The Community Café

The Community Caféhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/the-community-caf-52.aspxHave a friendly natter over a virtual coffee with other community members...<br> Please read our <a href="/community/forums/t/moneysupermarketcom-user-community-standards-15449.aspx ">Community Standards</a>.enCommunityServer 2.1 (Debug Build: 0.5)*** Community Stars 2009 ***http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/community-stars-2009-39442.aspxWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:29:35 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:167759Graeme Delap11http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/community-stars-2009-39442.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=167759Hi all, Christmas is fast approaching and it’s the season to say ‘thank you’, so this year we wanted to recognise all the hard work, time and effort you – our community members – devote to helping others. It’s hard to measure just how useful all your incredible advice has been – not just to the people who ask for help, but for those who read but never post. But without further a do…I’d like to introduce the inaugural ‘Community Stars 2009’ awards. Moneysupermarket.com Community Stars 2009 There will be 5 categories in total: · Debt – Most helpful poster 2009 · Money – Most helpful poster 2009 · Insurance – Most helpful poster 2009 · Gas & Electricity – Most helpful poster 2009 · And the much-coveted, top banana, personal finance guru award: Best overall member 2009 The first 4 categories above will receive £50 worth of love2reward shopping vouchers, with the best overall member receiving £100 worth of vouchers. In addition, you’ll get a smart, friendly and much-coveted avatar to use on your forum profile for 2010. Woo-hoo! How? Who? When? Firstly, we’d like you to send your top three nominations for each category (in order of preference) by email to graeme.delap @ moneysupermarket.com by Wednesday 18 November. Any registered member can be nominated – in as many categories as you like - and the more you can tell us why you think someone deserves to win, the better. What next? We’ll announce the top three nominations for each category and then ask for your votes (via email) in each category between Thursday 19 November and Friday 18 December. The winners will be announced at our online awards ceremony starting at 12 noon on Wednesday December 23 2009 over a virtual mulled wine and mince pie in the Community Café. Usual rules apply - our decision is final etc etc etc. I’ll be rolling out the red carpet and wearing a tux (possibly at the same time). Felicity will be baking cakes, interviewing the nominees and looking her usual stunning self. We may even be joined on the red carpet by our very own media mogul and Radio4’s MoneyBox regular, editor Clare Francis… So don’t miss it! It promises to be at least as good as the 1989 Brit Awards… Without anymore waffling from me, it’s my great pleasure to declare the nominations open! Send us your ‘Community Stars 2009’ nominations now! Ipod losing albumshttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/ipod-losing-albums-39495.aspxFri, 06 Nov 2009 15:31:57 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:167979squiggles2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/ipod-losing-albums-39495.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=167979 Afternoon, I seem to be having problems with my Ipod, whilst uploading some albums last night, i've discoverd that at least five of my previous albums have disappeard off my ipod completely and they won't go back on! They are still accessable through itunes and they were on my ipod, and worked fine for ages, there is also plenty of space on the memory! I was wondering if anybody else has had this issue? or if there is a fix available to sort it? Squig Tribute to PC Bill Barker.http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/tribute-to-pc-bill-barker-39827.aspxFri, 20 Nov 2009 19:03:54 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:169252conmankiller1http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/tribute-to-pc-bill-barker-39827.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=169252 Due to the extreme weather conditions and the overwhelming floods in Cockermouth, I would like to extend my sympathy to the appalling suffering of the many people affected by this catastrophic event. I would especially like to pay tribute and offer my sincere condolences, pay my respects to the extermely brave dedicated and devoted Police officer PC Bill Barker 45, his family, friends and colleagues. Damage to property although annoying and expensive can in time be repaired, but Cockermouth, indeed the whole of the Country is now missing a gallant very brave Police officer, that regrettably and sadly lost his own life, whilst acting above and beyond the call of normal duty trying to protect others. Virtual PC 2007http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/virtual-pc-2007-39821.aspxFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:06:18 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:169222Twee2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/virtual-pc-2007-39821.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=169222 Has anyone used this program on a Vista Premium PC to run XP ? Plans for the weekend?http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/plans-for-the-weekend-39015.aspxThu, 15 Oct 2009 11:06:16 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:166008Graeme Delap8http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/plans-for-the-weekend-39015.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=166008 So our lovely moneysupermarket community - What are you up to this weekend? Anything exciting planned? I will mostly be decorating the spare room - ah, the unbridled joy that is DIY! Post Points and Ratingshttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/post-points-and-ratings-39644.aspxThu, 12 Nov 2009 19:21:04 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:168564Mynewt2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/post-points-and-ratings-39644.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=168564 Hi All, Just a couple of quick (newbie) questions. In the lower right hand corner of posts I see a "post points" entry this has a varying allocation, I was wondering what this relates to and how the number of points are derived. And secondly, to the left of the posts under the posters identity there is a progressive bar and points tally. Is the points tally related to the points allocation in the loiwer right hand corner? or is this something completley different? Recommended home accounts software?http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/recommended-home-accounts-software-39585.aspxTue, 10 Nov 2009 20:15:15 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:168349Cheesysocks2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/recommended-home-accounts-software-39585.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=168349 Hi all. I want to start studying my money more closely, and I want to use an accounts package. However, Quicken and MS Money have dropped support for the UK. There are other packages out there, but which ones are really any good? Are there any reccomendtons from users? Warnings from those who have been stung by the wrong package? Thanks. Mike. Cyber Travelhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/cyber-travel-39594.aspxWed, 11 Nov 2009 11:51:08 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:168392barte2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/cyber-travel-39594.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=168392Back in 2002 joined this "travel club"paid £2500 by Natwest Visa and some post dated Natwest cheques, it turned out to be a scam and I never followed it up to recoup the money. Is it too late?? Meltdown by Ben Eltonhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/meltdown-by-ben-elton-39592.aspxWed, 11 Nov 2009 09:57:07 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:168379Felicity King-Evans2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/meltdown-by-ben-elton-39592.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=168379 Hello, Has anyone else read Ben Elton's Meltdown yet? It's his latest book and it covers the crunch, the resulting recession and the expenses scandal. "For amiable City trader Jimmy Corby money was the new Rock n' Roll. His whole life was a party, adrenalin charged and cocaine fuelled. If he hadn't met Monica he would probably have ended up either dead or in rehab. But Jimmy was as lucky in love as he was at betting on dodgy derivatives, so instead of burning out, his star just burned brighter than ever. Rich, pampered and successful, Jimmy, Monica and their friends lived the dream, bringing up their children with an army of domestic helps. But then it all came crashing down. And when the global financial crisis hit, Jimmy discovers that anyone can handle success. It's how you handle failure that really matters." Now, some of the critics have been pretty harsh (it's been ripped apart by the Guardian) but I really enjoyed it. I love that Elton takes these huge economic events and personalises them with a group of friends whose lives just come apart. Has anyone else read it? Am I alone in thinking it's another instance of Ben Elton brilliance? Felicity Bonfire night! Gunpowder, treason and plot...http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/bonfire-night-gunpowder-treason-and-plot-39471.aspxThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:34:17 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:167885Graeme Delap2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/bonfire-night-gunpowder-treason-and-plot-39471.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=167885 Is anyone celebrating the prevention of some 16th century geezers attempting to blow up Parliament this evening - and kill the King? Or is everyone saving their fun for the weekend? I'm tempted to ask if Guido Fawkes, Thomas Percy and his mates knew something about MPs' expenses that we didn't... Leaving on a jetplane...http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/leaving-on-a-jetplane-39330.aspxFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:58:30 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:167287Felicity King-Evans7http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/leaving-on-a-jetplane-39330.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=167287 Hello, Just to say goodbye (oh alright, to show off!). I'm away on my holidays next week, so I'll have to go a whole ten days without the forum. It really is the only fly in my Moroccan ointment :p mynewt, access, Jalexa - you'll have to argue with each other instead of me :) Have a fun weekend/week/nextweekend. Felicity x Phone Problemshttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/phone-problems-39188.aspxFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:56:05 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:166715Twee5http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/phone-problems-39188.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=166715 We have a cordless DECT BT phone (about 4 years old) that refuses to allow certain callers to leave a message "Normally" - if unanswered - a caller receives a message "... Sorry, nobody is in... please leave a message after the tone" But some callers (Mainly, but not exclusively mobiles and not all mobiles) - receive a different message "Sorry, nobody is in" - Could this answer be generated from BT rather than "locally/from the phone" because the "voice" is slightly different too .... This is extremely annoying and I was hoping that I could find an answer in this forum ? Extra Incomehttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/extra-income-39178.aspxFri, 23 Oct 2009 08:10:32 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:166663Danshaz1http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/extra-income-39178.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=166663 Hi I am new to the forum so I hope I have put this post in the correct place, if not I appologise. I am in severe debt and am looking for ways to earn extra money, I am in full time employment so am looking for either work I can do at home i.e computer based or envelope stuffing but something that i would not have to put down any money initially, or evening and weekend work. Does anyone have any suggestions, I really am desperate. Desperatly Seeking Sharon :( A Night out in London - Food and Hotelhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/a-night-out-in-london-food-and-hotel-38845.aspxThu, 08 Oct 2009 10:46:39 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:165357raziel1http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/a-night-out-in-london-food-and-hotel-38845.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=165357 Taking my mum out to London in November to see the New Beautiful South for her B-day/Xmas pressie, and struggling for food and accomodation. Bought the tickets, they were £20 each (p+p £3 each). Thinking of a fun and relatively upmarket restaurant (not anything classy and candlelit, more themed or fun - but not naff) near Islington academy (Gig starts at 7:30 so need time to eat and then que). Also thinking of a small, friendly hotel, again close to Islington. My total budget for the night is in the region of £200 - £250. Again this is including the concert tickets, restaurant and hotel. Mum has agreed to pay for travel and booze :) Any advice? Thanks xx Vouchers on a datehttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/vouchers-on-a-date-39131.aspxWed, 21 Oct 2009 09:38:45 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:166483Milli Tant4http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/vouchers-on-a-date-39131.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=166483 Hi All Is it exceptable to use a voucher on a date? :-) Thanks Milli .GED fileshttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/ged-files-39129.aspxWed, 21 Oct 2009 08:18:05 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:166474Twee2http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/ged-files-39129.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=166474I am trying to "read" a .GED file which needs a converter - but I can't seem to find a freebie that works under Vista - anyone help ?random moneysupermarket e mail addresshttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/random-moneysupermarket-e-mail-address-39098.aspxMon, 19 Oct 2009 17:53:43 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:166317kimc1http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/random-moneysupermarket-e-mail-address-39098.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=166317 Hi can anyone help me please I have just purchased car insurance through moneysupermarket, paid deposit to Hastings etc, when checking my emails for confirmation, realised that instead of my email address there is this: bouncer AT moneysupermarket.com then a password which is not shown, also a random telephone number which i have not entered. I am now really confused as I have no idea where my confirmation email from Hastings has gone! Also called Hastings and was told in no uncertain terms I cannot change the details on the account and if I want to cancel within 14 days have to pay £20 admin fee! Help! Second job, extra income?http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/second-job-extra-income-39075.aspxSun, 18 Oct 2009 19:58:21 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:166220KG20073http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/second-job-extra-income-39075.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=166220 Hi I'm really struggling to make all of my payments at the moment. I know that the problem is that my living expenses have gone up and my income hasn't which is why I am struggling but I don't know how to get out of it. It's to the point where I am struggling to pay my rent each month. Are there any ways that I can earn extra income-genuine ways-not like the 'stuffing envelopes' stuff? I work full time and study at university 2 nights during the week so ideally i'm looking for something I can do at home with flexible hours. At this point I will do whatever I can to earn some money. I have 6 years experience of summarising medical notes and 2 years as an accounts assistant. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated-I don't know what else to do. Thanks! DIY Divorce?http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/diy-divorce-5906.aspxTue, 22 May 2007 18:37:19 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:25107absentfriend12http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/diy-divorce-5906.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=25107 After a brief and hopeless attempt at reconciliation, I'm now looking at a bit of a wait to be divorced. We've decided that the 'unreasonable behaviour' (his) is just not how we want to do things, and encourages us to be adversarial, rather than amicable. So, on the basis of two years' separation with consent, I was hoping to conduct the divorce myself. Much cheaper, and, frankly, when I did have a solicitor, he was absolutely, completely and utterly useless. My degree is in Law, and I have no doubt I can do the necessary paperwork. That said, some tips, or a helpful website, would be most useful. at this stage, we've yet a while to wait, but there's no harm in being aware of what I must do, and clued in. Anybody got any ideas? Tips? Hints? Anyone done this too? Cat Rental problemshttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/rental-problems-38836.aspxWed, 07 Oct 2009 21:18:12 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:165325KRIBNA1http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/rental-problems-38836.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=165325Hi. I am renting a flat right now, and the land lord appears to be a bit dodgy. He does not return phone calls, or answer emails, and is overall very difficult to track down. On my contract, it says that my deposit is put away with a government approved scheme, but I have not gotten any confirmation about this. The other places that I have rented from usually sent me a letter from the DPS confirming the amount of money that I put into the deposit, but this time that did not happen. I have talked to many other residents in the building, and it sounds like they are not having a very pleasant experience with him either. They have talked about how things were broken for months, and had not gotten fixed. I sense that this is an irresponsible landlord, and would like to use my deposit as last 2 months rent because I don't trust that this landlord will give me my money back, whether intentionally or not. His actions indicate this property is not a very big priority to him. I have a hard enough time tracking him down for little things, and I don't want to trust him with a big thing. I don't want to spend months chasing him down for my deposit as it is a lot of money to me, and I am not very financially stable. Complaining about a filmhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/complaining-about-a-film-38011.aspxThu, 03 Sep 2009 00:06:23 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:161985Dollarfrog22http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/complaining-about-a-film-38011.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=161985Hello. I recently watched a film called The Village and I was disappointed by the ending. Without spoiling the plot for anyone who hasn't seen it, the ending of the film basically means that the film was not about what the viewer believed it to be about and it was not about what the advertising suggested it was about. So I basically paid to hire a film that was meant to be about one thing, and I spent time watching it thinking that it was about that thing, and then it turned out to be about something else. In this situation are there grounds to complain and who would you complain to? I know that it might sound trivial, because it only cost £3 to hire the DVD and I only spent about an hour and a half of my time watching it, but I feel that it is the principle. It is a bit like going into a burger bar and ordering a beef burger, but then getting a chicken burger, you have only lost a couple of pounds, but you have not got what you paid for. I feel that they could have taken some kind of action to reduce the risk of disappointment, without giving the plot away (perhaps a message at the start saying something like "Warning, this is film not about what it originally appears to be about, nor what the advertising suggests it is about").Introduce yourselves!!http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/introduce-yourselves-3572.aspxThu, 15 Mar 2007 15:03:13 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:14019absentfriend483http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/introduce-yourselves-3572.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=14019On other forums that I go on, we regularly have what we call a roll call thread , on which everyone introduces themselves and says 'hi'. Usually, there are a few (non-identifying) questions to answer, as well. I thought, seeing as lots of us are getting to know each other, that this would be a nice thing to try on these boards too. So: What is your name (if you are willing to reveal it)? How did you choose your nickname (if you are using one)? How long have you been posting on these forums? Are you addicted? What area of the UK are you from? My answers: My name is Catherine - Cat really is what I am called by a lot of people. I chose my nickname to reflect my personailty - I am a walking catastrophe!! I've been posting here since December 2006 (I think!). Yes, I certainly am addicted to these (and other) forums!! I was born in Hampshire, and grew up there, but I am now an honorary welshwoman, and immensely proud of that. I also lived for quite a while in Liverpool, which will ever be a place close to my heart. Over to you guys!! Catstaying in cape town in january 2010http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/staying-in-cape-town-in-january-2010-38802.aspxTue, 06 Oct 2009 19:07:28 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:165181max19742http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/staying-in-cape-town-in-january-2010-38802.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=165181 hello can anyone recommend a really good budget hotel (3 star) in capetown for a 1 week stay in january 2010? im only flying in for a shark dive and parachute jump, so not staying long cheers, max Credit Reference Agencies Have you had or Got problems?http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/credit-reference-agencies-have-you-had-or-got-pro-38661.aspxThu, 01 Oct 2009 03:28:13 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:164643Adrian622http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/credit-reference-agencies-have-you-had-or-got-pro-38661.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=164643 I am currently discussing the actions of the Credit Reference Agencies (CRA's) with Lord Mandelson. I require as many people as possible to tell me about problems they have or have had with the CRA's. Wrong information stored on your CRA file Not getting loans or mortgages because of your credit score. Companies refusing to alter or remove data from your CRA file Companies placing bad references on your CRA file, without discussing it with you, or after ignoring you. Basically any problems at all. The more the merrier. The CRA's were established by the banks for the banks, They can CONTROL your entire life at the push of a button and blame anyone else, which then takes months or even years to resolve. Your name is kept as an alias so your details will not be passed on, your opinion is not what we need, we need factual complaints, to force the MP's to change the CRA's by forcing them to follow there agreed guidelines. If you don't have any complaints, please tell your friends and family about this, they will have some complaints. The more I get the better my arguement is with "Mandy" so get them coming and get them coming thick and fast. I have spent two years getting this far and I am determined not to give up. There are people who are innocent, good, hard working, who's lives have been ruined by a simple click of a button. Many Thanks Adrian Where to get good gifts for charity event?? Companies . Shops ? helpppphttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/where-to-get-good-gifts-for-charity-event-compani-38509.aspxThu, 24 Sep 2009 22:09:55 GMTd60303e3-0d44-49ad-b329-9875dfa2f932:164097Pippy091http://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/t/where-to-get-good-gifts-for-charity-event-compani-38509.aspxhttp://www.moneysupermarket.com/community/forums/commentrss.aspx?SectionID=52&PostID=164097 Is it Wrong to try find help in here???? i will try anywere. Hi luvlies... I am trying every source to try to get help in finding some super big gifts for a raffle. I am holding a fabulous Fashion Show in a big nightclub in Liverpool City .. and boy oh boy am I finding it hard to get gifts for the raffle for BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.. I fully understand lots of companies already donate directly to the charitys, but for people like me that are doing events for charities.. I am finding it hard to even get a TV hahah as a prize.. thinking it would be a super prize... im finding it very hard... im finding local people more willing to help out with much small prizes.. I love the communities ya live in.. people are so kind.. but companies i am running out of.. ANYONE have any ideas would be fantastic.. Love Tracy (Pippy)