What did we do before eBay? As my friend Hannah says, ‘We’ve bought all sorts of things – a fireplace, a violin, a tent, even a fairy castle.’ All the excitement of an auction at bargain prices.

• www.freecycle.org

A Grassroots movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their area. It ideal for people to contact each other with stuff they want to give away for free,  that would otherwise end up in the rubbish heap.

• www.gumtree.com

Gumtree (owned by ebay) is a local London classified ads and community site similar to popular US based craiglist.org . There are items for sale, for free and to swap.

credit crunch myths

Credit Crunch Myth 1 – Your money isn’t safe anywhere

Confidence in what most people thought were rock solid bank institutions has been shaken at their roots by the credit crunch. However the banks

The answer is to spread your money, and in so doing so, your risk too. Have some cash in an instant access account, put some into a higher-paying fixed-interest account if you can set the money aside for a year or two and then keep an eye on the markets so you’re poised and ready to take decisive action when the flight back to equities starts.

Credit Crunch Myth 2 – Borrowing money is impossible

Lenders have toughened up their lending criteria and pulled many of the deals they used to offer, so it’s true to say that there are only a fraction of deals out there now. But it’s not true to say borrowing has dried up completely. Banks need to lend; it’s part of what they do.

Credit Crunch Myth 3 – You can’t get a credit card

Although many lenders have tighten their requirements, with 100’s of credit card offers still on offer you just need to shop around and find one that suits your needs.

Credit Crunch Myth 4 – It not worth saving money in banks

With interest rates at record lows all over the world, saving accounts now offer little or no returns.  However you can search for certain high paying accounts which offer up to 4%.

Credit Crunch Myth 5 – It’s the worst economic situation this century

Remember America in the 30’s, unemployment was running at about 30%, the stock market index had dropped by 90% & millions of depositors lost their savings.

Credit Crunch Myth 6 – No one’s job is safe

While certain job sectors like the financial sector will be effected greatly by the credit crunch, many industries will be fine.

Credit Crunch Myth 7 – The government isn’t doing to help

Governments across the world are spending billions to overcome the credit crunch problem.

financial disaster

Get it all sorted now and if the worst happens, you can focus on what’s most important – your safety.

Get Protection for your Cards Online

If your cards are stolen or there is fraud, they’ll all be stopped quickly and efficiently. Sign up for Credit / Debit Card Protection online through your current card provider.

Alternatively you can purchase independent credit card protection:

• cpp.co.uk
• barclaycard.co.uk
• firstdirect.com

Ensure you’re insured in your life

• Home / Content insurance
• Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance

Protect your Phone

If you have an expensive phone it worth getting mobile phone insurance.

• fonesafe
• jsinsurance.co.uk