Money Matters Summer 2016 by Monmouthshire Housing Association

SUMMER 2016

M O N E Y

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H E L P

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A D V I C E

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Inside This Issue:

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT SUMMER MONEY SAVING ADVICE PREPARING FOR BENEFIT CHANGES STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND LOTS MORE!

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Looki the Fu ng to ture -

Kate’s

Story “It’s ne retrain ver too la t or cha, go to Univee to nge yo rsity u r Read h path.” ow MH A Skills W ’s ise ser Work & v help y ice can ou.

WELCOME

Contents 03 Welcome 04 Getting Money Wise 05 My Home Contents Insurance

Job Seeking Skills Programme

20 Metal Man 21 Work & Skills Wise - How

We’ve Helped

06 Credit Ratings 22 Help With Debt 07 Hidden Dangers of Debt Management Companies 23 Gateway Credit Union 07 Beat the Loan Sharks 24 Avoid Online Scams 08 Are you a Loan Shark 26 Universal Credit - David’s

Victim?

Story

09 Summer Savers 10 Summer Sizzler 12 Moneyline 13 Money Wise -

27 27

How We’ve Helped

Getting Work & Skills Wise

15 16 18

MHA Bursary Scheme Pop-Up Business School

Volunteering Into Employment

Follow The Bee Your Benefit Payments May be Changing

27 Get Pension Wise 28 Getting Online 29 Loan a Laptop 30 Computers in the Community

30 Computer Recyclers UK 31 Word Search

our r e t n E ch

ar e S d r Wo etition Comp e 31 g

See pa

Competition

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

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Scan the QR code to access the MHA website.

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“Hello and welcome to the summer 2016 edition of Money Matters – this issue is packed with practical advice and support available to MHA tenants. “On page 4 we provide a snapshot of how the Money Wise service has been helping MHA tenants with money help and advice on benefits, debts and food and fuel poverty. We also look at how the Work & Skills Wise service is promoting education, developing work experience and raising aspirations amongst MHA tenants. “These services operate throughout the year and are available to all tenants. If you have not met the teams who deliver these services please turn to pages 4 & 14 and y to meet the staff here to help you. “This year we have seen an increase in need for debt advice. To support our tenants we have appointed a new Specialist Debt Advisor who can help with complex debt problems. If you are in debt and are struggling to make ends meet, go to page 22 where you can find out more.

“Debt is clearly a growing problem. Some debt management companies are trying to capitalise on this by charging inflated monthly fees to help manage your debts, page 24 features an article about unscrupulous debt management companies and what to be aware of. “This edition also features our cover story about Kate McKinlay who has been supported by the Work & Skills Wise service. Kate’s story is an inspirational one and showcases how Work & Skills Wise can help you achieve your aspirations. Turn to page 15 to find out more. “Getting a job and holding down a job is a real challenge. With zero-hour contracts and short term positions being the main employment prospects, developing a career has been a real struggle for some of our tenants. Who Owns My Future, Pathway to Careers Progression. On page 14 you can find out more about the project, how you can access support to find work and start thinking about your future

career. This project is available to both MHA and non MHA tenants. If you want some careers advice and are not working at the moment read page 14 and see how you may be able to benefit. “Welfare Reform and changes to benefits being implemented we are seeing a number of MHA tenants moving onto Universal Credit. Our new #FollowTheBee campaign is all about how MHA can provide practical support and help to our tenants. “Finally, we hope you enjoy this edition of Money Matters. If you have any tips you would like to share or any comments on this publication please email ben.hennessy@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

“Have a lovely summer - over and out for now!”

Farida Aslam

Keen to work in retail but don’t have experience? Why not volunteer to work in a St David’s Hospice Care charity shop? You’ll get great retail experience, make a huge difference to the care given to people with a life-limiting illness, their families and carers and help to keep St David’s running.

No previous experience is required and full training will be provided wherever necessary. Your hours as a volunteer can be arranged to fit in with your other commitments.

www.stdavidshospicecare.org

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MONEY WISE

Getting Money Wise Money Wise is a free, confidential service helping MHA tenants make more of their money and maximise their income. The Money Wise service has helped MHA tenants save a combined £412,345 in 2015/16.

“Hi, my name is Matthew Taylor and I am MHA’s Income and Energy advisor for south Monmouthshire, covering the Caldicot, Chepstow and Usk areas.

“Hi, my name is Sarah Jones and I am MHA’s Income and Energy Advisor for north Monmouthshire, covering Abergavenny and Monmouth.

“If you need help getting your finances in order, budgeting and managing your money, or help to make sure you’re getting the benefits you’re entitled to, then please get in touch.

“I am currently on maternity leave but will be back in work in September. My post is covered by Helen Mabbitt.

“I am happy to come and visit you in your home, or meet somewhere convenient to you.”

“Like Matt, Helen and I offer the same services including: getting your finances in order, budgeting and managing your money, or help with getting the benefits you’re entitled to.”

For more information call Matt on 07790 2596915, 01495 767182 For more information call or email matthew.taylor@ Helen on 01495 761116 monmouthshirehousing.co.uk or email helen.mabbit@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

Delivering Money, Help & Advice 4

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“My name is Abi and I’m working with the Money Wise team as the Specialist Debt Advisor. “I’ve been a Money Advisor since the year 2000 and I get a real buzz from helping people better manage their finances. I also have a lot of experience helping people with debt issues and I’m well aware of how stressful these type of problems can be. “On the upside there is usually a solution to most money/debt related problems. If you need money advice, or support with managing debt, get in touch. “My advice is free, independent and confidential. I can come to your house or meet you in another location. I look forward to hearing from you.” Contact Abi on 01495 767194, text her on 07725 824800 or email abigail.lewis@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

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10 reasons 10 reasons to choose My Home 10 reasons to choose My Home

Contents to chooseInsurance My Home Scheme Contents Insurance Scheme Contents Insurance Scheme

Covers lost or stolen keys and Flexible regular Pay-As-You-Go freezer contents payment options Covers lost or stolen keys and Flexible regular Pay-As-You-Go You do contents not need to have special No fuss, quick and easy to apply freezer paymentregular optionsPay-As-You-Go Covers lost or stolen keys and Flexible door or window locks either through the post or over the freezer contents payment options telephone You do not need to have special No fuss, quick and easy to apply You do not need to have a doordo or not window either through the You needlocks to have special No fuss, quick the andpost easyortoover apply bank account No excess (you do not pay the first telephone door or window locks either through the post or over the part of the claim) You do not need to have a telephone bankdo account No excess (you do not pay the first You not need to have a Covers fire, theft, flood, water partexcess of the claim) bank account No (you do not pay the first damage and other household risks part of the claim) Covers fire, theft, flood, water Covers to internal damagedamage andtheft, other household Covers fire, flood, water risks decorations damage and other household risks Covers damage to internal Covers accidental damage to decorations Covers damage to internal sanitary fixtures such as toilets decorations and washbasins Covers accidental damage to sanitaryaccidental fixtures such as toilets Covers damage to Covers damage to external glazing and washbasins sanitary fixtures such as toilets for which you are responsible and washbasins Covers damage to external glazing for which you exclusions aretoresponsible damage external glazing TermsCovers & conditions, & limits apply. A copy of the policy wording is available on request. for which you are responsible Ask your landlordexclusions for a free application orthe policy wording is available on request. Terms & conditions, & limits apply. A pack copy of to apply for cover today, call My Home on: Terms & conditions, exclusions & limits apply. A copy of the policy wording is available on request. Ask your landlord for a free application pack or to apply cover today, callapplication My Home on: Ask yourfor landlord for a free pack or to apply for cover today, call My Home on:

0345 450 7288 0345 450 7288 0345 450 7288 email: myhome@thistleinsurance.co.uk or visit www.thistlemyhome.co.uk email: myhome@thistleinsurance.co.uk or email: myhome@thistleinsurance.co.uk or visit www.thistlemyhome.co.uk visit www.thistlemyhome.co.uk

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. The National Housing Federation is an Appointed Representative 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 The National Housing Federation My Home Contents Insurance Scheme is a product name arranged and administered on behalf of the National England No 00338645. VAT No. 244 2321 96. The National Housing Federation is an Appointed Representative of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Housing Federation by Thistle Tenant Risks. A trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and Regulated by the

T E N A N T

R I S K S

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R I S K S

MONEY WISE

70% of you pay bills using Direct Debit or standing orders

CREDIT RATINGS How they affect you By Abi Lewis

Most people have some form of credit whether it’s a mobile phone contract or spreading your car insurance payments over 12 months. A credit rating is a record of how well you have paid back credit. This information is stored online by credit reference agencies. The days of knowing your bank manager personally and suiting up for an appointment to ask for a loan are long-gone. These days your credit rating is usually the way creditors decide whether to give you credit, and its importance has increased. It’s important to know that most companies have their own way of assessing customers and they do not all use the same criteria. They often take things like age, marital status and occupation into account, so having a poor credit rating does not automatically exclude you from obtaining credit.

It’s a good idea to check your credit report to see if there are any mistakes or if you’ve been a victim of fraud. The three main credit reference agencies are Experian Equifax and Call Credit. You have the legal right to check your credit report for £2 and Experian and Equifax offer free 30 day trials. Call Credit offer a free credit report via Noddle. Visit www.noddle.co.uk

Half of you are worried about paying bills in the future Ways to improve your credit rating in the short-term include cancelling unused credit cards or accounts, making sure you are registered to vote and to stop applying for credit if you are being turned down! In the

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long-term the only way to keep a good credit rating is to pay your bills on time. If you pay late or default the creditor will mark your file on a monthly basis. If your credit is less than perfect don’t despair! Time heals, and information only stays on your file for six years. You can repair poor credit with a credit repair credit card. The idea is you borrow a small amount – typically less than £100 – and pay it back without fail at a low rate, say £5 a month. This will begin a history of successful repayment and boost your credit rating. For more information and help check out the Money Advice Service website at www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk

17% of you pay bills using a credit card

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The Hidden Dangers of Debt Management Companies 3 out of 10 of you have at least one debt By Abi Lewis Debt management firms are everywhere these days, offering cheerful, friendly and seemingly easy ways to get out of debt. We are bombarded by adverts on TV as well as text messages and phone calls, offering debt solutions. However, fee charging debt management companies offering help to those struggling with money problems have been criticised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA point to debt management companies offering poor advice and pressurising people into taking up costly repayment plans that can take decades to pay off. They then take a cut of the monthly payment as a fee - so it’s clearly not in their interest for you to finish the payment plan. The City Watchdog recently turned its attention away from payday loan companies, such as

5% of you would try to get a loan for cash in an emergency

Beat the Loan Sharks

Wonga, to debt management firms. It said many of these companies were “Failing Britain’s most vulnerable consumers.” Among the examples of bad practice they found was a firm recommending a 125-year debt repayment plan to a person on low-income.

By Matt Taylor

However, they are not all bad and can work well for some people. If you use one just make sure they are regulated by the FCA. You can check online at www.fca.org.uk

Illegal lenders operate without a consumer credit licence, and prey on people who are vulnerable – whether because of poverty or debt, or difficulties in their lives such as addiction or health problems.

It’s not well known that there are free debt management plan providers. They are charities paid for by the credit industry, and provide debt management plans absolutely free to the user. For more information on these contact StepChange on www. stepchange.org and Payplan www.payplan.org Citizens Advice has more information about these providers on its website and you can also look there for more information www.citizensadvice. org.uk/debt-and-money

If you’re finding it hard to make ends meet, whatever the reason, the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit (IMLU) is warning MHA tenants not to make the mistake of turning to illegal lenders.

Loan sharks will rip off borrowers by charging extortionate interest (IMLU says that 150,000% APR is not unheard of!) and adding on penalty payments as and when they want. “Sharks don’t give you paperwork explaining the terms of the loan, and you have to keep paying them back until they decide you can stop. They may appear friendly when they offer the loan, and when you pay - it’s when you can’t pay that you see the other side of them”, the IMLU team explains. It can get worse than just being ripped off. Loan sharks use threats and sometimes violence to make sure their victims keep paying. If you are a loan shark victim, or think there may be a shark operating nearby, phone IMLU on the 24 hour Hotline 0300 123 3311. You can phone anonymously if you want. twitter.com/mon_housing

Shark poster A3

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MONEY WISE

Are you a loan shark victim? A ydych chi’n dioddef oherwydd siarcod benthyg arian?

If you’ve been a loan shark victim or know a victim, call our 24 hour hotline for help and advice in the strictest confidence Os ydych chi wedi dioddef oherwydd usuriwr neu’n gwybod am rywun arall sydd wedi dioddef, ffoniwch ein llinell 24 awr am gymorth a chyngor yn gyfrinachol.

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14% of you have used or considered using a door step lender

BEAT THE LOAN SHARKS... BITE BACK! CURWCH Y SIARCOD... YMLADDWCH YN OL!

0300 123 3311 (Standard rate/Cyfradd arferol)

Wales against illegal money lending

Cymru yn erbyn benthyca arian anghyfreithlon

Trading Standards & Partners funded by UK government Ariennir Safonau Masnach a Phartneriaid gan Lywodraeth y DU

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Summer Savers!

Birthday treats & special occasions

Going out? Sign up to Voucher Codes and take advantage of the many offers available to you. Examples (as at 02 June 2016): Harvester kids eat for £1 Pizza Express 25% off bill Café Rouge 40% off mains Hotels.com 10% off bookings

Health & Wellbeing Exclusive 60% off 3 Month Online Plan

Sign-up to cashback sites and reap the rewards. Quidco offers cashback on insurance, clothing, electricals and much more. Your favourite local shops and restaurants offer in-store cashback too.

Super-saver Kate recently renewed her car insurance and saved a whopping £225 a year! “I searched for cheaper insurance using Compare the Market, found the best 4 insurance brokers and then visited Quidco to see which offered the best cashback. My renewal quote came in over £200 more than the others and I had £25 cashback from the new broker too!”

Fuel Saving

Uswitch – compares best deals and used in conjunction with Quidco (currently offering £21 cashback if you go through Quidco to the uSwitch website and look for a better rate). Other cashback/savings sites: • Groupon • Topcashback

‘Free’ Days Out

Pack up a picnic and head for: • Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal on the bikes • Castles www. visitmonmouthshire.com • Big Pit, Blaenavon • St Fagan’s National History Museum, Cardiff • Big Cheese Festival, Caerphilly (29/31 July)

Calling all film buffs Are you constantly shelling out at the flicks? Why not try Netflix – free trial for a month + from just £5.49/month you have a huge variety of movies to suit everyone.

Other Saving Ideas

• Why not car share? Think of the fun you could have on your way to work! • Facebook ‘like’ and take advantage of local promotions • Menu plan before you shop – visit Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Co-Op Food websites for inspirational recipes and meal planners. • Sell your clutter on Ebay / books on Amazon • Try to have a ‘spend free’ day – once a week

Check out Martin Lewis’s Moneysaving Expert hints and tips at: www. moneysavingexpert.com or pick up some gems on Twitter

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MONEY WISE

Leftovers from the BBQ? Here are some tasty low cost recipes…

Sausage & Tomato Pasta Ingredients

Cooking Directions

• 350g / 12 oz pasta • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 onion, peeled and sliced • 1-2 garlic cloves peeled and crushed • 2 teaspoons dried sage • 2 x 400g/14oz can tomatoes • 8-12 sausages (veggie or meat)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. 2. Add the onion. 3. Add the sausages. 4. Cook for 5-6 minute until onions are soft and the sausages are brown. 5. Add the garlic. 6. Add the tomatoes, and sage. 7. Cook for about 20 minutes at a gentle simmer.

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8. Meanwhile cook the pasta. 9. Put the pasta in a large saucepan and cover with boiling water. 10. Bring back to the boil, stir, turn down the heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until soft. 11. Serve the pasta onto plates then place the sausage and tomato mix on the bed of pasta.

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Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake Ingredients

Sausage & Burger Casserole Ingredients • 1–2 tbsp sunflower oil • Leftover sausages and burgers • 6 rashers rindless streaky bacon, cut into 2.5cm/1in lengths • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • ½–1 tsp hot chilli powder or smoked paprika • 1 x 400g/14oz can chopped tomatoes • 300ml/10fl oz chicken stock • 2 tbsp tomato purée • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp dark brown muscovado sugar • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs • 1 x 400g/14oz can butter beans or mixed beans • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Directions 1. Fry the bacon pieces in the frying pan until they begin to brown and crisp then add meat. 2. Place the onions in the frying pan and fry over a medium heat for five minutes until

they start to soften, stirring often. Add the garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes more until the onions turn pale golden-brown, stirring frequently. Sprinkle over the chilli powder or smoked paprika and cook together for a few seconds longer. Stir in the tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and herbs and bring to simmer. Tip carefully into the pan with the sausages and bacon and return to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover the pan loosely with a lid and leave to simmer very gently for 20 minutes, stirring from time to time. Add drained can of beans into the casserole, and continue to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve with rice or slices of rustic bread.

• 250g penne pasta • 250g broccoli • 2 leeks, sliced • leftover chicken • 500ml semi-skimmed milk • 30g cornflour • 85g mature cheese • 12 cherry tomatoes, halved • 20g Parmesan (optional) • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Cooking Directions 1. Drain the pasta well, reserving about 250ml of the cooking water. Tip the pasta and vegetables into a large ovenproof dish. Skin the chicken and cut into small chunks and add to the dish. 2. Blend a little milk with the cornflour to a paste. Heat the remaining milk and reserved cooking water in the same pan until on the point of boiling. Pour a cupful onto the cornflour paste and stir well, then pour this into the simmering milky water and stir briskly with a wooden spoon until it thickens. Remove from the heat and mix in the mature cheese. Season to taste. 3. Pour the sauce over the pasta, stirring gently. Nestle the tomato halves into the mixture, then sprinkle the Parmesan, oregano and breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and crispy on top. Serve hot. twitter.com/mon_housing

MONEY WISE

An Introduction to

Moneyline Moneyline is the leading non-profit personal lender in the UK providing affordable financial products for people on low income and with poor credit. We offer a loan that is fair to our customers, with a personal service, flexibility, no hidden costs and manageable repayments.

Our customers are amongst those excluded from mainstream credit. They may have thin credit files or a poor credit history; and may face other barriers when accessing credit because they are often tenants who are mainly or partially reliant on benefits to supplement their household income.

1 in 5 of you are able to pay your bills on time

We provide small loans from £100 - £1,000. We can help open bank accounts and savings accounts with a 2% cashback reward scheme, this encourages our customers to save, building their financial resilience. Where a loan is not the right solution for a customer, we can signpost to other free advice services through our network of local and national partners. • We base our loans on affordability and not a credit score • We have lent over £57M since 2002 to over 100,000 customers • We have deposited over £6.5M into savings • We have branches throughout the UK mainly in the North West and south Wales

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60% of you have no access to spare cash in an emergency • We collaborate with Social Housing Landlords and work closely with Credit Unions to bridge the gap for those who need affordable short term loans. • We have been recognised nationally as a responsible lender in 2011 and 2012 and we were honoured to be a finalist for Social Enterprise of the year in 2015. • We are in the Royal Bank of Scotland SE100 Index of fastest growing social enterprises.

10% of you have access to savings in an emergency

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How We’ve Helped MHA’s inclusion services offer proactive help and support to tenants to alleviate short term and long term poverty issues.

The Money Wise service deals with immediate poverty issues such as offering advice in relation to debt, benefit, food and fuel poverty.

• This past year the team have been busy supporting over 500 tenants • The Money Wise service worked with 352 new tenants in 2015 -2016

Money Wise Benefits Advice savings for MHA tenants: £19,942.80 through claiming Working Tax Credit

£14,673.40 through claiming Disability Living Allowance

£44,300.38 through claiming Attendance Allowance

£16,036.80 through claiming Carers Allowance

£12,504.53 through claiming Discretionary Housing payments

£58,496.80 through claiming Employment Support Allowance

£129,229.42 through claiming Housing Benefit

£18,226 through claiming Income Support

£2,850 through claiming Discretionary Assistance Fund

£18,020.60 through claiming Job Seeker Allowance

£49,256.49 through claiming Personal Independence Payments

£28,808 through claiming Pension Credit

Total amount saved:

£412,345.22

Money Wise Energy and Utility Advice savings for MHA tenants: £12k £10k

£10,250.33

Total a m

£19,5 unt saved: 20.83

£8k £6k £4k £2k £0k

£3,917.60 £2,202 Through helping tenants switch to Water Meters

£1,890.90 Through helping tenants benefit from Welsh Water’s Help U fund

Through helping tenants with enrolment on the Welsh Water Assist scheme

£1,260 Through the Warm Home Discount savings

Through switching energy suppliers

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WORK & TRAINING

Getting Work & Skills Wise

“2015/16 has been a really busy and rewarding year. Work & Skills Wise supported a total of 152 MHA tenants between April 2015 and April 2016. We’ve helped MHA tenants with: • Volunteer work placements to help them build confidence, gain experience and get professional references • Securing funding for training and courses • Developing self-employment businesses • Submitting applications to university and college • Laptop loans for learning and development purposes • Creating CV’s, submitting job applications and preparing for interviews “So, if wordy job applications are baffling you, contact me and I can help you – from looking at your options and opportunities to understanding job specifications, submitting applications and helping you prepare for interview”. If you live in the Caldicot or Chepstow area contact me on 01495 745769 / 07891 685 750 or email catherine.murray@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

“My name is Gemma and I’ve recently joined MHA to deliver the ‘Who Owns my future Pathway to Career Project’ designed to support tenants into work, education & training and look at long-term career paths. The Pathway to Career Project will support tenants with: • Finding education and training opportunities • Getting people into volunteer work placements to help boost confidence, work experience and secure a reference • Support with CV writing and job application forms • In-work support to help with securing promotion • Understanding barriers, raising aspirations, and developing career pathways “If you are interested finding employment, training & education opportunities, and are receiving one of the following benefits: ESA, JSA, IS or UC please get in touch. This project is open to anyone living in Monmouthshire who is in receipt of any of the above benefits – so if you have a friend who wants to get support and is not a tenant they can benefit too. Contact me on 07812 060533 or email gemma.gajic@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

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“I’m Helena, I have recently been appointed the North Work & Skills Wise Officer. I come with experience of working alongside people with extensive barriers, eg. health conditions, criminal convictions and those claiming benefits to help and support them to progress within the skills and employment arena. I will be responsible for supporting our tenants within the North of the County, Abergavenny & Monmouth.” • Do you want support with increasing your skills? • Do you want to submit the best job application you can? • Do you want to be ready for that interview? • Do you want to know how to gain access to the digital world? • Do you want support to realise your potential? • Do you want to call me to see how I can help and support you? If you live in the Abergavenny or Monmouth area contact me on 07779 378783 Helena.davies@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

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MHA Bursary Scheme

let alone be in a busy place.

Working towards the future.

If you are an MHA tenant and interested in a starting a course, learning new skills or improving old ones, but need help paying for study fees or materials then MHA’s Bursary Scheme could help you! We offer help with: • Finding suitable courses • Putting learners in touch with course providers • Paying course fees • Buying course materials • Setting up your own business The MHA Bursary Scheme is available to all tenants and can be tailored to your individual needs to make sure it works for you.

“Cath initially suggested I attend a Youth Work taster day in Abergavenny, after I told her it was an area of work I was interested in. The taster day truly sparked something in me – after that I was determined to push myself, I felt motivated again.” Kate completed a Youth and Community Work Foundation course before finding and applying for her degree. But it hasn’t been plain sailing. Kate admits she’s struggled at times – with anxiety, depression, the stress of exams and initially being denied a University place after her first application.

Kate’s Story MHA tenant Kate has just finished the first year of her Youth and Community Work degree at the University of South Wales and is looking forward to starting her second year. “I’m really enjoying the course – I’m meeting new people, developing specialist knowledge of a subject I love and I feel excited about my future.” A few years ago Kate would never have dreamed she’d be at a busy University, enjoying lectures, learning, and the social side of University life. “I’ve struggled with mental health issues for years. When I first met Cath [MHA Community Project Officer] I found it really difficult to even leave the house,

“I can’t deny there have been some real low points along the way. But Cath has always been there for me when I’ve felt down or anxious. After applying and being accepted into University second time around, Cath helped me complete my finance and support forms so I was fully prepared. I simply wouldn’t have got here without her.” “I’m now looking to the future and following my dream. I’m volunteering at a local youth club and after I’ve finished my degree I know I’ll have the skills and training needed to find fulltime work with decent pay. I’m 42 now and I wish I’d continued with my education when I was younger, but it’s never too late to retrain, go to University or change your path.”

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WORK & TRAINING MHA tenant Becky Philpot at Pop Up Business School.

“My work is based around upcycling – giving discarded goods a new lease of life. I specialise in creating mosaics from broken ceramics and use them to decorate homewares such as vases, clocks, picture frames – and even wheelbarrows! “My aim is to begin selling my work to the general public. I’ve decided to take the plunge and go for it! The dream is to earn a living from selling my artwork. “The Newport Pop-Up Business School has really helped me think about the tools I’ll need to promote my business, such as a website, social media and advertising.” Becky Philpot, MHA tenant from Abergavenny – Ethical mosaic business

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“I’m a photographer and I’m interested in using digital tools to create artworks from my photos. I’d love to start selling my art and the Newport PopUp Business School has helped me figure out the tools I need to achieve this.” Zoey Coppard, MHA tenant Caldicot

“My big idea is to run a home delivery service in Monmouth. .” “I’ve already set up my own website at the Newport Pop-Up Business School and I’m now integrating social media with it. I’d say the course has been inspirational!” Steve Rush, MHA tenant Monmouth

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Self-Employment MHA Tenants Get Inspired at PopUp Business School

Zoey Coppard

Pop Up Business School’s Henry Nicholson

MHA tenant Steve Rush A group of aspiring entrepreneurs came together at Rodney Parade in Newport earlier this summer for an innovative and inspiring course on self-employment. MHA, in partnership with Newport City Homes, arranged for self-employment trainers PopUp Business School to deliver a five-day programme on setting up, promoting and expanding tenants’ fledgling businesses. Workshops such as ‘how to start a business with no money’ explored how to kick-start businesses for free – avoiding business loans wherever possible.

Our entrepreneurs took to the marketing and advertising workshops immediately, setting up active websites for free and getting their businesses online and out there for immediate trade.

The entrepreneurs tested their business ideas on one another in the group taking feedback and learning form the advice provided, all attendees have the knowledge and tools to start trading.

The group had a wide range of business ideas – from cleaning businesses and jewellers to woodland workshops and laughter yoga. Participants develop business ideas and get a step closer to realising their ambition of becoming selfemployed.

Some examples of our budding entrepreneurs work and stories can be found throughout this edition of Money Matters. If you’re interested in becoming self employed, contact the Work & Skills Wise team on wsw@ monmouthshirehousing.co.uk or call 01495 767193.

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WORK & TRAINING

Working towards the future.

Tracy’s Story “I have a small party decorating business, I started this after my daughter asked for a sweet 16th birthday party. Over a few months I bought everything to make her night special. “On the night family, friends and parents asked me who I got to decorate - when I told them I did it myself they were shocked they suggested I start to do it as a job. “They have recommended me to their own friends and families and I’ve now decorated birthdays, weddings and halloween parties. “I supply chair covers and sashes balloon arches for stages, dance floors, doorways, table arches, bouquets of balloons for tables, fishbowls with lights, Langton’s with tea lights, scatter gems and much more. For more information or a quote, please contact Tracey on 07534 563156 or email her at tracytparties@gmail. com

Volunteering into

Employment Work & Skills Wise can offer you a range of voluntary work experience placements. We work closely with other sectors to help arrange work experience placements. Volunteering can help you understand the demands and challenges of the work place. You can learn new skills, improve existing ones and ultimately increase your chances of finding work or bettering the job you have. Volunteering in a chosen area gives you the opportunity to see if the type of work you are interested in would suit you, as well as giving you a chance to get a reference – this could be invaluable if you have been out of work for some time or have never worked. Our placements

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are wide ranging and include work in construction, admin, IT and customer service. We provide support and mentoring throughout your placement and can help you with costs such as childcare and transport. All our volunteers receive a volunteering pack to help you prepare for your placement and log any personal development and progress you make. There is also the opportunity to have your volunteering accredited and get a recognised qualification. There are so many benefits to volunteering. To take advantage of this scheme or find out more, call 01495 767193 for an information pack. Get volunteering, get ahead of the game and secure your next job!

Moving to Universal Credit? We Can Help - 0345 677 2277 training and Cath helped me find volunteer work in a hospital.

Working towards the future.

Nigel’s Story

David’s Story

I’m a designer who has worked in precious metals since 1976. Among my accolades are producing Holy Vessels for the Visit of Pope John Paul II to San Francisco in 1987.

“I’d worked in the design and construction industry all my life. But following an unexpected life event, and three years spent caring for a family member, I needed to find a job that enabled me to work around my new responsibilities at home.”

“I’m a qualified Adult Education teacher and I hope to build a workshop for my array of tools to produce, among recent designs, a sculpture for Nant Y Pia House and a silver trophy for Cardiff City Football Youth Team. “In the Celtic tradition of smithing, I use handwrought techniques to produce exquisite, and unique items.” Nigel is local to Abergavenny and can be contacted on 07960 169931 to arrange an in-town meeting to discuss your unique piece of jewellery or silverware.

After training as a support worker at college, MHA tenant David now works with adults with learning difficulties. He admits adjusting to the changes in his life have been difficult at times, but feels the support he’s had from MHA has enabled him to move positively forward. “Cath [MHA Work & Skills Wise Officer] has helped me enormously. She’s always been there for me, offering support and advice over the phone and hearing about my progress through the course. Cath’s always genuinely pleased when I have good news to share. I’ve been able to access IT support through MHA during my

“My volunteering experience played a huge part in helping me secure paid work. Cath was able to find a volunteer role that suited me and my skills and enabled me to get some great, practical experience. David now works full-time, and with his job offering flexible hours he’s able to balance his responsibilities at home and in work. “I earn more now in work than when I was on benefits. And although my bills are higher now – mainly due to the fact I’m running a car again – this in itself is a positive thing as I can get out and about more easily. “I feel good about being in work and, while it may be a cliché, I feel empowered and in control again. My new career enables me to get out and work with a great team, but also manage my extra responsibilities at home.”

Job Seeking Skills Programme The Work & Skills Wise team offer a free, six-week training course designed to help you secure your next job. The course is taught in small groups, at a pace you are comfortable with. We can provide transport and help with childcare whilst you are on the course.

The course can help with many aspects of job seeking – from tackling application forms and interview techniques to step-bystep practical sessions on how to produce a CV. The course can help boost your confidence, help you meet new people, and provide information about jobs you may be interested

in. We help you take a local approach to your job seeking and tailor the programme to meet your needs. You will find out about new work opportunities and you can get a formal qualification. For more information please call 01495 767193. twitter.com/mon_housing

WORK & TRAINING

MHA tenant Joel Wyatt leads something of a double life – by day he works full-time for an metal flooring manufacturer as a banksman, and in his spare time creates incredible bronze portrait sculptures.

He has completed commission pieces and recently set up his own website and social media channels in an effort to promote and gain wider recognition for his work, and secure commissions online.

Joel’s passion for creating sculpture stems from visiting waxwork museums as a child, such as Madame Tussaud’s and the London Dungeon.

But Joel is also realistic about the fact he needs to keep a regular income coming in, and is happy in his job close to home in Goytre, as it means he can cycle into work and then get back quickly to work on his sculptures.

Joel decided to take his interest further, completing courses in Wax Head Creation and portrait sculpture, and is now focused on taking his work to the next level.

“I enjoy keeping busy and I feel more in control with a regular wage coming in every month. It

20 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

enables me to pay my bills and buy the art materials I need, and I hope to boost my wages with money made from selling my sculptures. “I’d love to eventually make a living from my artwork, but I know that it may take a while to get there. Time flies when your busy, which I am most of the time!” You can find out more about Joel and his work at www. joelwyattsculpture.weebly.com

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

How We’ve Helped MHA’s inclusion services offer proactive help and support to tenants to alleviate short-term and long-term poverty issues.

The Work & Skills Wise service addresses long-term poverty and aims to help tenants find and retain employment.

Work & Skills Wise worked with 152 MHA tenants in 2015 -2016 and achieved the following outcomes:

152

Tenants engaged with Work & Skills Wise

Tenants have undertaken courses this year - All courses are accredited and range from level one basic skills to college courses

Young people were supported into employment

Tenants have enrolled and completed the MHA accredited Job Seeking Skills Programme

MHA tenants supported into volunteering/work placements

Bursaries were awarded in this financial year, total amount was £853.43 funded by MHA and a total of £3,765.00 was gained through external bursaries via JCP and others

1 Tenant enrolled on a University course twitter.com/mon_housing

STRUGGLING WITH DEBT?

Light at the end of the Tunnel By Abi Lewis

Gemma* was referred to the Moneywise Debt Advisor via her Neighbourhood Officer because her rent arrears were rising. Gemma is a working mum with three young children and has been struggling with debts for a while. Things became far more difficult since her relationship ended a few months ago. With two month’s rent arrears, being behind with her council tax payments, benefits overpayments along with various loans and overdrafts, the total

Gemma owed was over £5,000. We took emergency action on the day of the meeting and arranged affordable repayment plans for the priority debts including rent and council tax. This avoided the necessity of court action that could have led to eviction – preventing the account being handed to bailiffs and avoiding extra charges and stress. Following this we explored all Gemma’s options for managing her debts and agreed a way forward. After careful consideration of all the options available, Gemma decided on a

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self-assisted Debt Management Plan. Although it will take some time to pay off the debts in full, Gemma is now feeling much happier, less stressed and feels there is light at the end of the tunnel. We also referred Gemma into our Work and Skills Wise service to see if they could help her investigate the possibility of changing careers and find higher paid work. If you are struggling with debt please contact us on 0345 677 2277. *Name has been changed

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

Gateway Credit Union Gateway Credit Union offers a savings and loans co-operative to people living in Monmouthshire.

You can join and borrow online, or you can can email and phone. You also visit one of Gateway’s branches in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow or Monmouth. Gateway Credit Union offer a range of savings accounts for all the family, and lend for almost anything you can think of – Christmas, weddings, holidays or whatever you are planning.

Call 01495 742500, email info@gatewaycu. co.uk or visit www. gatewaycu.co.uk to find out more about Gateway Credit Union.

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STRUGGLING WITH DEBT?

BOGUS DEBTS, BOGUS COLLECTIONS Avoiding Online Scams this summer

Online scams and cybercrimes are on the rise – and organised criminals are using increasingly advanced tactics in which to target people online. Some of the main threats are outlined below:

Phishing & ID Theft

Phishing is a scam and a form of identify theft. It is used by a cyber-thief to steal your good name and credit rating. The term phishing is a clever variation on the word “fishing.” The idea of the scam is that bait is thrown out with the hopes that someone will be tempted into biting. Criminals send an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be a legitimate company or business in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The e-mail directs the user to visit a website where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords, credit card, social security, and bank account numbers that the legitimate organisation already has. The website, however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user’s information.

Imposter Scams

Imposter scams involve criminals pretending to be someone they’re not. It could be someone claims to be representing an organisation you trust, such as the council or even MHA, and then use threats of violence or jail to force their victims to pay up for bogus debts.

Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams

An aging population is creating a bigger target for the scammers, and names of susceptible people are being passed around on socalled ‘sucker lists.’ These victims may get dozens of calls a day from fake lottery or sweepstake scams, often not believing it’s a scam.

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Malware

Criminals are getting better at tricking people into thinking their messages are genuine. 2015 saw a huge surge in cybercriminals posing as Microsoft support techs wanting remote access to victims’ PCs, and the company has recently issued a new warning that the crime is on the increase. Also, as people increasingly use mobile devices in place of PCs, they’re often unaware of how vulnerable some of them may be to malware and so fail to install security software.

Dating Scams

There are more and more reports of ‘lonely-hearts’ falling for scams in which they pay large sums of money to their fake online dates. In a sense, it may seem like just another imposter scam but there’s more to it than that. As the recent hacking of the Ashley Madison dating site demonstrated, once crooks get their hands on member details, they potentially could use them for all manner of tricks including identity theft and extortion.

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

Advance Fee Scams

Financially hard-pressed young people and students are in the sights of the scammers, with offers of phony jobs, especially ‘secret shopper’ scams. Victims are younger, inexperienced and, therefore, potentially more easily fooled.

Social Media Scams

They’re mostly harmless in the sense that victims may not lose money, but ‘like’ harvesting, where victims can supposedly win a big car or get a free gift card for ‘sharing’ a page are rocketing.

10 Things You Can do to Protect Your Identity

Worried about how to protect yourself from nuisance calls, spam text messages, emails, identity theft and online fraud? Here’s some advice from the experts: 1. Change your passwords regularly 2. Use different passwords for different sites 3. Use complicated passwords which do not consist of dictionary words. For example; Ice Cream = 1c3_ Cr3aM

Links to supposed sensational stories on social media sites may 4. Try to limit the amount of information that you give. also lead to malware and ID theft. Use a nick name, use different dates (unless it’s for legal reasons) just put a different date of birth in. Try to confuse the system. 5. Make sure you ‘tick’ or ‘untick’ those pesky boxes to make sure your details aren’t passed on without you knowing.

6. Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to stop all those unwanted calls and text messages. This is free and works for both mobiles and landlines: www. tpsonline.org.uk 7. Report any unwanted text messages and nuisance calls to the ICO - but do check their website as what constitutes ‘something to complain about’: https://ico. org.uk/ 8. Make sure any old devices are completely destroyed if you don’t want them anymore. 9. If you do want to sell them on or give them to charity or a recycling company make sure you encrypt the phone before going ahead with the factory reset. And always consult an expert to make sure you are fully safe to pass on that device. - Data wiping companies can be found online. 10. Stay up to date with all the latest scams simply by visiting Get Safe Online and Action Fraud regularly: www.getsafeonline.org www.actionfraud.police.uk

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UNIVERSAL CREDIT

David’s Universal Credit claim was cancelled. Six weeks into the claim, he found himself back to square one and without any benefits payments coming in.

David’s Story

“I’ve worked all my life. I was a builder for many years. I’ve been a roofer and even a pub landlord. When I was informed I’d be moving to Universal Credit, which is managed online, I had concerns as I’d never really used digital technology. MHA were able to give me a tablet and Cally [MHA Neighbourhood Officer] has helped me learn how to get to grips with it. I use it to look for full time work and it’s helped me massively in getting ready for Universal Credit.” David was one of the first people in Monmouthshire to apply to move onto the government’s new Universal Credit system. Universal Credit is a single, monthly payment replacing Jobseeker’s Allowance and other work-related benefits and was introduced in Monmouthshire in September 2015.

The Universal Credit payment includes rent, which people then need to arrange to pay to their landlord themselves. This differs from the old system in which rent was paid directly to the landlord. David was able to adapt easily to this change, as he’d signed up to use MHA’s Direct Payment Pilot. The Direct Payment Pilot enables tenants to set up payments so their rent is paid directly to them, just as Universal Credit would be. Tenants can then get used to paying their rent to MHA themselves, meaning they are better prepared for when they move onto Universal Credit. But the switch to Universal Credit has been far less straightforward. During his application, David started work on a zero hours contract. Earning just £2 over the wage threshold – which is less than £400 per month – meant

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“It was incredibly frustrating as I’d had no communication this was likely to happen. At this point I was getting really stressed about my situation.” Cally worked with the DWP to get the information on why his claim had been cancelled. She then helped David reapply for Housing Benefit using the tablet computer donated by MHA. Despite no benefits payments for a few weeks, David was able to budget after saving some money. With Cally and MHA’s support, David feels much more prepared for Universal Credit when it comes to applying again. “I can’t deny the whole thing has been stressful at times. But Cally has been really helpful. She’s worked with me on my Housing Benefit claim and helped me get online, understand job sites and email. “I enjoy my MHA home and the community where I live, so paying my rent is important. I now want to get back into fulltime, permanent work.”

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

Get Pension Wise Citizens Advice are calling for people in Monmouthshire to be on their guard against pension scams.

#FollowTheBee

0345 677 2277

www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk #FollowTheBee is a new campaign helping MHA tenants find out about the wide range of help and support MHA offers. From advice on benefits changes and preparing for Universal Credit, to help finding education, training and work opportunities – the campaign will be buzzing into action this summer.

Keep an eye out for the bee across MHA’s newsletters, social media channels and website for all the latest news, events, support and advice available from MHA and other agencies working across Monmouthshire. Don’t miss out! #FollowTheBee

Call us 0345 677 2277

Your Benefit Payments May be Changing What you need to know about changes to the benefit cap The Welfare Reform and Work Act (2016) introduces some changes to the benefit cap. These changes, which will take effect in autumn 2016, include changes to the benefit cap levels to £23,000 a year for couples with or without children and lone parents and £15,410 for single people without children in Greater London, and £20,000 and £13,400 respectively

for those groups elsewhere in Great Britain. They also include additional exemptions for recipients of Guardian’s Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit claimants who receive payments towards carer’s costs. For more information about the benefit cap changes please visit www.gov.uk/benefit-cap

A new report from national Citizens Advice found nine in ten people (88%) miss common warning signs - such as unusually high investment returns, cold calling and offers of free financial advice. Warning signs to watch for: • Ignore any contact you receive out of of the blue about your pension. This could be in person, online, on the phone or in the post • Watch out for any promotion offering you more than 8% return on your pension investment • Be wary of any offer to access your pension before 55 • Don’t feel pressured to make a decision about your pension straight away, instead take your time • Watch out for extravagant sounding investments based overseas • Check the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) online register to make sure the company approaching you is legitimate. Anyone giving financial advice should be registered • If you are making an investment, check the FCA ScamSmart warning list for known investment scams • If you are transferring a pension, ask your current pension provider to check the HMRC registration of the new scheme to check it is legitimate The report also reveals people are particularly at risk of scams from phone calls, post and emails which come out of the blue. As many as 10.9 million consumers have received unsolicited contact about their pension in the last year. For more information contact Jan Channing, Citizens Advice Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent. Call: 01443 878057

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GETTING ONLINE

43% of you don’t have access to the internet

Getting Online in Monmouthshire We are now living in a digital age. From the way we communicate with friends and family to how we access news and manage our benefits and money – much of this is now done through online digital technology. With many services from banking to shopping to claiming benefits now operating as ‘digital by default’, getting online can save you time and money. If you are new to the internet, don’t have access to a computer or need help to get online, you can use our interactive Get Online in Monmouthshire map at: www. monmouthshirehousing.co.uk/ get-help-to-get-online The map gives you all the information you need about getting help to get online in Monmouthshire.

Hints & Tips

It’s easy to get an email address. Visit https://accounts.google. com to sign up for a free Google email account

Useful Websites Money Saving Expert www.moneysavingexpert.com

BBC

Money master Martin Lewis’s website is a great resource for all things financial. From securing the best deals to hints and tips around managing your money, the site is well worth a visit

www.bbc.co.uk A fantastic resource covering news, sport, weather, politics, entertainment and food as well as offering a huge library of programmes via the groundbreaking BBC iPlayer tool.

Entitledto

MHA

www.entitledto.co.uk A free online tool that helps you calculate any benefits you are entitled to. Simply enter your details and the calculator will determine what benefits you can claim.

28 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

www.monmouthshirehousing. co.uk MHA’s site offers a wide range of useful information and help – from the latest news and events in your area, the option to pay your rent online, information on support services available to you and how you can contact MHA.

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

Loan a Laptop Do you need a laptop at home so you can practice your computer skills, complete coursework or search for jobs? Why not contact the Work & Skills Wise team on wsw@ monmouthshirehousing. co.uk or call 01495 767193 to speak to us about our FREE Computers in the Community Scheme.

Get online at home and improve your IT skills getonline@home have made it easier for you to get online and start using the internet at home. The Microsoft backed initiative is working in partnership with Simplify Digital and learndirect to offer you affordable broadband

and essential IT training along with their refurbished PCs and laptops. Simplify Digital is the UK’s largest independent broadband, digital TV and home phone switching service, and learndirect is the UKs leading provider of technologyled training.

Need a laptop? MHA’s Work & Skills Wise service work with Computers Recyclers UK and can provide you with one of their refurbished laptops. This offer is available by contacting Work & Skills Wise.

What are the additional benefits? The laptops provided via Work & Skills Wise will arrive installed with Windows 7 Professional, Microsoft office 2010 and Microsoft Security Essential (antivirus). On delivery, you’ll also receive a unique 20% discount code to use on any learndirect course. The Work & Skills Wise service can also support you with funding of these discounted learndirect courses which range from computer courses to numeracy and literacy training. If this sounds like something you could benefit from, contact the Work & Skills Wise team on wsw@monmouthshirehousing. co.uk or call 01495 767193. twitter.com/mon_housing

GETTING ONLINE

Computers in the Community Computers in the Community is a scheme that allows MHA tenants to borrow laptop computers from MHA free of charge, for a certain period of time. The laptops can be provided to help you complete educational courses and develop your IT skills. The laptops which we purchase from Computers Recycled UK come with a six-month warranty, so you can access technical support whilst learning with your laptop.

To find out more about this scheme and to see if you qualify please call 01495 767193. 1 in 10 of you with access to the internet get online somewhere other than home, such as a library or café

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.

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

30 www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk

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

Cross Word Competition

Send your entries into Monmouthshire Housing Association, Nant Y Pia House, Mamhilad Technology Park, Mamhilad, Monmouthshire NP4 0JJ and receive a free energy saving power down. A power down is a gadget that help you reduce your energy bills by turning off your appliances once they are on standby. Please return your completed word search with you name contact details and address in order that we can send you your power down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; take advantage start saving money today!

Banking

Owe

Debt

Savings

Loans

Invest

Asset

Sell

Paid Cash

Interest Credit Union Direct Debit

Spend Cost

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