Giving to charity is a great thing to be able to do, but it’s easy to be put off by the idea of endless direct debits and text donations, especially if you don’t have much spare cash yourself. It's especially hard when you are trying to clear your own debts and know you have to put your family first - that doesn't mean you stop wanting to help other people. And if you have children, you may … [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!
How much will my credit score change if … ?
How much will my credit rating go up/down is a very common question and one that is often tricky to answer. But here are some guideline numbers from Experian that may help. These are only indications - your credit score may not go up or down by this much. They assume nothing else has changed on your record. They also apply to single issues. If you have two defaults already, getting a third … [Read more...]
Will a parking ticket show on my credit record?
A reader asked: I've got a parking ticket in a car park which isn't right because you couldn't see the signs the way I went in. I've been sent a letter saying if I don't pay they will go to court and this will then show on my credit record. My partner says she got a speeding fine and that wasn't on her credit record. Are they lying to me? To find out what will happen if you don't pay a parking … [Read more...]
Credit Improver – will it work for you?
I am sceptical about firms offering to improve your credit rating - too many of them are either scams or something you can easily do yourself. But Credit Improver is authorised by the FCA, any complaints about it can be considered by the Financial Ombudsman and it is offering a "guarantee" so I decided to take a look. How Credit Improver works When you sign up to Credit Improver you are buying a … [Read more...]
Has British Gas added a new default for an old debt?
A couple of questions about British Gas defaults from Debt Camel readers in the last few weeks: I check my credit file monthly. I have just noticed an account that was never on there before from British Gas saying that I owe £179 from 2008. The only thing that is showing is a default issued Jan 2017. I have no recollection of this money. We didn't move from that address until 2010. What can I … [Read more...]
Tasty ways to enjoy your Christmas leftovers!
If your supermarket trolley will be piled high on the 23rd or 24th of December, you need a plan for using up the leftovers! Here are some ideas for the next few days. Boxing Day If you have any leftover mashed potato, then make bubble and squeak - finely chop any other cooked vegetables, stir them through the mashed potato and fry in butter! Serve with a fried egg for a brilliant Boxing Day … [Read more...]
“Is “settled” better than “satisfied” on my credit record?”
A reader asked: My Noddle report shows some settled debts but one is shown as satisfied. I am sure I paid them all off in full. Does it make a difference and should I ask for this to be changed? … [Read more...]
Credit Ladder – can renting boost your credit rating?
Paying your mortgage on time helps your credit score. Shouldn't paying your rent do the same? That is the idea behind Credit Ladder, where tenants renting from a private landlord can sign up to have their rent payments reported to Experian. But there are reasons why this may not be such a good idea for the tenant. This article looks at Credit Ladder in particular, read Should paying rent help … [Read more...]
How to cut your water bills
Water bills - they went up £9 a month on average in April 2018 and £8 a month in April 2019. You can't change Water Companies but there are still a lot of ways you can cut your water charges. This article is looking at ways to cut your future bills. If you already have a bill that is too high for you to manage, don't ignore it, read What to do if you can't afford to pay a water bill. See … [Read more...]
Will partial settlement make it hard to get a mortgage?
Ms F asked: "I have been in debt management for five years after my marriage breakdown. After an inheritance, I want to pay off my DMP as it will carry on for years. I could pay in full but my house needs some urgent work and my car is on its last legs. I asked about my credit score if I offer a partial settlement and was told this would show as partially settled on credit score file. Will I … [Read more...]
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