If you have too much debt, you may not want to do anything that will harm your credit score. But do you have any better alternatives? That depends on three factors: what is your credit record like at the moment? If it isn't good, then it isn't worth trying to protect! Check your credit score now, so you have accurate information. can you make the monthly payments to your debts? The … [Read more...]
Other Money
I write about a lot of Personal Finance that isn't directly about problem debts. Those articles are gathered here.
Spending - reducing or controlling it is usually essential if you want to reduce your debts. So Budgeting is another big topic.
Your grandparents used a pen and paper, but now we have Apps to make all this easier.
Mortgages - sometimes thought of as the only good sort of debt!
Credit ratings - important if you have too much debt or very little!
Why hasn’t my credit score improved?
A reader asked: My credit score isn’t following the rules you described on How much will my credit score change if...? I cleared a default two months ago and my score hardly changed. And four days ago another default should have gone but I can see it's still there on ClearScore. What do I have to do? Should I complain to ClearScore or the creditors? Trying to sort out a poor credit score can … [Read more...]
6 ways to save – which will be the easiest for you?
Do you find it hard or impossible to save? many people feel they ought to be able save but always fail when they try. others are saving for a big goal but not as fast as they want. if you are struggling with money, you may desperately want a small emergency savings pot to make life a bit less stressful. There isn't a simple answer - no way is easy for everyone. What works for one … [Read more...]
How to succeed with your New Year debt and saving resolutions
What are your New Year Resolutions for 2019? Ones about money are common - how to save more, clear debts, improve your credit record etc. Some people scoff these resolutions. But it's a good idea to take a step back once a year and ask yourself what you would like to change in the next year. If you know where you want to get to, there is a better chance you will end up there! Though you do … [Read more...]
A Money Detox – seven steps to improve your finances
Want to be better with money in 2019? If you eat and drank and sat on the sofa far too much over Christmas, you may be thinking of detoxing your body and making 2019 the year you get fit. A Money Detox is the same approach for your finances if your bank balance is looking sick and your credit cards bill looking bloated. You want to track and then reduce or get rid of the things that are … [Read more...]
Walking, yoga or run from the zombies? Cheap ways to get fit in 2019
Want to lose weight or get fit in 2019? Millions of people will have that as their main New Year's Resolution. Don't rush out join a gym... It's the most expensive of all the options and most people give up after a few weeks. Here are some suggestions, all free or low cost. The aim is to spend as little as possible until you find out what will suit you and fit with your life. Walk your way … [Read more...]
Sales bargains – 7 top tips avoiding the bad buys!
How do you spot the real bargains and avoid buying things you will later regret? The human brain is very good at processing lots of information fast by grabbing hold of important facts early on and letting them dominate decisions. That was perfect when we were out hunting for food and living in caves, but in a shopping mall or online it can go badly wrong! Lots of shouty Sale signs and money … [Read more...]
Christmas 2018 – keeping the cost down and the fun up
Here are some ideas to cut down what you spend this year on Christmas. It's not worth getting into more debt for one day which will make all of 2019 much harder for you. With just over a month to go this is a good time to be starting to plan. Finding ideas for cheap presents in mid-December can be too late to get them delivered in time - even Amazon Prime's one-day delivery often lets you down … [Read more...]
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is now a loan – should you agree to this?
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) helps people with the cost of their mortgage if they aren't working. It has been paid as a benefit since 1948, but in April 2018 this changed and now it is only given as a loan that is secured on your house. Here is the DWP leaflet describing the new loan: DWP SMI Factsheet (6 April). You may see LMI (loans for Morgage Interest) used as the new name for this, … [Read more...]
£140 help with your electricity bill in winter 2018-19
Are you worrying about how to afford the heating this year after the price rises in 2018? The good news is millions may be able to get £140 off their electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme if they are on a low income. Five points for applying for a Warm Home Discount The key points for making a Warm Home Discount application in 2018 are: Pensioners do not need to apply, … [Read more...]
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