Should a bank admit technical problems are because of hackers?
My various inboxes have received a number of odd conspiracy theories that RBS/NatWest’s crash is actually due to hackers trying to attack its computer systems. I’ve no knowledge one way or the other, and seriously doubt there’s even an iota of truth in it. Yet it does raise an interesting hypothetical question – should a bank admit...
Backed up your mobile/PC data? It’s useless unless…
Backed up your mobile/PC data? It’s useless unless… After the worst computer problems in banking history, causing a punitive shockwave for customers of NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank and Think Banking, it’s worth considering your own personal data backup. Running a big website, I’ve a constant paranoia about catastrophic failure and losing both the backup of the site...
When doesn’t £10/month cost you £10/month? When it’s ‘equiv’
When don’t you pay £10/month for £10/month broadband? We’ve introduced a new site convention to try to make things even clearer. I hope it’ll be obvious, even to those who haven’t read this, but I just wanted to note down exactly what the phrase ‘equiv’ means and when we’ll use it. Deals, especially in the broadband and...
The ‘social-fund.co.uk’ website is scraping beneath the barrel’s bottom
A website’s been set up which manages to drop payday loan (super high-cost, short-term lending) marketing down a notch. It’s as if those behind it saw others scraping the bottom of the barrel and just thought: "No problem, we’ll lick it up." The site’s been set up to attract people looking for official government crisis loans from...
I’ve kept my mouth shut about the Money Advice Service, but last week I let rip
The Money Advice Service (MAS) is a publicly-funded body aiming to improve financial capability – a laudable aim, but frankly, dismally executed. For years I’ve thought its website an atrocious use of millions of pounds of such funds – but I’ve kept quiet about it, as I didn’t want to put people off using those of its...
I’ve a new ITV1 prime time show starting in September
As the cat’s out the bag, after this Sunday Mirror story (they had the story when they called, even though the plan wasn’t to announce it yet), I can now tell you that come mid-September I’ve got a new prime time (7.30pm) show starting on ITV1. I’m delighted, as I think in current climes it’s important to...
Why do teenagers throw pennies in the bin?
It’s jaw-dropping, but it seems some teens now treat copper coins as rubbish, throwing them in the bin. It shows a disrespect for cash and a lack of understanding about "looking after the pennies". Here’s just some of the thoughts people have tweeted me about this: For some reason pennies were embarrassing when I was younger. Now...
Introducing MSE Junior (from November)
I’m delighted to confirm, as it has been reported in the papers (I slipped and mentioned it on Radio 5), that in early November Mrs MSE and I are expecting an MSE Junior. Like most first-time parents we don’t care whether it’s a boy or girl, just as long as it’s healthy and happy. I’m very excited...
3 December 2024
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Martin: The truth about credit scores
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How much do Xmas lights cost to run?
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Recent Blogs
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Martin Lewis: Will energy standing charges be cut?
22 November 2024 -
When will your student loan be written off, cancelled, or paid off?
5 November 2024![]()
It’s a question I’m asked all the time. Many know that current students no longer need to repay their loans 30 years after the April following graduation, yet for those who started university before 2012, there are a variety of options. This information has been a long-term part of my Should I repay my student loan? guide (where... -
Stopcock tips – can you find yours?
15 October 2024![]()
A stopcock is your mains water tap (the off switch). Everyone should know where theirs is, especially at this time of year when pipes can burst due to frost. If you don’t know where yours is, your house could be flooded with water everywhere, while you have no idea how to stop it. -
Martin Lewis on pension credit: What over-66s need to know
24 September 2024![]()
Nearly a million pensioners are missing out on pension credit, a vital benefit worth £1,000s a year for many, which tops up your income.
