• Renting out your home when you’re in the Armed Forces – your options explained

    Renting out your home when you’re in the Armed Forces – your options explained

    If you’re a homeowner and you work in the Armed Forces, there may come a time when you have to rent out your home. Perhaps you bought a property in your local area but soon you’re going to be posted elsewhere. Or, you’ve bought a place you’re intending to live in at some point in the future, and you need to rent it out in the meantime.

    Whatever your reasons, as soon as you rent out a property, you become a landlord. In doing so, you take on certain responsibilities. So, we’ve written this article to help you understand your obligations, both in terms of your mortgage and towards your tenants.

    Contact your mortgage lender and ask about consent to let

    If you have a residential mortgage on your property and you decide to rent the property out, you need to let the lender know of your intentions. You may be required to switch from a residential to a Buy-To-Let mortgage – although there’s no guarantee your lender even offers this kind of mortgage. The interest rates on Buy-To-Let mortgages may differ to residential mortgages, plus some lenders may charge you a fee for switching the mortgage. The good news is, often allowances are made for armed forces personnel. You can apply for a special type of ‘consent to let’, which gives you permission to rent out your property without having to change the kind of mortgage you have.

    The first step is to get in touch with your mortgage lender and let them know that you intend to let your property. Failing to do so could be a breach of your mortgage conditions. 

    Four things to consider before renting out your home

    As a landlord you have certain obligations that you need to fulfil. Here are four things to consider before handing the keys to your first tenant. 

    1. Sort out an Energy Performance Certificate

    An EPC basically lets a potential tenant know how energy efficient your property is. You’ll need to arrange for an accredited assessor to come and assess your property and issue a certificate for your property.

    1. Sign a tenancy agreement and protect your tenants’ deposit if you take one

    A tenancy agreement is the contract you have with your tenants. It puts down in writing things like how long the tenants can stay and how much the rent will be. If you take a deposit as security against damage or non-payment of rent, you’ll need to place it in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme – a lettings agent can help with this.

    1. Taking out landlords insurance

    While buildings insurance is compulsory when you take out a mortgage, it’s worth considering having extra cover in place. Landlords insurance is specifically designed for owners who rent out their property. Different policies offer different levels of cover. For example, if your property is being rented out unfurnished, you’re unlikely to need contents cover. You can also get policies which will cover rent and eviction costs if the tenant fails to pay.

    1. Get the gas and electric safety checked

    You need to get a Gas-Safe-registered engineer in to perform a gas safety check and provide a safety certificate. The same goes for the electrics, too. Make sure any appliances in the home are tested by a professional. You also must provide a working smoke alarm.

    Remember your tenants will need an emergency contact

    As soon as you rent out your property, you become a landlord. So, if you get posted to a completely different part of the country, your tenants will need someone they can contact in an emergency. A lot of people choose a relative or friend, but you could also consider a letting agent who can look after the property and collect the rent on your behalf. Fees for agents can range from below 10% of the rent to above 20%, depending on the service, shop around to get the best deal for you.

    Moving back into the property you’ve rented out

    When your posting comes to an end, or you decide to leave the armed forces, and you want to move back into the property you’ve been renting out, there are certain things you have to do.

    Always speak to your mortgage lender first, to make sure you’re not in breach of your mortgage terms by moving back in. Some lenders charge you for switching your mortgage from a buy-to-let back to a residential mortgage.

    Of course, if you have tenants living in the property, you will have to serve them notice of your intention to terminate their tenancy. How much notice you have to give will depend on the tenancy agreement you have in place. You will also need to give back any deposit within the correct time period too – less any deductions you need to make. One of the advantages of having a letting agent is that they will pretty much take care of all this for you – but at a cost.

    Tereza Macegova

  • Mortgage Broker or Direct Deal?

    Mortgage Broker or Direct Deal?

    With so many mortgage deals available, how can you ensure you find the right one for you?

    You could decide to go direct, searching the market yourself and approaching a lender directly for a specific mortgage deal. Lenders may provide advice, but only on the products they offer. Going direct could save you money as you’re not charged fees that some brokers charge for mortgage advice, but only if you know what mortgage is best for you.  You could arrange a new mortgage with your existing bank or building society, but you could be limited solely to their own mortgage products, significantly restricting the deals available to you.

    What is a mortgage broker?

    A mortgage broker is a person or company that arranges a mortgage between you (the borrower) and a mortgage lender.

    They will:

    • Help you assess your financial situation
    • Recommend the most suitable mortgage for your needs
    • Search the market to find deals that match your criteria

    What are the benefits of using a broker?

    • Convenience – if you’re not sure what you’re looking for and aren’t clear on the mortgage markets, or just don’t have the time to search for deals and speak to lenders, then a broker can be very useful. They could save you a considerable amount of time.
    • Access – mortgage brokers will usually have access to a wide range of lenders, with deals that aren’t always available if you go direct. This means they have a wider choice of options to recommend from.
    • Expertise – if you’re not familiar with the different types of mortgages available, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. For such an important financial decision, having an expert who can provide impartial advice and explain things, will make the whole process clearer.

    What are the disadvantages?

    • Cost – some mortgage brokers don’t charge a fee and receive commission from the lender, others charge a fee for their services. This can be charged an hourly or ‘flat fee’ basis and can either be charged up front or on completion of your mortgage.
    • Limitations – not all brokers have independent access to the mortgage market, some only use certain lenders. You should ask how many lenders a broker uses and if they have any preferences. Not all mortgage deals offered by banks and building societies are available through brokers.
    • Quality – getting a mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, so it’s important to make sure you choose one carefully and get recommendations where possible

    What types of mortgage brokers are there?

    • Brokers who only offer mortgage from a single lender
    • Brokers who offer mortgages from a limited number of lenders
    • Brokers who offer a comprehensive range of mortgages from across the market.

    Tereza Macegova

  • Fraud – what do I need to look out for?

    Fraud – what do I need to look out for?

    Fraud is estimated to cost the UK £137 billion every year[1].

    According to a recent AARP survey in the USA the military community – veterans, serving military and their families continue to be targeted significantly more by con-artists[2].

    Recent research published by the Citizens Advice Bureau in 2022 found that in the first half of the year more than three quarters of UK adults had been targeted by a scammer, with imposter scams very common[3].

    Typically, when someone commits an imposter crime they pretend to be someone else, for example from the government or a trusted military group such as Veterans Services. They try and obtain NI numbers, bank account details and other personal information.

    As with many fraud crimes the people sound convincing, and you need to be on your guard and address any concerns you have rather than leaving it and seeing what happens. Instinct is normally a good barometer for things like this – just like it probably serves you well in the field.

    Imposter crime – pretending to be someone else – is a method used to perform identity theft (stealing personal details) and then go on to perform identity fraud.  Action fraud define identity fraud as when your personal details are stolen (defined as identity theft) and used to commit fraud[4].

    Examples of identity fraud crimes include opening bank accounts, taking out loans and credit cards in your name, and securing state benefits due to you. It also includes taking out mobile phone contracts and ordering goods in your name, as well as obtaining passports and driving licences in your name. 

    There are various types of identity theft and identity fraud you need to be aware of. This list is not exhaustive but gives you an idea of actions fraudsters might take to access your personal information to then go on to commit identify fraud.

    Representing trustworthy institutions

    Criminals may try to get personal information by pretending to represent a bank or another trustworthy institution such as HMRC and asking you to verify details about yourself.

    Bank or Credit Card Statements and Other Mail

    Bank and credit card statements and other mail can contain your name, address, and account details that can be used by identity thieves. Fraudsters may forward your mail to another address sometimes known as a ‘collection address’, where they can intercept it and potentially steal any sensitive information. So you need to be aware and check if you haven’t received some mail you were expecting.

    Photo IDs

    Photographic identification, such as a driver’s licence, can be altered by criminals to create a new identity or assume an existing one. This may then be used to open new accounts and build up debt.

    Emails

    Phishing is a method that involves sending fake or fraudulent emails that an unsuspecting victim might open, believing it is from a trusted source (for example .gov.uk). The email may try to convince you to send personal details in a reply or it could release a virus that attempts to steal information from your computer.

    So why are the military such attractive targets and can you do anything about that

    Firstly, many military personnel are young, often having moved away from their home base for the first time, and inexperienced dealing with finances and household decisions such as renting property. And the mentality of hard-working military young people can be that they are untouchable, so they aren’t alert to possible scams. People who are exposed to physical dangers may be more susceptible to “paper” or non-violent crimes.

    At the other end of the scale older people are targeted as they can be seen as a soft touch in relation to online and digital scams, as well as being in a position to make charitable donations. And of course, in relation to identity fraud in particular, if someone is wanting to commit identity fraud, then pretending to be an upstanding military person is attractive to them!

    Another big reason military personnel and family may be targeted for fraud is due to the frequent relocating, which means personal information is shared around a lot more, potentially making people more exposed. And this often comes with the partner looking for flexible, shorter term, work from home jobs which exposes them to employment scams.

    Communication and taking a breath can be really helpful tools here. If someone contacts you and you aren’t sure then take time to check, think about it, and ask your colleagues or friends what they think. Often articulating the situation makes you realise something is amiss. And you can check the details of the company that is contacting you independently to see if they are consistent.

    It is always good practice too, to check your credit record regularly so you can pick up if anything has occurred on your credit record. 

    Fraud of any type can impact your bank balance but also your mental wellbeing, leaving you with a sense of powerlessness, frustration, violation and lack of trust. Try and not become the next victim. But it could be comforting to know that Forces Mutual Kit & Personal Possessions Insurance can provide some protection against some of the fraud types mentioned in the article, as it comes with identity fraud cover as standard. There is also an identity theft helpline provided by Ageas Insurance Limited.

    Kit & Personal Possessions Insurance is provided by Ageas Insurance Limited.

    Find out more: Military Kit & Personal Possessions Insurance | Forces Mutual

    PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No.1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

    [1]The financial cost of fraud 2021 | Crowe UK, page 7 of the report

    [2] Scambush: Military Veterans Battle Surprise Attacks from Scams & Fraud (aarp.org), page 6

    [3] Over 40 million targeted by scammers as the cost-of-living crisis bites – Citizens Advice

    [4] Identity fraud and identity theft | Action Fraud

    Tereza Macegova

  • Budgeting: Making the most of your money

    Budgeting: Making the most of your money

    Are you struggling to manage your money? Do you wonder where it all goes each month? Then having a budget could help. If you’re not sure where to start don’t worry, we have some helpful information on budgeting right here for you!

    Money problems can affect your life in a variety of ways including your mental health* and as members of the Armed Forces, supporting you where possible is important to us. So, to help, we think the below guide to budgeting could be a great way to start when trying to stay on top of your finances.

    By keeping track of how much money you have coming in (your income) and how much money you have going out (your spending) you can get a clear picture of your finances and take control of your money.

    Please remember, if you are struggling with debt then no matter how big you feel the problem is there is help at hand. We have provided some resources at the end of this article which we believe could be helpful. Our friendly advisors on camp across the UK, Northern Ireland and Cyprus are available to help you with a budget so take advantage and speak to them!

    Why budget?

    Budgeting can help you:

    • See exactly where your money goes
    • Spot overspending or when you’re paying for things you no longer need or use
    • Live within your means – you can adjust your spending when necessary
    • Work out what you can afford
    • Plan for big expenses such as Christmas, holidays and annual bills
    • Save when you can for the future

    Drawing up a budget

    You can create a budget using pen and paper, a spreadsheet or with the help of an online budget planner. You’ll find a list of some websites with budget planners available in the resources section of this article.

    Budgeting can be harder if you or the person you live with has an income that varies – for example, on a zero-hours contract, are self-employed or on certain benefits. Get tips on how to budget if your income goes up and down.

    Gather together useful information: Include details of any income you receive (salary, pension, benefit payments and income from savings and investments), as well as household bills, food bills, credit card statements, insurance costs and so on.

    Identify all your income: This is money you regularly receive. Work out your total income after tax to see how much you have to spend. If you receive any irregular or unpredictable income such as over-time or gifts from family, think carefully before including it in your budget as you cannot always rely on it. It may be better to put this to one side.

    Work out your spending: Make a list of everything you spend. As well as regular spending, this can include occasional spending such as for Christmas, holidays and meals or days out. Work out how much you spend on average and then calculate how much you need to set aside for each relevant occasion. This can vary so you might only set aside a certain amount and stick to this!

    Take your spending away from your income: This may result in you having a surplus each month which is great. If not, and your spending is higher than your income, then you should look to take action where possible. 

    Ways to increase your income

    There are various ways you may be able to boost your income but we understand all these are not options to many of you in the Armed Forces, but they may be helpful and appropriate for your family or someone you know.

    • If you’re working, you may be able to increase your hours or pick up some overtime where it suits your schedule. If you’re not working, you may be able to get a part-time job that suits your needs and gives you an income.
    • Check you’re claiming any benefits or other financial help you’re entitled to. If you’re on a low income you may be entitled to some form of income support or help with your housing costs. If you care for someone, are in poor health or your household changes (e.g. someone moves out or dies) you may be entitled to other benefits. To find out more about benefits and check your benefit entitlements use one of the government’s benefits calculators.
    • If you have a spare room in your home, you may be able to rent this out. You can earn up to £7,500 in rent before you have to pay tax on this money. Find more about the government’s rent a room scheme. Also, read our article on your options when it comes to renting out your home when you’re in the Armed Forces.

    Ways to cut your spending

    If you can’t increase your income you may be able to cut your spending.

    • Check your budget for any over or unnecessary spending.
    • Divide up your spending into needs and wants. Needs are things you have to pay for such as rent and food, wants are things you could do without at a push. Once you’ve worked out your essential spending (your needs) you can then see how much cash you have left for other things (your wants).

    If your circumstances change

    It’s a good idea to regularly review your budget as your income and spending patterns can change. You may also find that prices go up which affects how much you are spending in total and what money you have left over.

    Your circumstances might change if someone moves in or out of your household, you cut your working hours or stop work altogether, your health deteriorates, you start to receive extra income such as the State Pension or a private pension.

    Money saving tips

    Here are some tips for saving money on household bills.

    • Take advantage of supermarket offers, money-saving vouchers and retail discounts. Find out more on MoneySavingExpert.com.
    • If you need help with energy bills visit the energy regulator’s website at ofgem.gov.uk. To find ways to save energy in your home visit gov.uk for details.
    • Not everyone has savings but if you do, ensure your savings are earning the best rates of interest by a using price comparison website. For a useful guide on using price comparison websites, see the MoneyHelper.

    Useful Resources

    The Royal British Legion – Armed Forces Charity

    Energy Saving Trust – Tips to save energy

    MoneyHelper – Advice on budgeting

    Which? – Best ways to save money

    Get support with debt:

    PayPlan^ – Managing Debt

    StepChange – Armed Forces Debt Support

    Citizens Advice – Debt and money

    You can find more on budgeting at:

    MoneyHelper

    Money Saving Expert

    Which?

    You can find budget planners at:

    MoneyHelper

    StepChange

    Money Saving Expert

    *Source: Mind.org.uk – The link between money and mental health

    ^ PayPlan is a trading name of Totemic Limited. Totemic Limited is a limited company registered in England, Company Number: 2789854. Registered Office: Kempton House, Dysart Road, PO Box 9562, Grantham, NG31 0EA. Totemic Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Conduct Authority Number: 681263

    Tereza Macegova

  • Cost of Living: Tips to help you manage your finances

    Cost of Living: Tips to help you manage your finances

    With rising prices in almost every aspect of life, many people are struggling to cope as pressure on household finances continue.

    In September 2022 Royal London carried out research, amongst 4,000 UK adults, to explore the changes people have already made to help with the cost of living and how they are coping with the current pressures on their finances.

    Key Research Findings

    • Approximately a third of adults are already spending money they don’t have, by going either overdrawn (often or occasionally) or borrowing to meet everyday expenses.
    • Over 9 in 10 adults (93%) said they are worried about energy bills and almost the same number (89%) are worried about the cost of food.
    • Approximately one in six people (16%) said they have already taken on an additional job to help pay for the cost of living crisis*.

    For more research findings click here.

    Top 10 tips that could help

    You may already be making changes to feel more in control of your money, but if not, here are some tips to help you get on top of your finances.

    1. Find out where your money’s going

    Start by finding out where your money’s being spent. It sounds obvious, but many of us don’t realise exactly how much we’re spending each month – and what we’re spending on – until it’s laid out in front of us.

    Keep a spending diary for a month where you write down everything you spend or track your spending using your phone. Many banks now have features on their mobile apps that you can use to track spending. Monitoring your money can help you build a picture of exactly where it’s going.

    2. Go through your statements

    Grab your last three bank statements and credit card bills and spend some time going through them, highlighting any areas where you think you’re spending money unnecessarily or spending too much. This could be on anything from a top of the range broadband package that you don’t need, to a mobile phone contract where you’re paying for data you don’t use.

    3. Cancel old subscriptions

    A number of households are spending £265 a year on subscriptions for goods and services they don’t even use, according to research by Compare The Market**.

    This can include gym memberships, phone contracts and video streaming plans like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Even magazine subscriptions of a few pounds a month are money down the drain if you don’t have time to read the magazine! Take a few minutes and cancel any subscriptions you don’t really use to save yourself a bit of cash.

    4. Save money on your bills

    Switching your energy supplier used to be a good way of saving money on your household bills, but with energy prices soaring, you may be better off staying on the standard tariff with your existing supplier once your fixed rate tariff comes to an end.

    You may also be able to save money on your water bills by having a meter if you don’t already have one. It will depend on the size of your home and how much water you use.

    5. Break any bad habits

    Take a look at your spending and see if there are areas where you’ve fallen into bad money habits, such as buying a coffee or lunch every day. Cutting that takeaway coffee to once or twice a week, or preparing more of your meals at home, will add up to meaningful savings over a year.

    6. Draw up a budget

    Drawing up a weekly or monthly budget will help you get your finances under control. There are plenty of templates online to get you started, like the MoneyHelper budget planner.

    Alternatively, you can also use budgeting apps to plan what you want to spend and keep track of it. There are plenty available, including Money Dashboard and Moneyhub.

    7. See if you can pay less interest

    If you owe money on an expensive credit card, it may be worth considering whether you can transfer the balance to a credit card charging 0% interest. Although these cards are interest free, you will normally be charged a balance transfer fee of up to 3% of the amount you transfer. Because you won’t be charged interest on your balance, more of your money can go to repaying what you owe.

    These cards aren’t right for everyone, and it’s important to make sure you can pay off your balance by the time the 0% interest deal runs out. It may also affect your credit score, especially if you do it multiple times.

    8. Get help with unmanageable debts

    If you are struggling to pay for the essentials, you are using one credit card to pay off another, or your debts are causing you worry, then contact a debt advice charity, such as StepChange. They will be able to give you help with your debts, free of charge. They may also be able to tell you whether you are able to claim any state benefits.

    We’ve teamed up with PayPlan, one of the UK’s leading free debt advice providers, who offer free and confidential advice to anyone in serious financial difficulties.

    9. Check your credit report

    Your credit report is a snapshot of the information that’s on your credit file. And this information is used by companies you already have a credit agreement with, and lenders you apply to, to make decisions about how good a risk you are. You have the right – by law – to see a copy of your credit report free of charge. It’s worth doing so you can see the information that lenders you apply to can access. Importantly, if there are any mistakes you can get them corrected.

    There are several different credit reference agencies, but the main ones are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

    10. Check if you’re entitled to state benefits

    Billions of pounds of state benefits go unclaimed each year, and you could be missing out. The national charity Turn2us has a free and confidential benefits calculator on its website which can help you work out which means-tested benefits you’re entitled to. It also has a grant search tool and information on grants you may be able to apply for.

    Our team of advisors, many of whom come from the Military Family, are Mental Health First Aid trained. They can refer you to PayPlan or help you with a budget.

    PayPlan is a trading name of Totemic Limited. Totemic Limited is a limited company registered in England, Company Number: 2789854. Registered Office: Kempton House, Dysart Road, PO Box 9562, Grantham, NG31 0EA. Totemic Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Conduct Authority Number: 681263

    Sources:

    * Royal London research – Cost of living report – Royal London

    ** Compare The Market Source – Compare the Market Research

    Tereza Macegova

  • Thinking about kit insurance – what you need to know

    Thinking about kit insurance – what you need to know

    If you are in the market for a new kit insurance policy, or thinking of changing to another provider, what do you need to think about?

    1. Take cover!
      Make sure you are properly covered. Specialist service issued kit can be expensive and you aren’t intending to keep it neatly in a cupboard, so the cover needs to be sufficient so you can use it without fearing the worst if something happens. Many kit insurance policies also cover your personal possessions and Licence to Occupy, so it is important to make sure your policy cover level will cover all these elements.
    2. Does your policy travel like you do?
      You don’t want a policy that restricts where you are covered. Worldwide policies mean you are confident the cover will extend to whatever part of the world you find yourself in next.
    3. You take your personal possessions with you so it would be handy if they were covered.
      Your mobile phone lives in your hand, and other personal tech such as your laptop, iPad, smart watch needs covering. Some kit insurance policies cover you for personal possessions items like these, but also check the cover level. If you have the latest smartphone, no use having cover for a few hundred pounds when it cost you over a grand!
    4. Credit rating help – avoid a credit check
      You may find it helpful, for different reasons, to be able to buy a policy that doesn’t require a credit check.
    5. Pay monthly without getting hammered for it
      Policies that allow you to pay monthly without charging you extra could fit better with your spending preferences and avoid you having to find a lump sum each year. Some monthly policies include an element of credit charge so take care not to pay extra when you don’t need to.
    6. Easier to switch if you are paying monthly
      If you are currently with a kit insurance provider and want to switch to another provider it can be easier if you move from paying monthly with one provider to another where you can pay monthly, rather than waiting to get a refund from an annual policy.
    7. You generally get what you pay for
      Yes you can take out the very cheapest premium you can find, but does that give you the reassurance of a policy that has the benefits outlined above?

    Remember, lowest cost is not necessarily the best option. Low cost is likely not to provide the cover you need. You want to be confident that if you need to make a claim, you know you took out adequate cover rather than wishing you had!

    If you are considering taking out a new kit insurance policy or considering changing your current provider, you may benefit from looking at Forces Mutual Kit and Personal Possessions Insurance. Worldwide cover of up to £40,000 for your service-issued kit and personal possessions comes as standard, including Licence to Occupy. Personal possessions are each covered for up to £1,500 – and you can cover items for more if you specify them on your policy.

    You don’t need to undertake a credit check; and you can pay monthly for no extra charge. 

    The price difference between many policies available in the market is only a few pounds each month – around the cost of a cup of coffee. So check out Forces Mutual Kit and Personal Possessions Insurance and get a quote: Military Kit & Personal Possessions Insurance | Forces Mutual

    Kit & Personal Possessions Insurance is provided by Ageas Insurance Limited.

    PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No.1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

    Tereza Macegova

  • Mobile and laptop calamities

    Mobile and laptop calamities

    We all use our mobile phones and laptops way too much. Some people – me definitely included! – can’t see themselves being able to function without checking many times a day. So you think we would be extra careful and make sure they are not damaged. Maybe not based on recent research conducted by OnePoll.  

    The study found that a third of mobile phone users have damaged or completely broken their phones in the last 12 months[1].

    One fifth managed to drop their mobile into the toilet (yes I have friends who have done that!), and 20% either drove over their device or dropped it out of the vehicle window. One in ten stated that their dog bit it. The more active respondents managed to damage their phone whilst playing football with 10% of people having experienced this. Maybe that’s why Messi and Ronaldo don’t play with their phones in their pockets!

    Research undertaken by Mintel[2] found that those aged 16-24 are the most accident-prone age group, with 48% smashing their screen in the last two years. 33% of this age group have sensibly taken out insurance to cover them.

    No-one wants to have a badly damaged or completely broken phone. And given the price of mobile phones it is not something that you want to be funding out of your own pocket on a regular basis.

    Forces Mutual Kit and Personal Possessions Insurance provides worldwide cover for service issued kit. The policy also covers personal possessions including mobile phones and laptops up to £1,500 per item. You can cover your items for more than this but you would have to specify this on your policy. Maybe based on this research this personal possession cover alongside your kit insurance may come in useful!

    You can buy Kit and Personal Possessions Insurance online: forcesmutual.org/kit or over the phone: 0151 363 5290.

    Kit & Personal Possessions Insurance is provided by Ageas Insurance Limited.

    PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No.1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

     [1] Most common ways that Brits damage their mobile phones revealed – see the full list – Mirror Online

    [2] 24% of smartphone owners have broken their screen | Mintel.com

    Tereza Macegova

  • Protect your car from theft

    Protect your car from theft

    Car theft is unfortunately as bad as ever. In 2020 there were almost 20,000 more cars stolen than in 2019.[i] Even if your car is safely parked on base most of the time, it’s always worthwhile knowing the best ways to avoid getting your car stolen. This article will give you some tips to warn off any potential car thieves.

    Simply things to do to keep your car safe

    • Always make sure your car is secure before you leave it, even if you just need to leave it for a few minutes. Always shut the doors and windows and lock your car.
    • Never leave your car running unattended and always remove the keys from the ignition.
    • Never leave any personal items on display. It only takes thieves seconds to smash a car window and steal your property.
    • Use secure car parks ideally with monitored barriers or park in busy well-lit areas.
    • Use steering wheel or gear shift lock, potential thieves will see them and be put off targeting your car.
    • Think about installing an audio alarm or get an electronic engine immobiliser fitted, if it doesn’t come as standard.
    • Consider getting a tracking system fitted. If it’s used along with other devices, it might even bring down the cost of your car insurance premium.

    Keyless entry

    Over the years technology for cars has improved massively, and for some people now you can unlock your car by just having your keys on you and close to the car. But how safe is this?

    If you have a car with keyless entry, you might find the following security tips from Thatcham Research useful. The motor insurers’ automotive research centre advises you to:

    • Contact your dealer and talk about the digital features in your car. Have there been any software updates you can take advantage of to improve your car’s security?
    • Check if your keyless entry fob can be turned off. If it can, and your dealer can also confirm this, then make sure you turn it off overnight.
    • Store your keys away from household entry points. Keeping your keyless entry fob out of sight is not enough – thieves only need to gain proximity to the key to amplify its signal.
    • Be vigilant and keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.

    Parking at home

    Even if your car is parked on your driveway or the street near your house, its safety isn’t guaranteed. There are many small home CCTV systems which aren’t expensive, and they could help catch someone who does try to steal your car. A motion sensor activated security light may also put thieves off.

    The more layers of protection you can add the less appealing your car will be to criminals.

    And last, but by no means least, make sure that your car keys are not left in an obvious place such as a key hook by the front door or in sight when you are out and about, these are the first place would-be thieves would look.

    Forces Mutual provides car insurance for the Military family. For more information about our Car Insurance and how you could benefit, click here or call 0151 363 5290.

    Forces Mutual Car Insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.

    PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No.1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

    [i] https://www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk/blog/posts/uks-most-stolen-cars-the-latest-update-rivervale-leasing

    Tereza Macegova

  • Sponsoring the RAF Benevolent Fund: update

    Sponsoring the RAF Benevolent Fund: update

    s recently announced, Forces Mutual have partnered with the RAF Benevolent Fund as Corporate Members.

    As a financial ally to the Armed Forces community, we have committed to helping the RAF Benevolent Fund to stand side-by-side with the RAF Family. Our commitment will help to continue to support members of the RAF Family emotionally, financially and physically for years to come.

    Our donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund will mean they can offer the following services:

    To find out more about the RAF Benevolent Fund visit their website

    Tereza Macegova

  • Time to Talk Day 2021

    Time to Talk Day 2021

    Time to Talk Day is the day to get us all talking about mental health. This years’ time to talk day on 4 February may be different, but during the pandemic talking about mental health is more important than ever.

    The more conversations we have about mental health the more barriers we can break down and the closer we’ll come to ending mental health stigma and discrimination.

    This year’s focus of time to talk day is the power of small, because however you have a conversation about mental health, whether it’s a quick message to a colleague, a virtual cuppa, or a socially distanced walk and talk, it has the power to make a big difference.

    A small conversation about mental health has the power to make a big difference.

    Mental health problems affect one in four of us, yet many people can feel isolated, ashamed and worthless because of this. Time to Talk Day encourages everyone to be more open about mental health, to talk, to listen, to improve lives. Every conversation brings us a step closer to ending the feelings that too many of us experience. Poor mental health can affect anyone, of any age, gender or background.

    Starting a conversation with someone around their or your own mental health can feel uncomfortable. You may be worried that you will say the wrong thing but remember saying nothing is far worse. You may have concerns about how others are coping with the current situation.

    Here are some tips on helping others:

    • Ask others how they are feeling.
    • Ask someone twice how they are feeling, this will give them the opportunity to be honest and to realise that you genuinely want to know.
    • Listen and don’t judge, it’s great that people are happy to talk to you about how they are feeling, so ensure you really listen to them.
    • Ask how long they have felt this way.
    • Ask if there is anything you can do to help.
    • Ask what support they need. Provide them with details of professional organisations, who may be able to help.
    • Treat them in the same way, don’t change the way you act towards someone once you are aware of their poor mental health.
    • Little gestures can have a big impact, this may be just having a virtual cuppa or watching a film together.

    With the majority of children not currently going to school, they may be missing their friends and struggling with home schooling. Like adults, children will respond to this situation in different ways, such as being more clingy, anxious, withdrawn or angry. Try to respond to your child’s reactions in a supportive way, listen to their concerns and give them extra care and attention. Remember to listen to your children and re-assure them. For more details on supporting children click here.

    Time to Talk day isn’t just about helping others, it’s also about thinking about your own wellbeing.

    Here are some tips on helping yourself:

    • Think about your purpose: be clear about why you are doing this job.
    • Be clear on expectations: make sure you know what is expected of you and whether it is realistic.
    • Keep your boundaries: establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, don’t take work home with you.
    • Talk to colleagues: make time to talk to your colleagues about your experiences and share fears and concerns.
    • Value your own family and relationships: while work is important, your family and relationships need to be valued.
    • Keep active: regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, can help you concentrate, relax and increase your overall wellbeing. This can be as simple as a regular walk, being outside in nature can also help improve your mental health.
    • Get plenty of sleep: sleep helps regulate the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our moods and emotions and an imbalance in those chemicals can result in us becoming depressed or anxious.
    • Eat well: nutrition is now more important than ever, having a balanced diet helps to ensure we have the correct nutrients.
    • Avoid alcohol: The numbing effects of drinking are only temporary and can often lead to mental health issues. Alcohol can also damage the immune system. Try to adopt positive coping strategies such as talking, going for a walk or listening to music instead.  If you do drink, try to stay within the recommended unit guidelines.
    • Keep in touch: it’s good for you to catch up with friends and family on a video call or over the phone.
    • Take a break: a change of scenery or pace is good for you. Make sure you take time to relax and re-charge.
    • Do something you’re good at: doing something you enjoy and you are good at can give you the ‘feel good’ boost that everyone needs. Enjoying yourself can help beat stress.
    • Care for others: supporting others uplifts you as well as them.
    • Ask for help: sometimes you need help from others, so don’t be afraid to ask for help, from a family member or friend, your GP or a professional organisation, see the list at the end of this guide for more details.
    • Get the best out of the ‘new normal’: it may be hard but we all still need to live in the best way we can during these unusual times. This may be creating your own routine of things you enjoy doing, running, cycling, binging on Netflix, helping others in the community or learning a new skill, it doesn’t really matter what it is as long as you feel like you are achieving something and spending time looking after your own physical and mental wellbeing.

    Mental health conversations have the power to make a big difference, but sometimes these conversations can bring up some difficult things that people may not have spoken about before. This might mean that they need some support. If you feel a loved one, colleague or yourself need additional support, contact a GP, a counselling professional or one of the organisations listed below:

    Samaritans

    Mind

    NHS

    AnxietyUK

    Mental Health Foundation

    Tereza Macegova