YOUR
FREE
GUIDE TO SMARTER MONEY SAVING
Quids in! ISSUE 41 WINTER 2018 / WWW.QUIDSINMAGAZINE.COM
How FutureProof Are Your Finances?
TAKE THE TEST
s r a e y 10
OF FIGHTING YOUR CORNER
EXPERT ADVICE ON: ✔SPENDING ✔SAVING ✔BORROWING ✔INCOME
D THE N I H E B S WHAT’
S W E N
LOAN SHARKS CIRCLE MONEY HELP SESSIONS
Welcome We’re ten! How did that happen? It seems like only yesterday that I was talking about the idea of a mag to help people on tight budgets. This issue, it was good to take a look backwards (see page 8) at all that has changed around us. But let’s think about the future for a second. The world feels more uncertain than any time I can remember. On one side people tell us the world is going to hell in a handcart. On the other, everything is coming up roses. Not sure I trust any of them. I’ve decided it’s time to pull up my own drawbridge and make sure my own finances are in shape. That’s why we put together the Future-Proof Your Finances Test. What can we do to limit the impact of any disaster? It won’t hurt to have a few savings to fall back on or an up-to-date CV, just in case. The Test is also on quidsinmagazine.com. There’s space there to offer more advice. You can record your score and try the simple steps. Try again in a couple of months and see if your finances are more secure.
● Illegal lenders attend debt advice courses
C
riminal lenders are sneaking into events for people struggling with their finances, a support agency has revealed. Lynne Johnson, director at Skills Max, runs debt counselling events in Hertfordshire. She told Quids in! they discovered lenders were attending under false pretences. “All of them there were women but not all were there for the same reasons. They told other women the Job Centre had sent them along but they had someone who sorted them out. They could put them in touch. “We followed up with a call and
Jeff, Editor
editor@quidsinmagazine.com
In this issue… Future-Proofing: How secure are your finances? Take the test Page 4
Taking Action: Need help? Find support from experts Page 6
found people had been offered money. We asked to see the paperwork and found they were from loan sharks.” Loan sharks are not easy to spot but it is illegal to lend money without a licence. Victims have found interest payments rocket and have been threatened with violence. It has led to suicide for some. In 2017, Quids in! reported on Carol who had £1,000 a month taken off her by a loan shark, leaving her unable to afford food. Informal loans are not enforceable. Anyone who thinks they may a victim of a loan shark should contact 0300 555 2222 (England) or 0300 123 3311 (Wales). All calls handled in strict confidence.
Quids in! magazine
◆ Address 3 Princes Street, Bath BA1 1HL Tel 08456 8049 06 ◆ Editor Jeff Mitchell Email editor@quidsinmagazine.com ◆ Comms Officer Dan Fineman Email dan@ socialpublishingproject.com ◆ Advertising Opportunities Lisa Woodman Email lisa@ socialpublishingproject.com ◆ Copy Sales Lisa Woodman, Rhiannon McNamara, Email lisa@ socialpublishingproject.com, rhiannon@socialpublishingproject.com ◆ Design Joe Burt ◆ Cartoon by Rachel Wotton www.harmfulraes.com ◆ Agony Aunt: Jayne Bellis at PennySmart © This magazine may not be reproduced in part or full without prior written permission Quids in! makes every effort to ensure content is correct at the time of going to print. Readers should take specialist advice where necessary. Quids in! has no political allegiances, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. Any relationship with advertisers or sponsors is always on the understanding that we retain our editorial independence.
2 | Quids in!
10 years
OF FIGHTING YOUR CORNER
Quids in! magazine is designed to help people understand and manage their money better. It is published quarterly by the Social Publishing Project, a social enterprise.
Looking Back: Quids in! is 10. Wait. What? Page 8
Quids in! magazine is supported by Aon and Aviva. Aon arranges home contents insurance with Aviva for tenants of social and council housing. Ask your landlord if they have a scheme in place.
NEWS
LIFTING THE LID ON… You can’t escape the fact Quids in! is ten this issue. But the news is that we’ve been honoured by the Mayor of London. His Civic Innovation Challenge award means we will be scaling up our work on helping people get online and access banking services better. Lloyds Bank will be helping us grow the Quids
QUIDS IN’S BIRTHDAY in! Readers Club email service and recording how well it works. In Wales, the Illegal Money Lending Team have backed our work taking on loan sharks. We won funding to produce a bilingual version reporting on the dangers of borrowing from unlicenced lenders.
UC ‘AIDS ABUSE’
● Single household payments must end
W
omen’s groups have come together to slam Universal Credit (UC) for increasing the risk of women and children being “left penniless by abusive partners”. Under UC, payments for multiple claimants in a single household are only paid into one bank account. It is feared that where abuse takes place, money will be paid to the abuser and withheld from the victim. At an event launching a report, Universal Credit and financial abuse: Exploring the Links, Dr Nicola SharpJeffs from Surviving Economic Abuse said: “Enabling abusive men to receive all of a household’s money direct to one bank account alone has to set off alarm bells.” The meeting was staged at the House of Commons by the Women’s Budget Group, Surviving Economic Abuse and the End Violence Against Women Coalition. MPs heard from Aanya who survived economic abuse. She said: “There are many problems
with Universal Credit based on my experience as a single parent going through domestic violence… No consideration is given to a person’s financial position or their emotional wellbeing.” Quids in! is supporting the call for an end to single household payments. Members of the Quids In Readers Club can read our full ‘Quids in! says’ on this at: qimag.uk/qisaysabuse
NEIGHBOURS NEED My elderly, disabled neighbour lives alone but people call at the house at all times of the day. I took post round for him and noticed he didn’t have the heating on and had a horrible bruise on his arm. He said he had tripped. Sometimes I hear shouting and I am concerned these visitors are taking money from him. Should I do something? Mrs G Ogden, Lancs
JOIN THE CONVERSATION… INSURE FOR SURE When ringing around for insurance, I was shocked to be told by the call centre that it would be cheaper to buy online. Twenty five quid cheaper! That’s three month’s broadband paid for. Kerching. Received via quidsinmagazine.com
AGONY AU NT
WIN £50
POST The Editor, Quids In! 3 Princes Street, Bath BA1 1HL EMAIL editor@quidsinmagazine.com TWEET @quidsinmagazine
Have you got something you want to tell us, or a money-saving hint or tip to share? Each issue we’ll send £50 to our best letter writer, emailer or tweeter! Don’t forget to include your name and address.
I think this is neighbourly concern, Mrs Ogden. Sadly, abuse is all too common. It can be complicated. The victim can be afraid of violence or just losing a friend and becoming lonely. You could call your local social services adult safeguarding team and alert them on your local council number. Action on Elder Abuse Helpline may be able to help on 080 8808 8141. Or try National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Quids in! | 3
FUTURE-PROOF T S E T S E C N A N I F R YOU
The
Quids in!
en hard, the next couple While the past ten years have be How do we make sure . in rta ce un ht rig wn do e ar st at lea rms? Let’s start with we can weather any financial sto Finances Test the Quids in! Future Proof Your
DO YOU: 1
T
here have not been more uncertain times for a generation. We just don’t know what is going to happen in the next few weeks, let alone years. The best thing we can do is dig in and shore up our money plans. The quiz below brings all Quids in! has learnt over ten years about what it takes to be financially fit for the future. We also called in help from our friends at DHI (Developing Health and Independence) and Clean Slate Training & Employment. They made sure it also creates a more secure foundation for housing, health and employment.
Feel sure you could keep food on the table if your income stopped for a few weeks? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Over a
couple of weeks, note all the things you couldn’t do if your income stops. Plan how to work around this
2
4 | Quids in!
6
3
7
8
onto Facebook and learn to post updates and upload photos. Search for a video about us by googling: youtube quids in readers club
4
Have ID documents and readily know where to find YES ■ NO ■ them?
MINI-CHALLENGE: Check
out the Quids in! advice on getting ID together. Keep them safe in one place, ready
Check your bank balance daily? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Start checking every day. Find the easiest way that works for you, like getting your bank’s App on your phone
Feel confident with the internet? Can you ‘google’, upload photos, watch videos AND post comments? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Get
Know exactly how much money goes out each month and how much your rent is? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Use an online budgeting tool (see qimag.uk/ futureproofbudget). Any expenses you don’t know, find out
MINI-CHALLENGE: At
least, put aside a few pence a day. Increase it a bit per day, if you can. Make it a habit!
Have/ use a savings account? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Open a savings account. Each time you’ve set aside a few quid, bank it
Set aside any money for savings each day or week? YES ■ NO ■
TAKING THE FUTURE-PROOF FINANCE TEST The list of simple questions below are about our attitudes, habits, and our day-today situation. For each one you respond to with a ‘No’, there is a mini-challenge – what you might do to turn it into a ‘Yes’. The number of ‘Yes’ answers is your score. By working through the minichallenges you should become better prepared for the future, whatever happens. Try it again in a couple of months and see if your score improves. If it does, your money affairs are even better protected against any setbacks. Take the test online. It will offer more advice, tips and information. Go to qimag. uk/finances
5
Open all your post every day? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Well, open all your post every day. If you’re drowning already, get help! Advice centres are used to people turning up with bags of unopened bills
9
Know how much you have coming in (including for your rent) AND is it the same every month? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Check the past three months’ bank statements. If it varies, add it up and divide it by three. Make sure any Housing Benefit is included
16 Feel certain your money will
last until you next get paid? YES ■ NO ■
10 Have an email account? YES ■ NO ■ MINI-CHALLENGE: Get
online and google LearnMyWay for starters. Or find someone who can show you. It’s really simple
11 Check emails every/ most YES ■ NO ■ days? MINI-CHALLENGE:
Simply, start checking emails daily. Set them up on your phone so it is super-easy to access them
12 Have access to the internet? YES ■ NO ■ MINI-CHALLENGE:
Research the best place to get online for at least an hour at a time. If you need help getting started, see if any free courses are offered locally
13 Feel confident to say ‘no’ if
someone pressures you into something not right for you? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE:
Practice. If you’re not happy, stop and take control. Say you need to check things and come back
14 Have and use a current
account or Basic Bank YES ■ NO ■ Account?
MINI-CHALLENGE: Open
an account, even if you don’t use it straight away. If you have an account already but can’t use it, you can still get a Basic Bank Account. More info at qimag.uk/ futureproofbanking
15 Know where to find help if you
had money problems? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Look
up your local advice centres. Get online to find Citizens Advice, MoneySavingExpert and Quids in! websites
MINI-CHALLENGE:
Compare your income to your outgoings. If it’s tight, plan what you can do
17 Know for sure you are getting
all the help you are entitled to from the state? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Check online – it’s easy. Find out how: qimag.uk/ futureproofbenefits
18 Feel totally happy about what
happens if your income goes up? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Are your fears more about change? Talk to an expert or ‘google’ your question but check it’s a reliable source
19 Feel happy using direct debits,
(eg, for paying rent or getting discounts on energy bills), AND know when they go out? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Check bills about setting up direct debits and if there are discounts for doing so. Payment dates are on your bank statement
20 Plan ahead money-wise
for holidays, birthdays and Christmas/ religious holidays? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Write
down all you spend on annual ‘one-offs’. Add them up and plan how to cover them, eg, by saving up
21 Have no debts or arrears that
you worry you might not be able to repay? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Think about what you’d do if your income stopped for a few weeks. Read the MoneySavingExpert advice at qimag.uk/ futureproofdebt
22 Keep costs down by finding
deals when shopping or buying clothes/ essentials? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE:
Think of five different places you’ve spent money. Find out what discounts or loyalty schemes they offer
23 Want to make more money
and have a plan to do so? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Think about making stuff to sell, dog-walking or flogging old gear. See: qimag.uk/ futureproofincome. Think about work or better paid work – get your CV up-to-date
24 Ever use an online switching
service for cheaper gas or electric, or comparison website, (eg, for insurance)? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE: Visit an advice agency or get online and check how it works and what to do at qimag.uk/ futureproofswitch
25 Think you will do anything
differently after answering these questions? YES ■ NO ■
MINI-CHALLENGE:
Everyone can do something to improve their finances. Think of one small change, at least, and go for it
MY SCORE:
Quids in! | 5
Odds & Ends “
I lost the roof over my head when I had five dependent children, but with time and hard work I got it all
back.” Denise Robertson, the late agony aunt (2009)
“
My grandmother was a great saver d always save she’ and ose, and never purp a for money unless the h touc her target.” hed reac she Reggae of ts Roo Levi fame ce Sau gae Reg (2010)
“
Politicians are nd surprised to fi ink th I . id up we’re not st e us really real people lik d respect.” need to deman Dee’ Deirdre ‘White fits ne Be Kelly, from 4) 01 Street (2
“
Payday loans companies said, ‘We know you need a bit of money, do you want some?’. I couldn’t borrow money that I knew I wouldn’t be able to repay.” Jack Monroe, author and campaigner (2014)
“
If someone is struggling to keep their head above water, there is a good chance they qualify for certain benefits. Entitledto.co.uk is a great website.” Ricky ‘SkintDad’ Willis, money blogger (2016)
WORDS OF WISDOM
Over the decade, some famous (and some less famous) people have taken time out for Qu ids in! readers
“
Some people call me tight because I always try to get the cheapest deal. Always shop around.” Craig Phillips, TV DIY expert and Big Brother winner (2011)
“
Following the de mise of my relationship I ha ve been left heartbroken with two very confus ed adolescents an d a mountain of de bt . Having read yo ur Help Files, I ha ve agreed a budget with all concerne d and the three of us can eat. It is ni ce to know through Qu ids in! that we ar e not alone.” Jaki, Quids in! re ader (2015)
✆ QUIDS IN! USEFUL NUMBERS LOAN SHARKS The National Illegal Money Lending Team tackles loan sharks. To report a loan shark anonymously you can call them 365 days a year on ✆ 0300 555 2222, text LOAN SHARK and your details to 60003 or email them at reportaloanshark@stoploansharks. gov.uk. In Wales call ✆ 0300 123 3311or send an email to imlu@cardiff.gov.uk CREDIT UNIONS Credit unions are not-for-profit organisations that provide bank accounts, loans and savings. They may help people the banks won’t. To find your local credit union call ✆ 0161 832 3694 or visit www. findyourcreditunion.co.uk . BENEFITS • For unemployment and work-related benefits talk to Jobcentre Plus. • People with disabilities or carers should contact the Disabilit y Benefits Centre
6 | Quids in!
(✆ 0345 605 6055) and for Child Benefit and tax credits call Inland Revenue (✆ 0845 300 3900). • Council Tax and Housing Benefit is dealt with by your local council. • Pensioners should call the Pensions Service (✆ 0800 99 12340). • Free benefits calculator www.entitledto.co.uk DEBT ADVICE For free debt advice and help, contact any of the organisations below. • National Debtline ✆ 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk • StepChange Debt Charity ✆ 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org • Citizens Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk. In Wales call ✆ 03444 77 20 20 England call ✆ 03444 111 444 • Christians Against Poverty (CAP) www.capuk.org. ✆ 01274 760720
Quids in! Readers Club Pleased to receive your free Quids in! every three months? Now you can stay in touch all the time with our new Readers Club. Join the growing crowd of money-saving, savvy-shopping, debt-beating, cash-boosting Club members and receive freebies and top tips throughout the year.
Sign up here: qimag.uk/QIClubReg
CONGRATULATIONS TO ‘QUIDS IN!’ ON THEIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Happy 10th Anniversary Quids In! magazine
GD Web Offset are proud to have been printing the QI Magazine since 2011.
Thank you for all your helpful hints and tips on benefits and budgeting. We have enjoyed reading the magazine over the years and look forward to reading many more for years to come!
We commend them on the help, support and advice they give to those living in poverty.
From all at entitledto.com
GD Web Offset Ltd www.gdweboffset.com
Happy 10th Birthday Quids in! Good quality, secondhand furniture and electricals available from the Reuse Network. Call our Freepohone number to find a charity near you.
✆0800 085 8339 reuse-network.org.uk
WANT KNOW TO Y RIGHT OUR S AND WHAT YO ENTIT U’RE LED TO?
DO YOU EEL EVER F OFF RIPPED HED OR PUS D? AROUN
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FINANCES
MAKE SURE MO RE IS COMING IN THAN GOING O UT
The
3 Bs
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST DEALS AND EXPERT ADVICE
Congratulations to Quids in! on 10 years fighting the corner of people on lower incomes. We are proud to be partners delivering your 3 Bs Money Skills Training. It continues to be hugely rewarding for us and for the people who attend. We have seen attendees find work, increase their income and save hundreds of pounds as a direct result. We look forward to working with you supporting tenants, claimants and low paid workers as you roll out the training to new places. www.cleanslateltd.co.uk/3-bs
Quids in! | 7
10 years
OF FIGHTING YOUR CORNER Quids in! was launched in December 2008 but conceived much earlier. Who knew what a troubled ten years it would be for our readers? Editor Jeff Mitchell looks back
H
indsight is a wonderful thing. I can’t believe it’s been ten years since we launched Quids in!. It’s been quite a decade.
FIRST LISTEN...
The first thing we set out to do was listen. Quids in! was designed for social tenants, benefit claimants and working people barely making ends meet. The people always talked about but rarely talked to… nor listened to. When we ran our first survey, our readers were such amazing help. We knew times were tough but now we had firsthand evidence about what people needed - from Quids in! and from the powers that be. We travel the country reporting what we find from surveys conducted every two years, supported by insurance giant Aviva.
BUILT IT. THEN THEY CAME
Our first edition reached 15,000 social tenants but once landlords saw it in their hands, they wanted in. By 2014, we reached a staggering 300,000 households across all four countries of the UK. Putting celebs on the cover set us apart from the usual money advice leaflets. But some, like Jack Monroe and Tanni GreyThompson were totally on our wavelength.
DECADE OF CHANGE
From day one, we wanted to help householders avoid the traps that mean being poor costs more. We wanted an end to pay-to-use cash machines on the poorest estates and improved access to lower cost borrowing. By the time we launched, banks had crashed and the country’s finances had tanked. Jobs went, benefits were slashed and VAT went up making everything dearer. Life – and Quids in! – was suddenly about
8 | Quids in!
how we keep food on the table.
CRISIS RESPONSE
From the start, we followed Universal Credit (UC) and all the welfare reforms. UC making work pay sounded great but it became clear claimants needed more help. They faced chronic delays by not being online or not having a bank account. Without savings to fall back on, many hit crisis point. We couldn’t change the system so we published a UC Guide to help readers avoid the pitfalls. Hearing a lot of local support missed the mark, Quids in! created a new programme of its own. Our money skills sessions are, or soon will be, delivered around the country. Responding to an increasing threat, we work with the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit in the fight against loansharks. We’ve also teamed up with councils, foodbanks, MIND and other great organisations.
THE VIEW FROM HERE
Who can say what will happen in the next few months, let alone ten years? Many feel things can’t get much worse and we hope they’re right. Most of us don’t have anything left to fall back on. One thing we know is the future is more digital. Quids in! too. Our Readers Club has just won backing from the London Mayor and we hope to reach thousands in the capital and then beyond. Lloyds Bank is helping us bring advice, tips and deals to anyone with an email address. For certain, our next decade will still be about protecting those who just want help getting by. My thanks go to everyone, from readers and paying customers to sponsors and partners – and the Quids in! team. With all your help, we’ll continue fighting our readers’ corner.
Our first issue of Quids in! Magazine
Putting celebs on the cover set us apart from the usual money advice leaflets
Jack Monroe really said it how it is about life on a limited budget
Quids in! Universal Credit Guide