Childcare costs have skyrocketed, placing families under immense financial strain. With the average annual cost of sending a child under two to nursery full-time reaching a staggering £14,030. It’s no wonder many parents are grappling with the dilemma of whether they can actually afford kids! Parents are rading their savings, resorting to credit cards, and even borrowing from friends and family to cover childcare expenses.It’s no wonder that 70% of mothers don’t think it’s financially worth going back to work. A Personal Perspective This financial conundrum is not lost on many parents, inclu ..read more

Supermarkets, with their strategic layouts and enticing displays, have a way of making us spend more without even realising it. I’ll let you into their sneaky tricks so you can navigate your trolley without being fooled. The Checkout Temptations: Chocolates, gum, or snacks – classic impulse buys, they put them all by the till for that exact reason. Instead of succumbing to these last-minute purchases, consider using this time to review your shopping list.  Eye-Level Ploys: Have you ever noticed that products at eye level tend to be pricier? It’s no accident; supermarkets strategically p ..read more

We’ve all dipped into our overdrafts, especially during challenging times or major events like Christmas and birthdays. However, the burning question remains: does using your overdraft impact your credit score?  When you use your overdraft, you are essentially borrowing money that isn’t technically yours, which is seen as a form of debt.  Types of overdrafts There are two types of overdrafts: authorised overdrafts, pre-arranged with your bank, and unauthorised overdrafts, when you spend beyond your limit. Both types can influence your credit score, but the impact depends on how you ..read more

Credit card debt can build up and feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple 5-step guide to help you defeat it and become debt free! 1. Cut Up Your Credit Card(s) The first step in freeing yourself from the clutches of credit card debt is to cut up your credit card or cards. Removing the temptation to use credit for everyday spending is a powerful statement and a good way to start. 2. Know Your Numbers Confronting your debt might be uncomfortable, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Break down the exact costs by meticulously reviewing your credit card charges. Identify recurring expenses and ..read more

Why homeowners are getting forced onto prepayment meters Last year, single mothers and pensioners found themselves cornered, forced to make an unthinkable choice between putting food on the table or keeping their homes warm.  Ofgem, the energy regulator, responded to this distressing scenario by imposing a ban on the installation of prepayment meters following an investigation by the Telegraph. Debt collectors were breaching the rules and forcing prepayment meters on vulnerable people. Shockingly, teams enforcing warrants for British Gas discovered distressing situations, including a 77-y ..read more

Trying to get car insurance after you’ve had a run-in with the law can be stressful. It’s confusing, it feels like everything is more expensive, and some insurance companies won’t talk to you at all.  But before you go rummaging for bus timetables, I’ve got good news! It is possible to get affordable car insurance after a conviction.  I’ve put together this handy guide to help break down the world of car insurance for you. I’ll take you through the basics, give you some quick tips on how to snag the best deal for you, and help you understand your conviction code. What Do Penalty Poin ..read more

If you live and work in Wokingham, you are under constant surveillance by traffic cameras. You might know where most of these are. And of course, the ever-present traffic wardens in the busy areas of the borough. What this all adds up to, is that you have never been more at risk of being given a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from Wokingham Borough Council, for even a minor parking offence. So in this post, I am going to explain what a PCN is, and look at whether you should pay it, or try to appeal the PCN. How to appeal and win If you want to avoid paying a PCN then you’ll need an airtight appea ..read more

Traffic cameras seem to be everywhere these days. Especially in a large city like Swindon. And of course, there are the ever-present traffic wardens on patrol in the busiest areas. This means that you are always at risk of being spotted making a mistake, or breaking a traffic rule. This means that you risk being issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) by Swindon Council if you are caught committing an offence. In this post, I am going to specifically look at what you should do if you are given a penalty charge notice by Swindon Council, and how to appeal against a PCN. How to appeal and win If yo ..read more

If you are driving in Bath, you face additional risks that could result in Bath Council sending you a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Because Bath has a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). So it isn’t just parking and minor traffic infractions that could result in a PCN, you can also get one if you fail to pay the correct CAZ charge. In this post, I will go over what you should do if you get a PCN from Bath Council. I’ll look at the legality of PCNs, and also how to make an appeal against a PCN. How to appeal and win If you want to avoid paying a parking ticket then you’ll need an airtight appeal. The best way ..read more

Driving in a big city like Aberdeen can be confusing, especially if you have never visited before. This can lead to mishaps with road laws, such as drifting into a bus lane for a short way or using a yellow box junction incorrectly. And if a traffic camera or a Civil Enforcement Officer sees you make this mistake, you might find you are issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from Aberdeen Council. In this post, I am going to go over what a PCN from Aberdeen Council is, and how to deal with one. This includes the process for making an appeal against a PCN. How to appeal and win If you want t ..read more