STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

I’M DISORGANISED and have never got round to using my Tesco Clubcard points over the years. I know you can increase their value online, but will I have missed my chance for spending points I’ve lost, or forgotten vouchers?

E. D., Pembrokeshire. ClubCarD vouchers are worth more if you boost them online.

Vouchers with 500 points are worth £5 in store, but could be worth £20 with Tesco’s boost partners. Vouchers can be redeemed up to two years later, provided they’ve not expired.

To find a list of all your points, log in to the Clubcard website, and then the section labelled ‘My Clubcard account’. Click the ‘My Vouchers’ tab. alternatively, call Tesco customer services on 0330 123 1688. MY HUSBAND and I are retired and claim the state pension. From next year will we receive the new pension of £148.40 a week each?

J. L., via email. No — IF you are already retired, you will keep your current state pension regardless of whether it is higher or lower than the new amount. MY ELDERLY husband and I live in a large house. We pay more than £500 for our water bill based on the old rates system. We think it will be cheaper to have a water meter. If we switch to one, can we change our mind if it works out to be more expensive?

E. D., Reading. IT depends on your water company. In most regions, customers can have a trial period of a year — and, in some cases, two — to see if switching saves them money.

If it doesn’t, they can then switch back without penalty.

However, the chance to give a meter a road test isn’t open to everyone. If your water company has already embarked on a compulsory programme to install them in homes, it may not be possible. This includes Southern Water and South east Water. Call your supplier to check. A LETTER about the performance of our eldest son’s child trust fund cash account revealed it is now paying hardly 1 pc.

I don’t want to switch the money to a stock-market alternative, but that’s all the building society can offer.

A. R., Kent. You can now transfer it to a better-paying rival. The best is Halifax at 4 pc, but you also need to be a current account customer. other decent rates include Coventry bS at 3.25 pc.

Contact the new provider offering a Junior Isa and they’ll arrange a transfer for you.