According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the cost of living has increased, which is why SSI payments have increased 1.7 percent for 2015. Despite this increase, living on a fixed income can still be difficult. The COLA (cost of living adjustment) reflects inflation currently present in the world; it’s not a raise. Whether you’re… Read more
3 ways to save on your energy bills at home
With energy prices soaring, one thing you want to really check is how much you are paying in month for your energy bills. I own a three bed flat in Guildford, and at the moment I have four people living under that roof. Yet, I have managed to keep my utility bills under… Read more
How to Shop Around for the Best Loan Rates
Just because you get a good offer on a loan, it does not mean that you should jump on it immediately. It is always recommended that consumers shop around for the best loan rates. Today, we will discuss how this can be done effectively and save you some time. Check Interest Rates One of the… Read more
Is private jet hire viable for business travel?
Flying by private jet seems like the sort of luxury travel that should be reserved for Presidents in disaster movies and big business. But that needn’t be true. In fact, if you have business to do overseas then there are some instances where using a private charter flight could actually save you a whole lot… Read more
The Identity Thief’s Shopping List
Today, one in eight people are victims of identity fraud. Why? Because it’s easy. There is an array of seemingly inconspicuous items and pieces of information that an identity thief can easily acquire – mostly due to the fraud victim not realising their significance or not disposing of them properly. Knowing which items can leave… Read more
Informed Investing: The Ups and Downs of UK Property Auctions
There are pros and cons to many things when it comes to property and investing and the auction route is certainly one of those routes that can divide opinion. If you are looking to buy a house at auction or sell your existing property, there are some very worthwhile tips and rules that you would… Read more
What are you doing for your retirement?
Do you remember your first job, and when you had to decide whether you wanted to contribute to your company’s pension plan or not? I certainly do, and what I remember is that it was pretty confusing. The company offered a match up to a certain percentage of my income, but they were very vague… Read more
How to change career like a boss within your current company
When every day at the office feels a little too much like the worst day of the week and you’re feeling a little stale, bored and/or out of options, it’s time to seriously re-assess your work and career (or lack of it!). Perhaps you’ve already found yourself spending a little too much time on Linkedin,… Read more
What is a credit score checklist?
Money worries are something almost everyone has been through, so knowing that you would be able to secure a loan in an emergency can be a real comfort when such concerns arise. But whether it is a credit card, a mortgage or a loan, most companies will use your credit score as a guideline… Read more
The art of raising financially responsible kids
There was an appalling piece of data in Scottish Friendly’s latest press release: 1.5 million out of the 6.3 million active Child Trust Funds have been identified as “zombie accounts”, which means there were no contributions made to the accounts since the child was born, somewhere between 2002 and 2011. Some parents have left… Read more
Close calls when you think “Man, I should get life insurance”
Remember all those times where you said “wow, that was close”? I’d like to share a few of mine today, just to remember that no one is invincible. First day in London, exploring the city. The first thing that struck me were the cars driving “on the other side of the road”. The… Read more
Personal Finance for Beginners: Tips on Budgeting Your Lifestyle to Improve Your Credit Score
Not too many people are aware of the damage their credit score can cause until they try to apply for something and get denied. Your credit score and history could ultimately make it much harder (and more expensive) for you to acquire the things you want most in life. Whether you’re applying for a job,… Read more