Anyone who's a fan of Radio 2, particularly Jeremy Vine's show, will have heard of Martin Lewis as he regularly appears on Jeremy's Friday afternoon slot, Your Money And Your Life. That's where I first heard about him. Each week he drops in a mention of his website, www.moneysavingexpert.com, and I eventually gave in and checked it out...
Presentation/navigation of site At first glance, I feel that the site looks a little cluttered. The front page is very active, and a little daunting at first. All the info you need is there, but all of the info that is there is not necessarily needed, if you understand me. Once you've come down from the shock of seeing the front page, you can start to see the bits you need: A search box at the top; a form to sign up for the email newsletter (more about that later); links to each section down the side. The search box is self-explanatory. The mailing list signup form is a little overkilled on the front page, being featured twice. The links to each section are sensible and easy to use: Home Page; Credit Cards ;Shopping; Phones & Utilities; Savings & Investments; Loans & Banking; Insurance; Travel & Transport; Mortgages & Homes; General; Money Tips; Provider A - Z; and Chat Forums. There is also information to tell you about Martin and the site, and a series of links to the site's most recent articles.
Reliablility/speed of site In my experience, the site can sometimes be a little slow but I have never found it to be unavailable. This, in my opinion, is acceptable for a site that caters for such a large audience whilst remaining 100% free to use.
Quality of content The content is excellent. All of the articles are written and researched by Martin himself, a financial expert and broadcast journalist specialising in money saving. Articles are relevant, considered, realistic and written in such a way as to be accessible by everyone regardless of financial acuity. There is also a forum in which registered users can exchange money saving tips and news of the best deals whatever you're shopping for (looking to buy x, y or z as cheaply as possible? Ask in there- someone will be able to point you in the right direction).
Range of products/services offered This is not a site where you can actually purchase financial products. In fact, the site is 100% free: revenue to keep the site running is generated by advertisements and product referrals; Martin is very open about what is professional advice and what is an ad to help the site. In terms of products and services offered, I can only really comment on the articles available: There is advice published on any financial situation that you could imagine. Whether you're looking to get the best deal on a mortgage, pay off credit cards, take the kids on a fun weekend away, claim back bank charges or make sure you're getting the best deal on train tickets, this site will have something for you. I also mentioned the email newsletter: this is free to sign up to (as is everything on the site), and easy to opt out of should you wish to do so. The newsletter is sent out once every week, and contains Martin's latest money saving advice, links to the latest articles, and topical information and reminders.
Competitiveness of charges I've rated this as excellent because there are no charges! There are many sites offering similar information, but I have yet to see another one that doesn't try to take money from you before it will let you have access to it all. For example, there are many sites springing up that will charge you a fee (usually a percentage of your 'winnings') to help you claim back unfair bank charges. This website, however gives clear, precise instructions on how to do it for free, and even provides free templates for any letters and documents that you may need.
Recommend to potential buyers? This is a very definite 'yes'. Whatever your level of financial awareness, there will be something on this site that you've probably overlooked, so I'd encourage everyone to keep an eye on it and sign up to the tips email!
Overall One of the best genuinely free resources on the web. Sign up to the weekly tips email, and check the website before doing anything with your finances!
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