http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ Articles at Publicar Artigos - Mostre seu conteúdo pt-br http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/banking-options-for-expats.html http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/banking-options-for-expats.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:13:09 -0200
Country specific non-resident accounts
When it comes to opening a bank account abroad, if you are not yet a resident of the country it is imperative to research whether such options are available to you. In France for example, non-residents can apply for what is known as a 'compte non-résident'. Typical differences between standard accounts and compte non-resident are that the latter may not include a credit card or overdraft facilities. However, once you have been settled in France for three months you will be able to open a current account as a resident if you wish to.

Euro Account
Another option available to those moving to another European country is to open a Euro Account. Euro accounts are essentially UK accounts in which the money held within is in Euros instead of sterling. The key to finding the best Euro account is to do your research and to keep flexibility in mind. For instance, an account with no currency conversion charges, and no charges on European ATMs will likely be very useful for those who spend a considerable amount of time in both the UK and abroad. Multi-currency accounts are also available from some banks.

Offshore Bank Account
Offshore bank accounts (or international bank accounts, as they have come to be known) are also a popular option for those moving abroad. It is good to spend the time researching different account providers in order to find the best interest rates, as it is typical to find better returns on your savings abroad than you would if you kept your money in a UK account. Offshore savings accounts are great for accessing you cash from both the UK and your new country of residence - which is great for avoiding those timely money transfers. You can also bank with multiple currencies and access you money at any time day or night.

If you are moving abroad it is worth exploring all of the above options, and discussing with your banking adviser. ]]> http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/savings-2009-can-debt-still-be-a-friend.html http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/savings-2009-can-debt-still-be-a-friend.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:10:34 -0200
Yet, if debt wasn't as available as it is - i.e. if it were capped, what would happen when we really needed it? Most of us are paid by the month, and if at some point you need to make an emergency payment, on your car, or on your property etc, acquiring the capital to pay immediately is an absolute life-saver - and if for some reason it wasn't accessible could be potentially disastrous.

Thankfully, huge emergency payments are few and far between, but seeing as I'm writing this as thousands of university students invest a good chunk of their student loan in a Fresher's Week binge (I know I did), student debt is certainly worth a mention. Tom Cockreill (quoted in The Guardian) has the following to say about this: "Society seems to be happy to let debt accumulation start at university. It's all the more dispiriting that higher education, the bedrock of future prosperity and a more secure society, is paid for via debt."

This is certainly a curious aspect of modern day living. But would further education be as open and equal as it is if the system were not run this way? And additionally, what better time is there in one's life to come to terms with such an expensive, and important, investment - when they are enthusiastic and ripe for learning?

That said, it seems that for people of all ages there is still room for learning how to contribute to making their society less indebted - and it is going to be more difficult for borrowers to simply borrow to much in the future.

Perhaps more transparency is owed to students regarding how much they are paying and borrowing for university - and how much their course and grades are really going to be worth in the future if they achieve the best they can do so. But for those who are borrowing for other products, i.e. desirables, capping may be a good idea - at least to ensure that we are as a society are in control of debt - and it is no longer in control of us. ]]> http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/the-changing-face-of-offshore-saving-in-gibraltar.html http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/the-changing-face-of-offshore-saving-in-gibraltar.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:01:17 -0200
Economic developments over the last year have caused much political focus on the on the operation of banks on the UK mainland and overseas. The G20 summit in April saw the decision made to enforce transparency and economic sustainability as a means to ensure that the world economy remains more stable in the future - and for the UK's overseas territories (including Bermuda and Cayman) to comply, they had to sign 12 tax information exchange agreements (TIEAs).

Although certain territories have already met the target of 12, Gibraltar is well on its way and began signing their TIEAs on the 31st March 2009. Since then, it has signed agreements with another eight, including Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Not bad for an island that many had thought unlikely to be able to shrug off its label as 'tax haven', for the more positive: Offshore Financial Centre.

However, entrepreneurs and those with a high income can still benefit from favourable taxes in Gibraltar, and its nearby location to the Costa del Sol is great for those who'd prefer to spend sterling than euros. Conditions of residency sets it apart from other territories though, if you are willing to pay more than £250,000 for property you need only spend one day on the island before you are considered one of its 30,000 residents. Though this is rumoured to change in 2010.

Additionally, despite its EU membership and ties to UK and Spain, Gibraltar's own economy has proved considerably stronger with a reported 6.6 percent growth rate. With this in mind the island (and others) is set to be subject of an HM Treasury report into the challenges faced as it adheres to more stringent rules - and it will be interesting to see what the future holds. ]]> http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/uk-money-2010-new-incentives-for-savers.html http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/uk-money-2010-new-incentives-for-savers.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:56:28 -0200
Little reason to save has been reflected by significant changes reported recently by finance experts, moneyfacts.co.uk. The website highlighted a trend stimulated by low interest rates, showing that many people are using their money to go towards paying off their debts instead of storing it in a savings account. The research also posited the notion that the UK public believe if they haven't got the money, they won't spend it.

Yet, incentives to save are on the horizon, and the question remains whether such changes are a positive signal for the UK economy. The first group of prospective savers to benefit are those who are aged over 50. They will now be allowed to deposit up to £10,200 (half in cash half in stocks and shares) into tax-free Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) - an amount that has increased from £7,200. The increase will be available to everyone else after the 6th April, 2010.

Although the changes have not been seen a positive response from all corners of the media (The Sun described how 'pensioners won't be feeling much benefit if their ISA returns are so low anyway'), these changes at least herald a growth inn opportunity for those eager to save but were unsure where to put their cash - and each provider will be eager to allow different ISA options to differentiate themselves from the next.

Aside from ISAs, fixed rate accounts are still offering the best returns for savers, yet - as is the case with ISAs - you must be prepared to leave you cash locked up for some time to get the best from it. So-called 'Notice Savings Accounts' are often a good way to sacrifice some of the interest you will incur over a term for the benefit of some extra flexibility - but as with any money decision at the moment, it is always best to shop around and do your research first. ]]> http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/its-official-the-uk-public-are-getting-cleverer-with-their-cash.html http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/its-official-the-uk-public-are-getting-cleverer-with-their-cash.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:52:03 -0200
Data recently published by the Office of National Statistics has shown that the household saving ratio has increased from 3.9 percent at the beginning of the year, to 5.6 during the second quarter. The rise has caused Andrew Haggar of Moneynet to comment: "People are now getting a bit wiser with their cash, putting it away to cover emergencies or unforeseen events such as unemployment."

Although the credit crunch and ongoing recession has seemed to make the UK public more conscious of the need to save, and to be more sensible with their cash, the competitiveness of fixed rate savings accounts have also been a direct influence on the habits of savers and spenders.

For example, interest on fixed rate bonds has increased from 2.87 percent to 3.53 percent according to moneyfacts. In comparison to average easy access accounts, the highest return on the best bond rates are around 2 percent more. Simply put, for anyone to make any interest out of their cash, they have little choice but to part with that money for a significant amount of time.

Similarly, ISAs have also hit the news again after new rules for over 50s were introduced in order to allow them to save more money tax free. Yet, despite the increase in options for older savers, competitive rates are still being seen by a range of providers with some banks offering accounts to savers both over and under 50. Prospective savers are becoming more savvy with the type of accounts they are opting for, but they are also willing to invest more time researching providers on and offline in order to get the best rates. ]]> http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/make-big-savings-with-money-off-vouchers.html http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/make-big-savings-with-money-off-vouchers.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:38:28 -0200
While there used to be a view that some consumers were "too posh for points", vouchers have become increasingly common with nearly a fifth* of Brits now using discount coupons when they shop.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, research shows that women are the savvier sex when it comes to hunting down a bargain,** with female shoppers the more prolific users of money-saving vouchers.
But with all manner of discounts up for grabs, anyone can cash in.

Savvy supermarket shopping

Pick up almost any newspaper or magazine and there's a good chance that its pages will be stuffed full of vouchers and offers, so cut these out and present them at the checkout next time you make a trip to the supermarket.

Also, look out for buy one get one free deals in store, and log on to www.fixtureferrets.co.uk for food and drinks promotions from the major supermarkets.

Get clicking to save cash

If you're doing your weekly shop online, log on to www.mysupermarket.com to find out the best value supermarket for you. The site compares prices at Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Ocado, and will then send your trolley of goods to the cheapest online checkout.

You can also search for the cheapest price on comparison websites such as www.kelkoo.co.uk, www.pricerunner.co.uk and www.pricechecker.co.uk. These sites all sweep online stores to see which retailer stocks the item you want at the cheapest price.

Be a voucherista

If you're looking for discounts and deals, the internet is a gold mine.
Check out websites such as www.confused.com, www.sendmediscounts.co.uk, www.vouchercodes.co.uk, www.myvouchercodes.co.uk and www.wowvouchercodes.co.uk which offer voucher codes for a wide range of goods.

If the site offers the chance to subscribe to email alerts to keep up with the latest discount offers make sure you sign up to avoid missing out.

For those who are a little less web-savvy, MyVoucherCodes will be publishing a direct mail discount book this Christmas with offers and vouchers from a wide range of retailers.

Bag a bargain

Further online bargains can be found at www.madaboutbargains.co.uk which offers big savings on theatre trips, clothing, hotel rooms, electronics and jewellery, while www.homesandbargains.co.uk helps you find top quality goods for your house or garden.

You can also shop for second-hand goods at Ebay, www.preloved.co.uk or www.gumtree.com, and if you don't want to part with a penny, www.freebieholics.co.uk has plenty of links to website with free offers, samples and giveaways.

Eat out for less

More and more restaurants now offer discount vouchers to attract customers through their door, so check out two-for-the-price-of-one deals and other money saving offers at the likes of www.restaurantvouchers.co.uk.
And, if you want to dine out at a decent restaurant without making a huge dent in your wallet, visit www.toptable.co.uk.
The site promotes hundreds of special meal offers across the country, including discounts of up to 50 per cent, group offers and inclusive drink offers.

Days out at a discount

Clubcard and reward points can be redeemed for use at many theme parks and leisure parks such as Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures, and it's also worth keeping an eye out for special promotions in newspapers, supermarkets and on cereal and washing powder packets.
There are also big savings to be made on days out - and nights out - at www.lastminute.com.

Enjoy being a savvy shopper!

]]> http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/are-you-saving-for-tomorrow.html http://www.publicarartigos.com.br/ingl%C3%AAs/finance/are-you-saving-for-tomorrow.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:08:19 -0200
With a recession that came almost out of nowhere, it has had devastating consequences on people living in the UK, leaving many jobless, strapped for cash and even without their homes because they have not been able to keep up with their mortgage repayments.

Latest government figures put the number of unemployed in the UK at 2.47 million for the three month period to August 2009, this is a whole 88,000 more people who are unemployed than in the prior three month period.

At the same time, the number of homes being taken back into possession by lenders is also increasing, with the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) estimating that there were 11,400 possession cases in the second quarter of 2009 (March-June).

On the bright side, this was however a drop on the 12,700 possession cases seen in the first quarter of 2009 (Jan-March).

Although there are signs the UK is beginning to pull out of the recession, the limelight is now being thrown on how we can better protect ourselves from further recessions that may occur in the future, with attention turning to savings.

Some economists believe that the pain felt by the recession could have been lessened if Britain had a better savings culture embedded. As it is, the UK is relatively poor at saving.

Recent research by Scottish Widows suggests that as many as 30m Brits have not protected themselves for the long term should the worst happen and they lose their household's main income.

While, National Savings & Investments (NS&I) says there is a shortfall between the ideal amount we should be saving which is £210.26 a month on average, and the actual amount we are saving which is £90.21 a month.

It goes as far to say that the ideal amount people want to save is around 15 per cent of their total income.

Data also presented by the national Savings and investments agency suggests that the ideal amount people want to save represents over 15 per cent of total income.
In fact, as a country it seems we are more in love with debt than saving and have more than doubled our outstanding household debt since 2000 to reach £1.4 trillion, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) claims.

Two main reasons to save

Tony Dolphin, a senior economist at the IPPR warns that life is unpredictable so it is useful to put money aside in case of short-term emergencies. It is generally accepted that a household should have savings that can be easily accessible to cover between 3-6 months of living costs.

At the same time, there is also a need to save for the long term, for example for retirement, so it is wise to view these type of savings as money that should only be accessed in extreme circumstances.

Although we are not the best savers when compared with some other European countries which have a higher savings rate than the UK, we are getting better.
Dolphin explained: "We've seen big changes in debt and borrowing since the start of the recession and I hope we see the savings rate rise."

However he does warn that our attitude to saving will all depend on the housing market.

The future for savings

In recent years, people living in the UK have been predominantly more concerned with getting on the property ladder than saving, and with 100 per cent mortgages once in abundance, there really was no incentive to save.

But now, as lenders continue to be restrictive with their lending policies and 100 per cent mortgages are almost no more, Stephen Haddrill, director general of the ABI believes the UK will finally begin to get serious about saving.

He added: "We have seen a shift in the banks willingness to lend and a move to 75 per cent loan-to-value mortgages. The additional 25 per cent has to come from somewhere, so I think this need will kick-start saving again. "

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