Chats with the Chancellor & how to cut credit card debt
Jan 10, 2024
auto_awesome
Martin Lewis shares his visit to No. 11 Downing Street and his conversation with the Chancellor. Strategies for cutting credit card debt are discussed. Listeners share their financial tips. Other topics include ISAs, child benefit, inflation, managing debt, money-saving tips, cashback accounts, childcare support, and a Groupon cinema deal.
Consider balance transfers and prioritize debt repayment for cutting credit card costs.
Explore government schemes and seek help from nonprofit debt counseling agencies for financial assistance and debt management.
Deep dives
How to Slash Credit Card Costs
To cut credit card costs, consider doing a balance transfer to a zero percent interest card and prioritize paying off the highest APR debt first. Use eligibility calculators to find cards that are likely to accept you. If you cannot afford the minimum monthly payments, have high levels of debt relative to your income, or are struggling with sleepless nights or anxiety over debt, seek help from nonprofit debt counseling agencies. Additionally, explore government schemes like tax-free childcare and the funded childcare program for financial assistance with childcare expenses.
Understanding Legal Tender and Coin Usage
Legal tender refers to currency that cannot be refused in payment of a court-ordered debt. Coins in the UK have certain restrictions on their usage based on their face value, dictating the maximum amount they can legally be used for. For example, a 50p coin is legal tender up to 10p. However, these restrictions do not limit the overall usability of the coins for general transactions.
Managing Credit Card Repayments
If you can afford the minimum monthly repayments, consider doing a balance transfer to lower interest rate cards and focus on paying off the debts with the highest APR first. For those struggling with repayments or experiencing sleepless nights and anxiety over debt, seek help from nonprofit debt counseling agencies to develop a debt management plan or explore other potential debt solutions.
Tips for Childcare Funding and Support
Parents in England can apply for funded childcare for two-year-olds, starting in April. Depending on income, parents may be eligible for help with childcare costs through universal credit, tax credits, or tax-free childcare schemes. It's important to check eligibility and apply for available benefits. In addition, the tax-free childcare scheme offers government contributions to childcare savings for working parents. Consult nonprofit debt counseling agencies and benefits calculators to explore options for financial support.
This week on the podcast, Martin tells Nihal about his visit to No. 11 Downing Street and his conversation with the Chancellor. He has a masterclass in how to cut your credit card debt, and you ‘Tell Us’ some of your financial tips and tricks from 2023.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode