Londoners most keen on living abroad
June 22, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Mortgages
People living in London are the most likely in Britain to take out a mortgage on a foreign property.
New research by Bank of Scotland International (BSI) shows that eight per cent of Londoners already own a home abroad.
In addition, a further 52 per cent have considered making a move overseas, putting Londoners well above the British averages of four per cent and 42 per cent respectively.
Those in the capital who already own a foreign property are closely followed by the South East, where seven per cent of people are already on the foreign property market.
The most popular foreign destination to set up home for Brits is Australia, with ten per cent saying that they would consider upping sticks and moving down under.
France is the top European destination and is closely followed by Spain.
“Londoners certainly are the most active when it comes to moving abroad or buying a home abroad,” commented Tony Wilcox, managing director at BSI.
“When looking to live temporarily or permanently abroad it is important to have the right products and services in place.”
Moving abroad can have many financial benefits for Brits who have had enough of the high property prices in this country, however, careful consideration and planning must go into the move for it to be a success.
Are you smoking away your money?
March 14, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Banking
Smokers are being urged to kick the habit as National No Smoking Day lights up the UK on March 14th.
Co-Operative Insurance is calling upon all smokers to give up so that they can improve their health and their financial standing.
The firm claims that a smoker who gets through 20 cigarettes a day could save themselves over £1,800 every year.
That figure doubles if a couple quit smoking together but the financial benefits do not stop there.
It is also possible to severely reduce the premiums on life insurance cover by stopping, as well as premiums on income protection and critical illness insurance.
“Giving up smoking can save people a significant amount as well as hopefully bringing a longer and better quality of life,” commented Fiona Jackson, head of protection at Co-Operative Insurance.
“Someone who is able to give up an addictive habit like smoking can certainly take charge of their own financial destiny and make adequate financial provisions for their future.”
Research shows that smoking is more common among men than women, although the gap is just three per cent.
Smoking is said to cause 30 per cent of all cancer deaths, 17 per cent of heart disease deaths and at least 80 per cent of deaths from bronchitis and emphysema.
