Money Advice service now available for consumers
April 12, 2011 by Reno
Filed under News, News-Loans
There is no doubt that there are many people these days that are desperate for financial advice, as they have a range of money issues that they need advice and help with, including debt advice, pensions advice, and advice on savings and other financial services. However, it has become increasingly difficult for people to get the advice that they needed over recent years, especially in respect of debt with demand for these services soaring.
However, the government has now launched its Money Advice Service, which is designed to provide consumers with advice relating to a wide range of financial issues that may be causing confusion or problems. Consumers are able to use the service online or can use it by phoning or visiting an advisor in person. The aim of the service is to offer free, impartial advice to those that have issues relating to their finances.
The service deals with a wide range of different areas relating to finance, and it is available to anyone that needs advice regardless of what their financial situation is. The service also offers access to a range of tools and resources for consumers to use in order to help them with their financial queries and issues. The service has evolved from the Consumer Financial Education Body, which was launched in 2010.
The service’s chairman Gerard Lemos said: “The Money Advice Service is here to make people’s lives easier and better. We’re not here to sell people anything and we won’t charge anyone – we are here to help people take decisions about their money and plan for a better future for themselves and their families.”
Tags: anyone, advice, better future, way, financial, service online, serviceAnother official stated: “It is important that everyone in the UK has the knowledge, skills and confidence to make the financial decisions that are right for them. We welcome the launch of the Money Advice Service as a new way to give consumers information about managing their money and choosing the financial products that are right for them.”
New card rewards ethical spending
November 2, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Credit-Cards
The Co-operative Bank has 
announced the launch of ‘think’ today, which is a credit card aimed at rewarding consumers for making ethical purchases.
A world first, the card offers users a lower rate of interest of just seven per cent on all ethical spending with its partner organisations such as Lush, Adili.com and Ikea for six months after the payment is made.
Meanwhile, for each first use of the card, the bank has pledged to arrange the purchase and protection of half an acre of Brazilian rainforest.
David Anderson, chief executive of the Co-operative Bank, said: “According to our own Ethical Consumerism Report, conscious spending has been increasing at an average of 15 per cent a year since the start of the decade and all the signs are that this growth is set to continue.
“We want to reward those customers who make ethical choices and encourage everyone to really think about how their choices impact the wider world, which is why we have developed the new ‘think’ card.”
Furthermore, users of the ‘think’ card will be given discounts on selected partners including £35 with Ecotricity as well as reductions with Eco First and Nigel’s Eco Store.
Becoming more green is a hot issue for today’s consumers, who are increasingly calling for companies to show themselves ethically accountable.
Buy-to-let mortgage market affected by credit crunch
September 28, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Mortgages
The UK’s buy-to-let mortgage market is being adversely affected by the recent credit crunch, according to a financial website.
Research from Moneyfacts.co.uk indicates that it is becoming increasingly difficult for potential property investors to obtain a buy-to-let mortgage as more and more lenders are raising the cost of taking out such a loan.
It is also thought that some lenders have decreased the number of products they have available for potential borrowers.
“The trend over recent years has been a falling rental income cover requirement, so with lenders reversing this trend, it’s a definite sign that some are taking a more cautious outlook,” commented Moneyfacts mortgage expert Julia Harris.
Nonetheless, she did note that while the buy-to-let market is “taking a battering at the moment” if you are prepared to look “there are still some very competitive deals to be found”.
“Perhaps lenders are just taking a breather, giving them time to evaluate the market and perhaps re-launch with re-priced products, which will more than likely be at a higher rate.”
