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3 issues for £1

Sarah Coles

Sarah Coles is a freelance columnist for Moneywise

Likes: Asking enough questions until I find the catch

Dislikes: Organisations that make you jump through endless hoops to get a good deal

Top Tip: Make time for the small print

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3 issues for 1 pound

Articles by Sarah Coles

Pay & Display sign

The shocking truth about council fines

By Sarah Coles    Update: Fri, 05/03/2010 - 10:34
Sarah Coles investigates how local councils are using a raft of new rules and penalties to top up their flagging funds. Read more
3 comments
Keyboard

The dangers of online dating

By Sarah Coles    Update: Wed, 03/03/2010 - 12:59
Increasing numbers of people are going online to find love. Not only has this led to a rise in the number of scams, but also an increase in dating website rip-offs. Sarah Coles reports. Read more
4 comments
Father and daughter

What rights do stay-at-home-dads have?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Thu, 28/01/2010 - 13:06
Sarah Coles meets a new generation of dads 
who are discovering the benefits of taking on 
the job of childcare themselves. Read more
Woman at work

Wages: what your boss doesn't want you to know

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 12/01/2010 - 09:19
Sarah Coles investigates why women are still earning less than men - and asks why aren't we allowed to discuss wages with our colleagues. Read more
Children's Savings Awards 2010

Children's Savings Awards 2010

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 12/01/2010 - 09:42
The myriad of children's savings accounts available could make picking the right one tricky. To help you out, we reveal the cream of the crop that continue to deliver year after year. Read more
Children reading

How you can best invest for your children's future

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 12/01/2010 - 09:53
It can be a tough task trying to find the best way to save for your children's future. Here we guide you through the options available. Read more
Children in costumes

How to make money lessons fun

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 11/01/2010 - 14:54
Sarah Coles offers some fun ways parents can teach the next generation the financial facts of life - whether they are still at school or approaching adulthood. Read more

Avoid the crash-for-cash scammers

By Sarah Coles    Update: Thu, 19/11/2009 - 17:42
More and more people are paying criminals to deliberately crash their vehicles in order to receive an insurance payout. But, as Sarah Coles investigates, the scam doesn't just stop with the individuals doing the driving. Read more
Sale sign

Make the most out of the sales

By Sarah Coles    Update: Wed, 16/12/2009 - 12:48
Common sense frequently flies out of the window when we hit the sales. Sarah Coles shares her top 10 tips for savvy spending. Read more
Welcome mat

Are you advertising your home to burglars?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 16/11/2009 - 09:36
With social networking sites becoming increasingly popular Sarah Coles investigates whether we are leaving ourselves vulnerable to burglary and fraud. Read more
Older couple by the sea

How to cope with the cost of care

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 05/10/2009 - 15:34
Paying for care in your old age doesn’t have to mean that your assets and savings are gobbled up by fees. Sarah Coles explains how you can take early action for yourself or your older relatives. Read more
Plastic snake

Don't be fooled by the online fakes

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 16/11/2009 - 09:33
Have you ever been a victim of purchasing fake goods online from websites that pass them off as the genuine article? Sarah Coles investigates. Read more
Man with a will

Could your will be fake?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Fri, 11/09/2009 - 11:59
Will writers do not have to be qualified and aren't regulated. No wonder many people get up getting scammed, says Sarah Coles. Read more
Blackboard

Should you move location for better education?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 25/08/2009 - 07:44
Parents will go to almost any lengths to get their child into their choice of schools - including moving house. But is moving really the answer or would you be better going private, ask Sarah Coles. Read more
Man with credit card

Beware ‘we will buy your debt’ scam

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 27/07/2009 - 16:50
Companies that offer to buy your debts in return for a smaller monthly repayment are acting illegally, says Sarah Coles. And, worryingly, such plans could leave your worse off. Read more
Grandparents with small children

Give your family a helping hand

By Sarah Coles    Update: Fri, 24/07/2009 - 14:46
The number of people providing invaluable support 
for their grandchildren, from financial help to childcare, is growing rapidly. Sarah Coles looks at the ways you can give your family a helping hand. Read more
Oracle

Expert predictions: green shoots or false dawn?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Thu, 16/07/2009 - 08:55
Does the recent stockmarket rally spell a recovery? 
Sarah Coles gives us a 
snapshot of what 10 of the most influential fund 
managers are thinking. Read more
Old washing machine

Buying second-hand can be a false economy

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 21/12/2009 - 13:29
Buying used items is good for the environment and your wallet. But, when it comes to white goods, it can be a false economy, warns Sarah Coles. Read more
Plea for help

Redundancy: what state help is available?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 06/07/2009 - 16:17
With unemployment set to hit three million this year, more of us may find ourselves relying on the state for our income. So, as Sarah Coles shows, it pays to know where to turn when you need help. Read more
Bars of gold

Should you invest in gold?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 15/06/2009 - 14:33
Hold onto your hats, we’re in a gold rush. But before you stock up on gold bars and mining shares, be aware it’s not a one-way bet, warns Sarah Coles. Read more
Suitcase

Millions could be overpaying for travel insurance

Update: Wed, 27/05/2009 - 10:16
With many Brits cutting the number of holidays they take each year, is annual travel insurance still worth the money? Read more
Pile of packages

Are packaged bank accounts a gimmick?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Fri, 05/06/2009 - 15:50
Banks are increasingly pushing out packaged current accounts offering exciting incentives to customers. But are they really worth it, asks Sarah Coles? Read more
Ladder

Low-deposit mortgages make a comeback

Update: Wed, 20/05/2009 - 13:28
Lloyds TSB has launched a competitive first-time buyer mortgage that only requires a 5% deposit. Sarah Coles looks at the small print. Read more
Man scans the horizon

Searching for income during the storm

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 12/01/2010 - 16:27
What do you do, in these days of nearly 0% interest, if you need an income from your savings but are worried that the alternatives to bank accounts are too risky? Sarah Coles reviews the options. Read more
Internet connection

Get the broadband speed you pay for

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 28/07/2009 - 11:40
Broadband speeds are still failing to live up to expectations. Sarah Coles explains how you can ensure you are getting the speed you're paying for. Read more
Pregnant woman at work

How new mums can avoid discrimination at work

By Sarah Coles    Update: Thu, 28/01/2010 - 12:59
Despite equality legislation, pregnant women and new mums still find themselves victims of discrimination at work. Sarah Coles reports. Read more
Men v women

Investment tips from the opposite sex


By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 20/04/2009 - 15:40
Men and women often display a different approach to money. But, Sarah Coles says, each could benefit from adopting aspects of the other's investment style. Read more
Woman on an exercise bike

Is your gym taking you for a ride?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Thu, 17/12/2009 - 12:24
Cancelling gym membership - or making a complaint against fee hikes - can be notoriously hard. Sarah Coles explains what your rights are and how to handle your gym when disputes arise. Read more
Man on a dice

Manage your own ISA

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 16/03/2009 - 15:11
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a fund manager, you could go down the self-select ISA route. Sarah Coles explains what you need to know before taking the plunge. Read more
Businessman balancing card

Find the perfect investment balance

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 16/03/2009 - 15:05
Whether you plump for a stocks and shares ISA or go down the self-select route, you need to consider how your investment portfolio shapes up. Sarah Coles explains how to achieve a balanced portfolio with a spread of different assets. Read more
Waiter holding a bottle of wine

Beware restaurants' rip-off tricks

By Sarah Coles    Update: Wed, 08/04/2009 - 13:21
Sarah Coles reveals the sneaky tricks that restaurants use to get you to part with your cash. Read more

What's your attitude to risk?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Thu, 19/11/2009 - 11:58
Our attitudes to risk are changing with the times, says Sarah Coles. Take our interactive quiz and find out what kind of risk-taker you really are and what type of ISA investment is right for you. Read more
Pick'n'mix scoop

Pick’n’mix your own healthcare

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 23/02/2009 - 10:23
The government will now allow you to buy top-up treatment while you are still using the NHS. Sarah Coles examines whether this is really as good as it sounds. Read more
Estate agent holds a "sold" sign

Beware the rise in estate agent fees

By Sarah Coles    Update: Fri, 20/02/2009 - 14:45
Estate agents are hitting their customers with extra charges as they try to recoup their losses from the property downturn. Sarah Coles investigates. Read more
Fortune cookies

Top equity tips for 2009

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 03/02/2009 - 12:21
Which sectors are best placed to weather the economic storms of the coming year? Sarah Coles consults the professionals. Read more
Union Jack umbrella

The true cost of being British

By Sarah Coles    Mon, 12/01/2009 - 14:10
The spiralling cost of living is hitting us all, but are we suffering more than people in other countries? Sarah Coles investigates how hard we really have it in the UK. Read more
Online shopping

Don’t be conned by sales scams

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 16/11/2009 - 09:39
Scammers will do anything to part you from your cash. Sarah Coles investigates the latest shopping scams. Read more
Bottles of medicine

How healthy is your bank?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 30/03/2009 - 11:56
As savers worry over the security of bank deposits, Sarah Coles highlights the factors you need to be aware of to assess the health of the banks holding your cash. Read more
A mechanic smils next to a car

Beat the MOT cowboys

By Sarah Coles    Update: Wed, 08/04/2009 - 13:26
Shoddy car servicing costs drivers £4 billion a year as garages take advantage of the fact many of us don't know what's going on underneath our bonnets. Sarah Coles explains how you can beat the MOT cowboys. Read more
Man in control of a boat

Take control of your finances

By Sarah Coles    Mon, 10/11/2008 - 12:52
Putting off those nagging financial chores can be a costly mistake. As money worries mount, Sarah Coles reveals how a financial review can save you money now and in the future. Read more
Scrunched up paper

Don’t pay for the taxman’s blunders

By Sarah Coles    Mon, 13/10/2008 - 16:25
Is the taxman charging you too much? Sarah Coles investigates what happens when HMRC gets it wrong, and explains how you can get your money back. Read more
Sandwich

Survive the sandwich years

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 20/10/2008 - 10:37
More couples have found themselves being squeezed by the need to support grown-up children and elderly parents. Sarah Coles shows how to survive those sandwich years Read more
Love heart

What rules your investments: head or heart?

By Sarah Coles    Mon, 13/10/2008 - 15:34
It’s easy to become attached to shares and funds for the wrong reasons. Sarah Coles points out some of the warning signs of a sentimental investor and offers some tips for a return to reason. Read more
Private school pupil

The real cost of private education

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 08/09/2008 - 16:13
Sending your child to private school has always been considered expensive. But, as Sarah Cole discovers, the true cost is even higher than many realise. Read more
Broadband plug

Why is switching internet provider such a pain?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 26/08/2008 - 09:44
Broadband is now a part of our everyday lives, with more households that ever going online. But with tariffs varying wildly, why is it so difficult to change your internet provider? Sarah Coles investigates. Read more
Child with building blocks

A guide to investing for your children

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 19/08/2008 - 13:55
Child Trust Funds are a great way to save for your child's future, but there are plenty of other ways you can invest for their future. Sarah Coles looks at some of the different options for parents. Read more
Children at nursery

How you can cut the cost of childcare

By Sarah Coles    Update: Wed, 08/04/2009 - 14:18
As childcare becomes more expensive, Sarah Coles shows how, with a little flexibility, parents can reduce the cost without compromising the quality of care. Read more
Dentist and files

Dental patients feel the pain of pricing inconsistencies

By Sarah Coles    Fri, 18/07/2008 - 10:33
Inconsistencies in dental treatment charges mean some private practices charge up to three times more than their competitors. Sarah Coles investigates... Read more
Vet examines a dog

Vetting the growing cost of pet care

By Sarah Coles    Update: Wed, 21/05/2008 - 16:40
The price of getting veterinary care for your pet can prove expensive. However, as Sarah Coles discovers, your location and shopping around can have an impact on the cost. Read more

Get set and go for retirement

By Sarah Coles    Update: Wed, 26/11/2008 - 17:19
Taking the time to choose the right annuity for you could give your income a big boost. Sarah Coles explains what to do. Read more
House for sale

How to sell your home in a slow market

By Sarah Coles    Update: Tue, 03/06/2008 - 15:04
Following the housing market downturn of 2008, getting your home sold quickly has become something of an art. Sarah Coles reveals the tricks to ensure your home doesn't get left on the shelf. Read more

What is the best ISA for you?

By Sarah Coles    Update: Thu, 20/03/2008 - 10:13
Deciding to open an ISA is the easy bit. Picking the right ISA for you is a lot harder. Fortunately, the Moneywise ISA quiz can help you decide which type fits you best. Read more
Insurance search online

Beware sneaky insurance sales

By Sarah Coles    Update: Fri, 06/06/2008 - 14:11
It's important to keep your eyes peeled when you book anything online. Ready-ticked boxes are often an underhand vehicle for websites to glean that extra bit of money. Sarah Coles looks at the practice of 'inertia selling'. Read more
1 comment
A woman enjoying her holiday swap

Holiday for free with a home swap

By Sarah Coles    Update: Wed, 08/04/2009 - 13:29
Why spend a fortune on a holiday villa or hotel when you can stay in the comfort of a family home for free? And with a home-swap holiday you can be confident that your own home is not lying empty while you're away, says Sarah Coles. Read more
3 comments
Property

How to pick a winning property

By Sarah Coles    Update: Mon, 22/09/2008 - 11:18
Investing in property is no longer a sure-fire way to make money. Sarah Coles investigates how choosing the right location can help you make a better return. Read more

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