Category Archives: Financial Information

Financial Information

Checking & Savings, Debts, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Loans, Money, Mortgage, Personal Finance

The Importance of Keeping on Top of Mortgage Payments

Responding to the news that the number of homeowners falling behind on their mortgage payments has risen by almost a third (31%) in the past year, debt consolidation company DebtAdvisersDirect.co.uk has emphasised the importance of keeping on top of mortgage payments, adding that a mortgage should be the top priority for any homeowner.

The company added that borrowers who are having difficulty with their mortgage payments should seek expert debt help as soon as the problem emerges.

The latest figures from the FSA (Financial Services Authority) showed that there were 377,000 borrowers in arrears on their mortgages at the end of 2008 – up 10% in the final quarter alone, and 31% higher than the same period in 2007.

The figures refer to mortgage accounts in arrears by 1.5% or more of the borrowed balance, roughly equivalent to arrears of at least three months.

The figures mean that 3.4% of all mortgages were in arrears at the end of 2008, compared with 2.3% at the end of 2007. Meanwhile, new repossessions increased by 60% compared with the same time period in 2007.

A spokesperson for Debt Advisers Direct said: “We would expect an increase in the number of homeowners falling behind on their mortgage debt in recent months, but these statistics show just how quickly it is occurring.

“Considering the economy is potentially about to enter a more severe stage of the recession, it’s very important that homeowners are careful with their finances and avoid falling behind on their debt repayments.

“In particular, a mortgage should be the number one priority for any homeowner. It is important that all debts are repaid on time, but a mortgage pays for the borrower’s home – and as such, failing to keep up on payments could eventually result in the home being repossessed.”

The spokesperson also said that if other debts are making it difficult to pay the mortgage, a professional debt adviser may be able to recommend a suitable debt solution that could make the borrower’s unsecured debts more manageable.

“There are few debt solutions that deal directly with mortgage repayments, although in some cases a debt adviser may be able to negotiate with mortgage lenders for a reduction in payments. However, a debt solution that deals with the borrower’s unsecured debts could reduce the homeowners monthly outgoings, and therefore make it easier for them to meet their mortgage payments.”

The Debt Advisers Direct spokesperson added that if the situation becomes more serious and the homeowner cannot see a way of repaying their debts in full, an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) could help them avoid bankruptcy by paying off an agreed percentage of their debts, and therefore help them avoid losing their home.

“If the homeowner can agree a repayment plan for their mortgage arrears, then an IVA can be arranged around that, meaning both the homeowner’s mortgage and their unsecured debts are taken care of.”

However, the spokesperson was keen to emphasise the importance of speaking to a professional debt adviser before deciding on any debt solution.

“Different debt solutions are more appropriate for people in different situations, and equally they all have their drawbacks. An expert debt adviser can help to explain the pros and cons of each debt solution, to help the borrower in establishing which debt solution is best suited to their individual needs.”

Via EPR Network
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Bonds, Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, Money

NS&I has announced the launch of a new issue of its Guaranteed Equity Bond

The new Guaranteed Equity Bond will offer a gross return that matches any growth in the FTSE 100 index over a 5-year term, up to a maximum of 35%, without any risk to investors’ capital. All NS&I GEBs are sold in limited issues, so investors are advised to move quickly if they want to secure a guaranteed investment return through these bonds.

While the returns paid on NS&I Guaranteed Equity Bonds are linked to the FTSE, NS&I does not invest the money in equities, so investments in the Guaranteed Equity Bond will not be eligible for dividends. Therefore investors may not get as high a return as they might through investing directly in the stock market. However, unlike investments in the stock market, any money invested is guaranteed 100% secure, backed by HM Treasury. NS&I are committed to banking and offer a great range of equity bondsincluding NS&I Guaranteed Growth Bonds.

The launch of the 17th Issue coincides with the maturity of Issue 7 of NS&I’s 5-year Guaranteed Equity Bond on 19 May 2009. Issue 7 went on sale in April 2004, offering a potential return of 110% of any FTSE growth over five years and a FTSE start level of 4435.80. NS&I has written to investors this month to inform them that their Bond is about to mature. As a consequence of market conditions and the falls in the FTSE 100, savers will receive their initial investment in Issue 7 of the Guaranteed Equity Bond back in full – in line with NS&I’s commitment to a 100% guarantee on the capital originally invested. They will also receive interest earned during the offer period – but with no further return. 

NS&I Guaranteed Equity Bond offer period
Issue 17 of the Guaranteed Equity Bond goes on sale for a limited period from 21 April to 1 June 2009. It may close earlier if fully subscribed so investors are encouraged to invest early. Investments will earn interest at 0.50% pa gross until the Bond’s investment term starts on 16 June 2009. This interest will be paid when the Bond matures. The minimum investment level for this Guaranteed Equity Bond remains at £1,000 and the maximum investment is £1 million per person or £2 million for a joint investment. 

1. Inflation may reduce the true value of the original capital over time.
2. NS&I has 27 million customers and over £94 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers Inflation-Beating Savings, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children’s Bonus Bonds in its range. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.
3. Further information and digital images are available from the NS&I Media Team.

About NS&I
NS&I is one of the UK’s largest financial providers with 27 million customers and over £94 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers inflation-beating savings account guaranteed equity bonds, savings bonds easy access accounts and children’s bonus bonds in its range. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.

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Career, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Insurance, Insurance Services, Personal Finance, Retirement

One major cause of pensions gender gap is that many women take a career break to have children

According to new figures from the Prudential Class of 2009 retirement survey, UK women who plan to retire in 2009 can each expect to receive £6,642 a year less in their annual pensions than men, equivalent to a total income shortfall of more than £42 billion.

The 2.76 million women planning to retire in 2009 can expect to receive an average annual pension of just £13,671, while the 3.95 million men who plan to retire in 2009 will get £6,642 more, expecting an average pension of £20,313.

“It’s still a shock to see so many women retiring at such a disadvantage to their male colleagues, despite all we know about the causes of pension discrepancies between men and women,” said Karin Brown, Annuities Business Director at Prudential.

“The gender gap has become so firmly established because women have historically earned less than men, and still earn around 17% less. When women have children, their pension contributions reduce significantly or stop altogether, and their state pensions often take a hit as well.

“The underlying problem that many people have insufficient pensions is never going to go away unless men and women start their pension plan much earlier in life, ideally in their twenties or thirties,” Karin added. “Starting a pension at an early age will lessen the impact in later life of many women’s decision to take a career break to have children. It will also mean people can feel confident that they are going to have enough money to live off when they do come to retire, and this is vitally important for women who expect to receive smaller pensions than men.”

One major cause of pensions gender gap is that many women take a career break to have children, but it is possible to protect future pensions and maintain a pension during this time. Women could also consider trying to keep up any company pensions or private pension contributions even if they are on maternity leave or an extended career.

Other causes include:
Neglecting pension savings
– As many as 61% of retiring people doubt their pension and other savings will provide a sufficient income to enable them to enjoy a comfortable life in retirement.

Not saving enough
– A rule of thumb is for people to try and save half of their age as a percentage of their salary into a pension scheme, for example 12.5% at age 25 and so on.

Not taking advantage of company schemes
– Many employers offer pension schemes and agree to match any contributions made by employees. People should enquire about the pensions scheme offered by their employers.

Not shopping around
– People in retirement have a wide choice of annuities available to them and it is recommended that they shop around for the product which is most suitable for their needs.

The information contained in Prudential UK’s press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions. Full consumer product information can be found at www.pru.co.uk.

Survey conducted online by Research Plus among 1,000 UK adults aged 45+ between 10-18 November 2008. Figures based on Office of National Statistics 2007 which show 24,990,500 adults aged 45+ in the UK. For further information please contact the Prudential media department.

About Prudential
“Prudential” is a trading name of The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, which is registered in England and Wales. This name is also used by other companies within the Prudential Group, which between them provide a range of financial products including life assurance, pensions, savings and investment products. Registered Office at Laurence Pountney Hill, London EC4R 0HH. Registered number 15454. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Money

Sloppy Shed Security Is An Open Invitation To Thieves Warns M&S Home Insurance

A new survey by M&S home insurance has revealed that, with many people set to head out into the garden this Easter weekend, many shed owners may be under estimating the value of the contents of their shed and not taking appropriate steps to secure their property.

The survey by home insurance provider M&S Money found that the average shed contains a massive £888 worth of property. One survey respondent admitted to keeping £30,000 worth of goods in their shed.

However, almost a quarter of shed owners (24%) admitted failing to take steps to secure their shed, such as using a lock on the door.

The lack of security may help to explain why sheds are often targeted by thieves – 30% of shed owners know someone who has had property stolen from their shed.

Judith Roberts: Manager at M&S Insurance, said: “Sheds often contain a wealth of property, including tools or machinery which can cost thousands of pounds. Our survey reveals that many people fail to take even simple steps to secure their shed. It’s not surprising, therefore, that insurers receive many claims for theft from sheds.

“Householders should check whether their home insurance policy provides cover for theft from the shed, and whether there is a limit on that cover. Even if you do have insurance, unless you secure your shed, any claim may be invalid.”

The 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.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1971 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th – 20th March 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About M&S Money
M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc. The company is now a top ten credit card provider and the second largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance, pet insurance, car insurance and wedding insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 9,500 offices in 86 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,527 billion at 31 December 2008, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer. An ISDN line is available for broadcast interviews

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Business, Currency, Financial, Financial Information, Forex, Money, Stocks, Trading

For the very latest in currency reporting, check out the brand new Best Currency Performance Tables on Currency UK

Foreign Exchange specialists Currency UK are today launching their Best Currency Performance Tables, which reveal the strength of worldwide currencies and act as a comparison tool to show how each currency is performing against another…

For the very latest in currency reporting, check out the brand new Best Currency Performance Tables on Currency UK.

The simple to use tables not only show how well a currency is performing in its own right, but also compares each one against other global currencies to see how they stack up.

The best and worst performing currency over the last month, six months and year is also clearly shown. This invaluable information makes for essential reading for all would be investors as it sets out which currency has been the best to invest in over the past year.

The Tables show that the New Zealand dollar was by far the best performing currency over the last 28 days, up 15 per cent against the US dollar and a whopping 17 per cent against the Japanese Yen. The New Zealand dollar increased against every other currency included on the list, rising 10.3 per cent on average.

Other strong performers were the Swedish Krona, which rose on average 6.28 per cent against other currencies. The Australian dollar rose 3.67 on average against other currencies, rising by 10 per cent against the Japanese Yen.

After a strong showing over the last year, the Japanese Yen was the worst performing currency over the last 28 days, falling an average of 7.15 per cent against each other currency. The Yen’s biggest fall was 14 per cent against the New Zealand dollar. It also fell 9.6 per cent against the Australian dollar and 6.5 per cent against the Euro.

Other weak performers were the British Pound, which fell on average 4.37 per cent against the other currencies, falling by four per cent against the Euro and 12 per cent against the New Zealand dollar.

Adrian Jacob, Senior Account Manager at Currency UK said, “The Japanese Yen is doing particularly badly at the moment due to the once strong trade surplus turning into a trade deficit.

“This is likely to remain the case for at least the next six months and, as Japan is no longer unique in its low interest rates, investors have been losing interest which has obviously affected the Yen.

“In terms of performance by other currencies, the British pound has been struggling due to quantitative easing and a lack of risk appetite and the Australian dollar has been doing well as it is no longer a plaything for investors as it is no longer tied to risk appetite,” added Mr Jacob.

Currency UK is a one stop shop for all your currency needs. Other features on the site include 13 individual currency pages, each giving a detailed description of a specific currency, along with advice and rankings.

There is also a ‘buy currency’ page on which you can buy and sell Sterling, Euros, Dollars and all other major currencies commission free at exceptional rates not available on the high street.

The currency conversion page reveals the latest rates, historic charts and tables for all of the major currencies and the Regular Payment Service allows you to benefit from the best rates and low charges when sending regular foreign currency payments.

Visit Currency UK, one of the UK’s leading currency brokers, to view the Best Performance tables or call 020 7738 0777 for more information or to talk to a currency advisor.

Notes to editors:

Founded in 2000, Currency UK is a foreign exchange and international funds transfer specialist. One of the UK’s leading currency brokers, Currency UK has helped thousands of customers move hundreds of millions of pounds around the globe.

As Currency UK doesn’t have the large overheads of the major banks, it is able to pass the savings on to customers by providing better value for money on foreign exchange services.

Currency UK Ltd is a member of the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) and is the preferred foreign exchange partner of The Offshore Financial Trade Association (OFTA).

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Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Home Equity, IRA, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement

Recession Woes Grow For Pensioners

New Prudential Class of 2009 retirement survey reveals the UK’s deepening economic crisis will mean the 3.25 million UK adults who plan to retire in 2009 can expect to receive £2.87 billion* less in their pensions than those who planned to retire in 2008.

The survey found UK workers planning to draw their pension in 2009 expect to get an average income of£17,779 a year, £884 less than those retiring in 2008 who anticipated an average annual income of £18,663. Retirement will mean taking a £7,129 cut in income compared with the national average salary of £24,908** but some believe they will be considerably worse off.

The Prudential survey showed that 11% of people retiring in 2009 expect to receive an income of less than £10,000 a year from their pensions and investments, with 12% of women expecting to manage on this level of income compared to 9% of men.

While 39% said their pension and savings would give them a decent retirement income, 61% were doubtful that they would have enough money to enjoy a comfortable life in retirement. When asked if they thought they were financially well prepared for retirement, only 47% responded positively.

Keith Haggart, Director of Lifetime Mortgages at Prudential said: “The global economic recession is relentless and indiscriminate in its impact and it was only a matter of time before we began to see British pensioners bear the brunt.”

He continued, “Although the results of our survey make unsettling reading, there are ways for pensioners to maximise their incomes during these difficult times. Drawing on some or all of the assets saved throughout their working lives, including releasing value from property through equity release schemes, can boost annual incomes without having a detrimental impact on quality of life or forcing pensioners to downsize or embark on a fire sale of their possessions and assets.”

Keith urged anyone approaching retirement or who has recently retired to talk to a financial adviser to help them review all their assets and savings to see how they could be used to maximise income.

Prudential’s retirement planning website helps consumers and employers tackle retirement issues. The website features a Retirement Planner which has been designed to help determine how much income a customer’s current arrangements might give them in retirement, factoring in current pensions, property, savings and investments. The Planner also shows customers how they might be able to boost retirement income, if there is a gap between what their current arrangements will provide at the point of retirement and what they anticipate they may need.

* Office of National Statistics 2007 show 24,990,500 adults aged 45+ in the UK. Prudential research shows that 13% of UK adults aged 45+ (youngest age stated by individuals planning to retire in 2009) said they planned to retire in 2009 = 3,251,854 people. Multiplied by £884 individual shortfall = £2.87 billion.

** 2008 ASHE survey results show median weekly pay for full-time employees in UK grew by 4.6% in the year to April 2008 to reach £479 (multiplied by 52 weeks =£24,908).

Survey conducted online by Research Plus among 1,000 UK adults aged 45+, during 10–18 November 2008.

About Prudential
“Prudential” is a trading name of The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, which is registered in England and Wales. This name is also used by other companies within the Prudential Group, which between them provide a range of financial products including life assurance, pensions, savings and investment products. Registered Office at Laurence Pountney Hill, London EC4R 0HH. Registered number 15454. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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401K, Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Education, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, IVA, Money

NS&I Has Launched A New Online Feature, The Five Questions, Featuring Sir Alan Sugar, To Encourage The British Public To Give Their Personal Finances A Much Needed Health Check

With research from NS&I revealing that 40 per cent of the population have no long-term financial plan and almost a fifth (17 per cent) don’t seek information on managing their money because it is too confusing, the need for a quick, simple way to help people review their current financial situation is clear.

The Five Questions prompt individuals to consider important aspects of their financial management, including how much debt they have and what their cash and assets are worth. Each question is designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or situation, really thinks about their current financial situation and plans accordingly for a secure financial future.

John Prout, Director of Customer Sales and Retention at NS&I said: “The Five Questions help focus the mind and help people make an honest and straightforward appraisal of their financial situation. This is part of our ongoing work to fulfil our duty, as an organisation in the financial services industry, to help everyone understand the basics when it comes to making financial decisions.”

Once answered, the five questions link to specific information on NS&I’s You and your money website. This is an impartial website launched by NS&I in 2008 as part of an ongoing drive to improve the public’s understanding of personal finance. The site has a dedicated financial jargon-buster guide and sections on key life stages, such as planning for a family or retirement. Just like The Five Questions, it is simple and easy to use, even for those who find finance difficult to understand.

John Prout added, “Most people are very familiar with the healthy eating model of ‘five portions of fruit and veg daily’. We want to encourage a similar mindset about financial planning to ensure people review their finances on a regular basis.”

Nick Cann, Chief Executive at the Institute of Financial Planning stated, “Asking the key questions to help you get your finances in better shape needn’t be hard work. Through basic planning techniques, individuals can then make the first step to improve their overall financial ‘fitness’. We welcome this initiative, and it aligns well with the IFP’s development of a national Financial Planning Week – scheduled for September 2009.”

You and your money has a range of useful links and tools to help people decide what action they should be taking. These include:

-pensions and personal inflation calculators
-FSA online tools
-Government online tools and calculators

NS&I plans to add further lifestyle sections to the website over time.

*The survey, which questioned people about financial planning, was carried out by TNS in 2008 among 1009 GB adults aged between 16 and 64.

About NS&I
NS&I is one of the UK’s largest financial providers with 28 million customers and over £88 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers Inflation-Beating Savings and investment accounts, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children’s Bonus Bonds in its range. NS&I also provides a choice of isa accounts with the direct isa and a cash isa which will remain available to new customers until 5th April 2009. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury. NS&I has a number of spokespeople available for interviews via ISDN line: 020 7602 4522.

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Business, Costs, Financial, Financial Information, Money, Profits

npower Urges Businesses To Act Now In Order To Profit From Emissions Reduction

Npower has commissioned a new white paper which reveals that businesses that make emissions reduction a board level priority can reap the rewards of a low carbon Britain.

The newly published white paper, UK Climate Policy for Business, was commissioned by npower from the London School of Economics.

The white paper comes on the back of research from npower, which revealed that many businesses are concerned that Government regulation to reduce carbon emissions will make the UK uncompetitive and add more cost than benefits.

To address this concern and to stress the potential financial reward of emission reduction, the white paper provides a guide to the UK’s emission reduction regulations and gives advice on the actions businesses need to undertake to succeed in a low carbon Britain. It also underlines that early adopters will be in the driving seat to make the most of a smaller carbon footprint.

The white paper stresses that the new regulatory instruments will not be without their complexities and that firms will have to learn new skills to ensure compliance with the rules, but that those that can do this early will be best placed to take advantage of the opportunities that might arise. It states carbon policy is specifically designed to reward firms that spot opportunities to reduce emissions, cut costs and adopt low-carbon processes.

“Reducing a firm’s carbon footprint can be a challenge, but the measures needed are often cash-flow positive, with investments recouped in a short period of time,” says Dr Samuel Fankhauser, author of the paper, principal research fellow at the Grantham Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and a member of the Committee on Climate Change.

“Reducing a carbon footprint is all about sound management and success will be determined by the priority businesses attach to emission reduction. Research has shown that well-managed firms tend to use less energy per unit of output than less well-run firms and are therefore better placed to succeed,” he adds.

David Titterton head of business development within energy services at npower adds: “Our aim in commissioning the white paper is to help businesses understand the current regulatory framework and point to the benefits firms can enjoy if they position emission reduction as central to their business goals. By doing so, we hope to ease the concerns that businesses clearly have.

“We understand that these are challenging times for businesses and many are focused on cost saving. Putting in place an energy management programme to reduce consumption can help manage costs, while also reducing emissions. Businesses doing this will be better placed to operate under the UK’s climate change policies and succeed in a Low Carbon Economy.”

The White Paper, UK Climate Policy for Business, can be downloaded at www.npower.com/businessenergy

 

About npower:
npower is one of the top energy suppliers to the UK business market, serving over 230,000 small to medium sized enterprise sites and around 15,000 industrial and commercial customers, with over 100,000 sites.

npower is dedicated to helping UK businesses use energy more efficiently and therefore spend less money on their bills. We aim to have a positive impact on the communities we serve and reduce our customers’ carbon footprint whilst always improving our service to our customers.

npower specialises in risk management solutions, including market-leading flexible energy purchasing, energy efficiency, and broader energy management functions, tailored to every size of business. npower customers include BT, Wembley Stadium plc, AstraZeneca and Sainsbury’s.

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Business, Financial, Financial Information, Investment, Money, Profits

Online Marketing Strategies Leave IT Departments Isolated Reveals Rackspace

IT decision makers are increasingly falling into a “Website Wilderness” as they fail to align technology with the delivery of online marketing, according to international research launched by Rackspace Hosting (NYSE: RAX). The research also indicates that businesses are not engaging effectively online or aligning formal objectives with business goals.

The survey investigated the views and future plans of 250 IT decision makers among eight industry sectors and across several regions – the UK, Northern Europe (Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark) and South Africa.

According to the study nearly two-thirds (64%) of UK respondents expect to see more investment in online marketing in the coming year, but almost the same number (65%) claim they would not be involved in its delivery. The findings were similar across Northern Europe, where 44% stated online marketing would be a big focus, but 45% did not expect to get involved in it. Considering 90% of shoppers bought their Christmas presents online in 2008*, these findings are particularly startling.

As well as the disconnect between IT and the delivery of online marketing, only 20% of UK businesses and 32% in Northern Europe are investing in blogs and web forums. This could put businesses at a competitive disadvantage as the use of social media as a channel to communicate with customers increases in many sectors.

Just over a third (36%) of IT decision makers have formal objectives aligning IT with business goals, highlighting a disconnect between business strategy and technology implementation. This number is less in Northern Europe (28%). With so many options on how technology is delivered to the business, it seems that IT decision makers are confused by the array of applications they can host, which
include hosting, accounting, finance, email, ERP, payroll and websites.

Fabio Torlini, marketing director at managed hosting provider Rackspace, said: “The online ambitions of the marketing departments need to be supported by the technical expertise of the IT department for the benefit of the whole company. Technology has evolved in such a way that businesses can have almost any service adapted to support their marketing needs. So for businesses not to use this to their advantage is completely misguided.

“Marketing leaders must tap into the expertise of the IT department and IT decision makers become engaged in the marketing strategy. The challenge for IT people is to look to new ways of working, such as online engagement and hosted applications, to enhance competitive edge. In particular I would expect to see a review of strategies in line with the economic downturn. Outdated views of technology and a disconnect between IT and the wider organisation will present a risk for businesses in 2009. Set against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, making mistakes in IT strategy could prove costly to repair.”

 

* IMRG e-Retail Customer Service (e-CSi) Index, Dec 08

The research was carried out by independent research company, Loudhouse Research, who interviewed 100 IT decision makers from UK, including IT Directors, IT Managers, IT Project Managers, Heads of IT, Network Managers, MDs and CEOs.

About Rackspace Hosting
As the world’s leader and specialist in hosting, Rackspace Hosting is changing the way businesses worldwide buy IT. Rackspace delivers computing-as-a-service, integrating the industry’s best technologies into a flexible service offering, making computing more reliable and affordable. A trusted partner to companies of all sizes, Rackspace enables IT departments to be more effective. Rackspace is distinguished by its award-winning Fanatical Support, furthering the company’s mission to be one of the world’s greatest service companies. Rackspace featured in the top 30 of both the Sunday Times 100 Best companies to work for list and the Financial Times Great Place to Work Awards, 2008. Rackspace’s portfolio of hosted services includes managed hosting, email hosting and cloud hosting.

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CDs, Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Insurance, Investment, Money, Personal Finance, Taxes

Javelin Marketing Provides Resources for Financial Advisors to Combat Recession

It’s no secret that financial advisors, financial planners, stockbrokers, life insurance agents and other financial services professionals are having a hard time retaining clients. Many clients have fled the financial markets for the safety of bank accounts and treasury bills.

There are approaches that advisors can use for client retention in this market and these are discussed at Javelin Marketing’s main blog. Additionally, Javelin Marketing provides free financial services marketing tools to download at their special download blog. New tools are added each month. Current tools and downloads available to financial advisors:

• Four ways to eliminate capital gains taxes—a great piece to share with clients right in the middle of tax season
• The benefit of offering FDIC insured CDs to retain clients now
• How to get more involved with individual fixed income securities to serve and attract an aging clientele
• A special social security tax reduction calculator that shows annuity sellers how in most cases, an annuity will save the retired owners taxes on social security income
• Ebook on Marketing to Seniors

If you register at the blog, you will be notified as tools are added. Soon to be added is “How to Find and Hire the Best Assistant.”

http://www.javelin-marketing-downloads.com

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Integrity Financial AZ Opens New Communications Center In The Face Of The Collapse On Wall Street

IFAZ LLC opens a new communications office in the face of the collapse on Wall Street. With the S&P down over 1000 points since Election Day 2008 and with the evaporation of over 12 trillion dollars of private wealth from 401ks / IRAs and from private home equities, there is a bright light emerging within the private financial sector.

According to Stanley Paulic, CEO of Integrity Financial AZ, LLC, “I hear countless stories from across the country, I understand why the majority of people are afraid to do anything, especially involving change; however, if one waits to recoup their investment losses to the 2007 values, sadly they will wait for nearly a decade, according to some economic reports.”

Integrity Financial AZ LLC opens a new communications office even in Wall Street’s darkest hour proving that integrity and service is always in demand and that true communication requires a little listening as well. IFAZ LLC believes that transparency and open communication are the cornerstones of wisely investing in the midst of an economic crisis.

Between 1926 and 2007, the average return for the S&P 500 Index equaled 10.37%. Investment Brokers will soon however, “have to face the music,” states Stanley Paulic. The dogma for years that has been echoing within the halls of most financial brokerages has been to keep your money invested in the market for the long haul because as an aggregate it has always trended upwards. This mantra along with some new advice has many investors scratching their heads in wonderment as advisors are instructing clients not to look at their monthly statements. Others have suggested their clients open a lock box for their statements, leave them unopened and to throw away the key.

Paulic and his firm has a different prospective. Many of the individuals he talks to “can’t afford to wait 10 minutes much less 10 years to make up the short falls as many people who feel stuck in the market are just about ready to hit the retirement rolls in record numbers. Many have watched the decimation of their hard earned portfolios evaporate as if they where watching a Ground Hog Day version of the movie ‘How Enron Was Mismanaged’.” There is no way to sugar coat it with the market down 30-40% many investors need to find alternatives to stimulate their retirement portfolios.

The IFAZ leaders hope to stem the tide of negative growth within investor portfolios by introducing them and setting them on new path light years away from the volatility on Wall Street. They are hoping the new communication’s center can help provide an outlet for investors who need to turn around their financial situation in the short term and help guide them on a long term program as many do not have another viable investment alternative.

IFAZ LLC touts that their clients consistently earn a fixed investment return of 10% APR. “The one thing we want our clients to have is a good investment experience and to have them open their statements on a monthly basis without the fear. There are a lot of people that will never be able recoup their losses of 2008 because of their age. This is exactly the problem that IFAZ has set out to remedy,” concludes Paulic.

About IFAZ LLC
IFAZ LLC is headquartered in Sacramento, CA. They assist families to get out of the “hope mode” and into the “action mode”. The government monitored websites on the IFAZ LLC webpage removes any doubt that “we say what we mean, and mean what we say.” More information about IFAZ LLC can be learned at www.IFAZLLC.com.

Via EPR Network
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Banks, Checking & Savings, Debts, Financial, Financial Education, Financial Information, Loans, Money, Taxes

Many receiving a tax refund see it as “free money”. But when used wisely it can be a way to catch up on bills and set up future financial success

Receiving a tax refund can be nice in tough economic times, providing service members and families with extra money they may not have anticipated. Often, those receiving a tax refund see it as “free money” they can use to splurge on items they might not otherwise afford. But when used wisely it can be a way to catch up on bills and set up future financial success.

Pioneer Services’ newest article, Making your tax refund work for you, provides detailed suggestions on what to do with a tax refund. The article focuses on debt reduction and long-term solutions, and is suggested reading not just for military families, but for anyone getting money back from the Internal Revenue Service this year.

“Very few people enjoy paying taxes, but many enjoy getting some of it back,” said Laura Stack, chief financial officer for Pioneer Services and author of the article. “Early filers will soon start receiving their tax refunds, and it’s important for their financial health to use it wisely.”

You can read the complete article over here.

Pioneer Services, the military banking division of MidCountry Bank, provides financial services, personal loans, and award-winning financial education to members of the Armed Forces. For more than 20 years, Pioneer Services has been a leader in military lending, and supports military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships.

For more information, visit PioneerServices.com. For loan information, visit PioneerMilitaryLoans.com.

 

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Financial, Financial Information, Money, Taxes

For most Americans, taxes are their number one expense – usually exceeding payments for food, lodging, clothing and transportation together

As you enter the new world of full-time work force, you start enjoying paychecks and so does your partner – that is Uncle Sam. Getting your first job means becoming a full fledged taxpayer.

There are many such firsts in life – your first insurance policy, your first home, your first investment and your first business venture! You take all these financial decisions in your life at some point. Do you always know the tax implications before taking these decisions?

To the contrary, on most of the times, you find your hard earned money evaporating in taxes. You may pay huge sums to your tax consultant, but you are not happy about his ‘highly impersonal’ services. Finally, you give up with a sigh. You sign the return, pay the taxes and turn to your normal routine.

Why Donate Your Money to IRS?

You don’t have to be a tax professional to save on your taxes.

Stop Donating Your Money to IRS is written to help you to save big money on your taxes. Released very recently, its useful for the tax year 2008. Everything is explained with the help of examples, pictures and no technical analysis involved.

The book is written by Chintamani Abhyankar He is internet marketer, tax professional and freelance writer doing a lot of research on tax systems and advising people internationally on various aspects of tax planning over 25 years. “Many people overlook the tax relief available to them, not realizing that they may be entitled to a considerable refund. In fact, you can keep your financial house in order by some easy and straightforward strategies. You can find many of them in this book.” The book is available on the website www.planningyourtax.com

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