Archive for May, 2012

May22

Britons Neglecting Their Pensions

Author: Tarriq | Leave a Comment >>

The high cost of living is forcing millions of UK workers to put off making contributions into a private pension according to pension experts Scottish Widows. Their survey reveals that as many as one in five people are failing to put any money into a pension which could lead to severe repercussions once they reach retirement age.
Scottish Widows estimate that workers need to be putting aside 12 per cent of their income into a pension plan every 12 months, but that a huge majority are failing to do so. They have urged that the government find a solution to this ever-growing problem:
“People are saving less for old age yet their expectations remain high as the majority fail to recognise the harsh reality of retirement.…

May16

Big Six Refuse To Give Any Energy Guarantees

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E.ON yesterday confirmed that they will be freezing their prices for the duration of 2012. Scottish & Southern have also recently announced a similar proposal which had led to predictions from some that it may mark the start of a price-war between the Big Six energy companies.
However, it seems that it may be wishful thinking as British Gas have revealed that they may have to raise the cost of bills by as much as £130 this winter, with other Big Six companies refusing to say either way as to whether or not they will cut or freeze their prices.
If companies were to follow E.ON and Scottish & Southern’s lead in the near future it is most likely to be a temporary measure as they could just as easily that they will up their prices in the New Year, at a time when most homes will be in dire need of heating.…

May10

Big Switch Results Set To Be Announced

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The 280,000 people who signed up to the Which? Big Switch campaign are today set to find out which energy supplier has come out on top and is able to offer them the best available energy tariff.
The scheme was first unveiled a couple of months ago and aims to utilise collective energy buying to help homeowners find a competitive price. Those companies taking part include EDF Energy, E.ON and Co-Operative Energy. However, British Gas and several others refused to take part due to a lack of scheme transparency and uncertainty as to how much Which? would profit from the campaign.
A Which? spokesman says: “If it is done right, we think joining together to negotiate a better deal should be good for hard-pressed energy customers.”

Desperate times call for desperate measures.…

May3

UK Housing Market Slump Continues

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Property experts Nationwide have reported that house prices have dropped for the fourth time in five months. They also estimate that house prices will stagnant or lower even further throughout the whole of 2012. This spells bad news for those who are currently looking to sell up as in large parts of the country there is little or no buyer interest.
Many property owners will be forced into lowering the overall valuation of their home to capture the attention of buyers, in some cases, not for the first time either. The chances of you capturing the true resale value of your home is something you will find extremely difficult unless you improve your property in some way.
At such times you need to consider home improvements.…