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Savings & investments

Archives for July 2011

Solar panels - Deborah Meaden
On Dragons Den Deborah said if you have money in savings take it out get 16 solar panels on your roof and you will get 10% tax free will this be the new way to save money?
What happens when you sell shares held in an ISA?
Excuse me if any of these are daft questions, but I'm starting to plan next years S&S ISA and am considering going down the route of choosing individual shares after a few years of sticking exclusively to funds and so it's all new to me. I'm happy enough with choosing stocks that meet my investment goals, but could…
Saga Internet Saver
Hi I wonder if anyone could help me with my query. I have one of these accounts and the bonus has now expired. Does anyone know if I could transfer my money to a new issue or whether it is only open to new customers. Thank you for all replies
Best way to invest small amount of money.....
I have around £1500 to invest and would like to add around £100/month to this. Have looked at Zopa and considering this, like the idea of spread betting as I don't mind a little risk but nervous about the large potential loses and amount of research to do before I could invest.......ISA is a bit dull (I know that is a…
Paying tax on savings while living abroad?
Hi, I'm wondering what my position is regarding the above. Basically, I've been living abroad for the last 5 years in Europe since I finished University . I'm wanting to put some money that's in my current account into a savings account in Britain, but I'm unsure whether I need to pay tax on it? I pay tax in the country…
Best long term investment for child?
Hi, I am looking to open an investment fund for our 1 year old which we can invest around £50 per month into over the next 15+ years. I'm not adverse to a bit of risk so think an investment rather than traditional saving is the way to go in order to get a reasonable return. The key things I would like in a fund are: *…
Fund buy and sell prices questions...
Hi, Why do managed funds have such a large difference between there buy and sell price? The reason I ask this is, the fund supermarkets claims to offer 100% discount on the initial charge for buying into a fund. But if you buy into the fund, and wanted to sell later you typically lose 5% straight away as there is usually…
What interest rate are you getting?
I like to know what bank and interest rate people are getting For me ISA - Manchester 3.01%, AA 3.35% Savings - Anglo Irish 1.84% Net, Natwest E-saver 0.8% Net, Sainsburys E-saver 0.08% Net, Santander E-saver 0.08% Net, NS and I (£100 Minimum) 0.24% Net Current account- Halifax 5% Net, Natwest 0.08% Net, Santander 0.08%…
I'm too good with money and have no credit history / Halifax just refused me !!
I make a point of never borrowing money and I have no credit cards, but despite having a full time job, a healthy savings and ISA savings the Halifax have just REFUSED me a current account. I have NEVER been refused anything financial before so this has come as a bit of a shock ! What do I do now ? Am I best to go take out…
Ownership of shares
My mum passed away recently and I am in the process of sorting out her affairs for probate. My brother recalls the fact that she had shares in Shell which he found out about after my dad died 10 years ago. However, going through her stuff we can find nothing relating to these shares. I know she could have subsequently sold…
If America defaults?
What actually happens to the man on the street.....how will everyday life be affected?
Reclaiming shares in Scottish and Southern Electric
How do I go about reclaiming shares in Scottish and Southern Energy? I believe I own a certain number of shares in this company due to previously owning shares in Scottish Hydro Electric and possibly also Southern Electric. I cannot remember the exact set of circumstances now, but due to me changing addresses several times…
Am i doing well?
Hi all, I am 23 years old in August. I currently renting with my girlfriend. My monthly income is low, at £920 after tax Current outgoings: £380 on rent + Bills £125 on food £16 gym membership £30 phone bill £30 car insurance £30 automatic transfer to m and g investments = £611 total This leaves me with £309 I give myself…
Leaving money to grandchildren - but estranged from their parents!
Hi, Any advice gratefully received. I am currently helping an elderly relative with a terminal illness to "put his affairs in order". He has 2 grandchildren (aged 9 and 13) and would like to leave them each £10k in his will. However he has no relationship with their parents at all, and hasn't spoken to them in over 10…
Child Trust Fund performing badly ?
I set up a child trust fund in April 2005. So far (including government vouchers) its had £1,818 credited to it (£1,200 as a single cheque in February 2007). I checked the balance today (6 years and 4 months later) and its currenly at £1,732.68. So after all these years its making a loss of £85.32 Are all Child Trust Funds…
Worth seeing an IFA?
Hi, Can anyone advise or give an educated guess as to how much more interest I'd gain from putting 5k from my savings and £500pm in the hands of an IFA? About me: Mid twenties, rent, single, debt free, contribute to work pension, lives comfortably. Investing long term, 5+ years is fine. I appreciate this a difficult…
Premium Bond & credit cards
My uncle said this works, is he right? "So one way to make money is to get as many interest free credit cards as possible and use them to buy premium bonds. The more u buy the more chance u win. At the end of the interest free term u simply cash in the bonds and pay off the cards with no cost." Sounds too good to be true?…
First Direct - Regular Saver Account 5%
Firstly, Please do direct me to the thread if this has already been covered. OK - I took out the great sounding 5% (paid at end of year), Regular Saver account with First Direct. I have just received 80 quid nett interest and was expecting it to be over 100 pounds. I phoned FD and they explained that the interest is…
st james place
My Mother has a large sum of money to invest, she has been recommended St James Place do they offer good advice and returns on savings. does anyone have any experience of this company.
Cheapest stock broker online
Hi! I'm researching to start trading online and I came across some services, which I'm not sure if they are right. Anyone can help me with costs? All BUYs subject to 0.50% stamp duty Capital gain 2011/12: 18% for over £10,600 (Only if your profit is over this amount you will pay it) TD Waterhouse: transactions cost £12.50…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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