DebtWizard Update - 23 April 2009

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Run by Mike Thomas, DebtWizard.com provides free and impartial debt and budget help to consumers. Why not complete the budget forms and see how much money you could save on your day-to-day expenses? If you think you might have a debt problem, fill out the Rapid Response Form or submit the budget form for analysis to see what options could be available to you.

We want to hear your debt story. Have you been made bankrupt? Have you applied for an IVA? Do you have a horror story about dealing with a company that you owe money? Share your story with the DebtWizard. We will be offering the owner of the best story free personal debt advice worth over £500 (terms and conditions apply.) Five other contributors will receive a case of wine to say thanks for making the effort!

Click here for more information.

OFT mauls Citifinancial Europe plc (Citi) for overseas credit card transactions The Office of Fair Trading has imposed requirements on Citifinancial Europe plc (Citi) after its terms and conditions had wrongly claimed it did not share joint liability for overseas credit card transactions. Under the requirements Citi will invite those consumers who feel they may have been misled, and think they have a claim, to contact them. To see read more on this and see the credit cards involved then click here
Debtwizard.com is changing Exciting news - New website due to go live Monday, 27th April The site will have new features as well as improved navigation and search facility. There will also be Mike's daily blog and members will be able to comment and share their views on articles.	Interest rate decision - unanimous Minutes show that all nine members of the The Bank of England's rate-setting committee voted to keep interest rates at 0.5% at this month's meeting. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) also said it would press ahead with the plan to expand the amount of money in the system by £75bn - known as quantitative easing. You can view minutes here Quantitative easing explained here
Office of Fair Trading threatens knockout punch to the debt collection industry At last the Office of Fair Trading, OFT, gets tough with debt collectors and has thumped a debt collection company, Mackenzie Hall Ltd, right where it hurts. The OFT has made two major requirements to this firm and failure could lead to a fine of up to £50,000 and/or possible revocation of Mackenzie Hall's consumer credit licence. You will find more on this story and the two requirements here You can read Mike's article on how to deal with firms chasing old debts here
Date set for the banks to appeal to the House of Lords The banks are back in court on the 22nd June to launch their appeal against the previous ruling in February when the High Court found in favour of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) by announcing it can assess bank charges for fairness. More can be found on this as well as the debtwizard comment here	The Sun newspaper has launched its new online radio station called SunTalk Sun Talk is pitched to be a more multi-platform and interactive rather than just a normal radio station. David Cameron was the first guest on launch date 20 April. Mike will feature on 1st May 2009 at 11 am. You can find out more here
Do you have lost or forgotten savings? It is estimated that over £850 million is still lying unclaimed in lost accounts. If you think you may have lost touch with your account or savings, then we can point you to a website that will guide you through some simple steps to help reunite you with your money, and it is free to use! Click here for more information
CPI and RPI explained CPI, Consumer Price Index, 2.9% Mar 2009 Used by Government for the UK inflation target and does not include council tax or mortgage interest costs. RPI, Retail Price Index, -0.4% Mar 2009 Used to negotiate wage increases, pensions, state benefits and index linked guilts. Either one of these inflation measures can have a major influence on the economy as they will affect interest rate decisions, pensions and wage settlements.	Debtwizard asks the PM for help Latest Debtwizard is asking the PM to take decisive action in helping consumers that cannot afford the bankruptcy fee of £495, which is due to increase to £510 from 6th April. We have now had responses from the main three polictical parties. You can view all correspondence here You can read Mike's comment on the fee increase here

Latest Debt News

The latest debt related news since the last email.

· SunTalk gets launched
· Credit stats issued April 2009
· OFT mauls Citi
· Bank charges - Court date set
· Interest rate decision - see minutes
· OFT gets tough with debt collectors
· DebtWizard writes to the PM - Updated
See the news archive

Confirmed shows

Every Wednesday - 6.10pm
BBC Essex - John Hayes Drivetime
Topical discussion on debt and consumer related issues

Friday, 1st May 11 am
SunTalk - Jon Gaunt
Mike will be live in the SunTalk studios taking calls from all over the UK and offering advice on how to resolve those debt issues. More on SunTalk

All radio and television appearances will be posted on the homepage

DebtWizard Poll/Teaser

Current Poll Started 7/04/09
Many people pay for private health and education. Would you pay a firm to resolve your debt problems?

The way the voting has gone has surprised many.

Click here to have a go and see results of all previous polls/teasers. We really appreciate your input

Quick links

Case study
£194,000 of unsecured debt cleared in three years.

A couple were told bankruptcy was their only option with his debts of £153,000 and hers of £41,000. They were not declared bankrupt and will be free of this debt in 3 years - why?

To read more on the scenario, advice and final outcome then click here

DebtWizard Budget Form
Designed to identify exactly what is going on with your finances.

This form is unique with its built in debt predictor. If things look grim you can send it to us for further help.

· Start your own budget form

Media
Missed Mike on the radio or TV? We have uploaded some more shows and any 'coming soon' will be added over the next few days.

· Catch up on the media page

Email archive
Want to see previous emails from DebtWizard?

· Read the previous emails

Press activity
Mike is involved with some of the national newspapers - DebtWizard has a page for anyone that is interested on the topics, you never know it may be relevant to you.

· View press activity

Credit stats
Did you know that the average household debt in the UK is £59,765?

1 person every 4.5 minutes declared bankrupt or insolvent

· View more credit stats here

If you feel your finances are out of control we can help.

Mike personally reviews cases and has a small support team that can help provide a professional perspective on any issues you're having. Whether it's unmanageable ongoing bills, debt problems, mortgage arrears or home repossession - England, Wales or Scotland, Debtwizard.com can help you take control.

Call us or email in the strictest of confidence: 0845 225 0025 or complete the rapid response form.

Debtwizard.com is here to help not to judge. We are a totally advert and sponsorship free service. This way we are not influenced by any organisation. That is why we claim to be - 'The debt advice website'

Regards,
Debtwizard.com

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DebtWizard Update - 23 April 2009

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DebtWizard Update - 23 April 2009

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