Archive: MoneySavingExpert's Money Tips Email

Urgent Petition! Tell politicians they must save financial education MSE & Mumsnet launch petition to protect the next generation of kids We're a nation who educate our youth into debt, but never about debt! Yet after years of campaigning, that was about to change. From Sept 2011, financial education was due to become compulsory in schools as part of PSHE. The planning was done, but disgracefully pre-election wrangling means the legislation was dropped. Signatures urgently needed: We've set up www.FinancialEducationPetition.com to send a message to the new PM that this must immediately go back on the agenda, to protect the next generation of kids from falling in the financial mire. To read more on what the plans were, see Martin's financial education news comment. Why did the bill get killed? The legislation also included sex education, and in the speedy run up to the election the parties couldn't agree on the opt out age so financial education was killed in the fallout. That's why it's crucial to get it back on the table. News: Financial Education Fight Back Related: Free Teen Cash Class

Instant Gap 30% off voucher and Habitat 20%
Major new discounts! Plus Dorothy Perkins 20% off and Debenhams 15% off online
Join £1 off Amazon downloads and Wallis 18% off & free delivery in the Daily Deals List: Shopping Vouchers

Free pint or glass of wine at Greene King pubs. Register 'n' print a voucher for your local (400 UK pubs), valid for 2 weeks. See the Daily Deals List: Restaurant Vouchers and pls be Drinkaware

Loophole! Make £100s PROFIT from a credit card Become a stoozer! Earn interest and rewards on money lent to you for NOWT Stoozing means deliberately borrowing cash at 0% to save at a high rate, so you earn interest on money that isn't yours. It almost became extinct during the credit crunch, but a range of new plastic plus high cash ISA limits mean it's back. The easy method: 1. Apply for Tesco's* 0% for 12 mths on spending credit card (it's 16.9% APR after) - if you've got that try Virgin's* 0% for 12mth (18.9% APR after) spending card. 2. Do your usual day-to-day purchases on it (it's not an excuse for spending more), making only the min. repayments to gradually build debt up to the credit limit, also earning Tesco points. 3. As you're spending on the card, unspent wages build in your bank account - save these at the highest rate possible such as a tax free 3.2% cash ISA or 2.8% savings account. 4. When the 0% ends, either pay it off using the savings or shift the debt to a low-fee 0% balance transfer to keep earning interest on the savings. Make £200 in year one alone: With a £5,000 credit limit & debt built up quickly, you could make nearly £150 interest in the first year, plus 1,250 extra points which could be converted into Tesco Rewards worth up to £50. Who's this for? Only those who are financially savvy, organised, with a good credit score who ensure they've read the full guide for pros and cons first. Updated Guide: Stoozing: Make £100s from credit cards Related: Top Savings, Credit Card Freebies, Balance Transfers

Code for 500 extra points (worth up to £20) at Tesco's 50% off wine sale
Only 5,000 codes available so go quick - 500 points worth £5 instore or up to £20 in Clubcard Rewards
For both new and existing customers. Online orders only so usually 12 bottle min. See the Deals Note: Discount Vouchers

Cheap Crocs! £10 adults, £5 kids, usually c. £25. Buy online, pay £3.99 P&P. See Deals Note: Cheap Shoes

Student loan rates hiked to 4.4% for 100,000s from September Currently interest free, it'll be a shock for many - details on who's hit & what to do Every Sept the Student Loan interest rate changes based on March's RPI inflation figure - yesterday that was revealed as a big 4.4%, meaning many face a big cost jump. Pre-1998 Loans: Those students who started before 1998, who currently have shrinking, -0.4%, loans, will almost certainly see theirs jump to 4.4%. Post-1998: For more recent students currently paying 0%, the rules are a bit more complex. They state it should be the lower of March's RPI (4.4%) or the base rate of a range of banks + 1% (currently 1.5% but of course it could change) - yet the govt won't confirm this until August. What you should do: Until Sept. it's 0% at worst, so if you've spare cash save it at high interest (e.g 3.2% cash ISA) as you'll earn more than the loan costs. Then re-evaluate in Sept (we'll update you), if by then you can't earn more than the interest cost, use the savings to overpay the loan. There is one exception - student loans are still the cheapest long-term debt you'll ever get, so repaying only to then reborrow at a higher rate for a mortgage or other loan doesn't make sense. See the Updated Guide & Repay Calculator: Repay Student Loans? Related: Top Savings, Student MoneySaving, How Interest Rates Work

FREE Ben & Jerry's ice cream next Tues! Just turn up on 27 Apr from 1-5pm at 47 participating stores across UK & Ireland. See the Daily Deals List: Restaurant Vouchers

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Urgent! Free download of Lonely Planet £9.50 iPhone city guide apps
Ends Thur. If you're planning a trip even in a year - grab now inc. London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona & 9 more
Apps use map software to tell you nearby recommended restaurants & sights. See the Forum Note: Free Lonely Planet

Volcanic Ash Help: Your travel, employment & financial rights
Whether you're trapped abroad or lost your holiday - full Q&A guide on what your rights are
It's not just flight rights, the impact of Volcanic ash spreads far further e.g. can employers dock wages if you're not back on time? What about bank charges if you couldn't sort your finances? We've put together a full Q&A with all common situations and what you should do, here's the basics... Package Holidays: You should either be offered alternative transport or an alternative holiday. If that's unsuitable, you'll get a full refund, though excluding extras. DIY flights: Here it gets more complex; if your flight's cancelled at short notice you should get a refund or alternative flight - within a set time - likewise if you're delayed by over five hours. DIY flights stranded overseas: You're entitled to rebook if your flight's cancelled or delayed by over 5 hours. Employment Rights: Sadly if you miss work, legally you can be docked pay - yet most employers won't. These are the tip of the iceberg though, there's also trying to reclaim unused car hire or hotels, read the Full Detailed Q&A: Volcanic Cloud Help Q&A Suggest Questions: Pls suggest any we're missing: Volcano Questions Related: Cheap Flights, TravelMoneyMax.com

Cafe Rouge & Giraffe 2for1s, Pizza Express 2 pizzas for £12
New restaurant vouchers! Plus Prezzo 2for1 for £1 & All Bar One three dishes & wine £15
Join Harvester free ice cream w/mains, Roadchef 2for1 & Fire & Stone 2 pizzas £10 in Daily Deals List: Restaurant Vouchers

Spend £5 at Boots get £5 No.7/Ruby & Millie voucher. Plus more in Daily Deals List: Beauty Deals

New cheapest loan: 7.8% for £7.5k+ borrowing
While small loans are still super-costly, the cost of big lump sum borrowing's edging down
If you need to borrow, ensure it's as small & cheap as possible, budgeted for and over the shortest period you can. Remember these days all loans are annoyingly 'typical rate' which means only 2/3 of accepted applicants get it. Who does depends on credit scores: others pay more or get rejected. Borrowing £5k-£7.5k: Both Alliance & Leicester* and Sainsbury's (active Nectar cardholders only) offer 8.8% APR, Tesco* is 8.9% APR. New Top Borrowing £7.5k-£15k: A & L* and Sainsbury's (active Nectar cardholders only) now charge 7.8% APR (was 7.9%) next best is Tesco* at 7.9% APR. Over £15K: The cheapest rate for over £15k is 8.4% APR with Tesco*. Under £5k: For smaller amounts, consider using special credit cards that let you take out cash lump sums - this can be as cheap as 6.3% otherwise you could be paying up to 18% even with the cheapest loans. PPI Warning! The cost of payment protection insurance ISN'T included in the APR, and often with cheap loans it's really expensive as that's how they make their money - if you do need to cover repayments in the event of accident or sickness don't get it from the bank, it's far cheaper to use a standalone specialist PPI insurer. Full info, pros cons & more best-buys in the the Updated Guides: Cheap Loans, 6.3% Plastic Loans, Best Balance Transfers

Did you use our tips to try and get a basic bank account? Over 1m in the UK don't have bank accounts, if that's you and you used our recent tips to try please let us know how you got on in the Forum note: Getting a bank account

Want to be on ITV1's Tonight Budget Airlines prog? Cheap or bad experiences of budget airlines needed, or do you want a 'cheap flight grabbing' lesson from Martin? See the Forum Note: ITV1 Budget Airlines

Revealed 500,000+ get council tax rebanded! Check yours now Half a million wrongly banded homes have been changed. Reclaim £1,000s New Govt. figures show over the past 13 years half a million people in England alone have had their council tax band changed. The numbers received a big boost in 2007 when we launched our 'Check 'n' challenge your council tax band' campaign, with many not just getting their bill lowered, but backdated payouts of £1,000s too. Why you could be in the wrong band: The original valuation was done nineteen years ago. It was a rush job to replace the poll tax, so many valuers did 'second gear' valuations - literally drive past to ascertain bands. And in England & Scotland it's never been redone. Check 'n' challenge: There are two simple steps: first compare your band to neighbours' in similar properties. This is easy, as it's all public data available instantly online. If yours is higher, then simply work out your home's 1991 value, using free web tools. Everyone should try it. Full, pros and cons in the Step-by-Step Guide & Video: Council Tax Rebanding Related: Free Remortgage Guide News story: 500,000 homes in wrong council tax band

Cheap MP3 downloads. Plan B £5, Scouting for Girls 69p & Now 75 £5. Download no.1 album from Plan B for £5, Scouting for girls' single 69p or Now 75 album £5 (CD's £12) Related: MP3 & CD price comparison site

Can changing driving style slash your petrol bill? See how in the petrol cost cutting article and it's being put to the test on BBC1 Watchdog 8pm Thurs.

Urgent! Car club membership and 1 hr driving credit £12.50 for Londoners (worth £66). Go via MyCityDeals* for cheap 1yr membership with Streetcar (Wed only). Full Details in the Deals Note: Discount Vouchers

British Gas Price Protection 2010 ending
Don't automatically opt for the new fixed version. Check & compare
If you signed up to British Gas's Price Protection 2010 it meant your prices would be fixed for the duration of the term. Now it's coming to an end you'll be moved on BG's standard tariff and offered a new fixed tariff. This is likely to be substantially more expensive than the cheapest online tariffs so check and compare now. Special comparison. Energyhelpline's* adapted comparison site now incorporates the rate your cap'll go to (it gives £15 cashback too via this link). FULL info & explanation in the Switching Guide: Switching from a cap. For everyone else, read the Updated Guide: Cheap Gas & Elec plus cashback

2for1 Alton Towers, Thorpe Pk, Legoland & more. Find vouchers in The Mirror (45p) each day until Thur, valid until Oct. Full info in the Daily Deals List: Cheap Theme Parks

MSE Charity Grants for individuals. Next deadline 25 Apr
The MSE Charity gives grants to both individuals and groups. What can I get a grant for? It's all about financial education for adults, if you can't afford to do a course, be it basic financial literacy or the Open University's personal finance, money may be available. What you CAN'T apply for: Sadly we can't give money to help pay your debts, do professional qualifications, or any other courses other than those for financial education. How to apply: See The MSE Charity Related: The MSE Charity Fund, How this Site is Financed

CHEAP FLIGHT SALES ALERT:
Airline: BMI Baby Price: up to 50% off Ends: Ongoing
Our pick this week is the BMI Baby up to 50% off sale: It's for travel from Sat 1 May - Thurs 15 July 2010 for flights to a range of European destinations. To find them quickly use the FlightChecker on a £40 max search. Extra Charges Warning: Avoid payment and check-in charges, see the Budget Airline Fee Fighting guide Related: Cheap Flights, Cheap Hotels, Spending Abroad, Cheap Currency, Travel Insurance.

Great 'Get paid to generate energy' Hunt
New feed-in tariffs have just been introduced, meaning making cash from renewable energy is now easier. So we thought we'd tap MoneySavers' collective knowledge on how best to maximise this. Whether it's deciding which system's best, eg wind turbines or solar panels, tips & tricks on buying an accredited system or how to cheaply upgrade your system to get the new higher rates. Add your ideas/read other peoples': Great 'Get paid to generate energy' Hunt Past Great Hunts: View all

Book giveaway RESULT. 'The World's Best Wines 2009-2010'
50 copies blagged for MoneySavers. Find out if you got one

MONEY MORAL DILEMMA:
Should Pete bid for Carl's amp on eBay?
Based on a true story. Cash-strapped Pete has been longing for a new guitar amp, when his mate Carl puts an old one on eBay with a £50 start price. New to eBay, Carl adds no photos & has a zero feedback rating, so buyers could be dubious. Similar second-hand amps have sold for c.£400, but no one's bid yet with one hour to go. Mick knows Carl's reliable and is tempted to put in a last minute bid to bag it for £50, but worries this is tight on his mate. Enter the Money Moral Maze: Should Pete bid for Carl's amp on eBay? Previous MMDs: View All Suggest: A Money Moral Dilemma

Great 'Is your food shrinking?' Hunt Result
No, you're not dreaming! Your groceries are shrinking. Manufacturers' latest wheeze's to drop products' sizes, but keep prices the same. So last week, we asked MoneySavers for their feedback on any food they'd seen shrinking. There were some top suggestions, including multi-pack crisps, drinks and yogurt tubs

BOARD OF THE WEEK: Consumer Rights
MoneySavers' consumer rights & experiences
It's important to know your consumer rights. On the Consumer rights board MoneySavers can share their consumer experiences and their advice on what to do when their rights are baffled. Recent suggestions include online mispricing, extended warranty and small claims court questions. Related guide: Consumer Rights

£50 now or £1,000 in ten years? This week's poll
Vote and Grand Future discussion.

You want to ask party leaders about petrol prices, 9,405 voted
By far the most popular question to the leaders of the five big parties was on petrol prices with 33% of the vote, with a close joint second on energy bills and savings accounts at 12% each. These and 7 other questions have now been sent and the responses will be in next week's email. See consumer finance questions poll results.

Archna's Free Game of the Week!
Drag & drop the vehicles to free the red car in Rush

If you pay the price of petrol, and it never makes you weep...If you put up with their 'own brands', just because they're cheap...Read one MoneySavers reworking of the Kipling poem. MoneySaving IF

We hope you save some money,

Martin & the MSE team