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Many of us are finding ourselves in the same boat this year, cutting back on day-to-day expenditure, and trying to keep an eye on what is going out. This is especially true in the lead up to Christmas, with many of our budgets stretched as it is. Planning, and only spending what we can means …

I am struggling a lot more than I thought I would be this year trying to organise myself for Christmas. I find myself cutting back on energy and other expenditure to afford other things as it is – and won’t be able to buy as many gifts this year. Can you offer any tips or advice? Read More »

It is important that you reach out to the courier to check that all the items the retailer claims have been delivered have been. If the courier claims that they have, but there is no sign of them, it could be that your delivery has been tampered with. You should check the packages that you …

I bought some Christmas decorations in a ‘preview’ Black Friday sale. Most of the baubles were smashed, and I am still waiting on one part of the package that they said has been delivered. They are refusing to take the goods back or offer a refund. Can you help? Read More »

They can be someone we’ve matched with on a dating site; someone who has contacted us out of the blue by email; or someone we have met in person. They may ask us to keep the relationship or communication a secret from our friends and family. Romance and companionship scammers play with people’s emotions, often …

Romance and Companionship Scams – What Do They Look Like? Read More »

There are several scams doing the rounds, with scammers claiming to be reaching out from official bodies such as the NHS. These types of scams were particularly common during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, with scammers contacting people with links to order a range of things, including testing kits and personal protective equipment. These …

I have been receiving calls, emails, and texts from various numbers, claiming to be reaching out from the NHS about Covid-19 boosters and testing and monkeypox jabs, but they do not seem like official messages. Can you help? Read More »

The cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on us all, and with increased energy prices set to rise further moving into the winter months, many are finding themselves in a similar situation. Most of us are doing the small things we can to save energy and bring our bills down, such as turning off lights …

I am really struggling to afford energy costs. My income barely covers my monthly bills and I worry that prices are going up again, leaving me in an impossible situation. Can you help? Read More »

I want to move my electricity meter, but I am having terrible difficulty arranging this with my energy supplier, and I have decided I am going to move it myself, by getting someone in to do it. Can you offer any advice? It is illegal for you to move or remove your energy meter by …

Energy Matters Matter: Your Questions Answered Read More »

Call blockers are used to reduce, and even stop nuisance calls altogether, and are usually pieces of physical hardware that plug into the landline. There are legitimate companies who provide this technology, however as you have discovered, there are also scammers who take advantage of people. Help from telecoms providers  Telecoms providers are doing more …

I have been getting a lot of calls from companies trying to sell me things, telling me I have won competitions, and requesting personal information. Recently, a company called trying to sell me a call blocker to stop scam calls and they were a scammer themselves. What can I do? Read More »

When you purchase a car or vehicle from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states that it should be of satisfactory quality. This means it should be in the condition expected of a car of its age and the price you paid, and in the case of a used vehicle, this includes it having …

I have issues with the brakes on my car, and when I took it to be checked, was advised that work was required on the brake pads. I was told by the dealership when I bought the car that these had been replaced. What rights do I have? Read More »

Scotland’s national advice service has launched a week-long campaign to help Scots simplify their spending amid the growing cost-of-living crisis. Advice Direct Scotland’s financial awareness campaign will highlight useful tips for people struggling with debt, energy bills, or overspending. It will also promote the support available to people in Scotland, such as a free benefits …

Campaign launched to help Scots ‘simplify spending’ amid cost-of-living crisis Read More »

As you may have seen recently in the news, the price of energy is going up. This means that for many of us, the increase of direct debit amounts is inevitable, however there are things that we can check to make sure that the jump is not for other reasons. Estimated Bills The first thing …

I have received a massive bill in from my energy supplier telling me that my payments are not covering my energy costs. They have told me my direct debit is going up to double the amount from next month, but I am already struggling with debt. What can I do? Read More »