Money Saving Tips for March

Things to remember this month

New Council Tax bills will be coming out in the middle of March.  If you do not have a regular payment already in place you can call Fife Council on 03451 551155 to make a new arrangement.  Non-payment risks a 10% charge and additional Sheriff Officer fees.

Nursery placements for 3 year olds starting in August 2016 and January 2017 have closed but you can still make a late application.  Visit www.fifedirect.org.uk  to obtain an application form.

Benefits Update

Universal Credit is coming to Fife on the 11th April for new single claimants.  Think it might not apply to you? Check out the benefits it will replace:

• Child and Working Tax credits for families in and out of work on a low income
• Employment Support Allowance for people who are too unwell to work
• Jobseekers Allowance for people who are actively seeking work
• Housing Benefit, Local Housing Allowance and Support for Mortgage Interest to help people on a low income with housing costs

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If your child is 16 and thinking of staying on at school, find out if they are eligible for Educational Maintenance Allowance (£30 a week):

• Pupils living in a family where the income is less than £26884 may be eligible for an award
• Application forms available from the school or can be downloaded from www.fifedirect.org.uk

If your child is going on to college you may be entitled to continue or start a new claim for Child Benefit and Tax Credits.

Your child must be accepted onto a non-advanced course (NC or less) before they turn 19.  It does not matter if they are 19 after the course starts as long as they were accepted when they were 18 or less.

Save money

Now it’s getting warmer consider turning your thermostat down 1 or 2 degrees.  A reduction of just one 1 degree can save you £85 to £100 a year on average.

Car Insurance is getting, on average, 8% more expensive.  Follow this link to find 19 tips that could help you get cheaper cover.  

Make your money go further

Instead of buying Easter Eggs, do something different this month.  Check out Fifedirect “what’s on” for free or low cost events.

Here are some of the things available in March:

Closet Clearout:  Bring unwanted, but clean, gently used clothes, bags, shoes, hats, scarves etc. along to Greener Kirkcaldy’s event at St Bryce Kirk Centre and swap for something else or donate them. This event is free and there’s no need to book.  See Greener Kirkcaldy for full information.

Big Ears, Little Ears:  Informal concerts for parents, carers and young children by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.  It's a tut-free, child-friendly zone, so no one need worry about gurgling, crying, or toddling around! Entry is free, but ticketed.  This is at the Byre Theatre, Abbey Street, St Andrews, KY16 9LA Tuesday 15 March 2016 at 10:30 am and 11:45 am.