2019 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals For Home-Based Workers

Did you know that there are a TON of great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for home-based workers?! Yes, even the work-at-home realm is in on the holiday sales rush — which is an excellent opportunity for you to lay the groundwork or boost your work-at-home career this year and beyond. Here are 12 […]

The post 2019 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals For Home-Based Workers appeared first on The Work at Home Woman | Legit Work From Home Jobs.

Source The Work at Home Woman | Legit Work From Home Jobs https://ift.tt/2DIeujN

8 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Black Friday

You may be a veteran Black Friday shopper with the inside scoop on the greatest deals and strategies — but how much do you really know about the day itself? 

For example, can you name which generation goes nuts on Black Friday? Or how Black Friday really got its name?

Knowledge is power, so we’ve rounded up eight of the most interesting Black Friday facts and shared them below.

1. More Than 50% of Americans Shop on Black Friday

Sure, you knew Black Friday was popular, but did you know it was this popular? Last year, 165 million people shopped during Black Friday weekend (which lasts from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday). That’s roughly half of all Americans. 

Wondering how to stay sane amidst the hustle and bustle? Think ahead and develop a plan of attack — bonus: Strategizing can also help you avoid holiday debt. 

2. Black Friday Can Be Deadly

You may have joked about toy rage and trampling before, but the scary, sad fact of the matter is people actually have died shopping on Black Friday. 

In the past 12 years, 12 deaths and 117 injuries have been attributed to Black Friday, Black Friday Death Count reports. 

If you’re nervous about battling it out in the stores, then Cyber Monday might be more your scene.

3. The Day Owes Its Name to Philly Cops 

You probably heard “Black Friday” originated from an accounting term: the day retailers’ profits finally went into the black. 

But, the name really came from Philadelphia cops who were frustrated with traffic and smog caused by the mass of shoppers. Retailers didn’t like the negative connotation, so they spread the accounting rumor. 

4. The Average Shopper Spends More Than $300

Can you believe it? Shoppers spent an average of $313.29 on their Black Friday shopping last year, according to a survey from the National Retail Federation. 

Don’t let your holiday shopping get out of control: Create a holiday budget before doing anything else. 

5. Black Friday Might Not Be the Cheapest Day of the Year

Eek! You’ll find plenty of bargains on Black Friday, but don’t automatically assume everything is at its lowest price. 

The cheapest day of the year may be later in the holiday shopping season. Before you buy, check out our comprehensive guide for the best time to buy just about anything.

6. Millennials are the Biggest Black Friday Shoppers

Would you have guessed millennials are the generation most devoted to Black Friday? We wouldn’t have. 

Technically, the group that spent the most were older millennials and younger Gen X-ers (35-44 years old), who spent an average of $413.05 last year. 

That probably shouldn’t come as too great a surprise, since that’s also prime parenting age for younger children.

Consider a new, budget-friendly tradition this holiday season: the four-gift rule.

7. It’s the Busiest Day of the Year for Plumbers

It may no longer be the busiest day of the year for retailers, but Black Friday still reigns supreme for another industry: plumbing.

“Often, the case is that a house already has partially clogged drains that go unnoticed, until holiday guests arrive and overwhelm the system,” explains Roto Rooter.

Want to earn money on Black Friday, instead of spending it? Advertise your handyman services in the weeks leading up to the holiday. 

8. Most Shoppers Actually Stay Home

If you only go for the bargains — and not for the Black Friday experience — you might as well stay home and shop online. 

Last year, 41.4 million shoppers said they bought exclusively online, compared to 34.7 million who said they patronized brick-and-mortar establishments only.  

Susan Shain is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

source The Penny Hoarder https://ift.tt/2OuzzCZ

Beyond Turkey Sandwiches: 30 Ways to Revive Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 

Actually, let me not — at least not entirely. There are far too many. 

I love the crispness in the air (however subtle it may be down here in Florida) and the ubiquitous football games on every TV screen (even though I don’t care about, or even totally understand, the game).

I love the way the house swells and bustles with family members I haven’t seen in far too long (even though after a day or two, I’m ready to stop explaining the current events of my professional and romantic lives to people who, essentially, remain strangers for most of the rest of the year). 

And, of course, I love the food: the ridiculous, magnificent spread of food we make way too much of, year after year.

It’s not like we don’t learn. We know there will be leftovers. In fact, they’re one of the best parts of Thanksgiving!

But even the most avid turkey sandwich enthusiast gets a little tired of them after a few days.

Of course, “I’m sick of it” is no excuse to throw away perfectly good food. Goodness knows we have enough of a food waste problem in this country already.

So before you’re tempted to toss the remains of your feast in the trash, check out these delicious and creative ways to reimagine your Thanksgiving leftovers. 

30 Inspired Ways to Repurpose Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

From classics like soup to surprisers like nachos, you’re sure to find something to reignite your holiday appetite.

Although many of these dishes contain more than one traditional Thanksgiving ingredient, we’ve organized them by their main component so you can easily find a recipe that fits your unique leftovers situation. 

That said, some of them look so good, you might want to make Thanksgiving dinner all over again… 

Turkey

The main event is also the one most likely to leave a lot behind — no matter how insistent mom is that each guest take some home. 

Here’s how to transform that pile of turkey meat into a delicious new dish.

1. Turkey Salad

The day after Thanksgiving, a big, hearty meal might be the last thing on your mind.

Lighten up your menu by making that leftover turkey into a salad — either the creamy, mayo-based kind you serve on bread, or the kind with actual lettuce. 

This cranberry pecan version from Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen looks lovely, and Self Proclaimed Foodie’s Krissy substitutes Greek yogurt instead of (or in addition to!) mayonnaise. 

2. Turkey Frittata

What’s eggy, delicious and perfectly appropriate for breakfast, lunch or dinner?

If your answer was frittata, you speak my language — and if it wasn’t, prepare to learn about your new favorite food.

Jackie at Domestic Fits offers a recipe that’ll use up your leftover turkey and rolls in a snap, and Yasmin Fahr suggests dipping her frittata in leftover cranberry sauce mixed with a little bit of dijon mustard. (Basically, she’s a genius.)

But just like an omelette, the possibilities are endless. Just crack some eggs and put on your thinking cap!

3. Leftover Thanksgiving Nachos

Now here’s a dish I’d never have thought up on my own. 

Food Network offers for your consideration this appetizing tray of Thanksgiving leftovers-laden nachos, including turkey, roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash. 

It even uses up the last of that can of French-fried onions you put on your green bean casserole.

4. Turkey Tetrazzini

What’s a better mate for your leftover bird than mayonnaise?

Try a creamy, cheesy mushroom sauce — complete with spaghetti. 

Tetrazzini, a classic American pasta dish, works well with all kinds of poultry and fish, and turkey is no exception. Plus, The Pioneer Woman’s version calls for an entire block of cream cheese.

Give. Me. That.

5. Turkey Milanese

This fancy-sounding dish by Bobby Flay actually looks pretty darn easy to put together. 

And if you skip the pomegranate molasses, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.

6. Turkey Pizza

Sound unconventional? Sure — but the best part about making pizza at home is going beyond your local joint’s tired repertoire. 

If you’re still unconvinced, check out ReadySetEat’s artichoke turkey pizza. Just grab a premade crust and add some diced tomatoes, canned artichokes and olives, and two types of cheese (because, yes). 

7. Turkey Enchiladas

Repurpose an American classic into a Mexican dish that way predates the birth of our country.

There are lots of recipes out there, but former senior editor Heather van der Hoop shares her father’s time-honored version, which the family makes year after year. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 8 tablespoons mild chili powder
• 2 fresh jalapenos
• 1 cup smoked barbecue sauce
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon each cumin, oregano and sugar
• 3 cups of chicken broth (or your own homemade turkey stock; see item #13 on this list!)
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch dissolved in 4 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese
• 12 tortillas
• salt and pepper
• cooking oil (such as olive)
• frying oil (such as canola)
• sour cream
• green onions 

First, create a delicious homemade enchilada sauce by pureeing the mild chili powder, fresh jalapenos, barbecue sauce, one quartered onion, one clove of garlic, the can of tomato sauce, the cumin, oregano and sugar, a teaspoon of salt, an eighth of a teaspoon of pepper and two tablespoons of cooking oil. 

Fry the mixture up in hot oil for about five minutes, stirring constantly. 

Then add the broth, a cup of half-and-half, plus the two tablespoons of cornstarch dissolved in an additional 4 tablespoons of half and half. Simmer for two minutes.

Then, saute the remaining half onion and clove of garlic, diced finely, in hot oil. Add the shredded turkey, brown slightly, and stir in sauce (reserving some) and salt and pepper to taste. Heat, and keep warm.

Fry the 12 tortillas quickly in hot oil. Drain and keep them warm in a casserole dish. Dip the tortillas in heated sauce, put a strip of filling across each, and roll tightly. Arrange side-by-side in pan, sprinkle with cheese and heat in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. 

Spoon heated sauce over enchiladas and serve with sour cream and chopped green onions. Muy bien!

8. Turkey Chili

What better way to weather the cold winter months than with a hearty chili? 

And since you’ve likely got more turkey than you know what to do with, this lightened-up version from Ambitious Kitchen is a perfect fit. 

And if you’re feeling fiery, check out Food Network’s leftover turkey chili recipe, which brings the heat with fire-roasted tomatoes.

9. Turkey “Shepherd’s” Pie

So, let’s assess the leftovers situation. You’ve likely got the following items at your disposal:

• Delicious, tender meat
• Perfectly paired gravy
• A crunchy, exquisitely carb-laden stuffing or dressing
• Mashed potatoes

Obviously, you need to put all those things together in one dish with mashed potatoes on top.

Although it’s called “shepherd’s” pie because it traditionally comes with lamb, this dish — poulterer’s pie? — is as simple and cost-effective as it is tasty. You don’t have to use any ingredients other than the leftovers themselves. 

TPH editor Caitlin Constantine made individual servings with her Thanksgiving leftovers “by layering turkey and stuffing and gravy in ramekins, then putting mashed potatoes on top and baking them until the taters were golden.” Um, yum.

And if you want a full-sized pie, check out Martha Stewart’s recipe, which sweetens the deal with leftover cranberry sauce and glazed carrots.

Seriously, how lame does that sandwich sound now?

10. Turkey Pot Pie

Got a leftover pie crust or two…  or enough butter to pump out a few more?

You could make a perfect turkey pot pie, crammed full of all your favorite fixings. This one, for example, will use up your leftover green bean casserole, too.

Want something a bit more handheld? 

Check out this recipe for “pocket” pies, stuffed with cranberry sauce, sweet and mashed potatoes, stuffing and, of course, turkey. Make them ahead of time and pop ‘em in the toaster oven to bring your kids a fresh Thanksgiving bite for lunch every day this weekend!

11. Turkey Quesadillas

I mean, if you take literally anything and add cheese, you pretty much can’t go wrong.

This one calls for brie and cranberry chutney, and I am officially drooling on my desk.

12. Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

Don’t overlook this time-honored classic; it earned that status for a reason! Casseroles are cheap, filling and delicious, not to mention a great way to get those leftovers into hungry tummies.

There are tons of ways to make your Thanksgiving leftovers into a casserole, but this recipe looks particularly good — and calls for canned soups and frozen peas, which you probably already have at your disposal.

13. So Many Delicious Winter Soups

First things first: If you’re not making fresh turkey stock with that picked-clean carcass, you’re doing it wrong. 

Depending on its eventual use, turkey stock recipes vary… but the basic recipe is just that: basic. 

Throw some root veggies, spices and what’s left of the bird in a pot, cover with water and simmer as long as you can stand it — it’s going to smell incredible. (This recipe says two to three hours, but I’ve gone as long as six, adding extra water as needed).

Then, make that stock into delicious soups! This is a common Thanksgiving tradition, so you have tons of varieties to choose from. Might I suggest Alton Brown’s super-simple “bird to the last drop” or this kale-and-white-bean version from Whole Living?

And check out Pinch of Yum’s Easy Turkey Pho, which calls for savory fish sauce and sweet spices like cinnamon and cloves. (Yummy and also smart: You totally bought extras of those spices for all that holiday baking, right? Time to use ‘em up before they lose their flavor!)

14. OK, Fine, Turkey Sandwiches

I get it. Some things are traditional for a reason.

But after your obligatory Wonder-bread-and-Hellman’s version, consider elevating your turkey sandwich game with the following creative recipes.

This Thanksgiving leftovers club sandwich stacks everything that was on your plate between three layers of dinner rolls. 

Martha Stewart suggests three sandwich variants to use up your bird: the turkey and onion (which looks way better than it sounds), the turkey cobb, and the turkey, cheddar and green apple.

Food Network chef Tyler Florence’s turkey sandwich calls for apple butter and brie (swoon) — and I have a hunch that fresh-carved turkey breast will substitute for deli slices just fine.

Mashed Potatoes

In the category of foods that make you go, “I made too much of this and I’m not sorry,” mashed potatoes are second only to the turkey itself.

And although they’re just as yummy reheated and piled up with gravy the next day, here are some more creative options to play with.

15. Potato Pancakes

Potato pancakes might already be the perfect Penny Hoarder food. 

They’re delicious, filling, versatile and, of course, inexpensive — especially when you have a ton of leftover mashed potatoes to use up.

Dress this basic recipe up with your favorite toppings… like, say, all that leftover cranberry sauce. (Thanks, Oh, Sweet Basil!) 

Food Network Chef Giada De Laurentiis get eggs and parmesan involved in her “eggs in purgatory” dish.

Or, you could experiment with throwing additional ingredients right into the mix before cooking. 

Kelly, who blogs at Just a Taste, wisely suggests cheddar cheese and scallions. But even if you just eat ‘em plain, trust me: You’re gonna have a happy belly.

16. Mashed Potato Soup

Yes, more soup. Come on, it is the perfect winter food, right?

Plus, you’d be hard-pressed to argue against this loaded mashed potato soup from Mommy Hates Cooking. 

Bonus: Skip the chicken broth and sub in that delicious turkey stock you made.

17. Mashed Potato Muffins

Who knew that if you add an egg to mashed potatoes, they’ll bake into fluffy, delicious muffins?

Now promise to use your newfound knowledge for good. Just a Taste’s Kelly offers this crazy-simple recipe for mashed potato muffins, or try Faith’s slightly more involved recipe for mashed potato “puffs,” available at The Kitchn. 

By the way, when I say “involved,” I mean “there is a lot of cheese and bacon in it.” So it’s definitely the good kind of involved.

18. Croquettes

Want a quick and easy way to use up your turkey meat, mashed potatoes and leftover cranberry sauce all in one go?

Check out Martha Stewart’s recipe for turkey croquettes. They’re deep-fried, so we’re betting you can substitute more cost-effective dried herbs for fresh. Don’t worry, no one will tell Martha.

Already used up your turkey in one of the scrumptious recipes above? John Torode’s “bubble and squeak” croquettes call for bacon, turnips and cabbage for a total repackaging of a Thanksgiving fave.

19. Gluten-Free Cake

Bet you didn’t know mashed potatoes could have a place on the dessert table. 

This lemon drizzle cake ditches flour in favor of ground almonds and — you guessed it — mashed potatoes to stay fluffy and flavorful, even though it’s gluten-free. 

Told you we were gonna get creative.

Stuffing

It’s kind of a rarity to have any of this left, at least in my house.

That said, if you do have leftover stuffing, you’re in for a treat.

20. Fried Stuffing Bites

As soon as I saw this recipe, I knew I was in trouble. 

I know everyone says this, but my mom’s stuffing is the actual best in the world. As proof, I offer the fact that it includes an entire pound of hot breakfast sausage and a full loaf of slightly-stale white bread. 

Basically, there’s no way I’m getting through the holidays without deep-frying bites of those babies and dredging them through cranberry sauce. 

Thanks, Sunny Anderson — but for the sake of me still fitting into anything I own come January, please stop writing recipes. (But not really.)

21. Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffing inception: Way more delicious than the movie, even though there’s less Leonardo DiCaprio. 

This Food Network recipe is super-simple and looks crazy tasty. Do yourself a favor and spring for fresh parmesan — the stuff in the green cardboard tube has no place on a dish this good-looking.  

Cranberry Sauce

It’s not often you get to have what’s basically dessert on your actual dinner plate. 

And I know it’s one of my favorite Thanksgiving elements: sweet but tangy and a perfect compliment to that overzealous mound of other savory dishes.

But shockingly, many people eat only a tiny bit of cranberry sauce, or consider it merely obligatory. 

Which is maybe lucky for you, considering these recipes for its leftovers.

22. Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

Last winter, I made a cranberry-pecan upside-down cake and took it to the hotel where my parents were staying in town.

We ended up sharing it with three or four people at the hotel bar, whose holiday spirit — and smiles — grew with each ensuing bite.

I can’t find the recipe I used (drats!), but this version from Baked In’s Julie looks, admittedly, way better than mine did. Just substitute your sauce for the fresh cranberries it calls for — or use that leftover bag that didn’t make it to your table in the first place. 

23. Cranberry Tartlets

Calling for little more than dough, an egg and some sugar, these cranberry tartlets are as elegant-looking as they are delicious, and make a great relief from heavier, custard-based desserts like pumpkin pie. 

24. Cranberry Pancakes

Thanksgiving leftovers for breakfast doesn’t have to mean hash — not that it’s a bad option! 

Consider spooning your cranberry sauce into pancake batter for a sweet breakfast that might become your new favorite Friday-after-Thanksgiving tradition. 

25. Cranberry Muffins

Want to transform that cranberry sauce into next week’s breakfast for the whole family?

Whip up a batch of muffins! This recipe from Kitchen Treaty’s Kare looks delectable, as does Wes Martin’s cranberry-carrot version. And hey, you’ll get a serving of fruits and vegetables in each one!

Green Bean Casserole

Honestly, we didn’t find a whole lot of ways to repurpose this one — probably because it’s so darn good just reheated and eaten as-is.

But aside from spooning it onto salads (or simply into your mouth) try this easy way to use up your green bean casserole.

26. Green Bean Quiche

This quiche has nine ingredients, one of which is your leftover green bean casserole — and two of which are cheese. 

That’s the kind of math I’m happy to do, English major or no.

Sweet Potatoes

Whether you sweeten your dinner with candied yams or opt for a savory dish, this spud probably has a place at your Thanksgiving table.

Here’s what to do with the leftovers. 

27. Breakfast Hash

This suggestion comes straight from our CEO, Kyle Taylor.

“I always make a breakfast hash with leftover sweet potatoes, turkey and poached eggs,” he wrote in a Slack message. I always knew that man was brilliant.

I’m sure any hash with those ingredients would come out spectacularly, even if you just threw everything at the pan.

But if you’re looking for a more structured recipe to follow, consider this version from Jan’s Sushi Bar, which incorporates kale and bacon fat (yum), or EatingWell’s lightened-up hash, which brings in an apple to balance the mix.

28. Sweet Potato Biscuits

Want a slightly sweetened roll to go with your Saturday dinner, once all the Thanksgiving crescents have been eaten up?

Try out Angela’s sweet potato biscuits, courtesy of Spinach Tiger — and be sure to click through to her original recipe for candied sweet potatoes, too. I know I’ll be trying that recipe for my next big holiday meal!

29. Sweet Potato Pie

Move over, Patti LaBelle. 

Transforming your yams into a sweet potato pie is pretty much as simple as adding crust — and some evaporated milk or eggs to get the pie’s texture right. 

Try Taste of Home’s version, complete with pecans, or Angela’s at Spinach Tiger. (Her recipes look so good, we had to include her twice!)

30. Sweet Potato Cake

Here’s one more way to make those sweet potatoes even sweeter: Transform them into cake!

This recipe looks reminiscent of good, homemade gingerbread. Be sure to adjust the amount of sugar you add to the mix depending on how much sweetness is already in your yams!

Jamie Cattanach is a contributing writer whose writing has also been featured at The Write Life, Word Riot, Nashville Review and elsewhere. Find @JamieCattanach on Twitter to wave hello.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

source The Penny Hoarder https://ift.tt/35D1TZG

NatWest launches new digital bank Bó, but is it any good?

NatWest launches new digital bank Bó, but is it any good?

The new bank is targeting younger customers who are increasingly switching to rivals such as Monzo and Starling

Stephen Little Thu, 11/28/2019 - 12:25

Image

NatWest has launched a new digital bank to rival the likes of Monzo and Starling.

Bó is a digital, cloud-based bank that comes with a bright yellow debit card and a mobile app that tracks debit card spending.

Challenger banks are growing in popularity with many people looking to switch accounts from the big high street players.

The new breed of app-based banks such as Monzo and Starling offer a host of features that appeal to younger customers, such budgeting tools or fee-free spending abroad.

In response, traditional high street banks such Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC have been adding challenger-style features to their apps.

Chief executive of Bó, Mark Bailie, says: “As we’re part of NatWest, people can rely on Bó to keep their money safe. But as a digital bank, built entirely on a separate cloud-based technology, Bó is also able to harness new technology and develop rapidly in line with our customers’ needs and expectations.

“With Bó we have an opportunity to help address a genuine societal need and to be a positive force in our customers’ lives. Our aim is to transform the nation’s attitudes and behaviour around money and I’m hugely excited to see what we can achieve.”

What features does it have?

Currently, you can only open a personal account, which can be done by downloading the app to your phone.

The account works as a second account to your main current account, allowing you to track your spending each month.

You can only add money to your account by bank transfer from another account. This means you cannot pay your salary into your account or use it for direct debits. Money can only be transferred using the Faster Payments scheme.

To open an account you must be 18 or over and a UK tax resident. If you are paying tax in another country you will not be eligible.

The account allows you to keep tabs on spending with instant alerts whenever you use your card and everything you buy listed by retailer, category and location.

You can also create a spending budget to help you save towards your goals and there is a piggy bank feature as well.

Fees

Cash withdrawals from ATMs in the UK, EU or anywhere else in the world are free, although you may be charged by the cash machine’s operator.

If your card is lost or damaged it will be replaced for free the first two times, after which you will be a £5 fee.

Is your money protected?

As the company is part of NatWest your money is covered by the Financial Services Compensation scheme up to £85,000.

Where can you use the debit card?

You can use the debit card anywhere in the world that Visa is accepted.

How does it compare?

While the Bó account has been launched to rival Monzo and Starling, some of its features are currently limited.

As you can’t use it for bills and direct debits, Bó essentially works the same as a prepaid card.

This is different to Monzo and Starling, which allow direct debits and your salary to be paid in.

Just like Monzo and Starling, Bó comes with a debit card which you can freeze. Bó also has similar features such as fee-free spending abroad, instant notifications and tools to help keep your eye on spending.

One of the biggest differences is that Monzo and Starling both offer overdrafts and interest on your savings, whereas Bó does not.

Starling pays a 0.5% annual rate of interest to account balances below £2,000, and 0.25% to those under £85,000.

With Monzo you can also create a savings pot with a partnered bank, earning up to 1.40% in interest.

Bó also currently only allows you to make one piggy bank account, whereas Monzo allows you to set up multiple ones to separate your money.

While Starling and Bó do not charge you fees for using your card abroad, Monzo charges you 3% on withdrawals abroad after £200.

David Clarke, head of policy at campaign group Positive Money, says: "That RBS sees an opening in the digital banking market is a sign of the failure, as well as the success, of its start-up rivals. Many had hoped that digitisation would revolutionise the banking system, with new entrants such as Monzo and Revolut finally breaking the stranglehold of the established players.

“But despite some successes, most digital bank customers still have their main account with one of the big four legacy banks, whose market share has remained largely unchanged. The highly-concentrated nature of UK commercial banking is unlikely to change without government intervention, and as a subsidiary of RBS, Bo offers little in the way of meaningful competition." 

Source Moneywise - 29 years of helping you with your finances https://ift.tt/2q4kAGI

Labour’s WASPI pledge: I’d get £12,833, but this cash should go to the NHS

Labour’s WASPI pledge: I’d get £12,833, but this cash should go to the NHS Hannah Nemeth Thu, 11/28/2019 - 14:18

Image

If Labour confounds the latest poll from YouGov and is able to form a government, then I will be due for a windfall of £12,833 over five years – that’s £2,566 a year.

I’m already thinking about how I would spend this pension payout –helping my two kids with deposits for their first homes, going on a few holidays or splurging on a trip to Ikea or John Lewis.

But, deep down, I believe my potential windfall would be better spent elsewhere – on improving the ailing NHS.

Born at the tail-end of the 50s, for the first 15 years of my working life I expected to receive my state pension at 60. And this did affect my retirement planning – I took out a personal pension plan in my mid-20s and I factored into my pension forecast that I would receive my state pension at 60.

I do recall receiving a letter explaining that my state pension age would go up from 60 to 65 – and I remember feeling dejected and angry.

When the 1995 Pensions Act was introduced, I was self-employed with two young children and wasn’t earning enough to plough extra cash into my pension pot and make up for a shortfall in 25 years’ time.

In 2011, I accepted the change to my state pension age from 65 to 66 with greater equanimity because it didn’t seem such a big leap.

While I have lost out on six years of state pension, to some extent I have had time to play catch-up – however, not all women have been so lucky.

I am a ‘Waspi’ – one of the Women Against State Pension Inequality – but only out of support for those who are most adversely affected, such as women born from 6 April 1953 to 5 April 1955, who had their retirement plans snatched away from them.

Image

Labour posted a 'calculator' online to show how much so-called Waspi women could get back in state pension payments

I have friends in this age group who have found it hard to see other women who celebrated their birthday just a few months before them accessing their state pension months or years earlier.

The other groups that I believe should be compensated are workers on low incomes, struggling to make ends meet and unable to make up the shortfall, along with self-employed women who couldn’t fall back on a company pension plan or afford to pay more into a private pension.

I am puzzled why Labour would propose a compensation scheme that will be universal. While I am not in favour of means-testing, I do feel there should be a cap on compensation to the wealthiest women in our society.

Much has been made of the fact that Theresa May would receive £22,000 under Labour’s compensation scheme – she earns £79,468 a year as an MP.

But what about ITV breakfast host Lorraine Kelly, born on 30 November 1959, who would be entitled to £2,191, and is said to be worth more than £4 million? Or actor Emma Thompson, born 15 April 1959 and said to be worth $45 million, who would be entitled to a payout of £5,966?

Let’s keep the compensation for those who really need it or those who were most adversely affected by being at the cusp of when these changes started to take place.

And if money can be found in the government’s coffers for this – and that’s a big if – let it go to our beleaguered NHS.

That way, both men and women can benefit, getting the best treatment possible as quickly as possible – something more of us will need as we head towards retirement.

Source Moneywise - 29 years of helping you with your finances https://ift.tt/35IR08Q