Dear Member,

Welcome to September's edition.

This month, we celebrated UK Savings Week where we revisited the 1p savings challenge. Therefore, we share more than 15 practical money-saving tips to help you get started.

In other news, beware of loan fee fraud – pause and do the 3-step check before making decisions. Also, discover where to find help in financial troubles and explore energy price drops and fixed deals.

Lastly, we share the benefits of Thamesbank's Salary Saving Scheme. We are also recruiting for new Board Members.

Read more in this month's newsletter.

With best regards,

The Thamesbank editorial team

UK Savings Week: 15 practical money saving tips

Earlier this year, we introduced the 1p savings challenge to help you get into the habit of saving. This was reinforced by UK Savings Week that took place between 18 to 24 September.

If you have been keeping up with the daily challenge, give yourself a pat on the back. If you would like to get started (and need some motivation), we share 15 practical tips to give you a boost.

Read the full article on our website.

Loan fee fraud – pause and do the 3-step-check

According to research that was conducted by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the cost-of-living crisis this summer exerted more pressure than ever on people’s finances, with 55% of UK adults more worried about money this year than last year. There are scammers out there looking to make it even harder. Loan fee fraud is an increasingly common scam, where people are asked to pay an upfront fee but then never receive the loan. 

Now, it’s even more important to take a moment if you are looking for a loan.

Pause and do the 3-step check before you make any decision and avoid the scammers. 

• Cold called? 
• Asked to pay an upfront fee? 
• Pressured to pay quickly or unusually? 
• Tick any of these? STOP Protect yourself from loan fee fraud.

Always borrow from reliable companies such as credit unions like Thamesbank Credit Union.

Don’t face financial troubles alone: where to find help

Life sometimes throws unexpected financial challenges our way, and it's essential to remember that you don't have to navigate these troubles by yourself. There is a support network waiting to assist you. We've gathered information on several independent organisations that offer free, confidential, and impartial advice to help you regain your financial stability.

You can read the full article on our website.

Unlocking savings: Navigating energy price drops and fixed deals

Energy bills are dropping for standard tariff customers, with a 17% decrease in July and an upcoming 7% fall in October. Fixed deals from various providers like British Gas, EDF, and Octopus Energy are available, mainly for existing customers. To decide if fixing is right for you, consider future price predictions, as the Energy Price Cap is expected to rise slightly in January. Additionally, Ofgem is changing the 'typical use' definition, affecting price comparisons. 

Read Money Saving Expert’s detailed analysis for more information on available deals and whether they are worth considering.

The benefits of Thamesbank’s Salary Saving Scheme

Thamesbank's Salary Saving Scheme offers several benefits for both employers and employees. Employers can enhance loyalty, well-being, and reduce financial strains among employees, gain positive publicity, and access expertise without any cost. Employees benefit from easy savings, online access and favourable loan rates.

Our Employer Partners are located in the Thamesbank Credit Union area of the London Boroughs of:

• Ealing
• Hounslow
• Richmond Upon Thames
• Kingston Upon Thames
• Wandsworth
• Borough of Spelthorne, Surrey

Words of wisdom

"Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort." – Franklin D. Roosevelt

This quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt reminds us that true happiness isn't solely about having money but rather finding joy in our accomplishments and the creative endeavors we pursue. Money can facilitate these pursuits, but it's the journey and personal growth that ultimately bring happiness

Members noticeboard

Thamesbank at Richmond CVS Annual Trustee Recruitment Evening

Thamesbank recently participated in the Richmond CVS Annual Trustee Recruitment Evening, an event that highlighted the vital role trustees play in the success of the voluntary sector in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Our directors, Nic Dowler, Jan Doskar, and Chris Gousto, represented Thamesbank at this event, held at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College (RHACC).

Join Thamesbank's Board of Trustees 

Thamesbank is actively recruiting new members to join our board of trustees. To inquire or apply, simply send an email to info@thamesbank.org with the subject line "Director Application." Include a brief message explaining why you'd like to become a Director, along with your CV detailing your background and experience. Join us in making a difference!

Learn more about becoming a Thamesbank Director from our website.

Lottery - enter now

As a member of Thamesbank Credit Union, you have the chance to enter the lottery, run by our back-office provider, Credit Union Solutions (CUS).

Each entry is £1, and each member can have up to 10 chances per month.

For all the details and to enter the lottery, visit the Credit Union Solutions (CUS) website.

Share this newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter with your colleagues, friends and anyone else who may be interested in the content within it. 

With thanks from the Thamesbank editorial team.

Thamesbank Credit Union is authorised and regulated by the FCA and PRA Reg. No. 416486. Registered office address: The Bungalow, Pinkwell Lane, Hayes, UB3 1PE

Ethical and affordable finances  |  Helping you to save and borrow

You are receiving this email because you have signed up to receive marketing information from Credit Union Solutions on behalf of Thamesbank Credit Union. If you'd prefer not to receive updates, you can email: admin@thamesbank.org with the subject line 'Unsubscribe from marketing mailing list'.

Terms and Conditions  |  Privacy Policy  |  Unsubscribe