Top tips for recycling, freebie and stuff online
March 1, 2009
What did we do before eBay? As my friend Hannah says, ‘We’ve bought all sorts of things – a fireplace, a violin, a tent, even a fairy castle.’ All the excitement of an auction at bargain prices.
A Grassroots movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their area. It ideal for people to contact each other with stuff they want to give away for free, that would otherwise end up in the rubbish heap.
Gumtree (owned by ebay) is a local London classified ads and community site similar to popular US based craiglist.org . There are items for sale, for free and to swap.
Credit Crunch Myths
January 27, 2009
credit crunch myths
Credit Crunch Myth 1 – Your money isn’t safe anywhere
Confidence in what most people thought were rock solid bank institutions has been shaken at their roots by the credit crunch. However the banks
The answer is to spread your money, and in so doing so, your risk too. Have some cash in an instant access account, put some into a higher-paying fixed-interest account if you can set the money aside for a year or two and then keep an eye on the markets so you’re poised and ready to take decisive action when the flight back to equities starts.
Credit Crunch Myth 2 – Borrowing money is impossible
Lenders have toughened up their lending criteria and pulled many of the deals they used to offer, so it’s true to say that there are only a fraction of deals out there now. But it’s not true to say borrowing has dried up completely. Banks need to lend; it’s part of what they do.
Credit Crunch Myth 3 – You can’t get a credit card
Although many lenders have tighten their requirements, with 100’s of credit card offers still on offer you just need to shop around and find one that suits your needs.
Credit Crunch Myth 4 – It not worth saving money in banks
With interest rates at record lows all over the world, saving accounts now offer little or no returns. However you can search for certain high paying accounts which offer up to 4%.
Credit Crunch Myth 5 – It’s the worst economic situation this century
Remember America in the 30’s, unemployment was running at about 30%, the stock market index had dropped by 90% & millions of depositors lost their savings.
Credit Crunch Myth 6 – No one’s job is safe
While certain job sectors like the financial sector will be effected greatly by the credit crunch, many industries will be fine.
Credit Crunch Myth 7 – The government isn’t doing to help
Governments across the world are spending billions to overcome the credit crunch problem.
Tips To Avoid Financial Disaster Online
January 25, 2009
financial disaster
Be Proactive with your finances
Get it all sorted now and if the worst happens, you can focus on what’s most important – your safety.
Get Protection for your Cards Online
If your cards are stolen or there is fraud, they’ll all be stopped quickly and efficiently. Sign up for Credit / Debit Card Protection online through your current card provider.
Alternatively you can purchase independent credit card protection:
Ensure you’re insured in your life
- Home / Content insurance
- Life Insurance
- Medical Insurance
Protect your Phone
If you have an expensive phone it worth getting mobile phone insurance.
Tips to Cut The Cost Of Debt online
January 25, 2009
cut the cost debt
Borrow less
Lenders often tempt you into borrowing more than you actually need. Larger loans mean bigger profits for banks, so it makes sense to borrow as little as you can
- Only borrow the exacty amount
Reduce the interest rate
Do pay attention to the interest rate and fees being charged. However, don’t be duped by the headline APR, as this can be misleading.
- Ask current finance company to reduce interest rates
- Look for a cheaper rate
Transfer your debt
One way to cut the interest rate you’re paying is to transfer existing debts to a new home.
Make more frequent repayments
By paying more frequently, you chip away at your debt faster and, therefore, bring down its cost.
- Check with mortgage companies
Repay over a shorter period
Time is always a function of credit, because the shorter the time period, the lower the interest bill.
- Reduce mortgage length
- Use overpayment opportunity
