Life Hacks

HOW TO…SPRING CLEAN YOUR MORTGAGE

by BRIAN MURPHY, head of lending at Mortgage Advice Bureau

As the weather begins to warm up, many will be starting to think about giving their homes a seasonal spring clean. But with the soaring cost of living, now is also a good time to give your finances a spring clean. A mortgage is one of the biggest monthly commitments you can make, so it’s important to also give this a little TLC. Here’s how…

1. Check your current mortgage deal

See if you could reduce your mortgage payments by switching. A whole of market mortgage broker can help you browse for the best deal possible – but be aware of any fees and charges you may incur from switching, particularly if leaving early.

2. Avoid falling onto a lender’s SVR

If your mortgage deal is about to come to an end, or indeed has ended, you will end up reverting onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR). Often, these mortgage rates are more expensive than fixed or variable benefit period mortgage deals, which means you could pay hundreds of extra pounds per month compared to other deals in the market. Make sure to check your mortgage deal and switch your mortgage to avoid falling onto an SVR.

What to do with... an old computer monitor?

James from local company, Our Technician, says…

“The monitor can be donated to a local charity or school if it still works and we’re happy to oversee donations and make sure it ends up in a good home. If it’s broken or damaged, then it can be recycled where it will be harvested for its materials, otherwise the recycling centre in Waldo Road Bromley has a PC and monitor section where equipment like that can be taken if it’s too old or broken.”

Call James on 07544 500131 or see www.ourtechnician.co.uk

3. Create a budget

Using a budgeting calculator can help keep you on track with what income and outgoings you have, be that for your rent, mortgage or other expenses, while also keeping you on target for any savings you want to make.

4. Cut costs where you can

It’s good to understand what income you have compared to your outgoings, so you can prioritise what you do or don’t need. For example, what subscriptions or memberships do you have that you’re not using? Are there any household bills you can get better deals on? In the current climate, being able to spare any cash, no matter how big or small could prove very important.

5. Upsizing V renovating

Some of the biggest savings for homeowners can be made when renovating their homes, instead of upsizing. Our online tool provides users with a construction project cost estimate versus the estimated value the home extension or renovation could add to the overall property price.

Funny Responses To Rude People

‘I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Could you please speak more quietly? I'm trying to ignore you.’

‘You know what they say, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. I'll just assume you're saying something nice.’

‘I'm sorry, I don't speak rudeness, could you please try again in a different language?’

‘I'm sorry, I'm not fluent in sarcasm. Could you please speak more clearly?’

‘Wow, you must have a lot of practice being rude, you're really good at it!’

"I'm sorry, I didn't realise I was talking to a world champion of rudeness."

It's important to remember that using humour is not appropriate in all situations, and it's best to use it with caution. It is also important to remember that making fun of someone's rudeness can come across as unprofessional and may escalate the situation. It's always best to use your judgement when responding to rude people.