Have you been caught out by Currys PC World’s Knowhow set-up service?
by Lauren Deitz @ Which? Conversation
Thu Mar 15 17:06:17 PDT 2018
Plenty of us have been caught out by a sales tactic at some point. Most recently, a number of you have told us how you’ve fallen for one used by Currys PC World… You’ve done your research, meticulously picked what you plan to buy, yet somehow a crafty yet appealing offer manages to get the […]
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What are your solutions to our plastic waste problem?
by malcolm r @ Which? Conversation
Fri Mar 23 17:06:53 PDT 2018
Plastic packaging is a hot topic at the moment, with many in agreement that we need better solutions to reduce waste. Our guest and community member, Malcolm R, puts forward some plastic-saving suggestions and asks for your contributions. In January, we discussed here on Which? Conversation ‘Who is responsible for reducing our plastic waste?’ and […]
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Scam watch: could an investment offer catch you off-guard?
by Faye Lipson @ Which? Conversation
Fri Feb 16 16:03:38 PST 2018
Should you invest in a firm that contacts you out of the blue? As one member discovered, it’s very risky – especially when they ask you for personal details and sensitive documents… An anonymous Which? member told us: ‘A firm called Taylor & Clark called my dad about investing in a lithium-mining venture. Taylor & […]
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Spend or save – what do you do with your spare pennies?
by Lauren Deitz @ Which? Conversation
Fri Feb 09 16:03:36 PST 2018
Are you harbouring a pot full of copper coins with no idea how to change or spend them? Or do you make sure you spend those pennies straight away? Perhaps it’s time to do away with them altogether… The coin pouch of my purse is bursting at the seams. Not because I have a stash […]
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Renters could save £1,150 as new energy rules for landlords come into force
by Robert Goodman @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 07:46:29 PDT 2018
RENTERS could save up to £1,150 a year on their energy bills thanks to new rules which come into force next week. From April 1 the Government’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards will come into play. Getty - Contributor The changes will force landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties – and could face […]
Instagram launches Instagram Shopping function in the UK
by Alex Rolfe @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Tue Mar 27 02:46:59 PDT 2018
Instagram has introduced a direct-to-consumer e-commerce brand with the launch of Instagram Shopping in the UK, an update on the social media platform allows consumers to seamlessly purchase products directly from businesses. The development marks the Facebook-owned firm’s most significant push into e-commerce since the introduction of Instagram for Business tools in 2016 and since [...]
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Have your taps ever run dry?
by Poppy Gaunt @ Which? Conversation
Thu Mar 08 16:03:16 PST 2018
Running water is something we take for granted in the UK, but with recent water shortages affecting many areas of the country, is that set to change? And do you know your rights when your supply is cut off? Last weekend, my house was one of more than 20,000 households in London left without water. […]
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Council tax will soar by an average of £81 in England next month as ministers confirm 5.1% hike – the highest rise in 14 YEARS
by Natasha Clark @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 07:43:23 PDT 2018
COUNCIL tax bills are set to soar by an average of £81 next month as ministers confirmed a 5.1 per cent hike in England. Last year Sajid Javid gave councils permission to hike bills, including providing extra money to pay for social care and policing. Struggling families will now face the steepest hike in 14 […]
A city in California is considering launching its own cryptocurrency
by Oliver Smith @ The Memo
Thu Feb 08 04:17:23 PST 2018
Local government funding is a tough gig. In Britain, dozens of local councils are running up huge budget deficits, while some cities are taking Silicon Valley handouts to try and reduce poverty. Now the US city of Berkeley is considering launching its own cryptocurrency, as a way for residents to invest in their local community […]
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What’s stopping you from driving an electric car?
by Ian @ Which? Conversation
Thu Feb 22 08:06:57 PST 2018
It’s just been announced that a fleet of super-fast charging points for electric vehicles will be installed along the UK’s main motorways. Which? Conversation community member Ian asks if this will be enough to encourage you to make the electric shift… The new network of charging points will be set up by the National Grid. It […]
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Are you concerned about spending and saving?
by Eva Groeneveld @ Which? Conversation
Tue Mar 27 16:06:25 PDT 2018
Our latest research suggests that Scottish consumers have more concerns about public spending cuts, the cost of essentials and the state of the economy than the rest of the UK. Whether you’re a Scottish resident or you live elsewhere, does this ring true with you? We’ve just published our latest Consumer Insight Report for Scotland, […]
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Things worth reading: 27th March 2018
by Chris M Skinner @ Chris Skinner's blog
Mon Mar 26 23:09:18 PDT 2018
Things we’re reading today include … Credit card debt growth at 12-year high Europe’s costly financial shake-up may yet benefit a post-Brexit UK Billion euro cyber-suspect arrested in Spain Senior banker quits Queen’s lender Coutts after harassment complaints London should team up with Zurich in push for open European markets, …
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Is the product safety system failing you?
by Peter Vicary-Smith @ Which? Conversation
Wed Feb 14 16:04:13 PST 2018
Product safety is a burning issue, and yet the government’s new product safety team doesn’t have the right tools for the job. Our End Dangerous Products campaign is calling on the government to publish an Action Plan for the new Office for Product Safety and Standards within the next 90 days. Tragically, the risk posed […]
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Ordering online blooms this Valentine’s? Think again
by Oliver Smith @ The Memo
Fri Feb 09 03:20:42 PST 2018
It’s the most loved-up time of the year but, if you’re hoping to truly impress the most important person in your life, maybe avoid ordering online. While online flowers from the likes of Bloom & Wild and Moonpig have ‘blossomed’ in recent years, according to consumer group Which?, these online players were found to be […]
The post Ordering online blooms this Valentine’s? Think again appeared first on The Memo.
Things worth reading: 22nd March 2018
by Chris M Skinner @ Chris Skinner's blog
Wed Mar 21 22:44:51 PDT 2018
Things we’re reading today include … What’s Your Bank Learning From Your Cell Phone? Deutsche Bank Falls as CFO Warns of Securities Unit Headwind Economists promote low-volatility cryptocurrency backed by dollars EU launches £4.4bn tax raid on tech giants Europe’s banks told to keep planning for full Brexit in 2019 …
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What did Drew Kirk from Neighbours do after leaving the cast? Here’s what actor Dan Paris is up to now
by jnewton @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 07:39:06 PDT 2018
DREW Kirk was Ramsay Street’s hunky mechanic known for his luscious locks and fairytale wedding to Libby Kennedy. Played by actor Dan Paris, Drew first appeared on Neighbours in 1998 as the country boy who came to work at Carpenter’s Mechanics – but what is he up to now? We’ve got the lowdown. What was […]
Splitting the family estate – how can all concerned get a fair deal?
by Paul Handford @ Which? Conversation
Mon Feb 12 09:27:22 PST 2018
What do you do when you and your siblings are all left equal shares in a property but another sibling currently occupies the home that needs to be split? We were recently asked for advice on the following conundrum: ‘Our mother died in 2013 leaving the estate to be divided between siblings. My brother and his […]
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Why are we buying fewer smartphones?
by Michael Passingham @ Which? Conversation
Fri Mar 02 07:33:12 PST 2018
The latest smartphone sales figures make for bleak reading for the big brands. For the first time on record, global smartphone sales have fallen, down by 5.6% in the last quarter of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. Have we fallen out of love with smartphones? According to analysts at Gartner, almost 408 […]
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What’s the best feature of your kitchen gadgets?
by Alice Williams @ Which? Conversation
Mon Feb 19 09:40:15 PST 2018
Many of us own at least a couple of kitchen gadgets – appliances designed to make everyday cooking and baking tasks easier. But what’s the difference between a favourite food prep product and the one that sits in the back of the cupboard gathering dust? For me, it doesn’t always come down to how well […]
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Linkey: Buy your Valentine a gift that helps the homeless
by Kitty Knowles @ The Memo
Fri Feb 09 03:17:09 PST 2018
Sick of wasting money on tacky Valentine’s Day gifts? Let’s be honest, no one actually like those naff cards or edible undies. Fortunately, this year, you can buy your beau a present that spreads the love in a more meaningful way. Use Linkey to help a homeless person feel the dignity we all deserve. The […]
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Wellcome Book Prize: 5 brilliant books about life & death
by Kitty Knowles @ The Memo
Thu Feb 08 23:30:27 PST 2018
We all want to live longer. But surely that only applies if we can also live better? Fortunately, this year’s longlist for the Wellcome Book Prize includes a number of fantastic titles about life and death – fighting illness, and future healthcare. Whether you love novels, memoirs, or stirring non-fiction, lose yourself in one of our five picks… 1) To Be […]
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What happens to vital consumer protections after Brexit?
by Peter Vicary-Smith @ Which? Conversation
Tue Mar 13 17:06:30 PDT 2018
Many areas of our lives, including healthcare abroad, keeping our homes warm and travel rights, are protected by EU laws that need much greater attention during Brexit negotiations. That’s why we’ve launched our Consumer Charter. Politicians have been playing Punch and Judy over Brexit for the past 18 months – and it’s true that there […]
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Beastly commutes: is it time for auto comp for train delays?
by Lauren Deitz @ Which? Conversation
Wed Feb 28 08:10:23 PST 2018
It’s snow joke: commuting has been a pain this week. Delays and cancellations have been rife, despite the ‘Beast from the East’ snow storm arriving pretty much as predicted. So is it time for train passengers to get automatic compensation for delays and cancellations? Many of you will have been graced with a dusting, or […]
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Check before paying in cheques via branch machines
the Guardian
I paid some money into my account via a machine. I didn't notice it hadn't cashed until three months later
Have you been left hanging by an appointment no-show?
by Amelia Wade @ Which? Conversation
Sun Mar 04 16:03:38 PST 2018
You’ve arranged to work from home or taken the day off, popped the kettle on and are ready to go for 9am when the smart meter installer promised to come round. They’ve agreed to turn up within a time slot but as that window closes, your rage rises. Is this a familiar story? All that […]
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What the heck is… the Google Waymo vs Uber lawsuit
by Oliver Smith @ The Memo
Thu Feb 08 23:30:35 PST 2018
Our weekly series What The Heck Is… exists to shed light on the strange unexplained acronyms and unfamiliar buzzwords that creep into our everyday lives. From centaur teams to Singles’ Day we’re on a mission to explain the difficult to explain. Today, we’re looking at a fierce battle raging right now in US courts – […]
The post What the heck is… the Google Waymo vs Uber lawsuit appeared first on The Memo.
Has your parcel been excessively packaged?
by Ellie Simmonds @ Which? Conversation
Sat Mar 17 17:03:29 PDT 2018
Good things come in small parcels, so why do some companies deliver their goods in excessive packaging? It’s hard not to feel a little rush of excitement when the postman or a courier hands you an unexpectedly big parcel to unwrap. That excitement can quickly change not just to disappointment but full-on disgust when you […]
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FinTech in 2018: Great Expectations?
by Simon Hardie @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Wed Mar 28 02:28:29 PDT 2018
In 1997, the notorious British media tycoon Richard Desmond declared that the internet would have little to no effect on the way newspapers were run. Fast forward twenty years, and media titles mainly survive through the internet, with print sales having declined by two-thirds between 2005 and 2015. Ever since new financial technologies began proliferating [...]
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Should you ditch your bank and invest in a lend-to-save instead?
by Dana @ Banking Guide
Tue Apr 30 07:53:45 PDT 2013
Officially known as peer-to-peer lending, lend-to-save cuts out the banks and allows investors to lend directly to borrowers. The benefits...
World’s first multi cryptocurrency instant-messaging payments system
by Alex Rolfe @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Fri Mar 23 07:12:50 PDT 2018
TransCrypt is using Telegram as a base to launch a new universal cryptocurrency payment system that acts within the interface of popular messaging platforms, allowing users to send or receive payments via message in all major cryptocurrencies. With TransCrypt, users can carry out cryptocurrency transactions, convert currencies, purchase tokens and pay for services on all [...]
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Barclays pilots mobile cheque deposit
Payments Cards & Mobile
Continuing its theme of pushing technology for consumer benefit (and cost savings) Barclays Bank says it will pilot a scheme allowing customers to pay cheques, via mobile cheque deposit, into their accounts via pictures taken on their mobile
Payment card acceptance set to surge by 40% to 85 million outlets worldwide
by Alex Rolfe @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Wed Mar 28 02:46:20 PDT 2018
The latest cards research, Global Payment Cards Data and Forecasts to 2022, reveals that the number of card-accepting merchant outlets rose by an impressive 7 million in 2016 to 61 million. Double-digit growth was recorded across Asia-Pacific, central and eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa. Despite recent strong growth, all three regions continue [...]
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Things worth reading: 28th March 2018
by Chris M Skinner @ Chris Skinner's blog
Tue Mar 27 23:38:17 PDT 2018
Things we’re reading today include … Will Brexit Trigger an Exodus of Banks From London? Goldman vice chair turned down Deutsche Bank’s CEO offer Deutsche Bank Sparring Is Another Blow to the Lender Can Deutsche Bank Be Fixed? TSB to start linking to rivals’ loan deals online in bid to …
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Who is Louise Craig? MasterChef 2018 contestant and mother-of-three who hails from Wales
by Fay STRANG @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 07:50:42 PDT 2018
Louise Craig is a fitness instructor and aspiring chef who has already made her mark on MasterChef. The Welsh mum-of-three had everyone talking about her meatballs in the first round, but what else do we know about her? Who is Louise Craig? Louise Craig is a fitness instructor from Llanelli, Wales. She is a mum-of-three […]
Facebook share price – latest stock value as shares fall by more than the value of Starbucks following Cambridge Analytica data scandal
by Saqib Shah @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 07:37:13 PDT 2018
FACEBOOK’S shares continue to nosedive since its privacy blunder a few weeks ago, wiping more than £67billion off the company’s value. But what’s caused the sharp decline? And can Facebook fix the problem? How much have Facebook shares fallen by? Shares of Facebook began plummeting on Tuesday, March 27, after the US consumer protection regulator said […]
Celebrating the art of good conversation: what’s your all-time favourite convo?
by Alex Whittle @ Which? Conversation
Mon Mar 19 09:41:55 PDT 2018
It’s National Conversation Week and as that’s what we’re best at here on Which? Conversation, we thought we’d celebrate with a look at our favourite discussions… It doesn’t matter whether they’re with friends or strangers, easy chats or difficult discussions, here on Which? Conversation, we thrive on having in-depth discussions. And we welcome different opinions […]
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Brief cases: member refunded for problematic car battery
by Which? Legal @ Which? Conversation
Sat Mar 24 17:03:17 PDT 2018
It’s frustrating when you’re trying to resolve a problem that concerns more than one company. We help a member get his money back after his car battery stopped working and both the retailer and the car dealership refused to help. Which? Legal member John Smith bought a new car battery from Kwikfit in July 2017. […]
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Care home contracts: is the devil in the detail?
by Lauren Deitz @ Which? Conversation
Fri Mar 02 16:03:30 PST 2018
Arranging care can often come at the most difficult of times. Decisions may be forced without too much consideration. You finally settle on a home for your elderly relative or friend and sign on the dotted line, but did you read and understand the contract? When we took a deeper look at care home contracts […]
The post Care home contracts: is the devil in the detail? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
Let’s jet together to fix private air travel…
by Clive Jackson @ The Memo
Fri Feb 09 04:00:39 PST 2018
Editor’s Note: Clive Jackson is Founder-CEO of Alyssum Group – owner of leading private jet charter marketplace Victor. He’s also one of The Memo’s Influencers, a group of industry experts sharing their views. I’ve been asked a few times already this year – where do I see private aviation heading in 2018? It’s an apt question, because […]
The post Let’s jet together to fix private air travel… appeared first on The Memo.
Juventus vs Real Madrid: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Champions League clash
by Joseph Miles @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 08:26:36 PDT 2018
TWO of Europe’s biggest clubs are set to lock horns in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Juventus will be seeking revenge after Real Madrid thumped them 4-1 in the final of the competition last year. But Massimiliano Allegri’s side could head into the first-leg fixture at the Juventus Stadium without five first-team players. Zinedine […]
Hannah Glasse – why is the English cookbook writer being celebrated by Google Doodle on her 310th birthday?
by Patrick Knox @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 07:50:45 PDT 2018
HANNAH Glasse is hardly a name synonymous with celebrity chefs – but the British cook was one of the first. Here’s why the cookbook author is being celebrated with a Google Doodle on what would have been her 310th birthday. Who was Hannah Glasse? Born on March 28, 1708, Glasse would go on to be […]
What’s the oldest item in your food cupboard?
by Melanie Train @ Which? Conversation
Sat Feb 10 16:03:51 PST 2018
Now here’s a challenge for you this weekend. Find the oldest store cupboard item in your kitchen. Once you’ve done that, think about it very carefully. Would you still eat it? What if it was out of date by over 18 years? A recent investigation by the Daily Mail saw ageing food stuffs being sent […]
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Has one of your favourite food products been discontinued?
by George Martin @ Which? Conversation
Fri Mar 16 17:03:45 PDT 2018
Ever had a favourite food or drink that you enjoy regularly, only for it to disappear from the shelves? It’s not uncommon for companies to discontinue products with no explanation – which ones do you miss? Some products aren’t built to last, but while our older tech will always get replaced by the latest and […]
The post Has one of your favourite food products been discontinued? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
Paying HSBC cheque into HSBC account
Accountant Forums
Does anyone know if a HSBC cheque paid into an HSBC account clears in theusual 4 days cycle or quicker as they are both HSBC?
Anthony Crolla v Edson Ramirez: Start time, TV channel, and live stream for Joshua vs Parker undercard fight
by jsheridan @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 07:57:03 PDT 2018
ANTHONY CROLLA is back in the ring as he looks to mount another world title challenge. ‘Million Dollar’ saw off Ricky Burns in an epic bout that went the distance in October and still harbours hopes of reclaiming his WBA crown. To set up that fight he must first overcome Edson Ramirez in Cardiff, with […]
Things worth reading: 21st March 2018
by Chris M Skinner @ Chris Skinner's blog
Tue Mar 20 23:30:58 PDT 2018
Things we’re reading today include … Hurricanes push Lloyd’s of London to £2bn loss ANZ fails to give royal commission email showing years of inaction on alleged misconduct Brussels to offer City market access — but on EU’s terms Tencent and Allianz lead $160m funding for German online bank N26 …
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Snowmageddon… did you stockpile food?
by Hannah Jolliffe @ Which? Conversation
Tue Mar 06 07:57:45 PST 2018
We’re used to roads and railways grinding to a halt at the faintest whiff of snow – but empty supermarket shelves are a rare sight. Our guest, Hannah Jolliffe, asks: did you run out of supplies during the snowy spell, or are you a savvy stockpiler? The messages started coming through last Friday on my street’s […]
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Is Reading vs QPR on TV? Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for the Championship clash
by Helen Rowe-Willcocks @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 08:01:36 PDT 2018
READING welcome Queens Park Rangers to the Madejski Stadium on Friday for Paul Clement’s first game in charge. Clement took over as Royals manager following the departure of Japp Stam and is Reading’s fifth permanent manager since 2013. What time is kick-off? THIS game takes place on Friday, March 30. The match will be held at […]
The overpriced financial products you can live without
by Jenny Ross @ Which? Conversation
Wed Feb 14 08:04:47 PST 2018
The financial services sector ploughs millions of pounds into advertising every year. But the products don’t always live up to their slick ad campaigns and eye-catching marketing claims. Have you ever bought a financial product that’s turned out to be a dud? When buying an insurance policy or choosing a bank account, it’s not as […]
The post The overpriced financial products you can live without appeared first on Which? Conversation.
How much are smart meters costing you?
by Steve McCabe MP @ Which? Conversation
Mon Mar 12 04:00:52 PDT 2018
Which? research shows that energy companies would need to work round the clock – installing 24 smart meters per minute – in order to meet the 2020 roll-out target. Guest author Steve McCabe MP tells us why this isn’t good enough… I was interested to read the investigation into smart meters in the last month’s […]
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What’s more important at the supermarket: price or experience?
by Vicki Crowe @ Which? Conversation
Wed Feb 14 05:19:27 PST 2018
The results of our annual supermarket survey are in and there’s a new top shop in town. But while it scores highly for value for money, it rates lower than others for in-store experience. What’s your preference? A recent Which? survey of 6,800 people has seen German discounter Aldi knock Waitrose off the top spot […]
The post What’s more important at the supermarket: price or experience? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
The Memo has joined Forbes
by Alex Wood @ The Memo
Mon Feb 12 02:00:12 PST 2018
Dear Reader, It’s my pleasure to share with you some exciting news about The Memo. We launched in April 2015 with the mission to make the future more human. Since then we have broken stories that have made international news and caught the attention of the world’s media with countless industry awards. Today, we are […]
The post The Memo has joined Forbes appeared first on The Memo.
A pensions dashboard – what should that look like?
by Genevieve Lloyd @ Which? Conversation
Tue Feb 20 09:22:13 PST 2018
From our health and fitness to finances and travel, we’ve increasingly moved online to manage our lives. Now imagine you could better manage your retirement savings by simply downloading an app or logging in online – what would that look like and how would you use it? The pensions dashboard has the potential to transform […]
The post A pensions dashboard – what should that look like? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
Will you be saying it with flowers this Valentine’s Day?
by Vicki Crowe @ Which? Conversation
Thu Feb 08 16:03:31 PST 2018
How do Valentine’s Day flowers bought online fare? Should you share the love and splash out on your Valentine or do you think the whole event is just over-commercialised nonsense? With help from our expert at Which? Gardening, we recently compared Valentine’s Day-style bouquets predominantly made up of red roses from some of the biggest […]
The post Will you be saying it with flowers this Valentine’s Day? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
Awesome time-tracking app transforms life for kids with autism
by Kitty Knowles @ The Memo
Fri Feb 09 03:57:38 PST 2018
Caring for a child with a learning disability can feel tough. Conditions like autism or ADHD, in particular, can make even the simplest of daily tasks a challenge. Now though, Canadian software developer Pierre Séguin has created an app to help make life for kids – and their families – less stressful and more fun. […]
The post Awesome time-tracking app transforms life for kids with autism appeared first on The Memo.
How can we fix the broken housing complaints system?
by Sajid Javid @ Which? Conversation
Mon Feb 26 05:45:21 PST 2018
On 18 February, the government launched an eight-week consultation aiming to shape a better complaints system for housing issues. Here, our guest, Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, outlines the government’s plans… Rarely a day goes past that I don’t hear about a problem someone is having with their […]
The post How can we fix the broken housing complaints system? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
Win! Regulator recommends urgent action on care
by Lauren Deitz @ Which? Conversation
Tue Mar 06 05:13:27 PST 2018
It’s a huge win for our Care Needs Care Now campaign as the Competition and Markets Authority agrees with us that urgent action is needed in the care home market. We now call on the government to take action, are you with us? In October, we urged the Competition and Markets Authority to heed our […]
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Who are Gaynor Knightley and Suzanne Wells on The Mummy Diaries? The lowdown on Sam Faiers’ mum and mother-in-law
by Fay STRANG @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 08:01:50 PDT 2018
SUZANNE Wells is Sam and Billie Faiers’ incredibly youthful looking mum. Gaynor Knightley is Sam’s boyfriend Paul’s mother, who she has a very close relationship with. Both the women appear in The Mummy Diaries, but what else do we know about them? Who is Suzanne Wells? Suzanne Wells is the mother of Sam and Billie […]
Are halls the hub of university life?
by Paul Ellet @ Which? Conversation
Fri Feb 23 16:03:12 PST 2018
More students are now living at home and travelling in to uni for lectures, says a report. It might make financial sense, but aren’t those students losing out on the overall university experience? Latest figures from Hesa suggest that at some universities over half of undergraduates are ‘commuter students’. In other words, they are living […]
The post Are halls the hub of university life? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
Could your tech be secure by design?
by Pete Moorey @ Which? Conversation
Wed Mar 07 09:47:53 PST 2018
Today, Which? hosted Digital Minister, Margot James, and leading lights from the tech industry to launch the government’s new code of practice for manufacturers of connected technology. What security standards do you expect of your smart tech? In its 60 years of existence, Which? has been a champion of consumers’ rights, given advice on products and […]
The post Could your tech be secure by design? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
Chequebook with your back account - is this still the norm?
Which? Conversation
Do you automatically get a chequebook with your bank account? Should you only get a chequebook if you ask your bank for one?
Do you know your options when choosing NHS care?
by David Hare @ Which? Conversation
Sat Feb 17 16:03:17 PST 2018
You need NHS treatment, but you’re not happy about where you have to go for it. You ignore the bad reviews from the neighbours because it’s your only option, right? Wrong. David Hare from NHS Partners Network explains more about your right to choose NHS care… It’s no wonder more and more people are worried […]
The post Do you know your options when choosing NHS care? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
New Visa Chargeback Rules – Visa Claims Resolution – coming in April 2018
by Alex Rolfe @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Mon Mar 26 04:37:40 PDT 2018
On April 15, 2018, Visa’s new rules on chargebacks, called Visa Claims Resolution or VCR will come into effect. This new program has already gone live in Hong Kong and New Zealand in October 2017. Now these new rules will be migrated to all the remaining countries. It is not clear at this point if [...]
The post New Visa Chargeback Rules – Visa Claims Resolution – coming in April 2018 appeared first on Payments Cards & Mobile.
Family reveal stripper booked for birthday party was black cab rapist John Worboys
by Alexander Wellman @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 08:13:51 PDT 2018
A FAMILY spoke of their horror after discovering a strippergram hired for a birthday bash was black cab rapist John Worboys. Care worker Ann O’Callaghan also revealed how pervert Worboys even stayed on for an extra hour tucking into food with his privates still on show after his x-rated performance had finished. Ann paid around £80 […]
The new PCI DSS 3.2 standards – New authentication requirements for cardholder data
by PCM Contributor @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Wed Mar 28 02:14:45 PDT 2018
Poor password management – including the continued reliance on default, stolen, weak and non-unique passwords – is a key factor in more than 80% of hack-driven breaches, according to Verizon’s 2017 Data Breach Investigation Report. In response to growing waives of fraud and data leakage, the PCI Security Standards Council, the global payment card authority, is [...]
The post The new PCI DSS 3.2 standards – New authentication requirements for cardholder data appeared first on Payments Cards & Mobile.
Who is Greg Shepherd? How did he meet Mummy Diaries star Billie Faiers and where will they get married?
by tpearce @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 08:02:17 PDT 2018
BILLIE Faier’s fiancé Greg Shepherd is back on our screens for the second season of The Mummy Diaries. So, how did he meet Billie Faiers? When did they get engaged and where will they get married? Who is Greg Shepherd? Greg is a 29-year-old broker and businessman based in Essex. Little else is known about him […]
How did you save for a deposit for your first home?
by Lauren Deitz @ Which? Conversation
Fri Feb 23 07:31:50 PST 2018
Getting enough funds to buy a property isn’t always an easy ride – our research reveals that many people move back in with parents, work overtime or sell possessions to get on the ladder. What lengths did you go to save a deposit for your first home? I bought my first home almost two years […]
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Good news? Toilet charges are being flushed away
by Hannah Jolliffe @ Which? Conversation
Fri Mar 09 16:06:43 PST 2018
Network Rail has announced plans to scrap toilet charges at its stations from 2019 – so no more scrabbling around for loose change when you’re waiting for a train. Our guest author, Hannah Jolliffe, asks: should you pay to spend a penny? I’m lucky enough to not have to travel by train too often anymore, […]
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Would you complain about a shoddy service or problematic product?
by Oscar Webb @ Which? Conversation
Tue Mar 27 07:00:13 PDT 2018
New stats suggest that not nearly enough of us are complaining when we have reason to. Our guest author, Oscar Webb, joins us to ask: what’s stopping you from making a complaint? According to the Ombudsman Services’ annual Consumer Action Monitor report, UK consumers experienced 173 million issues with products and services last year. Yet only […]
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Scam watch: could you be fooled by a fake Twitter account?
by Faye Lipson @ Which? Conversation
Thu Mar 22 10:10:25 PDT 2018
Using Twitter to complain to a company about its service can be a swift and effective way of getting results. But beware if the ‘company’ suddenly private messages you – it may not be the genuine article, as one member discovered… A member told us how they’d been hoodwinked by a fraudster on Twitter, believing […]
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Things worth reading: 20th March 2018
by Chris M Skinner @ Chris Skinner's blog
Mon Mar 19 23:22:12 PDT 2018
Things we’re reading today include … RBS works up plans for standalone digital bank FCA calls for global effort to speed up fintech growth Aldermore to push into business banking following FirstRand takeover Catching cyber-crooks From Wall Street to weed: How the financial crisis lit up the pot industry U.S. bans …
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Mobile payments set to start in 2014
by Dana @ Banking Guide
Thu Jan 17 06:34:08 PST 2013
Our mobile phones are the thing we are least likely to leave at home, whether we use them to keep...
Update: stopping bank transfer scams – what would meaningful action look like?
by Vanessa Furey @ Which? Conversation
Tue Feb 27 16:09:53 PST 2018
Our research has found that people are still losing life-changing sums of money to fraudsters exploiting bank transfer payments. So, how much longer should we wait for effective action from industry? Last year, as part of our super-complaint to the Payment Systems Regulator, we collected evidence from nearly 600 victims of fraud who told us […]
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Who is Anne-Marie Sterpini? MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace’s fourth wife after meeting on Twitter
by Josie Griffiths @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 07:30:21 PDT 2018
MASTERCHEF supremo Gregg Wallace has been divorced three times but is now happily married to his fourth wife. Here’s the inside track on Anne-Marie Sterpini, who usually goes by the name Anna, and how she met the TV star. Who is Anne-Marie Sterpini? Anne-Marie is a caterer who first made contact with Gregg, 53, online to […]
Will this change in the law in Scotland empower consumers?
by Liam McArthur @ Which? Conversation
Mon Mar 26 06:39:19 PDT 2018
If a business breached your consumer rights would you want Which? to fight for you and others affected in court? We welcome Liam McArthur, Scottish Liberal Democrat Member of the Scottish Parliament for Orkney, as our guest to explain more… In 2003, JJB Sports was fined over £8.37m by the Office for Fair Trading for […]
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Do you want to see calorie information when you eat out?
by Sue Davies @ Which? Conversation
Mon Feb 26 16:06:12 PST 2018
A review by Cambridge University has looked at whether providing calorie information in places that we eat at out at, such as in restaurants and cafes, has any impact on what we actually choose. Would having this information affect your decision? From the studies available, the review found that having this information leads to around […]
The post Do you want to see calorie information when you eat out? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
The big Boss It Like alumni list
by Oliver Smith @ The Memo
Mon Feb 12 03:38:59 PST 2018
Over three years at The Memo, our weekly Boss It Like profiles have become one of our most popular series. It’s no surprise: who doesn’t want to find out how the world’s top business leaders and entrepreneurs manage to get so much done? Whether it’s the apps they use or the time they wake up, […]
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Real-time payments to drive revenue growth according to ASEAN benchmark data report
by Alex Rolfe @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Fri Mar 23 08:47:10 PDT 2018
ASEAN financial institutions are focusing increasing investment on payments modernisation, with real-time payments capabilities serving as the first step to digital transformation across consumer and corporate services, per new benchmark data, “2018 ASEAN Payments Insight Survey: Real-Time Payments Modernisation and Innovation,” from ACI Worldwide and Ovum. ASEAN member states, driven by market forces and developments in [...]
The post Real-time payments to drive revenue growth according to ASEAN benchmark data report appeared first on Payments Cards & Mobile.
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Trustpilot
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Brief cases: faulty washing machine claim settled in full
by Which? Legal @ Which? Conversation
Sat Feb 24 16:03:12 PST 2018
All too often retailers refuse to help when products develop a fault – like this case of a faulty Bosch washing machine from John Lewis. So, what do you do when you feel like you’re being fobbed off? Which? Legal member Ernest James bought a washing machine from John Lewis in September 2014. Just 18 […]
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Has an online retailer got your refund rights wrong?
by Melissa Massey @ Which? Conversation
Wed Mar 21 09:40:23 PDT 2018
When it comes to returning a faulty or unwanted item you purchased online, you actually have strengthened shopping rights. But how clearly do retailers explain these rights to you? If you’re looking to return an unwanted or faulty good you bought online, your first port of call will be the website from which you made […]
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Update: will the proposed energy price cap be enough?
by Pete Moorey @ Which? Conversation
Tue Feb 13 04:10:55 PST 2018
Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans to tackle rip-off energy bills with an energy price cap. But will such a cap be enough to help you? During her speech to Conservative Party Conference, Theresa May announced plans for an energy price cap. The Prime Minister said: ‘The energy market punishes loyalty with higher prices, […]
The post Update: will the proposed energy price cap be enough? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
How often do you check your utility bills?
by Melanie Train @ Which? Conversation
Wed Feb 21 08:15:18 PST 2018
April is just around the corner and this means that the bills I pay in 8 or 10 monthly instalments, such as water and council tax, are landing on my doormat. Have your bills for the year ahead arrived yet, and have you checked them? I’m ashamed to say that in the past I haven’t […]
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Getting rid of cashpoints is ripping apart communities: is yours affected?
by Peter Vicary-Smith @ Which? Conversation
Sat Mar 03 16:03:42 PST 2018
Thousands of free-to-use cashpoints are at risk of closure, which could have a real impact in rural communities, where residents rely on them to access their cash. At an event in Parliament this week, we once again urged the regulator to step in… For millions of us living in small towns and villages across the […]
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Has the Cambridge Analytica scandal prompted you to #deletefacebook?
by Amelia Wade @ Which? Conversation
Fri Mar 23 02:20:23 PDT 2018
We all know that joining the likes of Facebook means giving up certain personal information. But the Cambridge Analytica scandal has revealed a much darker picture of how our data is treated… How quickly I plunged into posting on Facebook over a decade ago. Back in those days there was no private messenger, so every […]
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UK to roll out image-based cheque clearing system
Finextra Research
The UK is to roll out an image-based cheque clearing system in October that will slash processing times from six 'weekdays' to one day and pave the way for the introduction of interbank mobile cheque deposits.
ECB declines to extend assurances to UK banks for Brexit transition
by Alex Rolfe @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Mon Mar 26 01:59:22 PDT 2018
UK headquartered banks are still planning for a March 2019 departure from the UE after European regulators declined to offer any formal assurances for how business can be conducted during the Brexit transition period. To stop a “cliff-edge” Brexit, banks need formal guarantees from UK and EU regulators that there is no risk of losing [...]
The post ECB declines to extend assurances to UK banks for Brexit transition appeared first on Payments Cards & Mobile.
Things worth reading: 26th March 2018
by Chris M Skinner @ Chris Skinner's blog
Sun Mar 25 23:27:24 PDT 2018
Things we’re reading today include … Bank accounts could disappear within 15 years according to one of Deutsche Bank’s most senior execs This 220-Year-Old German Bank’s Considering a Robo-Adviser for Companies The rebel bank, printing its own notes and buying back people’s debts Brexit delivers longer blow to bank sentiment …
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Are vet bills your pet hate?
by Linda Nicholls @ Which? Conversation
Wed Mar 14 17:03:03 PDT 2018
Being a pet parent can be hugely rewarding, but if your furry friend becomes ill or requires regular medication, vet bills can hit your wallet hard, as our guest, community member Linda Nicholls explains… There has been a lot of publicity lately advocating the owning of pets to combat loneliness and take exercise. Great, but […]
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What are the new Post Office banking arrangements and is my bank included?
The Sun
THANKS to a new deal, the majority of the public will now be able to do their banking at the Post Office, regarding of where they bank. This will include the ability to pay in cheques and withdraw …
New industry code for bank transfer scams: how can it help?
by Paul Smith @ Which? Conversation
Fri Mar 09 01:54:52 PST 2018
Last Wednesday, the Payment Systems Regulator set out its plans for the design and development of an industry code to better protect people from bank transfer scams and provide a reimbursement scheme to help victims. Here, our guest, Paul Smith, the regulator’s head of policy, explains what it means.. Authorised push payment (APP) or bank […]
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Payconiq mobile payments app merges with Bancontact in Belgium
by Alex Rolfe @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Mon Mar 26 05:44:32 PDT 2018
Payconiq, a mobile payments app supported by the majority of Belgian and Dutch banks, is to merge with Bancontact, the Belgian market leader in electronic payments. Created from a merger of ING’s Payconiq with loyalty platforms Qustomer and KBC’s CityLife, the all-in-one Payconiq app has drawn the added support of Belfius, AXA Bank and BNP [...]
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Why can it be so hard to open a bank account?
by Stefanie Garber @ Which? Conversation
Fri Feb 16 07:11:18 PST 2018
Banks have an obligation to crack down on fraud and prevent their accounts being used by scammers. But tight regulations mean opening an account can be tricky if you don’t have proof of address or are new to the UK. Do you think it could be easier or are the precautions justified? When you move countries, […]
The post Why can it be so hard to open a bank account? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
We could soon be able to pay in a cheque using our mobile phone
by Dana @ Banking Guide
Fri Jul 05 07:56:47 PDT 2013
The use of cheques has declined in recent years but, for those of us who do receive cheques, it is...
The most Memo-rable stories 2015-18
by Kitty Knowles @ The Memo
Mon Feb 12 03:33:11 PST 2018
Given our big news, we thought it only fitting to crack-open The Memo’s archives and pull out some of our favourite stories and themes. From some 3,500 articles over three years, there’s a wealth of inspiration to choose from. Read more: The Memo has joined Forbes Here are our most Memo-rable stories 2015-18: The super-commuter. Cycling is […]
The post The most Memo-rable stories 2015-18 appeared first on The Memo.
How clean is your home?
by Anna Studman @ Which? Conversation
Tue Mar 20 09:13:52 PDT 2018
We took samples from common household items to find out what types of bacteria were growing and where, and we found some less-than-pleasant characters lurking around. But this shouldn’t necessarily be a reason to panic. There’s occasionally a flare up in the media about the horrifying colony of bacteria growing on your kitchen sponge, or the idea […]
The post How clean is your home? appeared first on Which? Conversation.
Europol arrests mastermind of Carbanak cyber crime gang
by Alex Rolfe @ Payments Cards & Mobile
Tue Mar 27 02:54:37 PDT 2018
Spanish police have arrested a Ukrainian national they suspect is the head of the infamous Carbanak cyber crime gang that stole more than €1bn from 100 financial institutions, often by hacking into banks’ computers and ordering ATMs to dispense cash. The gang has inflicted losses on banks in more than 40 countries using malware known [...]
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'First Direct refused our £10,000 withdrawal request'
Telegraph.co.uk
First Direct – perennial favourite for customer satisfaction – refused to allow its customer of 22 years to withdraw funds from his account
How will the broadband code of practice help you?
by Colum McGuire @ Which? Conversation
Thu Mar 01 01:58:23 PST 2018
The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has announced plans to press ahead with updating the broadband code of practice. This will require signed-up providers to give more information at the point of sale about the service they can expect. Will this move help you? I recently switched broadband provider. My job means I’m lucky enough to be […]
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Joshua vs Parker undercard: Who is boxing on the bill of massive fight at Principality Stadium on Saturday?
by jsheridan @ The Sun
Wed Mar 28 07:52:55 PDT 2018
ANTHONY JOSHUA and Joseph Parker face-off at the Principality Stadium in one of the most eagerly awaited bouts of the year. Brit star AJ holds the WBA and IBF world heavyweight champion belts and faces WBO title-holder Parker in a huge unification bout. CLAIM YOUR FREE £30 BET Check out this new sign up offer from Sun […]
Win! Rail companies must avoid misleading us about compensation
by Lauren Deitz @ Which? Conversation
Thu Mar 08 05:36:52 PST 2018
Rail companies have finally updated their terms and conditions to ensure passengers aren’t put off of claiming compensation, including seeking reimbursement for consequential losses. In case you didn’t know, the Consumer Rights Act (CRA) and common law give passengers the right to claim for reasonable and forseeable additional losses when a train operator has failed to […]
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