Badges, blogging & bullion – this week's MSE Forum highlights
Amid news of the upcoming energy price cap and other cost of living challenges, take heart in the support, wisdom and MoneySaving inspiration on the MSE Forum. Here are a few of this week's highlights.
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A few of this week's top threads
We're always scouring the MSE Forum for useful, interesting or cheering threads. A few that caught our eye this week:
- Homeowners, how did you settle your pre-exchange nerves?
- I’ve £500 worth of new stamps I won’t use. Where’s best to sell?
- Anyone else make badges and pocket mirrors? Can you recommend me some cheap suppliers?
- I live with my parents but want to move out. Should I go for it, or wait until the energy crisis calms down?
- I've made a desk, coffee table and shelves out of pine scaffold boards. I don’t like the colour – how can I effectively and cheaply dye them darker?
Is gold bullion a good gift idea for a grandchild?
- Is blogging worth the effort? I’m several months in and haven’t made a penny yet
- Should I buy gold bullion for my grandchild?
- I’ve been warned by Amazon and eBay for returning too many items. Is there a specific limit?
- My mum makes four cups of tea each morning. Would she save much by making a four-cup flask instead of boiling the kettle four times?
Success of the week
A grand success from a serial bank switcher here – WillPS estimates they've earned around £3,000 in switch bribes over the years. Here's some insight into how they did it.
Co-op Bank, Yorkshire Bank, First Direct, Triodos, Ulster Bank all switched in to with no intention other than taking the bonus and moving on. HSBC, Barclays, Nationwide (x3 bonuses) and TSB I kept while there was a reason to do so before eventually designating them as donor accounts as account benefits were eroded.
Lloyds (x2) and RBS were both opened for switching bonuses but have perks that continue to justify them being used.
Halifax (x3, hopefully will be eligible again next time around too), Santander and Natwest were all accounts I had open already before taking bonuses.
I can't be bothered to add it all up but I suspect I've had somewhere around £3000 worth of switching bonuses now.
~ WillPS
Interested in getting a piece of the bank switching action? Find out more in this section of our Best bank accounts guide.
Money Moral Dilemma
Every week, the Money Tips email features a real-life Money Moral Dilemma (MMD for short). They're intended to encourage debate and, as such, they're usually among the most discussed threads each week.
A building firm hasn't invoiced me for shoddy work - should I chase it up?
I had a bathroom fitted and the standard was shocking - there were many issues including a leaking shower and the wrong sink being installed. I reluctantly got the company to return to put things right, as I was putting the house up for sale. I sold it a couple of months ago, but have yet to receive an invoice. Should I pursue the company, or assume it's written off payment knowing I'd dispute the bill?
You can find out what our MSE Forumites think and add your own two cents on the Money Moral Dilemma discussion thread. Remember the MSE Forum rules: keep it kind and keep it clean. Remember, there's a real person behind every Money Moral Dilemma.
Got a Money Moral Dilemma of your own? Email us at MMD@moneysavingexpert.com and it could be featured.
Latest comping wins
One of the most frequented boards, Competitions Time, is where compers come to find and share competitions. We see a steady stream of success stories, which, this week, include Ms_Dee's Curlicue sustainable gift wrap set (pictured). Some of the bigger winners of the week include tigger462, who scored a year's supply of CeraVe skincare products worth £384 and Pinkyp, who won a £500 voucher to spend on My 1st Years baby products.
Your two cents
With the news of October's 80% energy price cap increase, and the launch of MSE's price cap calculator, the Energy board is busier than ever. Discuss your bills, usage and more with other members of the community.
If you're not a member yet, it's easy to register for the MSE Forum.
Related Blogs
1 October 2024
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Martin: 'Get off the Energy Cap'
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Two FREE £175 bank switches
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Save £100s on home insurance
Here's how
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Amazon 'Prime Big Deal Days'
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Toy sales: Up to 50% off
At Tesco, Asda & more
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Free solicitor-drafted wills
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Winter Fuel Payments legal bid
To reinstate for all
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