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Quids in! AUTUMN 2019 / WWW.QUIDSINMAGAZINE.COM

“I wanted to get stuck into the world of work ”

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TEST Y FINAOUR N with CES our m oney quiz

FIT AS

Exercise: the best medicine ever invented

A R A Z MCDERMOT T

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LOVE ISLAND’S

AND . BRElaAwTtoHheElp.. New bt tackle de

ng an apprentice Why the smart money is on becomi EXPERT ADVICE ON: ✔SPENDING ✔SAVING ✔BORROWING ✔INCOME

D THE N I H E B S WHAT’

S W E N Welcome I’m often that person who learns things the hard way. But over the summer, I took something on and saved a fortune. The loo has been playing up for months, taking an age to refill. When I could stand it no longer, I booked a plumber using a slick-looking website. He arrived two days later and quoted me £450. I was gobsmacked. I nipped to the local plumbers’ merchant for advice. He said he could guess what was wrong. He pulled a rubber widget off the shelf and explained how to replace the old one. In less than five minutes, it was done. And the price of the widget? £1.50. My feeling turned to anger thinking of people more trusting than me, who’d pay that charge. Companies have got so greedy. An honest trade like plumbing has been turned into a sales role. The internet is generally a force for good but buyer beware! The old rules of comparing a few quotes and getting advice from an expert have never been truer.

"Cyclists do run the risk of suffering a thirdparty liability claim"

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Jeff, Editor

WHEEL COST OF INSURANCE ● Cyclists urged to take cover

reported to have been forced to pay £4,162 plus an estimated £100,000 in court costs. Emma Brushnett was hit by the cyclist in 2015 while crossing the road looking at her phone. He claims he now faces bankruptcy. Not having insurance can often prove to be a false economy, not only for cyclists. One in four householders fail to cover their home contents, which can cost an average £35,000 to replace. The least well-protected homes are in London with almost half (45%) not covered and North East England with one in three (32%). Water damage, including weather-related problems, causes the most claims.

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editor@quidsinmagazine.com

new comparison service helps cyclists insure against third party claims for accidents, in addition to bike loss or damage. It follows a number of recent court rulings including one that ordered a cyclist to pay almost £105,000 to a pedestrian he knocked unconscious. Quotezone.co.uk introduced the service to help cyclists cover against theft but also legal fees and compensation claims. Founder Greg Wilson explained: “Cyclists do run the risk of suffering a third-party liability claim at some stage, which they would have to cover themselves if they were uninsured.” In June, Robert Hazeldean was

In this issue… On the job:

Breathing space:

Graduates lose out to apprentices Page 4

New plans to support people in debt Page 7

Quids in! magazine

◆ Address 24 James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT Tel 0845 646 0469 ◆ 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 Email lisa@ socialpublishingproject.com ◆ Design Joe Burt ◆ 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.

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Miracle cure: Can’t afford to get ill? Focus on fitness Page 8

OUR PURPOSE 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.

Quids in! is not for profit but all about creating a better life for each of us. Honest, trusted and independent, we make money easier to understand and offer practical advice to people on lower incomes. We believe we should all be considered in decisions that affect us and we oppose how it costs more to be poor.

NEWS

DRASTIC ACTION AS

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Webster, said: “It’s not a foodbank. People shop and pay for their food.” Members pay £3.50 and make up a food basket from what is available. Charity FareShare supplies the pantry out of donations of surplus or near end-of-date stock from supermarkets. “It doesn’t replace a weekly shop but in an expensive borough, it bridges the gap to take pressure off. It could free up some money for bills.” Edinburgh teachers started contributing to in-school food banks after noticing children hungry, craving sleep and lashing out at other children. Despite higher wages than most of Scotland, 21,000 of the capital’s children come from homes without enough to live on. Chief exec of the Child Poverty Action Group blamed welfare reforms for rocketing hardship: “The actions needed to end UK hunger are to end benefit freezes and reform Universal Credit so it is fit for purpose before it is rolled out to anyone else.”

Dear Penny,

I’m moving in with my fiancée. I’m excited about our new life together but also dead scared. I’m out of work but think I’ll have a better chance once settled. Alex E, Carlisle

Penny says: Congrats on moving in together. It’s normal to be excited and worried at the same time. Sorting your finances out is so important. My full ‘10 Top Tips’ are online (see qimag.uk/pennyhome) but here are the essentials: 1. Check your benefits. It’s easy and online. Co-habiting may affect your claim and could move you onto Universal Credit. Start at qimag.uk/bens 2. Talk! Draw up a budget together you’ll both stick to. Shop around for the cheapest gas, electric and broadband. When setting up home, think recycling centres and websites like Freecycle. 3. Who will pay for what? A joint account might help but keep your leftover spending money separate. If either of you is in debt, let the other know.

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION… OUT OF BALANCE? Having read Quids In’s Spring edition, it seems your editor knows what will happen regarding jobs post-Brexit. As those are arguments that not the Prime Minister, parliament or individual political parties could agree, who gives him the authority to make these claims? As I write, our beleaguered Prime Minister is having to step down because of her inability to achieve her aims. Perhaps your editor should

MOVING JITTERS

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Millions unsure they can keep food on the table

andlords and teachers are stepping up as food poverty reaches crisis point across the UK. Food hubs are being created in London and North Wales while ‘in-school foodbanks’ cater for kids turning up malnourished and dirty. Around 2.2 million people are unsure they can keep basic meals on the table, the highest reported level in Europe. Four million kids are missing out on nutrition standards set by the government. In North Wales, Clywd Alyn Housing Association is teaming up with Flintshire council to organise deliveries of 200,000 meals. A food hub will provide healthy, affordable grub for nursing and care services. Children whose school dinners dry up during holidays will also benefit. In Kensington and Chelsea in London, Southern Housing Group, Clarion Housing Group and Guinness Housing Trust are launching a Food Pantry, to be run by the charity St Giles Trust. Community Investment Manager at Southern, Alice

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perform a similar service and let someone better qualified take over. Received via quidsinmagazine.com Quids in! says: We aim to avoid political bias and provide a balanced view. On Brexit, we tried to suggest there may be new options for some and challenges for others.

Have you got something you want to tell us, or a moneysaving 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.

WIN £50

POST The Editor, Quids In! 24 James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT EMAIL editor@quidsinmagazine.com TWEET @quidsinmagazine

Quids in! | 3

YOU’RE

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ive to joining the at rn te al t ea gr a is ce ti Becoming an appren e learn, avoid massive w ile h w rn ea n ca e student ranks. W k over a lifetime. 50 £1 to p u by gs in rn debt, and boost our ea

hen Zara McDermott, star of the 2018 series of Love Island, finished her A-Levels she decided to become an apprentice. She had good grades, some of the best in her year, which would have got her into most universities. But as she told the BBC, “I felt like university was becoming a little bit of a lifestyle choice as opposed to a future career choice. I really just wanted to get myself stuck into the world of work.” But as Zara found out, there’s still a stigma around apprenticeships in the school system. “My headmaster was like, ‘Why would you go for an apprenticeship?’” Zara stuck to her guns and ended up in an advisor role at the Department for Education. There’s never been a better time to do an apprenticeship. The government aims to get 3 million people onto one by the end of 2020. It’s core to their further education programme, and there are between 12,000 and 20,000 vacancies at any one time. Over 170 industries now offer apprenticeships, and completing one boosts our earning potential by ten per cent on average. With university fees nearing ten grand a year, apprenticeships are a great way to avoid debt and get a head start in a career.

That’s compared to £18,463 for those completing an apprenticeship, who could be around the same age. Add to that the fact that apprentices get paid while developing their skills and don’t end up in tens of thousands of pounds of debt. Suddenly, the idea of a degree as the only way to get ahead in a career starts to look shaky. Tom Mynott, a software development apprentice at TfL, who won the Rising Star of the Year award at the 2018 National Apprentice Award, said: “I had an offer to study Computer Science at Bournemouth University but I changed my mind when I got the offer letter. I feel like I’ve learned a lot more than I would have done at university. I’m now saving for a house, I’ve had a career for three years and I’m living a proper life.”

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“I really just wanted to get myself stuck into the world of work”

MORE THAN ONE WAY As Zara’s story shows, at school we’re often told that the only route to success is through university. The message is drummed in from early on: Get your GCSE’s, get your A-Levels and then go to uni. After graduating, we’ll land a graduate job earning good money and live happily ever after. For some, getting a degree is the right path. But for others, it’s not. So if we don’t take the uni route, have we failed in life before we’re even out of school? Or have we dodged a £50,000 debt trap that comes with fewer and fewer guarantees? STUDENT VS APPRENTICE One research report showed the average uni graduate has a starting salary of £14,734 for their first job.

THE STIGMA… And still, there’s a stigma around apprenticeships. Why? It could be that the hourly rate for apprentices under 19 years of age is a meagre £3.90. But that’s only the minimum an employer has to pay. Many employers top this rate up. And the hourly rate goes up in the second year of an apprenticeship. In 2016 the average hourly rate for an apprentice was between £6.85 and £7.10.

How it works…

• In England, there are three levels of apprenticeship: Intermediate, Advanced and Higher. • In Scotland: Foundation Apprenticeship, Modern and Graduate. • In Wales: Foundation, Apprenticeship and Higher. • Apprentices usually work 4 days and study 1 day a week. • Apprentices earn at least the national minimum wage while they learn and holidays are paid. • Apprenticeships are funded by big businesses and the government. • Anybody over the age of 16 can become an apprentice. • To find out more: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk www.apprenticeships.scot gov.wales/apprenticeships-skillsand-training • The websites list apprenticeships on offer and give advice on preparing, applying and interviews.

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When an hour of student tuition costs up to £25, the apprentice is ahead by about thirty quid an hour. OPEN FOR ALL More and more businesses offer modern apprenticeships. Perceptions of them as the poor man’s route into a manual trade are outdated. They can be a fast track to high status careers, coming with technical training often sponsored by the employer. Many offer professional qualifications in everything from accountancy and business administration to joinery and plumbing. 170 industries are involved. The range of options is massive. An apprenticeship is not just for school leavers, either. There’s no upper age limit. In fact, in 2016 there were more 25-49 year olds on apprenticeships than both under 19s and 19-24 year olds. So, whether we’re finishing our GCSE’s or looking to change our career, an apprentice scheme is a great option. The chances of bagging a permanent job at the end of an apprenticeship are high. As Annie Cook, NHS Career Development Coordinator, says: “The apprenticeship scheme has allowed us to bring in new talent. And 98 percent of our apprentices go on to employment.”

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READY FOR ANYTHING?

It's not the end of days but it pays to be prepared

For most of us, the future has never felt so uncertain. If only there was a way to check everything was in place to keep our finances secure. Well, there is!

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uids in! readers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are savings-savvy squirrels, stashing cash away for a rainy day. Some are shameless shopping shrews, bagging every bargain going. Others are marvellous money-maker monkeys, selling off old gear or taking on extra hours to pay the bills. Whatever our type, sometimes it pays to know how to be a little of everything. Our Future-Proof Finance Quiz asks the simple questions to reveal the tricks that cash canny consumers keep in mind. When we need that extra help, how can we be sure to be in the right place at the right time? What are the daily routines that can keep us on top? What are the pointers for tipping the (bank) balance in our favour? Take the Quiz to find out. Grab a cuppa and go online to qimag.uk/ finances to see how you score. Then take the mini-challenges to score even higher next time. Submit your email address and receive your plan to make sure your finances can withstand whatever the future may bring. It’s fun and easy and could transform your financial fortunes.

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✆ QUIDS IN! USEFUL NUMBERS

LOAN SHARKS The Illegal Money Lending Team tackles loan sharks. Call anonymously on ✆ 0300 555 2222, text LOAN SHARK and your details to 60003 or email them at reportaloanshar k @stoploanshark s.gov.uk . In Wales call ✆ 0300 123 3311 or email imlu@cardiff.gov.uk. Scotland: ✆ 0141 2876 655, or email loansharks@glasgow.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 • People with disabilities or carers should contact the Disabilit y Benefits Centre (✆ 0345 605 6055) and for Child Benefit and tax credits call Inland Revenue (✆ 0845 300 3900).

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• Council Tax and Housing Benefit is dealt with by your local council. • Benefits calculator www.entitledto.co.uk • Pensions Service: ✆ 0800 99 12340

DEBT ADVICE For free debt advice and help, contact any of the organisations below. • National Debtline ✆ 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.org • StepChange Debt Charity ✆ 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org • Citizens Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk. In Wales call ✆ 08444 77 20 20 England call ✆ 08444 111 444 • Citizens Advice Scotland www.cas.org.uk. ✆ 0808 800 9060 • Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) ✆ 0300 200 2770 www.dasscotland.gov.uk Government-backed scheme to pay debts.

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.

And Breathe... A new government scheme will give people two month’s ‘breathing space’ to get on top of sorting out their debts, writes Jo e Cohen Evans

new policy announced by government will stop those of us in serious debt from being hassled by bailiffs or debt collectors for 60 days. The idea is that during that time, people making use of this ‘breathing space’ will be put in contact with debt advisors to work out a debt repayment plan. All charges, fees and interest relating to the debt will be frozen during the two-month period. The scheme goes further to relieve immense pressure for people in serious debt while in treatment for a mental health crisis. The government has said that for anyone in this group, the 60-day period will be extended to cover the duration of any treatment. As we found in our latest Quids in! survey, money worries and mental illness are often closely linked. Three in five (59%) of all our readers said they felt frightened, anxious or depressed on account of money worries. This spiked to 68 per cent of those who were working age but not in full-time employment. There was more good news, too, with the government announcement. They said they will also introduce a statutory debt repayment plan. This will mean that debt repayment can be spread over a

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manageable timeframe and may be linked to income. So, if our income goes down, so do our repayments. The announcement has been welcomed by debt charities. Phillip Andrew of StepChange said the changes will mean people in debt are in a more secure position. He added: “Breathing Space and statutory debt repayment plans will improve how people seeking to repay debt are treated. We’re particularly pleased to see the Government confirm that debts owed to government itself will be included in the scheme.” The legislation still needs to be voted through parliament by MPs before it can be introduced. Even then it won’t be launched until 2021. But it promises to be a big step in the right direction. For more info on the scheme, check out the Government’s info page at qimag.uk/breathingspace.

It’s great that mental health damaged by debt is being addressed by government. It’s a life saver. But two years is a long time to wait. Meanwhile, people starting to feel crushed by debt should follow these top tips:

Tell someone now. Contact a local advice agency, or StepChange or the National Debt Helpline (see page 6). Not feeling strong enough? Confide in someone who can contact them for you

If you’re already receiving mental health help, or you’re struggling to cope, make sure the advisor is told straight away. They might be able to argue for ‘breathing space’ from the people you owe, even before the scheme becomes law

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“Breathing Space and debt repayment plans will improve how people seeking to repay debt are treated.”

Quids in! says

Drowning in unopened post? Most will be repeated requests for payment. You only need one. Work through it with someone – a local advice agency will help, if no-one else will. Whoever you turn to for help will need to know the whole picture

From here, your advisor will take the strain and you’ll feel a weight lifted

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GET FIT

Cost is not an excuse for not getting fit - some steps could even save us money. With some planning, we could count the extra pounds in our pocket as the pounds fall off. Now we’re listening…

FOR FREE E K L P M SA eeping fit is something we all know we should do but 20 million Brits are not getting enough exercise. Whether the weather holds or not, now’s the time to get up and get active.

HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND

Anyone who’s been ill for a while knows it can be expensive to be sick. Prescriptions, getting around and not being able to work all add financial pressures. It’s tricky to judge the savings but prevention is better than the cure. Heart disease, cancer and diabetes kill 360,000 of us a year. Exercise can cut the risk of heart disease by a third (35%) and type 2 diabetes by up to 50 per cent. Regular exercise also lowers the risk of depression by a third (30%). As Dr Nick Cavill, Health Promotion Consultant put it: “If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented.” The benefits of keeping fit are huge. So, what’s stopping us?

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joined Park Run, a national scheme creating local groups to go running with. She told us: “Park Run is for everyone and I love that. There are old, young, fast, slow... No one judges. It’s such a friendly environment, people saying good morning, encouraging strangers who may be struggling.”

FREE GEAR We can work out at home without any kit at all. There are articles online and free apps to keep us motivated and moving. Reader Michelle is a big fan of home workouts: “Using free apps on my phone for training at home saves around £600 a year in gym membership. I don’t need any equipment, just a small space. I can even just do five minutes if I don’t have much time. Makes me feel more energised every day!”

pill, “If exercise were a the it would be one of ve most cost-effecti .” drugs ever invented

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With the average gym membership costing around £40 a month, some of us just can’t afford the luxury. But there are not-forprofit gyms, like the YMCA and Nuffield, who sometimes offer cheaper memberships for those on benefits. The Money Advice Service has more advice – see qimag.uk/qicheapgyms.

WALK, CYCLE, RUN, REPEAT

The beauty of exercise is that we can work it into our daily routines. The NHS recommends 150 minutes a week of exercise, mixing moderate and vigorous activity. ‘Moderate STEP OUTSIDE activity’ includes a brisk walk, so just The NHS and the National Trust have three 25 minute walks a week teamed up to create a 31-day guide Quids in! says adds up to half the target. to getting fit for free using That could be as simple parks and public places. To If we choose to walk as saving on a bus fare download Outdoor Gym when we usually take the bus and walking to work, for free, go to qimag.uk/ just once a week, we could also the supermarket or qioutdoorgym. save a small fortune. If a one-way dropping the kids There are also hundreds ticket is £1.50, that’s £75 a year. off at school. of outdoor gyms in parks Each time we choose exercise, put Add in a couple of around the UK, with the saving away for something runs in the local park weather-proof weight and special. What better and a short bike ride fitness training equipment incentive?! or workout at home and free to use. we’re there. Quids in! reader Clare

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