http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/make-big-savings-with-money-off-vouchers.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/make-big-savings-with-money-off-vouchers.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:14:50 -0600
While there used to be a view that some consumers were "too posh for points", vouchers have become increasingly common with nearly a fifth* of Brits now using discount coupons when they shop.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, research shows that women are the savvier sex when it comes to hunting down a bargain,** with female shoppers the more prolific users of money-saving vouchers.
But with all manner of discounts up for grabs, anyone can cash in.

Savvy supermarket shopping

Pick up almost any newspaper or magazine and there's a good chance that its pages will be stuffed full of vouchers and offers, so cut these out and present them at the checkout next time you make a trip to the supermarket.

Also, look out for buy one get one free deals in store, and log on to www.fixtureferrets.co.uk for food and drinks promotions from the major supermarkets.

Get clicking to save cash

If you're doing your weekly shop online, log on to www.mysupermarket.com to find out the best value supermarket for you. The site compares prices at Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Ocado, and will then send your trolley of goods to the cheapest online checkout.

You can also search for the cheapest price on comparison websites such as www.kelkoo.co.uk, www.pricerunner.co.uk and www.pricechecker.co.uk. These sites all sweep online stores to see which retailer stocks the item you want at the cheapest price.

Be a voucherista

If you're looking for discounts and deals, the internet is a gold mine.
Check out websites such as www.confused.com, www.sendmediscounts.co.uk, www.vouchercodes.co.uk, www.myvouchercodes.co.uk and www.wowvouchercodes.co.uk which offer voucher codes for a wide range of goods.

If the site offers the chance to subscribe to email alerts to keep up with the latest discount offers make sure you sign up to avoid missing out.

For those who are a little less web-savvy, MyVoucherCodes will be publishing a direct mail discount book this Christmas with offers and vouchers from a wide range of retailers.

Bag a bargain

Further online bargains can be found at www.madaboutbargains.co.uk which offers big savings on theatre trips, clothing, hotel rooms, electronics and jewellery, while www.homesandbargains.co.uk helps you find top quality goods for your house or garden.

You can also shop for second-hand goods at Ebay, www.preloved.co.uk or www.gumtree.com, and if you don't want to part with a penny, www.freebieholics.co.uk has plenty of links to website with free offers, samples and giveaways.

Eat out for less

More and more restaurants now offer discount vouchers to attract customers through their door, so check out two-for-the-price-of-one deals and other money saving offers at the likes of www.restaurantvouchers.co.uk.
And, if you want to dine out at a decent restaurant without making a huge dent in your wallet, visit www.toptable.co.uk.
The site promotes hundreds of special meal offers across the country, including discounts of up to 50 per cent, group offers and inclusive drink offers.

Days out at a discount

Clubcard and reward points can be redeemed for use at many theme parks and leisure parks such as Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures, and it's also worth keeping an eye out for special promotions in newspapers, supermarkets and on cereal and washing powder packets.
There are also big savings to be made on days out - and nights out - at www.lastminute.com.

Enjoy being a savvy shopper!




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Find out more how to make savings with money-off vouchers at http://www.confused.com/savings

Notes
• * Selftrade
• ** Friends Provident

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/are-you-saving-for-tomorrow.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/are-you-saving-for-tomorrow.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:08:33 -0600
With a recession that came almost out of nowhere, it has had devastating consequences on people living in the UK, leaving many jobless, strapped for cash and even without their homes because they have not been able to keep up with their mortgage repayments.

Latest government figures put the number of unemployed in the UK at 2.47 million for the three month period to August 2009, this is a whole 88,000 more people who are unemployed than in the prior three month period.

At the same time, the number of homes being taken back into possession by lenders is also increasing, with the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) estimating that there were 11,400 possession cases in the second quarter of 2009 (March-June).

On the bright side, this was however a drop on the 12,700 possession cases seen in the first quarter of 2009 (Jan-March).

Although there are signs the UK is beginning to pull out of the recession, the limelight is now being thrown on how we can better protect ourselves from further recessions that may occur in the future, with attention turning to savings.

Some economists believe that the pain felt by the recession could have been lessened if Britain had a better savings culture embedded. As it is, the UK is relatively poor at saving.

Recent research by Scottish Widows suggests that as many as 30m Brits have not protected themselves for the long term should the worst happen and they lose their household's main income.

While, National Savings & Investments (NS&I) says there is a shortfall between the ideal amount we should be saving which is £210.26 a month on average, and the actual amount we are saving which is £90.21 a month.

It goes as far to say that the ideal amount people want to save is around 15 per cent of their total income.

Data also presented by the national Savings and investments agency suggests that the ideal amount people want to save represents over 15 per cent of total income.
In fact, as a country it seems we are more in love with debt than saving and have more than doubled our outstanding household debt since 2000 to reach £1.4 trillion, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) claims.

Two main reasons to save

Tony Dolphin, a senior economist at the IPPR warns that life is unpredictable so it is useful to put money aside in case of short-term emergencies. It is generally accepted that a household should have savings that can be easily accessible to cover between 3-6 months of living costs.

At the same time, there is also a need to save for the long term, for example for retirement, so it is wise to view these type of savings as money that should only be accessed in extreme circumstances.

Although we are not the best savers when compared with some other European countries which have a higher savings rate than the UK, we are getting better.
Dolphin explained: "We've seen big changes in debt and borrowing since the start of the recession and I hope we see the savings rate rise."

However he does warn that our attitude to saving will all depend on the housing market.

The future for savings

In recent years, people living in the UK have been predominantly more concerned with getting on the property ladder than saving, and with 100 per cent mortgages once in abundance, there really was no incentive to save.

But now, as lenders continue to be restrictive with their lending policies and 100 per cent mortgages are almost no more, Stephen Haddrill, director general of the ABI believes the UK will finally begin to get serious about saving.

He added: "We have seen a shift in the banks willingness to lend and a move to 75 per cent loan-to-value mortgages. The additional 25 per cent has to come from somewhere, so I think this need will kick-start saving again. "



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Find out more about saving for tomorrow at http://www.confused.com/savings

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/insurance/how-older-bikers-can-keep-insurance-premiums-down.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/insurance/how-older-bikers-can-keep-insurance-premiums-down.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:02:29 -0600
The phenomenon has grown as those in their forties and fifties have found themselves with more money as their salary has improved or children have left home. It means many are finally able to afford the bike they dreamt about as a youngster, whether it's a Harley, Triumph or other classic. But could they also be paying over the odds for insurance cover by not comparing enough providers?

Young bikers are forced to pay a premium for insurance because of their inexperience and the risk of riding a bike. It's not just a perceived risk: government figures show that motorcyclists make up just one per cent of total road traffic, but account for around 19 per cent of all Great Britain's road user deaths.

But, let's face it, older people in general tend to be more careful riders and less likely to have an accident. Touring bikes are more popular than sports bikes with older people, for instance, so the riders are less likely to be speed freaks.

But with many mainstream insurers they are also penalised simply for being bikers, with little regard being paid to their experience and passion for biking.
The good news for experienced bikers is that this outdated attitude is beginning to change and insurers are creating special policies aimed at older riders, with Saga being the latest to do so.

Its motorcycle insurance was launched last month and is available exclusively to people aged 50 and over and protects against loss, theft or damage to motorcycles and includes 60 days EU cover for those planning a European biking tour. Born-again bikers can also pay extra for personal accident, legal expenses and helmet and leathers cover.

Finding specialist insurance rather than simply sticking with a well-known brand can yield great savings for bikers. Some big name insurers think motorbike insurance is too risky and steer clear of it. But there are a number of companies and brokers which focus on motorbike riders, including Bennetts, Hastings, eBike Insurance, Just Motor Cycle Insurance, MotorCycle Direct and AA Motorcycle amongst others.

The key though is to find the right policy at the right price, which doesn't mean always buying the cheapest.

Cutting the cost of cover doesn't just mean shopping for a bargain, but knowing what you need and finding the best value deal to suit your requirements.
If you can keep your bike locked away in a garage, for instance, that can considerably cut the cost of insurance. Theft is one of the biggest problems for bike owners - some 35,000 bikes are stolen each year and only 15 per cent are ever recovered.

If you don't have a garage, it may even be worth renting one. It'll keep your bike safer and reduce insurance premiums, which could make it well worthwhile. Other security will also help. Fit an insurance-approved lock and alarm, immobiliser or data tag identification and tracking system and tell your insurance provider about these.
Another good idea is to complete an approved advanced riding course. It'll cut cover costs but also improve your riding skills. Courses are run by organisations such as The Institute of Advance Motorists and the British Motorcycle Federation.

Other than that you can reduce insurance costs by agreeing a higher excess, or having more than one vehicle with the same insurance provider. Do several of these things and premiums should fall to a reasonable level, which will allow you to then enjoy your new-found or reacquainted freedom of the road.

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For more information regarding cheap motorbike insurance please visit http://www.confused.com/motorbike-insurance

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/keep-your-home-warm-and-safe-with-our-top-tips.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/keep-your-home-warm-and-safe-with-our-top-tips.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:37:54 -0600
1. Wrap your home in insulation

The best way to keep the cold out and the lovely warmth in is to ensure your home is properly insulated. Heat rises, so be sure to get decent insulation in your loft - at least 270mm is recommended by the Energy Saving Trust. Plus a third of the heat lost in an un-insulated house is through the walls, so see that they're well padded too.

This might sound costly, but it doesn't have to be. You are likely to lose far more money through lost heat over the course of time. Also, energy grants might be available to you, which could help you insulate your home.

Want to know more? Then read our article ‘Don't Get Left Out in the Cold - Insulate your Home'. Choosing the right windows can make a big difference too.

2. Beware of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is silent, invisible to the naked eye, odourless and flavourless... Yet it can cause a wide range of really unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, headaches, exhaustion and vomiting - and can even be fatal. Among other things, CO can be emitted by faulty heating and cooking appliances, so make sure your boiler is in good order, and think about upgrading your old gas appliances. If you're planning to use old-fashioned portable heaters, get them checked by an expert before use. You are much more likely to have a problem with CO if you're using old equipment.

It's always a good idea to keep your home well ventilated. If you have a chimney - especially if you use it for sitting round the fire during the chilly months - make sure it's swept annually by a qualified engineer or chimney sweep. Also think about investing in a European Standard CO detector with an audible alarm.

If you're concerned about CO in your home, or you have any friends or relatives who you may feel are unaware of the risk, it's worth visiting The Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety Society website. The site is full of information and prevention tips that could prove vital.

3. Get a smart meter

If you want to kerb mounting energy costs, then investing in a smart meter might well be helpful. This is a device which monitors your energy usage, and keeps your supplier informed in real time. In turn, you can log in to the account provided by your supplier, and see how your gas and electricity consumption is going on the web. Handy, eh?

By keeping closer tabs on your energy usage, you should be able to reduce your consumption accordingly. In fact, statutory body Consumer Focus have estimated that you could save as much as 15% off your bills. Plus the fact that your supplier is being constantly updated means that your bills will always be accurate, not estimated.


4. Insulate yourself!

Want to walk around in shorts and a t-shirt? Still in denial that the summer's over? Don't be - embrace the winter! Dig out a nice, cosy jumper, fill up your hot water bottle, and cuddle up close to someone. And chaps - have you thought about growing a beard? You'll insulate your face, and save money you'd have otherwise spent on razors, aftershave and hot water.

5. Switch supplier

If jumpers and hot water bottles just aren't enough, and you really do need to pump up the central heating, you can at least take steps to ensure you're getting your energy at the best possible price. If you've never switched energy tariff, if you're not paying by Direct Debit, or if you're not on an online tariff, then the chances are you're paying over the odds. If you want to find a better deal, why not try comparing suppliers and tariffs. It's quick and easy, and you'll find out in minutes whether you can keep your house nice and toasty without burning up unnecessary cash.

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For more information on heating please visit http://www.confused.com/gas-electricity

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/banking-options-for-expats.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/banking-options-for-expats.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:01:55 -0600
Country specific non-resident accounts
When it comes to opening a bank account abroad, if you are not yet a resident of the country it is imperative to research whether such options are available to you. In France for example, non-residents can apply for what is known as a 'compte non-résident'. Typical differences between standard accounts and compte non-resident are that the latter may not include a credit card or overdraft facilities. However, once you have been settled in France for three months you will be able to open a current account as a resident if you wish to.

Euro Account
Another option available to those moving to another European country is to open a Euro Account. Euro accounts are essentially UK accounts in which the money held within is in Euros instead of sterling. The key to finding the best Euro account is to do your research and to keep flexibility in mind. For instance, an account with no currency conversion charges, and no charges on European ATMs will likely be very useful for those who spend a considerable amount of time in both the UK and abroad. Multi-currency accounts are also available from some banks.

Offshore Bank Account
Offshore bank accounts (or international bank accounts, as they have come to be known) are also a popular option for those moving abroad. It is good to spend the time researching different account providers in order to find the best interest rates, as it is typical to find better returns on your savings abroad than you would if you kept your money in a UK account. Offshore savings accounts are great for accessing you cash from both the UK and your new country of residence - which is great for avoiding those timely money transfers. You can also bank with multiple currencies and access you money at any time day or night.

If you are moving abroad it is worth exploring all of the above options, and discussing with your banking adviser.

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Paul Roberts writes about banking abroad - from euro accounts to offshore interest rates and offshore savings.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/savings-2009-can-debt-still-be-a-friend.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/savings-2009-can-debt-still-be-a-friend.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:59:59 -0600
Yet, if debt wasn't as available as it is - i.e. if it were capped, what would happen when we really needed it? Most of us are paid by the month, and if at some point you need to make an emergency payment, on your car, or on your property etc, acquiring the capital to pay immediately is an absolute life-saver - and if for some reason it wasn't accessible could be potentially disastrous.

Thankfully, huge emergency payments are few and far between, but seeing as I'm writing this as thousands of university students invest a good chunk of their student loan in a Fresher's Week binge (I know I did), student debt is certainly worth a mention. Tom Cockreill (quoted in The Guardian) has the following to say about this: "Society seems to be happy to let debt accumulation start at university. It's all the more dispiriting that higher education, the bedrock of future prosperity and a more secure society, is paid for via debt."

This is certainly a curious aspect of modern day living. But would further education be as open and equal as it is if the system were not run this way? And additionally, what better time is there in one's life to come to terms with such an expensive, and important, investment - when they are enthusiastic and ripe for learning?

That said, it seems that for people of all ages there is still room for learning how to contribute to making their society less indebted - and it is going to be more difficult for borrowers to simply borrow to much in the future.

Perhaps more transparency is owed to students regarding how much they are paying and borrowing for university - and how much their course and grades are really going to be worth in the future if they achieve the best they can do so. But for those who are borrowing for other products, i.e. desirables, capping may be a good idea - at least to ensure that we are as a society are in control of debt - and it is no longer in control of us.

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Paul Roberts writes about banking, student finance and savings accounts and best savings rates.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/can-i-afford-a-gap-year.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/can-i-afford-a-gap-year.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:56:37 -0600
Of course, a gap year has long been an acceptable way to spend time after secondary school in order to build up your 'life experience' and to enjoy some well-deserved freedom. But with so much concern about debt, can you really afford one? The easy answer is probably yes, but you must plan and budget carefully.

Whether you decide to volunteer close to home, or want to fly to the east coast of Australia, it is likely that you will need to save up some money for the experience. Of course, earning is one thing, but saving is quite another and it is important that you are taking enough money from your monthly pay and putting it somewhere safe. The more research you can do on this at the moment the better as the best savings accounts available tend to be fixed term - meaning you are more likely to get good returns if you leave your savings alone for a certain amount of time.

Another positive boon to your funding could come from tax. If you are only working for a few months before leaving and not working for the rest of the year, you may be eligible for tax back. If you earn £6,475 or less over a year you do not need to pay tax.

Once your funds are in place you need to estimate how you want to access it, and the currency (or currencies) you are likely to use. Internet banking is a great way for travellers because it is free and is available 24 hours a day. After you know what currency you will need and where, it may also be worth considering a prepaid credit card - despite the bad reputation there are certain credit card options available that are free of debt risk and allow you to take out foreign currencies abroad for no charge.

The next plan is to budget the trip. If you are travelling abroad it is becoming increasingly important to take out travel insurance - and it is a good idea to research specialist gap year cover. If you are planning any special activities such as extreme sports, ensure that these are included on your policy also.

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Paul Roberts writes about finance for travellers, savings accounts and fixed term savings.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/family-funds-is-having-children-going-out-of-fashion.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/family-funds-is-having-children-going-out-of-fashion.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:51:15 -0600
Yet, while it is particularly difficult to predict when the best financial time to have children will occur, recent research from Irish parenting advice website, RollerCoaster.ie, is showing that some mothers may now be less enthusiastic about the prospect of having children because of the financial implications involved.

In results from a RollerCoaster.ie survey published in September, 78 percent of parents said they would hesitate to expand their families because of the increased costs involved. More than 50 percent of mothers asked admitted that it is not currently worth their while to work - because of costs such as those for childcare - and they would be better off if they were claiming social welfare instead.

The survey comes before child benefit payments are set to be either cut, taxed or means tested in the near future as part of the upcoming Budget. Yet the research does seem to have a definite focus on families that already have a number of children, and doesn't give much insight into whether prospective first-time parents are set to change their family plans. I don't hesitate to add that I doubt many adults who had plans to start a family around the time of the credit crunch are still set on putting it off - even if they did so a year ago.

Research in the UK signifies, at least, that it is not money itself which is of most concern to young mothers. In a survey by WorkingMums.co.uk, a 79 percent majority of mums pointed out that flexibility in work was the top priority during the recession - while more than half (54 percent) admitted that they would take a lower paid job for more flexible hours. One thing that is consistent in both sets of research, however, is that as the economy looks to improve more parents are eager to spend more time at home with their children - and employers are certain to need to adapt to this.

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Paul Roberts writes about family finance, savings accounts and looks at the best savings rates available.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/the-changing-face-of-offshore-saving-in-gibraltar.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/the-changing-face-of-offshore-saving-in-gibraltar.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:48:25 -0600
Economic developments over the last year have caused much political focus on the on the operation of banks on the UK mainland and overseas. The G20 summit in April saw the decision made to enforce transparency and economic sustainability as a means to ensure that the world economy remains more stable in the future - and for the UK's overseas territories (including Bermuda and Cayman) to comply, they had to sign 12 tax information exchange agreements (TIEAs).

Although certain territories have already met the target of 12, Gibraltar is well on its way and began signing their TIEAs on the 31st March 2009. Since then, it has signed agreements with another eight, including Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Not bad for an island that many had thought unlikely to be able to shrug off its label as 'tax haven', for the more positive: Offshore Financial Centre.

However, entrepreneurs and those with a high income can still benefit from favourable taxes in Gibraltar, and its nearby location to the Costa del Sol is great for those who'd prefer to spend sterling than euros. Conditions of residency sets it apart from other territories though, if you are willing to pay more than £250,000 for property you need only spend one day on the island before you are considered one of its 30,000 residents. Though this is rumoured to change in 2010.

Additionally, despite its EU membership and ties to UK and Spain, Gibraltar's own economy has proved considerably stronger with a reported 6.6 percent growth rate. With this in mind the island (and others) is set to be subject of an HM Treasury report into the challenges faced as it adheres to more stringent rules - and it will be interesting to see what the future holds.

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Paul Roberts writes about offshore savings and offshore interest rates.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/uk-money-2010-new-incentives-for-savers.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/uk-money-2010-new-incentives-for-savers.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:46:25 -0600
Little reason to save has been reflected by significant changes reported recently by finance experts, moneyfacts.co.uk. The website highlighted a trend stimulated by low interest rates, showing that many people are using their money to go towards paying off their debts instead of storing it in a savings account. The research also posited the notion that the UK public believe if they haven't got the money, they won't spend it.

Yet, incentives to save are on the horizon, and the question remains whether such changes are a positive signal for the UK economy. The first group of prospective savers to benefit are those who are aged over 50. They will now be allowed to deposit up to £10,200 (half in cash half in stocks and shares) into tax-free Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) - an amount that has increased from £7,200. The increase will be available to everyone else after the 6th April, 2010.

Although the changes have not been seen a positive response from all corners of the media (The Sun described how 'pensioners won't be feeling much benefit if their ISA returns are so low anyway'), these changes at least herald a growth inn opportunity for those eager to save but were unsure where to put their cash - and each provider will be eager to allow different ISA options to differentiate themselves from the next.

Aside from ISAs, fixed rate accounts are still offering the best returns for savers, yet - as is the case with ISAs - you must be prepared to leave you cash locked up for some time to get the best from it. So-called 'Notice Savings Accounts' are often a good way to sacrifice some of the interest you will incur over a term for the benefit of some extra flexibility - but as with any money decision at the moment, it is always best to shop around and do your research first.

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Paul Roberts writes about ISAs, savings and high interest savings account.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>