also put you on your guard against paying too much for life’s essentials and buying things you don’t need, or which aren’t the bargains you thought they were. ‘Money Fight Club’ gives you the moves to fight back and look after your money.
The areas of training covered include:
- - How we got suckered into behaving the way we do with money
- - Why supermarkets are a war zone
- - Deal with utility companies
- - Getting on top of rent, mortgages and property costs
- - Smashing travel costs and the ticket nightmare
- - Saving for YOUR future – not a cosy retirement for the financial sector!
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