1. Change your attitude to your mortgage
The most expensive item you are ever likely to buy is your home. If you’re not in the privileged position to pay cash, make sure the loan you use to finance it is the best available. For example, if you are paying your lender’s full stamdard variable rate (SVR) you are probably paying hundreds of pounds a year more than you need to. There are thousands of deals to choose from and while it is vital to check the small print for hidden catches, this is a relatively easy way to save a lot of money.

Remember: loyalty to your bank benefits your bank, not you. Even better, if you can afford to make overpayments on your mortgage, you’ll clear your debt several years early and make massive savings. For example, if you borrow £100,000 at 6% over 25 years, you’ll pay it back at £643 a month. The total charge for credit will be £93,000. But if you can overpay by £100 a month you’ll clear the loan in less than 19 years, giving you 6 years of mortgage-free living and saving a staggering £25,000 in interest.

2. Clear your credit card debt
One of the golden rules of financial planning is to clear your most expensive debts first, in other words your credit cards. OK, credit cards offer a convenient way to pay for goods and services but if you can’t clear the balance every month, consider a low-cost loan as an alternative. Do the sums: a credit card debt (APR15%) of £2,200 over three years will cost £545 in interest. A loan at 6% will cost £209. A saving of £336.

3. Cut the cost of your fuel bills
As the global demand for power threatens to outstrip supply, prices are rising. But that doesn’t mean you need to be ripped off. The domestic market for fuel is a competitive one and you can change supplier with a few clicks of the mouse. Your new supplier will take care of the formalities – you just pay less every month.

Help put you and your family’s financial future back on track……

[To Read More Money Saving Ideas]

These books are usually available through community organisations, schools, charities and corporate groups that sell the Books as a fund-raiser.

If you are needing fundraiser ideas for  your Charitable, Recreational, Social, Corporate, Professional or School organisations go to
 http://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/fundraisers/tell_me_more_about_fundraising

or contact the office on (02) 9906 3066. Books are subject to availability.

Ring or drop into your local school and help them with fundraising by purchasing one of their Entertainment Books…..

 1. Illegal(?) Bank Fees

I accidentally left a business account low on funds recently and a cheque I had forgotten about was presented at the bank and my account went into the red.

The bank was gracious enough to honour the cheque (for which I am grateful) but a $37.70 ‘Honour Fee’ was charged to my account as a result of this. I was annoyed with myself, but thought I just had to cop it on the chin as a reminder to be more careful in future.

Then, one of my readers sent me some information regarding illegal bank fees and how to have them refunded.

Here is what she wrote:-

Hi David,
I thought you might be interested in the campaign for fair bank fees that Choice and the Consumer Action Law Centre have set up.

Essentially they are helping people battle the banks in reclaiming fees charged for direct debit dishonours, cheque dishonours and credit card late payments.

The site is http://www.fairfees.com.au and includes a template letter to send to your bank to reclaim your payments, on the basis that the fees they charge are illegal, as they are only able to claim the costs that they incur, not the $30+ they charge currently.

I’d be interested to hear your Illegal Bank Fee story.  Ring your bank & reclaim those bank fees. For more helpful info like above  => Click Here

You may not be aware, but Home loan mortgage refinancing can help you bring your mortgage down to manageable payments helping you through each week instead of struggling to find the extra cash just to pay the mortgage.

* This is a sponsored post

There is definite savings when buying compatible ink cartridges when it’s time to replace them. I’ve found a great deal ….. Buy 5 Get 1 Free. You’ll have to mention “NGFREE” in the comments box when you check out.

Please read your guarantee for your printer as if it’s still under warranty I’m sure they won’t allow compatible ink cartridges to be used. Of course they’ll want you to buy their brand at a much more expensive price.

We’ve all heard of eBay but other online auction sites are springing up just waiting for your bid. You can save up to 80% by shopping online at GraysOnline. This is a great site with products direct from Manufacturers and Retailers. You won’t believe the huge range of major brand items available. … Memory cards, mobile phones computers & so much more on offer. Now where was that list of mine?

What else can you buy for just $60 that gives you over $10,000 in value? Purchase straight away and get extra value, as the Book is valid from now through June 1st, 2008.

Are you aware that The Entertainment™ Books are only available through community organisations, schools, charities and corporate groups that sell the Books as a fund-raiser? To Learn More For Fundraising…

We look forward to picking up our Entertainment Book each year… great savings & fundraiser for our school.

This is an amazing financial success story I wanted to share to show you what can be achieved. Some of the smart ideas… is not to use credit cards, pay for everything in cash or use a debit card. Using coupons and savings cards when eating out and for groceries and toiletries is another great idea.With knowledge and determination there are ways to move forward. Don’t let challenges deter you from seeking financial success! [Read More]