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Barking and Dagenham’s Best Easter Activities.
With most schools closing for around a fortnight for the Easter holidays, plenty of parents across Barking and Dagenham will be on the lookout for inexpensive activities to keep their kids entertained.
If you’re one of them, you’re in luck – there are plenty of fun, inexpensive activities to choose between including:
Ballerz Multi-Sports Easter Programme.
Taking place from April 14–17, children aged 5–11 can participate in multi-sports activities, enrichment sessions and an Easter egg hunt at Valence Primary (Dagenham) and Northbury Primary (Barking).
Funded places are available for eligible families.
Valence House Museum.
Explore local history in this free museum, set in a historic building with beautiful gardens.
Eastbrookend Country Park.
Perfect for walks and wildlife spotting.
Mayesbrook Park.
Offers playgrounds and open spaces for family fun.
Keep control of your money this Easter.
However you decide to spend the Easter holidays, we can help make it more affordable with one of our affordable loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.
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Affordable Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day!
With Mother’s Day nearly here, it’s time for any last-minute shoppers out there to get their thinking caps on and find their mum a little something to show their appreciation without breaking the bank.
Here are some suggestions to get you started!
Aromatherapy set.
This relaxing beauty and fragrance gift set from aromatherapy company Tisserand is guaranteed to help your mum find some inner peace after a busy weekend.
Containing two vegan-friendly bath and body oils made with a soothing blend of lavender, jasmine and sandalwood, it’s the perfect gift for mums who don’t put their feet up often enough.
Crackling scented candle.
With their tranquil aromas and comforting glow, there’s a reason most mums love a good candle and this one is just brilliant!.
Presented with a stylish hourglass design, this linen-scented candle has a burn time of up to 130 hours, while its wick crackles as it burns, so your mum will feel as though she’s sitting next to a real fire.
RHS gardening book.
Greenfingered mums across the UK are chomping at the bit to get back into their gardens now spring is here again, so why not help yours make her outdoor space the best it can be with this month-by-month gardening guide?
Filled with tips and advice from gardening experts, as well as helpful illustrative images, the book will make your mum’s garden the envy of her neighbours all year round. And it’s currently available with more than 40% off!
Gin glasses.
If your mum likes a cheeky gin, she’ll really like this cocktail glass gift set, which includes two elegant gin glasses, a recipe book, a rose gold cocktail spoon and a double-sided measuring cup. At just over £20, it’s likely to sell out fast, so get ordering!
Days out.
Whitby Abbey.
If your mum loves a good walk, why not take her to Whitby Abbey?
Perfect for short or long walks, Whitby offers views of the famous, Dracula-inspiring abbey, beautiful coastlines, a wide range of pubs and cafes and, of course, the chance to eat some of the UK’s best fish and chips!
Brimham Rocks.
For mums that love the great outdoors, there aren’t many better places to visit this Mother’s Day than Brimham Rocks.
Located in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty a few miles outside of Harrogate, Brimham Rocks offers a huge array of wildlife, dramatic moorland views and scenic strolls, all among an amazing collection of natural rock formations that are the ideal spot for picnickers.
Need a helping hand this Mother’s Day?
At Leeds Credit Union, we can help take the hassle out of Mother’s Day with one of our affordable small loans. For more information or to make an application, click here.
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Springtime Savings: Make Your Money Go Further This Spring!
With spring here again, now is the perfect time to refresh your finances and make your money work harder for you. Whether you’re saving up for a special present, planning a holiday or just looking to save more money, here are five tips to help you make the most of your money this spring!
Look over your savings account.
Take a close look at your current savings account and compare it to some of the other savings accounts that are out there. Lots of credit unions offer very good interest rates and incentives for new customers, so moving your savings to an account with better rates can help your money grow faster.
Don’t spend what you can’t afford!
Spring is the perfect time to review your monthly expenses to see where you could be saving money, so have a close look at your subscriptions, memberships and recurring bills. Are you paying for anything you no longer use or need? Could you manage with less data on your mobile phone contract or fewer streaming services?
If the answer is ‘yes’, cancel or downsize these expenses asap to free up extra money and add it to your savings account!
Shop smarter.
Now the weather is getting warmer, you may be tempted to buy things like new clothes, things for your home or outdoor equipment. But before buying anything, ask yourself if you really need it.
If you really do, take the time to shop around and compare prices. Look for sales, discounts and coupons to make your money go further, or consider buying second-hand or pre-loved items to save even more money.
Explore cashback and rewards programs.
Make the most of your everyday spending by signing up for cashback and rewards programs. Many banks, credit cards and shopping platforms offer cashback or rewards points on purchases and, by using them cleverly, you can earn money back on your regular expenses.
Become more energy efficient.
As the weather warms up, now is the perfect time to invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your home.
Simple changes like installing LED light bulbs, resealing drafty windows and upgrading to a programmable thermostat can help lower your energy bills and save you more money.
Leeds Credit Union – here when you need us.
By trying these five tips, you can make your money go further this spring and set yourself up for financial success in the months ahead.
If you’ve done everything you can to save some extra money but are still struggling to make ends meet, you could borrow between £250 and £25,000 with one of our affordable loans. To find out more, click here.
Comments Off on How To Get a Bargain When Buying a Used Car.
How To Get a Bargain When Buying a Used Car.
According to the most recent statistics, almost 80% of households in England have a car, with people in the UK changing their cars, on average, every four to six years.
This adds up to a whole lot of cars being bought and sold every year and, with the cost of living continuing to cause financial headaches for many people, more and more are opting to pick up a used car, rather than a brand new one.
With new car number plates having been released at the start of March, now is the ideal time to pick up a quality used car for less, so we’ve compiled some advice on getting maximum value for money when delving into the second-hand market.
Timing is everything.
New number plates are released annually on March 1st and, as a result, the weeks around this date are the best times to buy a used car, for two reasons:
1) as soon as new plates are available, people rush to part-exchange their old cars in order to get their hands on one, leaving dealers with a surplus of used cars they can’t wait to sell on, and…
2) both before and after the new plates’ release, dealers start clearing out their old cars to make room for the new ones, meaning they’re more likely to accept a lower price in order to free up room on their forecourts.
If you’re not in a hurry to grab a new set of wheels, you could potentially save even more money by waiting until the end of car dealers’ sales quarters in March, June, September and December. In order to hit their sales targets and earn bonuses, dealers are often happier to negotiate, allowing you to pick up a quality ride for less.
It’s also a good idea to go to dealerships during the week as they tend to be much busier at weekends. This enables the dealers to focus their attention on you, increasing your chances of getting a better deal.
Know your trim levels.
Trim levels are essentially different variants of the same vehicle. While the names vary from car to car, what this basically means is how many optional extras do you want/need your car to have. The more you want, the higher the cost.
Only you know what’s right for your needs but it’s vital to find out about the different options before making a purchase. There’s no point paying more than you can afford for a model packed with features you’re unlikely to ever use.
MOT, tax and service history.
When buying a used car, the only way to know for sure that it’s reliable and not going to cost you a fortune later is to get your hands on its service book and go through the stamps that are in it – these will tell you the dates when the car was serviced and how many miles it had done between each service.
To be extra sure the car’s as good as it seems, you can also use the DVLA’s free Online Enquiry Service to check its current tax and MOT status by entering the registration number and vehicle make. Don’t be alarmed if the tax has been cancelled – that’s normal when a car is sold to a dealer – but remember to make a note of the date when it was cancelled or it expired.
Every car more than three years old must have its MOT renewed every year so you ideally want a car that has recently passed its MOT as this means you won’t have to pay to have it tested again for several months.
If the MOT isn’t current and/or the tax expired a long time ago, there’s a chance the car has been off the road for a significant period of time and, if so, it’s important to find out why. If the dealer can’t give you a good reason, it’s often a sign that the car’s not up to scratch and should be avoided at all costs.
Get help with an LCU Car Loan!
At Leeds Credit Union, you can borrow between £250 and £25,000 to help you buy the car of your dreams with one of our affordable car loans. To find out more, click here.
Comments Off on How To Make Half Term More Affordable.
How To Make Half Term More Affordable.
The February half term holiday comes at a tricky time for some households, with many still feeling the financial effects of an expensive Christmas, the ongoing cost of living crisis and, to top it all off, the weather is unreliable, making planning ahead difficult.
But by thinking outside the box and keeping an eye out for money saving offers and cheap days out, you can ensure your kids have a fun-filled half term without spending the earth.
Here’s how.
Movie magic.
With more cold and wet days on the horizon, there’s no better way to enjoy being indoors than with a film the whole family can enjoy.
But with adult cinema tickets often costing more than £10, the cost of a family trip to the multiplex can soon become too much to justify, especially if you have several children who all want their own snacks.
Luckily, many cinemas offer special kids’ screenings, with tickets sometimes costing as little as £2.50, even for adults. Better still, those that do offer these screenings typically do so throughout school holidays, meaning you’ll have plenty of dates and times to choose between if you have a participating cinema nearby.
All of Cineworld, Vue and Odeon cinemas offer some form of reduced ticket scheme for kids/families, so have a hunt for the best option and bear in mind that some tickets are even cheaper if purchased online, with weekday screenings usually cheapest. Showings of older films can sometimes be cheaper than brand new releases too.
Tickets tend to sell quickly too so book ahead to avoid disappointment!
Movie magic II.
If you don’t have easy access to a cinema, you can recreate the fun of a trip to the big screen at home for a fraction of the cost.
Either curl up on the sofa, make a comfy sitting area on the floor using cushions, pillows and blankets or build an indoor den by draping sheets over a couple of chairs, then round up the family for some blockbuster action.
If you have a Netflix, Disney Plus or Sky account, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a film to watch; if not, simply sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime and you’re good to go (just remember to cancel your membership again before the trial runs out and you start incurring costs)!
Get cooking!
Two things kids love are getting messy and eating so why not combine the two and entertain your offspring by getting them to help make some half term meals? Not only is home cooking cheaper than eating out, it can also be lots of fun!
There are plenty of cheap and easy recipes available online but a couple of our favourites are pizzas and turkey burgers.
If you can’t face the prospect of letting your children loose in the kitchen with a bag of flour, try making pizzas using a wrap as a base instead. Kids can then decorate their own, making patterns or funny faces out of the usual toppings before popping them on a baking tray and cooking them in an oven set to 200 degrees/180 degrees fan for 8-10 minutes.
Turkey burgers are a great idea as they’re healthy – 99% fat-free turkey mince is easily available – and fun to make.
To make four turkey burgers, you’ll need:
500g turkey mince
One red onion
One garlic clove
One egg
Two gherkins
Lettuce
Vegetable oil
Four burger buns
Simply get your little ones to mix the turkey mince, egg, onion, garlic, chopped gherkins and a little salt and pepper in a large bowl. Combine well with their hands, then shape into four flat burger patties. With lots of different textures, this is the part kids will enjoy most.
The next step involves heating the oil in a frying pan and cooking the burgers for five minutes on either side, before serving on the buns, so it might be safest to do this part yourself while the children wash their hands and set the table!
They could even make it into a picnic or tea party by grabbing a picnic rug and eating on the floor or by making invitations, getting dressed up and bringing some favourite toys along as dinner guests!
Other ideas.
If you want to save on expensive days out this half term why not try:
Organising a treasure hunt. Just hide clues or riddles around your home and leave a reward like chocolate at the end.
Having a cardboard box challenge. Get some cardboard boxes and tubes out of the recycling box and let your children’s imaginations run wild. Equip them with some safe scissors, sticky tape and felt-tip pens and see what they can come up with. Submarines, dens, animals – anything is possible!
Visiting your local library. Whether you spend a few hours reading there, choose some books to take home or partake in any activities that are available, libraries have something for everyone and are free!
Check out local galleries or museums. Many offer free (or reduced) entry for children and put on adventure trails over school holidays so why not head over and enjoy some culture for an afternoon?
Happy half term!
Whatever you do this half term, you can’t put a price on spending quality time with your little ones.
But if you do need a hand bringing your plans to life, you could borrow as much as £1,250 with one of our affordable Family Loans. For more information, click here.
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Avoid Financial Heartbreak This Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is here again and love is in the air. But instead of just focussing on romantic gestures for your partner, why not take a moment to show some love to your finances this year?
Here are some tips to help you nurture your financial wellbeing:
Saving.
Building a savings cushion is essential for financial security and, while it may seem daunting, even small steps can make a difference. Start by reviewing your expenses and finding areas where you can cut back and, if possible, start saving the difference.
At Leeds Credit Union, we offer a range of savings accounts that can help ensure your money grows safely and steadily – check them out here.
Debt consolidation.
If you’re juggling multiple debts, consolidating them into a single, affordable loan can simplify your finances and lower your monthly payments.
Creating a budget is a fundamental step towards better financial awareness, so take the time to assess your income and outgoings, prioritising essential costs while also allocating funds for savings and leisure activities.
By sticking to your budget, you’ll avoid overspending and be well prepared if any unexpected expenses appear without warning.
Online services.
Embrace the convenience of online banking to manage your finances effortlessly. By being able to access your accounts anytime, anywhere, and perform transactions securely through your bank’s website or app, you’ll find banking in 2024 has become much quicker and simpler than ever before.
Open dialogue.
Don’t shy away from discussing your financial situation with trusted individuals, whether it’s your partner, your family or your friends. Sharing your concerns and seeking advice can alleviate stress and help you make better-informed decisions about your finances.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Leeds Credit Union!
At Leeds Credit Union, we’re committed to empowering our members with accessible financial solutions. Whether you’re looking to save, borrow or manage your finances more effectively, we’re here to support you on your journey towards financial wellbeing. Join us today and start learning to love your finances again!
Comments Off on Enjoy Peace of Mind With Our Christmas Club Accounts.
Enjoy Peace of Mind With Our Christmas Club Accounts.
With the festive period having only recently come to an end, the last thing many people want to think about is next Christmas.
But if Christmas 2024 put a financial strain on your household, one of the best ways to ensure it doesn’t happen again this year is to start planning for it in advance. In fact, you could do a lot worse than to start planning for it right now, with one of our Christmas Club savings accounts!
Read on to find out about their benefits!
Early Planning, Lasting Joy.
The earlier you start saving for Christmas, the more you can spread out your financial commitments. By opening one of our Christmas Club accounts now, you’ll have ample time to build up your savings. This ensures that when the holiday season arrives, you can focus on creating magical moments with your loved ones without worrying about the financial strain.
Avoiding the Debt Trap.
One of the pitfalls many people encounter during the festive season is accumulating debt. By saving in advance through a Christmas Club account, you can break free from the cycle of credit card debt and high-interest loans. Our bespoke savings account provides you with a disciplined approach to saving, helping you avoid unnecessary financial stress in the run-up to – and aftermath of – the holidays.
Flexible Saving Options.
Life is unpredictable and we understand that circumstances can change, which is why our Christmas Club account offers flexible saving options, allowing you to contribute according to your financial capacity. Whether you choose to deposit a fixed amount regularly or make occasional lump-sum contributions, our account is designed to accommodate your unique needs.
Community-Centric Approach.
By choosing Leeds Credit Union, you’re not just opening an account, you’re becoming part of a community that cares. Our Christmas Club is built on the principles of community support and financial inclusion and your savings will contribute to a shared pool that benefits all members, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support.
Limited Access to Your Funds.
Trust us, that’s a good thing!
Because our Christmas Club accounts are specifically designed for the festive period, you can only withdraw funds from the 1st of November onwards, meaning there’s no chance of your hard-earned Christmas budget getting accidentally spent in the middle of summer!
Then, between November 1st and December 24th, you can make unlimited withdrawals in branch, online or via our mobile app, allowing you to buy that perfect gift or cover an unforeseen Christmas expense, stress-free.
Take the stress out of saving with LCU.
Next Christmas, why not give yourself the gift of financial peace of mind?
By starting to save for Christmas 2025 early with one of our Christmas Club accounts, you can look forward to a holiday season filled with joy, laughter and cherished memories. Click here to open yours today!
As we bid farewell to 2024 and say hello to 2025, there’s no better time to take stock of our finances. Whether your goal is to save for a long-awaited holiday, become debt-free or build towards a comfortable retirement, setting clear and realistic financial resolutions can help you on your way.
At Leeds Credit Union, we’re dedicated to helping our valued members make smart financial decisions. Here are five key financial resolutions you should consider making to help ensure a prosperous new year.
Assess your financial health.
It’s important to understand your financial situation before trying to determine your financial resolutions, so start by jotting down your income, debts, monthly expenses and savings. By evaluating your financial picture, you can identify both areas of improvement and those in which you’re already thriving.
Create a budget.
An essential tool for financial wellbeing, making a budget is one of the simplest ways to keep your spending in check, allowing you to earmark funds for necessary expenses while still saving for your goals.
There are many budgeting tools and apps available that can help streamline this process, making it easier to keep track of your income, outgoings and savings. Try this free budget planner for starters.
Build an emergency fund.
Life is unpredictable so having an emergency fund that can act as your financial safety net, mitigating the impact of unexpected expenses or sudden unemployment, is an excellent idea. If you’re able to, saving 3-6 months’ worth of expenses in a separate savings account will help keep you on a stable financial footing in even the worst circumstances.
At LCU, we aim to pay regular dividends to our qualifying members, helping them grow their emergency funds with the minimum of fuss.
Pay off debts.
Having large debts to your name can incur heavy interest charges and increase your stress levels, so try to tackle any lingering debts head-on.
There’s no denying that clearing debts almost always takes time and discipline, but even making small strides toward debt elimination can provide a great sense of accomplishment and will help ensure a debt-free future.
Boost your rainy day savings.
Your ‘golden years’ might seem a long way away but it’s never too early to start planning for them!
Increasing your contribution to your pension plan – or starting one if you haven’t already – will provide long-term benefits and help ensure a comfortable, secure retirement.
How Leeds Credit Union can help.
Setting and adhering to financial resolutions can seem daunting at first. But remember, big leaps start with small steps, so try to envisage your long-term financial goals, then break them down into attainable, short-term objectives.
Here at LCU, we’re committed to helping you on your financial journey. Our Money and Budgeting Service (MABS) team works with tenants of certain housing associations to help create realistic budgets that ensure their bills are paid on time and their money goes as far as possible – you can contact them here.
Here’s to a happy and healthy financial new year for all!
Comments Off on Cost-effective, Last-Minute Christmas Gifts!
Cost-effective, Last-Minute Christmas Gifts!
The hustle and bustle of the festive season can often lead to a last-minute scramble for the ideal Christmas present. But fear not, LCU is here with suggestions for thoughtful last-minute gift ideas that your family will love and that won’t break the bank!
Local Artisan Crafts.
Support local businesses by choosing handmade, local crafts or artisanal products as unique gifts. Etsy is a great place to find local, small businesses and one-of-a-kind creations that make thoughtful presents and help your local community thrive.
Gift Cards with a Twist.
Pick up a gift card for local businesses or cafes your loved one enjoys. This will allow them to choose their gift while supporting small businesses in our community.
Digital Gifts.
In this digital age, consider gifting e-books, music subscriptions, or online courses that align with things your friends and family enjoy. It’s convenient and shows them that you care!
Personalised Experiences.
Create lasting memories by gifting experiences such as a virtual cooking class or a day out exploring local attractions. These experiences are sure to be cherished long after Christmas is over!
The Gift of Financial Wellness.
Consider the gift of financial security by introducing your loved ones to the benefits of saving with Leeds Credit Union. Contributing to their savings account can help them start the new year on the right financial footing.
Remember, Christmas isn’t about how much you spend; the best gifts come from the heart and reflect how much you care for those closest to you.
This year, as we approach the season of giving, let’s prioritise meaningful gestures over high ticket prices. From all of us at Leeds Credit Union, may your Christmas be filled with joy!
Comments Off on Our Top Five Money-Saving Offers This Black Friday!
Our Top Five Money-Saving Offers This Black Friday!
Black Friday is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to snag some incredible deals and save big. To help you make the most of this shopping extravaganza, we’ve compiled a list of five money-saving offers you won’t want to miss this Black Friday.
1. Electronics.
Upgrade your gadgets and tech gear with big discounts on electronics this Black Friday. From TVs to smartphones, laptops to smart home devices, retailers across the UK are offering significant tech discounts – like this Blink Outdoor Smart Security Camera, now 60% off!
2. Fashion and Apparel Sales.
With sites like ASOS offering up to 70% off, you can revamp your wardrobe for less this Black Friday with fantastic deals on fashion and apparel. Many popular clothing brands and retailers are slashing prices on everything from cosy winter essentials to stylish party wear.
3. Home and Kitchen Essentials.
Upgrade your living space without breaking the bank by taking advantage of Black Friday deals on home and kitchen essentials. Whether you need new furniture, kitchen gadgets or home decor items, you’ll find great discounts on a wide range of products – like this MisterChef Pro Standing Mixer.
4. Beauty and Wellness Products.
Treat yourself to some self-care this Black Friday with discounts on beauty and wellness products. This No7 The Skincare Discovery Collection 5 Piece Gift Set is the perfect gift for anyone looking to refresh their skincare routine!
5. Travel and Experiences.
Plan your next adventure at a fraction of the cost with Black Friday discounts on travel and experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway, a luxury spa retreat or some thrilling outdoor activities, many travel companies are offering unbeatable deals that will make your travel aspirations a reality.
This Black Friday, make the most of these money-saving offers to stretch your budget further and enjoy incredible savings on a variety of products and experiences. Remember to shop wisely, compare prices and consider your purchases carefully to make the most of this shopping event!
Stay tuned for more savings tips and financial insights from Leeds Credit Union in the run-up to Christmas!
