The AnswerBank Articles

Cutting Back Can Cut You Off

We are well into the credit crunch and some people may be finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. However, consumers should be aware of the dangers in cutting back on essential purchases during the economic slowdown. A representative from the British Insurance Brokers' Association has maintained the importan...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

People Should Live Within Their Means

It seems we are cutting back sensibly due to the credit crunch. Many of us are living without those little luxuries and excesses which we used to have. During the financial crisis people need to tighten their belts and keep hold of their expenses. This has been confirmed by a spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Couns...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Regular Services 'Could Save You Money In The Long Run'

 People who fail to look after their cars properly could end up facing big repair bills or even a motor insurance claim, Motor Codes has suggested. According to the group, although money is tight for some motorists at the moment, skipping a vehicle's annual check up is a false economy. The organisation said the c...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

PPI Proposals 'Will Leave Car Buyers Vulnerable'

Car insurance customers who buy a new vehicle on finance will suffer if proposals by the Competition Commission are adopted, the Retail Motor Industry's National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has claimed. Plans to implement a 14-day cooling off period before dealers can sell car buyers payment protection insur...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Personal Accounts 'Will Be A Disaster'

The government's plans to introduce personal accounts in the 2012 pension reforms have been branded a disaster in the making by an industry expert. At a round table conference this week, an independent financial advisor said: "They will make pension provision worse not better." He added: "I wish the in...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Pet Owners 'Confused About Insurance'

Animal owners are often unaware that there are three different types of pet insurance available, it has been claimed. A veterinary practitioner has said there is a lot of confusion surrounding the cover available. He stated: "Ringing around isn't always the best way to find the cheapest policy and clients very of...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Teenagers 'Making Illicit Online Purchases'

Many of us are familiar with shopping online; it can be a great way to save time and money. The goods come right to your door and often you can find fantastic bargains by shopping around. It seems the nation’s children are finding the internet a tempting place to do their shopping as well. Unfortunately, they are...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Landlords Insurance Vital

Many of us do not own our own home and are in rented accommodation. When times are hard and it is difficult to make ends meet, some think that not paying their rent can help. However, this is not a good option and should be avoided at all costs. This is becoming an increasing problem for landlords who are worried they ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Used Car Prices 'Likely To Remain Low For Some Time'

Motorists who desperately need to replace their old banger as soon as possible - but are currently feeling the pinch - may be able to bag a second-hand bargain, if new figures are anything to go by. A leading car auction company has announced average wholesale prices for used cars have decreased by around 21 per cent....15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Rate Cuts 'May Not Help Car Industry'

Motorists who are already shelling out for things like car insurance, road tax and fuel may not be persuaded to buy new vehicles by interest rates cut alone, it has been suggested. According to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), although the move could help put drivers looking to borrow money update their cu...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Tenants 'Need To Be Realistic'

Tenants should be realistic if they intend to haggle with a landlord over the price of a rental property, it has been claimed. According to a finance specialist firm, the market is strong at the moment with plenty of demand for houses. This means there may not be much room for negotiation. However, it added if a prop...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Gym-Goers Urged To Use Judgment

Everyone, at one time or another, has decided to join a gym. Whether it is to get fit after the excesses of Christmas or to lose weight to go on holiday it can be a costly business. Consumers have been advised to be cautious to avoid paying more than necessary. According to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), some peopl...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Society Of Will Writers Offers Advice On Inheritance Tax

Many of us know that when a close relative passes away we may be entitled to some of their estate. For example if a parent should leave their house to the children they all get a share of the proceeds of the sale of the house. However, the tax man also gets a share. This is called Inheritance Tax; it can also be called...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Payday Lenders Are A Growing Phenomenon

The credit crunch is prompting more people to go to payday lenders, according to an advice organisation. A spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), described these kinds of loans as a "growing phenomenon" as consumers - particularly those who are less well off - are finding it more di...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Car Buyers 'May Be Able To Get Bargain At Auction'

People looking at buying a used vehicle so they can save money may want to get themselves down to a car auctions. If you have not been to an auction before visit first as a spectator to find out how it all works. Then when you go to buy, take someone who knows about cars with you and who can assess their condition and...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Quiet Retirement For Most Britains

Everyone has the dream of finally finish work at 65 and then setting off on the round the world cruise, or visiting the grandchildren in Australia, or even buying a place abroad maybe in Spain or France and living the high life. We deserve it, we have worked long and hard for our pension and this is our reward. However...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Police Initiative Could Cut Home Insurance Claims

We all like to think of our home as our castle – impregnable and sturdy. Unfortunately, there are some who have found that this may not be the case. It is horrible to find that your home has been burgled and your personal possessions stolen or broken. However, there are many simple ways we can discourage would be...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

HIP 'Will Benefit Homebuyers'

HIPs were originally introduced in August 2007, with properties with four bedrooms or more the first to be targeted. A Home Information Pack is a set of documents that provides the buyer with key information on the property and must be provided by the seller or the seller's agent. It is a legal requirement to have a H...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

'Buy In Haste, Repent At Leisure'

Motorists who are too hasty when buying a second-hand vehicle could find a car insurance claim ends up being the least of their problems, it has been suggested. Auto information group HPI urged people to take their time and do their research when purchasing a used model. It explained that in their haste to make sure a...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Saving Over Spending Is New Trend

Saving money is proving preferable to spending it at the moment, according to an expert. Although people are storing their cash in a less "traditional" fashion they are managing their money in a way which is equal to saving, a Lloyds TSB's study has found. This trend, sparked by low interest rates, has lead...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010