Archive: MoneySavingExpert's Money Tips Email

The following is the text of the Money Tip E-mail sent on 10th October 2003

Independent, non-profit, driven consumer help from www.moneysavingexpert.com

Cut The Cost of Car Insurance:  After 4 years as a Money Saving Expert.  This is the first time I've ever tackled the cheapest car insurance conundrum. Click here

New best lazy card: For those wanting an easy life a new Capital One card combines a 7.9% standard rate (the third cheapest) and a 4.9% life of balance transfer rate (the cheapest).  Click here* to apply. Or better, Click here for pros, cons, explanations and to discuss.

Shame on you! The latest site poll shows nearly 50% of MoneySavers haven't used this year's ISA allowance.  As cash ISAs are just savings account that aren't taxed, this is not good news. Don't throw your cash to the taxman – Click here to read the cash ISA deal (includes updated best buy links) or click here for my full guide to ISAs

Even Cheaper Personal Loan (again): For the third e-mail running another new ‘cheapest personal loan' Northern Rock is now at 6%.  The best thing about this is it charges it on borrowing as low as £1,000. Click here for more

Sky Plus Users or Wannabes (Chat Board Tip): Anyone who's just bought Sky Plus may be able to get £50 back.  Plus a discussion on how to get the system for less.  Click here

Want to be on TV? A prestigious BBC1 documentary I'm involved in is looking for A. someone whose combined credit card credit limits are bigger than their salary (whether they're used or not)   And b. someone with lots of debt at 0%.  If you fancy it e-mail shabnam.grewal@bbc.co.uk.

MBNA 9 month 0% balance transfer with free watch update: If you've applied for the MBNA card with the free watch, to actually get it you must spend on the the card.  Unfortunately spending is at the full interest rate, so once you've got the card only use it once to buy a Mars bar in a supermarket (or Twix, I'm not picky) to get the watch then put the card in a draw.  If you want to apply, click here to read the full deal.

.

Free £50 Halifax Card Update: Some of those who applied for the free £50 Halifax cashback card (sorry newcomers, it's closed now) are finding Halifax isn't paying.  I've had ‘words' and arranged a special e-mail for you to complain to click here for more info.

Site news: The site's amazing growth, has meant that staggeringly now overall in profit – bizarre for a non-profit driven site.  (to read the strict conditions set on how it makes money click here)  I'm telling you this as I want to be transparent. Any profits will go to developing new functions, some to the site's charities and, to be honest, paying me – which helps me justify spending more time working on the site.  I hope this is okay.  If you have or want to comment on this click here.
 
The Great ‘Shopping Vouchers For Christmas' Hunt: If you spot an online shopping voucher that may help others cut the Christmas shopping bill, please click here to post it on the chat board (or to read others posts)

Appalling Spelling Excuse:  At last I've found an excuse click here

To Ask A Question:  Please don't reply to this e-mail – just click here and simply pop one in the Questions section of the Chat board instead.

M'Last Word: That's it for this week.  As always thanks for your continued support and please tell everyone you know to come along, sign up, and save money. 

All the best

Martin Lewis

Money Saving Expert

To find out when Martin's next TV or Radio Appearance are due click here

*the card is a moneysupermarket exclusive and this is an affiliated link there, which means a contribution is made to keep this site ad free, sponsorship free and free to use. This doesn't impact you, the rate, the recommendation or what you pay in any way (if it did, it wouldn't be done). Click here for a full explanation