The AnswerBank Articles

First-Time Buyers 'Increasing Thanks To Higher LTV Mortgages'

While many parents are helping their kids to get a foot on the property ladder there is now another option available, which could ease the burden. First-time buyers could see an increase in numbers due to the reintroduction of higher loan-to-value (LTVs) mortgages, it has been asserted. With banks such as Abbey curre...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Savings 'essential for emergencies'

Since the recession has taken a firm hold on all of our finances, many people have opened savings accounts to put money away for a rainy day. Despite the interest rates being quite low on these accounts, many are still choosing to save rather than pay off immediate debts, as they feel that the possibility of some finan...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

First-Time Buyers Could Be Heartened By Housing Market

The property market has had its ups and downs in the last couple of years but it seems that it may be turning a corner with some new choices offered to people seeking mortgages. First-time buyers could be pleased by the assertion that the housing market is set for recovery. A mortgage expert has explained that althoug...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Offset Mortgage 'Could Be A Profitable Swap' For Homeowners

With many of us feeling the pinch moving house could be the last thing on your mind. However, there are still plenty of people out there looking to buy or sell a property. Of course, though, the time has to be right and in the current financial climate many are simply waiting to see what happens. There are other optio...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

HSBC 'Delighted' To Win Banking Award

We all hope for the best from our providers; especially those that deal with our hard earned cash. So it is good news for those who have accounts with HSBC as they have been voted the top bank for customer service in a recent report. A well known brand and innovation strategy firm ranked the company top of a list of t...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

‘Effective’ Planning Can Reduce Inheritance Tax Bill

It is traumatic when we lose a loved one but it can be a nightmare to sort through the finances of the deceased. Trying to work out how much goes to whom and what to do with any property is the last thing you need when you are still grieving. In addition, the taxman wants his cut of the pot too in the form of Inheritan...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Mortgage Holders Offered Help With Payments

Many of us are struggling to make ends meet but for some the point of no return has been reached and they can no longer make mortgage payments. This could be a serious problem and if left could lead to eviction and house repossession. Now help is out there in the form of temporary government grants. The Homeowners Mor...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Antibes 'Ideal' For Brits Wanting A Second Home

We have all been on that perfect getaway – the weather was superb, the beaches pristine, the kids hardly squabbled and you and your partner didn’t row once. What if you could repeat that experience every year, how great would that be For most of us a visit to a foreign country is usually a holiday or occa...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Saving 'Not Encouraged' By Pension Tax Rule Changes

Although many of us are saving for our retirement recent news from the government is discouraging for some. The highest level of tax relief will be restricted for those earning more than £150,000 a year and it will disappear altogether for those with income over £180,000. These higher earners will only get ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Recession 'Has Greatly Increased UK's Fear Of Identity Theft'

Recent research by a software developer found that nearly three quarters of respondents are more alarmed by the threat posed by ID crooks during the current economic crisis than they were before it began. Furthermore, nearly nine out of ten of consumers are concerned that their financial details – such as their b...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Cash ISAs Becoming More Popular

Although many of us cannot spare much money to put into our savings it seems that those who can are doing it more often. According to a Scottish financial institution cash ISAs are being invested in more frequently. Deposit levels in these types of nest eggs have increased by almost ten per cent at Clydesdale Bank. In...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Medical Insurance Rise 'Fuelled By Instant-Access Society'

A growth in levels of personal medical insurance (PMI) is a result of an "instant-access society", an expert has asserted. You can order your shopping online with same day delivery why not get your medical treatment the same way Bupa have commented that more people are doing this because they do not want to...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Bankruptcy ‘Increasing In Scotland'

Recent figures released by the Accountant in Bankruptcy found that the number of companies going to the wall has risen by over 150 per cent compared to the same period the previous year. In real terms, this amounts to more than 3,700 businesses going under. The number of individual insolvencies has also soared - by aro...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Low Credit Score 'Could Be Result Of ID Theft'

Low credit scores and blacklisting could be down to ID theft, which a new study has revealed could be set to increase. The research done by a leading online insurance provider has found that the number of people whose rating could be affected by the crime is "likely to almost double" in the next half-decade....15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Scrappage Scheme May Not Help Motorists

Buying a new car through the scrappage scheme will not help drivers, according to an expert. The initiative was launched as part of a recent Budget, which saw the chancellor tell the House of Commons he wanted to help the auto industry. The vehicle discount or 'scrappage' scheme is a voluntary scheme for motor dealer...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Bargain Hunt star opens pawn brokers

A celebrity known for helping members of the public find and sell trinkets has opened a new pawn brokers in Coventry. David Dickinson – who found fame on Bargain Hunt and has subsequently gone on to present Dickinson's Real Deal – cut the ribbon at the Rex Johnson Online store on Hertford Street in the city...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Property Investors 'Should Overpay Their Mortgage'

For those of us lucky enough to have some spare cash buying property as an investment is a good idea. Buying to let has also become a popular way to make money. Those who have chosen to invest in property should consider over-paying on their mortgage loans, an expert says. This can improve a person's credit rating, ac...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Many Brits 'have secret credit cards'

Many Brits keep a credit card hidden from their partners, according to a survey. As times get harder and we try to save our cash, some people are opting to use "secret" credit cards to buy their day to day shopping items. The most common purchases on these types of cards are groceries, fuel and occasional &...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Insurance Company Offers Tips On Bike Security

There are many reasons for using your bike. Whether it is to save money on ever increasing fuel prices or to get a bit fitter, or to simply do your bit for the environment and leave the car at home many of us are now taking to the roads on two wheels. Whatever the reason, however, we must all be vigilant when leaving ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Low LTV Mortgages 'Lead To Less First-Time Buyers'

Mortgages which require a large deposit put first-time buyers off purchasing houses, it has been asserted. Borrowings which have a low loan-to-value (LTV) mean that these types of people are "forced" out of the market, according to an online house selling company. The founder of the website said when there ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010