13 steps to protect yourself from ID fraud

With internet credit card fraud totalling £117 million last year, a new guide to safer surfing has been launched.


Information solutions company Experian has identified 13 key online safety risks to Britons, and issued a new Keep Safe Online guide.

"As more and more people go online to shop and manage their finances, cyber criminals become cleverer at finding ways to relieve us of our personal information and our hard-earned cash," said Jill Stevens, director of consumer affairs at Experian.

"At Experian, one of our highest priorities is to ensure that consumers? information is protected and secure, so we are working with CreditExpert, our online credit monitoring and identity fraud protection service, to share our expertise with everyone who uses the Internet. I urge anyone who uses the Internet to read this advice and Keep Safe."

The full guide can be downloaded from www.experian.co.uk.

Experian's 13 steps to keeping safe online:
1) Buy a recognised anti-viral program and set it to auto-update regularly. Free software is also available but carries no warranty.

2) Use anti-spyware software to protect against Spyware and Trojan software. Also, set your browser preferences only to accept cookies you recognise and wish to install. Many cookies are quite legitimate but others can act as spyware or Trojans ? you can often tell from the name, which might contain words such as access, ad, tracker, backdoor, burrow or exe.

3) A personal firewall helps prevent Other users accessing your PC while you?re connected to the internet - but ensure it is swithched on.

4) Regularly install any operating system patches and fixes to keep your system security in place ? you should be able to instruct your computer to check regularly.

5) Only use WiFi or Bluetooth in places, and with devices, you trust. Many wireless networks are not encrypted, so anyone with a little knowledge could eavesdrop. Keep your device in non-discoverable mode when you are not using WiFi or Bluetooth and use a personal identification number (PIN) to keep the device secure. Do not connect into non-secure access points in public places. If you must, do not send any sensitive information, such as your login details.

6) Do not reply to phishing e-mails, which are designed to look as though they come from your bank or an on-line service provider. They may ask you to confirm your account details, such as account number and password. They are always fakes- no reputable organisation will ever ask you to send this type of information. If you get an e-mail, never reveal this information and if you want to tell the organisation that is being imitated, call them using the official number on their legitimate website or use a directory enquiries service ? the numbers on a phishing e-mail or fake website will be false, too.

7) If you receive mail from people or organisations you do not know, delete them and, if possible, inform your e-mail supplier that they are spam. Do not open any attachments ? these are likely to carry viruses. Your anti-viral software should alert you or automatically delete any virus carrying messages. Never reply to these messages because that alerts spammers that the e-mail address is valid and you will be bombarded with more messages from more senders.

8) Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint can contain a lot of hidden information that you had no intention of sharing with other people. Some versions of Word, for example, can track any alterations and changes that have been made while writing a document, which can be revealed later. Another example is a chart embedded in a PowerPoint document that can include the entire Excel workbook containing the chart?s data. Use plug-ins to strip documents of hidden content or convert them into pdfs. Check on the Microsoft site, www.microsoft.co.uk, for available plug-ins for your version of Office. There are several free pdf makers available and Apple Macintosh users will find a pdf maker built-in to OS X.

9) Information does not disappear when you place it in your computer?s waste basket or recycle bin. Buy and use a clean-up utility to overwrite the disk space of your discarded information. Delete sensitive and personal information if you need to send your PC to a supplier for a health check or upgrade.

10) Strangers can recover the contents of unwanted hard drives, disks and tapes from old equipment. The only completely safe way of preventing others from recovering the data is physical destruction. Contact your local council recycling centre for safe disposal.

11) Portable storage devices, such as USB key rings, are not secure, so keep them as safe as you would your passport or credit cards.

12) Most of us are dependant on our PCs now, so it makes sense to copy important documents on to a CD and keep it somewhere secure.

13) Buy a home shredder to destroy anything with your name and/or address or financial information on it, including unsolicited mail. These documents could be used to steal your identity or financial details. Making this small investment in privacy means that you can recycle your paper safely ? so you are doing your bit for the environment, as well as being security-minded.

Best Credit Cards

What is the Best Credit Card for You?

The best credit card for one person is the worst for another so you need to decide how you plan to use the credit card before anything else.

I pay off my bill in total every month

You should look for cards with no annual fee and good cash back rates because the APR doesn't matter if you can ALWAYS pay your bill.

I don't always pay off my monthly bill

You need a low APR because otherwise you'll be paying high amounts of interest. Cards with annual fee's often have a lower APR, so use our calculator to see if paying a annual fee will save you more money on your interest repayments.

I rarely use my card

Cash back rewards won't really help you if you don't use the card that much so look for a card with no annual fee.

I always use my card

Cash back rewards and purchase insurance will benefit you greatly as long as you don't get stung by a high APR.

Summary

So the best credit card for you depends on your ability to plan how you'll use your card then stick to that plan. The money management section with the calculator and budget planner will help you identify which type of card will best suit your needs.

Best credit card offers aren't always easy to find so to get the best deal you?ll need to look around as rates can vary quite drastically from one lender to another. Choosing the right provider can save you hundreds of pounds.

To find the best credit cards visit our credit card comparison page.

More mortgages lent

Mortgage lending was higher in September than it has been for more than a year.

Figures from the British Bankers' Association show that £17.8 billion was leant in September, six per cent higher than in August.

When repayments and redemptions were taken into account, net mortgage lending rose £4.9 billion, compared with £4.4 billion in August 2005 and in September 2004. This is the highest increase so far in 2005.

"September?s upturn in both gross and net mortgage lending possibly reflects a delay of the demand normally seen in the late summer, but there is also a stimulus from remortgaging," commented David Dooks, British Bankers' Association director of statistics.

"Two-year fixed rate loans taken during the buoyant period of 2003 are maturing around now and borrowers are seeking out new options," explained Mr Dooks.

Two years ago interest rates were at historic lows of 3.5 per cent, since then they have risen five times, adding £1,000 to the cost of an average mortgage.

But there was also an increase in the number of people taking out mortgage to move home.

Last month 17 per cent more loans were agreed for house purchases than in the same month the year before, with mortgages around 17 per cent larger than the year before.

By contrast, remortgaging loans were three per cent higher in number and 23 per cent higher by value, with equity withdrawal loans dropping 13 per cent by number and five per cent by value.

WWF Credit Card

If money makes the world go around, you can now help make our world a little greener by taking out the new PVC-free WWF Visa Card. The annual fee-free card has a 0% p.a. introductory rate for nine months on balance transfers and a competitive 15.9% APR on card purchases.

Many man-made chemicals in everyday use are contaminating the environment, wildlife and people. WWF and MBNA Europe have worked together to produce a new environmentally sound card that is made from PVC-free plastic.

Every year millions of tonnes of PVC are used in the manufacture of items such as credit cards. When PVC is incinerated, highly toxic chemicals can be released into the atmosphere. These chemicals then build up over time in the bodies of living things and lead to disruption of development, reproduction, growth and behaviour.

Surprisingly, even animals such as polar bears are being affected by man-made chemicals, as contaminants are carried to the Arctic through air and water currents from the south. Many sea animals accumulate these chemicals in their bodies and polar bears, through their diet of seals, can absorb these contaminants in very high levels through the food chain.

"Man-made hazardous chemicals affect people, wildlife and our environment. The new polar bear WWF Visa Card supports the work that we are doing to rid the world of some of the most toxic chemicals," said Justin Woolford, Chemicals and Health Campaign Leader at WWF-UK.

By taking out the new WWF Visa Card you will raise vital funds for WWF as well as helping to reduce levels of toxic man-made chemicals in the environment. WWF will receive money for every new customer who opens a card account, as well as an additional amount for every retail transaction on the card. The contributions are made on your behalf and will not cost you a penny extra.

To apply visit the WWF via the link below:

WWF Credit Card

Arsenal Credit Card

One All for Credit Cards

A one-all draw between Manchester United and Arsenal has been declared.

With the FA Cup Final just a day away, price comparison website Moneysupermarket has declared a one-all draw in terms of the Manchester United credit card and the Arsenal credit card.

Moneysupermarket has weighed up the benefits and rates offered by credit cards of both teams.

It found the scores drawn with both credit cards offering zero per cent for balance transfers for nine months.

However, the website warns that all football fans must check exactly what they are getting before loyally signing up for their team's credit card.

"There is no greater loyalty than that of a committed football fan," commented the director of credit cards at Moneysupermarket, Stuart Glendinning.

He said the kudos of holding your club's credit card in your wallet is understandable, but warned football fans to check exactly what benefits they will derive with their team credit card compared with the benefits available on a normal non-affinity credit card on the market.

Other clubs that offer the same zero per cent credit card deal include Liverpool, Everton and Chelsea. They all have a typical APR of 15.9 per cent.

But Mr Glendinning added: "Whether or not you are a Manchester United fan or an Arsenal fan you need to consider what card and club benefits you will receive as a consumer.

"It may be smarter to take one of these cards to keep at the front of your wallet but take another card to actually use," he concluded.

Summary

The Arsenal Credit Card has 0% p.a. on balance transfers* for 9 months from the date the account is opened and typical rate 15.9% APR (variable). Plus, it's a great way to play your part in securing the long term future of the club, with contributions invested in youth development - when you first apply for the card, as well as whenever you use it for retail purchases. These contributions are made by MBNA Europe Bank, and are at no cost whatsoever to yourself!

Apply now

Manchester United Credit Card

One All for Credit Cards

A one-all draw between Manchester United and Arsenal has been declared.

With the FA Cup Final just a day away, price comparison website Moneysupermarket has declared a one-all draw in terms of the Manchester United credit card and the Arsenal credit card.

Moneysupermarket has weighed up the benefits and rates offered by credit cards of both teams.

It found the scores drawn with both credit cards offering zero per cent for balance transfers for nine months.

However, the website warns that all football fans must check exactly what they are getting before loyally signing up for their team's credit card.

"There is no greater loyalty than that of a committed football fan," commented the director of credit cards at Moneysupermarket, Stuart Glendinning.

He said the kudos of holding your club's credit card in your wallet is understandable, but warned football fans to check exactly what benefits they will derive with their team credit card compared with the benefits available on a normal non-affinity credit card on the market.

Other clubs that offer the same zero per cent credit card deal include Liverpool, Everton and Chelsea. They all have a typical APR of 15.9 per cent.

But Mr Glendinning added: "Whether or not you are a Manchester United fan or an Arsenal fan you need to consider what card and club benefits you will receive as a consumer.

"It may be smarter to take one of these cards to keep at the front of your wallet but take another card to actually use," he concluded.

Summary

The Manchester United 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, when you use your card for retail purchases, you will earn 'RedRewards' - which could see you winning a host of ?money-can't-buy? prizes including signed home shirts, and exclusive prints.

Apply now

Work longer, live longer

Contrary to popular opinion, early retirement does not mean a longer life.


Research for the British Medical Journal has shown that people who retire at 55 are nearly twice as likely to die in the first ten years after they finish work as those who work on to 65.

"The long-term survival of people who retire early at ages 55 or 60 is no better than those who retire at 65, especially those who retire at 55," said Dr Shan Tsai, who led the study.

"On the contrary, it improved with increasing age at retirement for people from both high and low socioeconomic groups, defined according to employment grade."

The greater number of deaths among those that retire early may be partly the result of people forced to retire through ill heath, the researchers note. Additionally, men are more likely to die younger than women, and those earning more are more likely to live longer.

But even when all these factors are discounted, there are still differences in life expectancy between those retiring at 55, 60, and 65.

This report comes amid increasing pressure to increase the state retirement age to ease the UK's pension crisis as life expectancy grows.

In the last four years people have become 30 per cent less likely to die in their 60s, adding three years to life expectancy.

The Actuarial Profession, which carried out this research, looked into data from 1999 to 2002 - examining how likely someone was to die at any given age.

It is estimated that as things stood pensioners were set to be 30 per cent poorer in retirement than currently - and that workers would need to save £57 billion a year more to bring UK pensions in line with the European average.

But with news that life expectancy is increasing for those reaching retirement age, savings will need to increase even faster.

"For pensioners, improved mortality rates mean spending longer in retirement and the latest tables show why many commentators have been calling for retirement ages to increase," the Actuarial Profession said.

Last month two major reports called for an increase to the retirement age to help stave off poverty in retirement. The National Association of Pension Funds suggested a steady increase in retirement age to 69 (full story) and the Institute of Directors said the state pension age should be raised to 70.

Yes Car Credit

Yes Car Credit

Yes Car Credit specialise in providing car loans for people with a bad credit rating. Yes Car Credit supply and finance your car, cutting out the middleman. Because of this they can offer you a much better car for less money, and at a typical interest rate of 19.9% APR.

Yes Car Credit Loan Acceptance Guidelines

Yes Car Credit specialise in providing car finance for people who have been refused finance in the past or have a bad credit rating. Even if you have county court judgements, mortgage arrears, previous defaults, council or poll tax problems, no credit history or previous repossessions Yes Car Credit can help you buy the car you want. Because Yes Car Credit car loans are secured on the car and not your property you do not have to be a homeowner or mortgage payer to be accepted.

Yes Car Credit Quality Cars

Yes Car Credit have over 3000 cars in stock, including makes such as Ford, Renault, Rover, Peugeot and Vauxhall. The majority of cars available are 2 to 4 years old, with one previous owner and a full service history.

Yes Car Credit makes sure all their cars have had an independent Guaranteed Mileage Verification and have been HPI checked for outstanding credit or insurance write offs. All Yes Car Credit cars go through a 125 point inspection before being approved for sale, and any car over 3 years old comes with a new MOT.

Yes Car Credit Car Protection

Yes Car Credit can also help you protect your new car by offering 12 months AA cover and the option of 3 years mechanical breakdown warranty. Yes Car Credit can even help to arrange your own comprehensive motor insurance on the day you collect your new car.

For more information visit the Yes Car Credit website below.

*Yes Car Credit have since announced that they are accepting no new customers*

Brits squandering savings

UK savers have been taking out almost double what they are putting away in the last three months, Birmingham Midshires finds.


In its latest Saving Britain report, the bank reveals that Brits added £266 to their savings accounts in the last three months, but withdrew an average of £448.

Men saved the most over the period, at an average of £412 each, with their female counterparts saving far less at £127 a woman.

But men and women both raided savings by far more than they invested - at £703 and £211 respectively.

"Our latest research shows that while Brits are realising the need to save, their lack of discipline when it comes impulse luxuries and their inability to predict surprise bills has caused them to dig deep into their hard-earned savings," said Richard Brown, head of savings products at Birmingham Midshires.

Eighteen per cent of Brits blamed piggy bank raids on unexpected bills or expenses, with impulsive shopping the second most common reason at 15 per cent.

Those in their forties were most guilty of withdrawing money from their nest eggs, taking out on average £1,307 each - quadruple the amount they saved.

The youth of today fared far better, with Brits in their teens and twenties saving more than they took out.

Sixteen to 19-year olds saved on average £214 more than they took out in the last three months, with twenty-somethings saving more than twice as much as they withdrew.

And Birmingham Midshires is urging the rest of the country to 'think young' and save sensibly.

"We would urge people to think carefully about a realistic amount they can set aside each month so they avoid plundering their account on a regular basis. Setting aside a smaller amount of money each month and leaving it untouched is a much better than saving more than what is possible and being forced to raid," concluded Mr Brown.

Esure Home Insurance

The idea for esure was conceived in February 1999 by the founder and Chairman, Peter Wood. Peter kick-started the direct selling of insurance over the telephone in the UK back in 1985, when he launched Direct Line and reformed the way that insurance is bought and sold. With esure, his aim was to further reduce the price of cover for the majority of good drivers and responsible homeowners - and to harness the power of the internet in doing so.

Esure Home Insurance

Our policies offer lots of benefits as standard: esure's home contents policy includes great cover for your garden and its contents, and up to £10,000 cover for 'home office' equipment like PCs and faxes. You also get round-the-clock emergency helplines and automatic approval of most valid claims over the phone in minutes. Some of the features of the esure Home Insurance plan are outlined below (features correct at the time of writing - please check the esure site for current offers):

• New for old cover


• Optional Accidental damage cover


• Alternative accommodation provided if house not habitable


• Up to 60 days worldwide cover for personal possessions


• Personal money and credit card cover up to £500


• 10 % increase on contents cover for wedding gifts (30 days prior and after wedding date).


• Up to £500 to replace door locks if keys stolen


• Up to £500 cover for title deeds


• Up to £1000 cover for garden contents


• Up to £500 cover for pedal cycles unless specified. Cover varies with level selected.

Summary

esure home insurance is one of the best-rated policies for quality in the UK market. They offer competitive prices for both buildings and contents cover - 30% discount when you buy buildings and contents cover together online. For more information visit the Esure website below.

Esure Home Insurance

Esure Car Insurance

The idea for esure was conceived in February 1999 by the founder and Chairman, Peter Wood. Peter kick-started the direct selling of insurance over the telephone in the UK back in 1985, when he launched Direct Line and reformed the way that insurance is bought and sold. With esure, his aim was to further reduce the price of cover for the majority of good drivers and responsible homeowners - and to harness the power of the internet in doing so.

They aim to provide a more reasonable service for careful drivers by offering more substantial rewards for clean drivers, and alongside this they offer an inclusive benefits package. Policies may be customised for greater flexibility, as esure believe that their customers should not have to compensate for consumers with an adverse claims history.

With esure car insurance you can build up to 75% no claim discount, you get a free courtesy car if you use approved repairers, flexibility to increase cover limits and a 5 year guarantee on repairs and parts if you use approved repairers if you choose comprehensive cover. (Your statutory rights are not affected.)

The more you review the esure car insurance offer the more you begin to find yourself getting very excited about this service and starting to feel the urge to apply now.

The site is pleasing to the eye and easily navigated. Consumers may fill in online forms for a quotation or view previous quotes that they have saved. Complete policy documentation may be viewed online via Acrobat Reader. For more information visit the Esure website below.

Esure Car Insurance

Privilege Home Insurance

Claim-free homeowners could benefit from Privilege Insurance's new promise that they would beat home insurance renewal quotes for homeowners who have not made insurance claims over the last four years.

"By keeping their home safe and secure and taking care of its contents, consumers can now reap the rewards in the shape of lower insurance premiums," said Ian Parker, Privilege Insurance's managing director.

This promise by Privilege Insurance is similar to their guarantee to beat car insurance renewal quotes for safe drivers, and aims to reward people who take good care of their homes and cars.

Existing car insurance policy holders are entitled to a quarter discount on home insurance. New home insurance customers are guaranteed to get the cheapest home insurance quote if they meet they are regarded no-claims customers.

"Our car insurance price guarantee has proved popular with safe drivers, so it makes sense to make a similar offer to home insurance customers," Mr Parker said.

People can take out Privilege home insurance as part of a package or separately as building insurance and home contents insurance.

"What is more, by using Privilege as a ?one stop shop? for their car and home insurance needs, customers can get great prices on both policies," commented Mr Parker.

Privilege Home Insurance

Whether you live in a mansion or a maisonette, with Privilege, you can enjoy upper class home insurance at a competitive price.

When you switch your Home Insurance to Privilege, you'll get a 20% discount off your first year's premium.

If you have Privilege Car Insurance, you get a 25% introductory discount on your Home Insurance.

What's more you will also get a 5% discount for buying online.

What type of home insurance cover is available to me?

They offer Buildings, Contents, Personal Possessions, Pedal Cycle and Family Legal Protection cover within their home insurance policies.

Also, there is the option to include extended Accidental Damage cover to the Building and the Contents sections.

The Personal Possessions section covers items that are designed to be worn or carried away from the home and is available as an addition to the Contents section.

Pedal cycle cover can be purchased with your Contents policy and will cover your bicycle and its accessories while away from the home.

Family Legal Protection will cover you for up to £50,000 in legal costs. This cover applies to any disputes arising from death/personal injury, contracts for goods or services, selling of goods, the rightful occupation or ownership of your home and contracts of full-time employment.

Also, a free 24-hour Legal Helpline is provided.

For more information visit the Privilege website below.

Privilege Home Insurance

Privilege Car Insurance

About Privilege

Privilege was launched in 1994 by Peter Wood and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc. The company aimed to serve the "non-standard" market, estimated at 6 million drivers (approximately one third of the private motor market). Non-standard" means those drivers who pay more than most for their car insurance, either because of the car they drive (e.g. executive, performance), or because they have an unusual occupation or driving convictions.

Due to its success in this niche UK car insurance area the company was particularly successful, and in the first four years of operation issued 250.000 policies. Since their launch and subsequent success they have developed their target audience to include specifically the London area, executives, and car insurance for older drivers, especially to car drivers able to offer four or more years of no claims discount.

Privilege Car Insurance

Generally, they offer car insurance cover at third party, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive levels.

For customers using their vehicle in connection with their work Privilege car insurance includes business mileage at no extra cost. Other features and benefits include, No Claims Discount of up to 70%, free 24 hour accident recovery, a new replacement car for yours if it is 'written off' under one year old (subject to policy conditions that apply), your existing company car No Claims Discount will be recognised. A courtesy vehicle will be provided if your vehicle is repaired through a recommended car repairer subject to availability, free cleaning service and guaranteed car repairs also applies when you use the company's approved repair network. Audio replacement and 24 hour windscreen replacement hotline apply. A premium installment option is available (subject to status).

Optional extras (subject to a small increase in the car insurance premium) includes 25% off breakdown cover which boasts over 80% of repairs at the roadside, No Claims Discount protection after 4 claim free years, motor legal protection and guaranteed hire car cover for up to 14 days after your car becomes unusable due to a insurance claim (excluding windscreen damage).

Please note, conditions will apply for all of the insurance products for cars and benefits mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.

For more information visit the Privilege website below.

Privilege Car Insurance

New device to fight online bank fraud

Lloyds TSB today has found a new way to fight against internet banking fraudsters, a key-ring sized device.

The Access Code Device creates a unique, one time only, six digit number that is used to log on to the bank's online site.

Because the number changes every time it is used, anyone attempting to steal login details will be prevented at source - as however ingenious they are at getting hold of the numbers, they become useless as soon as they are used.

"Fraudsters are becoming increasingly cunning with their tactics, and there?s no hiding the fact that fraud is on the increase. The trial of the Access Code Device is one of a number of security initiatives we are introducing to address the concerns of customers and stay ahead in the battle against online fraudsters," said Matthew Timms, Lloyds TSB internet banking director.

Lloyds TSB has given one of these new devices to 30,000 of its internet banking customers as part of the trial.

When using the new device to log onto the bank's website, customers uses their standard user ID and password - but press the button on the Access Code Device and enter the six-digit number it generates instead of their memorable information.

People in the trial will also use the Access Code Device to create a new code to authorise some online transactions, including bill payments, rather than their standard password.

"The Access Code Device will generate a new code every time it?s used, preventing customers from disclosing all their log on details - another blow to the fraudsters. At Lloyds TSB, we use the highest levels of industry-standard security so customers can access their accounts online with the utmost confidence. But it?s vital that customers protect themselves by keeping their account details private. "

More rich Brits is good news for environment

There are an increasingly large number of wealthy Britons, and they are placing greater emphasis on ethical investments than ever before.

That is according to a new report by market analysts Datamonitor, who investigated the number and attitude of the UK's "high net worth population".

The study reveals that last year the number of Brits with at least £200,000 in liquid assets (i.e. savings accounts, ordinary shares, unit trusts and bonds) grew by around 100,000 people, and that they are increasingly concerned about ethical investments.

"The issues of the environment and 'responsible investing? are rising up the political and financial agenda and play an increasingly important part in what many private individuals wish to do with their money," Datamonitor said.

And ethical concerns have moved beyond the 'avoid guns, cigarettes, and firms paying low wages' brief that the sector was once defined by, to include positive investments as well as avoiding negative ones, the Datamonitor report finds.

This, coupled with the growth in ethical investment, means these funds now control significant amounts of equity in key firms - making their ability to influence decisions internal to companies greater than ever.

Last year more than £10 billion was invested in ethical funds, 18 per cent up on the previous year's figures.

And an ethical investment need not sacrifice earnings potential.

F&C Asset Management points to data showing money invested ethically can produce returns at least equal to less scrupulous investments.

Its ethical Stewardship Income Fund has been one of the best performing UK equity income funds over five years, F&C points out.

Moreover, of the 12 consistently top performing funds, the Stewardship Income Fund was the least volatile.

"There is a widespread perception that if you invest in an ethical fund, which avoids certain types of companies, then it is somehow bound to cost something in terms of performance," said Jason Hollands, head of communications at F&C.

But this is not the case, as ethical funds are not governed by the same constraints on investments that many funds are.

"The message is simple: ethical investors can have their cake and eat it," he concluded.

The Investment Management Association (IMA) has produced a free fact sheet explaining how to invest in funds in line with your ethical principles that still produce healthy returns.

"The majority of investors seek long-term sustainable returns and this fact sheet explains how it?s possible to achieve this while also investing according to your ethical principles," said Mona Patel, IMA head of communications.

Ethical investment ? a guide to ethical and socially responsible investment funds is designed to help investors understand more about the screening behind ethical funds, as well as giving information on how to select a fund which matches your specific principles.

The full IMA guide (in PDF format) can be found here.

Brits paying over the odds for accountants

UK residents could be paying four times more than they need to by going to a high street accountant, a new report finds.

Taxwatchdog reveals today that self-employed workers who run their own business are often charged on an hourly rate for extras including correspondence and general advice, seeing fees rise.

But by moving from a high street, or national, accountant to a fixed fee service consumers could save £606.

And while regional accountants typically offer better value, moving to a fixed fee service could still be better value - with savings of up to £141 available.

"Why throw your hard earned money down the drain. At Taxwatchdog, we believe in people keeping more of what they earn. And in most instances, the ?man on the street? has relatively straightforward tax matters which can be dealt with without the need for face-to-face meetings," said Bernard Oster, managing director of Taxwatchdog.

Go Travel Insurance

About Go Travel Insurance

Go Travel Insurance has had an Internet presence since 1998. Their website promotes a simple user interface together with instant online cover. Full policy documentation can be downloaded from the site prior to any purchase. Users have access to comprehensive travel insurance products that are competitively priced which is reflected in their very high conversion rate. Their policies are tailor made for travelers going on holidays, business trips, weekend breaks or backpacking for 12 months. The policies are underwritten at Lloyds of London. All payments are taken via credit card using our secure SSL providing customers with the confidence they require when transacting online.

Travel Insurance

• Single trip insurance from £3.95


• Annual multi-trip policies from £31.28


• Kids go free on many policies


• Discounts for groups


• Specialist policies for winter sports, backpackers and cruises


• Insurance for business trips or holidays


• Cover for medical expenses


• Personal effects and baggage covered, plus many other benefits


• Cheap online quotes

Go Travel Insurance is one of the leading providers of online travel and holiday insurance for UK and Irish residents on the Internet. Go Travel Insurance offers great cover at the best prices for single trip, ski, annual and backpackers insurance.

Summary

Go Travel Insurance offer cheap online travel cover with a variety of options and benefits.

Get a quote online, and if you like the price, be covered instantly from as little as £3.95 for a single trip or £31.28 for a multi-trip annual policy.

'Kids go free' with many policies, and you can choose winter sports cover or backpacker cover if that's what you need.

For more information visit the Go Travel Insurance website below.

Go Travel Insurance

LeadBay

LeadBay

A lead generation site which works on a similar basis to ebay has been launched.

Leadbay, created by web and e-marketing firm Add Momentum, allows FSA-registered brokers to bid for leads where they can choose which type of mortgage they want from eight different categories (including buy-to-let, purchase and self-cert), which postcode region they want the lead to come from, and the mortgage loan size.

The website complies with FSA rules on lead generation as brokers are pre-bidding on the leads, which means the leads are already sold before they are even in existence.

The broker bids for the ideal leads they want and if their bid is highest, they will get the lead if and when it comes into existence. This allows the system to pass on the name of the broker instantly to the client, making it FSA-compliant.

Leadbay said pre-bidding for leads also keeps the leads fresh as the broker will instantly get the lead when it comes through. Advisers will be sent both an e-mail and a text if they bid the highest so they can follow it up immediately.

The system also allows the broker to state maximum bids where the computer will bid a higher price for them if they cannot monitor the bids on a daily basis themselves. It also provides a filter system to get rid of false leads.

Simon Baker, technical services manager at Leadbay, said: "We have about 700 brokers registered onto the system and are getting about 400 leads a day.

"We are a unique service; nobody else is supplying leads in this way. We are taking the market by storm and have come a long way since we launched earlier this year."

John Stewart, director of PMI Independent Financial Advisers, commented: "This is an innovative and unusual idea. The filter system to flag up shoddy leads is particularly handy and will attract more brokers. The quality of the lead is the most important factor."

Summary

Leadbay is a UK network of brokers that cover every UK postcode area. They are all fully qualified to discuss and search over 7,500 different mortgage products. They are able to visit you in your home or place of work or call you and handle much if not all of your application over the telephone.

Bradford & Bingley Mortgages

Bradford & Bingley 72-hour mortgage launched

Bradford & Bingley is to offer remortgagers a 72-hour exclusive stepped tracker mortgage, designed for those who wish to move their mortgage along quickly.

The product, which is funded by Norwich & Peterborough, has an initial rate of 4.5 per cent, which rises to 4.75 per cent in the second year and 5 per cent in the third.

Thereafter the rate remains at the base rate plus 0.75 per cent for the remainder of the loan.

Duncan Pownall, mortgage development manager for Bradford & Bingley, said: "This is a great product that will really appeal to remortgagers looking for competitive rates, low fees and flexible features."

As the name suggests, the Bradford & Bingley 72-hour mortgage will see a mortgage offer provided within 72 hours of application and there is a maximum 75 per cent loan-to-value available.

About Bradford & Bingley

Bradford & Bingley Building Society was formed in 1964 as a result of the merger of the Bradford Equitable Building Society and the Bingley Building Society, both of which were established in 1851. In July 2000 the Society?s voting members overwhelmingly endorsed a proposal from the Board of Directors to convert to a public limited company. The flotation on the London Stock Exchange took place on 4 December 2000 and Bradford & Bingley plc ("B&B") was formed.

Summary

Whether you're jumping on the property ladder for the first time or moving house, Bradford & Bingley makes finding a mortgage that's right for you a quick and stress-free process. Unlike those mortgage providers who just offer you an 'own brand' mortgage, at Bradford & Bingley you get a choice of 25 top mortgage providers all under one roof.

The most important link to the right mortgage is you. So that's precisely where the process starts. A friendly Bradford & Bingley adviser will sit down to find out what you want and understand your individual circumstances and needs. Then, with a panel of 25 mortgage providers offering hundreds of different mortgages ? including exclusive deals ? Bradford & Bingley searches to find the mortgage that's right for you. Once a shortlist has been compiled, you will be taken through the options and the reasons why Bradford & Bingley has chosen a particular mortgage.

All this from a name you can trust. The service is so good that Bradford & Bingley won Best Mortgage Broker at the Mortgage Strategy awards in 2004.

Do you hope for a millionaire lifestyle?

Young British workers are planning millionaire lifestyles when they reach their 40s, but their dreams are based on little more than hope.

That is the conclusion of a new report by ING Direct bank, which launched an investigation into the plans of the nation's 21 to 35-year-olds.

The online bank discovered that this generation has a vision of a life of luxury cars (24 per cent), holiday homes in foreign lands (20 per cent), servants (27 per cent), and regular beauty treatment and plastic surgery (29 per cent) - but is basing this vision on highly unrealistic expectations of pay rises.

The youth of today are expecting pay rises of 150 per cent, taking their average earnings from £20,099 to £50,000 a year, to fund their life of luxury - but in reality this is highly unlikely to happen.

Official predictions by the Office of National Statistics point out that it is far more likely that this group will be earning a meagre £25,000 a year in their 40s.

"Unfortunately, today's young adults are in for a rude awakening as there is a huge gap between their expectations and the salaries they will actually be earning and they show no sign of reducing expenditure now in order to save for later in life," said ING Direct chief executive Lindsay Sinclair.

"Less than a quarter of young adults will look to savings to fund their future lifestyles. Rather, close to seven in ten career starters plan to pay for their expected lifestyles with huge salary increases - an unrealistic expectation.

"Our report clearly highlights the need for the younger generation to get serious about saving if they want to achieve their dreams."

Diamond Car Insurance

About Diamond

Diamond was launched specifically for women order to provide them with cheaper car insurance for because, as everyone knows, women statistically have less serious accidents because they are safer drivers. As this insurance company is for women only it means they can provide cheaper car insurance without the heavier claims costs of male drivers. Diamond is a trading name of Admiral Insurance Services Limited.

Diamond are also a direct insurer which benefits their car insurance quotes for women drivers because they have no extra sales costs, they have cut out the middleman.

Diamond Car Insurance
Diamond insurance was created by women to provide cheaper car insurance for women drivers. Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men and have less serious accidents, which enables Diamond to provide substantial discounts to women drivers.

As well as being a direct supplier of competitive car insurance to save you even more money, Diamond car insurance has a great range of further benefits, such as a guaranteed replacement car (subject to conditions) and 24-hour accident and glass repair helplines.

Ok, so it seems that Diamond car insurance could be the right choice for you. But what exactly do their policies offer*? Of course you will benefit from the standard motor insurance policy features. You will also enjoy certain offering's specific to Diamond:

• 24 hour accident helpline for peace of mind if you have an incident late at night


• Monthly instalment option


• Guaranteed replacement car, following an accident


• Legal expenses cover up to £100,000


• 24 hour glass repair hotline.


• Low rates for women living in London, Scotland and the South East


• Diamond customer centre open seven days a week.


• Legal expenses cover - up to £100,000


• Instalment Protection Plan


• 24 - hour Roadside Emergency Helpline


• Your cover can start immediately.


• Diamond accept payment in full by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Switch, Delta or Direct Debit.


• SSL 128 bit encryption to keep your personal information and credit/debit details as secure as possible

Summary

Classified as a direct insurer Diamond has removed a lot of the associated costs of providing a competitive quote by cutting out the middleman. You will be able to apply for a quotation across the three standard levels of UK motoring cover - Comprehensive Diamond car insurance, third party, fire and theft and third party only. Diamond car insurance quotations are particularly competitive for women in the following instances:

• First time lady drivers
  
• Have you recently lost your No Claims Bonus?


• Less than five-year's NCB? Women drivers that have not got maximum No Claims Bonus - can utilise the Diamond Bonus Accelerator policy


• Women motorists who drive a sports or performance car


• Lady drivers wishing to include men as named drivers on a Diamond policy

For more information visit the Diamond website below:

Diamond Car Insurance

Help offered to pay off credit card cards

People struggling to pay off credit card debts have been offered a helping hand, in the form of a new plan designed to see them pay less, and clear their debts faster.

The new system is based on the simple and sound advice of paying off the most expensive debts first - something that seems obvious, but can be hard to calculate.

Now Myvesta UK, a not-for-profit money management organisation, has released an online credit card 'Optimizer' designed to take the worry and the hassle away from cardholders.

Steve Rhode, chairman of Myvesta UK, explained the principals behind the scheme.

"The first thing anyone needs to do when developing a plan to pay off credit card debt is to track their spending for at least one month to find out where their money is going," he said.

"After determining how much money there is each month to send to creditors, send the largest payment to the credit card with the highest interest rate and pay the monthly minimums on the rest. After the highest rate card is paid off, move those funds to the next highest card. Continue to do this until all the cards are paid off."

Another simple trick, when trying to reduce payments, is to transfer as much money as possible from the credit card (or overdraft) charging the most interest to the card charging the least interest. Once the most expensive card is paid off, this can be repeated ? ensuring cards are paid off as fast as possible with the least interest accrued.

And in many cases, when debts seem to be spiralling out of control, cardholders have more ability to pay off their debts than they realise.

"Quite often it's a problem of organisation, motivation and time," Myvesta's Mr Rhode explained.

"People simply don't have the necessary skills or are too busy to effectively put together and maintain a payment plan on their own. That's where our AllPaid program steps in. We take over the responsibility of handling the bills and are able to reduce debt faster than people can do on their own."

Polar Loans

About Polar Loans

Polar Loans.co.uk is a marketing and a trading style of J2Squared Limited. In conjunction with Loans.co.uk Ltd, we have created a Loans broking service which not only provides you with great rates and exceptional customer service but also gives back to the environment.

Polar Loans are a FISA registered firm and Licensed Credit Brokers Number 554571. We are also compliant with the Data Protection Act . Registration Number Z8637726

Polar Loans

Polar Loans specialise in debt consolidation loans for people with CCJ's, arrears, or other bad credit history, although your loan can be used for any purpose.

They currently have an offer of 'no loan repayments for 5 months' - so if you're struggling with debt, you could consolidate into one loan and have a 5 month repayment break to help you get back on track.

In Brief

• Specialists in debt consolidation


• No loan repayments for 5 months


• Bad credit history not a problem


• CCJ's, arrears, defaults all catered for


• Borrow between £3k and £75k


• Use your loan for any purpose


• Loans secured on residential property

Summary

Polar Loans offer excellent rates on Secured Loans from £3,000-£75,000. So if you?re a home owner looking for a loan then you?ve come to the right place.

What?s more, with Polar Loans the money is yours to do as you wish. So whether you want to consolidate your existing debts, pay for some home improvements or finance a new car we can help you out.

For more information visit the Polar Loans website below:

Polar Loans

Lloyds Travel Insurance

Lloyds TSB Travel Insurance

Annual travel insurance from Lloyds TSB offers more than your average policy. As well as the usual medical expenses and possessions cover, you'll get a 9% discount for buying online. If your current home insurance policy also covers your possessions and money while travelling, you can exclude them from your travel cover and get a further 15% discount.

They also have a free advice line to help you with travel queries such as visa or innoculation requirements and advice on how to arrange them. They can also provide information on climate, local languages and bank holidays, time differences and motoring restrictions.

The Travel Insurance policy covers you in the event of Cancellation, Curtailment and Early Return, Travel Delay Cover, Missed Departure on the Outward Journey, Medical Emergency and Associated Expenses, Hospital Daily Benefit, Personal Accident (Death, Loss of Sight/Limbs, Permanent Total Disability) Personal luggage (Single Article Limit, Valuables Limit, Delayed Baggage) Money (Cash) Loss of Passport,Personal Liability, Legal Protection.

Optional upgrades available; Additional Adult or Child, Family Travel, Excess Waiver and Wintersports.

At a Glance

• 9% discount when you buy online


• Exclude personal possessions and money to save a further 15%


• Emergency help and advice while you're away


• Personal accident, hospital benefit and medical expenses cover


• Annual policy for frequent travellers


• Cancellation or curtailment cover


• Free advice on visas, innoculations etc before your travel

Summary

Lloyds TSB offer Travel Insurance from their Insure Direct service. Free online quotes and special deals for family travel insurance. You can also save on your travel insurance if your home contents insurance policy covers your personal possessions and money while you're on holiday.

There is a thorough help section with a jargon buster, and overall the site is easy to use and well designed. For more information visit the Lloyds TSB website below:

Lloyds TSB Travel Insurance

Sainsbury's Loans

The Sainsbury's loan is part of a growing trend of high street stores and supermarkets branching out into personal finance. But what makes the Sainsbury's stand out from the crowd? And is it a good idea to borrow from such a new venture? Read on for Finance Choices impartial guide to the Sainsbury's loan.

Who's behind the Sainsbury's loan?

Sainsbury's Bank was established in 1997, so it has been providing financial services for as long as many of the most successful online banks. It has the backing of one of the most well-established high street building societies as it is a joint venture between J Sainsbury plc and Halifax Bank of Scotland. In the past seven years, Sainsbury's Bank has branched out into providing, credit cards, insurance, savings accounts, ISAs and, of course, the Sainsbury's loan.

Is the Sainsbury's loan a good deal?

The Sainsbury's loan offers one of the lowest interest rates on the market. The interest rate is fixed for the lifetime of the loan, so your repayments won't change with the evolving financial climate. And the Sainsbury's loan is one of just a few that will allow you to borrow from £1000 to £25,000.

With the Sainsbury's loan you also have the opportunity of delaying your first payment by three months. While this might be a good option if you can't afford to start repaying straight away, the sooner you start repaying your loan the sooner your debt will be cleared. And, while you're on your ?repayment holiday', the interest will continue to build so you'll end up paying more in the long run.

You can repay your Sainsbury's loan by direct debit, and you can choose whatever repayment date suits you best, allowing your repayments to leave your account on payday for instance.

One major disadvantage to the Sainsbury's loan is that you will be charged a fee if you choose to repay your debt early. Although this fee is quite common among the cheaper lenders, there are some that won't charge.

Click here to check out all the available choices.

How do I choose the right loan for me?

Even if you think the Sainsbury's loan would be a good choice, it's worth shopping around before you make any big decisions with your cash. Even with a very cheap loan you'll probably pay hundreds in interest, so you should make sure you're getting the best deal you can get.

The Finance Choices personal loans comparison service is a simple and free way to find out which loan would suit you best. For more info on the Sainsbury Loan simply visit their website below:

Sainsbury Loan

Lloyds TSB Home Insurance

Lloyds TSB Home Insurance

Lloyds TSB offer a range of home insurance products for the discerning buyer, offering consumers the opportunity to benefit from a discount when purchasing online. Choose from buildings cover, contents cover and Home Emergency cover. You will also be given the opportunity to add on further cover to your policy such as accidental damage, pedal cycle cover, freezer cover, personal belongings cover and legal expenses cover. All of Lloyds TSB?s insurance products can be bought online, over the phone, or over the counter at any branch.

Lloyds TSB Home Insurance offer 15 % off their normal premiums when you buy online. The site provides a simple and easy to use quotes engine which will provide you with an instant quote and instant cover at a 15 % discount, should you decide to buy online.

Lloyds Home Insurance offer you the following home insurance products

• Home insurance


• Buildings cover


• Contents cover


• Home Emergency cover

They also provide a Customer Helpline so that you can call to query your home insurance or a claim. The site provides an easy to follow summary document of the insurance on offer and is recommended for those who are not familiar with Home Insurance.

The Buildings Cover on offer from Lloyds TSB is summarised below:

• Fire, smoke, explosion damage or earthquake


• Riot, civil commotion, labour and political disturbances or strikes


• Malicious damage or vandalism


• Storm or flood


• Subsidence


• Alternative accommodation


• Cover during sale


• Optional Accidental damage cover

The Contents Cover on offer from Lloyds TSB is summarised below.

• Fire, smoke, explosion damage or earthquake


• Storm or flood


• Water or Oil leaks from fixed installations such an a water tank or an oil tank


• Riot, civil commotion, labour and political disturbances or strikes


• Malicious damage or vandalism


• Theft or attempted theft


• Optional accidental damage

The website is easy to navigate and obtaining a quote couldn't be easier. View sample policy documents online and see exactly what cover Lloyds TSB can offer you, then obtain a quote to see how much money you could be saving.

Summary

Like most insurers Lloyds has an easy to use website which will provide you with a free instant quote. Unlike most insurance providers, Lloyds offers a 15% premium discount if you buy online. Their quote engine will automatically take 15% off the total premium cost when giving you a quote. If you purchase online, in addition to a 15% discount your cover will begin immediately, no waiting! Lloyds has one of the best insurance website, full of information for the first-time buyer, and a Customer Helpline number you can call if you need assistance.

Lloyds offers a full range of insurance polices that cover your home including Home Insurance, Buildings Cover, Contents Cover, and Home Emergency Cover.

Lloyds TSB Home Insurance

Average council tax bill more than £1000

Council tax in England has significantly overtaken inflation, figures show today.


The average council tax bill has risen by 121 per cent since the tax was introduced 12 years ago, says a report from Halifax.

This growth was nearly four times greater than the 36 per cent rise in the Retail Price Index over the same period, and more than double the 49 per cent increase in the price of services.

Now the average council tax bill in England has exceeded £1,000 for the first time.

Wellingborough in the East Midlands suffered the biggest increase in England since 1993-94, with a rise of 374 per cent.

The smallest rise has been in Wandsworth at 45 per cent, which is now the only authority in England where the average council tax bill has not risen by more than 50 per cent.

Caroline Spelman, shadow secretary for local government and communities, said: "Council tax has shot up by 76 per cent across the country under Labour, hitting hardworking families and pensioners right in the pocket."

The government announced last month that it would postpone the revaluation of properties for council tax purposes until after the next election.

This week pensioner Sylvia Hardy, 73, was jailed for not paying council tax arrears of £53.71.

Minimum wage rises today

The national minimum wage today rises to more than £5 an hour, affecting millions of workers.


The minimum wage for adults working in the UK increases by 20p to £5.05 per hour and there is a 15p increase for 18 to 21-year-olds, to £4.25.

The rises follow a report from the Low Pay Commission which said the number of jobs had grown since the minimum wage was introduced in 1999.

Union leaders have welcomed the move, saying businesses can afford the higher rate.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "The increase will see well over a million low-paid workers with more cash in their pockets, many of them women working part-time.

He attacked the "bleatings" of business leaders who say they cannot afford the rise: "Every year miserly bosses say any wage boost will be at the expense of jobs, but every year their predictions of doom and gloom fail to materialise."

"Since the National Minimum Wage came into force in 1999, over a million low paid workers have benefited each year," said Alan Johnson, secretary of state for trade and industry.

Last February the government provisionally accepted the Low Pay Commission's recommendations that the rates should be further increased to £5.35 and £4.45 in October 2006.

But the commission will report in February 2006 on whether the UK economy can sustain a further rise in the minimum wage, with many business leaders saying it would be detrimental.

Wages for under-18s will remain at £3 an hour until that time.