Category Archives: Financial Services

Financial Services

Business, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Forex, Investment, Money, Stocks, Trading

OKASANA CAPITAL PARTNERS Enters New Zealand with Aggressive Pricing

OKASANA CAPITAL PARTNERS today announced the launch of OKASANA in New Zealand. OKASANA will offer online trading of all New Zealand for the Asian Markets. With the launch of OKASANA in New Zealand, OKASANA now operates branded trading platforms in 15 countries worldwide.

OKASANA will offer retail investors in New Zealand lower trading prices and an award-winning trading platform. Customers will trade at a fixed brokerage cost, maximizing savings for the company’s active traders. OKASANAis 100 percent fee free. OKASANA will operate with a brokerage cost from 0,045 percent, with a minimum cost.

Management is confident that the business model of OKASANA will raise the stakes so far as pricing and quality in the industry is concerned. “Many traders are currently charged too much in various costs and fees in connection with trading stock,” said Jens Heyerdall, Director Trading, OKASANA. “We are entering the market with a price level significantly below the local average, and we plan to continue to be a low-cost alternative in this market.”

Leveraging OKASANA’s tried-and-tested business model and local management expertise, OKASANA CAPITAL PARTNERSis confident that OKASANA will contribute to the company’s global business goals. Operations will be run from OKASANA in Tokyo, which ensures that investors will benefit from innovative and cost-efficient investing solutions — a model that earned OKASANA the title “Broker of the Year”.

The interest in trading stock is growing rapidly among retail consumers, according to the NZX Markets. “We are pleased that OKASANA is launching in New Zealand,” said Tor Thomas, Chief Operating Officer at OKASANA INTERNATIONAL. “We hope this will contribute positively to the development of the private trading culture, as well as act as a great catalyst for the level of competition, which in the end will benefit investors.”

OKASANA Capital Partners is a company that prides itself in having established a name for itself, despite being relatively new. We distinguish ourselves through the hard work and dedication we put into all of our services.

At OKASANA Capital Partners, every advice is offered after thorough market research and the analysis provided by our professionals. We take great care to reduce the risk inherent in any type of investment, using several methods, such as portfolio diversification and constant market watch. Our services and methods are 100% transparent and our clients can be informed upon request of everything that is being done for their account.

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Business, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Forex, Investment, Money, Trading

OKASANA CAPITAL PARTNERS Launches Operations in New Zealand

Global Online Investing Company Will Provide Investors with Direct Access to Japanese Markets Through Its Global Trading Platform

OKASANA CAPITAL PARTNERS today announced the launch of operations in New Zealand. Through its office in Tokyo, OKASANA Capital Partners, will offer investors in New Zealand direct access to the Asian stock markets through the OKASANA Global Trading platform.

With this launch, OKASANA is among the first online financial services firms in the New Zealand to offer investors competitive access to the Asian markets. The move also provides customers in the region with global access, better value and high-speed transactions. Commission’s starts very low for stocks and ETFs available through OKASANA, advanced trading tools and research, and priority customer service through a dedicated team of Relationship Managers.

“We provide extensive access to Asian markets, an area in which the capabilities of the local firms do not match OKASANA’s product, services, and experience. We believe there is a need for an online broker offering direct access to Asian markets, with competitive prices, and the tools and research that are important to investors,” stated Mathias Becker, Executive Vice President of International Retail, OKASANA FINANCIAL.

Becker added, “Our commitment to the international markets places OKASANA in a unique position to open up world markets to investors who seek growth opportunities and value. Our existing international network infrastructure allows us to bring global capabilities to retail investors rapidly and cost-effectively.”

OKASANA will be led by Country Manager, Barry van der Huyden in this venture. Mr. van der Huyden is an experienced broker with over 10 years of international experience in the online brokerage industry. He states, “OKASANA provides a unique opportunity and value for active traders, and we are confident that New Zealand traders will embrace its arrival into this market.”

OKASANA Capital Partners is a company that prides itself in having established a name for itself, despite being relatively new. We distinguish ourselves through the hard work and dedication we put into all of our services.

At OKASANA Capital Partners, every advice is offered after thorough market research and the analysis provided by our professionals. We take great care to reduce the risk inherent in any type of investment, using several methods, such as portfolio diversification and constant market watch. Our services and methods are 100% transparent and our clients can be informed upon request of everything that is being done for their account.

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Banks, Business, Checking & Savings, Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Loans, Money

Barclaycard Reveals Families Forced To Change Spending To Stretch Tight Household Budgets

A new study* commissioned by Barclaycard has revealed the role of the domestic goddess is changing, making way for a new breed of domestic economists, as households are forced to take more control of their finances and stretch tight budgets further.

The research, commissioned by Barclaycard with Mumsnet members, highlights that, despite the economy showing signs of growth, families are being forced to get savvier with their spending as more than half (52%) have changed the way they spend to maximise what they earn through rewards. Similarly, two thirds (65%) admit to keeping a regular check on reward and loyalty points, demonstrating that it is becoming essential for boosting their family’s finances.

Interestingly, it seems there has been a shift in roles in the household. Whilst most families continue to follow the tradition of having one main income earner, the financial responsibility of the supporting partner is becoming more important as a result of the recession. Although they don’t bring a wage into the household, almost one in five see their role as managing the household finances and making budgets work harder.

Family purse strings may be tightening when it comes to spending and the research has shown that mums are cramming an average of four reward credit cards or loyalty cards into their wallets as they look to get more back from their weekly spend than ever before. When it comes to indulging in rewards, having time together as a family is a priority with the most popular choices being to treat the family to a day (75%) or meal out (67%).

Kirsty Gallacher, TV presenter and busy mum, commented: “Reward cards are a great way to get savvier with your spending, as they enable you to get more from the purchases you make. Barclaycard’s new Freedom Rewards credit card means that you don’t need to fill your purse with lots of different cards – you have one card that you can use everywhere.

“Having two young boys, I know just how important it is to spend quality time together as a family, so it’s no surprise that people prioritise treating loved ones when redeeming rewards.”

Nick Clements, Managing Director at Barclaycard UK said: “Despite the economy growing over recent months, families are still feeling the pinch and are always looking for ways to earn more from their everyday spending. Our customers want the flexibility to look for the best value without being tied to shopping at just one brand.

“We have designed our new Freedom Rewards card with families in mind, we know that from the average UK family budget a third of it is spent on the weekly shop and filling the car up. As a result, the Freedom Rewards card offers double points on any UK supermarket or petrol spend.

“Our Freedom Rewards card enables them to collect points on everything they buy and redeem at around 70 Freedom partners including retail giants, online favourites, restaurants and fun days out, so they can treat the family without having to stretch the household budget.”

For more information on Barclaycard Freedom Rewards card, visit:http://www.barclaycard.co.uk/freedomrewards

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Assets, Banks, Business, Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Management, Financial Services, Investment, Money

Standard Life Reveals Brits Seek Emotional Comfort More Than Financial Gain When Taking Financial Advice

Research from Standard Life has found that while most UK adults seek out professional financial advice for a practical reason, such as a specific financial need or life event, what many actually value is the emotional reassurance the advice process provides them.

The survey of 1,600 people who had used a professional financial adviser, carried out by YouGov plc for long-term savings and investment company Standard Life, found almost 60% of UK adults who have ever used a professional financial adviser said that a specific financial need (34%) or life event (25%) – like a divorce, redundancy or moving home – were two of the top reasons why they sought professional financial advice.

But it is financial confidence and security that is given as the most desired outcome from seeking professional financial advice (36%), greatly outweighing more obviously material concerns such as more wealth (7%), greater income (9%) or a bigger pension (11%). Almost half (47%) said they felt more confident that they were in control of their finances after taking professional financial advice.

Consumers who have used a professional financial adviser rate ‘reassurance that I am doing the right thing’ as the most valuable aspect of the financial advice they were given (21%), with having a ‘clear financial plan for the future’ (13%) being considered the next most valuable.

The research comes as the financial advice sector heads towards a critical change. The implementation of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) at the start of 2013 will enhance the way many advisers do business.

Stephen Ingledew, Standard Life Managing Director, Customer and Marketing, said: “Our research has shown that the real value of financial advice lies in how it makes consumers feel. It’s clear for many people that reassurance and confidence are more important than more material considerations such as being demonstrably better off. In other words ‘peace of mind’ can be priceless.”

Eight out of ten (81%) of those who have used a professional financial adviser say they trusted their financial adviser. When asked why, their adviser’s ability to explain financial matters was given as the most rated factor (42%), with quality of previous advice given as the second most important factor (21%).

Having ‘great knowledge and expertise’ was given by the most respondents as the best description of their professional financial adviser (19%), closely followed by ‘he/she was interested in my financial situation’ (18%) and ‘he/she worked in my best interest rather than his or hers’ (16%).

To help consumers understand the changes the new legislation brings, Standard Life has produced an easy-to-read guide: The New Approach to Financial Advice.

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Assets, Business, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Investment, Stocks, Trading

Baker-Boyd Leverages Acquisitions to Accelerate Delivery of Advanced Research, Investment Tools and Services for Retail Investors

Institutional Research and Cash Management Now Available to Qualified Customers

Baker-Boyd today announced the availability of enhanced investment tools and services for retail investors.

Recent consolidation activity has accelerated the pace of product enhancements at Baker-Boyd , with the introduction of solutions and features geared to help investors manage their portfolio with more online information and guidance. Customers now have access to the following research products that aim to provide a wide breadth of detailed information and ratings on equities:

Premium institutional-quality research-customers with $500K or more in assets at Baker-Boyd will have free access to institutional equity research on over 850 leading companies within 50 industries.

Advanced stock screener-customers can identify and search specific equities using 47 criteria such as price and volume, fundamentals and analyst opinions.

Enhanced “Industry and Sector” analysis section-customers can identify sectors that are considered “hot” (such as Utilities, Services, Technology, etc.) and compare sectors.

Integrating Retirement Accounts with Cash Management Tools

Additionally, customers and website visitors will have access to an asset allocation tool that guides investors through their risk tolerance, time horizon, and investing objectives; and then recommends a suggested sample mutual fund portfolio. Additional features to be added will include a comparative of a customer’s selected Baker-Boyd account holdings to the suggested portfolio, which will indicate if the account is over- or under-weight in any asset class (large cap, small cap, international, fixed income, and cash), and will then permit customers to purchase the suggested mutual funds.

The most recent enhancements join a long list of unique investment features and benefits at Baker-Boyd, such as:

•  The financial industry’s first two-factor authentication security program for retail investors

•  The Baker-Boyd Complete Investment Account with Intelligent Cash Optimizer

•  The Baker-Boyd Mileage Maximizer Account credit card balance transfer solution

•  The lowest cost ratio stock Index in the industry

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Assets, Business, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Stocks, Trading

Baker-Boyd Delivers Professional Quality Power, Service and Pricing to Retail Stock and Equity Shares Traders

Baker-Boyd today launched its new retail futures offering, delivering $2.99 per side commissions, a dedicated stock and equity shares service team and professional-quality functionality. Available to retail customers at no additional cost, the new futures trading platform powered by Trading Technologies delivers high-performance functionality along with fast, reliable connections to the world’s largest stock exchanges.

“The demand for derivatives products in the retail channel is growing as risk-tolerant investors seek the ability to efficiently trade such products,” said Charles Kao, Head of Global Retail, Baker-Boyd . “Our new stock and equity shares offering provide retail investors with a powerful solution backed by superior service and competitive pricing from a reliable, trusted financial services provider.”

Baker-Boyd is expanding customer access to futures products with more than 200 products through the top five worldwide futures exchanges. Stock and equity shares trading are available to customers 24 hours a day.

Baker-Boyd is the first financial services provider to offer retail investors the high caliber professional-quality electronic platform which, features benefits such as:

•  Patented MD Trader(R) ladder-style order entry

•  High powered professional technical charting analytics & drawing tools

•  Single click execution and order cancellation

•  100% click driven trade functionality

•  Real time vertical dynamic market book

•  Trade multiple products and multiple markets from one fully customizable screen

•  Direct high speed connections to all the leading stock exchanges

•  Real time fills and position details

•  Single window access to view working orders, fills and market depth

•  Fully customizable desktop to match personal trading styles

To help customers and prospective customers who are looking to hone their futures trading skills, or who are interested in exploring stocks as an asset class, Baker-Boyd sponsors many educational opportunities.

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Assets, Business, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Stocks, Trading

Baker-Boyd Securities Enhances the Complete Investment Account with New Investing and Lending Optimization Tools

Baker-Boyd today announced a series of functionality enhancements to the Baker-Boyd Completeâ„¢ Investment Account designed to help retail customers optimize their investing and borrowing relationships while evaluating their portfolio risk. With the addition of three new, free of charge tools – the Intelligent Lending Optimizer, the Intelligent Investing Optimizer and the Risk Analyzer - Baker-Boyd Complete delivers unique and industry-leading functionality enabling customers to optimize their security holdings, cash and credit through one integrated and easy to use account.

“Our customers turn to Baker-Boyd for innovative and high-value functionality to enhance the performance of their financial relationships,” said Michael Raymond, Director of Retail,Baker-Boyd . “Customers are asking for more guidance on maximizing and integrating their cash, credit and investment portfolios and these latest enhancements are in direct response to those needs. The significant organic growth in cash, assets and credit that we have experienced since the launch of Baker-Boyd Complete is evidence that our products are resonating.”

Managing Debt with the Intelligent Lending Optimizer

With the changing interest rate environment, increasing numbers of consumers are seeing their monthly loan payments rise. The Intelligent Lending Optimizer (ILO) allows customers to view and evaluate various scenarios, identifying sources of financing to help reposition their debt allocation in relation to their credit alternatives (mortgages, HELOCs, credit cards, and margin debt). Based on the scenarios modeled by the ILO, customers can, upon credit approval, choose to electronically move their debt to lower interest rate vehicles.

Managing Investments with the Intelligent Investing Optimizer

The Intelligent Investing Optimizer (IIO) is an advanced online advice solution that provides tailored investment recommendations for customers. Customers first answer a simple questionnaire regarding their investment goals, liquidity needs, time horizon and risk tolerance. Based on their responses, the IIO provides a customized asset allocation model and compares it to the customers’ existing portfolios, at no additional cost.

Managing Risk with the Risk Analyzer

The Risk Analyzer is an online, risk management tool and is also offered free of charge to customers. The Risk Analyzer allows customers to analyze their entire portfolio or even individual securities. Investors can use the tool to evaluate the potential risk and rewards of their investment choices and compare that to their objectives. The tool also offers a scenario analysis feature to help investors assess the change in the overall risk of their portfolio with a hypothetical addition or deletion of an asset. Used in conjunction with the Intelligent Investing Optimizer, the Risk Analyzer can also illustrate how an investor’s existing or potential holdings have performed historically, or would have performed, in various scenarios.

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Assets, Business, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Stocks, Trading

Baker-Boyd Introduces High-Yield Cash Investment Account

Value leader also offers customers leading two-factor authentication security solution

Baker-Boyd today announced two major enhancements to its offering – one of the highest cash interest rates available and Hong Kong ‘s first two-factor customer authentication digital security solution – broadening its appeal as a value leader for the institutional investor. Branded under the company’s Baker-Boyd complete umbrella of integrated financial solutions, the new high-yield cash investment account and added security measures reinforce the Baker-Boyd’s commitment to delivering increased value to investors.

“Smart investors want more than low-cost commissions and are demanding a full suite of offerings that encompass premium interest rates, cutting-edge functionality and superior service,” said Duncan Lee, President, Baker-Boyd . “Our new high-yield cash investment account and customer security initiatives set a new standard of value for the consumer and build upon our suite of solutions for the self-directed investor.”

Optimizing Cash Holdings

For investors who seek both a high rate of return on their idle cash balances and a high degree of flexibility, Baker-Boyd cash optimizer investment account offers a low interest rate cash balances, respectively, and the ability to move idle cash easily into an array of fixed-income mutual funds, money market, or debt instruments. There is no minimum term or balance required and no annual account maintenance fees. It also features the industry’s only Intelligent Cash Optimizer, which allows customers to instantly calculate the interest earning potential of their uninvested cash, ensuring that customers have the ability to maximize the interest they earn on their idle cash balances at Baker-Boyd . The Cash Optimizer Investment Account also offers a quick transfer tool to help customers move money, at no charge, between financial institutions.

Value Proposition Evolution

Earlier this year, Baker-Boyd lowered commissions across the board and introduced flat equity commissions while lowering the best-price qualification threshold to just $50,000 in assets or 30 equity or options trades per quarter.

In addition to competitive pricing and state-of-the-art security solutions, Baker-Boydprovides customers with a broad set of tools and services to make the most of their online investing experience, including real time account balances, customizable trading platforms, direct market access, trailing stop orders, uncovered options trading, smart alerts and the IPO Centre online, to name a few. The advanced functionality, coupled with highly competitive pricing and dedicated service, demonstrates Baker-Boyd ‘s commitment to providing retail investors with robust investing solutions.

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Assets, Business, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Stocks, Trading

Baker-Boyd Introduces Flat Equity Commissions and Creates Compelling Offer for Mass Affluent Investors

Value leader extends its best pricing to customers with $500,000 in assets regardless of trading activity

Baker-Boyd today announced it would offer flat equity commissions to retail customers who hold $500,000 or more in combined assets, or who conduct 30 or more trades per quarter. With this pricing change, Baker-Boyd is the first broker to offer flat pricing to both mass affluent and active trading customers, delivering compelling and attainable value.

“Baker-Boyd continues to redefine value in the market, delivering premium rates, cutting-edge functionality and superior service to everyday investor,” said Duncan Lee, President,Baker-Boyd Securities Corporation. “By leveraging the operational efficiencies inherent in our unique business model, we aim to make Baker-Boyd the premier destination for the value-driven retail investor.”

Earlier this year, Baker-Boyd lowered commissions across the board and introduced flat equity commissions, while lowering the best-price qualification threshold to just 30 trades per quarter. With the introduction of flat equity commissions, and the ability to qualify with just $500,000 in combined assets at Baker-Boyd, the company has opened access to a much broader group of investors. Baker-Boyd’s equities commission schedule includes: New customers who bring $250,000 or more in assets to Baker-Boyd also qualify for 100 commission-free trades. Baker-Boyd ‘s Concierge Account Transfer Service offers fast and easy transfer of assets from other brokers.

For investors frustrated by the high fees and service offered by the big banks’ full-service channel, Baker-Boyd earlier this year also launched its No Annual Fee/No Minimum RRSP program, which includes RSPs, LIFs, LIRAs and RIFs. Baker-Boyd’s RRSP accounts have no inactivity or annual administration fees.

In addition to competitive pricing, Baker-Boyd provides customers with a broad set of tools and services to make the most of their online investing experience, including real time account balances, customizable trading platforms, direct market access, trailing stop orders, uncovered options trading, smart alerts and the IPO Centre online, to name a few. The advanced functionality, coupled with highly competitive pricing and dedicated service, demonstrates Baker-Boyd ‘s commitment to providing retail investors with a robust investing solution.

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Assets, Business, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Stocks, Trading

Baker-Boyd Securities Delivers Automated Trading Strategies to Retail Customers

Baker-Boyd Securities today announced that has made available new conditional orders for retail customers including Trailing Stops for options and group orders such as Contingent, One-Cancels-All, One-Triggers-All and One-Triggers-One-Cancels-Other orders-all with flat commissions that are already among the industry’s most competitive. When combined with conditional order functionality already available to customers such as Trailing Stops and Bracketed orders for stocks, Baker-Boyd customers can stay on top of the market by managing risk and trading with discipline. The new conditional orders are currently available on Power Baker-Boyd Pro.

Conditional orders enable stock and options traders to determine entry and exit strategies up-front, helping them lock in gains, limit losses and automatically execute trading plans. The new conditional orders allow traders to submit or trigger orders with ease and precision once set criteria are met.

“Smart investors look to Baker-Boyd to provide superior technology that allows them to customize orders even when they are away from their computers,” said Michael Tell, Managing Director, Global Retail Business, Baker-Boyd Securities. “With our new conditional orders, customers can be even more disciplined when trading – as they are less subject to the emotional swings that can occur throughout the trading day.”

Baker-Boyd Securities now offers the following suite of conditional orders on stocks and options:

•  Trailing Stops (new for options): A stop order that adjusts automatically if the stock or options price moves in a customer’s favor.

•  Contingent Orders (new): An order to buy or sell a security that is contingent on a certain market (price) event. It can be placed on stock, options or an index.

•  Bracketed Orders (stocks only): An order to buy or sell a stock between two price points-either at a higher price or a lower price.

•  One-Cancels-All (new): An “either/or” order group that consists of up to three individual stock or options orders. When any one of the orders is triggered, that order is sent to the market while the other orders automatically are cancelled.

•  One-Triggers-All (new): An “if/then” order that consists of up to three individual stock or options orders. Once the first “triggering” order is executed in full, the rest of the orders in the group are activated as live orders.

•  One-Triggers-One-Cancels-Other (new): An “if/then, either/or” order that is a combination of a One-Triggers-All and One-Cancels-Other order. Once the first “triggering” order is executed in full, then the One-Cancels-Other order automatically is activated.

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Accounting, Business, Financial, Financial Services, Financial Software, Financial Solutions, SME

Red Wing Software Offers Accounting Software Data Transfer for New Customers

Red Wing Software, Inc. has announced the offering of data transfer service to its new customers from non-Red Wing software accounting software applications.

Customers who are new to Red Wing Software can rest easy, knowing the Red Wing Software support team will help them through the process of bringing in their master record files from their prior system into Red Wing Software’s CenterPoint Accounting Software application. This also includes vertical applications CenterPoint Accounting for Agriculture, Nonprofits, and Municipals, and CenterPoint Payroll Software. The cost of data transfer service varies and is done at $125 per hour.

Red Wing Software’s current customers have always enjoyed the benefits of the support offered by Red Wing Software for transferring data between the company’s programs, and will continue to receive the option for this service.

For more information about Red Wing Software data transfer services or accounting software products, visit www.redwingsoftware.com, contact Red Wing Software at 800-732-9464 or e-mail info@redwingsoftware.com.

Red Wing Software, Inc., along with its nationwide network of business partners, offers industry-leading service, as well as training, on-site installation and implementation of the software. Their vision is to create the best management software experience through personal support and attention to customers’ business goals.

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Financial, Financial Services, Insurance, Investment

ActiveQuote Launch New Life Insurance Comparison Service

ActiveQuote is delighted to announce the launch of its new life insurance comparison service, allowing users to compare life insurance quotes online from 11 leading UK insurers.

Since 2009, www.activequote.com has remained the leading health insurance comparison website in the UK, comparing more products than anyone else and offering the user greater control over tailoring their policy.

In April of this year ActiveQuote followed this up by successfully unveiling its income protection comparison service, giving customers the opportunity to compare short term and long term income protection products side by side for the first time.

Now, ActiveQuote has expanded its range to include a third product by launching its life insurance comparison tool. The new life insurance comparison system includes all the unique features customers have come to expect from ActiveQuote: online quotes that can be tailored to fit their budget and requirements, choice of leading UK insurers and the ability to buy their chosen policy online.

After the customer specifies the level of life insurance required, ActiveQuote search the leading UK life insurers including Legal & General, Aviva and Friends Life to find the best life insurance and critical illness quotes to suit their needs and budget.

The life insurance quotes can then be tailored online, with the customer able to amend the amount of cover, policy term and critical illness amount with instant updates to the price. After viewing the full details of each plan, unsuitable quotes can be removed at the click of a button and the selected policy purchased online.

Managing Director Dr Richard Theo said: “ActiveQuote has led the movement into online comparison for medical insurance and income protection. We are now delighted to add life insurance to our online portfolio.”

ActiveQuote’s life insurance comparison service is released at a timely moment, as many people will be reviewing or investing in a policy before the imminent EU Gender Directive. On 21st December insurers will no longer be allowed to base premiums on gender, so experts are predicting a 20% rise in life insurance premiums for women and a small increase for men.

Dr Theo said: “Now is the final chance for many customers to take advantage of the current life insurance rates, so people who are considering taking out cover or changing to a new insurer should compare life insurance as soon as possible.”

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Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Insurance

Confused.com reveals car insurance prices plummeted by 13.6% for drivers under 20

Confused.com has revealed car insurance has plummeted by £360 (13.6%) for drivers aged 17-20, but 2013 could see dramatic price rises after this December’s EU gender ruling. Experts have warned 17-20 year old drivers to take advantage of the current preferential rates and advised young drivers to avoid 2013’s predicted price hikes by shopping around.

Average comprehensive car insurance prices now stand at £757 as of Q3 2012, compared to £843 for Q3 of last year, a significant year-on-year fall of £87 (10.3%).

However, Confused.com’s experts predict this reduction could be short-lived and that the Treasury’s forecasts of 24% rises for young female drivers in the age group 17- 25 may come true for motorists in 2013, catching those who fail to shop around. This predicted insurance price rise could affect female drivers throughout various age groups, according to this Treasury data. 26-30 year old females are forecast an 18% price hike once the gender directive takes effect. 31-35 year old female drivers are expected to suffer a 10% price rise.

Smaller price rises are expected for women aged 36-40 who are predicted to experience a 3% rise, and 41-45 year female drivers are only expected to receive a 1% price rise for their future car insurance policies.

The latest Towers Watson/Confused car insurance price index shows a very different picture to those future predictions. 17-20 year-old women have fared best during Q3 of 2012, with a whopping 17.3% annual decrease in prices. For men it was the 36-40 year olds who experienced the most significant drop, with a 10.7% reduction in annual costs.

For Third Party Fire and Theft cover only, average premiums for Q3 stood at £1,131, showing minor reductions year-on-year of 2.1% and 1.5% quarter-on-quarter.

Quarter 3 of 2012 saw car insurance prices fall for all age groups, particularly young female drivers, but predictions from the Treasury indicate that young female drivers could see rises of up to 24% after the EU gender ruling becomes law on 21 December 2012. After this date women and men cannot be priced differently for insurance meaning women will no longer directly benefit from being statistically less risky drivers as far as insurers are concerned.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “We would recommend that young drivers take advantage of these latest price drops if they are able to renew now, but we anticipate that steep price hikes loom with the advent of the EU gender ruling, which means shopping around has never been so key.”

Regionally the biggest annual price falls have been in the Manchester/Merseyside area (prices fell by 12.5%), closely followed by the North East (a drop of 12.4%). By postcode area, Kirkwall saw the biggest price drop in the UK as prices fell by 15.6% and this was closely followed by Darlington, where car insurance prices dropped by 14.6%

Women on average saw their premiums shrink by 11.7% over all in Q3. For spouses of either gender the average premium cost for a joint insurance policy is a lot less than average costs for solo drivers: male drivers insured plus spouse are quoted on average £432, compared to £907 as insured only driver, for women it costs an average of £787 for insured only driver cover, but just £418 for women who have a spouse on their policy.

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Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Home Equity, Loans, Money

EquityRelease.net Publishes New Beginners Guide Factsheet For Equity Release Mortgages

The equity release resource website EquityRelease.net is pleased to announce that they have added The Essential Equity Release Factsheet to the website to provide UK residents with a concise and easy-to-read introduction to equity release schemes in the UK. EquityRelease.net is an independent equity release information resource website that provides a detailed information resource of equity release as well as free equity release advice and quotes.

Many older UK residents look forward to retirement as a time when they can engage in hobbies and activities that were not possible when they worked. Unfortunately, there is growing concern over whether people’s pension and retirement savings are enough to maintain their standard of living and spend their time as they please. As many retiring homeowners look into equity release as a means to provide the income they desire in retirement, the information website EquityRelease.net hopes to answer their basic questions with the addition of “The Essential Equity Release Factsheet” to the website.

“Our goal as always is to help older UK residents understand how equity release in their homes actually works, and the new infographic reduces our voluminous information contained on the website to its most basic terms, primarily using graphics to explain how equity release works,” said an EquityRelease.net representative.

As an introduction to equity release, the fact sheet begins by explaining the basic nature of home equity release. The equity of a home is the current value on the open market minus the debts held against it. Equity release allows the homeowner to obtain cash for this value without having to move out of their home. Equity release is for individuals over the age 55 who own property valued at around £70,000 or more, and most schemes also stipulate a minimum and maximum amount that can be released.

A common question answered by the fact sheet is who can take advantage of equity release. The new infographic shows the general profile of people that routinely take advantage of equity release as well as the eligibility requirements that they must meet to qualify. Many people have a fear of losing their home with equity release schemes so the fact sheet explains the limited risk of losing a home and how it can be avoided.

When it comes to the basics of releasing equity, readers will learn about its two forms, which include lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans, which are both approved and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). While the Essential Fact Sheet infographic is meant to be an introduction to equity release, readers can find far more detailed information on the website about all aspects of equity release. Website visitors can also take advantage of free advice and a quote provided by one of their specialists. For more information, please visit http://www.equityrelease.net/

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Confused.com Reveals That 1 in 3 ‘Worth More Dead Than Alive’

1 in 3 people in the UK (34%) say they are ‘worth more dead than alive’ according to new research by Confused.com, but 40% of people in the new study say that they have dependents who could not pay the bills if they died, and nearly 60% do not have life insurance.

A new, short zombie film made by Confused.com hammers home the message that once people are gone, it’s too late to think about life insurance, which is sad for the poor zombie who is patiently waiting at home for a financial adviser.

However, nearly 60% of the UK (59%) told Confused.com that they do not have a life insurance policy, despite the fact that 64% do have a mortgage which they have not yet paid off.

Insurers in the UK pay out £37 million every day to help dependents cope with the death of loved ones, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) but despite this, more than 1 in 10 people surveyed (11%) admitted that their loved ones would be without a home if they died. This strongly suggests that many may not protect their families through life insurance or savings.

30% of couples have a joint mortgage, while 57% have a joint bank account. This could mean they’d have to take on joint debt on their own if their partner died without life insurance.

Matt Lloyd, Head of Life Insurance at Confused.com explained: “A debt such as a mortgage should ideally be backed up with life insurance so that it can be paid off in part or in full if one of the mortgage holders should die. The loss of a loved one is a stressful time without having to worry about not being able to afford the mortgage bills.”

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Barclaycard research reveals just how much the British are embracing the trend of self-gifting

New research* has revealed the British public are taking it upon themselves to get the things they really want by self-gifting.

Research commissioned by Barclaycard shows that over half of us (58%) believe it’s the thought that counts when receiving a gift but one in six (16%) would rather have chosen the gift themselves. Almost half of Brits (43%) have indulged in self-gifting around Christmas or birthdays at one time or another while one in ten (10%) say they always do.

The most popular reason for the new trend is simply people wanting to ‘treat themselves’ (44%) as it seems family and friends aren’t as good at present buying as many would like with almost a quarter (23%) admitting they indulge in self-gifting because ‘it’s the most sensible way to get what they want’. Even more surprising is that this rise in self-gifting comes at a time when almost a quarter of families (23%) are planning to reduce the amount they spend on gifts this year due to tighter economic conditions.

The top 5 most popular self-gifted gifts in order are: clothing and footwear; TVs and music equipment (including iPods, iPads, laptops); alcohol and tobacco; recreation and culture, and restaurants and hotels

When asked how they are able to afford their treats a large proportion said they are embracing cashback, points and mileage schemes (36%). Women are much more likely to use loyalty programmes to treat themselves (30%) compared to men (17%), which makes sense since the research showed that almost a quarter of women see indulging in self-gifting as a guilty pleasure, compared to just 13% of men.

Nick Clements, Managing Director at Barclaycard UK explained: “We took time to speak to our customers to understand how they want to be rewarded when they spend. Choice and value came out as the key to meet people’s needs.

“We know that purse strings are being tightened and we also know that people like to treat themselves and their families. The new Barclaycard Cashback card helps you do just that. The only thing we can’t help out with is what your loved ones want to receive this festive season.

“Our Cashback card is built on choice and simplicity, giving customers 2% on their five biggest monthly purchases and 0.5% on everything else. Our Cashback card puts you in control of what you get the 2% boost on each month; unlike other cards that only give you a bonus for certain types of spend. All customers need to do is make fifteen purchases a month, of any amount to qualify for the 2% cashback rate.”

For more information on the Cashback card; visit: www.barclaycard.co.uk/cashback

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Experian’s Global Fraud Prevention Services Strengthened By One Billion Iovation Device Checks

Experian has announced an international partnership with iovation, the Device Reputation Authority, to further enhance Experian’s global fraud prevention capabilities. Iovation’s advanced device recognition software, dynamic referencing and device reputation checks will increase the reach and effectiveness of Experian’s identity verification and fraud prevention services.

iovation brings together the world’s largest repository of mobile and online devices. It identifies one billion mobile devices globally and currently conducts nine billion device reputation checks a year. It enables clients to assess the likelihood of transactions being fraudulent based on the device from which an application is made. Its sophisticated real-time risk assessment analytics stops some 150,000 potential online fraud attempts each day.

Results from searches against iovation’s device library can now be used to in conjunction with Experian’s fraud and identity capabilities including its ID verification tool, Prove-ID,card fraud prevention engine, Risk-ID, and account opening fraud prevention service Hunter.

Nick Mothershaw, Director of Identity & Fraud, Experian said: “Fraud continues to represent a clear and present danger to the bottom lines of banks, insurers, financial services, lenders and ecommerce merchants. With the rise of mobile commerce, the question of device reputation is becoming increasingly important. Our agreement with iovation will provide Experian’s clients with a new layer of defence against fraudsters and deliver a more comprehensive risk assessment and scoring of each transaction to identify and welcome legitimate customers.”

“Collaborating with Experian means we can help our joint clients avoid fraud losses by stopping cybercriminals before they damage their business or customers. Combining iovation’s power of device reputation with Experian’s extensive identity-based services is game-changing,” said Jon Karl‚ co-founder and Vice President of Corporate Development at iovation.

“iovation is committed to identifying suspicious activity, exposing the size and scope of problems, and helping our customers know whom to trust online.”

Working in tandem with Experian’s range of identity verification and fraud prevention tools, iovation’s ReputationManager 360 analyses the past and current behaviour of more than one billion devices to identify and re-recognize devices logging into an organisation’s website in real time. This unique approach spots relationships between different accounts with multiple vendors and identifies all of the devices associated with an individual without needing personally identifiable data. Doing so helps businesses prevent fraudulent transactions before they happen and identifies potential fraud rings or recurring fraud activities, while protecting the privacy of consumers.

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Confused.com reveals that men named Brian have the best credit profile in the UK

Confused.com has revealed men named Brian have on average the best credit profile in the UK, while for ladies it is Helen.

In contrast, the first name with the poorest average credit profile is Lisa, while the male equivalent is Daniel.

Confused.com, the comparison site, analysed data from thousands of its customers who have used its free Credit Card Matcher Tool this year to reveal the names with the best and worst credit profiles in the UK. Confused.com is urging consumers to think about their credit history before they apply for a credit card, as a rejected application can negatively affect your credit score.

When it comes to surnames, people with the last name of Edwards have on average the best credit profile in the UK. Meanwhile, the surname with the lowest average credit profile is Thompson.

As well as a credit name lottery of sorts, the research reveals the existence of a postcode lottery when it comes to good and bad credit. The UK postcode with the highest average credit profile among its residents is SL4 in Slough. Meanwhile, SA1 in Swansea – the postcode with the poorest average credit profile – has a score 10% below the national average.

The research shows that age also makes a difference when it comes to credit scores as on average people’s credit history improves as they get older. Average scores for people aged 65 and over are 8% higher than the national average, according to the research. Meanwhile, the age bracket with the worst average credit profile is 18 to 24 – 4% lower than the national average.

Nerys Lewis, head of credit cards at Confused.com, said: “While our research shows the names with the best and worst credit profiles in the UK, people’s names are obviously not a rating factor when looking at credit. So if you’re called Brian you won’t automatically be gifted with a great profile, or penalised because your name is Lisa.

“We would encourage people to think about their credit history as a good or bad score can have a number of implications, such as your likelihood of acceptance for credit cards and also loans and mortgages.

“There are certain things you can do to improve your situation if your credit history is non-existent, or not quite up to scratch. For example, a credit building card may be one option. By using a credit building card sensibly, you demonstrate to lenders, such as banks, that you can borrow and pay back money responsibly. This in turn helps to build up your credit history.”

Confused.com’s Credit Card Matcher Tool allows people to check their likelihood of acceptance for a credit card before they apply.

Lewis added: “By using our free Credit Card Matcher Tool, people can potentially avoid a negative credit card application. If you apply and are not accepted then a lot of people aren’t aware that this can harm your credit score.”

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Confused.com reveals the benefits and dangers of Baby on Board signs

Confused.com has teamed up with Brake, the road safety charity, to highlight the benefits and dangers of ”Baby on Board’ signs and remind parents about safety for younger passengers.

37% of parents (almost 2 in 5) have displayed a ‘Baby on Board’ sign either currently or in the past. Now it’s time to find out if they are a help or a hazard. Confused.com’s new research among 2,000 drivers (50% of whom have children under 16) found that 80% of the parents who use baby on board signs think they improve safety, while 46% of drivers said that ‘Baby on Board’ signs obscure vision when driving.

Confused.com’s research discovered that clutter is a concern among many drivers, and having too many novelty items displayed could be a safety issue. 51% of all those questioned said they think other drivers display too much clutter in their car windows, such as stickers and novelty items. 15% of drivers who do exhibit these signs admit they do so simply because they are a cute/novelty item while 4% only display one because they received it as a gift.

Brake’s experts have confirmed that window clutter can be an issue on the road, but acknowledge that baby on board signs can also have a safety benefit.

Julie Townsend, Deputy Chief Executive at Brake, said: “Baby on board signs can be incredibly helpful for emergency services at the scene of a crash in knowing whether there’s a child involved, but this help can become a hindrance if drivers display signs when their child isn’t in the vehicle. Worse still is the danger that can be posed by drivers obscuring their view by cluttering up windows with lots of signs. Drivers’ priority should always be getting there safely, without putting themselves, young passengers or other road users a risk. That includes ensuring your view isn’t obscured and you remain fully focused on the road.”

The research also found that drivers who have never displayed a ‘Baby on Board’ sticker or do not drive children around are more likely to think the signs are tacky (34%) or dangerous as they obscure vision (18%).

Meanwhile, 46% of people who drive kids around say they have driven with a ‘Baby on Board’ sign and 22% of these say they always display the sign.

Confused.com’s survey also reveals that 14% of parents with under-16s think ‘Baby on Board’ signs are uncool/not trendy and 33% of drivers think the signs are ‘tacky’. Interestingly, it’s women who are most likely to disapprove of the signs, with 35% of women questioned saying the signs are ‘tacky’ while only 31% of male drivers felt the same.

The research also found that a quarter of parents aged 18-24 (who have young children) always display a ‘Baby on Board’ sign when they drive. This age group is also most likely to display novelty stickers in their car window, compared to drivers of other ages. 18-24 year-old drivers are least likely to say that other drivers display too much clutter in their car windows.

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