Mar 16, 2010 Comments Off
Mar 16, 2010 Comments Off
Mar 16, 2010 Comments Off
Mar 16, 2010 Comments Off
Mar 16, 2010 Comments Off
According to research conducted by Saga Home Insurance, 32 percent of people over the age of 50 know their neighbours well and socialise with them on a regular basis. In contrast, it was found that just four percent do not know their neighbours at all.
The research also showed that friendship and trust seemingly grow stronger with age. It was found that one quarter of 50 to 54 year olds are close to their neighbours compared to 44 percent of those over the age of 75. However, the tradition of knocking and walking straight into a neighbours’ kitchen for a ‘cup of tea and a chat’ is reportedly a thing of the past. In fact, 74 percent of those over 50 years of age say that this is far less common these days, with just seven percent leaving their doors unlocked to visitors and 33 percent always keeping their doors locked.
Saga Home Insurance also discovered that 28 percent of those over the age of 50 believe that they are experiencing an increasing number of unexpected visitors to their home. Furthermore, those over the age of 75 reportedly receive the greatest volume of unexpected visits from business people at 17 percent compared to 11 percent of 50 to 54 year olds.
Executive chairman at Saga Group, Andrew Goodsell, said: “It is encouraging to see the bonds between neighbours remain strong, but the over 50s are wise to be cautious, especially when receiving unexpected visitors. Always ask to see identification before allowing a salesperson into your home. As a homeowner it is your right to refuse entry if you suspect they might be a bogus visitor.”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Homeowners who are not satisfied with the level of security in and around their home could consider taking out a secured loan for home improvements to rectify any areas of concern. One of many finance options available, a secured loan could be used to replace any weak windows or doors with stronger counterparts. Additional locks could also be added to doors, along with peepholes if desired. Furthermore, borrowers may choose to utilise the money to invest in burglar alarms and even closed circuit television. There are a range of options available to assist in achieving peace of mind.
Related posts:
Mar 15, 2010 Comments Off
According to Scottish Widows, young adults have been affected by the economic downturn – so much so that they have become more reliant upon the support of their parents than ever before. Research has shown that 47 percent of parents with children over the age of 16 have either given or lent money to their adult children or grandchildren. Though this figure is reportedly 9 percent less than that recorded in 2009, the average sum of money involved has increased from £11,800 to £13,660. Therefore it would seem that parents who are in a position to help out financially are parting with more money.
It was found that 35 percent of young adults are turning to their parents for money to fund ‘day to day spending and living expenses’. Additionally, it was revealed that 38 percent require the money for debt repayments, whilst 34 percent need it to purchase a property. One in ten young adults are also reportedly using their parents’ or grandparents’ money to fund training courses in a bid to embark upon a new career.
The research showed that 82 percent of parents who have given money to their relatives have had to turn to their savings to do so, and 54 percent do not believe that they will be able to top their savings back up. Furthermore, it was discovered that 22 percent of parents who have handed money to their children are having to reduce their day to day spending. In addition, one in ten have had to increase their own borrowings – including mortgaging or re-mortgaging their property. In relation to spending, 31 percent are not setting as much money aside and 12 percent have completely stopped doing so.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Parent homeowners who are juggling their finances, perhaps due to several credit card repayments each month, could consider taking out a secured loan for consolidation. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for consolidation could allow borrowers to tie up multiple monthly credit repayments into one place. By taking this approach, borrowers could eliminate the juggling act whilst potentially reducing their outgoings. However, if opting for a secured loan to consolidate existing credit, it should be remembered that consolidating your debt may increase the amount you pay back overall and extend the repayment periods of your debts.
Related posts:
Mar 14, 2010 Comments Off
Since the introduction of contactless payment technology in 2007, all Barclaycard VISA debit cards are now reportedly issued or re-issued with this technology incorporated as standard. In fact, it has been revealed that more than two million contactless-enabled Barclays VISA debit cards and four million credit cards have been issued. Furthermore, according to Barclays, the existing £10 limit for contactless credit or debt card transactions in the UK has been increased to £15.
Head of Debit Cards for Barclays, Brian Cunnington, commented: “Contactless technology is undoubtedly the future of payments and we are seeing it grow hugely in popularity. More than two years after the first customers were issued with contactless cards it is the right time for the industry limit to increase to £15, in line with demand from consumers and retailers alike. The new higher limit gives customers the flexibility of paying for even more transactions quickly, securely and conveniently via a contactless card payment and will lead to more retailers implementing the technology.”
Contactless payment technology allows customers to make purchases up to the value of £15 by holding their card over a special reader. There is no requirement to insert the card into a terminal or to enter a personal identification number. Debt or credit card transactions are then processed in the same way as standard transactions, which are also possible.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Homeowners who are juggling multiple credit card bills each month could consider taking out a secured loan to tie these existing debts up into one management monthly repayment. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for consolidation could leave borrowers with just one monthly repayment that could potentially be lower than existing outgoings. However, if opting for a secured loan to consolidate debt, it should be remembered that consolidating your debt may increase the amount you pay back overall and extend the repayment periods of your debts.
Related posts:
Mar 13, 2010 Comments Off
As many householders gear up for their annual spring clean, moneysupermarket.com is reminding people to ‘tidy up their finances as well as their homes’. It would seem that by switching to the best deals on financial products, a saving of £3,469 could be made over the course of the next 12 months.
Site editor at moneysupermarket.com, Clare Francis, commented: “After months in the cold and dark, spring is just round the corner and what better time to take charge of the family’s finances by checking to see that you’re making the most of your financial products. There are some really easy savings to be made, just by spending half an hour reviewing where you’re at financially. It’s easy to be complacent but some rates on products change quite regularly so literally, it really does pay to be vigilant.”
When it comes to mortgages, the comparison site has identified that many standard variable rates have increased whilst rates for new borrowers have fallen. Furthermore, mortgage availability and loan to value ratios have reportedly risen. With the Base Rate currently at its lowest level, it has been suggested that longer term fixed rate mortgages could be considered. Additionally, homeowners with a significant level of savings could also consider an offset mortgage as a means of maximising capital according to moneysupermarket.com.
With regard to credit cards, it was recently found that one in five people carry over three credit cards, with 17 percent of credit card holders making at least one daily purchase on plastic. The research also uncovered that some ‘savvy’ consumers aim to get the most from their credit cards. For example, 25 percent reportedly utilise their credit card to gain reward points whilst 11 percent do so for cashback and zero percent purchases. However, moneysupermarket.com has pointed out that many consumers are yet to take complete advantage of credit card benefits.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Homeowners who would like to spring clean their finances could consider taking out a secured loan to tie up any existing debts, such as credit cards. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for consolidation could allow borrowers to eliminate multiple monthly debt repayments – replacing them all with just one. This single, manageable monthly repayment could even be lower than the sum of current outgoings. However, if opting for a secured loan to consolidate debt, it should be remembered that consolidating your debt may increase the amount you pay back overall and extend the repayment periods of your debts.
Related posts:
Mar 12, 2010 Comments Off
According to a new CBI report, containing ‘recommendations to pave the way for the development of low-carbon cars and homes’, transport emissions could be reduced and motorists could save money by making energy-efficient driving a compulsory part of the driving test.In fact, it has been revealed that fuel savings of 5 to 10 percent would be possible, which reportedly equates to an annual sum between £200 and £250.
CBI Director of Business Environment, Dr Neil Bentley, commented: “More than a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gases come from personal transport, half of which are from cars. Making small changes to the way we all drive will reduce carbon emissions and could save motorists up to £250 a year.
“Simply changing gears more smoothly to avoid sharp breaking and acceleration can reduce fuel consumption by a third. Learner drivers already have to demonstrate they can drive in a fuel-efficient way during the course of their driving test, but this is not a pass or fail element.
“Making energy-efficient driving techniques a mandatory part of the test will make a significant contribution to changing the next generation of motorists’ behavior, and to cutting transport emissions.”
“The Government needs to take action now to incentivise consumers to make energy efficient choices and ensure it provides the right framework to spur on businesses to develop exciting new products and services.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Homeowners who would like to enhance the energy-efficiency of their property could consider taking out a secured loan for home improvements. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for this purpose could fund thorough insulation for example. Furthermore, borrowers may wish to utilise the funds to replace any draughty doors and windows, or even an ineffective boiler. Solar panels could also be invested in to make the most of the sun’s natural resources. Measures such as these could potentially leave homeowners with lower long-term energy bills.
Related posts:
Mar 11, 2010 Comments Off
According to the Land Registry’s House Price Index, the January data shows a 5.2 percent change in property prices on an annual basis. This reportedly marks the second consecutive month of positive figures, and has taken the average house price in England and Wales to £165,088. A rise of 2.1 percent was recorded between December and January.
Findings have shown that average property prices in seven regions of England and Wales have increased during the last 12 months, with London experiencing the greatest rise at 10.5 percent. In contrast, the most significant annual price decrease was found in the North East at minus 3.4 percent.
In monthly terms, it was revealed that the greatest house price rise was in London at 3.9 percent, whereas the North East experienced the greatest price fall at minus 1.3 percent.
With regard to completed house sales in England and Wales, findings show a 54 percent rise in November 2009, which took the number from 36,091 in November 2008 to 55,715.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Homeowners who have recently moved into a new property, but do not have the funds required to put their personal stamp on it, could consider taking out a secured loan to fund any desired projects. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for home improvements could allow borrowers to completely re-decorate and re-furbish their new home to suit their personal tastes and lifestyles. Furthermore, borrowers who enjoy spending time outdoors could even consider having their new garden landscaped if necessary, in preparation for the forthcoming summer months.
Related posts:
