STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
MY WIFE and I have something in our wills called ‘tenants in common’. Can you please explain what this means? P. F., Ashford, Kent.
THERE are two ways joint owners can own a property, which affects how it is passed on when you die. If you are joint tenants, the property automatically passes to the other owner when you die.
If you are tenants in common, their share of the property forms part of the estate and is passed on under the terms of a will.
If you or your wife want to leave your share of the property to someone other than the joint owner — that is, each other — you must own it as tenants in common.
DESPITE holding an M&S credit card for 30 years, my wife was asked in November for proof of ID. In December, we received an alarming letter to say the information provided did not match. I called M&S in a panic, and they casually said documents I had sent did not contain my wife’s date of birth and told me to send more ID. I tried to complain about the tone of the letter, but was told no one was available. P. R., via email.
M&s says that from time to time it asks existing customers to update the information it holds.
It says it did receive your letter and sent a letter back and credited your account with £30 to apologise. It has apologised again for the poor service and sent you £150. I DON’T have internet access. How can I find the cheapest energy deals? G. S., Colchester, Essex.
SOME price comparison websites also have helplines. An adviser will take your details and get quotations on the cheapest tariffs for you. unfortunately, some of the best deals are for internet customers only.
For energyhelpline, use 0800 977 4498, GoCompare is on 0800 808 6906 and Comparethemarket is on 0800 093 6831. WHY can’t Premium Bonds be held in joint names? D. A., Pinner, Middlesex.
PREMIUM Bonds are subject to the National savings Regulations 2015, which state only individuals can hold bonds.
According to a spokesman for National savings & Investments, it would be a breach of law if bonds were held in joint names.