Monthly Archives: July 2010

Banks, Business, Currency, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Software, Financial Solutions, Financial Statements, Forex, Investment, Money, Profits, Trading

Saxo Bank Celebrates Success Of Its Sponsorship During Tour De France

With Andy Schleck as team leader, the Saxo Bank team won four stages, the youth competition and finished in second place overall. Saxo Bank remained front and centre as the cycling drama unfolded, from Fabian Cancellara’s time trial win in the Rotterdam prologue and Andy Schleck’s seventeenth stage victory in the Pyrenees Mountains to the finale on Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

Bringing Saxo Bank fans together to support the team during this year’s Tour de France was an important goal for Saxo Bank in its third season as sponsor of the team. The online bank organised on-site events that let fans and clients experience the race closer than ever before. In Rotterdam, Bruxelles, Avoriaz and Paris, hundreds of guests were given a chance to watch the race as VIPs, meet the riders for autographs and photos and see the mechanics working on the bikes.

Saxo Bank also provided exclusive online coverage on its website, Saxobanktakingthelead.com, including incredible behind-the-scenes looks at Team Saxo Bank’s tactics, training and, of course, the bikes. In addition to the website, Saxo Bank knit the community of cycling enthusiasts and Saxo Bank fans together with real-time race updates and the latest Tour de France developments directly on their computer or mobile phones via Twitter and other social media activities.

Saxo Bank’s Tour de France facts and figures:

– Searches for the Saxo Bank brand on Google doubled over the course of the Tour. – The saxobanktakingthelead.com website had an increase of 459.79% growth in absolute Unique Visitors during the Tour.
– The Saxobank Twitter feed received a record 4,678 followers.

Via EPR Network
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Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services

Aetna Life Insurance Offers New Services

The LifeInsurance.org News Center reported today that Aetna Life Insurance recently announced some new company service additions. One added option includes a process for expediting claim payments when a loved one passes. The life insurance company has also put into place a method for making funeral planning available to policy holders and their beneficiaries.

What To Expect From The New Services
The new funeral planning services include allowing customers 24/7 access to specialists for advice and suggestions, extensive coordination resources and other services that should help defray costs for individuals dealing with a loss. During such difficult times, members as well as their beneficiaries can get useful assistance to make the best and most appropriate decisions for what can often be a costly experience. To further assist with absorbing some of the expense, Aetna has also implemented a service for speeding along claims for payment to help pay for the funeral beforehand. Such increased value of services help Aetna tailor life insurance policies specifically to customer needs.

The company has also announced its offering of a new program, Aetna Life Essentials. This plan gives members invaluable access to various financial and legal services. The program also provides incentives for clients to maintain their health by offering discounts on gym memberships, exercise equipment and hearing and vision resources. Customers and beneficiaries can also visit licensed social workers for counseling on disabilities or other serious medical conditions.

Scott Beeman, head of Aetna Life Insurance, spoke about the new services. “Our customers are looking to us to provide value-added services aimed at protecting and rewarding talented employees.” He went on to say, “Life insurance is an important part of the benefits package our customers offer their employees, so providing more than just benefit payouts is critical. Our offerings provide information and access to resources on avariety of issues including funeral costs, financial advice, estate planning and legal services. These services can truly make a difference for consumers at a time when they need it most.”

Via EPR Network
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Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Money

LV= Warns Of £264m Repair Bill For Alcohol-Fuelled Home Accidents

LV= is warning that accidents caused by Brits drinking and partying at home this summer is predicted to leave UK homeowners with a total repair bill of £264 million*.

New research by LV= home insurance suggests that the explosive combination of the football world cup and hot weather has fuelled a boom in alcohol-related accidents, as Brits increasingly hold parties at home. Based on last year’s breakages, 73,000 TV/computer/games console accidents, 686,000 stains on carpets, and 955,500 breakages have already happened this summer.

Of last year’s accidents 56% admitted that alcohol was involved and 31% stated the guest who did the damage was ‘quite drunk’ when the accident happened. A further 44% admitted they were ‘a bit tipsy’ at the time. The most common accident was broken glass or crockery (29%), followed by spillages causing damage to furniture (22%) or stained and damaged carpets (20%).

LV= is warning homeowners to ensure they opt for accidental damage cover as part of their home contents insurance, so that if any serous mishaps occur they are not left out of pocket paying to put the damage right.

Via EPR Network
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Financial, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Personal Finance

Insure4USA.com Goes Social With Twitter for Expands Social Outreach

Insure4USA.com, a leading independent online insurance service has adopted social networking site, Twitter, to keep in close contact with its growing list of followers. According to Alex, CEO of Insure4USA.com, the insurance industry thrives on information and communication. Moreover, the industry is best suited to leverage social networking to the fullest. A huge workforce, a client base of various ages, and the constant need to liaise with various partners such as doctors, claims adjusters, and regulators, to name a few, can be best met through social networking.

Alex says, “People have changed the way they access information online and seek quicker and more personal attention when they look for affordable insurance. There is a variety of information to share with our customers concerning changes in insurance rules, policy updates, quotes, and much more. In this respect we found Twitter to be a powerful tool that reaches not only peoples computers, but their cell phones as well.”

No longer does the industry need to take a conservative approach to new technologies and business practices. Social networking is all about sharing information, and when it comes to an important issue like life, health, or even auto insurance, Insure4USA.com feels it must go the full distance to enhance internal communication. The website now whole-heartedly embraces social networking and plans to expand its horizons to other sites as well.

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Checking & Savings, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Money, Personal Finance

Barclaycard Customers Stay Alert To Spending With mybarclaycard

mybarclaycard, the next-generation online account servicing system offered to Barclaycard customers, will now provide SMS and email alerts to enable customers to keep on top of their spending when out and about.

The new service offers Barclaycard customers the choice of up to six alerts:
– Account balance
– Notification of statements posted online
– Payments due
– Payments received
– Spending limit reached
– Balance limit

One set of alerts is available for every credit card account, allowing customers complete control and flexibility over how they manage their finances. Customers opt in for these free alerts if they wish to receive them, and can select the ones they feel are most relevant to them. They also have the option to set their own spending limits, and to choose whether to receive full alerts via email, or SMS alerts containing a link to the online system and a description of the alert in question.

mybarclaycard alerts are the latest addition to Barclaycard’s range of online services, and form part of Barclaycard’s wider strategy to encourage customers to try paperless email and SMS in place of traditional channels. By offering a proactive electronic alerts system, mybarclaycard now offers additional support to customers who might otherwise be reluctant to go paperless.

mybarclaycard is the next generation of online card and banking services, offering customers new ways to interpret and manage their spending. It enables customers to personalise their pages, and offers visual representations of spend to make card management easier.

In addition to mybarclaycard, Barclaycard customers can also take advantage of Barclaycard Freedom, the broadest rewards scheme in the UK, which allows customers to earn and redeem Reward Money in pounds and pence in thousands of retailers across the UK without the need to carry additional cards or vouchers. Customers also enjoy the flexibility of contactless technology: payments of £15 and under can be made with just a simple swipe; all backed up by Barclaycard’s advanced security and fraud prevention measures.

Via EPR Network
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Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Money, Personal Finance

M&S Money Urges Householders To Secure Their Sheds

A new survey by M&S Money* has revealed that the average shed now holds £988 worth of contents – an increase of £100 from the 2009 figure**.

The most expensive items that people keep in their sheds are lawnmowers (38%), bikes (28%) and DIY equipment/tools (22%). However, the survey found that almost half of people questioned (49%) admitted they leave their shed unlocked at times. This figure has doubled in the past year, from just under a quarter (24%) in 2009.

Almost a fifth (18%) of respondents in this year’s survey revealed they frequently leave their shed unlocked and, only 12% of respondents felt that their shed was very secure against burglary and would deter thieves.

M&S Money is urging householders to check that their home insurance policy covers items in their shed. M&S Home Insurance policy provides unlimited cover for theft of property from a shed. Policyholders must take reasonable steps to ensure they have secured their shed.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S Head of General Insurance, said: “The value of items kept in sheds can mount up, as our survey shows. We would urge householders to check whether their home insurance policy provides adequate cover for theft from a shed, and what security measures they may need to demonstrate to ensure any claims made are valid.”

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Education, Financial Services, Loans, Money

Pioneer Services’ Fort Hood Office Chosen As One Of ‘The Very Best In Central Texas’

The Fort Hood Pioneer Services’ office was honored recently when a reader’s poll in the Killeen Daily Herald, the area’s 100-year old daily newspaper, named the company one of the best places to get a loan in the Central Texas region. The annual “Central Texas ‘ 100 Best” poll is an opportunity for the community to vote on where they go to find the region’s best products and services. The 2010 winners were announced in the June 27, 2010, edition of the daily publication.

“We are honored that the community chose Pioneer Services as one of the best places for Fort Hood service members and military families to get a loan,” said Romy Mortel, branch manager of Pioneer Services’ Fort Hood office. “Our primary mission is to improve the quality of life for military families and support the community, so it’s nice to know that our associates’ hard work is appreciated and recognized, not only by our customers, but by the broader community as well.”

The poll, initially launched in May, asked readers to complete a write-in ballot telling the newspaper where to find the best businesses and services in more than 100 categories, and generated nearly 6,000 responses. Winners receive a certificate of recognition and a banner to display at their establishment that highlights the honor.

Pioneer Services, the military banking division of MidCountry Bank, provides financial services and award-winning education to members of the Armed Forces. F or more than 20 years , Pioneer Services has been a leader in military lending, offering military loans, retail lending, VA loans, and award-winning financial education programs through a network of offices and on the Internet. The Pioneer Services Ft. Hood office, located at 202 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd, Killeen, TX, has been proudly supporting military families and the community through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships since 1997.

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Checking & Savings, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Money, Personal Finance

Barclaycard Rollercoaster Extreme Shoots To Top Spot

Barclaycard Rollercoaster Extreme has shot to the top spot in app charts in 40 countries since it launched. In just over two weeks this worldwide phenomenon has sparked over 4.3million downloads, as fans across the world clamour for position at the head of Barclaycard’s global leader board, and a chance to win a once in a lifetime trip to Las Vegas.

The competitive lure of Rollercoaster Extreme has made the game into a truly worldwide phenomenon with no fewer than twelve countries now represented in the current top twenty leaderboard, from Sweden to Thailand and Tajikistan. Argentina currently leads the pack, closely followed by Japan, Germany and the USA, and new gamers continue to sign up to challenge their position at the top of the rankings.

And it is well worth the challenge. Each month from now until December, Barclaycard will reward the gamer at the top of the leaderboard with an Apple iPad, and in January 2011, the top four players will be invited to Las Vegas for a global play-off. All four will stay at the New York, New York hotel in Las Vegas where they can ride a real rollercoaster among the New York landmarks around the outside of the building before battling it out for the ultimate prize of £50,000.

Hannah Deans, Senior Digital and New Media Manager, Barclaycard said: “We are thrilled to see the public embrace Rollercoaster Extreme with such enthusiasm. The number of downloads to date is fantastic, and we hope the global challenge will encourage people to enjoy the game to the full over the next six months.”

Via EPR Network
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Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Money, Personal Finance

Vetfone Prepares For Summertime Calls

Vetfone, an animal advice helpline available to M&S Pet Insurance customers, is preparing for its busiest times of the year and getting ready to deal with calls from dog owners whose pets have been injured or become ill because of summertime hazards.

Vetfone Prepares For Summertime Calls

In previous year’s Vetfone’s qualified veterinary nurses, who provide concerned animal lovers with immediate advice on a pet’s condition, have reported a large increase in the number of calls from policyholders whose dogs have succumbed to various summer related hazards. The service provided by the advice line is especially important and has often proved invaluable for M&S Pet Insurance customers, with around 70% of calls being made outside of normal veterinary hours.

The summer months can prove to be especially dangerous to pets for a number of reasons, as the barbeque season really gets underway and the sunny encourages owners to get outside and play with their dogs more frequently, not to mention the risks of pets ingesting new seasonal objects they shouldn’t, such as poisonous berries or fallen nuts.

Vetfone deputy operations manager, Clare Scantlebury, said: “It’s lovely for pets and their owners to enjoy being out and about during the summer, but they need to be aware of hidden dangers, which although rare, do cause real problems.”

Via EPR Network
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Debts, Financial, Financial Information, IVA, Loans, Money, Personal Finance

Debt Solutions Company Scottish Trust Deed Welcomes The Bank Of England’s Decision To Keep The Interest Rate On Hold

The company backed the Bank of England’s decision saying this will restore some faith to consumer doubts over the fragile state of the economy.

The company also said this is at least one positive that can be taken f r o m the downturn of the economy, and added that this indicates the central banks Monetary Policy Committee is more concerned about protecting the recovery of the economy than increasing fears of a double dipped recession.

Last month, for the first time since November, the Monetary Policy Committee’s decision was split.

This current base rate marks a point in history as being the seventeenth straight month in which the rate has remained at a low of 0.5%. In a move which may create more controversy, the Bank of England also decided to put a hold on its quantitative easing programme, which is designed to filter newly created money into the economy.

An expert at Debt Solutions company Scottish Trust Deed commented: “The banks decision to hold the interest rate will be welcome news to families on a low income as this is the sector that feels the brunt of the recession more than any of us”.

“The average family in the UK needs an annual income of around £29,000 just to afford life’s basics. Inflation has risen but salaries haven’t. An average person ten years ago with a basic wage, whose salary has increased with inflation cannot afford to live in today’s current financial climate”.

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Checking & Savings, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Money, Personal Finance

Barclaycard Launches Barclaycard Platinum Purchase

Barclaycard has announced the launch of Barclaycard Platinum Purchase, the all in one solution for balance transfers and purchases.

Under the new scheme, Barclaycard customers can take advantage of twelve months interest free on credit card balance transfers, for a fee of just 2.9%. In addition to this, they will enjoy twelve months interest free on purchases, making the card a solution for customers who want to pay off an existing balance without being penalised by high charges on purchases.

At the end of the twelve month period, interest will be charged at 16.9% APR.

Barclaycard Platinum 0 Purchase credit cards are a good option for those wishing to make frequent purchases on their card such as petrol, food and travel. By offering this interest free period on both balance transfers and purchases, Barclaycard enables customers to effectively plan repayments and day to day spending over the twelve months.

Cardholders will also enjoy a range of associated benefits delivered by Barclaycard: from Barclaycard Freedom, the broadest rewards scheme in the UK, to revolutionary online account management with mybarclaycard and the exclusive music world of Barclaycard Unwind.

Barclaycard Freedom allows customers to earn and redeem reward money in pounds and pence in thousands of retailers across the UK without the need to carry additional cards or vouchers. Customers will also enjoy the flexibility of contactless technology: payments of £15 and under can be made by simply holding the card over the contactless reader, backed up by Barclaycard’s advanced security and fraud prevention measures.

Via EPR Network
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Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Money, Personal Finance

M&S Money Finds Brits Stick To What They Know And Love

M&S Money has found in its latest survey that once trust has been earned by a service provider, whether they are a dentist through to a shop keeper, loyal Brits will keep returning time and time again. On average, Brits’ relationships with their favourite shops and people do stand the test of time, according to new research by M&S Money to mark the company’s 25th anniversary.

M&S Money Finds Brits Stick To What They Know And Love

The results of the survey showed that people have firm favourites among their shopkeepers and other professionals, with over 3.4 million having remained loyal to their favourites for 20 years or more. Six out of 10 said that good customer service is the main reason they have continued to stay loyal to a person or business and over half cite reliability and good value for money.

Colin Kersley, chief executive of M&S Money, said: “Consumers will evidently stick with businesses and people who deliver great service and look after their customers. Most people can name someone they trust completely, whether cutting their hair, managing their money, decorating their house or fixing their car.

“People clearly feel strongly about good customer service, reliability and trustworthiness as these are reasons why they stay loyal for so long. After 25 years in business, M&S Money has stood the test of time and we know how important it is to continue earning the loyalty of our customers.”

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Business, Currency, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Software, Financial Solutions, Financial Statements, Forex, Investment, Money, Profits, Trading

Saxo Bank Launches New Suite Of Free Forex Widgets

Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, is launching a new Forex Content Sharing Program, with a suite of freshly-designed Forex widgets that bring real-time FX prices, charts and commentary, to any website or blog.

Saxo Bank Launches New Suite Of Free Forex Widgets

Forex Trading widgets are ‘mini web pages’ which add live, continually updating FX content to a website. Seven customisable web widgets, including a Forex Quote List, Currency Converter, Forex Ticker, real-time Forex Chart, Economic Calendar, Price Alert and Market Call videos, are now available to webmasters and bloggers who register as Content Sharing Partners. Each widget is based on Flash components, making it simple to add them to any platform, including Facebook, WordPress and Blogger.

“Widgets are becoming increasingly popular as internet tools. Ours allow users to add live Forex content to any website, whether it’s a financial site, an FX trading blog or a travel site offering its customers real-time currency conversions,” said Adrian Coxon, Saxo Bank’s head of Online Marketing.”With our Content Sharing Program, Saxo Bank is making it easier than ever for a variety of websites to add Forex information that will be relevant and useful to their visitors.”

“All of our widgets have been re-designed for today’s blogs and websites,” Coxon added, “And we’re particularly excited to be adding streaming video with Market Call, which delivers video updates from Saxo Bank’s renowned Forex analysts directly to our Partner’s websites.”

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Checking & Savings, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Money, Personal Finance

Barclaycard Launch Global iPhone Game And Competition

Barclaycard is inviting people across the world to ride Rollercoaster Extreme, bringing the concept of the rollercoaster advertising campaign to the iPhone.

In the advert, aired for the first time in January 2010, the main character enjoys a hassle free journey to work on a rollercoaster, riding high above the clutter and congestion of the world below. In Rollercoaster Extreme, players will ride the rollercoaster through four New York environments, avoiding the obstacles and racing against the clock.

The new Barclaycard rollercoaster game ‘Rollercoaster Extreme’ looks set to be bigger and better, offering an improved gaming experience and a competitive edge with top prizes at stake. The global vision of the competition reflects the global presence and ambitions of the Barclaycard brand. This is the first time Barclaycard has created a global community of gamers.

Hannah Deans, Senior Digital and New Media Manager, Barclaycard said: “Rollercoaster Extreme is an exciting development for Barclaycard. We are building on the success of the advertising campaign and the overwhelming success we experienced with Waterslide Extreme, offering customers the chance to engage with the rollercoaster concept, but also encouraging Barclaycard fans across the world to get involved in an innovative global challenge. The game is sure to be a big success, particularly with such great prizes on offer.”

Via EPR Network
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Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Money

LV Reports Holidaymakers Ignoring Vital Vaccinations

LV= has reported that holidaymakers are putting themselves at risk of serious illness by not having recommended travel vaccinations, as GPs report a rise in the cost of jabs.

According to travel insurer LV=, more than a quarter (26%) of holidaymakers travelling in the past 12 months went without the recommended vaccinations for illnesses such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Diphtheria.

The LV= report found that most of the holidaymakers who didn’t have jabs (19%) simply didn’t bother to seek medical advice and so were unaware of the health risks they could potentially face and one in fifteen (7%) actually ignored medical advice to be vaccinated.

The research found that cost is contributing to holidaymakers’ reticence to have the appropriate vaccinations, with more than one in ten (12%) who didn’t have vaccinations doing so for financial reasons. As part of the LV= report, GP practices were also questioned about their vaccination prices and close to half (43%) reported a rise in the cost of vaccinations over the past five years. The cost of Malaria tablets has increased most steeply, increasing by more than 11%.

Via EPR Network
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