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Savings & investments

Archives for September 2013

exchange rate dilemma
Dear All, I have to send 51000CHF to my sister who lent the money so we can put the deposit down for our first home. We now have the money from our matured ISA and want to send it back to her. Obviously Natwest does not have the best exchange rates, how can I exchange that much money somewhere else without actually have…
Is a bear market on the cards in 2 weeks?
Just heard on the news about the decisions that will be made in 2 weeks which could result in the US defaulting, apparently I know the news always over-exaggerate any negative news, but is this a likely turmoil on the cards? I've invested a lot of my savings in shares and after hearing this news im thinking of getting…
Transfering Money from NZ to UK
Hi We have inherited some money that is in a NZ back account. Anyone know what the cheapest way is to get this into the UK? Our Bank HSBC gives us a terrible exchange rate. Thanks
Savings advice - ISA or regular saving
Hi all- Thanks in advance for any help. I have just finished as a student and will commence employment next month and will not earn enough to pay tax this current financial year. I will be a basic rate tax payer from April 2014. I currently have: £4000 in an ISA which pays 0.5% AER £4000 in a regular savings account at…
Advice on ISA/savings account
Hi, After shopping round a bit I have narrowed my savings options, I think, and I was looking for some final advice for closure. Info: Currently, I have around a £3000 lump sum that I want to save. I will then have at least £750 a month to save from now on. The plan is to save as much as possible until around Christmas…
The Co-op membership points
Hi there I have just checked my online points statement after speaking to an adviser on the phone. I have 249.77 points. The adviser said that my points will be put into my bank account (voucher points in my bank account).. So can anyone tell me how much in pounds and pence my points share is worth please?? Just curious..…
old abbey national stepped bonds
Hi I have found some old abbey national stepped bonds that my father had gorgotton he had. Can anyone help us where to take them. Santander dont seem to want to help. Cheers
Lifespan of dividend cheques
My mum passed away a few years back and as the beneficiary, I transferred here share accounts over to my brother and myself. It now transpires that we missed one. We are in the process of doing this, but what is the situation with the quarterly dividend cheques? These were all issued in her name - can we ask for these to…
Can two people buy one £100 premium bond?
Hi, Please can someone tell me can the minimum purchase of a £100 premium bond be bought by two people or would it have to be £100 each? Thank you.
Final Reporting Dates
Hi All Does anyone know of a website which lists the top 100 Company final reporting dates (as a list rather than individual look ups)? TIA
Stocks and Shares for Beginners?
Hi all, New to this forum and really looking forward to hopefully getting some better information about saving lots of money! We all work hard enough for it! I'm really interested in working with stocks and shares at the moment, and am wondering where the best place to start is? I've been recommended Nutmeg, but hear that…
A little confused - Interest Rate/Inflation Rate
Hey! I have savings and I was reading Martins guide and something caught my eye which read it is important that your savings are not losing! Of course, this caught my eye, it read the importance of making sure that that interest on the savings account is beating the current inflation rate. It took a little time, but it…
Help! Complete noob to investments
Hi! I am interested in using my spare cash/savings (around £5,000) to make an investment. My goal is to make an additional £50 a month I understand there is risk with investment but considering I do not wish to make a huge amount of money, I would prefer something very low risk. I would like some advice on how I can use my…
How much should I save for a rainy day?
What's the prevailing advice on an ideal savings pot? A quick Google check suggests the Americans are advised to keep 3-6 months salary locked away. I'm not saving for a car, holiday or anything, I'm just saving for a rainy day. (Despite the implication, I assure you I do not wish to purchase a rainy day.) I suppose there…
Selling Paper shares
Hi there, I have paper shares from Scottish Hydro Electric that I bought 20 years ago. What are the best options to get them sold? Any pointers appreciated, thanks :) Rod
Bequeathing non-certificated shares
I am considering dividend investing (online), so will be holding my shares for long periods. One day I would like to pass on any remaining shares in my will. Should I make sure I get paper certificates, or is there no issue with bequeathing non-certificated shares?
Certificated shares.......again!!
I am still trying to find a reasonably priced way of buying shares in certificated form, but most of the banks seem to be incredibly expensive. Just found this and, if I am reading it correctly, they charge £19.50 for certificated share purchases. Have any of you heard of this company and/or dealt with them? Seems…
Ombudsman Case March 2012 re Santander Fixed Savings
Does any one have the full details of the Financial Ombudsman case in late march 2012 which was found in favour of the saver who did not receive a letter advising him of the end of the fixed period and changes in interest rates. I need to see this for a complaint I am making to the Ombudsman. :)
Would you invest in the Royal Mail IPO?
My broker has emailed me the options of investing in the RM IPO: https://www.beaufortsharedealing.com/index.php/royal-mail?utm_source=SendBlaster&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Royal%20Mail%20Update&utm_content=Royal%20Mail%20Update&utm_campaign=My%20campaign%20name I have £7k available to invest and was wondering if any of you…
A question for those good at number crunching.
Over 12 months is a regular saver of £250 per month @ 3% better than a lump sum of £3000 @ 1.25% for the whole year? Calculations such as this are not my forte, so any help will be gratefully received!

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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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