Car Insurers Debate Over Future Profits

UK car insurers have been running an unprofitable business for 14 years. Independent market analysts, Datamonitor, say 2009 looks to be a profitable year despite the doubts

March 13, 2008

Budget Report Expectations

Chancellor Darling's Budget Report is expected to raise taxes on alcohol, fuel emissions, flights and many other issues concerning the economy. Tax burdens expected to increase on poorer families

March 12, 2008

Card Fraud Rises Again

Card fraud has increased over past year. Whilst chip and PIN technology has been successful in the UK, criminal activity overseas has increased 77 per cent

March 12, 2008

Tax Cuts Needed To Restore Confidence

Appeals for corporate tax cuts are submitted to the Treasury as it prepares its Budget report this Wednesday. Business and banking sectors are worried about the direction of the UK economy

March 10, 2008

First Time Buyers Take Hit From Stamp Duty

Stamp duty tax has not kept up with the rate of increase in house price inflation over the past decade. Yet another hurdle first-time buyers must leap over to get on the property ladder

March 10, 2008

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Understanding ISA’s

An ISA is an individual savings account and ISA’s came about in 1999 as a way to encourage people to save any spare cash they might have for the future. As an incentive tax free perks are offered on any money saved in this type of account and since their launch, ISA’s have proved to be extremely popular.

So how do they work? Well, basically there are two main types of ISA: mini cash ISA and a maxi ISA. Cash ISA’s are much more popular due to their familiarity to any savings account. They allow you to deposit a maximum of £3,000 in each tax year, which runs from 6th April to the following 5th April of the next calendar year. You can withdraw any sum you wish however you may not top up your deposit at a later date if you have already saved the £3,000 within that tax year. As your balance grows so does the interest rate on your capital.

A maxi ISA allows you to put in a total of £7,000 in any one tax year which is invested in stocks and shares. These are also known as equity ISA’s. However, many customers do not wish to invest their entire annual ISA allowance in stocks and shares. Therefore they open two mini cash ISA’s in which they can save up to £3,000 and the rest is invested into mini stocks and shares.

You are not permitted to open both mini cash and a maxi ISA in the same tax year regardless of how little you deposit to initially open the account. Nor can you switch from one account type to the other during the same tax year.

To open an ISA you must be a UK resident and you may not hold an account jointly or on behalf of someone else. A cash ISA can be opened by anyone over the age of 16 but for equity ISA you must be aged 18.

According to government sources, April 2008 is set to see a much more simplified system regarding ISA’s. A single ISA will therefore replace the current mini and maxi ISA’s allowing investors to invest up to £7,000. This amount can be divided into both cash and shares, although the £3,000 cash limit will stay in place. Another new feature will enable investors to transfer their saved cash into equities, including cash accumulated over the years, and this will not affect their annual allowance.

Compare cheap loans, mortgages, credit cards, insurance and bank accounts here at the MoneyOutlet.

Published on September 30, 2007

Bank Charge Case To Go On For Weeks

The Office of Fair Trading is hoping the High Court will rule in its favour which would allow banks' fees to be challenged under consumer law. There are eight lenders who are accused of making unfair charges to customers, among them is the Royal Bank of Scotland. The High Court, however, has been told that current account customers are comfortable with the system of charges of current accounts... Read More
January 24, 2008

Banks Have Hit Savers' Interest Rates

The global credit crisis has eventually led to the Bank of England cutting back the base rate to 5.5%. Consumers were hopeful that UK banks would reduce their mortgage rates in accordance with the lowered base rate but many still refuse to pass on any significant savings. Experts agree banks are trying to recoup losses. Now banks are cutting their rates on savings accounts... Read More
January 14, 2008

Bank Loyalty On The Wane

Britain has seen an increase in customers switching to a new bank. Many customers say they feel their bank doesn't treat them as a valuable customer or have experienced unhelpful staff. Just a few years ago less than 1 in 10 switched whereas today, almost 1 in 5 are opting for a new bank. Research shows banks need to focus on customer support more than ever... Read More
December 11, 2007

Abbey Cut Back Savings Rates

Lenders have been tightening their lending criteria on mortgage and loan borrowing and now seem to be doing the same with savings rates as well. Some of the top banks are cutting back rates however, you may be able to find a good deal if you can afford large deposits each month. Shopping online for a savings or current account is recommended... Read More
December 10, 2007

Co-op Breaks FSA Guidelines On Overdraft Charges

The Co-operative bank has changed their guidelines toward overdraft charges which some say will affect low income customers who tend to run out of money before the end of the month. These changes seem to be in violation of FSA guidelines. Those on benefits could be hit hardest... Read More
December 3, 2007

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Personal Banking Centre - Tips & Information

• Bank Account Basics
• A Brief Guide To Savings Accounts
• Understanding ISA’s
• Why Children’s Saving Accounts Are A Good Idea
• Child Trust Funds