Natwest Moneysense

Lokolo

Ok so I saw an advert on TV just a minute ago (damn X Factor) and it was saying that Natwest have a new service which offers people (not sure if you can be a non customer and still go), the chance to have a chat with someone about financial situations.

Now, I suspect many of you are thinking that they will try to flog you something (Inactive...), however, they have stated that they will not be trying to sell you anything in their suggestions.

I think its a brilliant idea and all banks should do it! Although I think a lot less people would come on here.

http://moneysense.natwest.com/natwest/adults.asp

456789

"straightforward, impartial guidance on understanding your money" for some reason i don't believe them

edit: there is a link pointing to "Find out more about the NatWest Step Account." on the basic bank accounts section of that website so how is it impartial if they only link you to their own account? lol

also: Information about our credit card products.

They should really not link to any of their products directly imo if they want to be impartial...

Kavanne

I have been led to believe they are specially training up moneysense advisors in the branches to help in all areas of budgeting.

Of course there are links to natwest products on a natwest website. It hardly says 'the only basic bank account you can have is a Natwest Step account.' And have you also not noticed how RBS group are now no longer trying to flog single premium PPI!!

anniecave

I've recently opened a step account and I receive a "sense" magazine in the post from Natwest - some quite good stuff in there, but pretty similar to what you get on this website really!

I believe Lloyds TSB are doing a similar thing - having advisors in branches to help you with generally managing your money.

ShelfStacker_3

See, it's a good enough idea, really; a lot of people trust their bank (for better or for worse) so they might take any advice given on board, and it's not unexpected for NatWest to want to pimp their own products if they could be of use.

I can hardly see it as a bad thing, sales-related or not.

ShelfStacker_3

ldavies wrote: »

HSBC will have something very similar real soon..... it has to happen me thinks considering current climate and the expectations for the next year or so

They already do I think, in a more general sense. Very low key though - they have a budget planner akin to the MSE one on their website, and a "putting your finances in order" leaflet. Nowhere as in-depth as the MSE one or NatWest's though, it must be said.

Extant

I think everybody is doing this, or something similar, at the moment.

I recall some talk of Sainsbury's having in-store impartial financial advice or something, as well.

Lokolo

ShelfStacker wrote: »

They already do I think, in a more general sense. Very low key though - they have a budget planner akin to the MSE one on their website, and a "putting your finances in order" leaflet. Nowhere as in-depth as the MSE one or NatWest's though, it must be said.

Why don't you go for that job? Clearly would be a bit more exciting than being a cashier, especially in crappy Bucks!

anna42hmr

its an extension of a project they started in the late 90's trying to educate school kids about money which imo can only be a good thing

Lokolo

anna42hmr wrote: »

its an extension of a project they started in the late 90's trying to educate school kids about money which imo can only be a good thing

Well they never came to my school! B*stards!

anna42hmr

Lokolo wrote: »

Well they never came to my school! B*stards!

they didnt go to mine either unfortunatly, but i know they went to the boys school down to road from us, cant remmeber what the lads said about it as its going back 10 years or so i think