Mobile phones are essential to most UK consumers these days, not only as a means of chatting and texting, but also as interactive hubs through which the internet and all that it offers can be accessed. Many people own two or three phones, which is proved by the fact that figures show the number of mobiles outweighs the number of people by about a sixth. The mobile market has experienced a bit of a slum due to the recent recession, but the easing of economic hardship has meant that experts predict significant growth for the mobile market this year and in particular the smartphone segment, which is set to expand as mainstream users become aware of the functions that the most powerful handsets offer.

Because the mobile market in the UK is so mature the prices for pay monthly and pay as you go mobile phones are lower than in most other places. This is because network providers compete with one another to bring out the latest phones for free in conjunction with lengthy contracts. It can be a bit of a mine field if you are looking into buying a new mobile phone, because there are so many providers, handsets and packages to consider. If you want to learn how to save money on mobile phones, then read on.

The best way to shop for mobile phones is online. If you head into the high street shops there is a high likelihood of being accosted and charmed into making an unsuitable purchase, although to get a hands-on feel of a phone before you buy it visiting a retail store may be your only option. Shopping online will allow you to compare the hundreds of different deals that are out there and will also let you view impartial advice from professionals and users who have experience with the products that are on offer.

The UK has five major mobile networks to choose from, although there are a number of smaller firms who piggyback on the largest networks` infrastructure to provide their services. O2 and Vodafone have the biggest subscriber base, although this will change once Orange and T-Mobile complete their merger. 3 is the largest independent network provider, although it is still smaller than the four rivals. Your choice of network will depend partly on which offers the best coverage in your area. If you want to access the internet on your mobile phone, then 3G coverage should be a priority fact to check up on before you commit. Most providers should have coverage maps available and price comparison sites will also offer you the ability to check.

You choice of provider will hinge on many other factors, including the phones that they offer, the kinds of tariffs they provide and the minimum contractual period over which you will be required to pay for your mobile phone service. If you are looking for cheap mobile phones for pay as you go use then this should be less important as pay as you go customers are not tied down by contracts and only pay for what they use.

Well that's my holiday screwed for another year. I was due to fly to Thailand from Heathrow at 12.30pm last Thursday, when they cancelled all flights from 12pm! So the volcanic ash has claimed another victim, one of millions Europe-wide.

It cost me some money, not on my main flight but on a connecting flight, plus a wasted day and diesel travelling to and from Heathrow. Plus I apparently have to wait several weeks for my refund (why?). Anyway it could have been worse and many people are in a much worse predicament stranded abroad or missing really important events rather than just a sunny holiday.

It will be interesting to see when flights resume, and whether the airlines apparently succesful test flights in the volcanic ash sway the decision to re-open European air space. There are going to be some serious economic consequences if flights don't resume soon.

So it's back to the day job instead of lazing on the beach. Currently continuing work on IVA Debt Problem, a website dealing with debt problems and solutions including debt management, debt consolidation and IVAs.

Starting to make its way up the rankings, albeit rather slowly, but I have high hopes for it making the front page for a key phrase or two in the next few months.

Nothing much else to report, no competition wins, no good luck of any kind in fact! No new projects on the go, I really need to concentrate on the ones I already have and start to make them profitable (easier said than done).

So just to remind you there are pages on the main website for making money, online business opportunities and more. If you haven't given them a read so far now is the time - everyone could do with some more money in these difficult times.

Getting a mortgage these days can be difficult, even if you don't have credit problems. Mainstream lenders want applicants to tick all of their boxes otherwise it's a declined application.

The great thing about Mortgage Refused is that they have a mixture of mainstream and non-status lenders so they can cater for all types of applicant.

Now they have introduced a new service enabling website visitors to compare mortgages online. It only takes a minute or so to get a quick quote and another minute to make an initial enquiry if they produce a mortgage quote that you're happy with.

Whether you have credit problems or not, Mortgage Refused will help you get the mortgage you want with a monthly repayment you can afford.

They also offer a mortgage calculator and a section on regular secured and unsecured loans. They have a standard rate phone number so if you want to discuss your circumstances before applying you can do so.

A part of the Cavendish group they have over 30 years experience in the credit field, so you know you can rely upon them.

Just been told about a new work from home business opportunity. It's VERY early days at present and the website is not yet fully up and running but the details I have heard make it sound interesting.

This business opportunity can be run from home and fit in around your existing commitments. It does involve some training but most people would be able to learn it in a relatively quick timescale.

You are not on your own as some leads will be supplied as part of your package meaning you can be up and running and making money relatively quickly.

As with all business opportunities you cannot just sit on the sofa and expect cash to roll in without any work. You will only get out of it what you are prepared to put into it.

Being self employed and working from home is not for everyone. Many people who are currently in 9 to 5 jobs and wishing they could make that change might be surprised how much self determination you need to make a go of it on your own. Also you don't have the safety net of a steady income when you first go self employed.

So think carefully before getting involved with any type of work from home opportunity, although if it is part-time to start with (fitting around your main job) and does not involve a large financial commitment what have you got to lose?

I can't post too many details at the moment but will do so as more information is made available. In the meantime keep your eyes on their website, New Home Career, which will launch fully in the coming weeks.

A good Cheltenham festival for me. Started off with the first two winners on Tuesday at 12/1 and 6/1. Added 7/1 and 14/1 winners on Wednesday, a 9/1 winner on Thursday and very unlucky on Friday with a 33/1 second place. Made a very small profit but at least better than losing money.

So no debt problems for me currently, although I'm not retiring either. On the subject of debt I'm currently working on a new debt problem blog for one of my website clients. This should be fully up and running by the end of the week and will offer debt advice and help for anyone who find themselves in this tricky situation.

UPDATE - 31st March 2010

This post was cut short as my wife was taken ill and ended up in hospital for an operation. Many thanks to my employers, 21c Telecom Ltd, who have let me take time off at short notice to look after my wife and son.

21c Telecom offer business phones to all UK businesses. This includes mobile phones, landline phones as well as broadband and mobile broadband. In fact they specialize in providing converged communication solutions for businesses large and small, handling all communication and IT provision ensuring the best possible mix of cost and efficiencies.

Not sure when the next blog post will be as I will be looking after my wife for a few days yet as she recovers. Fingers crossed it will be about a big competition win as we need a bit of luck at the moment.

 

I used to be really big into horse racing, had my own racehorses, followed the form and watched it live and on TV all the time. I used to love a bet too and my Saturday used to consist entirely of studying the form, placing my bets and watching them win (or lose more often than not!).

I really used to enjoy it but, for a variety of reasons, I gradually stopped following it, stopped betting and generally lost interest. With one exception - The Cheltenham Festival.

Without fail I like to watch and have a bet at Cheltenham in March. The best four days racing of the year. I would love to take the time off work and watch it live but I don't have enough holiday so I'm going to record it and watch it at night, hopefully without finding out any results.

As I no longer follow the form I'm going to get up early, buy the Racing Post and see what I can gleam from it. A safe bet is to follow horses who love the track as the Cheltenham hill can find many out.

I always back the Irish in the first race of the meeting. A second or third string regularly pops up in the 10-14/1 bracket which would get me off to a good start. The only other horse I know is running is one of my recent favourites, Katchit.

I backed him when he won the Triumph and the Champion Hurdle so he owes me nothing. He loves Cheltenham and this is his time of year so I expect his best run of the season. It will probably still not be enough but he could sneak a place at a big price.

I don't have any other tips or insider info. I'm just going to enjoy it and, win or lose, it's always exciting. I'm off to the Racing Post website now to see what's running tomorrow. Good luck if you're having a bet.

 

The financial crisis we have all been experiencing over the past 18 months or so has led to lenders tightening up their criteria and made it difficult to get any type of credit. This applies to personal loans, mortgages and also to business loans.

Slowly things are starting to change and more lending seems to be available now than, say, 6 months ago. However it is very slow progress and many people will still be unable to borrow any money due to bad credit, lack of earnings, insufficient equity etc.

On the subject of business loans I am currently involved promoting YES business loans a website specialising in lending to all sorts of businesses throughout the UK.

All types of business finance are available including business loans, business mortgages, bridging finance, start up finance, buy to let. Credit problems are accepted including ccjs, arrears and debt problems.

It's easy for your business to get a quote, there is a simple online form which will only take a couple of minutes to complete.

Rates are extremely competitive and they are often able to help where others have turned you down. For more information visit the Yes business loans website.

For individuals looking for loans the situation is still difficult, although not impossible. If it is debt problems that are leading you to think about taking out a further loan make sure you get professional advice. Another loan is not always the best answer depending on your circumstances.

Specialist debt website IVA Debt Problem can guide you through all of your options. They have a very handy comparison table detailing the merits of the different debt solutions including IVAs, debt management, debt consolidation and bankruptcy. This will give you an idea of which is best for you.

Alternatively you can call them on their debt helpline or make an online enquiry from which they can give you the best debt advice.

Reducing or writing off some of your debts will help you Improve Your Future. Act fast as failure to deal with debts will inevitably lead to further debt and more problems.

I consider myself to be reasonably lucky, all things considered, and one area in which my luck has been good is that of debt. I did get myself into debt when I was in my early twenties, but not so badly that I couldn't get out of it.

In fact being in debt at that time made me vow never to do it again and so far I have stuck to this, although it gets harder every year as living expenses continue to rise faster than my meagre salary!

The problem with debt is that if you leave it unchecked, making minimum repayments for instance, the interest continues to pile on and you make no headway in clearing the initial debt, the situation just gets worse and worse. If you're not careful you can get into a very steep downward spiral and lose control over your finances.

I hope no-one reading this has reached that stage, and if you are in debt now is the time to try and regain control and sort out your finances. It might mean tightening your belt and enduring more hardship than normal but clearing the debt and becoming debt free is well worth it.

I have some contacts in the financial services sector, having worked on a number of financial websites, and one which has recently re-launched is IVA Debt Problem dealing specifically with debt and how to get out of debt.

The three areas they concentrate on are:

• Debt Management
• Debt Consolidation
• IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements)

Which option is best for you will depend upon your current circumstances and the amount of debt. They will guide you through all of your options and discuss the best way forward.

So if you are in debt, looking for a debt solution, get in touch with them via their debt advice helpline or online enquiry form and see if they can help you regain financial control.

a. they are both useless

b. their "customer service" is appalling

c. they will try and rip you off

d. all of the above

The answer of course is d. I am currently banging my head against a brick wall with both of these companies as I attempt to sort out a lost parcel with Royal Mail which they refuse to compensate me for and charges from Virgin Mobile for 1 second "calls" where their network has failed, and phantom internet access.

I've got to the point where I question the value of continuing either complaint as it is taking up my time which might be better used in something more productive. But on the other hand there is a principle involved and neither of these companies should be allowed to get away with ripping off their customers.

They are sticking to their positions, ignoring my questions and generally being obstructive and unhelpful. My only option looks likely to be taking matters further with relevant ombudsmen. But what powers do they have? Are they any more likely to see common sense? Does common sense even apply in the modern world? I'm beginning to think not.

I've referred the Royal Mail complaint to their review panel, a supposedly independent ring-fenced unit "outside" of the customer service department (I have my doubts). They will take a little time to look into it so I don't have to do anything on that front for the time being.

Virgin Mobile, on the other hand, will need another letter asap, when I have time to write it. I will sleep on it before deciding whether to proceed with another complaint. I have a feeling I have to write again as the standard of their first response was lamentable and, as usual, ignored the pertinent points made in my initial letter, presumably because they have no defence to the claims.

What has happened to customer service in the UK? Is there any company out there who treats its customers with respect and as human beings? If so they are becoming a rarity. Looks like both Royal Mail and Virgin Mobile can be added to Vodafone and Cheltenham and Gloucester in the list of utterly useless companies that must be avoided at all costs. None of them will be getting any business from me in the future and I will continue to make sure they get as much bad publicity as possible.

Ripping customers off may result in short term gains but in the long run is unlikely to prove a profitable business model.

It isn't that long since I was singing the praises of Virgin Mobile. At the end of last year they dealt well with a replacement phone under warranty and I've not had any problems with my tariff or contract.

So I not only decided to renew my own contract, getting a nice E63 for upgrading, but I got a second phone on contract for my wife for Christmas. Big mistake.

Unfortunately, unlike my contract, Virgin Mobile now don't rollover unused minutes and texts from month to month. They also insist on charging a minimum of 1 minute for all phone calls, no matter how short. More of that later.

I, of course, was unaware of either of these facts expecting my new contract to be identical to the existing one, as it was on the same tariff. They don't exactly make you aware of these terms in big letters either, preferring to hide them away in the usual lengthy Ts and Cs.

At the end of January our son was ill, a bug picked up from playgroup. My wife was in touch to see how the other kids were and had to use the mobile as many of the other mums don't have landlines (an increasing trend these days). This resulted in her going 19 minutes over her 100 minute allowance.

Well the bill has arrived now and the total extra cost is £19. In other words the equivalent of £1 per minute. The reason for this amount is that although my wife has only actually used 19 extra minutes in calls, the minimum 1 minute call extends this substantially. By the way she was 23 minutes UNDER her allowance the month before so with rolled over minutes no extra charges would have occurred.

This prompted me to look at the bill in greater detail which led me to find that Virgin Mobile are indeed ripping their customers off. There are several "calls" on the itemised bill of 3, 2 and even 1 second. All of these are charged at 35p, the minimum 1 minute charge. If you extrapalate this based on a 1 second "call" it equates to £21 per minute!

The reason the word "call" is in inverted commas above is that these are not telephone calls. Exactly what sort of a conversation can you have in 1 second? These are dodgy connections, dropped before any call can take place. So Virgin Mobile are charging £21 per minute to provide their customers with no service! Brilliant!

There are also 5 seperate "Internet" charges, even though my wife has never accessed the internet from this phone. The reason for this is simply that Virgin Mobile choose to place a direct link to the internet in the most awkward place possible so that as many people as possible connect by accident. This is deliberate to maximise their revenue by stealth.

I appreciate that Virgin Mobile are a business and I don't object to them making a profit. My wife has exceeded her minutes and I don't object to paying a little extra as a result. What I do object to is being ripped off.

There is no justification for charging for 1 second "calls", nor phantom internet usage and, if they don't sort it out they will not only lose me as a phone customer but I will be moving my Virgin Media account too as my contract has recently expired.

I suggest you think long and hard before taking out a contract with Virgin Mobile because what looks like a good deal on the face of it could turn out to be a costly mistake, as it has proven for me.