Keeping friends and family entertained on the cheap
Christmas is fast approaching and after a particularly difficult year in terms of finances many of us are dreading the extortionate costs that tend to come with the festive season. Read more
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Lenders to start withdrawing 100% mortgage deals
February 21, 2008 by admin
Filed under News, News-Loans
Following the withdrawal of 125 per cent mortgage deals, many lenders are beginning to remove 100 per cent deals too, one finance expert has claimed. 
Moneyfacts.co.uk has said that 100 per cent mortgage deals are becoming expensive and harder to find, and this is a market trend which will affect first-time buyers the most.
Since November almost one third of lenders offering the rate have withdrawn their products from the market, leaving only 28 providers.
Julia Harris analyst at moneyfacts.co.uk, said: “This is yet another example of lenders continuing to tighten their belts even further in what has become a vastly different mortgage market from this time last year.”
Those who are looking to get on the first rung of the property ladder will find there are fewer options without a deposit.
First-time buyers could have to pay a larger premium for the added risk that the lender is taking on, he added.
Meanwhile, the Council of Mortgage Lenders has reported that while gross lending held up well in January, there is still “considerable uncertainty in the housing market” at present.
Greater equality for gay people over insurance
October 6, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Insurance
There has been a change in attitude when it comes to insuring homosexual people.
Chris Morgan, managing director of Compass Independent Financial Advisors, said that there has been a shift in the last five years.
In the past, he said, it would have been difficult to have assured a £200,000 sum for an “openly gay” customer, whereas now as much £1 million life assurance can be given.
However, he added: “There are other issues you have to consider in finance for example specialised advice for people with HIV and that’s around mortgages particularly because they can’t get life assurance.”
According to the ABI, in October 2005, a Statement of Best Practice was put in place by the insurance industry regarding HIV and insurance that affects the way some types of gay men are insured.
It states that ‘the gay question’ on life insurance forms, income protection and critical illness cover applications that many homosexuals consider unfair. The ABI have put an end to this and “other intrusive personal questions”.
