Features | Money

Budget card for bills

 We’ve all been there with the bills hitting us at very much the wrong time.  Now the Post Office is offering a free budget card for budgeting and bill payments.  You load it in multiples of £5.  Then when you have a bill that can be paid at the Post Office, like your car tax or gas, you hand over your card and bill to counter staff.

 They swipe the card and your bill is paid.  The Post Office says the card can also be used for electricity, council tax, TV rental and catalogue payments.  You can view your balance on line or by phone 24 hours a day.

 For more information, get a leaflet from your Post Office.  Or ring 08457 22 33 44 or visit www.postoffice.co.uk

 The Post Office also has a Christmas Club.  You can start with a £2.00 deposit.  From 1 October to 31 January, your money is unlocked and you can spend your money at over 30 national retailers.  It’s too late for this Christmas.  But with the January bills out of the way, why not get one for Christmas 2012?