Survival Money
One Step AHEAD
Hopefully, keeping on top of your Christmas costs now can help take the sting out of the New Year and keep your family one step ahead of the January financial blues.
W 4. Car care
It could be a white Christmas this year. In cold weather, if you’re warming up your car engine don’t leave the keys in the car and the vehicle unattended. You could find you’re not covered by your motor insurance policy if it gets stolen.
5. Get away
If you’re planning to take a holiday abroad over Christmas, check your travel insurance policy in advance so you know what you’re covered for. Keep your policy documents and contact telephone numbers to hand too, in case you need to make a claim.
We hope you have a hassle-free holiday; however, if a problem arises and you can’t sort it out with a bank or insurer, the ombudsman can help you get it sorted.
Financial Ombudsman Service Contact: 0300 123 9 123 or
www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
e spoke to the Financial Ombudsman Service – the free service with the power to sort out financial problems – for some top tips on avoiding money mishaps this season. Here are their top five Christmas tips to avoid any New Year hangovers:
1. Pricey presents While many people are budgeting for Christmas this year, there may still be some high-value presents wrapped up under the tree. Check your contents insurance policy – you may find you’re not fully covered if these items are stolen or damaged.
2. Crunch those cards
Interest rates can vary considerably on different credit cards, so check the current rate before you spend. If you’re able to get an interest free deal, make sure you know when the deal ends, as repayments can be high after this date.
3. Bank holiday blues Keep an eye on payment dates for bills and regular payments like direct debits and standing orders during bank holidays. Bank holidays are not ‘working days’ for banks so payments might be delayed – or bounced if you don’t have cleared funds in your account.
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