Archive: MoneySavingExpert's Money Tips Email
The following is the text of the Money Tip sent out on 10 November 2003
I've hmm'd and haaa'd over this e-mail, there are more tips than usual and they're serious MoneySavers. Instead of holding some back, I thought I'd just note, if you don't have time, this ones really worth putting aside and coming back to later.
Buy Prezzies in time for Xmas, at Jan sales prices. With some easy credit card manipulation you can buy gifts to go under the Tree, but claim the cash back if they're reduced in Jan's sales. Article: click here
Rate Rise, Mortgages: Last Thursdays 0.25% rise will typically cost those with a variable rate £100k mortgage £20 a month extra. However, shifting to a better deal cuts your cost by £60-£120/month. Articles: Sneakily get top mortgage broker advice for free; Full remortgage guide
Rate Rise Loans, do it now! Personal loans rates are fixed at outset and last the entire term. Most rates haven't yet been increased. If you're planning to get one soon, do it urgently to cut the cost. Article: How to get cheapest loan
Rate Rise, Savings Accounts: The paltry rate rise gain is dwarfed by the benefit of moving to the top accounts. Updated best buy links are included in Articles: cash ISAs, savings accounts
Cut-price perfume/aftershave: A new spot, an online retailer selling unboxed products from the grey import market. My own John Rochas aftershave normally £36, was £18. Chat tip
URGENT REMINDER: Loophole: Free £150 of Cahoot's Cash: The internet bank Cahoot has a short-term promotion for both new & existing customers. There are three lots of free £50 available, and anyone with over £1500 credit card debt will be automatically eligible, if not I've a loophole system anyway. Product Link*: click here to apply or Article: loopholes, pros and cons. (Why not forward this e-mail to friends and family to give them free cash and the other money saving tips too?)
BOO! HISS! To 118-888! My recommendation (it was in the last tip!) has just added a 25p call connection to its charge. Now, I wouldn't touch it with a barge poll. I'm planning another full investigation into the market, but for my current holding recommendations click here.
Money Tips Gold: Just a few of the best ‘still relevant' past chat site tips: Unlocking mobiles for free; Freeview Digi-box £49.99; (& a new discussion on recordable DVD players for £240); Don't use companies' expensive 0845 and 0870 numbers; cheaper prescriptions if you get them regularly, free anti-virus software. And of course there's always the Top Ten posts list
Checking website's legitimacy: www.alexa.com is a website run by Amazon, which shows ‘traffic ratings' of other website – it's a good way of seeing how ‘used' a site is. An indication of legitimacy. It's also possible to download a toolbar, to see the rating each time you search a site. Click here to discuss pros and cons.
Money Saving Articles £50 Monthly Prize: Many people have asked me if they can write articles for the site. I've added a special section on the chat board for people to write longer form articles. Each month the best will win a £50 prize. Click here for more details
To Ask A Question: Please don't email me directly, just click here and simply pop one in the Questions section of the Chat board. It'll be answered much more quickly there.
An extra PS (if you got this far). I finally finished writing my first Book last week (phew! Never again!) It's at the publishers. I'm really pleased with it – it takes MoneySaving a step beyond and makes it a step easier even than the website, laying out the entire methodology and tactics behind the entire system. Fingers crossed it'll be on the shelves sometime between now and April. (and that people'll buy it!).
I hope you save some money.
Martin
*This is an affiliated link, get the card this way & a contribution helps this site stay ad free, sponsorship free and free to use. It in no way impacts the product you get or the recommendation. Click here for more info. For the sake of transparency you can click here for the same link with no contribution made.
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