So here's something that made me spit out my coffee this morning.
Plusnet—you know, that broadband company your neighbor Dave probably uses—just decided to scrap their free email service. Poof. Gone. And they're replacing it with something that'll cost you £15 a year if you're not careful.
The Great Email Shuffle Nobody Asked For
Here's what's happening: Plusnet is shoving all their email customers over to some company called Greenby. Started last month, apparently. They're calling it a "migration" but honestly? Feels more like getting kicked out of your apartment and told the new landlord is "totally cool, trust us."
The whole thing wraps up by November. Whether you like it or not.
I called Plusnet yesterday (spent 23 minutes on hold, thanks for asking) and their spokesperson gave me the usual corporate speak: "We're ensuring our customers get the best possible experience." Right. Because nothing says "best experience" like forcing people to switch to a service they've never heard of.
Here's Where It Gets Expensive
Now pay attention to this part because it's where they get sneaky. If you're still a Plusnet broadband customer when they flip the switch, you get two years free with Greenby. Not bad, I guess.
But if you've already jumped ship from Plusnet broadband? You get exactly 30 days. Then it's £15 per year or goodbye to every email in that inbox you've been using since 2015.
My friend Sarah found this out the hard way—she switched to BT three months ago but kept her Plusnet email. Now she's looking at paying £15 annually for something that used to be free. Her response when I told her: "Are you kidding me right now?"
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Look, £15 isn't going to bankrupt anyone. But it's the principle that bugs me.
Plusnet is basically holding your email address hostage. All those online accounts, bank notifications, family photos your aunt sends—everything tied to that address. They know switching is a massive pain, so they're betting most people will just pay up rather than deal with changing their email everywhere.
Smart business move? Maybe. Ethical? That's another conversation entirely.
The Bigger Picture (Spoiler: It's Not Pretty)
This email thing isn't happening in a vacuum. Plusnet has been systematically shutting down services left and right. Last year they axed home phone services. Before that, their TV service got the chop. Their mobile service? Dead as of June 2024.
I'm starting to think Plusnet is just... giving up? Like they're slowly backing out of everything except basic broadband. Which makes me wonder what happens to those 1.5 million customers when they decide broadband isn't worth the hassle either.
What You Should Actually Do
Here's my advice (and I wish someone had told me this years ago): stop using your broadband provider's email. Just stop.
Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook—they're all free and they don't disappear when you switch internet companies. I learned this lesson the hard way back in 2019 when I switched from Virgin to Sky and nearly lost access to five years of important emails.
If you're already stuck with a Plusnet email, start the migration process now. Yes, it's tedious. Yes, you'll probably forget to update some accounts. But it beats paying £15 a year for something that should be free.
And honestly? If Plusnet is willing to charge for email, what's next?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are credit scores and why are they important?
Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.
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Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
What is the difference between saving and investing?
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Statistics
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
External Links
How To
How To Improve Your Credit Score
Improving your credit score is a gradual process that requires consistent effort. Start by obtaining a copy of your credit report from the major credit bureaus to identify any inaccuracies or negative entries. Pay your bills on time, as payment history accounts for a significant portion of your credit score. Reduce your credit card balances to maintain a low credit utilization ratio, ideally below 30%. Avoid opening new credit accounts frequently, as this can negatively impact your score. Lastly, consider becoming an authorized user on a responsible person's credit card to benefit from their good credit habits. Regularly monitor your credit report to track your progress.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://hellofaread.com/money/rachel-reeves-just-dropped-1billion-on-struggling-families-heres-how-to-actually-get-your-hands-on-it
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