Money Matters - Winter 2015 by Monmouthshire Housing Association

WINTER 2015

M O N E Y

•

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PRACTICAL MONEY SAVING ADVICE, HINTS AND TIPS TACKLING DEBT GETTING READY FOR WORK MONEY SAVING RECIPES SPECIAL OFFERS

H E L P

•

A D V I C E

WELCOME

Welcome to the Winter 2015 Edition of Money Matters Hello and welcome to the Winter 2015 edition of Money Matters – this issue is packed full of practical advice, support and handy money saving tips. This year we have been really busy helping you to increase your income, ensure you are getting all the benefits you’re entitled to (or challenge a benefit decision that has reduced your income) or give you ways to budget more efficiently. With Universal Credit here, it is important that you receive the information you need to prepare. It’s not all doom and gloom, there have already been some very positive stories coming out (see page 6). Debt is a growing problem and we have come across a number of tenants seeking help from debt management companies who charge a monthly fee to help manage your debt. See

pages 22 & 23 for practical advice and tips. Equally, we have also been helping you to find employment (look out for some of the success stories in the magazine). Don’t forget, if you can’t work due to child care commitments and want to learn a new skill, we may be able to help enrol you on a suitable course, find a volunteering opportunity or help you apply for our bursary scheme which helps towards reducing the costs of training. There is so much advice and support available at MHA, just get in touch with us on the details below. We hope you enjoy the read!

Keep an eye out for our money saving tips throughout this publication.

If you would like this Newsletter in a different format (e.g. large print, electronically, etc.) or in Welsh please contact Louise Davies on 01495 761104 or email louise.davies@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk 0345 677 2277 communityservices@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk facebook.com/Monmouthshire.Housing twitter.com/mon_housing

www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Scan the QR code to access the MHA website.

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

Mr Jones’ Story Mr Jones* had reached breaking point following a nervous breakdown towards the end of last year.

“My name is Matthew Taylor, and I am the Income & Energy Advisor for the south of Monmouthshire, covering the Caldicot and Chepstow areas.

“Hi, my name is Abi Lewis. I’m covering Abergavenny and Monmouth as part of the MoneyWise team until September 2016.

“This year has been really busy working with you, in preparation for Universal Credit. Universal Credit will be fully introduced by 2017. All tenants need to make sure they have a bank account, an email address and can get online. Universal Credit will be paid monthly so you need to make sure you know how to budget for the whole month!

“I’m an experienced Money Advisor and my aim is to help MHA tenants make the most of their money and increase their income wherever possible. If you would like to take advantage of the money help and support that MHA offers tenants please feel free to contact me on 07725 824800, 01495 767194 or email abigail.lewis@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk”

“If you would like some help getting your finances in order or want a benefit check to ensure you are getting everything you’re entitled to, then please get in touch. “I have helped a number of tenants who are affected by the bedroom tax, by helping them claim a DHP (discretionary housing payment). If you are struggling and would like help, I am more than happy to come out and see if you would qualify. Alternatively, if you have been turned down for a DHP previously because of being in receipt of PIP or DLA, you may now qualify. “I am happy to come and visit you in your own home. For more information call on 07792 596915, 01495 767182 or email matthew.taylor@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk”

Things we can help with include:

• Opening a credit union account and claiming your free £10 voucher • Checking you are in receipt of all the benefits that you are entitled to • Help with benefit applications • Affordable credit information • Help and advice with savings and bank accounts • Support with any debts you may have • Affordable home contents insurance • Reduced water tariffs and switching to a water meter • Budgeting and saving money • Accessing food bank vouchers

Having stopped claiming the benefits he was entitled to, Mr Jones was struggling to pay his bills and felt the only option was to leave his home and bed down on the streets. Fortunately, a close friend intervened and recommended Mr Jones contact MHA’s Money Wise team, having been helped by Money Wise himself in the past. Matt from Money Wise was able to help Mr Jones submit a new Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claim, which was successful. Mr Jones had also run up debts of over £110 on his gas and electric meters. Matt contacted Mr Jones’ energy supplier to explain things. The energy suppliers acknowledged his desperate situation and not only wiped the debt, but added £10 credit to his account as a goodwill gesture. For the first time in months Mr Jones was able to have a shower again. Matt was also able to secure a food parcel voucher for Mr Jones, who hadn’t eaten a decent meal in weeks. Mr Jones is now in regular contact with Matt and no longer buries his head in the sand when he is struggling. Name has been changed

twitter.com/mon_housing

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Preparing for the Transition to Universal Credit Shortfall Universal Credit was introduced in Monmouthshire in September 2015. You can find practical advice, hints and tips throughout this edition of Money Matters. Don’t forget – if you are moving to Universal Credit we can help. Call us on 0345 677 2277 for help and advice.

Average weekly rent

£97.00

x 5 weeks

£485.00

That’s five weeks to wait with no income at all. Be prepared... See pages 12 & 13 for information on how you can save and prepare for Univesal Credit.

It is possible to put aside as little as £5.00/week for emergencies: £5/week (over a year)

£260.00 + interest

£7.50/ week (over a year)

£390.00 + interest

£10/ week (over a year)

£520.00 + interest

Timetable of proposed changes to benefits and tax credits: When? Who?

What will change?

April 2016 Working age, out of work households

New Housing Benefit claimants

Tax credits claimants

Claimants of Tax Credits & Universal Credit equivalent

Claimants of Tax Credits

New Housing Benefit claimants with a family/new child

Claimants of Support for Mortgage Interest

Benefits cap. This means a reduction from £26k to £20k for couples outside London (£23k London) and £13,400 for singles outside London (£15,410 London)*

Limit on backdating payments from 13 weeks to 4 weeks.

Increase in taper from 41% to 48%. This means that once claimants earn above the income threshold, the award is withdrawn at a rate of 48p for every extra £1.

Income threshold reduced from £6,420 to £3,850pa.

Reduction of income rise disregard. This means the amount a claimant’s income can increase in a year, compared with previous year, will be reduced from £5,000 to £2,500.

Removal of family premium.

The waiting period for help with mortgage interest will return to 39 weeks. Capital limit will remain at £200k.

Work allowances will be: a) abolished for nondisabled, childless claimants. b) reduced to £192pm for those with housing costs and £397pm for those without housing costs.

There are exceptions to some of the changes highlighted above. If you are unsure about how the changes to your benefits will affect you, please contact MHA on 0345 677 2277. *

www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

MHA’s 123 postcard campaign aims to help our tenants prepare for Universal Credit, which was introduced in Monmouthshire in September 2015. 1. Postcard number one informed people about getting the right Bank Account. 2. Postcard number two explained the benefits of drawing up a budget. 3. Postcard number three explained the benefits of getting online and using the web.

Don’t forget – we’re here to help. Call us on 0345 677 2277

Information Film uction of Universal Are you going to be affected by the introd e. Credit? This card can help you prepar Are you ready for Universal Credit?

efits are Changing’ campaign eople receive their benefits. The ‘Your Ben ependent advice to those who The UK Government is changing the way p bout these changes and to provide free, ind (YBAC) has been set up to inform people a need it. dit

What is Universal Credit?

a new monthly payment Universal Credit is the name of benefits and tax that will replace a number of current Benefit, Child Tax Credit, credits. These include Housing ESA, Income Support income-based JSA, income-related and Working Tax Credit.

How is Universal Credit different my current benefit payment?

from Our #123 campaign will help you to prepare for the changes to your benefits starting this autumn. Don’t forget – we are here to help. Call us 1 Universal Credit Postcard - Bank Account.indd MHA0288 on 0345 677 2277

account. • Universal Credit will be paid into your bank hole • You’ll get one monthly payment for your w household.

Flyer.indd 1

#1- Get the right Bank Account Did you know?

If you open a bank account that doesn’t have an overdraft facility you won’t normally have to go through a credit check. Our #123 campaign will help you to prepare for the changes to your this autumn. Don’t MHA0288 Universal starting benefits Credit Postcard - Bank Account.indd 2 forget – we are here to help. Call us 2277 on 0345 677

• Top up a low income • Raise children

• Help with the cost of rent • Top up a carer’s allowance • Care for children under five • Help when you are unemployed or sick and have low National Insurance contributions.

Tear off this checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you your application for:

need to fill in • ChooseWhen? an account that makes things easy for you Your bank, building society, or credit 21/07/2015 08:02:34 union will need to receive payments made straight into your account because that is how your Universal Credit will be paid. • Set Up Direct Debits It’s useful to set up Direct Debits and standing orders for bills like your rent, gas and electricity. • Decide whether you need a joint account If you and your partner are both eligible for Universal Credit, you’ll get a single payment for both of you – budget Service you the canMoney chooseAdvice to have • Use it paid into a joint or a single account. planner

ment and • Housing Benefit will be included in this pay yourself. you’ll have to pay your rent to your landlord ersal • You will have to apply for and manage Univ Credit online.

MHA0313 Universal Credit Tear Off

You’ll receive Universal Cre if you get benefits to:

out across the country Universal Credit is being rolled to Wales. New benefit in stages and has already come Credit first and claimants will be put on to Universal be moved over to the then all existing claimants will now and 2018. new system gradually between

The Money Advice Service online budget planner tool can help you to sort out 21/07/2015 08:02:34 your finances and draw up a list of all your income and outgoings. Visit: www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk/budget on If you can’t get online, please call MHA 0345 677 2277. t paymen rent your e • Prioritis directly If you’re used to having your rent paid le to your landlord you’ll soon be responsib need to keep it will You yourself. it paying for Did you know? money. separate from your general spending olds househ UK of Over half ts • Get ready for monthly paymen who keep a budget say it gives So if Universal Credit will be paid monthly. them peace of mind and makes working out your spending to used you’re in life them feel better about start to have you’ll ly, fortnight or weekly Our #123 campai . help you gn will general • Get access across to amoney comput g your er the whole managin to prepare for the changes to your Ifmonth. you don’t have access to a compute r benefits starting this autumn. connected to the internet, ask at your Don’t forget – we are here to help. 01/09/2015 09:33:58 local library or jobcentre and they will tell 2 Universal Credit Postcard - Budgeting.indd MHA0288 Call us you where you can get online. on 0345 677 2277 • Sign up for a training course If you’re worried your IT skills aren’t good enough to be able to claim your Universa l Credit online, your library should be able to help you find a course. • Start using the internet to manage your money Being online gives you access to lots Did you know? of ways to save money – from cheaper Most people will have to make energy tariffs to money off voucher s and their Universal Credit claim comparison websites.

#2- Draw up a budget

#3 - Getting Online

online.

MHA0288 Universal Credit Postcard

- Getting Online.indd 2

You can watch MHA’s short film about the changes to your benefits and how we can help by visiting our website: www. monmouthshirehousing. co.uk/main. cfm?type=HELPSUPPORT

04/06/2015 16:30:28

If you would like a DVD copy of our film about the changes to your benefits, please email ben.hennessy@ monmouthshirehousing. co.uk or call Ben on 01495 761103.

64 of you will turn 75 this year and will be eligible for a free TV licence - Call 0300 790 6071 for more information.

14/10/2015 08:07:21

April 2017 Reduction of New Universal Credit allowance for new claimants aged ESA claimants 18-21 in Work Related Activity Group & UC Limited Capacity for Work Will receive the same amount as JSA.*

No automatic entitlement to Universal Credit housing element.*

Existing Universal Credit claimants aged 18-21

Claimants of CTC & equivalent in UC with over two children

New families receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and existing families making new claims

Parents claiming Universal Credit

To participate in intensive period of support at start of benefit claim. After six months expected to apply for apprenticeship, traineeship, gain work place skills or go on work placement.

Limit on Child Element in Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit. This means the child element is no longer awarded for 3rd and subsequent children.*

Abolition of elements for first child born from April 2017. No Family element in tax credits or equivalent in Universal Credit.*

Extending conditionality. This means when the youngest child becomes two, parent(s) are expected to prepare for work and to look for work when youngest turns 3.

twitter.com/mon_housing

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

I’m prepared for Universal Credit “Paying the rent is my responsibility now. It’s a big change, but I’ve taken steps to prepare and I always feel more secure knowing my rent is paid.” Ms Davies is an MHA tenant living in Abergavenny. She receives Housing Benefit that is currently paid directly to MHA. With the introduction of Universal Credit, Ms Davies will soon be required to pay her rent to MHA herself. As Universal Credit is managed online claimants ideally need to set up an online bank account for payments – something Ms Davies didn’t have. After receiving the first of MHA’s 123 Campaign Postcards, which was focused on informing people about online banking, Ms Davies contacted her Neighbourhood Officer Lauren Francis. “After I got the 123 postcard from MHA in the post I wanted to prepare for Universal Credit. I don’t like change, but paying my rent is the most important thing. I’ve never been in arrears and I don’t want to be. I spoke to Lauren and she helped me set up an online bank account, so I am prepared for when I move onto Universal Credit.”

We are now living in a digital age. From the way we communicate with friends and family to how we access news and manage benefits and money – much of this is now done through digital technology, online. With many services from banking to shopping now operating as ‘digital by default’, getting online can save you time and money.

Benefits of being online include: • Saving money on bills through online payment and searching for better deals • Finding better opportunities when job searching with online profiles and accessing online job vacancies through Universal Job Match

www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

• Keeping in touch with friends and family and joining shared interest groups through social media such as Facebook and Twitter • Learning new skills and accessing online training opportunities • Reporting repairs and making payments online to MHA If you are new to the internet or you don’t have access to a computer, your local library or jobcentre will be able to tell you what help and support is available. Up to 25% of you have told us you may not have access to the internet.

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

UNIVERSAL CREDIT WINNERS & LOSERS

People with savings in place

People who fail to tackle debt issues Those that ignore the changes to their benefits

People prepared for Universal Credit

Those looking to find, or who are in work

Those who are not prepared for Universal Credit

Don’t forget – we’re here to help. Call us on 0345 677 2277 twitter.com/mon_housing

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Carer’s Allowance

25% of you said you are in debt.

Discretionary Assistance Fund The Discretionary Assistance Fund offers payments to help people in an emergency. There are two types of non-repayable grant support; Emergency Assistance Payments and Individual Assistance Payments. They replace what used to be known as Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants. You can apply if you have no other means of paying for what you need. They are to meet oneoff costs rather than ongoing expenses. Emergency Assistance Payments can provide you with help in an emergency or when there is an immediate threat to you, or someone in your family’s health or wellbeing. These are the type of things you can apply for: • Money or goods to replace items that have been stolen, damaged or destroyed as a result of an emergency or a disaster • General living expenses to help you buy essential items following an emergency or disaster • General living expenses to help you cover meeting your day to day living costs - for example, food, essential heating costs, nappies or toiletries

Individual Assistance Payments can help you, or someone you care for to live independently in the community and prevent the need for institutional care. To be eligible you, or the person you care for, must be receiving either Income Support, Incomebased Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credits and be:

• Imminently leaving an institution such as a hospital, care home, hostel or prison • Intending to care for someone leaving such accommodation • Needing help after a period of homelessness or leaving supported accommodation • Needing help to ease exceptional pressures or a one-off essential travelling expense If you would like help applying for the Discretionary Assistance Fund and you live in the Caldicot, Chepstow or Usk areas contact Matt on: 07792 596915 If you live in the Abergavenny or Monmouth area call Abigail on 07725 824800 Alternatively, email Matt & Abigail for an appointment: moneywise@ monmouthsirehousing.co.uk

www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Carer’s Allowance is a benefit payable to someone who cares for a disabled person. It’s a benefit for people who regularly spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone who receives a qualifying benefit such as: • Disability Living Allowance care component at high or middle rate • Attendance Allowance • Personal Independence Payment daily living component • Armed Forced Independence Payment • Constant Attendance Allowance paid with Industrial Injuries or War Pension Schemes The carer must be over 16, not in full-time education and, if they have a job, they must not earn more than £100 per week. Carer’s who are themselves disabled are not prevented from claiming are. You can only get one award for Carer’s Allowance even if you care for more than one person.

Over 1,750 of you have a disability but only 75 have said you claim Carer’s Allowance

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

Attendance Allowance Are you Attendance Allowance is a benefit for disabled people aged 65 and over with care needs. You do not need to actually receive help as long as you can show you need it. You must usually have had care needs for at least six months before you can get AA, but there are special rules for those who are terminally ill. AA does not cover mobility needs. To claim Attendance Allowance, you must be usually living in the UK and not in a care home or hospital. Usually your Attendance Allowance won’t be affected if you: • Are admitted into hospital or a care home for less than four weeks • Go abroad for less than 13 weeks • Go abroad for less than 26 weeks to get medical treatment for a condition which began before you left

1,005 of you who are over 65 years old have reported that they have a disability. You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance.

If you receive Attendance Allowance, it may increase the amount of other benefits or credits you are entitled to, such as extra Housing Benefit or Pension Credit. If you start getting Attendance Allowance, someone looking after you might be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. Attendance Allowance is normally ignored as income when assessing other benefits. There are two rates: • You get the lower rate if you need frequent help during the day or supervision at night • You get the higher rate if you need help or supervision throughout both the day and night or if you are terminally ill

Struggling with Debt? If so please contact MHA’s Money Wise team on 01495 767182 or 01495 767194 for help and advice.

You could get between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 05.01.53. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit). If you qualify but don’t get paid automatically, you need to make a claim. Call 03459 151515 for more information.

Are you ready for winter? As the cold weather begins to bite, keeping warm in our home becomes ever more important. If you are struggling to pay your heating bills or having problems with your energy supplier, please contact the Money Wise team on 01495 767182 or 01495 767194.

If you would like help applying for any of these funds or allowances and you live in the Caldicot, Chepstow or Usk areas contact Matt on 07792 596915 If you live in the Abergavenny or Monmouth areas call Abigail on 07725 824800 Alternatively email Matt & Abigail for an appointment: moneywise@monmouthsirehousing.co.uk twitter.com/mon_housing

EMPLOYMENT

GETTING YOU READY FOR WORK By Cath Murray “This year I’ve been working with some great tenants through the Work & Skills Wise service as well as young people through the Way into Work programme (a project to support 18-24 year olds into employment). This has resulted in both tenants and young people gaining employment, developing their skills and confidence. “I offer a tailor made service to ensure that I meet your needs. Over the past year we’ve helped with CV support, applications to colleges, course funding and interview technique support to name a few. “Volunteering can give you an opportunity to develop your skills and gain references. This year we’ve supported people in volunteering placements ranging from construction,

catering, grounds maintenance and graphic design to customer service. If this is something that you’re interested in then contact me and I will help you to get valuable experience that might lead you to your next job. “Want to undertake a training course but don’t have the funds? One of the successes that we had this year was with a gentleman who was really keen to gain a fork lift truck licence. If you are interested in seeing how we may be able to support you with training courses, please see our case study section on pages 12/13 or give me a call. “Whether you are looking to enter the job market immediately or looking to develop your skills ready to enter the labour market, give me a call and we can see how we can support you.”

10 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

You can contact me on 01495 767193 / 07891 685 750 or alternatively email me on catherine.murray@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

Claimant Commitment & Sanctions! Are you on JSA and looking for work? Do you have a claimant commitment? Are you struggling to meet you commitment? We may be able to help... Our Work & Skills Wise team can help you achieve your claimant commitment with job seeking support, interview techniques and a lot more. Get in touch and make sure you are not sanctioned by failure to meet your commitment.

Your CV Make sure you get that job interview with our expert tips for writing a CV. 1. Less is more - summarise your experience and stick to two pages max 2. Highlight achievements and outcomes you have achieved, rather than writing a list of responsibilities 3. Avoid cheesy, insincere statements about how fabulous you are - simply focus on the facts 4. Comment on any gaps and front them up - whether you’ve taken time out to travel or take a career break to have a family 5. Tailor your CV and covering letter/email to every job you apply for, especially if you are applying for different roles across a range of sectors or industries

6. Forget social media at your peril - update or create your LinkedIn/Twitter accounts. Remember, employers check social media so if you posted any regrettable tweets now is the time to delete them 7. Never ever lie on your CV. I have caught so many people out and it’s not a nice experience 8. Make sure your CV is well laid out and looks good. Doublecheck for spelling mistakes 9. Save the personal stuff for the interview, unless it’s voluntary work 10. Make sure any images of you are professional

Around 30% of occupants are working. 16% have reported a change in their working status, from unemployed to working for example. twitter.com/mon_housing

WORK & TRAINING

Tim’s Story Case Study Tim* is a single father living with his daughter in Caldicot. He was looking to get back into work as his daughter was about to start school. Tim has a background in carpentry, with experience in shop fitting and labouring. He was in the process of doing a Diploma in Carpentry and keen to find work in this field. After talking to his Neighbourhood Officer, Tim was referred into MHA’s Work and Skills Wise service. Cath from Work and Skills Wise was able to help Tim secure some volunteer work experience with MHA’s Direct Services Organisation (DSO) team. Tim committed to five weeks, full time voluntary work experience with MHA. Cath was also able to secure some childcare funding from the Jobcentre, enabling Tim to leave his daughter in nursery while he worked. After completing his work experience, and having completed his Carpentry Diploma, Cath was able to help Tim develop a really strong CV. He sent his CV off to apply for a role working on the refurbishment of Caldicot School. Following a telephone interview, the employer was so impressed with Tim’s knowledge, skills and manner that they offered him a two year contract working on the refurbishment. Name has been changed

12 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Cath Murray (centre) works with MHA tenants to help them get back into work. You can contact Cath on 01495 767193 / 07891 685 750 or alternatively email her on catherine.murray@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Are you prepared fo I NG V A S IDEAS

WEEKS

OF NO BENEFITS

Reduce your weekly grocery shopping bill by £15

-£15

Look out for future saving tips on

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

or Universal Credit?

£780 =a y ea r

Robert’s Story Case Study MHA’s Work & Skills Wise service works with tenants to help them get the skills, training and experince needed to find work. Robert* was keen to provide for his young family and wanted to find work as a forklift truck driver. However, a lack of formal training and qualifications and a poor CV meant he was struggling to find such work. The Work and Skills Wise team worked with Robert to develop his CV and look at ways in which he could secure funding for forklift truck training and a licence. Working in partnership with Robert’s jobcentre work coach, The Work and Skills Wise team were able to secure a Flexible Support Fund. This enabled Robert to complete two specialist training courses. Robert secured paid employment at a waste and recycling centre, immediately after completing his training. Robert says that finding work has boosted his confidence and self esteem, and he plans to buy a car and treat his daughter. Name has been changed

n our social media accounts twitter.com/mon_housing

FOOD

Save Money on Your Food Shop! Cutting food costs can really help you live within your budget and save money. There are always lots of offers tempting us to buy more than we need – don’t fall victim to this. Become a savvy shopper and make your budget work for you!

Our top 10 tips 1. Don’t be loyal to one shop ‘Back to basics’ shops like Aldi, Lidl and Iceland may not stock your favorites – but you’ll save money by shopping there. 2. Buy reduced items Supermarkets reduce prices on fresh items about to go past their sell-by date – you can freeze these foods to use later. You can get even better bargains if you go later in the day, when prices are slashed further. Check the bargain shelves too, which are often hidden at the back of the store. 3. Make a shopping list Avoid overspending by planning your meals and writing a shopping list. Supermarkets thrive on customers not knowing exactly what they want and buying items they don’t need.

4. Shop elsewhere Using your local fishmonger, bakery or greengrocer will often work out cheaper. 5. Buy food in-season Look for seasonal, UK-grown fruits and vegetables – you’ll pay less and eat better, and you’ll be supporting locally sourced goods. Go to bigbarn.co.uk for updates on in-season food and recipes. 6. Get in and out quickly Supermarkets are deliberately designed to confuse. They are laid out in such a way that you are forced to walk past aisles of expensive goods, tempting you to buy more. 7. Eat before you shop Always avoid going shopping on an empty stomach as the sight of so much delicious food can be hard to resist.

14 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

8. Shop online Doing your weekly shop online reduces the risk of impulse purchases. You can create a favorites basket, which means you don’t even have to look at non-essential items, and you can still clock up loyalty points. 9. Drop a brand Supermarket own-brand goods are usually the same quality as more expensive branded items. Many also offer a cheaper ‘basic’ range; the packaging might not look as good but there’s often little difference in the food inside. 10. Use discount vouchers Take advantage of discounts, vouchers, special offers and loyalty cards to reduce your outgoings. Follow us for more great saving tips!

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

Food Banks A Food Bank is an organisation that distributes food to those who find themselves struggling to cover the cost of feeding themselves or their families. The use of food banks has increased over the last few years with more than 913,000 people across the UK seeking assistance from them in 2014, with numbers increasing almost five fold in Wales within the last three years. To many people it might seem like the last resort. Don’t suffer in silence… we issue vouchers so you can access free food in addition to providing advice and support on increasing your income. Call us on 0345 677 2277 for more information.

Feed Your Family for £2.50!

Italian Chicken Soup one onion, two carrots, tin of chopped tomatos, parsley (dried), left over chicken or chicken from a few chicken thighs, two chicken stock cubes, pepper, a few handfuls of pasta. Fill a large pan with cold water, chuck in a tin of tomatoes, chopped carrots, onion, chicken (I usually cook chicken in oven on a tray then pick strips of it off the thighs and add them in) and add sprinkle parsley. Bring to the boil and then use a little of the hot liquid to dissolve the two stock cubes and add that. Then cover and cook for one hour. When done cook a little pasta (any sort) and put a handful in the bottom of soup bowl. Add some pepper to taste and ladle over pasta in bowls. This will make 4 big bowls or 8 small bowls of soup. It’s very tasty and healthy too.

29% of you have told us you are worried about how you will afford to pay for food.

Tomato Risotto

Beef Pie Tin of stewing steak, frozen or part boiled veg, tinned or part boiled potatoes, pack of puff pastry (or homemade) Add veg and cut up potatos into the steak. Place in oven proof dish, roll out pastry and place over dish cook for 25 mins on gas mark 7.

Ingredients: 300g basic white rice, 1 onion, diced, 30g butter, 300ml water, 500ml passata, 250g salad tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, 75g -100g mature cheddar cheese Method: First of all, place the rice, diced onion and butter into your large bowl, cover the bowl with cling film and place into your microwave. Cook on high for 3 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and peel off the cling film. Stir in the passata and water, and then place the bowl back into the microwave and cook for a further 10 minutes, this time uncovered. Pop the garlic bread in the oven. Meanwhile, chop your tomatoes and thinly slice the cheese, add these to the bowl and give the mixture a good stir. You will see that the cheese will start to melt immediately. Place the bowl back into the microwave one final time and continue to cook for another 8 minutes; by then the rice and tomatoes should be cooked through.

twitter.com/mon_housing

PAYING YOUR BILLS

Top Tips for Saving Money • Compare prices of mobile phones before you buy. Visit - www. moneysupermarket. com • Shop around for your petrol! Visit www. petrolprices.com register your details and postcode and the website will locate the lowest-priced fuel in your area. • Shop around for electrical goods it’s easy to do online if you visit websites such as www. find-electricalgoods. co.uk or www.kelkoo. co.uk, type in the item you require and find out where you can pick it up the cheapest. Visit sites such as www. hotukdeals.co.uk, www. vouchercodes.co.uk for other savings. • Clothes shopping... If you do need to buy something new, shopping online is a great way to save money. For a start, you can save money by using a voucher code, and secondly, you can earn money back by using a cashback website such as: www.quidco.com, www. topcashback.co.uk, www.greasypalm.co.uk and www.rpoints.co.uk

16 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Chris York (MHA’s Policy Officer), gave up smoking some time ago for health and financial reasons. He says: “To anyone trying to give up, I’d say, really think about why you smoke. There’s absolutely no benefits really. The only benefits lie in giving up. From a cost perspective imagine what you could do with all that extra cash!” Go to www.quitnow. smokefree.nhs.uk for more information and work out how much you can personally save.

The money saved by quitting smoking could be put towards other things.

Switching to rollies can save you money, a packet of 20 cigarettes costs between £8.50 and £9.50. That’s the equivalent of...

Cigarettes

Roll Your Own

20/day

£3,102.50/yr

£1,200/yr

15/day

£2,328.70/yr

£930/yr

10/day

£1,551.25/yr

£620/yr

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

Christmas Saver Get prepared for next year now It’s a good idea to save ahead for Christmas. Dedicated Christmas savings schemes can help you to avoid dipping into your cash too early and make sure you have enough money up-front to pay for gifts, food and drink. But there are other ways to save and avoid New Year financial hangovers.

• Cash ISAs

• Bank and Building Savings Accounts (special

• Credit Unions

rates for Christmas Savings) Go for a regular saver account so you’re not tempted to dip into it. Enquire with bank, building society or post office for more information.

• Supermarket Xmas Boost Check out www. moneysavingexpert.com/ savings/extra-christmas-cash for the best schemes.

A cash ISA – or individual savings account - is basically just an account that pays interest tax-free. There are wide range of ISA’s that enable you to earn money on your savings. Contact MHAs Money Wise Team on 01495 761116 for more information. Gateway Credit Union offers safe, easy savings accounts and loans on fair terms. MHA tenants can join Gateway Credit Union today and receive £10 to help you kick-start your savings. To find out more please contact Sara Burch at Gateway Credit Union on 01495 742500 or MHAs Money Wise Team on 01495 761116.

n today and receive Join Gateway Credit Unio t your savings. £10 to help you kick starre To find out more about savings accounts MHA0347

you save mo Credit Unions can help s will be 100% effectively. Your saving include free and nd ide div a n safe, ear rt saving sta not y Wh . life insurance h a Christmas for Christmas now wit Savings Account!

on, please with Gateway Credit Uni on on 01495 Uni dit Cre y ewa contact Gat waycu.co.uk ate w.g 742500 or go to ww e Team on 01495 Wis ney Mo A’s MH call or 761116.

Name: unt. Address: A to add to my savings acco £10 on my behalf from MH I consent for GCU to claim Signature: 01/09/2015 16:12:06

MHA0347 Credit Union

Flyer.indd 1

Only 23% of you have told us you are saving for emergencies

Christmas Saving Tips • Start saving early in the year to build up your savings. Some schemes won’t let you join after a certain date. • If you might be tempted to spend your money during the year, look for an account that will lock your money away until you need it. • Always compare savings accounts that earn interest to make sure you’re getting the best deal. • If you use a notice savings account, check you’ll be able to get your money out in time for Christmas. If you don’t give enough notice, you may be charged a penalty. • If you save cash you’ll have more freedom to get the big discounts retailers offer on PreChristmas sales days such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday. • If you choose to save with a Christmas club check it is a member of the Christmas Prepayment Association. • Use our Christmas money planner to help create your own budget and see how much you can save in time for Christmas Day. twitter.com/mon_housing

PAYING YOUR BILLS

“As a Neighbourhood Officer it is so rewarding to be able to offer such a great standard of property in order to create such a positive change”

14% of you have said you can only afford to pay bills sometimes. 6% said you cannot afford to pay them at all.

Lauren Francis - Neighbourhood Officer

Mrs Marlog makes a Smart Move Until recently, Mrs Marlog was living in a two bed house in Abergavenny. With the introduction of the Under Occupancy Charge (more commonly known as the Bedroom Tax), Mrs Marlog was beginning to struggle financially. Having been registered with the Monmouthshire Homesearch scheme, Mrs Marlog was looking to downsize to a smaller property for over two years. Mrs Marlog heard about the Smart Move scheme and got in touch with us. MHA Neighbourhood Officer Lauren Francis worked with Mrs Marlog to move into a new home and helped her to secure her new property this summer. Mrs Marlog said that Lauren has been a great help on every step of the way.

Why did you want to move? “I was living in the house with my husband, until he sadly passed away. Following the introduction of the Bedroom Tax and having to pay the extra money for the additional bedroom, I started to struggle financially.”

What do you think of your new property? “I’m absolutely thrilled with it, I feel like I’ve won the lottery! Although I bid on the property, I never expected to win. I’ve bid on so many over the last 12 months and to hear that it was going to mine was wonderful news.”

Do you have a favourite room? “Yes, my bathroom, I absolutely love it! It’s spacious and fitted out so beautifully”

18 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Have you seen a reduction in your household bills, since you downsized? “Yes, my bills are much more manageable now and less of a worry.”

What have been the benefits since you moved? “Moving here was a fresh start for me and being able to live comfortably and managing my money again. Although my property is smaller, I have more space and my grandchildren love coming over.” Unfortunately MHA are no longer able to offer the Smart Move Scheme. Our Moneywise team are still able to offer a range of services aimed at helping you save money. Please contact us on 0345 677 2277 or visit our website www. monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

ips a as

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

Smart Meters Smart meters are the new generation gas and electricity meters. With a smart meter you can see how much energy you’re using and what you’re spending, in pounds and pence. You’ll get accurate bills from your energy supplier – so no more estimated bills.

People living in Wales will be offered a gas and electricity smart meter by their energy supplier, at no additional cost. For the thousands of households in Wales on pre-payment key meters, the experience is currently pretty inconvenient, but with smart meters you’ll be able to top up your credit over your smartphone or online, as well at the local shop.

Around 2 million smart meters have already been installed across Great Britain and the rollout will continue to gather pace during 2016. You can get a lot more information at www. smartenergygb.org including links to what each energy supplier is doing to upgrade its customers’ meters.

Ten top tips to avoid a Christmas debt hangover

from the Citizens Advice Bureau 1

Plan early for Christmas

Don’t forget the everyday bills

Don’t bank on an overdraft

Keep things simple

Shop around

Be realistic and budget accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person – and stick to it. Manage expectations as to what you or Santa can give.

Remember that rent, the mortgage, utility bills, food bills and other existing debts still have to be paid – and the consequences can be severe if they’re not. Even though it’s Christmas, get your priorities right.

If you do need more money, don’t just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first – it will work out much more expensive.

If you can afford to pay for your goods outright by cash, cheque, or debit card, don’t be persuaded to take out extended credit agreements unless they really do work out cheaper.

Buy safe to be safe

Read the small print

Do your own credit checks

Be organised

Whatever the deal, whatever the temptation, don’t buy from unauthorised traders and don’t borrow from unauthorised lenders. The initial savings and convenience may prove to be a false economy.

Check for hidden extras in any credit agreement. Work out the total amount payable. Ensure that the monthly instalments are within your budget before signing. Interest free credit can seem attractive, but if you don’t pay on time, or miss a payment, you could have to pay a lot more.

If you are going to use a credit card, shop around and compare terms. Some cards charge high interest rates, but provide interest free periods or discounts. Budget for all these costs and put the payment dates in your diary.

Start planning and saving for next Christmas

Try as many different places as possible to find the best price. Buy what you want and not what other people say you need. Be wary of extended warranties; the cost of a repair could be less than the cost of the warranty.

Christmas i giving, but want to giv headache i with bills a can’t afford to overspen tempting o pressures t must decid you can aff you start sp

ED BY

g and y to ebt at nd. If out of n find a as, but f life.

ce om Advice

org.uk

There’s a lot to remember at Christmas. If you’ve borrowed money don’t forget that it won’t be long before you have to make a payment. Make sure you pay on time, even if it is only the minimum, or you will be faced with additional charges.

Once Christmas is over, it’s worth looking at what you did well and what you didn’t. Learn from your mistakes and start planning how you will do things differently next year. This might also be a good time to start saving for next Christmas.

twitter.com/mon_housing

If you are a customer e financial di call our cus on 0844 24 advice.

Developed Advice Trus sponsored www.mym offers free comprehen advice onli

Every Citizens Advice B Citizens Advice is an o of The National Associ Registered charity num

PAYING YOUR BILLS

MHA tenants and leaseholders can now arrange for insurance cover for the contents of their home at a special affordable rate where premiums can be paid fortnightly or monthly by cash, monthly by direct debit or annually. You can also increase cover for an additional premium to include extended accidental damage cover, cover for wheelchairs/scooters and hearing aids as well as personal effects outside their home. If you have no home contents insurance cover, call My Home on 01628 586189 or visit www. myhome-cymru.co.uk where you can request a member of the My Home team to call you back.

Terms and conditions limits and exclusions apply to all covers, further details are available within the free information pack.

The National Housing Federation and Community Housing Wales are Appointed Representatives of Thistle Insurance Services Limited.

The National Housing Federation My Home Contents Insurance Scheme is a product name arranged and administered on behalf of the National Housing Federation by Thistle Tenant Risks. A trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A JLT Group Company. Registered Office: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AW. Registered in England No 00338645. VAT No. 244 2321 96.

Pet Insurance Petguard offers pet insurance with a difference, rather than providing an all-incl package, we let the customer create their own unique policy so they only pay for the cover they need. Petguard covers: • Four different levels of vet fees • Vet fee excess of just £50 per condition in your first year • Quick treatment - there’s no need to consult Please contact the Thistle’s New Business Team on 0844 2491 157.

Available to all tenants is a Home Contents Insurance scheme that gives you the chance to insure the contents of your home in an easy and affordable way. There are many benefits and it’s so easy to apply.

Ask your local housing officer for a free information pack or call My Home Insurance on 0345 450 7288. Terms and conditions, limits and exclusions apply. A copy of the policy wording is available on request. T E N A N T

R I S K S

20 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

GET A £25 VOUCHER Refer a Friend to Pay by Direct Debit Tenants who already pay their rent by Direct Debit, can recommend a friend, relative or neighbour to sign up to pay their rent by Direct Debit and receive a £25 voucher each; one for you, and one for your recommended friend.

To qualify all you need to do is: • Recommend a friend, family member or neighbour to sign up to the Direct Debit scheme • Ask them to call MHA on 01495 761107 and quote ‘DD referral’ and give the name and address of the person who has recommended them • Once the new tenant has made consecutive payments for three months by Direct Debit and has a clear rent account, a £25 voucher will be sent to both tenants

Computer Recyclers UK are a local organisation offering high quality, refurbished PC and laptop computers at great prices. High spec PCs are available from just £99 and laptops from just £149. All computers feature: Core 2 Duo Processors, 2GB RAM, 80GB HDD, DVD Drive, Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook), Microsoft Security Essentials (Antivirus), Six month warranty and telephone support, free delivery (within 7-10 working days). PCs come with a 17 inch monitor, keyboard and mouse and laptops feature a minimum 14 inch screen. MHA tenants can get a 5% discount on any computer from Computer Recyclers by quoting MHA 2015. If ordering online, this code must be inserted at the checkout where it provides the option to insert ‘Gift Certificate of Coupon’ to receive the discount. A range of optional extras are available, including extra storage or memory, or a larger monitor.

14% of households said that they can only afford to pay their bills sometimes, including 6 per cent who said that they cannot afford to pay their bills at all.

For more information and to order your computer call 01443 434675 or visit www.computerrecyclersuk.com/shops or email sales@computerrecyclersuk.com twitter.com/mon_housing

CURRENTLY IN DEBT?

Illegal Money Lending Have you borrowed money and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t repay it?

The 24 hour hotline number is 0300 123 3311 and all calls are confidential.

Are you being harassed?

Illegal loan sharks are not the only people who target vulnerable tenants. Licensed door step lenders also prey on tenants and can charge anything from 272.2% APR (The Provident) to 2,345% (Quickquid)

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know who to turn to? The Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit can help you! Anyone who is a victim, or knows a friend or family member affected by loan sharks, should call the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit. This Unit has been set up to tackle the problem of illegal money lending in Wales. Many illegal money lenders (loan sharks) have operated without licence and use fear and intimidation to carry on their business. The loan shark usually charges extortionate rates of interest which can run into thousands of percent, creating a situation where the borrower is never able to repay the loan. Remember that the debt to a loan shark is illegal and does not have to be paid. Borrowing from an unlicensed lender is not an offence so no action will be taken against an individual.

22 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

There are a number of other organisations who can offer FREE advice and support, and others who can provide you with a loan for a fraction of the interest charged by doorstep lenders. MHA can provide you with an appointment with our specialist money advisor. For more information look at the specialist money advice articles through this magazine.

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277

Have you tried to seek help from a fee charging debt Management Company? We have become increasingly aware and concerned with the numbers of people who are using fee charging debt management companies. A debt management company charges for the advice it provides. On average people pay around £30/month in addition to their debt repayments. These

companies may not always present the full range of options that may be available to you, such as IVA’s and bankruptcy which may in some cases be a better option for you. Step change, Pay Plan and CAP allows clients to switch from fee charging companies to any one of the above. Call Matt or Abi for further advice.

There Are Alternatives Dodge the dangers of doorstep lenders and loan sharks. Get an affordable loan with Gateway Credit Union. Gateway Credit Union offers safe, easy savings accounts and loans on fair terms. Over 3000 local members agree, and more people are choosing Gateway Credit Union as a safe, ethical home for their money every day. To find out more about loans from Gateway Credit Union, please contact Sara Burch at Gateway Credit Union on 01495 742500. Money Line Cymru offer loans that are fair to customers, with personal service, flexibility, no hidden costs and manageable repayments. They lend small amounts of money and can signpost customers to free advice services and been recognised nationally as a responsible lender.

SCAM ALERT

Contact Money Line on 0345 643 1553 or visit www.moneyline-uk.com to find your local branch. For help and advice, please contact MHA’s Money Wise team on 01495 761116.

Fuel Switching - Beware of Scammers!

There has been a number of fraudsters targeting hundreds of people in Wales with bogus energy saving deals. It could be a knock on your door or a cold call to promise free boilers, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or other measures. They ask for a fee upfront to do an assessment before disappearing with your cash! twitter.com/mon_housing

? t i d e r C l a s ver i n U o t g n i v Mo al Credit?

Ch Benefits are s. The ‘Your fit ne a be r de ei ceive th , indepen nt A provide free way people re e to th nd a ng gi es an ng hese cha nment is ch eople about t The UK Gover p to inform p t u se n ee b (YBAC) has e Univers You’ll receiv need it. to:

for Univers re you ready

! p l e h n a c e W rate) al Credit?

ers What is Univ

ly payment a new month of e m na e dit is th fits and tax Universal Cre current bene of r be dit, m nu ace a Child Tax Cre that will repl sing Benefit, ou H ort e pp ud Su cl e in e A, Incom credits. Thes me-related ES co in , A JS d income-base Tax Credit. and Working

a c o l ( 7 7 2 2 7 7 0345 6

dit dif ferent re C l a rs e iv n t? How is U nefit paymen nt. e b t n e rr u c ou from my our bank acc

nefi if you get be e

w incom • Top up a lo ren • Raise child e cost of rent • Help with th ce arer’s allowan • Top up a c e fiv r ildren unde • Care for ch ploye you are unem • Help when ec ional Insuranc have low Nat

k .u o .c g n i s u o h e When? onmouthshir

www.m

paid into y redit will be • Universal C your whole payment for ly th on m ne • You’ll get o household. payment and cluded in this in e b f. ill el w rs it ou enef lord y • Housing B to your land pay your rent versal you’ll have to manage Uni pply for and a to e av h ill • You w Credit online.

and

tips about saving money: d 1

ar Off Flyer.ind

iversal Credit Te

MHA0313 Un

lled dit is being ro Universal Cre m co y ad d has alre in stages an ni U to on t ill be pu claimants w ts will ting claiman is ex l al then twee gradually be new system