Category: Personal Finance

Pocket money survey reveals gender pay gap starts at an early age

Posted by admin – November 18, 2011


Despite the fact that many adults are still suffering from the after-effects of the financial downturn, it seems UK kids are better off than ever, according to research uncovered by the Halifax in their recent 2011 pocket money survey. Halifax polled 1,202 kids aged between eight and 15 from across the UK.

The research revealed that 2011 has shown the first increase in seven years, with the amount of money kids receive rising by 36 per cent, with the average weekly pocket money being a respectable £6.25. But the survey also revealed, perhaps unsurprisingly, that children in the south are paid more than those in the north, and that boys get an average 32p more a week than girls.

 

It makes you wonder what explains the differential between the amounts that boys and girls receive – at…

Be careful, it’s the ‘Accident season’!

Posted by admin – November 16, 2011


In preparation for what we have christened ‘the accident season’, we have invested in brand new technology that makes it the only online loan provider to make funds available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day – even on public and Bank Holidays.

 

Motivated by research that shows that the period between early November and Christmas is one of the ‘riskiest’ of the year for both potential accidents and emergencies that often strike causing huge unexpected expense, the new system means that people who fall victim to cash emergencies know that there is instant help at hand.

 

With the change of season, risks range from icy surfaces that can cause road accidents and pavement falls, as well the associated risks of an increased number of people driving to and from work…

Wise spending on holiday

Posted by admin – October 13, 2011


It’s all too easy, when on holiday, to throw caution to the wind and blow your budget, only living to regret it in the cold light of day when you get back home. Whether you’re about to take a late summer holiday, or are already thinking about planning a winter getaway, the next couple of blog posts will provide some tips to help you keep an eye on your purse strings.

 

1. Shop around

Before you go, if you’re looking to jet off abroad for a late summer holiday, make sure you shop around for last minute deals. As well as all the main travel agent websites, there are also many websites dedicated to snapping up last minute bargains. And if you’re willing to pack your bags and travel at short notice or you can be flexible…

Ways to build up a good credit rating

Posted by admin – September 15, 2011


Your credit rating determines your ability to secure a mortgage, credit cards and many loans. Your credit worthiness with a particular company is formulated using many factors, which include any past dealings you may have had with the company in question, information you have supplied on the application form, and official credit files from the three major credit agencies.

It’s important to do all in your power to improve your personal credit rating. A little while ago we looked at five ideas to improve a bad credit history. In this post we’ll look at other steps you can take to build a good credit rating, whether you have a bad credit history, or you’re attempting to build…

Best Personal finance apps for your Android device

Posted by admin – September 6, 2011


In the last post we looked at some personal finance apps for iPads and iPhones. But, not everyone owns an Apple device, and not ones to want to neglect any section of our audience, today we bring you our top picks of personal finance apps for Android devices.

1. Financisto

Available free of charge from Android Market, this handy app allows you to keep up with multiple accounts, schedule transactions and keep track of your budget in any currency.

2. Shoeboxed

A handy app that is useful for organising receipts for you – if you have a job that requires it. It can keep track of both personal and business expenses. Unlike most apps on this list however, there is a monthly fee for the use of Shoeboxed.

3. Mileage

…

Useful personal finance apps for the iPad, IPhone and iPod Touch

Posted by admin – September 1, 2011


As iPhones and iPads become ever more popular, developers are designing an increasing range of apps to enhance our daily lives. In this post we’ll look at five personal finance apps that could help you out with your day-to-day budgeting.

Personal finance mobile apps

iPhone apps

 

1. iDindi HD

If you run out of money before that next pay cheque comes in and don’t know why, this personal budgeting app could be for you. Easy to read charts show expenditures vs. income. It can also allow you to plan your personal budget to allow you to start or continue saving for a large purchase.

2. Grocery IQ, Free

Grocery IQ is allows you to make grocery…

A Potential Step Forward for Poorer UK Students?

Posted by admin – August 2, 2011


There’s always been a perception in the UK that university educations are mainly the preserve of more privileged families, and as a result, that lower income families are often unfairly discriminated against when it comes to higher education.

This is why the recent report by Lib Dem deputy leader Simon Hughes bodes well. Amongst other things, it recommends that all schools in England should have university scholarships made available for their poorest pupils.

The theory is that schools rather than universities should be able to give out bursaries of £3,000 to their three neediest students, allowing them to choose the university they’d like to go, taking the cash with them.

The plan is that this not insignificant amount of wonga would motivate students from lower income families to both think more seriously about higher…

Thriftiness Comes in Three Main Forms

Posted by admin – July 12, 2011


Being thrifty isn’t a bad thing; there are a lot of thrifty people in this world. Saving money anyway you can is very important as in today’s world getting the most for your buck is the only way to go. There are 3 main characteristics to being thrifty.

Looking for free things can be very rewarding. You can find a great deal if you know where to look. For example, you might find you can get a free hair cut at your local beauty college. If not free, perhaps they will do at reduced charge. You might find that certain places that you purchase car parts at offer free services such as free battery exchanges or a free oil change. These types of freebies will save you a buck.

Promotions are your friend and can save you a…