Student loans aren’t a debt – change the name to avert a national tragedy
Language is powerful. In some countries around the world that use our student finance system, repayments are called a contribution. In the UK we call it a loan – that’s killing us. With the increase in tuition fees, we risk damaging a generation of youth because of it. This isn’t solely about the fear-factor of huge ‘debts’,...
Universal credit will push people into 5,000% APR loans
Last week, on the BBC’s Daily Politics, I commented that the new universal credit system is likely to cause a budgeting bloodbath. Yesterday I was pleased to see a report from the Social Marketing Foundation echoing this (see the Monthly benefit payments ‘risk backfiring’ MSE News story). This is all about a nightmare transitional issue. As part...
Turning the MSE forum into a true social network…
The launch of the Citizens Advice Bureau board in the MSE forum is a more radical change than it may appear. Our forum has more active UK users than Twitter (source: YouGov), yet when social networks are discussed, it’s overlooked. After Facebook, the dominant UK social media platform are forums – MSE, Mumsnet, The Student Room, Digital...
Time to ban bank staff sales commission?
For too long, we’ve had speed-bump financial services with products launched, sold heavily by highly incentivised, ill-trained staff, then the brakes put-on with mis-selling reclaiming campaigns. That’s bad for both consumers and the industry. The regulator, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), yesterday launched its report into how banks and other financial services staff are incentivised to flog...
A hidden way to boost Nationwide’s rates
It’s the UK’s biggest building society, widely trusted, with a loyal user base. Yet, if you like the strength and values of the Nationwide, you may be surprised that its existing customers don’t get the best deals – it often saves them for rate tarts going through its little known sub-brands. I was inspired to blog on...
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Recent Blogs
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Martin Lewis: Is it time to ban unnecessary Christmas presents?
5 December 2022![]()
Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of... -
Martin Lewis: The one thing everyone aged over 66 needs to know
29 November 2022![]()
It is a national tragedy that getting on for a million pensioners, many of whom have been paying into the system for years, are missing out on a critical boost to their income. It's called pension credit, and this year it also means you get an extra £650 to help with energy bills.
