Mums Finance

Running up too much debt just isn’t a runner anymore however you still need something along the lines of a ‘plastic card’ so that you can shop online, book holidays etc.

There’s a myriad of pre-paid debit cards out there right now and by far one of the best of the bunch, in my opinion, is the FairFX Card . I’ve just applied for one myself because you can transfer cash from your bank account straight into it and there’s the plus that you also have the MasterCard facility there as well.

I have no interest in clocking up anymore credit cards so this offers me extremely low charges; £1 per cash withdrawal (no charges at all for purchases which really appeals to me) and  only 1% to convert my money to euros/USdollars.  Top your card up twice every three years – make a habit of using it so you have to – and your top up will be free otherwise they charge you £6 a go and you can do this via your debit card or bank account.

At just 1% for a currency exchange you really cannot get a better deal than that. Start charging it up for your next holiday if you like but I will be making regular use of mine. It’s nice to have a piece of plastic to use with the added knowledge that you aren’t clocking up any debt. 

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I have that decision to make in the next few months; trouble is I am very attached to this particular machine. I was dragged kicking and screaming into the computer-age; I always preferred the old way of writing – with a pen and paper – and posting my letters at the post office, choosing a nice fancy stamp to go on the envelope.

But you have to admit that the computer has made things a lot less complicated and much faster. And, despite my doubts and hesitation, I have taken to working on the computer very easily and now wouldn’t what to do without it.

But the fact remains that you do have to update your technology when the need arises; I am fast running out of computer memory on this machine and have just completed yet another back-up. Some keys are starting to go and the old girl is generally slowing down – integrated arthritis if you like…

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We are planning a long haul trip to Australia next year which will take in my nephew’s wedding and we have decided to travel there via the west-route; going from Europe via the USA. This is actually not only a more cost effective way to fly from Europe to Australia (buying a round the world ticket works out cheaper) but you also avoid the jet lag that a straight 24 hour flight leaves you with. Breaking the trip up with a stopover or two in the US is a great idea; the options are endless and I am going to write about one of the choices you have. Branson in Missouri.

Whether you are going as a family (as we are) or as a couple/group you have a huge variety of attractions on offer which could easily take up a couple of days or even up to a whole week. It’s up to you, and budget-wise, it is a very affordable option.

Branson has become such a popular destination for tourists – both American and from abroad – because it offers so many varied and fun attractions. Consider just some of the live shows you can see such as Grand Jubilee; The 12 Irish Tenors which is a show that gets booked out all over Europe; The Acrobats of China and for those who love a touch of magic you would love the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

 No worries about entertaining the kids here either, the go-carts are always great fun for the kids – as well as the mums and dads; there’s lots of thrilling rides, museums, minature golf courses, caves and caverns and water parks should you land there in the summer.

If dad fancies a spot of golf they’ve a golf course and, for the family, a range of cinemas where you can take time out and relax in front of the big screen.

Accommodation is a real treat; they’ve a range of Inn’s and hotels – all themed – to suit all tastes and budgets. You can go for luxury, mid-range, and of course family friendly lodging such as the Howard Johnson Hotel…

Mum will want to shop of course and there’s plenty of that to be done at Branson; Branson Mall; The Shoppes at Branson Meadows and the Victorian Village to name but a few outlets where you can spend your money.

Last, but not least, are the various holiday packages you can choose from; either select one of those on offer and save with discounts or maybe design your own package to suit your itinerary and budget.

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