 |  | By Julia Kukiewicz Staff Writer Friday, 7 March 2008 |
Other recent money news and guides
Free flights with an easyJet credit card!
easyJet has launched an air miles scheme that allows you to earn Miles on the easyJet credit card for money off easyJet.com flights. New cardholders will be able to get £40 worth of free flights just by spending £250 or more within the first 3 months.
Who gets you flying the furthest: BA, AirMiles or Tesco?
Tesco Clubcard points can be converted into BA Miles or AirMiles™ and at a not too shabby rate either. With the Tesco Clubcard credit card offering 5 Clubcard points for each £4 spent at Tesco - it begs the question as to whether or not it's more lucrative to spend on a Tesco branded credit card over an airline one. Calculations are churned and we reveal just how far you can fly on your supermarket shop.
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IT'S a bad week for savers as banks cut interest rates more than the Bank of England's base rate cuts. That and more in this week's sideways glance at the world of personal finance.
More money help – this time from the Government
THE government is investing £12 million into a new financial planning scheme which they hope will save consumers £15 billion over the next 50 years.
The nationwide scheme will give advice to customers on all aspects of financial planning, online, over the phone and face to face.
So far it has received a lukewarm response from big firms such as Zurich, however, who seem unwilling to foot their half of the £49m annual running costs.
We'll put their reticence down to embarrassment - after all, it wouldn't be in their interest to have a financially ill-educated public would it?
Bad news for savers as banks slash interest rates
IT looks like consumers could use some advice, too, as banks continue to lower interest rates more than the 0.25% Bank of England cut.
Saga, Egg and Icesave have all lowered their rates significantly more than the national rate cut, putting their customers at a considerable disadvantage.
Even more than this they have lowered them despite statements from banks such as Lloyds TSB, the Woolwich, HSBC and First Direct which claim that they will pass on the interest until March.
Northern Rock gathers no moss...
THEY say a rolling stone gathers no moss, taking this axiom to extremes this week is what we must legally call 'troubled' bank Northern Rock from whom the moss of controversy seems to be shedding by the day.
It's the bank's rivals who have been incensed as customers flock back to the company they so recently clambered over one another to get their money away from.
The increased interest available on accounts plus the bank of England's promises to bail out the bank have proved enough to entice customer's back. Let's hope they don't get burnt a second time.
Making it Easier to be Green (if you're an ISA)
IF the Tories get their way then we could all save thousands of pounds - not to mention the environment - with 'green' ISAs.
Under the plans consumers who put money into 'green' companies would pay significantly less tax on their investments.
A kitemark would distinguish the companies who have officially sunk enough cash into being environmentally responsible. At the moment businesses such as Marks and Spencer and Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKlein would qualify.
We won't be fooled into calling these ethical ISAs then, bearing in mind the continuing investigation into GSK's involvement in the oil-for-food scandal and Unite's claims that M&S mistreats its suppliers...
And finally, if you only do one thing this week...
AND finally if you only do one thing in this financial week it should be to open an ISA for your savings before the 07/08 deadline kicks in on 5 April.
If you think ISAs are just places for toffs and the super-rich to stash their stocks then think again. Anyone with savings can open one and they're a great and completely legitimate way to protect your money - up to £3000 a year - from being taxed.
Barclays Instant Access Tax Haven ISA is a great place to start looking. You get a massive 6.5% AER interest and can start an account with as little as £1.
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