| Martin's Money Tips email (can't see this properly? Read it online) | | |  |  | For 20 years we've educated our youth into debt when they go to uni, but never about debt. This must end, and now there's a way to MAKE THE GOVERNMENT LISTEN. We've launched a new online petition on the Govt's e-petitions site and it must consider a debate if it hits 100,000 signatures. So, if you agree, please sign it now, so we can shout loudly and get it debated soon. |  |  Sign 'Get financial education in schools' petition Takes 20 secs - on govt e-petition website | | This doesn't need weekly lessons, just some time put aside. If you agree, please help. Speedily spread the word: Facebook it, Tweet it, Auto email friends. Why this campaign's so important
It's crucial financial education's on the curriculum because... - It's a national disgrace. In the 20 years since student loans came in, we've educated our youth into debt when they go to university, but never about debt. We're a financially illiterate nation, with millions caught by mis-selling, over-borrowing and being ripped off. Is our debt-imbued financial crisis any surprise? This must change.
- We need BUYERS' training to fight back. Companies spend billions on marketing & teaching staff to sell. It's time we got buyers' training. The most cost-effective start is ensuring UK kids have basic understanding of personal finance & consumer rights before leaving school.
- This won't break the bank. Some schools already do it, but the majority don't and that needs to end. Unless it's compulsory, head teachers can't prioritise it. 97% of people support this, yet no one will take up the baton.
We have one of the world's most complex consumer economies; it's time our children were taught how to thrive and survive in it. More financial ed info: the All Party Parliamentary Group, Why Financial Education Is So Important, download the Free Teen Cash Class for kids or Teachers' Activity Pack. See pfeg's website for more. | 
PS. I'm taking a break this week, so the rest of the email is in the ridiculously capable hands of the MSE team (the days of MSE being a one-man site are long gone, now there are 36 of us). | | Please help us spread the word Please forward this email to friends and suggest they
get it themselves via moneysavingexpert.com/tips
| |  | | New top 3.05% cash ISA - boost old AND new rates
Don't let previous years' cash ISAs linger at paltry returns | Check rate and transfer to top pick Cash ISAs let over-16s save £5,340 a year tax-free and should be the first port of call for savings. Many banks craftily slash rates when you're not looking, yet you've a right to transfer to boost the return. All accounts below have £85,000 savings protection per person.  New top 3.05% easy access ISA. The online Northern Rock* e-ISA pays 3.05% AER on new money and transfers, and is now top rate for both. Unusually, interest isn't scheduled to dive after a year, though keep your eye on it. Like all variable rates, it can change at the bank's whim. To get the rate, you must go via comparison site Moneysupermarket - use the link above. Go direct, and the return's worse. - Fix up to 4.65% AER. Interest rockets if you're happy to lock cash away without access. However, if other rates rise, these no longer look good, plus you'll pay hefty withdrawal penalties to move the cash. Top transfer rates: 1-yr: Barnsley* 3.2% AER. 2-yr: Post Office 3.75%. 3-yr: Post Office 4%. 4-yr: Halifax* 4.3%. 5-yr: BM Savings 4.65%.
- Don't withdraw cash to transfer. Do that and you lose the tax-free benefits. Instead, call the new provider and ask it to "transfer my ISA". Also check your provider isn't one of the few that charges a transfer-out penalty. If it does, factor that into whether you'll gain.
For more on transferring, the top rates and how ISAs work, read Updated Guides: Cash ISA Transfers, Top 2011/12 Cash ISAs Related: Inflation-Linked Savings, Are My Savings Safe? | | Beat HUGE bills for using mobile web abroad
New guide. Turn off 3G, NEVER watch TV & use cheap data bundles to beat unexpected £1,000+ bills Use the mobile web abroad like you do at home, even quickly checking emails or Facebook, and you'll be slapped with gargantuan charges. Viewing just 10 pages can use 1MB, costing on average £3 and some report bills of £1,000+. Our new Cheap Data Roaming guide's here to slash the cost.  Turn off 3G to avoid massive charges. Using 3G web abroad (your phone's internet connection) is what costs big. To avoid charges, turn it off in your settings (see guide for how). Use Wi-fi instead. It's often free in hotels, or find free wi-fi before you go using Jiwire, Hotspot Locations or Free Hotspot. - NEVER watch TV on your phone abroad on 3G. Watching videos, TV, streaming music and downloading big email attachments via 3G will send your bills into orbit.
- Ask for 'don't ask, don't get' discounts: 3G usage costs are falling but you can cut them further by grabbing hidden packages from your provider before you go. Eg, O2's Web Daily Europe Service slices prices to £1.50 for 15 MB (usually £45), Vodafone's Data Traveller costs £2/day for 25 MB (£25). See all network's Cheap Bundles.
- What to do if you get a 'bill shock'. If you arrive home to an incorrect mammoth bill (eg, you turned 3G off), you may be able get money back. First complain to your supplier and, if it isn't resolved after eight weeks, take one of the free independent dispute schemes. Some have reported getting a reduced bill.
Full info, plus when to try local pay-as-you-go Sim cards and how to use Kindles to beat roaming charges in the New Guide: Cheap Data Roaming Related: Mobile Roaming | | |
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