I Want Finance

Personal finance blog.
  • scissors
    November 22nd, 2011adminUncategorized

    Insurance policies are a way of protecting ourselves against unforeseen circumstances. We are all familiar with home insurance and contents insurance, but we sometimes fail to recognise the importance of income protection insurance.

    The costs of not having income protection insurance can represent the ultimate financial burden. We work to build a life for ourselves and guarantee an income so that we live the way we have become accustomed. If we become ill or injured, this hampers our ability to sustain this lifestyle and can leave us seriously exposed to financial turmoil.

    In some cases your employer may cover you against illness or injury for a given period of time. Many employers won’t have any type of comprehensive package in place. If you become injured you don’t the added trauma of financial insecurity.

    You can insure up to 60% of your gross monthly income with tax free monthly payments to get you by until you can return to work. It will help to ensure that any burdens like rent or mortgages can remain paid, and it will continue paying out until you are ready to return to work or you retire. We all have regularly monthly outgoings which won’t go away in the event of an accident.

    A comprehensive policy like those on offer at Endsleigh will even offer rehabilitation and support on getting back to work.

    There are also policies for the self employed. If you work for yourself, your income still needs to be protected. Endsleigh offer policies for this section of society.

    Why risk more stress if you fall ill or sustain an injury. Many of us have dependents and their security is of prime importance. Income Protection Insurance gives you the peace of mind that your loved ones – children or spouses – can go on living the life to which they have become accustomed.

  • scissors
    November 10th, 2011adminSavings

    We could all do well with saving some money, as we want to make sure that we are covered in the event that something happens. Some things can’t be prevented, and it’s always good to have some money when a dire situation comes across. Of course, there are a litany of reasons why we may want to save money, too. Although saving money is worthwhile, it certainly takes a little bit of self-control. We all like to have fun and buy things that entertain our senses, sometimes we have to be as practical as we can, and that means that we should abstain from some of these entertainment purchases and buy the things that we all need.

    We all need food. This is something that we cannot change. This means that we need to go to the grocery store and buy some food, and there certainly are a lot of choices. Every time we go, we are tempted by something that looks fantastic. These are some of the things that can get you into financial trouble. Keeping a list is a perfect way to combat this. As long as you can stick to the list and not buy anything that’s not on there, you’ll be fine. Also, if possible, stock up on bulk items, as many bulk grocery stores offer some pretty great prices on some of the bulk items. If you buy in bulk and keep to the list, you’ll find yourself with a lot of extra money.

    There are of steps to financial freedom, and it’s all about taking the small steps first.

  • scissors
    November 1st, 2011adminGeneral

    Landlords insurance is certainly a must-have for every landlord and one should never underestimate the importance of investing in such insurance. Purchasing landlords insurance will in turn both safeguard and protect the landlord if a disaster or problem should arise.

    If a problem does occur then it is the insurance companies responsibility to compensate for the damages. Most damages come in the shape of theft or fire and how ever careful you or the people you are renting to are, accidents do happen and it is best to have something to fall back on. If you don’t have anything to fall back on you could be in for a bit of a shock, as you will have to pocket all the expenses yourself, if the damage is bad these expenses could reach the thousands.

    Landlords should look into the various type of policies available as each offer different things, meaning the compensation will vary in each case.

    Landlords that have taken steps to ensure their property is a safe one will pay less on their insurance. Installing fire alarms, burglary alarms and any other security devices will lower the insurance cost dramatically. However if your property is deemed unsafe from the start then you will have to pay higher premiums.

    The insurance provider also covers structural damage as well as theft but again if your property is deemed a high-risk building then should expect to shell out more for this. You can see the various types of landlord insurance on offer at http://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk.

    The landlord will not only receive compensation, legal costs will also be covered by the insurer, this however will generally only occur in the event of rent loss or alternatively property damage.

    Before investing in an insurance policy you should first begin by checking out the coverage limits of such a policy, as this varies from company to company.

  • scissors
    October 28th, 2011adminGeneral

    In the UK we have the NHS for free and accessible cover if we fall ill. Our health insurance is more to cover loss of earnings or to subsidise the cost of care. We must recognise the difference between health insurance and critical illness cover to ensure we are properly covered.

    The Americans pay health insurance to ensure they have access to care. We don’t necessarily need to because we have access to a free NHS. We can choose to pay independent health insurance for enhanced private care programmes or we can take out another form of health insurance to replace lost income or compensate us in the event of disability. Health insurance falls under quite a broad banner.
    Health insurance is sometimes more appropriately known as Income Protection. If you are unable to work after an accident, you will be compensated or subsidised. You can claim government subsidies in terms of incapacity benefit and will receive some form of statutory sick pay but these payments may be insufficient to keep you in the lifestyle which you have earned. If you are covered by health insurance you can be claim up to and around 60% of your earnings.

    Critical illness cover is very different.

    This generally low cost critical illness cover will pay out on diagnosis. Critical illness involves the following core conditions: Cancer, heart attack, multiple sclerosis, stroke, coronary artery bypass surgery, kidney failure and major organ transplant.

    The similarity between health insurance and critical illness cover is that they protect you financially.

    The obvious difference could be summed up in the following scenario. You get hit by a car and can’t work for 6 months. Critical illness cover won’t pay out; health insurance will.

    When taking out low cost critical illness cover it is important to understand your entitlements. In Britain it is probably more apt to call health insurance income protection.

  • scissors
    October 17th, 2011adminGeneral

    People are searching for innovative ways to make some extra money in their free time because most must pay a loan, rent, utility bills or other debts and sometimes, the salary they receive is just not enough to cover all the necessary expenses.

    Ways to Earn Extra Money
    Get the most advantageous savings account. Interest rates can change over time; this is why if you have a savings account opened more than a year ago, your interest might not be the best on the market. Search for interest rates that are more competitive so you get the most from your savings.

    Become a mystery shopper. If you like shopping or going out and you cannot afford it, this would be the perfect opportunity for you. You can become a mystery shopper on www.retaileyes.co.uk and go unannounced through stores, restaurants and banks and grade your experience. You will be able to shop and receive your money back for the products and services you purchase, get a free dinner or a nice stay in a hotel and make some extra money, too.

    Spend less money. You can pay less for the products or services you need by using shopping vouchers or discount coupons. There are also employers who give their employees vouchers for childcare services.

    Sell your skills. If you are good with children, become a part-time nanny. If you speak foreign languages, you can translate for others; if you’re good at math, give additional classes to your friends’ children. All you have to do is to know your skills and constantly improve them.

    Cut the costs of utilities. Due to the fact that the utilities’ market is a very competitive sector and each company tries to attract new clients, they lower the prices of their services or have highly competitive offers. You can benefit by always searching the best offers for electricity, water, Internet, gas and so on and earning money by reducing the overall costs.

    Conclusion
    There is a variety of things you can do to earn extra money. All you have to do is to find the best available solutions, be determined and have a strong will to succeed in implementing them.

  • scissors
    October 10th, 2011adminGeneral

    Getting through a divorce process may seem difficult to handle because of all the issues involved, like custody of children, the family wealth and goods, the psychical trauma and also the costs of the entire process; this is why you should search on the Internet for useful websites like www.debtinfocentre.com for advice concerning divorce and debt.

    Divorce and Debt

    It is a well-known fact that nowadays, almost a half of married couples end up in divorce and increased debts. Their debts are either a result of the family’s needs or a result of the separation process.
    One of the main reasons for divorce is the couple’s financial problems. Financial instability can lead to an increasing burden. This will create tension between spouses that turn into repeated arguments that will finally cause the separation and divorce. Like wealth, family debts must be sorted out and the best way to do it is to search for professional guidance.

    Financial problems can cause the separation of the couple, but can also be a consequence of the divorce process. The separation process is one of the factors that cause an increase of personal debts, which can lead to bankruptcies. The legal costs of the process, the separation of the couple’s wealth, monthly alimony, and the expenses related to raising the children on your own, all can lead to personal debts.

    Searching for Online Advice

    If you log in to Divorce Aid, you can find a list of divorce solicitors all across the UK who can give you proper information and help to make you feel in control with the divorce process.

    If you need advice concerning debts or your family, you should visit the Citizens Advice Bureau, on www.adviceguide.org.uk. Here, you can find answers to your questions concerning your money, your family, your daily life and your rights.

    On www.debtinfocentre.com you will find impartial help for your financial problems, an array of debt solutions and a free debt calculator to find out which solution is the best suited for you.

  • scissors
    October 2nd, 2011adminGeneral

    Bankruptcy
    When someone is in debt, bankruptcy is one solution to dealing with debts that one is unable to settle. The assets that you posses can be used to settle debts you owe to creditors. You can be discharged from bankruptcy after a given time, but during the bankruptcy period, you are subjected to limitations.

    After Declaring Bankruptcy
    The bankruptcy period is usually one to three years. During this period, you are un-discharged, which means that there are limitations on your assets, especially your finances. If you posses any unapproved pensions then you can request official receiver for it to be excluded in the restrictions to be made.

    The person handling your case needs to be paid depending on the agreements you have. Following instructions of the attorneys handling your case is important as it may result in you being discharged after approximately a twelve-month period and thus your assets will no longer be limited. An Official Receiver handles your case. If they determine that you are irresponsible then you may face financial restrictions for more than fifteen years.

    With bankruptcy, there are certain types of employment that you cannot take because of your bankruptcy status. This may include being a director of a company, a lawyer or a Member of Parliament. After you are discharged, you can seek any type of employment you wish. It is a criminal act for anyone who is declared bankrupt to seek any form of credit. You are only permitted to have one account that is basic.

    Once a person is declared bankrupt, this information is kept in their credit file for a period of six years. After you are declared bankrupt, you can move on with your life provided you have settled all your debts. During this period, you have to be careful with your ways of handling finances so you will not be declared bankrupt again.

  • scissors
    September 21st, 2011adminGeneral

    Many of us may dread the end of the month, especially if you have several bill payments leaving your account at the same time! These could be in the shape of gas, electricity and water bills, mortgage repayments, phone bills, mobile phone bills, household essentials, school fees, University fees, car insurance or an assortment of other unavoidable payments!

    With so many things to pay off on a monthly basis, how do we save?

    Well the simple answer is hard work and sensibility! You are not going to get anywhere by splurging on over the top and expensive items on a regular basis, nor are you going to get anywhere if you are careless with your cash.

    For example eating in can save you a lot, it is fast, easy and enjoyable and also extremely inexpensive. The average person will pay at least £15 in a restaurant for a quality main meal. Once you have added extras such as starters, deserts and drinks on top of this order, you are looking at around £40.

    Just as eating out at a restaurant can be expensive so can splurging on constant takeaways and convenience food. It may be a quick and hassle free answer to those that have both a hectic working and social life, it isn’t however the best money saving solution.

    You may complain that you never have any food in the fridge, however online recipe finders will almost always prove you wrong. A good tip is to make enough meals for a few days then freeze them; this will take the hassle out of cooking every evening.

    As well as cutting food costs, cutting your energy use is also a great way to save a little extra each month. You will also be doing your bit for the environment!

    Late fees are an expensive investment and most of the time they can in fact be avoided! Look into automating your bill payments; this way you can rest assured that those bills are being paid on time!

    All of the above won’t alter your lifestyle dramatically; they will however slowly and surely begin to alter your bank balance, meaning you can afford to treat yourself once in a while!

  • scissors
    September 10th, 2011adminGeneral

    The debt info centre provides concise information and advice to those who find themselves in heavy debt. Its website www.debtinfocentre.com offers the visitor a clear explanation of debt terminology to help them make sense of their debt situation and what they can do about it. Here are a few key terms.

    Debtor: This is an individual or company that is in debt to another party; that is, they have borrowed an amount of money and have not repaid it. This might by you.

    Creditor: This is a term used to describe a person or institution that is owed money. This is to say that they have lent money to another party which has not fully repaid it. This is the company or person you owe money to.

    Debit card vs. Credit card: There are many who have trouble distinguishing between these two cards. A debit card is a means of accessing money held in a bank account. It allows you to withdraw and deposit money to and from an account, as well as purchase goods and services. Except in the case of a bank overdraft, a debit card can only be used to access what is actually in the account and nothing more. A credit card allows one to spend or draw beyond what you have in your bank accounts up to a certain pre-defined limit. A credit card usually charges interest on the money ‘borrowed.’

    Bankruptcy: Many people assume that being declared bankrupt is simply declaring that one has gone bust. Actually, it is a process that undertakes to write off an individual or corporation’s debts that may require them to relinquish any assets they may have. Debts are restructured to provide for easier repayment, or they are written off, depending on the type of bankruptcy.

    Default: This is a situation that arises when a person or individual that has been lent money fails to meet their obligation to repay the money at the set time.

    For more terminologies and explanations visit the Debt Info Centre website www.debtinfocentre.com.

  • scissors
    May 16th, 2011adminUncategorized

    In the current economic climate running a business from home could be a good solution to rising unemployment. By working from home you can work flexibly to suit your family’s needs as well as save the costs of setting up a new office. But what do you need to consider when running a business from your home?

    The first thing you need to do if you are going to be running a business from home is to tell your mortgage provider and home insurance provider that you will be running a business from home. You may also need to get specialist business insurance to cover the additional liabilities you will face as a business owner. While you don’t need planning permission if your house remains largely residential but if you plan on extending to accommodate the business you may need permission for that.

    You also have to consider business rates for example if the room you plan to work in is dedicated entirely to business purposes you will need to pay rates rather than domestic rates on that room and although it is no more expensive it does cost to administer. It is also worth considering your ‘free from capital gains tax’ status as this could be compromised if you are using part of your property for business use.

    However, there are some tax benefits to running a business from home as you can claim for proportions of your council tax, heating, lighting etc when filling in your self-assessment tax form.

    While there are many benefits to run a business from your home there are occasions when it is not possible to do so. For example if you in rented accommodation it may break your rental agreement so it is best to check with your landlord before you do so. If you need specialist equipment, have to work with hazardous substances, accept a lot of deliveries or have a lot of visitors or are noisy then working from home may not be viable. If you need staff to have a permanent base than you will also need to consider an office space away from your house.

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