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Mumsnet webchats

Live chat with Alvin Hall, Thursday July 3rd 1-2pm

144 replies

carriemumsnet · 30/06/2008 16:22

Hi all

Just to let you know that Alvin Hall, independent money saving expert, is coming along on Thursday to answer your questions about all things financial. A well respected author and presenter, Alvin advised the nation on BBC2's Your Money or Your Life and has written several books on the subject.

One of the reasons Alvin has agreed to join us is that he has recently worked with OMSCo, the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative, to compile Cheap Changes, a pocket guide full of money saving tips to help you to beat the 'credit crunch' without compromising your lifestyle. This is available as a pdf for Mumsnetters to download here

If you can't make it on the day, please post your questions in advance here. Otherwise - see you on Thursday.

MNHQ

OP posts:
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NorthernLurker · 30/06/2008 16:25

Would you buy a house in the UK now?

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cocolepew · 30/06/2008 16:28

I got very excited and thought it was Alvin from The Chipmonks Only for a teeny second though. I used to watch this Alvin on the t.v. He is the font of all wisdom.

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UnquietDad · 30/06/2008 16:30

Great stuff!

I'd like to ask Alvin what are the biggest mistakes people make with savings and investments, and how to counteract those.

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littlelapin · 30/06/2008 16:30

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Piffle · 30/06/2008 16:36

I heart alvin hall
his book made us make big changes to our spending and debt management.
4 years on we are much stronger financially and as a couple.
Alvin I would like to ask what is the thinking mans wisdom towards pensions these days? My husband thinks they are vital, whereas I think lowering the mortgage and investing wisely will make better returns and offer greater retirement options?

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littlelapin · 30/06/2008 16:44

This reply has been deleted

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MsDemeanor · 30/06/2008 16:47

Dear Alvin, how do you think couples should manage their money for most marital harmony? How much should you share and should you know the details of each other's credit card balances etc? I bet you say yes! I find it hard to do this as I feel as if I want my privacy, but also know I am more extravagant than my dh and feel a bit disapproved of!

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hanaflowerisnothana · 30/06/2008 16:50

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thebecster · 30/06/2008 16:54

I think he's wonderful, and so does DH - have 'Money for Life' and "You and Your Money". Will try to think of questions for him as could always use more Alvin-wisdom. Incidentally I once almost knocked him over (not in a car, I was pedestrian running down street not looking where I was going), about six years ago on Newman Street W1. I didn't apologise properly as was so stunned to see someone I recognised & admire so just went 'Ermm...' and then ran off . So since you're there - Sorry Alvin, hope I didn't injure you at all!

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MadamePlatypus · 30/06/2008 16:54

What 3 things do you think people should be doing on a daily basis to keep on top of money?

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MsDemeanor · 30/06/2008 16:56

Yes, what do you think people waste most money on?
It just runs through my fingers. I'm terrible. Come from a background where money was a bit feast or famine, but mainly famine.

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StellaWasADiver · 30/06/2008 17:09

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RTKangaMummy · 30/06/2008 17:28

***

ALVIN IS ON "THIS MORNING" TOMORROW

{TUESDAY}












*

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MegReally · 30/06/2008 17:36

god alvin I love him

I have a question if that's okay

I want to know if it is a good idea to throw everything into the mortgage for the next 8-10 years and then throw it into a pension

I say this because dh and I have about £150 a month for pensions and it is not doing much, and I wonder if it is a good idea to get rid of the mortgage first to save interest

maybe it is the same question as piffle. But people think that you are always talking huge figures for mortgage and pensions and we aren't, and we don't have anywhere really where we can 'cut down' to save money, except of course if we sell the kids. Then we wouldn't need a car, maybe...

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MegReally · 30/06/2008 17:37

and the thing about half your age as a percentage of your income - that is funny. Really. It's hilarious

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RTKangaMummy · 30/06/2008 17:40

Hi Alvin

You are so deffo brill



Where would you invest approx £6,000 per year for your 13 year old?

It has to be 100% secure with NO risk

Which Bank or Building Society or Bond or somewhere else?

But which ones are the best?

It is money for the future ie not to be withdrawn for at least 5 years

Thanks

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fircone · 30/06/2008 18:30

husband (dh in mumsnet speak) is labouring under the misapprehension that he is a hedge fund manager or premier ship footballer and spends like there's no tomorrow.

Any moneysaving initiatives I suggest are met with derision or ostrich behaviour.

Can you suggest any shock tactics I could employ?

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Bundle · 30/06/2008 18:34

hi Alvin

My husband (main breadwinner) went freelance about a year ago. So far our income is fairly steady. Our mortgage agreement ran out so we're paying a bit over the odds with our lender on their "normal" rate.

If we switch should we go for a fixed/tracker/variable? We may move in the next two years so don't want to be locked in for too long or suffer massive penalties if we up the loan.

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moondog · 30/06/2008 18:55

Finally someone useful and not some ridiculous childcare guru.
Alvin, you are fab. We love you!!!

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Bundle · 30/06/2008 18:57

oh yes - alvin we heart you

obviously

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RubySlippers · 30/06/2008 19:03

can you point me in the direction of a really easy family budget plan - incomings/outgoings etc?

also, i am tempted to carry cash rather than cards to try to curb my non-essential spending (mags, lattes etc) - is this a useful thing to do?

also, am interested in your answer to RTKANGA's questions re where is the best place to put a lump sum ... we have lost a fair whack on an medium risk ISA recently

Also, if you were to have a windfall, would you save it or pay some of your mortgage off?

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Habbibu · 30/06/2008 19:09

Oh, good choice, MNHQ!

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rookiemater · 30/06/2008 19:21

Oh I just LOVE Alvin Hall. Wish I could get DH to read his book, he is so brill. Agree with MsDemeanour, I'd like to agree with my DH over spending.

We have a separate account for treats but he still spends more money on frivolities than I would deam necessary. Who is wrong and who is right ?

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MsDemeanor · 30/06/2008 19:28

Is this a collective swoon?
Yes, I love him too.

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RubySlippers · 30/06/2008 19:29

so, this has gone a lot better so far than the Sheherazde thingummybob chat thing!

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