The AnswerBank Articles

New Nuclear Power Stations Could Be Funded Through Utilities Bills

Despite the fact that nuclear power continues to split opinion as much as ever before, British households may face no choice but to stump up for a new generation of reactors, with the money being added onto their utilities bills. That is according to new plans being considered by ministers keen to address the dual iss...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

MPs To Offer Consumers Protection Against Soaring Bills

Calls for the practise of the 'big six' energy companies charging customers, who pay by pre-payment meters, more are to be outlawed, with a simple set tariff introduced for all consumers to be introduced. Though EDF has already given into public pressure to make such a move, it is anticipated that this latest initiati...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Current Accounts 'To Be More Transparent'

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced that banks have agreed to a series of measures, including telling customers the size of the fees charged annually on current accounts. The OFT's announcement follows an investigation into the fees being levied on current accounts when consumers cross their overdraft limit...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Households need to translate utilities bills before making savings

Even the least savvy consumer probably now knows that, should they feel they are being overcharged for their gas or electricity bills, it's relatively simple to get online and switch utilities suppliers for a better deal. However, in order to make such a move, householders first need to have an appreciation of what ex...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Pre-Paid Credit Cards 'Could Save Holidaymakers Cash'

Holidaymakers have been advised to take advantage of credit cards that can be topped up with foreign currency at times when the pound is doing well. According to a well known comparison website, by topping up a card on a day when the pound is exchanging favourably - even if it is a few months before the traveller depa...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

How to shop for loans online

Loans present a viable lending option for borrowers who seek an alternative to credit cards - thanks to the internet these loans are only a mouse click away. With a variety of customised loans that cover specific requirements you are guaranteed to find the one tailored to fit your needs. Types of loans: It seems ...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

How to Shop for a Mortgage Online

Shopping for a mortgage is a delicate matter, which involves a lot of research and specific requirements tailored to each individual. Some customers still prefer to complete their loan transaction face to face with a mortgage broker or lender; however there is a vast amount of valuable information online available at y...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Credit Cards Can Be Useful With Care

During the recession debt has come to be a dirty word for many people. We have been repeatedly told by the media that reckless borrowing, unchecked spending and the thoughtless dishing out of credit cards and loans were all contributors to the demise of the economy. It is time, consumers were told, to get frugal and s...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

'There Is Still A Stigma Around Online Banking'

A stigma remains around online banking, which could deter current account holders from managing their finances on the web. A company, which helps customers secure their PCs and protect their data assets, claims that consumers are worried about online banking being insecure and making them vulnerable to fraud. Accordi...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Shopping Around Gets Better Deals On Credit Cards

Consumers have been advised to shop around for credit cards by one financial expert, who says that doing so could bring about significant financial rewards. An advice website has made the claim, explaining that there is a lack of trust in the financial markets which is encouraging consumers to stick with what they kno...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Elderly Utilities Customers Gear Up For Tough Winter

A vast majority of internet-savvy younger consumers will log on and search for the best deals in order to switch utilities suppliers, new research has found; while a significant proportion of older households are likely to be paying more than ever for their gas and electricity over the winter months. According to the ...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

'Credit Card Debt Has Gone Up'

The level of credit card and loan debt has risen during the credit crunch despite the overall level of money consumers owe having fallen. According to a leading firm for insolvency and business recovery advice, people are using credit cards as a short-term solution to manage their bills during the recession. A repres...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Credit Cards: A Girls Guide to Finding the Perfect One.

We all know that girls love to shop till they drop, so it’s essential to make sure you are armed the best credit card to help you splash the cash. While shopping the only interest you want is in what you're looking for; you don’t want to have to worry about the interest creeping up while you are browsing th...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Smart Meter Plans Could Be In Jeopardy

Under the government's recently-announced proposals, all homes across Britain are to be fitted with special meters aimed at telling consumers exactly what their power is costing them. Not only do ministers believe that such an initiative will help cut the nation's total carbon emission levels, but those consumers savv...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Credit Card Customers Learn Tough Lesson

It has been a tough couple of years for many of us. With much belt tightening and penny pinching; we are all slowly coming round to realise the true value of money. Consumers will have learned how to manage financial products such as credit cards better during the recession, one expert has said. According to impartia...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Boosting Your Credit Rating

Buying things on credit and borrowing money can be a pain for everyone, particularly those with poor credit ratings. Sometimes it can seem that you are losing the battle with your credit score, but do not despair. There are actions you can take to make your credit rating look better. What Is a Credit Rating A cr...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

An Introduction To Current Accounts

It does not matter who you are, there will probably come a time when you will need to consider opening a current account. This is generally a straight forward process, but a lot of people fall into traps because they have no prior knowledge of what current accounts are and what they should be looking for. What Is a ...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

An Introduction To Notice Savings Accounts

If you do not need your money immediately, a notice savings account could be an option for you. Many people consider depositing their spare cash into a notice savings account because it often yields a higher rate of interest, so it is important to understand how it works. What Is a Notice Savings Account Notice-...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Savings and Investments For Children

A parent has to think about a lot when it comes to their children, this includes their financial future. Many children will grow up and need a car, university funding or even a deposit on a new house and finding the money can be difficult. This is why a lot of people are investing money for their children. Children ...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Individual Savings Accounts

It is becoming increasingly common to invest money into high interest savings accounts. Whether it is for your children, your retirement or even for your next house, ISAs can be very useful. What Is an ISA An Individual Savings Account is a way to save and invest money without incurring the usual income or capit...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010