The Financial Services Authority has written to 19 firms operating insurance price comparison websites to highlight concerns about the fair treatment of consumers. The FSA believe Consumers may be being misled about the services they are receiving from price comparison sites. For example, consumers may believe that they are receiving a quote based on their individual demands and needs when they are actually receiving an illustrative quote based on a set of generic risk criteria. To find out more follow [...]

Despite their best intentions, 17 million adults (35%) admit to neglecting their finances. 12 May, 2011 The second annual Scottish Widows Priorities of Life Index shows that of the 17 million adults who cannot focus on their finances as much as they’d like, 21% said this was because they had too much debt to feel financially secure, 32% are not paid enough, and a quarter (25%) simply try not to think about money in their day to day lives. Commenting, [...]

The High Court has ruled today in favour of the Financial Services Authority in relation to the mis-selling of Payment Protection Insurance. The British Bankers’ Association launched a judicial review in January in response to the FSA’s approach to the handling of PPI complaints. The FSA suggested that retrospective compensation should be in place for the mis-selling of PPI, which would lead to up to £2.7bn in compensation being paid to 2.7 million people. The ruling means all cases will [...]

Nearly half of working women describe themselves as the main earners in their family yet millions do not protect themselves. 10 February, 2011 A new report from Bright Grey reveals that 46% of working women currently describe themselves as the main earner in their household. But it’s not all good news as the Women and protection report also suggests that women are actually less likely than men to have financial back-up should they suddenly be unable to work. The ‘Women [...]

We all know that it makes sense in our financial plans to keep some of our savings – investments in cash so that we can access them in an emergency. ISA’s (Individual Savings Accounts) are the most tax efficient way for most of us as the interest is tax free and (and gains for a stocks & shares ISA) we can put away £5,100 per annum in cash ISA and £10,200 p.a. in a stocks & shares ISA

As the property market continues to be uncertain, many people are putting on hold their plans to sell their homes until the situation improves. For many retired people, who have built up a substantial amount of equity in their homes, a lifetime mortgage can allow them to improve their quality of life now, without the need to sell their home. Customers can do this by using a lifetime mortgage. Mr & Mrs C had considered downsizing as they lived in [...]

We live in an uncertain world where maintaining financial security is essential for us all. That’s why you need to make sure that you, your home, family, income and lifestyle are financially protected if the worst should happen. Mark Gregory offers a range of protection products for you and your family’s financial protection. Life cover can help your family should you die prematurely, income protection can provide cover if you suffer accidental injury or illness and critical illness can provide [...]

The Bank of England again this month decided to keep the interest rate at 0.5% for the 14th consecutive month. After comments made by the Bank of England Governor, Mervyn King, on 12th May, economists suggested that the Bank could keep interest rates at their record low well into next year. Also, The Mortgage Works launched a range of Buy To Let products at 80% loan to value – which is excellent news for investment buyers who have been struggling [...]

You may have heard that the government is trying to encourage all of us to take more responsibility for our income in retirement. In 2012 the UK Government will introduce a new pension scheme to the UK. Previously known as Personal Accounts, pensions minister Angela Eagle announced the new brand – The National Employment Savings Trust – NEST on 7th January 2010. The initiative is part of an overall general pensions reform strategy and will create a significant change in the way [...]