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Act Now before the postal strike costs YOU money

The Postal Strike, as well as causing massive disruption to businesses, could also cost the average person dearly - in late charges and overdraft payments (amongst others).

We've drawn up this handy checklist to help you take action now and prevent it affecting you:

  • If you don't already do it, make sure you get your bills electronically delivered. Not only will it mean you won't miss paying on time, but it could actually save you money, as many companies, including BT, will give you a discount if you opt out of having them printed and delivered. Also it's much better for the planet.
  • If you are one of the 2% of people who still receive benefit or pension cheques by post, you will have to make arrangements to collect them from your nearest post office. This could be quite a problem for the eldery or disabled and be warned, having someone collect it for means they will face two trips, once to collect it, have you sign it and then again when they return for the money. Now might be the time to arrange to have it paid directly into your bank account
  • Don't keep your head in the sand. If you know that a bill or a regular payment is due, don't think that the fact that it hasn't arrived on your doorstep means you can forget about it. Many contracts will have a clause precisely to the effect that you can't.
  • If you've recently posted a cheque to pay for a bill, and don't have any evidence it's been added to your account, it's probably worth checking with the company you sent it to.
  • If you have sent a cheque that hasn't arrived, and make an alternative payment, it's a good idea to check with your bank before cancelling the original. Many banks won't charge for cancelling a check that's been lost in the post, but some may argue the toss
  • Set up a direct debit to pay-off at least the minimum repayment on your credit card - or more if you can, that way you'll at least avoid late payment charges
  • Even if the strike is short-lived, there may still be weeks of chaos afterwards, so don't be complacent, thinking that payments will eventually be delivered
  • If you receive discounts for early payment from your utility supplier, check with them if you pay by cheque too. Many are being sympathetic and upholding discounts

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