The AnswerBank Articles

A Beginners' Guide To Inheritance Tax

With increasing speculation and rising house prices, a lot of people are worrying about inheritance tax. It is important to know the facts and where you stand if you come to inherit from your loved ones. What Is Inheritance Tax Put simply, inheritance tax is a tax on wealth (money, property, etc.) passed from on...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Hotel Fraud May Compromise Credit Card Customers

Credit card customers were left wondering whether their details had been snatched by hackers recently after a US hotel chain conceded it may have been affected by a security breach. The global hotel company revealed that in the US and Canada its computer systems had been "accessed without authorisation". A ...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Credit Card Defaults Peaking Sooner

Credit card defaults may peak earlier than it was first expected, according to experts. Recently consumers have increasingly failed to make repayments leading analysts to believe defaults on this kind of financial product could now rival those on mortgages. However, a peak in credit card repayment defaults would not ...15:37 Mon 24th May 2010

How To Write a Will

Nobody wants to think about what would happen if they passed away, which is why so many people put off the task of writing a will. However, it is definitely a good idea to get it sorted out, as you could save your loved ones a lot of hassle and heartache. What Is a Will In simple terms, a will is a legal documen...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Prepaid Cards

Since the economic downturn prepaid cards have gained considerable popularity. Worried about sitting on expensive credit, consumers are taking to the prepaid card’s more controlled and manageable approach to finances. This article will introduce you to the basics of using this card. What Is a Prepaid Card ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Turbines funded by high energy prices

Since the recession has taken hold many people have quickly forgotten about the troubles of global warming, instead looking to the financial crisis that has grabbed headlines over the past year. The views of the UK's energy and climate change secretary, David Miliband, are totally clear and he has outlined his plan ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Fixed-deal energy prices prove popular

As we head into the winter months, many Brits are worried about their energy bills and their rates potentially sky-rocketing. Most people are working hard to scrape just enough cash to get by, with rising heating and energy bills putting even more strain on hard-up families. Given the turbulence of the past few month...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Recession Could Produce Entrepreneurs

The recession could inspire more people into embarking on entrepreneurial pursuits such as starting their own businesses, one expert has said. According to national enterprise network NFEA, despite the global economic downturn operating a business from home is still a legitimate pursuit and many people are seeing entr...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Homeowners Face More Flood Misery

Homeowners are facing more traumatic winter floods and steep home insurance premiums if the government doesn't live up to its pledge on flood defences, home insurance companies have warned. Local flood defence should be boosted by £300 million a year just to keep track with global warning, a home insurance repor...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Motor Insurance Companies Launch 'Pay As You Go' Insurance

Motor insurance provision could be in for a major shakeup as motor insurance companies pilot 'black box' recording and tracking devices fitted to cars. The system would make possible 'pay as you go' motor insurance, already popular in the US for those who use their cars less often. This could be a big help for those o...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

One In Five Drivers Admits To Lacking Insurance

A fifth of all UK road users own up to having driven without adequate motor insurance, a survey has revealed. An extraordinary three per cent of drivers confessed that they regularly took the road without car insurance cover, and a further 14.3 per cent said they did "occasionally." Figures gathered by the ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Motor Insurance Policies More Expensive For Older Women

Motor insurance companies are traditionally keen on young, female drivers. They are traditionally less keen on young male drivers however, a fact reflected in policy prices. Altogether sensible, you would say – young female drivers are both less likely to drive pocket rocket hatchbacks, and less likely to leave t...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Annual Car Costs Double In Ten Years

The average car now costs more than twice as much to run as it did ten years ago, says new motor insurance company research. With increases in fuel, motor insurance, servicing, taxes and fines, costs have now risen to an average £2,053 a year. However, motor insurance providers have said there are easy way to c...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Top Tips To Save On Motor Insurance

With nearly all the associated costs of driving a car rising, just keeping the tank full and the tax and motor insurance covered can seem like a full time job. It doesn't have to be this way, however, and with a few deft manoeuvres you may be able to reduce your motor insurance premiums by £100s every year. For...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Three Quarters Of IVA Applicants "Living Beyond Means"

Most people who apply for Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) to sort out their unsecured loans and credit card borrowing say they were simply living beyond their means, says a new report. The findings have reignited the debate about low interest credit card deals and their effect on spending. IVAs are an alterna...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Clowns Overcharged For Motor Insurance

Motorists' choice of profession will dictate the motor insurance quotes they are offered, it has been revealed. Comedians and choirmasters can pay up to £200 a year more for their motor insurance cover than clergymen, even if they drive the same car and live in the same area, says the motor insurance research. ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Huge Increase In Numbers Without Motor Insurance

There has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of drivers without motor insurance in London in just two years, the London Liberal Democrats have announced. Nationally, the numbers caught without motor insurance have increased by around 20 per cent. The Liberal Democrats described the increase as a "major soc...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Are Those Added Extras Offering Value For Money

Cars are coming with an ever greater number of bells and whistles as part of their standard spec, and for a little more you can add some extras that a few years ago would only have been seen on the Jetsons. But some of the bonuses could prove to be turkeys when you come to trade your old motor in, warns a leading auct...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Parties Could Cost You A Billion Pounds

You may think you would be saving money by holding a party at your own house rather than hiring a venue, this may not be the case, however. Even inviting friends over for a visit may be costing us more than we think. It may well be that we should be offering to visit people in their own homes according to recent resear...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Wine Cellar Value Poured Away With No Home Insurance

Alongside a sudden love of gastronomy, many in the UK have developed an interest in fine wines in recent years – both as an occasional tipple and as part of an investment fund. But despite investing in fancy climate controlling devices to ensure that their cellars are perfectly nurtured, many are neglecting to pr...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010