The AnswerBank Articles

Property Investors 'Should Overpay Their Mortgage'

For those of us lucky enough to have some spare cash buying property as an investment is a good idea. Buying to let has also become a popular way to make money. Those who have chosen to invest in property should consider over-paying on their mortgage loans, an expert says. This can improve a person's credit rating, ac...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Many Brits 'have secret credit cards'

Many Brits keep a credit card hidden from their partners, according to a survey. As times get harder and we try to save our cash, some people are opting to use "secret" credit cards to buy their day to day shopping items. The most common purchases on these types of cards are groceries, fuel and occasional &...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

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

Mortgages which require a large deposit put first-time buyers off purchasing houses, it has been asserted. Borrowings which have a low loan-to-value (LTV) mean that these types of people are "forced" out of the market, according to an online house selling company. The founder of the website said when there ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Competition Between Banks Is Good For Consumers

It seems that a bit of healthy competition between high street banks is good for us the consumer. Customers looking for good value for money bank accounts get better deals when there is competition, it is advised. Which , the well known unbiased review magazine, comments that the best interest rates and offers occur ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Make Sure Your Mortgage Is Right For You

Whether you are moving house or just remortgaging to get a better deal it is vital to do your homework beforehand. A mortgage is probably the largest financial commitment you will ever make so it has to be the right one. You can, of course, do your initial research on the internet, but one of the best ways to find out...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

ID Theft 'Can Lead To Blacklisting'

Identity theft can be a distressing crime before its long-lasting effects are even considered. The mere thought that someone could be using your details to take money out of your account, apply for a passport or even commit crimes can be extremely concerning. However, cards can be cancelled, passports can be stopped an...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Keep An Eye On Insurance When Economising

In an effort to make ends meet, it seems, some of us are cutting costs by cancelling some insurance policies. However, this can be dangerous as some are required by law and some would make life very difficult if we were not covered. Insurance customers must decide what policies are essential when they are considering ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Gold Credit Cards 'Can Cause Travel Insurance Confusion'

We all know that purchases with credit cards are often insured by the company in case of fraud or faulty goods. Some opt for the gold credit cards which usually give better rates but you have to be spending more. Some cards also offer other types of insurance as an incentive to buy. But it is worth checking the small p...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

All About ISAs

ISAs are often advertised as tax-free savings vehicles, but many people wonder how this works in practice. ISAs were introduced in 1999 and replaced the earlier Personal Equity Plans (PEPs) and Tax-Exempt Special Savings Accounts (TESSAs). ISAs were explicitly designed to appeal to a broader range of the population th...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

What is credit card APR

It can seem like there are hundreds of credit cards on the market and no definite way of choosing the one that will be most suitable for you, especially when the financial sector is in such disarray. One of the ways consumers can compare which card could best suit their needs is looking at the annual percentage rate...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

How does a state pension work

Most people are aware that arranging a pension for when they retire from work is important – but some may not know how to contribute to one. Although many people currently have a private or company pension most will also have contributed to a State Pension. A State Pension is tied to the National Insurance Contr...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Traveller's Cheques - Good Or Bad

Traveller’s cheques used to be the only way to take money safely abroad, before everyone had credit cards. Still, nowadays many holidaymakers can choose to use traveller's cheques as a way of carrying cash when they go on holiday. The traveller’s cheque is a pre-printed document of a fixed monetary value; ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Pre-Paid Debit Cards May Replace Pocket Money

With the government introducing a new initiative to teach primary school children the ways of careful money management, perhaps we should all take a good look at the way we spend and save our hard earned cash. It is widely believed that children learn what they need to know about the big wide world from their parents....16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

How does a company pension work

Most of us are looking forward to the time when we have retired from work and can relax and start doing the things we always wanted to do; whether it is spend more time with the grandchildren, travel or simply enjoy the garden. Whatever it is we need some money to live on. Many people will be relying on their State Pen...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Overview Of Capital Gains Tax.

Capital gains tax (CGT) is payable on certain items which have increased in value since they came into a person's possession. Not all countries implement CGT and of those that do most have different rates of taxation for individuals and corporations. Individuals who are residents or ordinarily residents in the UK are ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Current Account Or Savings Account Which Is Best For You

The vast majority of us in the UK have one sort of bank account or another. If you are working usually employers require that you have a bank account so they can pay your wages. Nowadays there are many different types of bank account but there are two basic categories - savings and current. Current Accounts A current...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

What methods can I use to donate to charity

With Children in Need just around the corner, many people will soon be dipping into their pockets as a host of stars and celebs put on hours worth of entertainment to raise huge amounts of cash to fight poverty. Giving money over the phone is the most common way of donating, and with Children in Need the telephone num...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Get Your Team In Credit

There are few things more important in many people's lives than the exploits of their favourite football team. Despite the rising cost of tickets many people take to the stands every week to cheer their team. And nowadays with more and more commercialisation there are also copious amounts of merchandise available which...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Eligibility For Right To Buy mortgages

Although most of us in the UK own our own home, many of us are in rented accommodation. Of those renting a large percentage do so from their local authority in what is traditionally called ‘council housing’. From the early 1980’s many renters in council provided accommodation have been able to buy th...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

How Balance Transfers Work

Consolidation of debts has become a popular pastime in the UK. Especially after a big blow out such as Christmas, when we have several credit card bills and maybe a few store card bills. How much easier would it be just to pay one bill Balance transfers are pretty much what they say on the tin – a shift of mone...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010