Nationwide calls for free cash machine signs

Nationwide is stepping up its campaign against fee-charging cash machines today - by adding signs reading "FREE CASH WITHDRAWALS" to its ATMs.


The building society, concerned by a lack of "real progress" to protect consumers, and believing free cash withdrawals are under threat, has taken matters into its own hands.

Nationwide will become the first UK financial service firm to introduce at-a-glance signage to its machines and is calling on others to follow its lead.

"The industry has been dragging its heels over providing real clarity for consumers regarding cash machine charges. Consequently, Nationwide is taking action by implementing a straightforward solution to counter consumer confusion," said Stuart Bernau, Nationwide?s executive director.

"Green and red signs, which are visible at a glance, will be instantly recognisable and their introduction is supported by an overwhelming majority of people."

Halifax has already responded to the call, saying that all 2,700 Halifax and Bank of Scotland ATMs will feature green "Free Cash Withdrawals" signs, by the end of October.

Nationwide calculates that this year consumers will pay £200 million in cash machine withdrawal fees - up from £140 million last year.

It adds that while a few years ago almost every cash machine was free to use, now 42 per cent charge.

However, what Nationwide does not point out is that most of these machines are in places where there were no machines previously - and that the number of free to use cash machines in the UK is actually growing.

The major concerns over charging cash machines are that consumers are not always aware they will be charged to use them until it is too late, and that the charges hit the poorest the most - as they make small withdrawals often and their ability to travel to free-to-use machines is restricted.

Currently cash machine operators are required to:

• Show on the screen ? before customers insert a card ? how much they will be charged


• Increase the type size on warning stickers to 14pt and to place the stickers in places where they are more visible


• Include warning signs on posters or billboards outside shops that advertise cash machine services.

Lloyds Car Insurance

About Lloyds Bank

The origins of Lloyds Bank stretch back to 1765, when John Taylor and Sampson Lloyd set up a private banking business in Birmingham, England. Two sons of the original partners followed in their footsteps by establishing a bank ? Barnetts Hoares Hanbury and Lloyd - in London?s Lombard Street. Eventually, this became absorbed into the Lloyds Banking Company.
Over the years, Lloyds Bank expanded through a series of mergers, including the Wilts and Dorset Bank in 1914 and the Capital and Counties Bank in 1918. By 1923, Lloyds Bank had made some fifty take-overs, one of which was the last private firm to issue its own bank notes ? Fox, Fowler and Co. of Wellington, Somerset.

1911 saw the formation of Lloyds Bank (France) when Lloyds Bank acquired Armstrong and Co., based in Paris and Le Havre. From 1917 it was run jointly as Lloyds and National and Provincial Bank. In 1955, Lloyds Bank bought full ownership and it became Lloyds Bank (Foreign) and later Lloyds Bank Europe.

in 1918 a strong connection with South America began, with the acquisition of the London and River Plate Bank. The later merger with the London and Brazilian Bank resulted in the formation of Bank of London and South America (BOLSA). In 1971, Lloyds Bank bought the controlling interest in BOLSA and merged it with Lloyds Bank Europe to form Lloyds and Bolsa International Bank. This name changed in 1974 to Lloyds Bank International and this was itself merged into Lloyds Bank in 1986.

1988 saw the Bank merge five of its existing businesses with the Abbey Life Insurance Company to create Lloyds Abbey Life.

By the early 1990s, Lloyds Bank had offices in 30 countries, from Argentina to the USA. In New Zealand, an already commanding presence as the National Bank of New Zealand was further strengthened by the 1994 take-over of the Rural Bank, making it the leading provider of agricultural finance.

On August 1 1995, Cheltenham & Gloucester (C&G) joined the Lloyds Bank Group. Later the same year, on 28 December, Lloyds Bank Group merged with TSB Group to form Lloyds TSB Group plc. In September 1996, Lloyds Abbey Life became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lloyds TSB Group.

Features of Lloyds TSB Car InsuranceThis policy provides cover for:

• Section A - Damage to a Third Parties property is covered up to £20 million.


• Section A - Driving other cars is included within your Policy, subject to selected criteria being met.


• Cover is limited to Third Party Only i.e. the car you are driving will not be covered. Please refer to your Certificate of Motor Insurance for confirmation of whether you have this benefit.


• Section C - In-car audio, television, telephone and electronic navigation equipment. Details of limits can be found on your Motor Insurance Schedule.


• Section C ? You will not be covered for theft of your vehicle if you leave the keys in the car.


• Section D - Comprehensive includes windscreen damage cover. Windscreen damage does not cover broken glass in sunroofs.


• Section E - Personal accident cover is not available to over 75 year olds.


• Section G - Full foreign use cover is automatically included at no extra charge (countries applicable include any EU member country or associated countries).


• Section H - Claims Legal Assistance Service provides up to £50,000 of legal expenses.


• Section H - No refund of premium will be given in respect of cancellation of Claims Legal Assistance Service.


• All repair work is guaranteed for 5 years if you use one of our recommended repairers.

Summary

Lloyds TSB Insurance is one of the UK?s leading insurance companies. Their products include car, home, travel, pet and health insurance and they use a panel of leading UK insurers to find the best possible deal for their customers. They then give an additional discount of up to 15% for buying online. Get a quote from TSB Insurance and you get a quote from their panel of top insurers associated with Lloyd TSB Motor Insurance. Visit the website below to get your quote now.

Lloyds TSB Car Insurance

American Express Nectar Card

Credit card provider American Express has announced the launch of a new product from the 16 September, the Nectar Credit Card. Customers using the Nectar Credit Card from American Express will benefit from double the points, totalling four points for every £1 spent.

In addition to this, holders of the credit card will earn an extra one point when they use it in other retailers.

Vice president and head of UK product management at American Express, Katherine Whitton, said: "Nectar collectors will soon notice the difference as they begin to rack up points at double the speed, if not faster, than they have been able to do in the past.

"This means they will be able to redeem more quickly for everything from digital cameras to family holidays. Using this credit card will ensure collectors are getting the most out of the programme and really reaping the rewards for their spending."

About the Nectar Card

With the Amex Nectar Card you can earn Nectar points at the rate of 1 point for nearly every pound you spend using the card (excludes balance transfers, cash advances etc).

If you're using the card at a Nectar retailer such as Sainsbury's or Debenhams, that'll double up to 2 points per pound. And, show your Nectar Card at the same time to get your usual 2 points per pound - which adds up to a total of 4 points per pound!

If you're already a member of the Nectar program, this new American Express card could help you build up your points balance even quicker, and with other features such as a standard rate of 12.9% typical APR (variable), and 5.9% on balance transfers for the life of the balance, it's competitive in other areas too.

Summary

• Earn 1 Nectar point for almost every pound you spend using the card
  
• Earn 2 points per pound at Nectar retailers


• 1,000 bonus Nectar points when you first use the card


• 12.9% typical APR (variable)


• Low balance transfer rate of 5.9% for the life of the balance, for balances transferred within the first 6 months


• No annual fee

To find out more information simply visit the Amex website below:

American Express Nectar Card

Endsleigh Travel Insurance

About Endsleigh Insurance

Established in 1965 by the National Union of Students, Endsleigh is now one of the leading insurance companies providing cover and security for students, graduates and young professionals. Endsleigh provide an all-inclusive range of travel insurance policies including those for single or multi trip, winter sports, extreme sports or backpackers. They also provide specialist cover for international students studying in the UK, cover for UK students studying abroad and for school group travel.

Endsleigh Travel Insurance

Endsleigh recognise that different people have different travel needs, and as a result have come up with a range of specialist policies.

There are two different levels of cover to suit any budget - Essential and Comprehensive. Essential allows you to travel with all the vital cover needed for emergencies at an economical price, whilst Comprehensive will give you peace of mind for virtually every eventuality you are likely to encounter on your travels.

Types of travel insurance offered

• Holiday - Get away - but not from your baggage! A range of specialist holiday insurance policies.


• Multi-Trip - An annual travel insurance policy that includes business trips, tailor-made to protect you if you travel more than once a year. There are no limits to the number of trips you can take (as long as each one does not exceed 42 days) and most sports and activities are included for no extra charge.


• Winter Sports - Going on the piste!? Skiing insurance, snowboarding and more!


• Extreme Activity - From bunjee jumping to mountaineering. 'Activity insurance' is a very special tailor-made policy that allows you to take part in almost all extreme sports and activities.


• International Students Studying in the UK - A specially designed policy for helping international students studying in the UK. When you travel abroad to study, especially for long periods, this often involves high cost, especially your course fees. This special policy, produced in conjunction with UKCOSA (the Council for International Education), provides all the essential protection that an international student in the UK needs including: Personal Possessions, Medical Costs following an Accident or Illness and Reimbursement of Course Fees. Cover applies whilst you are studying in the UK; travelling to and from the UK and home at the start and end of the course, or each Term for those here for longer perods; and is extended to travelling elsewhere abroad if this is solely for the purpose of your study course.


• Backpacker - Protection at an economy price for your travel abroad. 'Backpacker insurance' is specially designed for anyone aged 35 or under at the commencement of your trip who needs basic protection at an economy price. With the choice of two levels of cover (Backpacker and Backpacker Plus) you can select the benefits that best suit your budget.


• Study Abroad - For UK students studying overseas, cover includes luggage and sports insurance. When you travel abroad as part of your full-time studies, you want to feel protected against that nasty surprise. Endsleigh recognise that different people have different travel needs and as a result have come up with different cover options. Unsurprisingly, one is called essential cover for essential protection at an economic price. The other is called comprehensive which gives more extensive cover. The idea is that you benefit from tailor made protection.


• Gap Year - Full insurance cover wherever your gap year takes you includes most sporting activities. Discounts available. Whether you are taking a year out to work, rest or play, this tailor made policy will give you all the protection you need as long as you are aged 35 or under at the commencement of your trip. Taking into account your budget, Endsleigh offer two different levels of cover: (Gap year and Gap year plus) Gap year allows you to travel with all the vital cover needed for emergencies at a modest premium, whilst Gap year plus cover will give you extra peace of mind while still considering your budget.


• School Group Travel - Safeguarding your school trip. Insurance for your school trips include non hazardous sports insurance. Wherever you travel, you want to feel protected against that nasty surprise. Endsleigh provides cover for many hundreds of thousands of people travelling all over the world each year. Because the needs of school children are so special and different, Endsleigh offer a policy to suit their individual needs and budget. With this policy, you can arrange the cover you need for each individual trip or journey.

Additional information can be found on the Endsleigh Travel Insurance website.

Summary

Established in 1965 by the National Union of Students, Endsleigh is now one of the leading insurance companies providing cover and security for students, graduates and young professionals. Endsleigh provide an all-inclusive range of travel insurance policies including those for single or multi trip, winter sports, extreme sports or backpackers. They also provide specialist cover for international students studying in the UK, cover for UK students studying abroad and for school group travel.

The site provides useful information about the features of each type of policy and details special offers and discounts available. Once you have decided which policy fulfils your needs you can submit your personal details via a secure form and Endsleigh will provide you with a quote.

Endsleigh Travel Insurance

Competition boost for credit card holders

Credit card customers could be set to benefit from ever-better deals, as competition between card providers hots up.

Already card companies are extending zero per cent deals in an attempt to secure customers in a receding market, seeing so-called 'rate tarts' cost lenders around £2 billion to £3 billion a year.

But Moneynet.co.uk today predicts that UK credit card providers will have to produce even better deals in the future to hold on to customers.

"The standard credit card is effectively an endangered species," said Moneynet chief executive Richard Brown.

"And there are new threats to the overall health of the credit card ? Egg?s new new Money Manager account, effectively a debit card with an overdraft facility where you earn interest on credit balances and pay interest when overdrawn ? is likely to herald a new trend, with more flexible cards that will pay interest when in credit," he added.

And all of this is good news for consumers - who are set to benefit as card companies compete for their custom.

Mr Brown explained: "Competition in the credit card market is potentially excellent news for consumers, and with the likes of Egg shaking up the market with innovative new products, the longer term outlook for the canny borrower is good.

"But for the credit card company executives, the future might not be so rosy."

Mobiles and Money Linked

Your attitude to your mobile phone is linked to how you view your finances, a new report reveals.

While the effect of owning a mobile on your money becomes obvious every time you receive a bill or top-up your talktime, the connection between phones and bank balances goes far deeper than that.

"The way we use mobile phones varies depending on our age, lifestyle and personality, as does our behaviour with money. And as access to our money is, to a great extent, governed by technology, our mobile phone habits will often say a lot about the way we handle our finances," said leading psychologist Donna Dawson.

As such, Lloyds TSB commissioned a report into the way mobile use reflects money management.

The report discovered that the UK's 50 million mobile phone users can be split into four main categories.

• Standoffish - this group sees their mobile as something required to keep in touch, but resent it for seemingly controling their lives. Standoffish people are fans of internet banking, and check their account weekly to stay in touch.


• Slapdash people see their phone as essential for work, but are disorganised and often miss calls or forget to charge their handset. They are equally hit and miss about their money, occasionally picking up a mini-statement, but running out of money quicker than they think.


• Reluctant people think a mobile is not essential, but grudgingly admit it makes life easier. They prefer to keep a running total of their bank balance in the back of their cheque book, and worry if they are in debt - preferring to go without than to borrow.


• With it people could not live without their mobile, they see themselves as modern and streetwise. Often "in the red", they are reluctant to check their account.

Paul O?Neill from Lloyds TSB commented: "There?s no denying the connection between the way we relate to our mobile phones and the way we manage our money but the connection isn?t always a positive one."

However, money and mobiles are now linked more closely than ever before, with the majority of high-street banks now having a text-alert service sending mini-statements to your handset.

To find out what your mobile phone habits say about your financial management skills visit www.lloydstsb.com/youfirst/mobilequiz.asp

Gladiator Van Insurance

Who are Gladiator?

Gladiator Commercial specialises in providing cost effective commercial vehicle insurance through a panel of the UK's leading commercial vehicle insurers. They are committed to providing customers with a high standard of sales and customer care service.

Gladiator Commercial was launched in April 1998 and employs over 80 staff at its office in Swansea.

As well as commercial van insurance, Gladiator Commercial can cover public and employer?s liability, shop retail and small business packages.

Gladiator Commercial Van Insurance

As Gladiator's van insurance packages are specifically aimed at the individual owner they will provide a quote where the van is to be used only for your business, and the insurance policy is to be in your personal name alone, i.e. not that of a company. Also the van must not be imported, modified in any way or be used for carrying goods that are not yours, or passengers for hire or reward. It is possible to add named drivers to the van insurance policy. Cover can be arranged for a wide range of commercial vehicle body types including flat backs, double cabs, minibuses, tippers, and very few occupations are excluded.

You can select from fully comprehensive van insurance, third party, fire and theft and third party only cover, and your no claims bonus from your domestic car insurance will be taken into account when selecting the most applicable policy for you.

The company is not able to consider commercial van insurance applications from Northern Ireland, or from older drivers over 65 years of age.

They can also provide van insurance quotes for the private owner who want social domestic and pleasure cover for vans with engine capaciy up to 2 litres. Breakdown cover through General Legal Protection, underwritten at Lloyds and legal expenses cover through Drive Assist UK plc, underwritten IGI Insurance Company Ltd can be taken out as optional extras.

Please note, conditions will apply for all of the van insurance products mentioned above, please contact the insurer concerned for more information.

Summary

Big van? Small van? Get a cheaper van insurance quote from Gladiator Commercial. Gladiator Commercial search for great value van insurance from a panel of insurers.

Along with a great deal on van insurance, Gladiator Commercial also offers competitively priced tool cover and public and employer?s liability cover.

For a fast and simple quote visit Gladiator

Loans.co.uk Secured Loans

About Loans.co.uk

Recently voted in the top 50 companies to work for by the Sunday Times, Loans.co.uk is a vibrant finance company based in Watford with new offices in Preston. The company has now grown to over 300 people. They currently arrange loans for over 1,000 customers a month on behalf of lenders such as First National, First Plus, Paragon and Lloyds Bowmaker.

Loans.co.uk Loans

You have probably seen extensive television advertisements for Loans.co.uk offering debt consolidation, homewoener loans and secured loans. They are one of the largest and most respected secured loan providers in the UK.

You can borrow any amount between £3,000 to £75,000, the average time a loan will take from completion to having access to funds is around 16 days.

Some benefits of a secured loan from Loans.co.uk include a 5 month repayment holiday at the beginning of the loan term, you can have fixed rates for up to 5 years, have the option to pay more than your specified monthly payment which will allow you to pay your loan more quickly.

Other points to consider are:

• 125% Equity Loans - These allow you to borrow 25% over your home value


• Repayment Protection Cover - Some loans offer free life insurance cover


• Repayment Protection Cover Cash Back - Some of the loans offer a 1005 cash back on all premium protection payments if you do not make a claim during the term


• Early Payment Rebate - ALL loans benefit from having an early repayment rebate option, pay off early and save on interest charges

Summary

Apply now

Petrol Prices Fall

Petrol prices are expected to fall on UK forecourts after two of the country's leading supermarkets slashed the price of fuel.

Asda and Tesco dropped their prices by four pence per litre from Friday.

Asda is now charging 89.9 pence per litre for petrol and 92.9 pence litre for diesel at its 158 petrol stations in the UK.

Esso and BP are among the petrol retailers expected to follow the supermarkets' lead.

The cuts follow a week where panic buying caused by the threat of fuel protests saw petrol prices go well above £1 per litre in some parts of the UK.

Asda's Tony Page condemned petrol retailers who profiteered from the period of panic buying.

"Drivers have been ripped-off in the past ten days as drives rushed to fill up," he said.

"Quite frankly we've been shocked at some of the prices we've seen elsewhere."

Road hauliers and farmers have been holding a week of protests at the price of fuel, culminating in a go-slow on the M4 today.

Fuel prices rose to record highs in line with the soaring price of oil in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed many oil rigs and refineries on America's Gulf coast and lead to shortages of oil.

Home insurance laziness costing millions

Not bothering to spend 15 minutes shopping around for home insurance is costing UK homeowners millions of pounds a year.

A new report from the Post Office finds that two property owners in five still use their mortgage provider for their buildings/contents insurance - rather than look for a better deal.

Additionally, once with a home insurance provider, four out of five people stay with them year after year.

And this insurance apathy is affecting renters as well as owners, with just one person in eleven checking to see if their rate is still the cheapest when it comes time to renew their policy each year.

But the Post Office points out it takes just a quarter of an hour to shop around, and there are savings of up to 40 per cent to be made.

"Changes to the law six years ago prevented lenders from forcing homeowners to buy their home insurance through them. However, nearly half of consumers still seem to be doing so. Mortgage providers don?t always offer the best value for money when it comes to home insurance, so it really is wise to explore other options," said Claire Oldstein, head of Home Insurance at the Post Office.

"Whether you are a homeowner or renting, the best advice is to shop around every year. Fifteen minutes spent checking out the offers of a couple of other providers could be time well spent when it comes to the savings you can make."

Click here to check out some of the best home insurance deals on the net.

Abbey National E Saver - The hottest savings account around?

In the personal finance community (a hip and buzzing place) there has been much talk of the new Abbey National E Saver account. As you can imagine, these guys don't get themselves worked up for no good reason so I thought I better have a look at the E Saver to see what all the fuss was about.

What you get

• A better rate of interest the bigger your savings. Take a look at the interest rate tables


• You get a bonus of 0.50% gross for the first 6 months after opening your account

How it works

• You can pay money in, take it out, move it around and check it right here online 24 hours a day. You can also save by regular standing order


• You can access your account using cash machines, handy when you want instant access to cash


• Your interest is paid once a year on 15th October or once a month on the 15th, and can go directly into your eSaver, or into another account - it's up to you


• When your account has been opened we'll send you a cash card and all your ebanking details within 14 days

How to get one

• You can open an account on your own, with a partner, or by power of attorney


• You need just £1 to get started


• New eSaver accounts are not available to anyone who already has an eSaver account, or has held one at any time in the last 12 months before making the new application

Abbey Personal Loans

The unsecured Abbey National Personal Loan is offered at extremely competitive rates; from low amounts, and from a company that's pulling its socks up. Worth investigation.

In the past couple of years Abbey National have had a bad press- things are definitely improving. The site is clear and concise, the unsecured loans are at better rates than the other banks (remember Abbey used to be a building society), and for customers with disabilities, all information is available in Braille, large text, on disc or audio.

The secured Abbey National Personal Loan, though, is a bit cheeky- it's only available to you if you are either lucky enough to be mortgage-free or have an Abbey National Mortgage. That cuts some 95% of the population out of the picture! Equally, a secured loan is only really worth it for life's big purchases- an extension to the house, for example (where you expect to add value to the property anyway!)

For everything else, that leaves the unsecured loan. The unsecured Abbey National Personal Loan is available from £1,000 to £20,000 and an over-the-phone decision is usually available in minutes. Rates compare very favourably with competitors (the Abbey National Personal Loan is the only big-5 bank loan which compares well with the supermarkets and direct lenders), and as with most products, the best rate is reserved for online applicants.

An entirely standard (30 day exclusions) payment protection policy also applies.

Summary

Abbey National Loans have a typical rate of 5.8% APR (for internet loans of £5,000 or more), and you can apply online by completing a simple application form. The Abbey National website is straightforward and easy to navigate, with repayment illustrations for your information.

Natwest Business Bank Account

Natwest Bank

Despite a recent rebranding which saw the white "arrowheads" logo become red (rebranding is trendy these days?) NatWest's big day was three years back, when it merged with the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. This created the world's fifth largest banking organisation.

Historically, NatWest Bank has always been strong with students, and continues a program of student sponsorships (oh, along with cricket of course?) which of course really serves to bring customers in when they're young- most people stay with the bank they first signed up to.

With over 3000 branches at the time, NatWest Bank also expanded their cash machine network the fastest during the 1980's- and really pioneered 24 hour banking, but they've been through the mill fairly publicly in the past decade: first closing many branches (especially rural ones) and then stopping their branch closure programme because they were losing customers (in fact last year they reopened a branch!). Now, there are 1600 or so branches- plus other group members RBS, Clydesdale and Ulster to mention a few; and over 3500 cash machines.

NatWest bank doesn't offer the best deals on all products (who does?), and you can often find better deals off the high street; but they're quick to trumpet their new banking philosophy which is backed up fairly well by policy: cash machine withdrawal fees have been abolished (and this was copied by much of the industry), call centre expansion was abolished and customers can now call their branch directly, and all small business customers (NatWest Bank currently has around 850,000) also have a dedicated business advisor.

Natwest Business Banking

Whether you are considering setting up a new business or already own an established company, Natwest Business Banking can offer a bank account that caters to your business needs. There are a number of special offers available to both new and existing business including free business software to help you with your business plans. If you are starting up a new business check out the comprehensive guides which include information about funding, business ideas, legal status and hot new topics in the business world. At Natwest you will find all the help you need to manage your business account with ease.

The Natwest site is easy to use and contains plenty of information to help you decide which account would be most suited to your business. When you start banking with Natwest you will receive free business advice and you have the option of talking to an advisor in person, over the phone or online; which ever is the most convenient. If you already own a business and are considering changing your bank account; Natwest aim to make the process as simple as possible and you could qualify for a period of free banking. To find out more about the services offered by Natwest Business Banking visit the site today.

Summary

NatWest is the number 1 Business Bank with 850,000 small business accounts. With so much experience in business banking, NatWest can tailor a package that is right for the customer whether they are starting up or already running an existing business.

Natwest Business Bank

Young, determined, and saving the most

National Savings and Investments today released the results of a year's worth of research into the nation's savings habits - with some surprising results.

The first, and possibly most striking, was the dominance of 16 to 24 year olds in the figures.

This age group saved the most as a percentage of income in every quarter, and over the summer months set the record for most saved by any group at any time - at 10.11 per cent of income.

"The existence of young and determined savers was discovered when we first started to analyse the data," said Dax Harkins, senior savings strategist at National Savings.

"We were delighted to see that the young are leading the way when it comes to savings, which we feel is a highly optimistic sign for the future. Saving is a habit which should be started young and increased in line with earnings."

Another surprising result was that more money is saved over the winter months, including the run-up to Christmas and New Year, than at any other time at 6.9 per cent of income.

However, savings slide in the spring, when money invested drops to 5.82 per cent.

Men were consistently found to be better savers than women, both in terms of the number of men saving and the amount of money they put away.

And overall, single women were found to be saving the least - with just 44 per cent putting money away over the summer months (compared with 60 per cent of single men over this period), and those that are saving are putting less away (6.26 per cent of income - over 30 per cent less than single men).

"It is possible that single women do not feel that they earn enough to be able to save, reflected in the fact that one in eight hold no savings at all. With women typically earning less than men, they may find their income eaten up by mortgage repayments, rent, bills and other outgoings," said National Saving's Mr Harkins commented.

But this lack of savings leaves the nation's females vulnerable to reversals of fortune, he added.

"Women are vulnerable to pension shortfalls with many taking a break from employment to raise a family which is why they need to be saving more, earlier, to provide for their own future. "

"We would urge all savers, and single women in particular, to save as much as they can afford every month. Even £50 a month, saved in an average rate instant access account of three per cent, could add up to £618 a year."

Children not taught about money

Parents are more likely to talk to their children about sex than savings, a new study reveals, with one child in four never being told about money.

National Savings and Investments today reveals that while 94 per cent of parents think it is important to pass on financial knowledge to their children, fewer than three quarters actually do.

What is more, even the people that do try to educate their children about finances often overlook important aspects.

Of the parents that do talk to their children about money, less than half mention budgeting, fewer than one in three mentions credit cards, and only 35 per cent mention debt.

"Although parents have good intentions, a significant proportion are failing to talk to their children about money. With the financial pressures on the younger generation greater than ever, it is vital that we help educate children on money matters," said Dax Harkins, senior savings strategist at National Savings and Investments.

Parents would appear to agree, in principal, with 88 per cent saying it is their job to educate children about money. However, in practice they seem to miss the point - with fewer than one in four explaining the finer points of money management such as interest rates and inflation.

Overall, more parents talk to their children about sex (63 per cent) than savings (59 per cent).

Mr Harkins commented: "There are many ways to get children involved in savings and to make them realise what money is worth, whether it?s using a piggy bank to make them save for things they want or investing in a children?s savings account.

"With the easy availability of credit and challenges like getting on the housing ladder getting even tougher, the sooner children are educated about financial matters and the better their understanding; the easier it will be for them to make responsible decisions later on in life.

"If this education gap continues and many are forced to simply ?pick up? financial education as they go along, it is key that financial providers make their products and services as simple and straightforward as possible to ensure the next generation of savers aren?t left in the dark."

Debt Buster Loans

About DebtBuster

Working as the finance arm of Central Capital Limited, customers that apply through Debtbuster for loans can be assured that they are part of a group which has been recognised as one of the fastest growing finance companies in the UK. (watch out here they come!)

Debtbuster has helped tens of thousands of customers find a loan that's suited to them. The team at Debtbuster work with a number of major banks and finance houses in the UK, and are not tied to any particular bank or lender. (it would be very hard to get any work done if they were?)

As a family owned group, Debtbuster Loans promises its customers old fashioned values and customer service through their dealings. While they do accept applications online, Debtbuster will acknowledge receipt of the application straight away, and they do not use automated telephone services to deal with their clients. (nothing wrong with the personal touch I say!)

DebtBuster Loans

Debtbusters goal is to cut the cost of debt for all homeowners in the UK. In their view too many people are paying too much for expensive short-term credit. By replacing such credit with one of their loans at a lower interest rate spread over a longer repayment period you can significantly cut your outgoings and improve your lifestyle.

Debtbuster loans offer services for debt consolidation, home improvement,car purchase, motorbike purchase, remortgage, business mortgage, mortgage arrears, just about every situation.

You can borrow different amounts dependent on what type of facility you choose. The typical ranges are as follows:
Unsecured Loans £1,000 to £25,000
Secured Loans £3,000 to £75,000

Debtbusters website provides online calculators to work out the likely cost of your loan.

If you do have a property that can be used to secure your loan, debtbuster can offer you more flexible borrowing arrangements and a lower interest rate. With Debtbuster Loans, there are no survey fees, legal fees or other upfront charges.

You can use your loan for any reasonable purpose. You may want to pay off any existing debts or credit cards, or to make some home improvements, buy a car or take a holiday. Your loan is for you to spend how you see fit.

Many people want the certainty that comes with knowing exactly what their monthly commitment will be during the repayment period. Whether you prefer a loan where the rate changes in line with the general level of interest rates or one where you can fix your monthly payments for an initial period of the loan, Debtbuster Loans will help you to find the best deals available.

At Debtbuster loans, they give you the choice. You can take out a loan that's secured against your existing property (a secured loan) or one that is not (an unsecured loan).

You can also choose whether you want to have a fixed rate of interest (the amount you pay back every month stays the same for the initial period of the loan) or a loan with a variable rate of interest (your monthly repayments will change, moving up or down in line with general interest rates).

You won't be surprised that the majority of Debtbusters clients use debtbuster loans to pay off all their credit cards, store cards, personal loans and other debts replacing them with one lower cost payment each month.

To work out how much could reduce your outgoings simply click on "How much could I reduce my outgoings" calculator on the Debtbuster website and work out the difference you can make to your life by taking out a Debtbuster Loan.

Summary

A lower cost Debtbuster Loan could cut your monthly credit bills by more than half! You could consolidate all your existing debts into one lower monthly repayment with a secured Debtbuster Loan. They have plans to suit most people including those that have mortgage arrears, credit problems, CCJ's or other situations that may have caused the bank to say 'no'. For more information visit the DebtBuster website below:

DebtBuster Loans

Hilton HHonors Credit Card

Hilton HHonors Credit Card

The Hilton credit card has some interesting points to note, most notable being the 0% balance transfer offer for 6 months. However, what makes this platinum credit different from the others is the rewards program.You will even receive an initial bonus of 5000 points when you are accepted for the card, not to mention the Silver VIP membership that is included too. For every pound that you spend when using the card you will be awarded reward points that can be redeemed against a number of goods. This can include shopping at the Hilton shops inside the hotels, online and even discounts on a Hilton stay. So if you are looking for a credit card that will provide you with that little bit of extra personal pampering the Hilton HHonors credit card would be the best credit card for you.

The more you review the Hilton Credit Card the more you begin to find yourself getting very excited about this card and starting to feel the urge to apply now.

Current Offers

• 0% on balance transfers for 6 months


• Immediately receive 5000 HHonors reward points


• Receive a silver VIP membership when you take out the card


• Receive between 2 - 3 HHonors points for every pound that you spend


• Credit limit up to £20000


• Free travel accident insurance up to £250,000


• Free purchase protection insurance


• No annual fee


• Up to 8 weeks interest free credit on purchases

Summary

Apply for the Hilton HHonors® Platinum Credit Card today and you'll benefit from a fantastic 0% per annum on Balance Transfers fixed for the first 6 months from account opening. You will also benefit from earning HHonors bonus points for everything you purchase with your card. You'll earn 2 HHonors bonus points for every £1 spent with your card. And you can earn 3 HHonors bonus points for every £1 charged to the Card on stays at over 2,400 Hilton HHonors hotels worldwide. We'll also give you 5,000 HHonors bonus points when you first use your card. Of course, how you use these points is completely up to you, whether it's on stays at the Hilton hotels network, weekend breaks or flights all over the world.

AOL Credit Card

AOL Credit Card

Exclusive to members the AOL credit card is designed to cater for all your needs, both on the Internet and in the High Street.

The AOL credit card is issued by MBNA Europe Bank Limited.

AOL Credit Card offer a credit limit to suit your needs and according to your financial status. They also offer a reward scheme that allows you to easily earn points as you spend.

Summary

The AOL Credit Card has 0% p.a. on balance transfers* for 9 months from the date the account is opened and 15.9% APR (variable). Plus, the first time you use your card, we'll give you 2700 free points - that's enough to claim one month's free AOL Silver Broadband subscription! Not only is your new AOL Credit Card packed with benefits but thanks to the great interest rates and no annual fee, you'll be only too happy to use it all the time.

Apply now

Sony Credit Card

What is the Sony Card?

SonyCard is the official credit card from Sony, which brings the world of Sony entertainment to customers. It is a regular credit card with the added benefit of the SonyCard Pulse Scheme which lets you collect Pulsebeats which can be exchanged for free Sony Products.

About the Sony Credit Card

The Sony Credit card comes with an excellent reward scheme so you can reward yourself for so little and earn your points for so much. You can choose CDs, DVDs, movie tickets, electronics, games, live entertainment and more. Every time you use the Sony CardSM, you?re closer to getting the things you really want.

Get the Card that gets you more Sony products. The Sony Card combines a generous rewards program with all the features you deserve in a credit card, including:

- 0% Intro APR
- No Annual Fee
- Full platinum benefits

The SonyCard is the credit card that gives you up to 59 days interest free on card purchases if you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month. That is nearly a two month interest free period on everything you buy using your SonyCard credit card.

As a MasterCard is accepted throughout the world at retail outlets and ATM machines, you can currently use your SonyCard credit card in more than 20 million outlets throughout the world.

Summary

The SonyCard Credit Card has 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 9 months from the date the account is opened and 15.9% APR (variable). Plus, the first time you use your card, we'll give you 2000 free Pulsebeats - that's enough to claim a free CD, DVD or Playstation game! Not only is your new SonyCard packed with benefits, but thanks to the great interest rates and no annual fee, you'll be only too happy to use it all the time. Which is just perfect, because the more you use it the more Pulsebeats you'll earn - and the more you earn, the more Sony you'll get.

Apply now

Welcome Car Finance

About Welcome Car Finance

For the past 14 years, their sister company Welcome Financial Services has helped over a million people - many with credit problems. An established company with a nationwide network of branches, Welcome Car Finance was created especially for people who'd like some help buying a better car.

From the first call to picking up your keys, customers comment on their friendly, personal service.

Welcome Car Finance

At Welcome Finance you can borrow up to £25,000 when you take out a secured loan. To get started fill in the online enquiry form with your details and an advisor will call you back. If you have had credit problems in the past don't worry - at Welcome Finance all credit histories are considered so whether you have had bad debts or CCJs it is still worth applying.

The Welcome Finance site is well laid out and makes finding car loans information as simple as possible. There is a comprehensive FAQ section which answers the most common queries that customers have including how much you can borrow as well as how long it will take to process your application. To find out more about secured loans from Welcome Finance click through now.

Summary

Welcome Car Finance is one of the UK's leading providers of car credit to people with credit problems. Welcome Car Finance is part of Welcome Financial Services offering the cheapest typical APR in the marketplace and a national branch network. Over the last 14 years they have helped over a quarter of a million people with credit problems to enjoy affordable finance. Today they are the UK's leading provider of car credit, personal loans, secured loans and hire purchase credit in their area of specialty, so customers can rely on them to help them buy the car they want. To find out more click the link below.

Welcome Car Finance

Credit card use increases

Britons are increasingly using credit cards as the preferred means to buy everyday items, according to a new survey.

Routine purchases now constitute half of total credit card spending and the frequency is expected to grow, with an increase of around ten per cent already noted during the past three months, according to Morgan Stanley.

And the gap between the value held on an average transaction on a credit card and that on a debit card has continued to narrow, with £65 and £41 respectively.

Morgan Stanley said consumers were using the two payment methods interchangeably.

Nearly four out of ten (38 per cent) credit card holders said they always used plastic to buy groceries.

A total of 45 per cent used credit cards for buying home and car expenses such as petrol.

Between the sexes, women are more likely to use their credit cards to pay for everyday items, while men are more likely to use them for luxuries, such as holidays, home entertainment and socialising.

Patrick Muir, marketing director of Morgan Stanley Consumer Banking, discerned the emergence of ?increasingly savvy shoppers? who benefited from finance deals that offer reward schemes such as cashback and 55 day interest-free periods.

Britons have inflated opinions about savings

The vast majority of Britons are overrating their savings, a new report finds.

This is because three people in four do no consider the impact inflation will have on their nest eggs when choosing where to invest their money, National Savings and Investments reveals.

Millions of Britons do not seem to think inflation affects them, with one in ten believing it is only a concern for those with a lot invested or higher-rate taxpayers.

"Most people know that £1,000 buys much less today than it would have ten years ago. Yet when it comes to saving for the future, the majority of people seem to be disregarding the impact that future inflation will have on their investments," said Karen Jones, National Savings marketing director.

The government-backed savings and investment provider also identifies a rather more worrying trend.

While low inflation awareness in not a new thing, the National Savings report finds that the number of people taking it into account when choosing a savings account has actually fallen over the last few months.

"This downward trend is something of a worry. Even though we are experiencing a period of relatively low inflation, people who invest their money for more than a few years in an account that doesn?t protect against inflation could see the value of their money diminish as inflation takes its toll," said Ms Jones.

By the RPI measure of inflation, savers currently need their investments to produce returns of at least 2.9 per cent to maintain the same purchasing power.

But more than two savers in three have no idea what the current rate of inflation is, National Savings found.

Those most likely to take account of inflation when making investment choices were the over-65s, but even amongst these silver savers just one in three considers the impact of rising prices.

However, they are still more than three times as likely to think about inflation than the 16 to 24 age group - where just one person in ten is inflation savvy.

Oil prices weigh on August market

The UK markets had a quiet August by recent standards, as rising oil prices and inflation weighed on traders' minds.

Halifax reports that over the last month there was a 0.4 per cent increase in total returns for the FTSE All Share Index, the weakest August performance since 2001.

However, the return was still above the long-run average increase of 0.3 per cent, the bank adds.

"August is traditionally a quiet month on the markets, but the FTSE continued to move upwards having been bolstered by mergers and acquisitions activity among companies such as BPB, along with positive earnings figures filtering through from the end of July and a cut in interest rates," said John Bearman, head of UK equities at Halifax.

"However, August also saw UK inflation unexpectedly hit an eight-year high as oil prices touched $65 a barrel, both issues which may well weigh on the mind of investors in the coming months, especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina which has affected production in the US."

Hilton was the best performing stock last month in terms of total shareholder returns.

The stock increased its returns by 9.4 per cent on the back of a slight rise in profits for the first half of the year and a series of broker upgrades.

The sector that produced the best returns was Auto & Parts, with an increase in total shareholder returns of ten per cent.

Car dealer Pendragon led the charge, with 19 per cent rise in first-half profits announced during the month.

At the other end of the scale, Halifax reports that fund manager Amvescap was the worst performing stock - with a 12 per cent drop in returns - while Health and Life Assurance were the joint worst performing sectors last month. Both saw their overall total shareholder return fall two per cent.

Eagle Star Car Insurance

About Eagle Star

Eagle Star is one of the best known insurance companies in the UK. They aim to provide their customers with great value for money whether you are looking for car or home insurance.

Eagle Star is associated with innovations such as removing the need for application and claims forms, a 24 hour claims service, and one of the first insurers to sell directly via the Internet. They aim to bring a pioneering approach to everything that they do.

Eagle Star has been part of the Zurich Financial Services Group since September 1998. One of the world's leading insurance and financial services providers, the Group has subsidiaries in more than 50 countries employing more than 64,000 people worldwide.

Eagle Star Car Insurance

Eagle Star are well-established motor and household insurers preferring standard drivers and vehicles with discounts for many company employees.

• NCD protection


• Corporate insurance


• Zurich


• Voluntary excess


• Legal protection


• Low paperwork


• Roadside assistance


• Courtesy car


• Garage network

Eagle Star insurance are one of Britain's most established insurers; the policies are underwritten by the equally well-placed Zurich.

Eagle Star will only insure standard cars and drivers online- imports or modified cars are not accepted, and you will not be allowed insurance if you have more than two convictions (even fixed penalties). On the plus side, Eagle Star have discounted policies for over 150 major companies, so if you work for a corporate you might find a good deal here. You can also get a discount if you hold Eagle Star household insurance.

The form is detailed; but you can save and retrieve your quote if you want a break. You can also choose your voluntary excess and no-claims discount protection while watching the quote go up and down accordingly, which is useful. The quotes weren?t the most competitive, but this is an extremely reliable internet service.

For good drivers, one interesting option is "bonus for life" (at £30 or so) which protects your no-claims bonus permanently. Of course, this also means you have to stay with Eagle Star insurance.

Summary

Eagle Star Car Insurance is one of the best known direct insurers in the UK specialising in car and home (buildings and content) insurance. The first insurance company to offer an online, transactional website where customers could buy their insurance on line.

Apply now