Whether you’re off on hols or planning for the future we’ve found ways for you to get the best value from your hard earned cash in this month’s money bulletin. |
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SENSIBLE SPENDING Louise Scott has found the ideal card for all her shopping needs. She can take advantage of cheaper online deals, while not having any concerns about fraud or being tempted to overspend with her pre-paid Maestro card. “I wanted a card to use for picking up online shopping bargains, to take abroad on holiday and to use for things like eating out at restaurants,” says Louise, an NHS worker from Port Talbot in Wales. “But I didn’t want to risk building up any debt on a credit card so I decided to look for a pre-paid card. “I chose the Quidity card because it was so easy to set up and I can check my balance when I want online as well as load it up really easily. “I wanted a card I could save up on to use on my holidays and Quidity works out cheaper to use abroad than my bank card as the charges are less. “It’s very straight forward. There’s no hidden charges, no nasty bills arrive on my doormat and I am totally in control of my spending – so it works perfect for me, “ adds the 31 year-old. The Quidity card is a secure way to spend abroad as it’s not linked to a bank account or credit card. You don’t need a bank account to get a card and no credit checks are done. Find out more at www.quiditycard.com/mirror.  |
| Q&A Q: I am retiring soon and will need to sort out my pension savings. How do I get the maximum income available? A: If your pension scheme is a final salary scheme where your retirement income is related to the number of years employed and your final salary, your income is set and there’s not a lot you can do about it. If however, you’ve been saving in a scheme where the contributions are invested and your “pension pot” is used to buy a regular lifetime income (called an annuity) you have options. You don’t have to buy the annuity from the company you saved with. There may be other companies offering a better rate. Also, those with medical conditions such as heart disease or cancer and smokers may be able to get a higher income. You need to get professional advice. Mirrorsure has teamed up with retirement specialists Origen to help readers get the best possible retirement income. If you’re retiring in the next six months, call 0800 013 7722 for a no obligation chat about your options.  |
TOP TIPS People release the cash from their homes through equity release schemes for all sorts of reasons. Some simply want to make life more comfortable by paying off debts, while others choose to help family and friends at a time when many are feeling the pinch. But the majority of Key Retirement Solutions customers choose to use the cash on home or garden improvements. Popular choices include adding a conservatory, fitting a new bathroom or landscaping the garden. Each of these can add value to homes, while making it easier to manage in later years. According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, paying out £900 on landscaping a garden could potentially add £6,000 to the value of an average property and off-road parking up to £10,000. Equity release can work for many people but it’s not right for everyone. Before signing up to an equity release plan you must: 1. Do your homework thoroughly – make sure you understand the pros and cons of what you're entering into. 2. Seek specialist independent advice so you can get help on finding the right plan for your circumstances and advice on the alternatives available to you. 3. Speak to your family so they are fully aware and supportive of what you are doing. 4. Make sure you only sign up to a SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans) scheme which will ensure you don’t end up losing your home. Mirrorsure has a free guide to equity release which is available by calling 0800 422 0800 or visit www.mirrorsure.co.uk/equityrelease.  |
| SAVE TODAY With interest rates lower than ever, increasing numbers of people will find that money they have put aside won’t keep up with the rising cost of funerals. No one wants to leave their loved ones with any additional worries, especially financial ones, at such a difficult time. So, Mirrorsure has teamed up with Dignity to offer Mirror readers the Guaranteed Funeral Plan. By taking out a plan with Dignity you can save money for you and your loved ones as the funeral is fixed at today’s rate, regardless of how far in the future it is needed. By planning today, you can sort everything out, ensuring your family are not left to make all the arrangements. Acceptance is guaranteed if you are 50 or over – there are no health restrictions. Call 0800 633 5135 for your free no obligation information pack and a £50 discount voucher. What’s more you’ll get a free elegant pen – just for enquiring.  |
UPDATE! EXTRA COVER Losing house keys or having a window broken in the middle of the night might be covered by insurance, but that might not get it fixed in a hurry. A+ are offering Mirror readers an extra service. They’ve teamed up with Homeserve to provide a 24 hour service for those taking out home insurance. Call 0800 069 9075 or visit www.mirrorsure.co.uk/insurance to find out more.  |
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