Money Expert
Top tips for selecting a balance transfer credit card deal
Money Expert
Sep 3rd 2010
Filed under: Credit Cards, Personal Finance
There are many offers on balance transfer deals currently on the market - finding the best rates and terms can be complicated though. Follow our top tips on what to look for when comparing credit card providers to ensure you are completely clued up and have complete control over your finances.
Self employed seek debt management plans
Money Expert
Sep 2nd 2010
Filed under: Debt
Self employed workers are struggling to repay their debts as new figures show that six and a half thousand self-employed people are seeking debt management solutions.The Consumer Credit Counselling Service's Self Employed Centre reported that many of these workers' financial situations were so bad that they were only in a position to help 1,600 of them as over half of callers had a deficit budget.
Post office's online saver promises attractive short-term rates
Money Expert
Sep 1st 2010
An online savings account launched by the Post Office could help consumers get the most value from their savings in the current economic climate, thanks to its attractive 2.75 per cent AER rate.Suited to those willing to operate their account solely via the internet, the Online Saver comes with a guaranteed 12 month bonus of 1.25 per cent.
Shop around for annuities when converting pensions
Money Expert
Aug 31st 2010
Filed under: Pensions
Retiring workers who fail to shop around for annuities to turn their pensions into an annual income risk losing thousands of pounds, an expert has warned. According to Laith Khalaf, a pensions expert at financial services company Hargreaves Lansdown, there is typically a 20 per cent difference between the top and bottom ends of the market when it comes to annuity rates.
Top tips on taking out a mortgage
Money Expert
Aug 30th 2010
Filed under: Mortgages
Taking out a mortgage is essentially the same as taking out a long term loan.And just like a long-term loan you are committed to repaying it back, plus, as it is probably the biggest loan most people are likely to ever take out, it is worth doing thorough research before committing to anything.
Credit crunch continues in mortgage market
Money Expert
Aug 30th 2010
New research into the state of the mortgage market in the wake of the credit crunch shows that large deposits continue to be key to bagging a cheap mortgage deal.Mortgage applications are being rejected at record rates with minor discretions such as one late credit card payment effecting a mortgage lenders' decision, latest trends from mortgage advisers show.
Balance transfer market welcoming attractive new offers
Money Expert
Aug 26th 2010
Filed under: Credit Cards
There has been a flurry of activity on balance transfers in the credit cards market this week, with MBNA and Barclaycard both launching attractive new products. MBNA has launched a new credit card that promises no handling fee on balance or money transfers made within the first three months of the account being opened.
Children help parents with debt consolidation
Money Expert
Aug 25th 2010
Filed under: Debt
At least eight per cent or almost one in ten adult children are giving their parents money and over a third of them use it for debt consolidation.According to Scottish Widows, children are giving their parents is typically £8,250 compared to £6,500 in 2008.
Failing to shop around for car insurance 'costs £58 a year'
Money Expert
Aug 24th 2010
Filed under: Insurance
Drivers could typically save £58 on their annual car insurance premiums by shopping around for cheaper deals.That is according to new research by Which? that indicated 60 per cent of drivers who shop around will find a cheaper deal than their last renewal quote.
Money sickness syndrome increases among pensioners
Money Expert
Aug 20th 2010
Filed under: Debt, Personal Finance, Pensions
Pensioners are the group most affected by money worries with their mental and physical health suffering, new government data reveals. Britain is an ageing population - the number of people over 65 is predicted to grow to account for almost a quarter of the population in the next 20 years, and these people are being plagued by Money Sickness Syndrome.
