Financial Web Guide
Is the long-term growth trend in UK property still in place?
Despite the fact that UK property market has been a volatile over the last three years, and indeed according to many is on the verge of a further downward spiral, the truth is that in the longer term the UK property market is likely to remain buoyant and in demand. When you take into account the ever-growing population of the UK and the reluctance of many local authorities to build further council houses it seems almost inevitable that demand for existing houses and new properties will grow.
The problem for the UK authorities is that the UK’s is a relatively small island and due to significant underinvestment on new properties in the past there is still a long-term imbalance between supply and demand.
Credit cards with the best rewards
Credit card issuers are ramping up efforts to entice you to choose — and use — their cards. Direct-mail offers doubled in the second quarter of this year compared with the same period a year earlier, to about 988 million, according to Mintel, a market-research company. More than 80% of the offers were for rewards programs, and many of the perks are juicy — double miles, 5% cash back, even contributions to your individual retirement account.But not all rewards cards are worthy of a place in your wallet. To get the benefits, you may be required to charge a certain amount. Plus, the number of points you can rack up may be capped, and the window to use your points may be narrow.
Save big with a car refinance
The Fort Worth Star Telegram in Texas discusses how the top two vehicle expenses, auto insurance and finance charges, can actually mean huge savings.
How, you ask? Research. Both auto insurance and car financing can be much less of a financial burden when you learn the best kept secrets. Using online comparison companies to learn about the lowest auto loan rates, auto refinancing and insurance rates are helping save consumers big money!
A local Arlington resident saved money on his auto insurance by doing his homework. He talked to his current home insurer who offered a discount for multiple policies, and is now saving $1,892 per year.
Bruce Dieterlen of Plano, TX, who recently refinanced his car with MoneyAisle, spoke about discovering our exclusive rates and savings.
“It was pretty simple, overall,” he said. “
Co-op reveals profits rise but has concerns for the future
The Co-operative Group has today issued half year results which show a 17% rise in profits from £221 million over the corresponding period last year up to £260 million this year. There was a 12.6% increase in profits from its supermarket division even though there were distribution issues with regards to the integration of the Somerfield acquisition. However, it is the company’s comments about the immediate future of the UK economy which have caught the eye.
The company itself has expanded not only the supermarket division but also its financial services operation which has given the Co-operative Group a larger base in the UK. However, the downturn in the UK economy is hitting all areas of UK business and no one company is immune from the financial difficulties being felt by many consumers in the UK. As
Save money wherever you shop
Everyone wants a bargain, which is why more Americans shop at discount chains like Target and Walmart than at any other type of big store. But a new survey of more than 30,000 subscribers by the Consumer Reports National Research Center reveals that folks are also finding low prices at department stores, warehouse clubs, and general-merchandise retailers. We recently reported on why consumers shop where they do.
Here’s how to get the best deals at 10 major retail chains.
Costco. The warehouse club ($50 a year for basic membership) doesn’t accept manufacturers’ coupons but distributes its own and offers instant rebates. If yo Read more…