Previously, Monzo had two paid-for plans: Plus and Premium, at £5 and £15 respectively. Paid bank accounts might not suit everyone, but they can offer a number of perks that save you more than the monthly fee each month. To acknowledge that not everyone wants (or can afford) a higher-cost £15 account, Monzo now has Monzo Extra which is just £3 per month.

Monzo Extra comes with a number of features on the banking app, such as connecting your other bank accounts and credit cards for an easy overview of your finances (and quick transfers),  a spreadsheet feature to export transactions with ease, and advanced roundups for easy saving.

The new mid-tier option is the £7-a-month Perks Plan, which replaces the previous Plus £5 plan. But there are more benefits to this one: a free weekly hot drink or snack from Greggs and a free Railcard from Trainline are two of the top ones. Monzo say that someone taking advantage of the Greggs benefit alone will save money, as the plan costs £88 per year compared to £84 per year for a weekly Greggs treat.

A new benefit to celebrate is fee-free unlimited cash withdrawals in the UK and Europe. Previously, there were limits on both the amount and frequency for cash withdrawals, and some fees. This is a huge step forward!

You can also access a savings account with a 4.6% interest rate (at time of writing) compared to Monzo’s usual 4.10% rate. Subscriptions above the Extra tier can also benefit from discounted investment fees.

The top tier subscription is now called Max and costs £17 a month. It might sound pricey but you could save hundreds of pounds a year with the benefits. As well as all the Greggs, Trainline, and Monzo Extra benefits, Max customers will have worldwide travel and phone insurance as well as breakdown cover in the UK and Europe. Those with dependants under the age of 21 can also opt to pay an extra £5 per month to include their family on the insurance cover.

If you’re already on a Monzo Plus or Monzo Premium plan, you can opt to switch to a new plan or stay on the current one. But new customers can’t apply for a Plus or Premium plan. Monzo also still offers its basic bank account which is free and does not come with perks (but also has no monthly fee).

Find out more about the Monzo subscription bank accounts here.

The post ‘FREE’ Railcards and Greggs with Monzo appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

The Santander Railcard gives card holders a third off train travel across England, Scotland, Wales, and the London Underground when the card is linked to an Oyster card. The average 16-25 Railcard user saves £182³ a year with the card, meaning a potential average saving of £728 over the four-year term.

To be eligible for the railcard, a customer must complete an application to open either a new Everyday, Santander Edge, or Santander Edge Up current account before 30 April 2024 and deposit at least £500 into the account by 14 May 2024.

Andrea Melville, Director of Current Accounts, Savings and Business Banking, Santander said: “With the days becoming longer and promises of sunshine just around the corner, we’re all planning to make the most of spring – whether that’s a staycation, a daytrip to somewhere different, or simply taking advantage of longer evenings with friends.

“Not only does the free railcard give users a third off train travel to get where they want to go, but paired with our Edge and Edge Up current accounts, customers can also benefit from cashback on their travel, as well as on their everyday spending and household bills.”

A limited number of railcards are available, and the offer may be withdrawn ahead of 30 April, depending on demand.  From May 15 2024 onwards, Santander will review which customers have met eligibility, with codes to redeem their Santander Railcard through the railcard website sent by 31 July 2024.

Customers can open an account either online or in branch. Benefits of the eligible current accounts include:

• Santander’s Edge Up Current Account offers customers up to £30 a month from cashback on essential bills and spending, 3.5% AER in credit interest (up to £25,000) on their current account balance, and fee-free spending abroad, for a £5 monthly fee.
• The Santander Edge Current Account offers customers up to £20 a month from cashback on essential bills and spending, a linked 7.00% AER easy access saver, and fee-free spending abroad using the Santander Edge debit card, for a £3 monthly fee.
• The Santander Everyday Current Account offers customers a simple and straightforward current account with no monthly fee. Everyday customers benefit from online and mobile banking to easily manager their account, as well as free cash withdrawals from any Santander cash machine when abroad.

More information about the railcard offer, and Santander’s range of current accounts, is available on the Santander website.

The post Get Your Free Railcard! appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Read our top tips to reduce the cost of your smartphone and put some cash back in your pocket…

• Check your contract
• Call your provider and get their best deal
• Check out reseller offers
• Check your usage
• Consider SIM only
• Be careful when abroad
• Shop around for an insurance deal
• Safeguard your phone against your kids
• Go paperless
• Sell your old phone for the best price

1. Check your contract

Despite the standard two-year phone contract, 47% of people hang on to their smartphone for at least three years – and 8% wait 5 or more years to change. That’s not a problem if they switch to a SIM-Only contract after their initial contract ends – but many don’t.

So if you’ve been paying £25–30 a month for more than a couple of years then it may be that you’re due a brand-new handset.

Although you’ll get a new phone, it’s likely you’ll have to sign up for another contract which will range from 12 months to three years.

This is a bit of a commitment, so make sure it’s worth the money you’ll pay, but it ensures you get a shiny new mobile without paying upfront.

Don’t be afraid to shop around and leave open the option of switching networks if one comes back at a cheaper price. You can keep your number if you do decide to leave.

Sign Up – Newsletter

2. Call your provider and get their best deal

Don’t hang around waiting for your provider to offer you a better deal – you’ll be waiting a long time if you do!

Call up and try haggling with your current provider – you’ve nothing to lose and they may be able to better their offer.

Remember – they need you a lot more than you need them and they’d rather you paid a bit less but stayed with them than you went to one of their competitors.

It’s also worth contacting other networks for a good deal. You don’t owe your mobile provider any loyalty so have a look and see if you can do better elsewhere.

If you do decide to go with another provider, before you switch always check the new network’s coverage in your area. This can be particularly patchy in some rural areas and you don’t want to sign up for three years and discover you can’t use the phone at home!

Don’t put it off! Shop around online to find the best deal – then call your provider to see if they can match (or even better) the offer.

Find out how to make money recycling your mobile here. 

3. CHECK OUT RESELLER OFFERS

A mobile phone reseller is a company which offers mobile phone deals. Basically, the retailer will sell phone contracts that it has already bought from the mobile phone company (ones that have been sent back, for example) complete with data/texts/minutes for a reduced price. How do they make it work? The reseller buys the phone at a much lower price, so that’s how they’re able to offer it to you at a discounted rate.

The best place to go for this is a comparison website such as Uswitch. It will scan the mobile phone companies and the resellers, such as BuyMobiles and Mobiles.co.uk, to find you a list of deals. Check out this one for the iPhone 8.

You can check the websites out before buying as they may have even better offers on their website. Signing up to their emails will also help you get the best deal.

Sometimes there will be offers for a handset which has already been purchased and used – these are called refurbished devices. It’s the same handset except essential components are replaced so it works  as new. This will bring down the cost of the main smartphones, usually considerably so. The reseller websites usually offer these so check them out.

4. Check your usage

The average Brit tends to use only 20-30% of their usage and overspends by £200 per year.

You can check your usage on a site called Billmonitor which then matches the ideal contract for your needs.

5. Consider SIM only to reduce the cost of your smartphone

When your contract ends, it might be worth keeping your handset and going SIM-only.

If you’re waiting for a new phone to come out, you might be able to get a SIM for £5 a month.

Or SIM-only deals with companies such as Giffgaff offer texts, minutes and data usage for as little as £10-15 a month in ‘bundles’ you buy every 30 days. Or iD Mobile, run by the Carphone Warehouse, offers SIM-Only 30-day rolling contracts for as little as £6 per month.

If your heart’s set on an expensive phone such as the new iPhone, it can be more economical to buy the handset and then sign up for a cut-price SIM-only deal rather than entering into a contract with a major network.

It’s definitely worth doing your sums before you sign up.

Find out how to get the best pay as you go deals here.

6. Be careful when abroad

A foreign trip can incur all sorts of unexpected charges!

Before you go, contact your mobile provider and check the rates for calls, texts and data usage in the country you’re visiting.

They may also have a special deal for international usage if you can’t altogether avoid using your phone abroad.

You should always ensure that data roaming is switched off in your phone’s settings, otherwise you may get a nasty surprise in your next month’s bill.

If you need to use the internet whilst you’re away, make use of Wi-Fi hotspots – often these are free of charge in hotels, restaurants and cafes.

You can also reduce the cost of your smartphone bill when you’re abroad with apps such as WhatsApp. These can be used for sending free texts over the internet instead of incurring charges for international text messages.

Tip: Most phone operators allow roaming in Europe in with whatever your UK deal offers at no extra cost. It’s worth phoning or going into your operator store to check (but we don’t know if this will be the case once the UK has left the EU).

7. Shop around for the best insurance deal

Apparently 15% of people have dropped their phone down the toilet!

If you have butter fingers, it’s definitely worth getting your smartphone insured, especially if it’s an expensive model.

Don’t do it through your mobile phone provider, though, there are better deals to be had with Insurance2go.

Also, if you have home insurance, you should be able to add it to that for less than you would with a standalone deal.

You should be able to insure a smartphone for around £20-30 a year.

Remember to buy a case for it too, so it’s protected from scratches and damage (and you’ll get the best price if you want to sell it later).

For more more information on how to choose the best insurance deals click here.

8. Safeguard your phone against your kids

You’ve probably heard the horror stories – kids racking up bills of thousands of pounds without their parents realising until it’s too late.

Make sure that you’re protected against such purchases.

So-called ‘freemium’ games cost nothing to download but include in-app purchases which are often disguised as pop-ups or notifications on the screen.

Older kids may know they’re not meant to make purchases but younger children will have no idea that they’re spending their parents’ real money – they just like pressing buttons!

First of all, you need to ensure that your phone has a lock – often a four figure code – and that you change it often. (Children are remarkably good at working out the code by watching you put it in).

You also need to ensure that before an in-app purchase can be made, you must provide a password.

Of course the best way to safeguard your phone against your kids is to stop them playing with it.

9. Go paperless to reduce the cost of your smartphone bills

If your network charges for paper bills, get them online instead.

For example, Vodafone charge £1.54 for paper bills to be sent, so that’s over £18 back in your pocket for very little effort.

10. Sell your old phone for the best price

If you’ve upgraded to a new handset, make sure you get the best deal for your old mobile phone rather than just chucking it in a drawer.

Sometimes your network will offer an amount for the handset, but you might get a better offer on websites such as Envirophone, Mazuma or Top Dollar Mobile.

Our mobile recycling tool compares all these companies to find you the very best price for your phone – take a look here.

Mobile recycling is so simple.

You enter the details about your mobile phone – its model, condition and whether it’s in good working order and the recycling company offers you a price.

If you decide to accept the offer, they post you a jiffy bag to send off the phone in. The postage is normally paid and the whole transaction takes less than a week.

Sometimes older phones, such as the 1980s ‘brick’ handsets, can be collectors’ items, so it’s worth having a look on eBay to see how much they sell for.

The post 10 ways to reduce the cost of your smartphone appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

It’s well reported in the news lately that the cost of living crisis has affected the way we spend our money somewhat casually on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime. Thousands upon thousands of people just can’t afford to make all those payments right now, and Netflix has just reported a drop-off of 1 million viewers in the last year. 

One of the problems is that there is too much choice, but that also means there’s a LOT of choice, so we’ve rooted around to find the best FREE streaming services where you can watch free movies, usually extremely simply or with a free sign-up. So here we go. 

 We’ll start with the obvious one: 

YOUTUBE 

While YouTube does contain a lot of free films, legally they’re only supposed to show ones that are out of the public domain, and there is a huge list of these, with multiple places to legally get them. 

Obviously though, people do disregard copyright and upload films – or more likely clips from films, or films in chapters – to the channel, so if you can find them and you don’t mind watching them (this isn’t illegal in itself: it’s the uploader who’s liable) this is a good way to go. It may also give you a ton of ideas as to what movies are out there: you may find something unexpected. 

• Public Domain Movies on YouTube 

the main British channels that let you watch films for free: 

CHANNEL 4 

Channel 4 is available on Freeview and on-demand via the All4 service, which is free and requires quick registration so that you can watch it on phones, tablets, computers or TV. There are adverts but we’re all used to them, aren’t we? 

All 4’s film collection may contain films that are a few years old at least, but how better to catch up on those films you missed amid all the hype? All 4 has classics old and new. 

• Channel 4 Films Category 

CHANNEL 5 

Like Channel 4, C5 is one Freeview and has its own app, this time called My5, which again is advert-supported and free and requires registration. 

A large number of free movies on C5 come from Pluto TV Movies, and there are a staggering 11 channels solely devoted to movies. Now, most of them are obscure titles among the more recognisable ones but leafing through the options may find you intrigued to watch movies that are a little off the beaten track. 

• Watch Free Movies on My5 

A bit more ‘out there’… 

TPTV 

Similarly to C5, this excellent oldies site has reams of TV and film titles: comedies, dramas, war, westerns, some exclusive titles you can’t have seen anywhere else.  

And with a great selection of sci-fi and monster movies, you’ll get to see some kitsch classics without having to go back in time to a 50s drive-in. 

• Watch TPTV Movies 

THE INTERNET ARCHIVE 

A free digital library: not just movies but also digital books, games and old websites.  

Again, these are mostly old or obscure titles which can be a benefit for movie fans because you can bet you’ll never find them on the mainstream streamers: Sci-Fi, Horror, Comedy, Film Noir, you name it. 

• Watch Free Films on The Internet Archive 

Let’s move out of the obscure and into the better-known… 

IMDB TV 

This channel is owned by Amazon so it has a lot of famous films like Zero Dark Thirty, Chicago, American Beauty, A Streetcat Named Bob… and it’s free to watch as a Prime Video Channel or as a standalone Amazon Fire TV plugin.  

Again, it’s free because you don’t need to be on Prime, which is what Amazon charges for. 

• Watch Free Movies on IMDb TV (Directly) 
• Get The IMDb TV App for Fire TV 

PLEX 

Plex has both an on-demand Movies & TV section and a Live TV section. 

The movies are quite niche and there are a lot of US titles, but probably not so many UK titles you’ll be familiar with. The Live TV section has various channels and some of these show movies, again on the obscure side. 

• Watch Free Movies on Plex 

FILMZIE 

Filmzie boasts films, TV shows and adverts and the unique selling point of indie films from lesser-known filmmakers, who will benefit when you watch something they created, usually outside of the film industry system. 

They also offer many apps to make it e mobile phones, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung TVs and more. 

• Watch Free Movies on Filmzie 

———-

If you love a bargain, don’t forget we have our EntertainmentMagpie blog. Where we bring you the best deals on theatre, film and going out every single month. Because who doesn’t love a bargain really? 

The post Where to Legally Watch Films For Free appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Sponsored post

One of the most expensive things a person can buy is a car. For many (if you rent your home) it is, in fact, THE most expensive. So much so, that this puts a huge number of people off making that purchase.

However, if you work on the frontline, you absolutely shouldn’t be paying full-whack. That is why Motorfinity will act as a sort of advocate, getting you the best deal you can on a new car.

Motorfinity work hard to ensure that customers are offered the best prices from car manufacturers who recognise the importance of their customers’ hard work and the roles that they fulfil.

• Who is eligible?
• Why buy new?
• What do Motorfinity do?

Who is Eligible?

Whilst Motorfinity work closely with Blue Light Card and their members, you don’t exclusively need to have a card in order to use their service. If you work in the following sectors, then with the right paperwork (even a payslip) you can access their discounts*:

Why buy new?

The perks of a new car often include free MOTs, services and even roadside cover for the first few years.

What Motorfinity do?

Motorfinity are not a car forecourt, they are not selling you the cars themselves. They are there to advocate for best deals and access all the top discounts from car manufacturers. They pride themselves in being a ‘One Stop Shop’ and deliver the best customer service possible, keeping it simple, convenient, and offering incredible value. They include management of all finance options, (PCP/HP/Lease): part-exchange facility; nationwide delivery to your door; 5-Star-rated service; discounted Gap Insurance; personal, friendly service and make a very important promise of NO hard selling.

All the cars supplied are UK specification vehicles. Motorfinity assure us that they can offer you everything you would expect from your local dealership, just at a special price and without the need to haggle.

Team Motorfinity receive an ‘EXCELLENT’ rating on Trustpilot.

Is there a leasing option?

Yes, very much so. Whilst they do only deal in new cars, they offer any option that you would get at a dealership… just for a fraction of the price.

Can I just speak to them Without The Hard Sell?

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely dread going to any car dealership. Within seconds (even for a service) the suits are around me and they are asking me to “sit in this new car” and “have I thought about an upgrade” – this is every introvert’s nightmare. Therefore, I wanted to answer this question honestly. So I did some undercover work and called Motorfinity posing as a customer (cheeky I know!). I can testify that their “no hard sell” is absolutely true. They asked a few questions about my job and what I was looking for, explained how they work and get the best deals. But I felt no pressure.

We also spoke to Jack Rayson, one of Motorfinity’s expert account managers about the customer experience.

“Having only been at Motorfinity for well over a year now, I can honestly say I have loved every second. It has been such a positive and warming experience helping our customers save thousands on their brand-new cars. 

“It is always nice to hear a customer’s surprise at how much they can actually save when buying a car through Motorfinity, I will never get bored of hearing them say, “What’s the catch with this?” There truly is no catch! Our aim is to help our customers make a well-informed decision on the best car for them.” 

You can’t say fairer than that.

If you work in any of the above industries and want to enquire – don’t hesitate to speak to them.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

The post Why are you paying THAT for a car? We have the best deal appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

When you bear in mind that in 2023 a whopping 87% of people in the UK own a smartphone, our need to get hold of them for a reasonable price is pretty huge, and with Christmas just around the corner and a telephone being the most popular Christmas gift in the UK for teenagers, we compile some deals that won’t break the bank this Christmas.

Tesco Mobile are here with 2023’s Black Friday deals and with savings from as much as £702 ranging from the much sought after iPhone14 Pro to Samsung and Google, there is a phone package for everyone.

So if you or a loved one are thinking of asking Santa for a phone this Christmas, then read on.

Get a Clubcard to Improve the Deals

The Tesco Clubcard has long been a staple in every bargain hunter’s wallet and it is worth mentioning that these deals are even better if you have one.

Savings such the Apple Iphone 14 128GB with an incredible saving of £288 on the 100 gigabite offer – for just £37.99 per month it works out a better deal than the slightly cheaper 12 gigabite handset at £33.99 – that has a huge saving of £162, but for only £4 extra a month is a far superior deal.

So it’s worth considering getting a Clubcard to help you save on your mobile deals if you don’t have one already. They are free to sign up for and can save you a lot of money across the board.

The Best Deal

If you are a fan of Samsung (and let’s face it, their cameras really are fantastic), then Tesco Mobile also has deals on several Galaxy mobile phones – including one that could save you a whopping £594 during your contract.

The iPhone Deal

For us devout followers of Apple, we are often quite a loyal bunch and notice that a huge number of “offers” don’t actually have the iPhone, well Tesco do and you can save up to a whopping £288 thanks to Clubcard Prices when purchasing a new phone and contract, as the handy card can be used for so much more than just slashing the cost of your food bill. Apple fans can pick up either an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone SE in Tesco Mobile’s Black Friday sale – and save hundreds of pounds on a contract if using a Clubcard too.

For example, shoppers can save up to £162 when buying an iPhone 14 with 12BG of data on a 36-month contract, paying £33.99 per month with no upfront costs. This deal also comes with an array of perks such as three months of Apple TV+ for free, no roaming charges until 2025, and Clubcard Prices frozen until the end of your contract.

Also included in the Apple sale is the iPhone 14 Pro, and Tesco’s deal enables shoppers to save an even more impressive £414 over the course of their contract.

To access all of these deals and many more click here.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

The post Huge savings on your mobile phone this Black Friday with Tesco Mobile appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

We’ve seen a repeated pattern over the years. Each year, a newer, shinier, and more powerful model is launched, luring us to upgrade. But, with all the excitement around the latest tech, it begs the question, what then happens to our old devices?

Well, new research from Mazuma finds that many of us Brits are holding on to them, as it is revealed that there are a staggering 150 million old, unwanted mobile phones and other tech devices collecting dust in drawers in homes across the country. Moreover, many households are stockpiling multiple devices.

But why are we keeping hold of our unwanted devices? It seems many people store them away in their home ‘just in case’ they need to use them again, but what is the likelihood that you’ll ever revert back to using your old device?

• The true cost of tech hoarding
• Is tech trade-in the answer?
• Act fast – maximise the money you earn
• How much are your drawers worth?
• Thinking about refurbished phones
• Try SIM-Only
• No need to keep up with the Jones’

The true cost of tech hoarding

Considering we pay hundreds, even thousands, for our various tech items, there’s usually still serious value in our old tech once it’s reached the end of its useful life in our eyes.

Research suggests that the 150 million old devices that Brits are hoarding could be worth an eye-watering £13.9 billion*.

With the continuing cost of living squeeze, as well as the increasing focus on sustainability, it’s shocking to think that people are sitting on such a large number of old devices. Especially given that some unwanted devices could be traded in for substantial amounts of cash. Some recent iPhone models, for instance, have been known to fetch around £700 or more.

Is tech trade-in the answer?

Trading in your old tech can put extra cash in your pocket, yet many people underestimate the value of their old devices. Tech trade-in services assess your gadget’s condition and offer you a fair market price for it. The cash you receive can go a long way in covering the cost of a new device or other expenses.

A common misconception is that trading in unwanted devices is a lot of hassle. So much so, that 13% of consumers think it’s easier to throw their old devices in the bin. But, trading in your old phone is actually a very quick and easy process, which often involves a few clicks online to have your device valued and a trip to the post office to send it off to the appropriate service – or some even offer a collection service.

For those that might be concerned about the personal information and data on their old phones, trusted trade-in services usually offer a data-wiping service, making it a much safer route than throwing it away, where it could end up in the wrong hands later down the line.

Plus, the money you earn from trading in your old phone could even be put towards a new device, meaning you can both make money, and save money.

This financial advantage makes upgrading to the latest tech not only more accessible but also more environmentally responsible, as it promotes a circular approach to personal technology consumption.

There are a few other things you can do to get your hands on the latest tech, without spending a fortune.

Act fast – maximise the money you earn

While tech trade-ins are a good option to declutter and earn a bit of extra cash, it’s important to act fast in order to maximise the amount of money you can get back. We know that tech depreciates in value fairly quickly. So, the longer you hold on to your old devices, the less money you are likely to get. The best thing to do is act fast and trade-in before the value drops.

How much are your drawers worth?

Recent research has revealed that more than a quarter of the nation (27%) are holding onto two old devices, a further fifth (19%) have three and 17% even have four or more. So, the chances are a lot of us have old tech items collecting dust in drawers at home.

Why not have a clear out, declutter your drawers and trade-in your old technology to earn some money? It’s not just mobile phones that could earn you cash, most tech trade-in services also accept old laptops, tablets and games consoles too.

Thinking about refurbished phones

Aside from trading in your old devices, another budget-friendly option is to purchase refurbished phones. Buying refurbished devices through trusted services is a great way to slash the price tag of new tech. You’ll have the buzz of receiving a new gadget, without the sting of the often hefty price tags. Buying pre-loved phones can sometimes be a little bit risky, as you can’t be sure of the device’s condition. Opting for professionally refurbished devices gives that reassurance. These phones undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are in excellent condition, thereby guaranteeing quality and reliability.

Try SIM-Only

A sim-only deal could also be a sensible choice. These contracts often feature rolling terms that allow for cancellation when needed, thereby providing flexibility and reducing the financial burden. The focus is primarily on data plans, and knowing your current data usage through your network provider can help you choose the most cost-effective option.

No need to keep up with the Jones’

Furthermore, there’s no need to rush into getting a new phone just because it’s the latest model. If your current device is still in excellent working condition and satisfies your needs, there’s no pressure to upgrade. As the cost of living crisis rumbles on, many people are sticking with their current devices over upgrading, or purchasing refurbished devices over brand new after trading in their old ones.

Final thoughts

With competitive trade-in prices, rapid payments, and different refurbished devices to fit your budget- why not explore your options and make the most of your old tech today?

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

The post Save money and make money using tech trade-in services appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

But there are still 11.9 million people in the UK, 22 % of the population, who do not have the digital skills needed for everyday living.  While research by Statista, revealed that in 2022, only 

48% of households, consisting of a retired adult, dependent on state pensions, had a PC. 

A lack of digital skills and access can have a huge negative impact on a person’s life.  It’s claimed it can lead to poorer health outcomes and a lower life expectancy, increased loneliness and isolation and less access to jobs and education. 

Add to this that it can mean paying more for essentials, financial exclusion and an increased risk of experiencing poverty.  And with government and local services increasingly moving online too, people who are digitally excluded will lack a voice and visibility in our modern age. 

During the pandemic the Government spent £400 million providing disadvantaged young people with laptops and tablets as part of their Get Help With Technology Programme. 

But now, in our tough economic climate, trying to find hundreds of pounds for a personal computer of any type is tough ask. So what help is out there?    

Quick navigation:

#Getting Free laptops and computers

#Subsidised Computers

#Free or Cheap Laptops for Students

#Older people and technolongy

#Libraries

Getting free laptops and computers: 

It isn’t easy to get one but there are schemes out there especially designed to help low-income households access to the tech they need.   

If you are on universal benefits, a student, disabled or a low income family, then the Charity Excellence Framework may be able to help. 

They offer a wide range of laptops, computers, software and IT support and equipment and have a comprehensive list of organisations who may be able to help in your area.  charityexcellence.co.uk If you don’t have access to a computer, try contacting the library or a community group for help or call 07595371444 for more information. 

The Good Things Foundation is a charity which was set up to fix the digital divide.  They encourage companies to donate their IT equipment to their National Device Bank and the IT equipment, once professionally and securely wiped of all data, can be re-used across community organisation nationwide.  To find out more go to www.goodthingsfoundation.org 

If you have a disabled or seriously ill child, the Family Fund can provide grants for technology to support them with their learning and digital development. 

You can apply if you are the parent or carer of a disabled child and meet the eligibility criteria.  Go to familyfund.org.uk for more information or call 01904 550055 where someone will be able to give you help with an application. 

Subsidised Computers: 

If you aren’t eligible for a free computer you may be able to get one much cheaper than in the shops through organisations like Get Online@ Home.  They sell heavily discounted computers and tablets to customers who meet the criteria for their subsidy scheme. 

You need to be part of a low-income family that receives state benefits, lives in a community with a limited access to technology or is disabled. 

their PCs range from £99, laptops from £199 and tablets from £139. Even if you aren’t eligible for the subsidised price, the devices are still available to purchase and much cheaper than average. PCs from £119, Laptops from £219 and Tablets from £159. 

The devices are not bottom of the barrel rejects, they are  refurbished and specifically for low income customers. getonlineathome.org for more information about how they might be able to help you. 

There are disability grants available for children and adults to help with technology equipment, including computers.  There is a whole list available on disability-grants.org but these can change so check them out carefully to find the ones which may suit your needs best. 

The Restart Project is based in North London but they list reuse projects across the UK that accept devices that people may no longer need but which can be repaired and refurbished not only to help people but also to reduce the e-waste mountain. therestartproject.org  

Free or Cheap Laptops for Students: 

With Fresher’s week underway at universities across the UK, students may be turning their mind to having a laptop or other PC.  If a student has a long term health condition or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia or dyspraxia, then they could be eligible for a Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA).  However the student will have to contribute £200 towards the computer.  If you think you might be eligible for funding which can be several thousand pounds, then go to www.gov.uk and look at their finance student section and where to find your local DSA assessment centre. 

Older people and technology: 

AbilityNet has a UK wide network of tech volunteers who offer support to older people.  Whether you need assistance setting up a new device, connecting to the internet or need support connecting to family and friends online, abilitynet.org.uk can help. 

Volunteers are DBS checked and can assist you by phone, over the internet or at home.  They can help you choose equipment that meets your needs as well as guidance on how to shop safely online.  They will try and find a volunteer in your area.  Call 08000487642 for further information. 

Libraries: 

If you want to see how you fare with a computer before committing to buying one of your own, why not pop into your local library? Additionally, for continuous support, look into IT support in Southampton to help bridge any technological gaps.

Library computers are available and will give you an idea of whether potentially owning your own PC is for you.  They will also have information about groups in your community who may be able to offer training as well as cheap and refurbished devices. 

Don’t be afraid to ask and who knows, it could open up a whole new and exciting world. And if you can’t find something right for you, you could always try good deals and coupon codes – for example, if you get a good eBay coupon, that might offer a nice discount on your purchase. 

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. 

The post Complete Guide to Getting Free Computers, Free Laptops and More appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

But while you might prefer to buy a new American-style fridge rather than use the old under-the-counter jobbie you inherited with the house, you don’t have to rush straight to the electrical shop at the first sign things are going wrong.

Products may not need to be made to the same indestructible standards as they were in the 50s, but you could save hundreds of pounds a year repairing perfectly salvageable (and in-Vogue) tech, gadgets and electricals rather than always replacing them just because they are out of warranty.

Read on, our click on the below links, to find out what can be saved – and how:

• What are we throwing that could be saved?
• How much does it cost to repair broken electronics?
• Common problems that don’t actually need fixing
• Learn to repair your broken electricals
• Make money from smashed mobile phones
• Fixing GHDs and hair dryers
• Breathe new life in to that old vacuum

Two million tonnes of electricals are sent to landfill each year in the UK.

What are we throwing that could be saved?

A staggering two million tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment or ‘WEEE’ is sent to landfill in the UK every year.

WEEE is basically anything with a battery or plug, and includes large household appliances, like fridges, cookers, microwaves, and washing machines, as well as smaller appliances like irons, toasters, clocks, phones, games consoles and electric toothbrushes.

Large household appliances, like ovens, fridges and washing machines currently make up over 40% of this total, but there are large volumes of other valuable equipment, including over two million TVs discarded each year, as well as valuable computers, hair dryers, electrical tools, digital watches,  and medical devices.

Toxic legacy of our throwaway culture

Throwing away rather than fixing such vast amounts of electronics is not only bad for our bank balances, it’s also bad for the environment.

Many of these discarded items contain hazardous components, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, phosphorous pentachloride and certain flame retardants. These pose a number of health risks that need to be adequately managed.

Resources to help

It’s not just the recycling centres that are overflowing. As Scott Butler, who launched the website Recycle Your Electricals, points out, “150,000 tonnes” of small electrical items “that could be repaired, or at the very least recycled, are going in our domestic rubbish bins every year”. This includes toasters, kettles, electric tooth brushes and shavers.

Butler set up Recycle Your Electricals to help divert as many of these smaller items from landfill as possible. It’s a really useful site that asks you what items you have, and whether you want to get them fixed, send them to be recycled, or donate them to charity. Depending on how you answer, it then directs you to companies in your local area that will be able to help you.

Some of the results may surprise you. For example, it turns out the electrical store Currys will repair your broken coffee machine and laptop – even if you didn’t buy it from them.

The Recycle Your Electricals website also signposts you to other sites where you can learn, for instance, how to fix everything from that broken coffee machine to tractor and aircraft parts yourself (as you do!).

How much does it cost to repair broken electronics?

One of the main problems with fixing broken gadgets, whether you try to do it yourself or pay a professional to do it for you, is the cost of replacement parts. This is especially true if you buy the parts from the manufacturer direct – who can charge a small fortune for parts they probably bought for fraction of the price from China.

That said, it’s usually better – and often cheaper – to buy the parts directly from the manufacturer, according to Heather Powell, who worked for an electrical retail firm for over 40 years.

“If you get the replacement from Amazon it might not be right. And it won’t last as long.”

She would always suggest calling the company you bought your electronics from to see if they are under warranty, or can fix them for you, before buying a replacement.

“Most manufacturers give you two years’ warranty,” said Powell. “A few give three. Siemens is five. Generally you only need to keep the receipt.”

To read more on expired warranties, see this.

What to do if it’s out of warranty?

If your item is no longer under warranty, you need to decide whether it is financially worthwhile trying to save it.

As Powell explained, some items, like “kettles, toasters and even small appliances like microwaves are so cheap to buy new, there’s no point paying to fix it”.

Most repair shops will charge a flat ‘inspection fee’ to look at any items that aren’t working which they will then knock  off the cost of the repair, if the repair exceeds that amount.

An inspection fee will typically cost around £35, however, as Powell noted, you shouldn’t pay that unless the repair shops thinks they can repair the item, or even needs to.

“The beauty of a family firm is we give free advice. If people call up, I’d tell tell them to do certain checks, to see if it’s really a fault,” she said. “A lot of people don’t read their manuals, and in every manual there is a troubleshooter telling you what to do if it stops working.”

Broken ‘white goods’ can usually be repaired quite cheaply.

Common problems that don’t actually need fixing

A lot of ‘broken’ electronics are actually not broken at all. As Powell said: “With washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers, most people don’t clean them like the instructions tell them to, which is all that is wrong with them. That’s especially true with tumble dryers. There’s a condenser part that people can’t see, which is often the cause of the problem.”

Repairs to avoid

Almost all broken electricals can be salvaged, however you need to make sure the cost of getting them repaired is worth the outlay.

On average, it costs from £75 to fix a faulty oven, fridge or freezer, and £55 to fix a broken washing machine, tumble-dryer of laptop.

Of course the amount will likely be more or less depending on where you live in the UK. But even in London, you can find prices akin to the above if you check out Repair Giant, which offers same-day service, fixed fee, and six months’ warranty on repairs.

While the above is a good starting point, the actual cost will depend on the type of fault. For example, washing machines are typically much cheaper to repair than replace.

Get your bearings…

However, as Powell pointed out, the opposite could be true, if the fault is caused by a washing machine’s bearings wearing out.

“If the bearings have gone it will cost £150 to £200 to replace, so it’s not worth it,” she said.

“I’d always tell people to put their hands inside the drum and whizz it around and see if you can hear it grinding, as it’s probably the drum in that case.

“If it’s anything other than drum, it’s definitely worth paying to get it repaired.

“A lot of people won’t bother getting a washer repaired if it breaks after three years. I got mine repaired when it was 10 years old, and it turned out to only be the fuse. It’s about 14 years old now and still working fine.”

Cracked TV screens are also extremely expensive to repair these days, as a replacement can end up costing more than a new TV.

Learn to repair your broken electricals

There are loads of local groups where enthusiasts get together and help each other learn new skills, from soldering and 3D printing to sewing and bike repairs (if you have more than just electricals you need to fix).

The Repair Cafe has over 250 free meeting sites across the UK and Ireland, which should have all the tools, materials, and knowledgeable amateurs to help you breathe new life into your broken tech.

They’re a great place to go to meet new like-minded friends and learn some new skills that could save you a pretty penny on repairs and replacements.

Repair parties

Another option is to go a Tupperware-style party where you can learn how to fix old kettles and electronics. They’re organised by the group Restart, which claims that a whopping 50% of all the electricals we send to recycling are fixable. To find a party near you, see here.

Earn money selling reconditioned electricals

If you learn to mend broken appliances, you could always make a nice side hustle fixing them up and selling them on.

Preloved is a good site if you’re trying to get a fair whack back for higher-spec ‘white goods’. There are lots of fridges and fridge-freezers listed on there for £400 to £800, unlike Gumtree, Facebook and other free sites like NextDoor, where fridges, ovens and the like, tend to sell for a song.

Make money from smashed mobile phones

Doing up old phones is another potential money-spinner. The average household has at least two smart phones that are no longer used, according to Music Magpie, and chances are you have at least two smart phones in a cupboard drawer that you could fix up and sell on.

These phones are also full of precious metals like cobalt, that would otherwise need to be mined (often by children and slaves) in the Congo, so there’s added incentive to recycle and re-use broken or out-of-date tech.

There are loads of YouTube tutorials out there on how to fix broken screens on phones and laptops.

Book on a course

You can also do a face-to-face course with Your Fix, whose team will teach you how to change broken mobile phone and tablet screens, batteries and all the other skills needed to launch your own repair business, from £299.

Given that repair shops charge up to £170 to repair a broken iPhone phone screen (including parts) you only need to fix a few phones to break even.

You can see which of the numerous second-hand mobile phone sites offer the best price for your phone, by checking out the comparison site Compare My Mobile, which collates all the best deals and directs you to the respective websites.

Newer models re-sell for large amounts. However, if your phone is more than a few years old, you won’t get much for it. The Samsung Galaxy J6, which one of our team bought in late-2019, will only fetch £5 on MazumaMobile. Even the Samsung A13 they spent £150 replacing it with in May this year would only fetch between £22 and £54 now, according to Compare My Mobile.

The downsides

The problem with a lot of tech, however, is they make it extremely difficult to fix yourself (think of mobile phones, and how you can’t even access the battery on newer models).

Apple even used to invalidate your warranty if you fixed you tried to fix your broken screen yourself (rather than pay Apple Care to do it).

Luckily, Apple quickly ditched that policy, but if you do repair a part yourself, that part is effectively invalidated on your warranty, meaning that if you fixed a broken screen or paid someone other than Apple to do it, your warranty will be valid on everything except a future broken screen. For more tips on selling old and reconditioned phones, read here.

Fixing GHDs and hair dryers

Other expensive electronics that you really ought to consider getting repaired are GHD hair straighteners, which are going to cost you between £149 and £379 to replace.

There are loads of companies out there specialising in GHD repairs, like GHD Angels, which charges £24.95, plus postage, to fix cracked wands. GHD Angels will also pay you £20 to £25 for products that are beyond repair. It even has a YouTube channel on repairing GHDs, if you want to have a stab yourself.

Again, there are loads of YouTubers out there with tutorials on how to fix GHDs and other expensive beauty gadgets.

Breathe new life into that old vacuum

Dysons and other vacuum cleaners are another type of electronic that are often easy to fix. The second-hand salesman at your local market or specialist repair shops that sells reconditioned Dysons will usually offer to either buy your old Dyson (as a part exchange) or sell you the bits you need to fix it.

A lot of seemingly ‘broken’ Dysons just need a new filter to get them running again.

One of our team sold an old Dyson that wasn’t salvageable for £20 to one of these repairers (who strip broken vacuums down for parts). While another ‘broken’ Dyson was fixed by simply replacing the battery with one from another machine.

If you have other tech you no longer want or use, see our piece on making money with a Tech Spring Clean.

The post Save hundreds of pounds fixing your broken electricals appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Tesco mobile: The hottest deals of the summer

It’s summer, which means sun-soaked getaways, time with family, barbecues on the beach and memories to last a lifetime. But something that could ruin a holiday? Your mobile phone. Whether it’s the short battery life, the slow system or the rubbish camera, this summer, don’t let your old device hold you back. 

We’ve been there. Every picture you take of your time away is blurred, pixelated and grainy. Finding directions online takes a lifetime due to your device lagging constantly. You’re terrified to use your data in case you incur extortionate roaming fees. If this sounds all too familiar, it may be just the time to treat yourself to a new phone. 

Buying a new device can feel daunting. There is an overwhelming number of options out there, and let’s not even talk about the prices charged for a brand spanking new phone. For many of us, it can seem out of reach. But here at MoneyMagpie, we want to save you as much money as possible and bring you the best deals out there. 

• Save money on your mobile
• iPhone 14
• Google Pixel 6a
• SIM only contracts

Save money on your mobile 

Luckily for you, the sun isn’t the only thing scorching this summer. Tesco Mobile has a huge range of fab deals just for you, saving you precious pennies. Pennies you can put towards your holiday instead – whether it be on days out with the kids, romantic dinners for two or that new swimwear you’ve been eyeing up.  

Tesco Mobile are here to help you savour the summer. Whilst many brands want you to spend your hard earned cash on summer fun, Tesco Mobile want to do just the opposite. At Tesco, summer savings are essential, which is why they have some real money-savers for you. 

With exclusive Clubcard prices and no EU roaming fees this Summer, put on your sunnies and take a look at these sizzling deals.  

iPhone 14 – £34.99 on Clubcard Price  

Save a whopping £126 on the iPhone 14. With an impressive dual-camera system – the best the iPhone has ever seen – capture stunning photos of your family, friends and loved ones in all light settings. Whether you’re in the blinding light of the outdoors or at a dimly lit, candlelight dinner, you can capture memories with clarity.  

With six colours to choose from, your new mobile can suit you to a T. With crash detection, emergency SOS and the ability to call for help when you can’t, you can rest easy knowing you have an extra layer of safety when going abroad.  

With 12GB of data and super-fast 5G, never wait around for your internet to catch up with you again. Plus, with a battery life that allows you to watch up to 26 hours of video at a time, you’ll never have to worry about running out of juice when you’re out and about. 

Get the iPhone 14 on Clubcard Price for just £34.99 per month here.  

Google Pixel 6a – £19.99 on Clubcard Price 

You aren’t ready for this one! Save a staggering £360 on the superfast and secure Google Pixel 6a. Described by Digital Spy as the best value android phone, Google Tensor makes this device powerful. Tensor is the chip made exclusively for the Pixel, putting the ‘smart’ in smartphone. 

Not only this, but the adaptive 24-hour battery means you can have a full day of texting, calling and snapping photos at your convenience, without the worry of a dead battery. Speaking of photos, you can make faces look sharper with Face Unblur, take beautiful photos of different skin tones and remove any unwanted objects with Magic Eraser. Say goodbye to that random person in the background of your glamourous holiday photoshoot! 

Coming in a sleek charcoal grey or a white chalk, get 12GB of data, unlimited texts and minutes and connect to 5G for a fast data experience. Not only that, but you’ll be the talk of the town with an elegant new mobile for just a fraction of the cost of what your friends pay. 

Get the Google Pixel 6a on Clubcard Price for just £19.99 here.  

SIM only contracts  

Are you a data fiend? Perhaps you go on business trips, travel a lot or somehow run out of data every single month doing the usual day-to-day. If this is the case, you’re in luck. 

With the SIM-only deals from Tesco Mobile, the days of racking up huge bills for going over your monthly data allowance are long gone. Now, you can get an amazing 100GB of data (yes, you read that right!) for just £16 per month for 24 months on Clubcard Price. Plus, get 3,000 Clubcard Points to enjoy in-store – that’s £30 worth of vouchers. Plus, they worth even more on Tesco Reward Partners. 

With free EU roaming for 2023, take your mobile usage global without the fear of data charges breaking the bank.  

Get your 100GB 24-month SIM-only contract for just £16 on Clubcard Price here. 

So, whether you’re looking to save money, get cheaper roaming costs, or upgrade your mobile for ease of use, Tesco Mobile has customers in mind. But hurry – these deals only last until 16th July 2023! Savour the summer with stunning photos and amazing memories. Join Tesco Mobile to start saving today. 

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

The post Tesco Mobile: The hottest deals of the Summer! appeared first on MoneyMagpie.