Stop smoking. Save dosh.
I used to feel like I always missed out on the best deals and got messed around by tradespeople or retailers. Then I decided to take control.
Like the Take-ItAll Ten, featured on pages 4 and 5, I decided enough is enough. I needed to get informed and have an ‘adultto-adult’ conversation. That meant I needed to speak up and be clear about what I want. I also had to show I expected respect too, and I wouldn’t take being dismissed or spoken down to.
One time, I needed to get a window and external doors replaced. Ahead of the salesperson arriving, I looked online for the cheapest goods that would meet my needs. He quoted me £7,500! I said, ‘Sorry. I seem to have wasted your time. I can get this all online for £2,000.”
He stormed out. He was pretty angry, but I shrugged. And do you know what happened?
His boss rang me back to say they could supply and install everything I needed for £2,200. I asked him how soon they could start.
Jeff, Quids in! Editor editor@quidsinmagazine.com
●
We must use our voice… or lose it, says Quids in! editor, Jeff Mitchell
In 2022, the Quids in! team promised the people we help: “We see you. We hear you. We are you.” We know many feel ignored and left behind.
A vote is a voice. It’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’.
Research shows people on lower incomes are less likely to vote. Homeowners are more likely to vote than renters, giving them more say on the government that will make decisions on housing policy.
migrants have signed up.
Many feel ignored by politics. If our partner treated us like that, we’d have two choices: Speak up or put up with it. If that partner tried to silence us, we’d call it abuse.
A vote is a voice. It’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’
To vote in person, we must take ID, which people on lower incomes are less likely to have. It’s starting to feel like they don’t want us to vote. We can use a passport, driving licence, blue badge, bus pass or a proof of age document. Check what ID is accepted at: electoralcommission. org.uk/voterid
White British people are also more likely to register to vote, and nine in ten (89%) have done so. By contrast, 86 per cent with Indian heritage, 75 per cent among those of Afro-Caribbean or African descent, and just 61 per cent of EU
Our purpose Want more deal-striking tips? Find them at quidsinmagazine.com
• Address 24 James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT Tel 0845 646 0469
• Editor Jeff Mitchell Email quidsin@cleanslateltd.co.uk
• Design Joe Burt Website wildsparkdesign.com
• Head of Business Development Lisa Woodman Email lisa.woodman@cleanslateltd.co.uk
• Contributors Maggy Owen and Madeleine Caravaggio Email quidsin@cleanslateltd.co.uk
• Office Manager Dan Fineman Email daniel.fineman@cleanslateltd.co.uk
© This magazine may not be reproduced in part or full without prior written permission
Many people feel one vote won’t make a difference. But think of the election like a ‘bring-a-dish dinner’ where the only guests to bring goodies turn up with caviar and oysters. The more of us who turn up with the things we’d all eat, the better. It’s more likely we’ll all get fed.
Millions of us could soon access the latest petrol prices instantly from our mobile device using apps and websites writes Maggy Owen.
Pumpwatch is a new scheme launched by the government in March this year, to make petrol pricing more transparent for all motorists. It legally requires all British fuel stations across the UK to share real-time price information. The move should enable drivers to find the best prices at any time.
Government minister, Amanda Solloway, said, “We want fuel prices at your fingertips, refreshed within 30 minutes of changing, so everyone can save when filling up their tank.”
By forcing retailers to be clear about how much they are charging for fuel, as well
as giving drivers the ability to compare prices in real time, the goal of Pumpwatch is to help drive down prices.
Twelve of the biggest retailers, including all four fuel-selling supermarkets, have signed up to the scheme which is run by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The CMA reported last year that some retailers failed to pass on savings – charging drivers 6p more per litre. Drivers lost out when wholesale fuel prices fell but reductions were not passed on quickly or fully by retailers.
There was cold comfort for drivers as the first drop in two years in average insurance prices was recorded. In the first three months
As the cost of living keeps biting, loan sharks are on the increase, preying on those in hardship
Rocketing costs for bills and food have forced 1.2 million people to borrow from illegal lenders. This was in just the past twelve months, according to the consumer watchdog, the Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS).
“Drivers lost out when wholesale fuel prices”
of 2024, the average was £941, according to comparison site Confused.com and insurance broker WTW. This was down from £995 in late 2023 but still up 43 per cent on the same time last year.
The costs for young drivers continue to soar, however. The average insurance quote for 17-year olds was £2,919.
Labour MP, Angela Eagle, told a House of Commons committee that drivers “feel that insurance is becoming more of a rip-off”.
A report published by the Centre for Social Justice estimated 1.08 million people in England alone could be borrowing from an illegal money lender This figure has more than trebled since 2010.
Householders are duped by what starts as a small loan from a seemingly friendly neighbour or someone else we know. It can seem like a lifeline. But a loan shark brings a hook loaded with cash bait that can pull us under. Illegal money lenders come in all guises.
In April, Newport loan shark Tabitha Richardson was convicted in Cardiff and
ordered to pay back £173,000. She was 83 and faces having to sell her home. Victims will receive tens of thousands in compensation.
Loan sharks are not regulated lenders, so their ‘service’ is illegal. There are no payment plans, and they charge extortionate rates, changing terms (and hiking up what’s owed) without warning. Victims are often threatened or assaulted.
Research by the Money Advice Trust found one in five Brits (21%) are behind with at least one bill. Meanwhile, Citizens Advice found one in four borrowed to cover essentials in the past six months.
If we are approached or tempted to borrow informally, not from a firm, we should say ‘no’. Ring Stop Loan Sharks on 0300 555 2222 to report them, get advice and find a safer alternative.
HAD A LETTER ABOUT
Older-style benefits are being phased out and replaced with Universal Credit.
If we get a letter in the post (called a Universal Credit migration notice), that means it’s our turn to move over.
It’s important that we read the letter as soon as it arrives and follow the instructions. Our old benefits will stop three months after we get the letter – so we need to have Universal Credit in place by then.
The letter will outline the steps we need to take. There’s also lots of handy info on Universal Credit on the Quids in! website –www.quidsinmagazine.com
1
Mr Rights makes sure he knows what he’s entitled to. One day that’s as a consumer, the next it's about finding the government support he has a right to. He knows where to go for advice, like talking to a Quids in! money coach or visiting our website, (quidsinmagazine.com).
Top Tip
Online benefits calculators can point us towards support we’re missing out on. Check prices on Amazon before hitting the High Street.
2
Professor Plan is all about thinking ahead. After a water leak, she had to claim on the insurance. She figured they’d say ‘no’, so she read the policy. She worked out how much she’d need and for what. She was confident enough to ask to speak to a manager and was ready to keep calling, if she needed.
Top Tip
Writing things down can help us stay on track and remember what to say.
Ever wonder how people with money always seem to get it all their own way?
Well, there’s a few tricks we should all know…
It often feels like everyone is after our last penny. Why do other people seem to have the edge and get it all their own way? Maybe we could take a few pointers from the Take-It-All Ten…
Which of the Take-It-All Ten sounds most like you?
Maybe each one could teach us something about standing our ground and getting what we want without losing our cool.
3
‘Stand tall. Make eye contact. Speak clearly.’ That’s what Captain Confident tells her troops. ‘Look like you know what you’re about and you’ll get what you want.’ Body language, tone of voice and appearing to be someone who won’t take ‘no’ for an answer has magic in it.
Top Tip
Practice what you want to say. Remember the person you’ll talk to doesn’t want a bad day any more than you do.
4
Little Miss Bold
Little Miss Bold once told Mr Rude, ‘There’s a saying that if you swear or lose your temper, you’ve already lost the argument. That person is just doing their job and they don’t have much say in things.’ Being bold is best done politely. We can keep asking, it doesn’t make us a pushover.
Be ready to say something like: “I know it’s not your fault and maybe you can’t help, but could I speak to a manager, please?”
5 Ben loves his nickname, ‘Big Ears’. It’s because people notice he really listens. They like that he cares, which he does, but often he wants to sort something out with them. If he knows what they’re worried about, he can often meet them halfway. If it feels like a win-win, he can get what he needs.
In a dispute, repeat back what they said. If you’ve understood right, then ask again how you can get what you want.
7 You know those people who say ‘hi’ to everyone when they walk down the street? That’s Willie. It’s because he’s nice guy but it means there’s always someone to ask for advice. One time he had noisy neighbours. He’d got to know the receptionist at his landlord’s office and she explained who to speak to.
So what if people with money might have friends in high places? We can just chat to people or join the school PTA to widen our circle. Maybe we’ll rub shoulders with a doctor or solicitor who could be useful one day.
6
Madame Non has made a small fortune. She says it’s because if she’s not happy, she just walks away. Turning down a deal we cannot afford or explaining why we cannot agree to something works for anyone anywhere. The Money saving expert, Martin Lewis calls saying ‘no’ “liberating and empowering”.
If we’re not happy, or not sure, it is totally okay to walk away. Get advice, a second opinion, or try for a better deal - there’s nothing wrong with going back another time.
8
Patient Patience has a middle name, Persistence. Patience makes it clear what she wants but knows sometimes good things come to those who wait. When she switched gas supplier, she was due a refund. She called about it and called each week until she got it. ‘It’s my money,’ she says. ‘They’re the nuisance.’
Take action right away, then set reminders to check in.
9 He used to get a little depressed about the daily slog, then Little Churchill changed his mindset. He started writing down each saving he made, deal he struck and hour’s overtime he worked. A growing list of small victories reminded him he was taking control and now he feels like a champion.
Noting down the small victories increases our confidence and so leads to bigger wins.
10 Pam spends fifteen minutes each day with a treat to de-stress. Some days it’s chocolate, or a bath, or asking her partner for a massage. She just switches off and take care of herself. Life is hectic and we all deserve to cut ourselves some slack. Pam finds a short reboot helps her work out what to sort out next.
The Quids in! website has more on how ‘mindfulness’ can help us unwind. And, of course, tips on taking action on money pressures.
Some things make life easier, even if they’re not great for our health. Smokers who quit win twice over, though, boosting their bank balance and their health, writes Madeleine Caravaggio.
Tobacco prices already put a huge dent in our pockets. Someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day spends an average £93.10 per week. And by 2026, that could be £112 a week… or £5,824 a year!
More than half want to quit, but how?
There’s a lot of help out there. Smokers are three times more likely to quit with a local smoking service than on their own. Dr Irem Patel from King’s College Hospital told Quids in! : “Treatments work best when combined with advice and support.” The NHS website has details of local services.
2
The ‘Swap to Stop’ scheme offers a million vape kits to long-term smokers ready to quit, through local stop smoking services. It offers an alternative with a much lower risk of diseases such as cancer, strokes, and heart attacks.
“If you replace nicotine in a way that
More than half of smokers want to quit but how?
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 reportaloanshark @stoploansharks.gov.uk. In Wales call ✆ 0300 123 3311 or email imlu@cardiff.gov.uk Scotland: ✆ 0141 2876 655, or email loansharks@glasgow.gov.uk
doesn’t include all the harmful chemicals in cigarettes, you reduce the harm as well as treating the craving,” says Dr Patel. Nicotine gum and patches are options.
Focus on simpler goals like not smoking before noon or only smoking at weekends. Cutting down by a couple of cigarettes doesn’t seem like much. Over time, it makes a difference.
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.
• People with disabilities or carers should contact the Disability Benefits Centre (✆ 0345 605 6055) . For Child Benefit/tax credits: Inland Revenue (✆ 0845 300 3900).
• Council Tax and Housing Benefit is
dealt with by your local council.
• Benefits calculator qimag.uk/benecalc
• 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) www.dasscotland.gov.uk ✆ 0300 200 2770
• Advice NI (Northern Ireland) www.adviceni.net ✆ 0800 915 4604
Some find it helpful to set a realistic date in their calendar when they plan to quit. It’s harder to back out of something written down. It’s also easier to stay on track when you have a support system. Tell loved ones what you plan to do and let them hold you to account.
It may take a few tries but getting to 28 days smoke-free makes us five times more likely to quit for good
Within a couple weeks of quitting, we’ll see benefits like reduced blood pressure, improved circulation, and decreased wrinkles. Within a year, our risk of a heart attack will drop by half. And we’ll save a fortune.
Worried about the cost of living and making ends meet?
Do you live in Bath, Bristol, Stroud, Gloucester or East London? Pop along and see us at one of our drop-ins – we can help you maximise your income and bring your costs down. Average financial gains £1,224! If you can’t get to a drop-in but would like some light-touch support with budgeting and money guidance, add your details at www.cleanslateltd.co.uk/remotesupport.html and we’ll get back to you. Or use our enquiry form at www.cleanslateltd.co.uk
For the full list of drop-ins, visit www.cleanslateltd.co.uk/contact
Not knowing what we’re owed comes at a cost. Shocking amounts of unclaimed benefits have been revealed, and millions of us are missing out on thousands.
When the government wants money from us, they want it fast. But when we are owed money from the government, it’s down to us to chase.
Benefits specialists, Policy in Practice, revealed that last year, £23 billion in benefits went unclaimed. Over half of that comes from the Department of Work Pension (DWP) and HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) for benefits like Universal Credit, and pension, carers, and child benefits.
A big reason why people are missing out is due to the Universal Credit roll-out. The National Audit Office (NAO) revealed one in five claimants did not switch to UC after their notice, meaning their old benefits stopped. Now claimants are being urged not to ignore letters from
DWP to avoid risking being left without an income.
Three months to switch onto Universal Credit is not a lot of time. Many claimants are not expecting migration letters in the post but when they come, they are urgent. There are a few things to check we have in place: The right kind of bank account, for starters. We’ll also need daily access to the internet to manage our claim. A budget plan is helpful for working around monthly payments... made in arrears.
People claiming income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) were expected to have until 2028 before they needed to claim UC. But the government has announced ESA claimants, including those signed off through ill-health, could start receiving notices later this year.
Charity groups across the UK are concerned people are not receiving the information and support required to make a successful transition.
“When we are owedfrommoney the it’sgovernment, down to us to chase”
Government keeps hold of £23 billion unclaimed benefits
By Madeleine CaravaggioClaimants tell Quids in! they feel unprepared. Laura said: “The letter was the first I’d heard…. I have been receiving Child Tax Credits for years, but never even considered myself to be a benefit claimant. I work and have a child, so saw the tax credits as just a top-up to my wages.”
Like Laura, many are struggling with the process. Tax credit claimants risk missing out on over £4,000 a year after failing to switch to UC in time.
It is not just UC payments people are missing out on. Almost 2.3 million people are reported to be missing out on an average £1,513 a year in council tax support. Over £3 billion-worth of savings from social tariffs and support for energy costs are failing to reach struggling households. They don’t come to us, though. We have to go find them.
(See Top Tips below)
Quids in! data shows three in four people (59%) are not sure they receive all the benefits they are entitled to.
There is nothing worse than a nagging feeling we’re missing out on something. Of course, we don’t know what we don’t know, so we have to get informed. Even if we’re not entitled to more, at least we can feel certain.
✔ Check if you are missing out on any benefits using our free online benefits calculator. No need to sign up, just fill out a few simple questions in less than five minutes. Use this link: qimag.uk/benecalc
✔ Ask your landlord, council or local advice agency if they have copies of the Quids in! Guide to Universal Credit. Or you can buy one online using this link: qimag.uk/ucguide24
Our furry friends bring joy but pet care can be expensive. There are many ways to save, though
Our pet brings love and wellbeing to our lives. But they can also be expensive. On average, pet care costs around £1,500 per year. A dog could cost us £30,000 over its lifetime!
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put the squeeze on our wallets, there are ways to cut the cost of pet care. Keeping our pet healthy will reduce the need for costly vet treatment. Feeding them well, (not over-feeding or giving human treats), providing plenty of clean water, exercise and stimulation are all important. With dogs, brush their teeth too to keep them in good shape.
We don’t have to buy the dearest food. The Blue Cross animal charity says dog food labelled ‘complete’ will provide everything our pet needs. For cats, cat-specific food that satisfies their need for meat is fine.
Buying food in bulk, if we can, brings down costs, so long as it won’t spoil or lose flavour.
Expensive pet treats can be replaced by home-made, if we do a bit of homework first. Some liver baked for an
hour, then chopped, makes a great treat. Leftover meats, yoghurt, carrots and even blueberries are all good for dogs in small quantities. Other human food can be harmful, though.
Insurance can save a lot of cash in the long-run but always shop around and check exactly what’s included. Some insurers give discounts if we have more than one pet.
Ditching insurance is a gamble. As with all insurances (and broadband), it’s best to look at a comparison website to find the best deals.
Contact a charity like the RSPCA, SSPCA, Blue Cross, and Cats Protection, or a pet store, to ask about support if a pet falls ill. Some benefits like Universal Credit may qualify us for help with neutering or other vet costs.
A pet foodbank (or a regular foodbank) may be able to help out in a crisis too.
“Keeping our pet healthy will reduce the need for costly vet treatment”
The good news is that our furry friends love us no matter how much cash we have. And they’re very unlikely to notice we’re cutting costs!
In the UK, a shocking 250,000 cats go missing every year. So it’s essential we keep a tab-by on them in case they get lost, stolen, or hurt.
Now all cats in England over twenty weeks old must be microchipped by law. Animal charity, the PSDA, said: “54% of cat owners are not aware that cats must be microchipped in England by 10 June 2024.” Failing to do so could trigger a fine of up to £500.
The average cost of chipping is around £10-30 but it could be included in our vet’s health plan, if we have one. Some charities offer microchipping for a reduced cost or free.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, says, “By getting their cat microchipped, owners can increase the likelihood that they will be reunited with their beloved pet in the event of it going missing.”
Photo:
© Samson Katt