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Tag Archive: #leedscreditunion

  1. The Best Days Out in Yorkshire This Summer.

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    The Best Days Out in Yorkshire This Summer.

    Not for no reason is Yorkshire known as God’s Own Country. From Sean Bean to Yorkshire puddings via stainless steel, world class cricketers and a sense of humour drier than a desert, it’s impossible to imagine any other county bringing such joy to the good Lord’s face.

    While pinpointing the best things about Yorkshire may be easy, selecting the region’s best attractions to visit this summer is anything but, purely because of the number of options available. Luckily, we love a challenge, so read on for our guide to the best places to visit during this year’s summer holidays.

    York Minster.

    Set in the heart of the historic city of York, York Minster is a gothic cathedral that stands a breathtaking 72 metres high and boasts the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the UK, some of which dates as far back as the 12th century.

    Anyone interested in its stunning architecture and vast spaces can learn about the minster’s construction and the people who built it with a guided tour that also includes a trip to the top of its Central Tower – York’s highest point – where you can take in incredible views of the city and beyond.

    With York city centre just a short stroll away, a trip to the Minster is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in Yorkshire’s rich cultural heritage.

    York Minster, Deangate, York. YO1 7HH.

    Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

    For those who prefer more adventurous days out – and/or have kids in tow – the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) gives visitors the chance to get up close to some of the world’s most incredible and endangered animals and help conservation efforts at the same time.

    A walk-through wildlife park near Doncaster, YWP is home to 60 different species, including polar bears, black rhinos, tigers and giraffes, as well as several indoor and outdoor play areas, themed restaurants and cafes. With special events taking place throughout the year and animal experiences, like feeding lions, available for special occasions, this is one day trip the whole family will be happy to revisit again and again.

    Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Ln, Auckley, Doncaster. DN9 3QY.

    The Deep.

    Arguably the best indoor day out in all of Yorkshire, The Deep is home to more than 3,500 creatures including fish, turtles, sharks, snakes and penguins, making it one of the UK’s biggest and best aquariums.

    In addition to the breathtaking creatures swimming around every corner, The Deep also boasts interactive exhibitions that teach visitors about the world’s oceans and their inhabitants, as well as a cafe and an evening restaurant. And if a visit during daylight hours just isn’t exciting enough, you can even arrange a sleepover and spend the night snoozing alongside the amazing marine life! That’s right – at The Deep, you can literally sleep with the fishes…

    The Deep, Tower Street, Hull. HU1 4DP.

    Mother Shipton’s Cave.

    No list of Yorkshire’s best places to visit would be complete without England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction – the stunning and mysterious Mother Shipton’s Cave.

    Situated in an incredible park in the remains of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough, visitors can explore the titular cave and learn about the fascinating legend of Mother Shipton (a fortune teller born in the cave in the 15th century who locals believed to be a witch) before checking out the famous Petrifying Well and its magical water that turns everything it touches to stone. 

    With numerous walks and an adventure playground to keep children entertained, Mother Shipton’s Cave combines the beautiful Yorkshire countryside with some of the region’s most mythical history – the perfect ingredients for a good day trip.

    Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough. HG5 8DD.

    Whitby Abbey.

    For those looking for a more energetic day out, why not try one of Yorkshire’s world-renowned coastal walks? There are plenty to choose between but we’d recommend the walk around Whitby Abbey and the nearby coast.

    Ideal for experienced walkers or exercise-loving families, the walk begins at the ancient, gothic abbey itself – giving visitors the chance to soak in the atmospheric building that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula – before heading along the coast to Saltwick Bay, the old lighthouse on top of the cliff and concluding in Whitby, which has plenty of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants to investigate.

    Fresh sea air, dramatic clifftops, unbeatable scenery, good food – what’s not to like?

    Whitby Abbey, Whitby Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire. YO22 4JT.

    Happy holidays!

    Whatever your plans for this summer, we can help bring them to life with our variety of affordable loans. For more info and to find out how much you could borrow, click here.

  2. How to Identify Get-Rich-Quick Scams on Social Media.

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    How to Identify Get-Rich-Quick Scams on Social Media.

    In this online age, where we are all connected by social media, it’s vital to remain vigilant and safeguard your finances against cyber criminals, many of whom now target people with fraudulent get-rich-quick schemes that promise to make you lots of money in exchange for a one-off, up-front payment.

    At Leeds Credit Union, your financial well-being is our top priority, so we’ve come up with our five top-tips to help you spot and avoid these scams. Read on to find out more! 

    1. Too Good To Be True: Beware of posts or ads promising unbelievably high returns with minimal effort. Legitimate investments usually involve some level of risk, so anything offering high rewards without any risk could well be a scam.
    2. Pressure Tactics: Scammers often employ tactics like limited-time offers or claims of exclusivity to pressure individuals into making hasty financial decisions. Take your time to research and evaluate any opportunity before committing.
    3. Lack of Transparency: Legitimate investment opportunities provide clear and detailed information about the risks involved, the company background and how your money will be used. Be wary of vague or ambiguous explanations and requests for personal information.
    4. Unregistered or Unverified Businesses: Before investing in any opportunity promoted on social media, ensure that the company is registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities. Verify licenses, registrations and reviews to confirm the legitimacy of the business.
    5. Unsolicited Messages: Be cautious of unsolicited messages or friend requests offering investment opportunities. Legitimate financial institutions typically do not cold-call or send unsolicited messages to individuals with investment offers.

    Remember, at Leeds Credit Union, we are committed to helping you make informed financial decisions and protecting your interests. If you ever come across a suspicious investment opportunity on social media, take the following steps:

    • Research the Company: Look for reviews, complaints and news articles about the company offering the investment.
    • Report Suspicious Activity: Report any potential scams to the relevant authorities and the social media platform to prevent others from falling victim.

    By staying educated and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to get-rich-quick scams on social media. Remember – if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

  3. Top Tips For An Affordable Summer Holiday!

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    Top Tips For An Affordable Summer Holiday!

    Nothing beats a summer holiday. The combination of sun, sea and sand just makes everything better and helps melt your troubles away, if only for a week or two.

    But with the cost of living forcing us all to be more frugal than ever, how can you enjoy a summer holiday without breaking the bank? We take a look.

    Keep an eye on last-minute deals.

    If you can afford to leave booking your holiday until late in the day, websites specialising in last-minute holiday deals are invaluable.

    There are plenty to choose from like loveholidays. With this provider, as well as allowing you to search for any destination, you can also see what’s available for a whole calendar month, rather than having to input a specific date. While this doesn’t sound like much, it’s an extremely convenient tool that saves a significant amount of browsing time.

    It also offers a low deposit scheme and different payment options, meaning you can book even if you can’t afford to pay for it all in one go – ideal if you’re on a tight budget.

    Better yet, loveholidays is a member of ATOL, which means all its holidays – from flights to hotel bookings – are financially protected.

    Sign up for flash sale alerts.

    Like last-minute holidays, flash sale offers only work if you’re able to leave booking a holiday until the eleventh hour. If you can, they’re well worth investigating.

    Sites like HolidayPirates offer great deals at seriously low prices but only for a very limited time. To stay in the know without having to constantly check its homepage, sign up to its email list and follow it on social media to find out about offers before everyone else. Speed is of the essence though – these deals get snapped up fast.

    Look for discount codes.

    Websites like My Voucher Code offer money off vouchers which can be redeemed against holidays, so it’s definitely worth a cursory glance to check if your destination of choice is included.  

    Use comparison sites to book hotels.

    As well as letting you check lots of hotel sites quickly, comparison sites usually help you find the best prices. Of course, there are several comparison sites to choose between and each will probably throw up a different result, so it’s worth checking at least three of the most popular ones before deciding who to book with. As well as Trivago and Hotels.com, you should consider Skyscanner, Kayak and TripAdvisor too.

    All these sites also allow you to filter results to only show hotels that offer free cancellation – a useful option that will prevent you from ending up out of pocket.

    Talk to your hotel before booking.

    Before you book a hotel online, give them a call and find out if they offer discounts by booking directly with them – they occasionally offer direct bookers money off for booking early or three-for-two deals.

    Once you’ve started a conversation with them, you might even get freebies like free Wi-Fi thrown in too. Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

    Need help paying for your holiday?

    At Leeds Credit Union, we offer a range of savings accounts that can help you start saving for your next holiday today. Or you could take out one of our affordable loans and borrow from £250 to £25,000 to help you enjoy the holiday of your dreams. Click here to find out more.

  4. The Benefits of Debt Consolidation.

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    The Benefits of Debt Consolidation.

    As the cost of living crisis continues to increase the financial pressure facing many households in the UK, news that tax rises may not be far away couldn’t have come at a worse moment.

    With financial problems mounting, it’s never been more important to keep a close eye on your debts and make sure they’re properly managed and one of the most effective ways of doing so is with a debt consolidation loan. But what exactly is a debt consolidation loan and what are its benefits? We take a look.

    What is a debt consolidation loan?

    A debt consolidation loan is a type of loan that an individual takes out to pay off their existing debts. The individual uses the money from the debt consolidation loan to pay off the people or companies to whom they are in debt, then repays the loan in monthly instalments.

    Debt consolidation loans can be used to pay off different types of debt, such as credit cards, overdrafts, store cards or personal loans.

    What are the benefits of debt consolidation loans?

    Taking out a debt consolidation loan is an effective way of taking back control of your finances as it allows you to immediately pay off all your debts and leaves you responsible for just one repayment each month.

    When you have several lenders to repay each month, it can be easy to forget to make a payment, especially if the repayments are for different amounts and due on different dates. Needless to say, this makes budgeting and general money management much more difficult.

    Because bigger loans often come with lower interest rates, debt consolidation loans can also lower your monthly repayment amount, reducing your outgoings. The repayments can also be spread over a period of time that is more suitable for you, which could potentially lower your monthly repayments too.

    Take control of your debt with a Leeds Credit Union loan.

    A cursory glance at almost any British news outlet will give you an indication of the financial difficulties people in the UK currently face. While this is naturally a cause for concern, it’s important to remember that financial help from reputable lenders is available to anyone who needs it.

    At Leeds Credit Union, we don’t charge any set-up fees for our debt consolidation loans, nor do we charge any penalties for early loan repayments. For more information or to apply for a loan, click here.

  5. Budget-friendly BBQ Tips.

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    Budget-friendly BBQ Tips.

    With summer finally here, there’s never been a better excuse to dust off your BBQ and invite your friends and family round for a celebration.

    And the best news is that, by following our handy hints and tips (and keeping an eye on the weather forecast), you can host a brilliant barbie without breaking the bank! Here’s how…

    Deciding what to serve.

    It’s a barbecue, so sausages and burgers are a must, while kebabs, chicken drumsticks and – if you want to push the boat out – steaks are all worth considering too.

    In terms of ‘how much to buy’, it’s generally a good idea to go for quality over quantity – 10 top quality burgers are better than 20 bland ones.

    As for vegetarians, roasted veggie skewers or meat-free burgers and sausages are always a safe bet.

    You’ll also need some sides to serve with your mains. A couple of large bowls of salad, some loaves of garlic bread, coleslaw and a variety of sauces will suffice. Stocking up on crisps/crackers/breadsticks and dips so your guests have something to nibble on while the food is cooking is a good idea too, as is getting plenty of cheese and lettuce for those who want toppings on their burgers.

    If you’re serving dessert, keep it summery and inexpensive with some ice cream. You’d be surprised how many guests just a couple of tubs will feed!

    Many supermarkets are already advertising summer deals on most of the items we’ve mentioned, so shop around for the best offers currently available or check if your local butcher will do you a deal for buying in bulk.

    As for beverages, you’ll want to keep your fridge well stocked but this doesn’t mean things have to get overly expensive. Have jugs of iced water (or fruit infused water) dotted around, and keep plenty of own-brand lemonade or iced tea in the fridge. For guests that prefer a beer or glass of wine, simply ask your guests to bring their own alcohol!

    Remember to make plenty of ice cubes in advance or buy a bag of ice just before the party begins too – the last thing you want is your guests overheating.

    What else do I need?

    Napkins, paper plates and reusable plastic cups and cutlery are all essential and affordable, especially during BBQ season. 

    You’ll also need to create a suitable playlist to set the mood and keep things upbeat. Make sure there’s something for everyone, with a few cheesy classics everyone knows the words to – just remember to keep the volume at a level that won’t upset your neighbours!

    You may also want to think about providing a few games, especially if children will be present. If you have the room, lawn games like swingball, croquet or cricket are always popular; if not, buying cheap water pistols for kids and decks of cards for adults is an easy win.

    Where to get hold of a new barbecue?

    If you’re in the market for a new barbecue, check out this ‘BBQ Deals’ article for suggestions on bringing your garden kitchen to life, whatever your budget.

    Before you make a purchase though, it’s worth asking yourself how often you’re realistically likely to use your BBQ. If the answer is ‘once a year at most’, it might be worth foregoing a more expensive option and investing in some disposable ones from your local supermarket instead.

    Cook up a storm with Leeds Credit Union!

    Whether you want to invest in a brand new barbecue or just need a hand getting your garden ready for summer, you could borrow from £250 to £25,000 with one of our tailored loans. To find out more, just click here!

  6. Yorkshire’s Best Picnic Spots.

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    Yorkshire’s Best Picnic Spots.

    Not only is summertime nearly here again, International Picnic Day is too! 

    Taking place on June 18th, International Picnic Day encourages everyone to take all the food, drink and blankets you can carry to the nearest, nicest park to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a bite to eat in the open air.

    With a huge array of suitable outdoor venues in and around Leeds, the only question is: where should you go? We have some suggestions…

    Yeadon Tarn.

    Located less than half an hour from Leeds city centre, Yeadon Tarn is one of Yorkshire’s best kept secrets.

    Covering approximately 46 acres of land that includes a beautiful 7.5 hectare lake filled with wildlife and dedicated picnic spots for those who prefer tables to blankets, there’s plenty of Tarn to go around, even on busy days, meaning you won’t end up picnicking on top of another family. 

    And once you’ve finished eating, there’s plenty to do if you fancy burning a few calories, including sailing and other water sports, a playground, a BMX track and walks aplenty. It’s also dog-friendly, so your canine companions can enjoy the fun too.

    Yeadon Tarn, Yeadon, Leeds. LS19 7UR.

    Kirkstall Abbey.

    If you want a picnic spot next to a gorgeous river with plenty of open spaces and a dash of Yorkshire’s unbeatable history, Kirkstall Abbey is the place for you.

    Set against the backdrop of the ruins of the titular abbey – a stunning 12th-century Cistercian monastery – Kirkstall Abbey not only provides the perfect setting for a riverside picnic, it also has lots of areas to explore, a cafe in case it rains, a play area for kids and access to plenty of shade for respite from the sun on hot days.

    Chuck in some local tennis courts and the legendarily large beer garden at the nearby Kirkstall Bridge Inn pub and you’ve got a top picnic spot.

    Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds. LS5 3EH.

    Park Square.

    Desperate for a picnic but don’t fancy travelling far to find the perfect spot? Just wander over to Leeds city centre!

    That’s right, tucked away near the city’s business district, Park Square has everything you need for a meal out in the open. As well as being a natural sun-trap, this expertly landscaped spot has plenty of grassy areas to set up on, numerous benches and flowers and trees that add colour and make you believe you’re a million miles away from one of the UK’s busiest metropolitan areas. 

    And if you need any extra supplies or want something fun to do after you’ve eaten, you’ve got Leeds just a short stroll away. What could be better?

    Park Square, Leeds. LS1 2NY.

    Roundhay Park.

    One of the largest urban parks anywhere in Europe, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Roundhay Park had actually been designed specifically for picnics.

    Comprising 700 acres of incredible natural beauty, rolling parkland, floral displays, streams, secret paths, a gorge walk, two lakes woodlands and open spaces and wildlife in every direction, you could throw a picnic blanket on the ground almost anyway in Roundhay Park and find yourself surrounded by the perfect blend of greenery and tranquillity. 

    Just remember to set an alarm if you lie down to rest after eating – the park is so relaxing, you might just fall asleep.

    Roundhay Park, Roundhay, Leeds. LS8 2ER.

    Temple Newsam.

    The biggest location on our list by some distance, Temple Newsam’s 1,500 acres of parkland provide no shortage of both sunny spots and shaded spaces for picnickers who like landscaped grounds, natural beauty and no fewer than three lakes.

    One of Yorkshire’s most popular tourist attractions, Temple Newsam also has plenty to offer once the food’s all gone, with walled gardens, woodland trails, several walks and a shop all worth a visit.

    Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Selby Road, Leeds. LS15 0AE.

    Your own garden!

    When all’s said and done, there really is no place like home so, if you’re trying to keep your outgoings to a minimum at the moment, why not cut down on travel costs this National Picnic Week and have one in your own backyard?!

    With its handy location close to vital amenities like running water, toilets and indoor seating if the weather takes a turn for the worse, your garden is convenient, unlikely to be overcrowded and best of all, admission is free! 

    Bon appétit!

    With a huge number of superb outdoor spaces available nearby, picnickers in and around Leeds are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to go for a sandwich in the sun. If we’ve forgotten to mention your favourite picnic destination, let us know about it on our social channels! 

    Lastly, remember that whatever your dream plans are for International Picnic Day, we can help make them a reality with one of our affordable loans. Find out more here.

  7. Celebrate Father’s Day Without Breaking The Bank!

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    Celebrate Father’s Day Without Breaking The Bank!

    Sunday June 15th is Father’s Day, a day to celebrate your dear old dad and thank him for all the hours he spent raising you.

    Most dads claim they don’t want anyone to go to any bother when it comes to getting them something for their birthday or Christmas but don’t be fooled, dads love a present as much as everybody else. This Father’s Day, why not get him something he’ll love with the help of our handy gift guide, which has something for every budget?

    £20 and under.

    Beard Shaving Apron.

    If your dad is the sort who leaves his beard blocking the plug hole every time he shaves, this is a present the whole family can enjoy!

    A convenient apron that attaches to the mirror to stop rogue hairs ending up all over the place during a shave, this handy bit of kit is washable, durable and even comes with a set of nose hair trimmers!

    Dad Joke Book.

    The only thing dads love more than a good joke is a good dad joke, i.e. the sort of joke that’s so unoriginal and/or unfunny that it actually is somehow kind of funny. 

    If your dad could do with adding a few new weapons to his gag arsenal, this bestselling dad joke book should be right up his street.

    Dumbbell Beer Glass.

    Does your dad enjoy a beer? Does he wish he had more free time so he could do more exercise? If the answer is ‘yes’ then this dumbbell beer glass is the gift you’ve been looking for!

    Made of high-quality glass, this not-so-little beauty will hold a pint of your old man’s favourite tipple and every time he does a rep with it, he can reward himself by taking a swig. Talk about a win-win!

    £20 – £50

    Fumebar air freshener

    This smart air freshener might just revolutionise the dad car industry…

    A slim, slate grey diffuser that attaches discreetly to any of his car’s air vents, the Fumebar is a refillable cylinder that pumps out one of two dad-friendly scents (dark rum, clove & tobacco or Scotch whisky & incense) to make his car smell nice and/or mask the whiff of his old trainers.

    £50+

    Ooni Pizza Oven

    Dads love pizzas, gadgets and cooking outdoors, so this tidy little pizza oven might be the pinnacle of Father’s Day presents.

    A portable, wood-fired pizza oven that reaches 500°C in under 20 minutes and cooks pizzas to smoky perfection in as little as 60 seconds, Oonis also come with a three-year guarantee and the option of a whole host of accessories. If you ask us, all dads ought to come with one of these as standard.

    Best of British Car Driving Experience

    Not just one car but THREE!

    That’s right, if your dad fancies himself as his generation’s Lewis Hamilton, he’ll be in his element taking each of three iconic British cars out for a three mile drive. With six cars to choose between – including an Aston Martin Vantage and an E-Type Jaguar – and an instructor by his side to stop him getting too carried away, this is an experience your dad will never forget.

    Need a helping hand this Father’s Day?

    At Leeds Credit Union, we can help you get your finances in order with one of our tailored loans, whether you need £250 or £25,000. Apply for yours here.

  8. The Benefits of Credit Unions.

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    The Benefits of Credit Unions.

    As most of us know, stress is a common experience for many people. Luckily, when it comes to financial stress, credit unions can help alleviate some of the most common worries and, as it’s officially Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re taking a look at the ways becoming a member of Leeds Credit Union could reduce your financial worries and help improve your mental health.

    Lower interest rates.

    One of the biggest sources of financial stress is debt, particularly high-interest debt. Because credit unions typically offer lower interest rates on loans than traditional banks and high-cost credit providers, many people find using them enables them to save money more easily, reducing their stress levels by making it easier to pay off debt.

    Personalised service.

    Credit unions are member-owned, meaning they prioritise the needs of their members over the profits of shareholders. This allows them to offer a much more personalised service, with credit union staff more likely to work with you to find solutions to your financial challenges. This, in turn, helps reduce the stress of dealing with financial issues alone.

    Money help.

    Many credit unions enable their members to better understand their money, helping them learn about budgeting, saving and other important financial issues. By increasing your financial literacy, you may feel more confident and less stressed about managing your money.

    Community focus.

    Credit unions are often focused on serving their local communities. This helps create a sense of belonging and connection among members and in areas in which the credit unions operate, helping reduce stress.

    Accessible services.

    Credit unions often offer more accessible financial services than traditional banks. For example, they may offer lower minimum balance requirements, lower (or no) fees or more flexible loan requirements. These benefits can help reduce stress by making it easier to access the financial services you need.

    How Leeds Credit Union can help reduce financial stress.

    We provide straightforward, affordable financial services to people in Leeds, Wakefield, Harrogate, Craven, residents of certain housing associations and employees of some select employers.

    If you are concerned about financial stress, our range of loans and savings accounts could help. For more information and to find out how to join our credit union, click here.

  9. Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025.

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    Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025.

    Although the problems caused by loan sharks are well known, the most recent reports into the number of people turning to them for financial help have revealed that a staggering three million Britons have used their dubious services since 2021, indicating there is still much to be done to get them off our streets once and for all.

    Step forward the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) and its annual Stop Loan Sharks Week!

    Taking place between the 19th and 25th of May, Stop Loan Sharks Week is a scheme set up by IMLT to raise awareness of the existence of – and risks posed by – illegal money lenders, also known as loan sharks. It works by offering people advice on how to recognise the signs that someone might be involved with a loan shark, what to do about it and where to get help.

    What are loan sharks?

    Loan sharks work by lending money to people who are struggling to make ends meet and who may have been turned down for a loan from reputable sources like credit unions or banks. They promise to provide them with a quick and easy loan, only to apply sky-high APR rates, trapping their financially vulnerable victim in a cycle of debt and resorting to intimidation and violence until the loan – plus interest – is repaid in full.

    The IMLT works with local communities, educational facilities and the police to investigate and prosecute loan sharks, and offer support to those who owe them money. The IMLT is estimated to have written off close to £100 million worth of illegal debt since 2004, highlighting just how serious the issue is.

    To try and put a stop to this illegal activity once and for all, Stop Loan Sharks Week raises awareness of the help that is available to people who have been targeted by illegal money lenders by encouraging conversations among friends, families and communities. 

    What does LCU do to stop loan sharks?

    As a credit union, nothing is more important to us than looking after our members’ financial wellbeing. While we might not be out on the streets actively tracking loan sharks down to throw them behind bars, there are plenty of things we can do to stop them taking advantage of financially vulnerable individuals.

    For example, during the 2023/2024 financial year, we lent more than £8.275m to our members, helping them save more than £11m in high interest repayments that would otherwise have ended up in the hands of loan sharks, many of whom were maliciously targeting some of Leeds’ most financially vulnerable postcodes.

    We also work day-in and day-out to offer affordable loans, and access to savings accounts and money and budgeting advice to our members so that they never need to come into contact with loan sharks.

    Seeking help if you’re in debt.

    With the cost of living crisis driving more households into the grasp of illegal money lenders to help pay their bills, Stop Loan Sharks Week couldn’t have come at a better time.

    If you have borrowed from an illegal money lender or are worried about someone else who may have, you can contact the IMLT team 24/7 on 0300 555 2222 or fill out a secure online form here to report a loan shark.

    At Leeds Credit Union, our products and services can help you get your finances safely back on track and our friendly team is available to offer support and advice, whatever your circumstances. For more information or to get in touch, click here.

  10. Springtime Home Improvements.

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    Springtime Home Improvements.

    With longer days and winter a distant memory, many people in the UK are finding themselves inspired to breathe new life into their homes as part of ambitious spring cleaning and DIY projects.

    But what are some of the UK’s most popular home improvements to undertake at this time of year? Let’s take a look…

    Garden revitalisation.

    Now our green spaces are bursting into bloom again, homeowners may well be tempted to show their outdoor areas a little TLC.

    From simple tasks like weeding and pruning to more ambitious projects such as installing new flower beds, laying decking or creating a cosy seating area, giving your garden a shot in the arm is a quick and relatively inexpensive way of enhancing the beauty and functionality of your home at this time of year.

    Painting and decorating.

    A fresh coat of paint brightens up any room and spring is the ideal season for interior painting projects, as the warmer temperatures and increased ventilation from open doors and windows make it easier for paint to dry quickly and evenly!

    Whether you’re opting for a subtle hue to create a calming atmosphere or a bold splash of colour to make a statement, a newly painted room is one of the most fool-proof ways to completely transform the look and feel of your home.

    Decluttering.

    For many of us, spring cleaning simply means ‘having a really good tidy up’ but there’s much more to it than that – it’s an excellent opportunity to declutter and organise your living space, creating a more serene and harmonious environment.

    Take the time to sort through your belongings, donating or disposing of items you no longer need, and organising the rest in a way that maximises space and minimises clutter. From wardrobes and cupboards to garages and attics, there’s no shortage of areas to tackle during a thorough spring cleaning session.

    Upgrading the kitchen.

    The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, making it a popular focus for springtime home improvement projects. Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or simply updating fixtures and appliances, there are plenty of ways to breathe new life into your kitchen. Consider replacing outdated countertops, installing new cabinetry or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of this vital space.

    Outdoor maintenance.

    As the weather warms up, it’s important to ensure that your home’s exterior is in top condition. From cleaning gutters and washing windows to repairing fences and repainting doors, outdoor maintenance tasks can help protect your property from the elements while enhancing its overall appeal. 

    Don’t forget to inspect your roof for any signs of damage and schedule any necessary repairs to prevent leaks and other issues down the line too!

    DIY with LCU!

    Whether your spring home improvement project requires just a few tins of paint and some new storage options or a whole new kitchen, our range of affordable loans is here to help you make your dream home a reality!

    Find out how we can help here.