President Dr. Anne Kelly was pleased to welcome Peter Dickinson to the February meeting at Plas Hyfryd Hotel. He had prepared a fascinating presentation on how to help manage our money more efficiently and make informed decisions about financial matters.

He commenced by looking at ways to achieve energy efficiency and so help to combat the gas price explosion. After briefly outlining the principal causes of this, such as increased demand from Asia, huge UK dependency on natural gas for our central heating and its use in generating electricity, he examined ways in which we could find better energy deals. He suggested first using an approved online price comparison site, listed on www.ofgem.gov.uk and also checking that we are using the best method of payment for our energy supplies.

Most energy suppliers offer some form of help to their customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills and there are government enterprises; for example, the Warm Home Discount scheme and the Home Heat Helpline. It is also important to ensure that your home is energy efficient, through insulation and heating improvements, particularly for older properties.

For householders on low incomes, there are initiatives to help with such improvements, such as a Pembrokeshire County Council Home improvement loan or NEST, a Welsh Government scheme offering a range of advice and support to save energy and maximise income, as well as free home improvements for eligible households.

To qualify for a whole house assessment through NEST you must own or privately rent your home and establish that it is energy inefficient and expensive to heat. You will also be eligible if anyone who lives with you receives a means tested benefit or has a chronic health condition.

Help is likewise available from the Government through the winter fuel payment and cold weather payments for households who experience temperatures below zero degrees Celsius over seven consecutive days between November and March.

Peter then discussed ways of seeking help with water bills. Organisations such as Watersure Wales, Water Direct and HelpU can offer assistance with payment of bills and installing a water meter. In addition, there is a Customer Assistance Fund which is available to households with arrears greater than £150.

Peter also outlined the need to make a will in order to protect family members, as well setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney for both personal financial affairs and health and welfare. With no LPA in place bank accounts are frozen, bills may not be paid, partners will not be able sell property and life-changing decisions about medication or long-term care cannot be made.

Anyone can make a lasting power of attorney at no cost online through Gov.uk, or using paper forms. Either way, someone must sign the forms, including the attorneys and witnesses. The LPA must then be registered so that your attorney is, if necessary, able to make decisions for you.

Peter then reminded us of ways in which we could actually make money by using cashback sites. Cashback is a fairly modern phenomenon, made popular by the rise of internet-centric affiliate marketing. Retailers and service providers are often willing to pay small amounts back to websites ('affiliates') that refer successful transactions to them. For example, Quidco is one of the UK's leading cashback services, has over 10 million members in the UK and over £1 billion earned in cashback.

Peter’s presentation also gave a most informed insight into an extensive range of financial issues, from problem debt, saving and borrowing, bank accounts, domestic utilities to pensions and budgeting. President Elect Jane thanked Peter for his most helpful and interesting talk.

The meeting concluded with the AGM and a summary of the previous year’s activities, despite the many covid restrictions. Thanks were extended to Anne for her hard work as president throughout the past two difficult years. Anne then handed over to Jane Davies, the new president for Narberth Ladies Probus Club.

The next meeting will be on Friday, March 4 at 11 am at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel. New members are always welcome.