http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/TopicsActive.aspxPosts with recent activityen-USCommunityServer 2.1 (Build: 0.0)http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/redundancy-advice-needed-53969.aspxFri, 17 May 2013 10:06:54 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214772debz1111http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/redundancy-advice-needed-53969.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=72&PostID=214772Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My partners firm isn't doing too well at the moment, and a couple of years ago made some redundancies (my partner not being one of them). The firm have not asked all the employees if they would consider cutting their hours, 4 days a week instead of 5 for a period of a few months, to enable the company to have a future in the long term. My concern, and where I'm in need of advice, is if he agreed to do this and things didn't work out and the firm went into liquidation, would his redundancy entitlement be calculated based on the 4 days a week? I worry that he's worked their for 10 years full time 5 days a week, and if he were to agree to this and things get worse for the company, he's going to be worse off. As I said, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thankshttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/can-i-get-a-mortgage-no-income-as-im-pro-gambler-53968.aspxThu, 16 May 2013 23:18:46 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214767mojo_tony4http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/can-i-get-a-mortgage-no-income-as-im-pro-gambler-53968.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=5&PostID=214767I'm a professional gambler, I make about £150k a year tax free. Poker, Casino Bonuses, Trading. I know any money I make through gambling is tax free, so as far as I know I don't need to file accounts. Will I have to get a guarantor to get a mortgage? Or put down a high %? If so, what % would I need? If I put down 25%, can I automatically get a 'Buy-To-Let' mortgage without them asking for payslips etc? Thanks http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/uk-power-networks-cable-damage-litigation-please-53966.aspxWed, 15 May 2013 22:33:26 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214764Adam3231http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/uk-power-networks-cable-damage-litigation-please-53966.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=72&PostID=214764Please help (apologies for the long post- any help would me really appreciated) We moved into our home in 2011. Having employed a builder to carry out some repairs on the house; the builder managed to hit the main power cable which runs into the house and subsequently damaged the cable. Even though he almost killed himself he carried on digging and cleared the area around the damaged cable. We knew we were unable to repair the cable ourselves so we rightly called UKPowerNetworks. During the repairs the UK Power Networks engineer told me this cable was not to sufficient depths and this was likely reason as to why the builder hit the cable so easily having only dug several centimetres down. Having completed the repair of the damaged cable the workmen simply placed a MDF board over the hole; took down my details; and drove off. A few weeks UK Power Networks sent me a £741 bill for the repairs. (Breakdown £346 for excavation i.e. digging and filling whole + £395 repair and parts of damaged cable) Not sure why £346 was applied as they neither dug nor filled the site. From research I have found the following Regulation from the Wiring regulation BS7671: "Regulation 522-06-03 states: Buried cables shall be marked by cable covers or a suitable marking tape. Buried conduits and ducts shall be suitably identified. Buried cables, conduits and ducts shall be at a sufficient depth to avoid being damaged by any reasonably foreseeable disturbance of the ground." From the above the damaged cable was neither suitably marked nor buried to sufficient depth hence causing the damage. As mentioned I am in dispute with UK Power Networks of the liability of the damage as well as the a fore mentioned regulation which the cable was not in compliance with. UKPowerNetworks initially requested details of the builder which supplied immediately. We were then told as they were not able to make contact with the builder and hence liability would lie with the owner of the house. I managed to track the builder down and found he had moved house, I then supplied the builders new contact details to UK Power Networks. Again I was told by them; no contact was able to be made with the builder. To date I have had numerous letters of litigation and all my concerns and opinions on liability; I feel have been dismissed by UK Power Networks without any valid reason. I have been told pay the bill or go to court; simple. I am now feeling extremely concerned about this issue, which is even leaving to bouts of depression as I am always think how I will afford to pay this amount if they decide to take me to court over this issue. If anyone can provide any information or advice I would be very grateful. Without understating; this problems is really causing me a huge amount of anguish which is now causing me problems with health. Any advice would me much appreciated Kind Regards A M http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/uk-power-networks-please-help-litigation-letters-53967.aspxWed, 15 May 2013 22:36:12 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214765Adam3230http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/uk-power-networks-please-help-litigation-letters-53967.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=90&PostID=214765Please help (apologies for the long post- any help would me really appreciated) We moved into our home in 2011. Having employed a builder to carry out some repairs on the house; the builder managed to hit the main power cable which runs into the house and subsequently damaged the cable. Even though he almost killed himself he carried on digging and cleared the area around the damaged cable. We knew we were unable to repair the cable ourselves so we rightly called UKPowerNetworks. During the repairs the UK Power Networks engineer told me this cable was not to sufficient depths and this was likely reason as to why the builder hit the cable so easily having only dug several centimetres down. Having completed the repair of the damaged cable the workmen simply placed a MDF board over the hole; took down my details; and drove off. A few weeks UK Power Networks sent me a £741 bill for the repairs. (Breakdown £346 for excavation i.e. digging and filling whole + £395 repair and parts of damaged cable) Not sure why £346 was applied as they neither dug nor filled the site. From research I have found the following Regulation from the Wiring regulation BS7671: "Regulation 522-06-03 states: Buried cables shall be marked by cable covers or a suitable marking tape. Buried conduits and ducts shall be suitably identified. Buried cables, conduits and ducts shall be at a sufficient depth to avoid being damaged by any reasonably foreseeable disturbance of the ground." From the above the damaged cable was neither suitably marked nor buried to sufficient depth hence causing the damage. As mentioned I am in dispute with UK Power Networks of the liability of the damage as well as the a fore mentioned regulation which the cable was not in compliance with. UKPowerNetworks initially requested details of the builder which supplied immediately. We were then told as they were not able to make contact with the builder and hence liability would lie with the owner of the house. I managed to track the builder down and found he had moved house, I then supplied the builders new contact details to UK Power Networks. Again I was told by them; no contact was able to be made with the builder. To date I have had numerous letters of litigation and all my concerns and opinions on liability; I feel have been dismissed by UK Power Networks without any valid reason. I have been told pay the bill or go to court; simple. I am now feeling extremely concerned about this issue, which is even leaving to bouts of depression as I am always think how I will afford to pay this amount if they decide to take me to court over this issue. If anyone can provide any information or advice I would be very grateful. Without understating; this problems is really causing me a huge amount of anguish which is now causing me problems with health. Any advice would me much appreciated Kind Regards A M http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/phishing-and-other-scams-53965.aspxWed, 15 May 2013 13:16:17 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214763LesRobertsMSM0http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/phishing-and-other-scams-53965.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=77&PostID=214763Has anyone ever lost money through an online scam, such as phishing, or by a telephone or doorstep scam? Some of these scams are getting more and more sophisticated, this one in particular Oh, and, as ever, there's an article here http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/have-you-booked-your-main-summer-holiday-yet-53964.aspxWed, 15 May 2013 13:01:44 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214762Community0http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/have-you-booked-your-main-summer-holiday-yet-53964.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=89&PostID=214762 [Please visit the site to access the poll]http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/loans-for-poor-credit-scores-53963.aspxWed, 15 May 2013 07:54:23 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214759jimbo21http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/loans-for-poor-credit-scores-53963.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=3&PostID=214759Applied for loan on line & been inundated with texts from loan companies, the vast majority of which have scam warnings googled against them. Exactly how do you find a reputable lending source that will not rip you off with advance fees etc etchttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/bank-of-ireland-would-you-trust-them-53948.aspxThu, 02 May 2013 00:00:08 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214719maxsteam3http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/bank-of-ireland-would-you-trust-them-53948.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=21&PostID=214719Small print or not, I wouldn't trust them with my money.http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/would-you-welcome-a-20mph-speed-limit-in-built-up-53957.aspxThu, 09 May 2013 15:19:11 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214746Community1http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/would-you-welcome-a-20mph-speed-limit-in-built-up-53957.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=89&PostID=214746 [Please visit the site to access the poll]http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/post-office-pilot-53959.aspxMon, 13 May 2013 13:49:31 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214752Community0http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/post-office-pilot-53959.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=64&PostID=214752The Post Office has launched it's new current account for initial trial in 29 branches across East Anglia to be followed up by a national roll out early 2014. Are you living in the pilot area and able to take advantage of the 14.9% current account EAR? http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/first-time-buyer-previous-bankrupt-help-53958.aspxSun, 12 May 2013 12:40:44 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214748jonnyb3http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/first-time-buyer-previous-bankrupt-help-53958.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=64&PostID=214748After advice as the IFA recommended to me doesn't have a clue. I have been previously bankrupt 7 years discharged and off my credit file a year ago my credit score is now 900 ish I've managed to get various credit cards halifax all in one ,capital one progress, barclaycard gold. Have 2 phone contracts , a catalogue , and a car on finance 9k left and a 500 overdraft. My credit cards are paid in full each month as are for work expenses flights, train fair etc etc My phone contracts are paid on time every month Car finance I've only made 3 payments on but on time and catalogue has a 200 on it I've got 15k savings and want a house at 150k 90% Ltv and earn 60k I just need to know who will lend in these circumstances I can get a DIP from halifax upto 260,000 without the bankrupcy declared but instant decline once mentioned. I know the mortgage market has changed but is there anyone? My time looking online only reveals yorkshire building society but I don't wish to make a lot of searches and damage my credit score Cheershttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/applying-for-a-credit-card-53956.aspxWed, 08 May 2013 10:47:25 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214742edwards3http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/applying-for-a-credit-card-53956.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=4&PostID=214742Hi, I have come across a silly thing when trying to apply for another credit card. Mbna, who I used to be with and Virgin both have a problem with their application form, If you do not have a landline phone, and like a lot of people I no longer have one and now I only use my mobile(cheaper!!) The form does not allow you to proceed, funny way to do businesshttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/travel-insurance-help-53955.aspxTue, 07 May 2013 20:31:40 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214739carrierbag2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/travel-insurance-help-53955.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=66&PostID=214739I am going away at the weekend with my friend but she has just been admitted to hospital. We both have insurance with the post office. Can another friend take her place and does she need to pay again and original friend claim on insurance.http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/experian-loan-update-53952.aspxSat, 04 May 2013 20:25:04 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214730DutchJohnson817http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/experian-loan-update-53952.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=3&PostID=214730Hi. I recently paid my personal loan off early with Nationwide. My Experian file has just been updated to 999, with 3 specific green tick updates for this. Ie: positives. Last entry on the loan shows "0", however, the balance column is blank. All my other credit reports show as settled etc. I am supposed to applying for car finance tomorrow (Sunday) and I've been waiting for Nationwide to update my Experian file for several weeks so that I can do this. My question is, is this blank entry an issue or will a new credit search see the "0" ? There is a full loan history with all green entries and a decreasing balance throughout. Would be great to get some feedback on this tonight if anybody knows? Thanks guys. Rhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/sharedownership-home-purchase-of-remainder-due-to-53950.aspxFri, 03 May 2013 07:37:36 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214725SiBannister2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/sharedownership-home-purchase-of-remainder-due-to-53950.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=93&PostID=214725Hi, First-time poster, with a query that I hope someone else has come across before, or if not, that someone could give me some advice on how to go about... My wife and I have a 40% share in a shared-ownership flat in West London (initial total purchase price £249,500, inc. £12,000 for parking space, in Nov 2009), and we are looking to move into a larger house in the next year or so due to the soon-coming arrival of our second child. Our neighbours, whose flat is identical to ours, except the opposite way round, have just sold their (same 40%) share through the housing association, as the rules of our leases dictate. The housing association's approved valuers valued their flat at £235,000 total price. We had our flat valued some time ago by an independent estate agent who said he could sell it easily for £285,000 and we might get £300,000. One difference between ourselves and the neighbours is that we have a parking space and they don't - this would probably add £12-15,000 onto the price as it was documented as £12,000 extra when we first bought the place. So - we can extrapolate that if we wanted to buy the remaining 60% of our flat, then we would be looking at a total valuation of around £247-250,000. Then we could sell it for the £285,000 for a profit of around £35,000 (minus any fees such as stamp duty, conveyancing, the housing association's selling fee etc, which should still leave around £25,000 in my initial estimate for profit) With all this in mind, I have 2 questions:- 1. Does this all sound reasonable? Or have I missed something obvious that will stop me doing this? 2. In order to purchase the remaining 60% of our flat, we will need to find approx. £15,000 for the deposit & fees*, which we don't have. I would like to know if it's possible to borrow this kind of amount of money from a bank, and do a deal whereby there's no interest or monthly payments (because we just can't afford that) but we have an agreement in place where once we sell the flat, we repay the £15,000, plus a commission (to be negotiated, probably something like £1,000 or so, at a guess). Does anyone know if this is possible? If number 2 is possible, then this should be a way of making approx. £10,000 for us, or more depending on the final sale price, which will go a long way towards the deposit for the next house... * - we have approx. £15,000 of equity in our flat already, but will need 10%, i.e. £25,000 for the deposit for the whole-flat-purchase, plus some more, maybe up to £5,000 for the usual fees & stamp duty etc. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and for any help/advice you can give. Simon.http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/tesco-or-asda-who-is-the-cheapest-53949.aspxThu, 02 May 2013 17:10:49 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214721Delcspo3http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/tesco-or-asda-who-is-the-cheapest-53949.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=99&PostID=214721 The age old question "who is cheaper" , at the moment Tesco have a price promise and you get a receipt at the till to say if you have saved money by shopping at Tesco as they compare prices from all the large supermarkets and most of the time the receipt I usually get says I did save money, I also know that Asda have a price guarantee to be 10% cheaper than any other supermarket, How can both companies say they are cheaper than the other, http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/are-you-worried-about-how-youll-pay-your-mortgage-53947.aspxWed, 01 May 2013 15:20:29 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214717Community1http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/are-you-worried-about-how-youll-pay-your-mortgage-53947.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=89&PostID=214717 [Please visit the site to access the poll]http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/fraud-53946.aspxWed, 01 May 2013 12:16:49 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214716Community0http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/fraud-53946.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=64&PostID=214716The BBC was discussing online fraud this morning, in particular Payday loan incidents. Have you or anyone you know been affected by hackers and what are your top tips to keep banking details safe? http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/energy-switching-53938.aspxSat, 20 Apr 2013 11:19:49 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214691reubengarcia2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/energy-switching-53938.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=90&PostID=214691 I am currently tied in to a fixed rate tarrif, with Eon until July 1st of this year. But have expressed an interest in a local 'community switch' project who have provided me with a favourable quote, for the next 12 months, and I have until 8th of May to decide (although it is still unclear as to what date the actual switch will take place) Should I opt for the switch it will all be handled for me but are Eon within their rights to charge me for breaking our agreement? And, if so, how much can they legally expect me to pay? http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/an-old-face-me-53775.aspxFri, 11 Jan 2013 20:59:42 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214147Coyote16http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/an-old-face-me-53775.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=214147 Why hello there folks. I've been away for a few years (not at Her Majesty's pleasure), no where really, just went onto other forums and have been moderating a few elsewhere. I tried logging in my other previous 'guise' - I had a much lengthier 'Join Date' and points, but I've not been successful so I will have to try building this up again ^_^. I have just been reading up on the departure of Graeme, but good to see some old faces around such as huckster, maxteam et. al. Shame about CMK's departure - couldn't make sense of what went on though? Anyway - I hope you are all doing well and look forward to seeing you all around. http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/tt-business-serious-complaint-53920.aspxThu, 04 Apr 2013 13:25:42 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214607Twee8http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/tt-business-serious-complaint-53920.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=83&PostID=214607 Here's a story about my experiences with TT business (nb I am NOT a business - just a private individual) I had been with Nildram for about 5 years and thought that they were brilliant - I got free 10 hours on / off peak calls included, which I never used fully..never lost connection either. They were taken over by Opal in 2009 - who SLAMMED me / took over my phone line as well - I repeatedly complained until I was offered UNLIMITED FREE off peak calls to calm me down (for the length of the contract.....) They were, in turn, taken over by TT Business in 2010 who have been terrible - regular breakdowns in internet service - with no way of discovering whether it is "ME or THEM" causing the problem, causing me to rebuild my PC unnecessarily on one occasion !! My speed of connection has never been above 4Mbps - and I don't live in the back of beyond - my father (who lives in a smaller town 6 miles away) can connect at 20 Mbps + They appear to be unable to grasp the fact that according to BT Wholesale - TT are supposed to offer FTTC in my area - the cabinet 100 yards up the road from me, was replaced 6 months ago with a shiny new one, with a sticker on it "FIBRE NOW AVAILABLE IN THIS AREA" I complained to TTB a week ago about a billing issue - TTB are trying to charge me £12 per month for an OFF PEAK BUILDER - When it should be free (see above) Finally TTB's representitive on this website - published my real name - breaking all sorts of privacy laws - the rep responsible has apparently "gone home" and now doesn't reply to emails in her name !! So TTB - it's over to you - please explain yourselves (or stay silent and lose a customer) - it is up to you..... http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/tripledip-53942.aspxThu, 25 Apr 2013 14:12:44 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214705Community2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/tripledip-53942.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=64&PostID=214705We've avoided a triple-dip recession! Do you think the UK is making progress?http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/sick-leave-53926.aspxThu, 11 Apr 2013 13:20:09 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214634loublou6512http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/sick-leave-53926.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=72&PostID=214634Hi can anyone help please. Ive been on the sick for six weeks due to go back on April 21. My employers have been ringing me and emailing me for two weeks now regarding going back to work. I do have work related stress issues, due to bullying at work, which my employers have refuted. They have made me a appointment to go and talk to my manager for next week. Do I have to attend? and can I just resign when my sick note ends. Thankshttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/will-you-be-making-home-improvements-this-spring-53941.aspxWed, 24 Apr 2013 14:00:29 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214702Community0http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/will-you-be-making-home-improvements-this-spring-53941.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=89&PostID=214702 [Please visit the site to access the poll]http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/very-loud-squealing-noise-from-clutch-53940.aspxTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:31:24 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:214698jeff_uk1http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/very-loud-squealing-noise-from-clutch-53940.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=72&PostID=214698 I have a renault megane 2004 reg 5 door , reg HT04FCA ,1.4 16 v , today 23rd april 2013 i heard a very loud squealing noise when i pressed the clutch down and when i depressed the clutch and a loud crunching noise when trying to put in gear as i was struggling to get into any gear , when i put the gears into reverse and moved slowly backwards there was a loud squealing noise , and i am having to use quite abit of force to change gear , im very worried as i have to use my car everyday to travel to customers homes . can you help asap please Thanks