Category Archives: Investment

Investment

Business, Financial, Financial Services, Investment, Money, Profits

CSB Group and Zammit & Associates Advocates exhibit at the IGE 2010

CSB Group and Zammit & Associates – Advocates participated in the International Gaming Expo 2010, held at Earls Court in London between the 26th and 28th January, represented by Mr. Michael J Zammit – CSB Group CEO; Dr. Andrew J Zammit – Managing Partner of Zammit & Associates – Advocates; and Mr. Keith Kerr – CSB Group iGaming and Corporate Services Executive. The team expressed satisfaction from the continued interest from major international gaming operators in Malta as a hub for the regulation and operation of their gaming activities.

CSB Group and Zammit & Associates Advocates exhibit at the IGE 2010

As one of the leading corporate service providers in Malta, CSB Group has now been involved in Malta’s iGaming industry since its inception. Mr. Zammit emphasised the importance of major exhibitions like the IGE 2010, as they provide Maltese service providers the opportunity of promoting Malta as an established and well regulated European gaming jurisdiction to a high-calibre, international audience. Apart from assisting gaming operators with the submission and pursuance of their gaming licence application with the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA), the Group assists the gaming operators relocating to Malta with other key services like recruitment. More than 2,500 people work directly in the iGaming industry in Malta with half of that number being Maltese nationals. CSB Group’s recruitment unit ensures that gaming operators relocating to Malta find the right people to fit their requirements and culture.

This year’s IGE 2010 was a huge success attracting over 20,000 visitors with over 250 companies showcasing their products and services. CSB Group is proud to have been part of the exhibitors present and Mr. Zammit expressed the intention of the Group to continue participating and exhibiting in major events like the IGE to further develop its business and maintain Malta’s good reputation as a centreer for excellence in the professional service industry.

Dr. Andrew J. Zammit, speaking on behalf of Zammit & Associates – Advocates, also expressed his satisfaction with the opportunities presented at the London expo. “As one of the main events on the iGaming calendar, IGE 2010 was an ideal platform to promote our legal services and meet with prospective clients showing interest in relocating their business to Malta”, he said. He was pleased to note the strong participation of Maltese service providers at the expo, from several industries involved in supporting the remote gaming industry. However, he expressed concern that whilst the private sector continues to make significant investment in attracting operators to bring distinct components of their business to Malta, there does not appear to be a corresponding effort being made at the highest levels of the Maltese Government.

He indicated that there is a perceived lack of pro-active participation by the Government on the European plane to defend Malta’s position as a European remote gaming hub and to develop suitable policies and regulatory guidance to accommodate changing requirements in a fast-moving industry. “If Malta is to retain its position as the leading remote gaming jurisdiction within the EU, the Maltese Government must be able to effectively address the significant challenges presented by the need to dovetail Malta’s regulatory regime with other jurisdictions as a result of the increased internationalisation of remote gaming networks, revise regulatory policies in the light of opportunities presented by new technologies and changing business models, and stave off increased pressure from other EU Member States seeking to impede the freedom of movement of services for what appear to be the wrong reasons. Admittedly, addressing each of these challenges is a significant task and requires careful attention if Malta’s credibility as a reputable regulatory jurisdiction is to be preserved. However, it is certainly not realistic to expect the Gaming Authority to deal with all of these developments, in addition to performing its day-to-day regulatory functions, without increasing its current staff complement and involving industry stakeholders and independent external consultants with a view to establishing rigid time-frames within which new policies are developed. If complacency and procrastination become order-of-the-day, there is a real risk that this industry will dissipate from our island” he said.

He concluded by adding that Maltese professionals have earned a very good name for the level of service provided to these international operators basing significant parts of their business in Malta and that Zammit & Associates- Advocates will certainly be attending IGE 2011 in the hope that in the course of 2010 appropriate regulatory policies will be published by the Authority with the support of the Government with industry requirements being kept clearly in mind.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, IRA, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement, Stocks, Trading

Prudential Reveals A Return To Stock Market As Interest Rates Prompt Rush For Risk Assets

Prudential has released findings from its latest research which shows that financial advisers are predicting a significant return to the stock market in 2010, with 72% expecting an increase in the number of clients looking to invest in equities over the coming 12 months.

While Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) questioned for the Prudential study predicted a strong return to the stock market in 2010, they also believe that investors will look to adopt a more cautious approach on the back of the worst recession since World War II.

Almost three quarters (73%) of IFAs expect clients to invest in cautious managed growth funds, with 66% expecting to see investment in defensive funds and 70% believing investors will also look to spread risk by buying into multi-manager funds.

In addition, 55% of IFAs expect clients to invest in absolute return funds and 68% expect to see ongoing investment in bonds. In contrast, just 18% expect to see clients looking to invest in individual stocks and shares and 46% expect clients to invest in higher risk growth funds.

Andy Brown, Director of Investment Funds, Prudential said: “Given the performance of the markets in the second half of last year coupled with the ongoing poor rate of return for cash based savings, it is perhaps unsurprising that IFAs expect to see more clients looking to return to the stock market and buy into equity based investments in 2010.

“However, in reality not all equities will show equal growth over the coming 12 months and choosing the right time to invest in the right asset classes is key.”

The survey also found that 71% of IFAs believe the recession will have a long term impact on the way clients look to invest and prompt them to adopt a more cautious investment strategy and be more reliant on professional advice. Of these advisers, 83% said they believe clients will be more cautious with investment decisions and favour more balanced portfolios, with 68% of IFAs expecting investors to utilise independent financial advice when choosing investment funds.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Business, Financial, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Investment, Money

RSA Acquires The Third Largest Insurer In Oman

RSA Insurance Group plc (RSA) & ONIC Holding SAOG announces an agreement in which RSA Oman will acquire Al Ahlia from ONIC Holding for OMR 19m (US$49m). The purchase price is subject to a net asset value adjustment on completion.

RSA Acquires The Third Largest Insurer In Oman

In return ONIC Holding will acquire a 20.03% stake in RSA Oman. The transaction will create the largest insurance group in Oman by net written premium.

Paul Holmes, CEO of RSA Middle East, commented, “Through this acquisition of Al Ahlia,we create a market leading insurer in Oman and this enhances our Emerging Markets position in the Middle East. We welcome ONIC Holding as a local shareholder in Oman and value their strategic support as we drive the business forward.”

Sayyida Rawan Ahmed al Said, Group Chief Executive, ONIC Holding said “This strategic tie up is a significant step for ONIC Holding by aligning with an international player in the insurance sector. We believe that this alliance will enhance value to ONIC Holding’s stakeholders and would have a positive impact on the insurance industry in Oman. We look forward to having a mutually beneficial and long term relationship with RSA.”

Following the transaction the shareholders of RSA Oman will be RSA Middle East, ONIC Holding, WJ Towell Company, OHI and Mr. Prem Mankand.

Completion of the transaction is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

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

The Children’s Mutual Reports CTFs Have Revolutionised Child Savings

The Children’s Mutual, a leading Child Trust Fund provider, has revealed new research that, five years on from the first CTF vouchers being issued, the introduction of the CTF has revolutionised long-term savings for children.

The Children's Mutual Reports CTFs Have Revolutionised Child Savings

With every eligible child born since 1 September 2002 having a CTF account, 2010 will see more than five million children holding CTFs.

The Children’s Mutual has revealed that around half of their CTF customers set up a monthly direct debit on the day they open their child’s account. If you look at wider industry statistics, 31% of CTFs receive some form of additional saving. Before the Child Trust Fund was introduced, just one in five families were saving over the long-term for their children.

In addition, while nearly three quarters of parents choose to proactively open their child’s CTF account, a survey by the awards winning Child Trust Fund provider found that when asked over one in 10 parents with CTF vouchers were opting to let the government open the account for them – making an engagement rate of 85%. Compared to engagement rates of other savings products – 40% of the adult population has a private pension and 30% have an ISA – the CTF has driven the UK adult population to engage.

The Children’s Mutual also found that currently 1.4m parents, family and friends are contributing to their children’s accounts with in excess of £22m being added every month – money set to help towards the cost of higher education, first homes and beyond. As a result they estimate £2.74 billion will be available to young adults each year as they turn 18.

According to its calculations, 50% of the government CTF investment so far is going to 1.5 million families on the lowest incomes (under £15,000), with families in the lowest income bracket saving a higher proportion of their household income for their children than those in more affluent groupings.

David White, chief executive of The Children’s Mutual, said: “To those of us involved with the CTF, five years has gone by in the blink of an eye. And yet in that short amount of time, the results have been startling – the CTF has done what no other savings account has achieved before – getting the mass UK population engaged and saving. We’re delighted that parents have engaged with the first universal savings scheme, realising that the only realistic way to fund their adult children’s futures is to start saving now.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Financial Software, Financial Solutions, Forex, Investment, Money, Stocks, Trading

BestForexAccount.net Revealed Truth About Trading Forex Platforms!

Do you know what is the most important thing that you should do before starting a Forex business? It is to find a Forex Trading platform. But how would you do that when more than half the websites on the internet provides malicious and unauthentic information about such platforms? There would be a million recommendations for a specific platform but how would you check its authenticity? The answer is simple. Go by its user’s reviews and comments. BestForexAccount.Net is one such site which is gaining lukewarm acceptance more or less solely through the word of mouth factor.

But why should you listen to somebody? Don’t! Instead try it out yourself and then make your own judgment on the basis of your own experience. One visit to this site will make you understand the real difference between this site and other Forex related sites. Firstly, while choosing a Forex platform you need to check their reputation. Do they have a sound background or you can smell some bankruptcy? Then you should consider is the package they are offering. Does it include any free demo/trial accounts? Or should you directly take the risk of investing in their service. And lastly focus on the superfluous services. What are the compliments they are willing to offer? Free utilities, free trading advice, regular and instant market updates/alerts and how secure would be your transaction through their server etc. Indeed performing such an extensive assessment would be time consuming and often the results could be misleading. Now that is why people sought to take the help of BestForexAccount.Net. This site regularly publishesForex articles and reviews that advise people on what and how should they choose their Forex trading platforms. The site even summarizes and lists answers to all the above questions in a tabular format for the ease of the visitor.

Now who would do such a thing for a total stranger like you? Only a person who believes in helping people in the right direction and so is the owner of the site, a Forex investor since 3 years and whose free tips and advice has helped many Forex traders flourish. The site in fact has brought forth certain facts regarding different trading platforms that otherwise would have been hid by other biased sites. It has compared and listed the Pros & Cons of different Forex trading platforms such as eToro and EasyForex on the basis of their site popularity, registration speed, leverage, spreads and minimum deposit required etc. Never would you find a site which has presented such impartial statistics about so many Forex trading platforms.

You may even feel free to state your queries and doubts regarding Forex trading directly and a prompt reply is guaranteed. Also the site as a matter of fact could be considered a democratic site since any visitor is free to express his/her opinion through the feedback section which will be then listed on the rightmost pane of the site. This doesn’t even ask for a sign up. The site’s transparency and professionalism is beyond question.

The site’s extensive comparison about the different aspects of the platforms and the overall rating of each platform within a scale of 5 allows the visitor to immediately conclude the best platform he/she should take for their business. The presentation of data with proper authentic citing and references assures the visitor that their decision won’t go vain. Also the links to the official site ensures two things: firstly that they wouldn’t have to roam about surfing the internet for the platform’s official site and secondly they needn’t worry about its legitimacy and the site’s professionalism.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

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

The Children’s Mutual Reports Parents Persist In Saving

The Children’s Mutual, a leading Child Trust Fund provider, has reported that the latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show that parents are persisting in saving for their children and engaging with the Child Trust Fund.

The Children's Mutual Reports Parents Persist In Saving

The new quarterly Child Trust Fund statistics released by the HMRC have revealed that nearly three quarters of all Child Trust Funds (CTFs) are proactively opened within a year of a child’s birth. However, according to a new analysis from The Children’s Mutual, this figure only tells part of the story of parents’ engagement with saving for their children.

The award winning Child Trust Fund provider found that while the vast majority of parents open an account for their child rather than waiting for the Government to do so, many of those who don’t are making a proactive decision not to while others are understandably busy with their new baby.

David White, Chief Executive of The Children’s Mutual, said: “Because the CTF is universal, every single eligible child receives an account, but what is impressive is that nearly 75% of parents choose to proactively open the account and around half of our customers start saving on a monthly basis immediately.”

According to its research among parents of young children, over one in 10 parents actively choose not to open an account and to let the Government do so on their behalf, citing their lack of familiarity with financial matters. In addition, research among parents who haven’t opened accounts found that 27% say it is because they haven’t had time to think about it – not surprising considering a new baby has a profound effect on family life.

Mr White said: “Attention is often paid to the quarter of parents who do not open accounts, accusing them of not engaging with, or being interested in the CTF, but our research shows that parents are far more engaged than many would believe. We found that over one in 10 parents, with CTF vouchers to place, said they would choose to let the Government open their child’s CTF and of those who haven’t opened accounts, the number one reason is because they are understandably focusing on the here-and-now. The beauty of the CTF is that it allows for this, with the Government opening accounts on behalf of parents if they don’t do it themselves, meaning that no child will miss out.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, IRA, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement

Prudential Warns Of Widespread Over-Reliance On State Pension

According to new research from Prudential, nearly a fifth (18%) of people planning to retire in 2010 will be retiring on the State Pension and savings.

Prudential Warns Of Widespread Over-Reliance On State Pension

But 31% of the people surveyed in Prudential’s nationwide Class of 2010 study either do not know how much the basic State Pension pays or over-estimate the individual weekly amount by £25 or more.

Prudential warns the basic State Pension alone may not provide sufficient retirement income for many and urges people who are still working to save as much as possible for their old age in company and personal pensions as well as savings and investments.

“Given that so many people expect to retire on the basic State Pension, particularly when only half know how much it pays, there is still a clear need for people to understand the consequences of not making adequate provision for their retirement,” said Martyn Bogira, Director of Defined Contribution Solutions at Prudential.

“If the basic State Pension is your only source of income you could be in an extremely precarious position financially. Just one significant financial emergency, like your central heating system unexpectedly breaking down, could cause serious financial hardship for people expecting to retire on the State Pension alone.

“On its own the basic State Pension, paying just under £5,000 a year, should only really be used to supplement other sources, such as income from a pension or an annuity.

“We would urge people to pay as much as they possibly can into their retirement savings, because the State alone is unlikely to be able to support you in your retirement. The sooner you start saving, either into a company pension, personal pension or other savings, the greater the amount of money you can build up to help provide for you when you do come to retire.”

Average expenditure in households headed by someone aged 65 to 74 was £321 a week, according to the most recent Office for National Statistics figures from 2007, and £218 a week for households headed by someone aged 75 or over, but today the basic State Pension for married couples lags behind this figure by paying £152.30 a week.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, IRA, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement

Prudential Launches Five New Risk Rated Portfolios

Prudential is launching five new actively-managed, risk-rated, multi-asset funds designed to help advisers to focus on client management through an extension of its partnership with independent investment specialist Old Broad Street Research (OBSR).

The partnership gives advisers access to the asset allocation expertise of Prudential’s Portfolio Management Group (PMG)*, which currently manages over £100 billion of capital, and the fund selection and recommendation experience of OBSR in one place.

Prudential is launching the funds in response to demand f r o m advisers for investment solutions which can help them respond to the changes driven by the Retail Distribution Review and the ongoing focus of the Financial Service Authority’s Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) initiative. In addition, customers will benefit f r o m the choice of a wide range of funds across tax wrappers that are designed to meet the needs of identified groups and are targeted accordingly.

Crucially, the funds will be actively risk managed in line with their portfolio investment objectives and may help reduce the risk of potential TCF issues through running static portfolios.

The five portfolios – Defensive; Cautious; Cautious Growth; Balanced; and Adventurous – will be available on a range of Prudential personal pension products, income drawdown, onshore and offshore bonds. The risk ratings of each portfolio can be mapped against all the major independent risk-rating tools.

Andy Brown, Director of Investment Funds at Prudential said: “Asset allocation and fund selection are vital in ensuring that client needs and long-term investment expectations are met. However, both are potentially demanding and time-consuming.

“Advisers need cost-effective support with their investment management to address the changing regulatory environment. We are determined to address that issue and are delighted to be expanding our partnership with OBSR.”

Phil Lindsay, sales & marketing director for OBSR said: “The objective of the ‘Prudential Dynamic Portfolio’ risk rated funds is to consistently conform to specific risk profiles by utilising the strengths of Prudential’s Portfolio Management Groups’ asset allocation capabilities and OBSR’s fund research and portfolio construction skills thereby assisting intermediaries in developing solutions in line with client attitudes to risk.”

Prudential’s Portfolio Management Group will be responsible for asset allocation, determining the macro asset mix of the portfolios with the long-term aim of ensuring the portfolios conform to their stated risk objectives. They will have the flexibility to implement strategic and tactical changes within given ranges which over time will result in changes in the broad asset mix. These changes will be made to ensure the funds remain within the risk parameters set.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, IRA, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement

Prudential Warns Of State Of Ignorance Over Retirement Age Rise

New research from Prudential shows that nearly half (47 per cent) of 45 to 49 year-olds and two-fifths (39 per cent) of 50 to 54 year-olds are unaware of the rise in the minimum retirement age from 50 to 55 which comes into effect on 6 April this year. The increase in the minimum retirement age could be a particular blow to people aged 50 to 55 who are planning to retire this year, Prudential warns.

Prudential is urging people who will be affected by the increase in minimum retirement age to speak to financial advisers and pension providers ahead of the 6 April deadline and stresses there is still time to act.

The new minimum retirement age – first announced by the Government in 2004 – will prevent many people aged between 50 and 55 from claiming private or company pension benefits and especially taking the tax-free cash element of their pension fund until they
are 55.

For those who had planned to retire at 50, the higher minimum age will mean five years without access to pension benefits or tax-free cash.

Prudential’s research has found that 6 per cent of the UK’s 3.9 million adults aged 50 to 54 – equivalent to more than 230,000 people – said they planned to retire in 2010.

Karin Brown, Director of Annuities at Prudential, said: “People who want to take their pension benefits and any tax-free cash allowance still have nearly three months to decide what they want to do.

“Prudential strongly urges people approaching retirement to contact a financial adviser or talk to their pension provider about the options available.

“The Government first announced the changes to the minimum retirement age nearly six years ago so there has been plenty of time for the news to sink in. It is worrying that so many are still unaware but there is time to act before rules change.”

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.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Assets, Banks, Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, ISAs, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement

Prudential Reveal Concern Over Asset Allocation And Fund Selection

Prudential has revealed new research that shows nearly six out of 10 financial advisers are concerned about possible regulatory action over asset allocation and fund selection decisions. The research found that 39 per cent of advisers are concerned they could face problems justifying decisions while another 19 per cent are concerned but have plans in place to deal with potential regulatory issues.

Prudential Reveal Concern Over Asset Allocation And Fund Selection

The survey f r o m Prudential also shows that 50 per cent of advisers would welcome support f r o m providers on asset allocation and fund selection as they battle to cope with the fallout f r o m the recent extreme stock market volatility.

With the research showing advisers currently spending around five hours per week on asset allocation and fund selection, 56 per cent of firms say expertise in these areas is important to the success of their business model. One in five advisers suggest that this activity could be outsourced.

Andy Brown, Director of Investment Funds at Prudential, said: “The unprecedented economic and market events of the past 18 months have increased the need for advisers to help their clients understand the implication of their risk and fund selections.

“Providers should be doing more to support advisers and giving them access to expert advice and help. It is in the interests of advisers and providers to come up with innovative solutions that meet clients’ expectations and their assessed risk levels.

“Asset allocation and fund selection are vital in ensuring that client needs and long-term investment expectations are met. However, both are potentially demanding and time-consuming. Finding reliable sources of both can enhance the service advisers offer to their clients.

“We believe that the interests of intermediaries and their clients are best served by providing risk-rated portfolios that can be mapped to the independent profiling systems used by advisers to assess their client’s attitude to risk. This is a better solution than relying on tools offered by product providers.”

Prudential and Old Broad Street Research (OBSR) have been working together since 2008 on the PruSelect fund range which offers 100 ‘best of breed’ funds as part of a drive to help advisers with fund selection and asset allocation.

Andy Brown continued: “This research demonstrates there is a real need for support f r o m providers to help advisers with the increasing regulatory pressure they face. In addition, the time advisers are currently spending on asset allocation and fund selection cannot be underestimated. We only see this requirement increasing over the next 12 months and we estimate more advisers will look to providers for support in meeting their regulatory obligations.”

Prudential’s research also reveals that only just over half of advisers (52 per cent) say they feel very confident in their level of knowledge of investment products and how to invest which points to a real need for support in this area f r o m providers.

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.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

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

The Children’s Mutual Launches New Pocket Money Site To Help Families

According to new research from The Children’s Mutual, the old saying that good manners cost nothing is not strictly true, as 44% of children are now financially rewarded for good behaviour.

Award winning Child Trust Fund Provider, The Children’s Mutual, has revealed that as well as good behaviour, parents are also offering an ‘honest wage’ for a hard day’s work. 37% of children ‘earn’ their pocket money by helping out with chores around the home and 19% fill their piggy banks by helping out with the family pet.

As the Government announces plans to make financial education compulsory for children as young as five from 2012, leading Child Trust Fund provider The Children’s Mutual has launched a new Pocket Money Petz microsite which has been created to help parents teach their children about pocket money and saving.

Children can choose a ‘virtual’ pet, from a dog to a dinosaur, to help them learn to boost, manage and save their pocket money earnings, and while children have fun deciding which character to accompany them through PocketMoneyPetz, their parents can put a value against each chore to help them learn the value of money.

Tony Anderson, Marketing Director at The Children’s Mutual, said: “As children are receiving more and more pocket money in return for undertaking household chores, helping with the family pet and their good behaviour, we created Pocket Money Petz to help spark their imaginations about earning and saving money.”

According to The Children’s Mutual research, the going rate for pocket money has increased by a whopping 83% in a single generation from when their parents received pocket money until today. Parents are already giving an average of £2.85 a week to their child, with many (27%) parents expecting to increase this amount by £1 each year.

However, despite the rise in pocket money, The Children’s Mutual research showed that parents are often unsure of how much to ‘pay’ their children and can feel pressurised to compete with how much other parents give. Nearly one in five (18%) said there was pressure to conform to a ‘market rate’ and 16% said they feel they pay too much but ‘have to go with what everyone gets’. In response to these concerns, The Children’s Mutual has also created a Parents’ Pocket Money Guide which offers advice on teaching children about money, how to give pocket money, when to start and how much to give and how often.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

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

One In Five Parents Has A Will

According to new research by leading Child Trust Fund (CTF) provider The Children’s Mutual, just 18% of parents have written a will, yet many are unaware that should the worst happen and the parents die without having appointed a guardian, the child may not be looked after by their chosen carer and it will be up to the courts to decide where they live. The Children’s Mutual is therefore urging parents to make and keep just one New Year’s Resolution this year – to write a will.

According to research by The Children’s Mutual, the majority of parents who hadn’t written a will said it was because the task was ‘sitting on the to do list’ but wasn’t a priority (35%), 32% said they hadn’t found the time and 27% said they couldn’t afford to write a will. To help address these concerns, The Children’s Mutual has put together a simple Will Writing Checklist which is available on request to assist parents ahead of writing a will and is offering a discounted rate for a standard will of £50 plus VAT through its Will Writing Service in partnership with Flint Bishop Solicitors.

The Children’s Mutual is calling on parents to act to protect their children and is urging the one in three (27%) parents it surveyed who said they planned to write a will, to do just that this year.

Tony Anderson, Marketing Director at The Children’s Mutual, said: “The majority of parents have writing a will on their to do list but we’re urging them to put their New Year’s Resolutions to good use in 2010 and make it happen. While it’s something no parent wants to think about, getting a will written and their paperwork in order so they know their child will be cared and provided for will be a huge weight off their mind.”

Of the parents questioned who have a will, their top reasons for writing one were to ensure their partner inherited their estate and because they wanted to decide who would look after their children should the worst happen.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

401K, Assets, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Law, Financial Services, Investment, IRA, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement, Taxes

Financial Experts Predicting Rapid Dollar Devaluation in a Coming Burst of the ‘Dollar Bubble’

Many news commentators are echoing the same resounding assurance: the recession is over. But not everyone sees it this way. Who’s right? Just look at the facts.

While Wall Street, thanks to the help of the Federal Reserve, rallied for a big end-of-the-year win, at least for top executives, they’re getting big bonuses while Main Street investors suffer. Rising unemployment figures, increased foreclosures and a loss of wealth continue to plague the average Joe.

Times Magazine named Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke, “Person of the Year” for 2009. The National Inflation Association, a grassroots group that warns people of the dangers of hyperinflation, named him “Villain of the Year.”

The Fed’s policies have made the value of the US dollar artificially high and before long the dollar bubble is bound to burst, leading to hyperinflation with prices of consumer goods rising sharply. According to Phoebe Chongchua of the Denver-based Nabers Group, the U.S. is already beginning to experience this kind of runaway inflation.

Nabers Group has issued a warning to U.S. consumers on its blog about the impending devaluation of the U.S. Dollar’s value in a period of hyperinflation.

“Hyperinflation can really be thought of as a silent tax, especially if artificially created by U.S. monetary policy. If the dollars you have today can purchase a fruit punch, a sandwich and a bag of chips but that same money in the future can only purchase the fruit punch, then your money has been devalued—you have lost purchasing power. Ultimately it’s the average middle class consumer who ends up getting the short end of the stick,” says Chongchua.

For most people, the major concern is how to preserve their dwindling wealth. CEO Jeff Nabers, encourages clients to diversify their portfolios using an exceptionally flexible investment vehicle known as the Solo 401k.

“The Solo 401k is designed specifically for a business owner who has no full-time employees. One of the most powerful benefits of the Solo 401k is the plan’s participant loan feature, which offers a tax-favorable alternative to withdrawing money from a retirement plan as a distribution,” says Nabers.

Preserving your wealth doesn’t have to be an uphill battle even as we head into rising inflation and the devaluing of the dollar if people act now to protect their wealth.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Debts, Financial, Financial Information, Investment, IVA, Loans, Money, Personal Finance, Profits

Consumer Price Index Rise Hits UK Savers Pockets

With bank rates predicted to stay low for the next 12 months, savers are in an increasingly tricky situation, according to personal finance website MoneyStand.co.uk.

As the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) is often greater than the savings account interest rates, MoneyStand.co.uk believes some individuals are actually poorer in real terms by keeping money in certain accounts. The UK website, which focuses on giving advice and information on personal finance, debt solutions, and IVA, has stated that simple and well thought out decisions can make all the difference to consumers in these instances. These are particularly testing times for those who live off the interest of their accumulated wealth to subsidise their pension.

Due to the low interest rates affecting most banks within the UK and the erosive affects of rising inflation, individuals with savings are feeling the brunt of the economic downturn. Even with substantial savings, British savers are missing out on a solid return on their investments once tax is taken into account.

With the Consumer Prices Index rising to 1.9 per cent, basic rate taxpayers need their banks to provide a minimum savings rate of 2.375 per cent before seeing any real return on their investments, and higher rate tax payers need a sizeable 3.166 per cent to see a return. In reality, currently only 9 out of 744 variable rate savings accounts available in the UK actually offer an interest rate higher than this. Compared with November, when 69 out of 744 accounts paid above this rate, experts argue that banks are profiteering at the expense of their customers, warning that the situation will now get even worse for the basic rate taxpayers.

Following a widespread media campaign for better deals for UK savers, the UK government has promised to start taking action against these low yield savings accounts. Despite these claims, Moneystand.co.uk suggests that UK individuals will soon have almost no reason to save.

Founder Matt Spencer said, “Due to the worsening interests rates offered by the banks, we have approached the stage where taxpayers are better off investing their money into gold bullion than they are with savings accounts.”

“Due to the Consumer Prices Index rising beyond economists’ expectations from 1.5 per cent to 1.9 per cent last month, basic rate taxpayers will also feel the knock on effects of the increase for some months to come. Economists have attributed this to amongst other things, rising fuel and energy costs.”

Personal Finance weblog MoneyStand.co.uk has been providing unbiased personal finance, IVA and debt related information since early 2008 specifically to help people through these testing financial times. The authors realise people are facing particularly pressing financial times and seek to alleviate this where possible by providing clear and easy to understand information.

“In times of recession individuals and families often overlook simple financial decisions that can make huge differences to their financial health.” Matt Spencer explained, “Our aim is to highlight and offer financial advice on these sensitive topics.”

For the latest financial news and advice on IVA, debt and insolvency visit our personal finance blog, http://www.moneystand.co.uk.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Financial Software, Financial Solutions, Forex, Investment, Money, Stocks, Trading

Saxo Bank announce Outrageous Claims for 2010 now live on Trading Floor

Saxo Bank’s annual ‘Outrageous Claims’ now has its own page on tradingfloor.com, the home for news from the Denmark-based online bank’s strategy team.

Among the 10 ‘Outrageous Claims’ for 2010 are predictions of the devaluation of the CNY, the emergence of a third political party in the US, a massive fall in the price of sugar, a positive US trade balance for the first time since the 1975 oil crisis and the US Social Security Trust Fund going bust.

The online futures trade and investment specialist’s ten claims are an annual thought exercise to predict rare but high impact ‘black swan’ events that are beyond the realm of normal market expectations. The exercise aims to challenge market conceptions. Compiled as part of the bank’s 2010 Outlook, the claims this year paint a picture of a more positive year ahead but with a few tremors along the way.

David Karsboel, Chief Economist at Saxo Bank, commented: “We believe that 2010 will be a year of reflation, but structural headwinds lie ahead of us and could turn 2010 into a rollercoaster ride.

“One of the most likely structural headwinds will be a shift in investor focus towards slowing GDP and timing issues regarding the path of FED tightening. This will bring risk aversion back into markets.

“Whilst our annual ‘Outrageous Claims’ should be seen as the black swans of the market rather than outright predictions, we do believe that the odds of these events happening are somewhat higher than what is currently priced into the market,” David Karsboel concluded.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Angel Investors, Business, Financial, Financial Services, Funding, Investment, Money, Venture Capital

Influential Christian Business Leaders Convene In Denver, CO For The 3rd Annual Kingdom Economic Yearly Summit KEYS

Christian business and financial representatives from at least 15 nations and 40 U.S. states will convene Feb. 3-6, 2010 in Denver at the 3rd Annual Kingdom Economic Yearly Summit (KEYS), according to Dr. Bruce Cook, Summit convener and host. “We have the top Christian marketplace thought leaders coming together to offer economic strategies and solutions for today’s troubled times,” said Cook.

Theme for the event is “Fathering Marketplace Leaders: Prospering in Economic Crisis.”

Dr. Lance Wallnau, President of the Lance Learning Group, Keller, TX and Os Hillman, President of Marketplace Leaders Ministries, Cumming, GA will keynote the 2010 Summit along with Dr. Pat Francis, President of Elomax Inc., Pat Francis Ministries and Kingdom Covenant Centre, Toronto, Ontario; Tamara Lowe, best selling author and Executive Vice President and co-founder of Get Motivated Seminars, Inc., Tampa, FL; and Rich Marshall, author of God@Work, Vols. I & II and President of R.O.I. Leadership International, Highlands Ranch, CO; Rick Joyner, best selling author of The Final Quest and numerous other books and founder and senior leader of MorningStar Ministries, Fort Mill, SC.

Other leaders speaking at KEYS 2010 include top-producing real estate broker, author and speaker Kenn Renner, Austin, TX; international business attorney & CEO Carolita Oliveros, president of Oliveros & Associates PC, Tucson, AZ; Al Caperna, CEO of CMC Group, Inc. and Marketplace Leader for Call2All, Bowling Green, OH; Dr. Francis Myles, pastor of Breakthrough City Kingdom Embassy, McKinney, TX and author of The Order of Melchizidek; David van Koevering, physicist, inventor and president of Elsewhen, Cleveland, TN; and John Muratori, author of Rich Church, Poor Church and President of John Muratori Ministries, Senior Pastor of Calvary Life Family Worship Center and Executive Director of Turning Point Christian Center, Cheshire, CT.

“God is moving powerfully in the marketplace,” said Cook, KEYS founder. “What’s happening is both a market correction and a marketplace reformation,” he added, “and the global financial turmoil and shaking of economies, nations, markets, institutions and currencies has helped create or trigger widespread fear and a crisis of belief in many people. In response, a growing number of business men and women are turning to God, discovering prayer and Biblical principles, choosing faith over fear, and re-examining their assumptions and beliefs about finances, investing, debt, retirement and stewardship in light of current conditions,” he stated.

Patterned loosely after the World Economic Forum, but with a Christian focus, the 4-day Summit will also feature Ken Beaudry, President of Beaudry Oil Co., Elk River, MN; Morris Ruddick, President of Ruddick Intl. and Global Strategic Initiatives Foundation, Denver, CO; Kyle Newton, President & CEO of InVision and Newton Inc, Fort Worth, TX; Shawn Bolz, president of Expression58 Ministries, Los Angeles, CA and author of several books; Robert Ricciardelli, former sales executive and President of Visionary Advancement Strategies and Converging Zone Network, Black Mountain, NC; and Teri Werner, business coach and consultant, author of Train Wreck to Triumph and former CEO, Mesquite, TX; Michael Pink, best-selling author, business coach and former sales trainer and corporate executive, Sarasota, FL; and Paul Cuny, retired business executive, author, and president of Marketplace Leadership International, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

In addition, speakers will include Dr. Peter Wagner, President of Wagner Leadership Institute and Global Harvest and author of 80 books, Colorado Springs, CO; Peter Roselle, pastor and registered securities dealer and wealth manager for a major Wall Street firm; John L. Sorenson Jr., president of Covenant Bancorp., Chicago, IL; Dr. Marlene McMillan, president, Liberty Ministries, Irving, TX; Jim Barthel, President& CEO of Metals Treatment Technologies LLC and Kingdom Business Alliance (KBA), Arvada, CO; and Dr. Bruce Cook, President, VentureAdvisers Inc., Kingdom House Publishing and Glory Realm Ministries, Leander, TX.

“KBA is very pleased to co-sponsor this year’s KEYS event,” said Barthel. “Having attended each of the previous KEYS, I know that those who attend will experience a‘Mountain Top’ experience unlike any other and will advance in their marketplace purpose, position, passion and power for the Lord,” he added. “This event is for anyone who works or leads in a business environment, as well as ministry leaders desiring to better understand the marketplace and how to relate to business leaders.”

Venue for KEYS 2010 will be Faith Bible Chapel International, located at W. 62nd Ave. & Ward Road in Arvada, CO. Schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily February 3-5 and 8:30 am to 1:00 pm Feb. 6th. The event is also being webcast and evening sessions will be offered free after 6:30 pm nightly on a space available basis.

Registration fees are $50 for webcast, $99 for students, $199 for adults, and $349 for couples or colleagues.

Group rates are also available, with a 10% discount offered to groups of 10 or more. For more information on KEYS, visit their web site at http://www.KingdomEconomicSummit.com.

About Bruce Cook
Cook, 55, of Leander, TX, is an ordained Christian minister, private investor and financial consultant, and has served as President and Founder of VentureAdvisers Inc. since 2000. Previously, Cook was Research Director for The University of Texas Investment Management Company (UTIMCO) (focused on private equity), and was a marketing communications executive for 12 years for several universities and a software company and technology incubator, and a bank manager for five years. Cook holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration from The University of Texas at Austin (1994) and wrote his dissertation on fundraising theory.

About the Kingdom Economic Yearly Summit (KEYS):
Patterned loosely after the World Economic Forum, but with a Christian focus and perspective, KEYS will feature a number of internationally-known speakers. Christian business and financial representatives from at least 15 nations and 40 U.S. states are expected to attend the 3rd Annual Kingdom Economic Yearly Summit (KEYS) February 3-6, 2010, in Denver, Colorado, in the midst of one of the worst financial crises in modern history.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Debts, Financial, Financial Information, Investment, IVA, Loans, Money, Personal Finance, Profits

Spend Carefully over Christmas

During tough economic times with rising levels of personal insolvency, one UK website is offering consumers reliable, factual and helpful money advice.

Personal Finance weblog MoneyStand.co.uk has been providing information and opinions on personal finance since January 2008. The blog was created for UK consumers facing common financial issues wanting honest, up front information with no hidden agendas. The website will be launching a series of articles on seasonal spending this Friday to help consumers spend less over the festive season and start sensible budgeting.

According to a report released by government body The Insolvency Service at the start of November, personal insolvencies have risen by 28.8 percent in the past year. This figure consisted of consumers who had opted for bankruptcy, IVA or a Debt Relief Order to overcome their debt problems. Although the increase in individuals seeking personal insolvencies may be attributed to a rise in unemployment, MoneyStand.co.uk estimates that this figure will continue to rise during 2010 following excessive spending over the festive season.

Founder Matt Spencer said, “Along with Christmas and seasonal celebrations comes a heavy expense. Thousands of families across the United Kingdom will find themselves with obscene credit card bills during January and face the difficult question of how to pay it back and get out of debt.”

“We have seen a massive increase of personal insolvencies since the economic downturn and estimate the further financial pressure that Christmas brings will be the ‘final straw’ for many people already struggling with debt without careful budgeting. We urge consumers to spend carefully over the holiday season.”

MoneyStand.co.uk is a resource for anyone in the United Kingdom wanting to learn more about debt solutions such as IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangements), bankruptcy, debt relief orders, debt management plans and consolidation loans. The weblog also focuses on debit and credit cards, budgeting and saving. In addition to as becoming a valuable source for information, the website offers practical advice on small changes consumers can make in their everyday life to make the most of their financial situation.

As well as providing information on debt solutions like IVAs and debt management, the authors share their own personal experiences with money, such as problems with banks and opinions on finance news.“MoneyStand is a financial hub for anyone in the United Kingdom who wants practical advice on managing finances and debt problems without the jargon.” Matt Spencer explained. “All articles are written by people with extensive knowledge on personal finance and all facts are taken from government websites so you can be sure the information is accurate and up-to-date.”

Since the beginning of the financial crisis, the website has noticed an increased amount of consumers seeking sensible financial advice in easy to comprehend terminology. During this time the website has committed to providing consumers the latest information on topical personal finance issues.

The website will be launching the new series of articles this Friday on helping people in the United Kingdom avoid overspending during the Festive Season.

For the latest news and advice on IVA, debt and insolvency visit our personal finance blog, http://www.moneystand.co.uk.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Financial Software, Financial Solutions, Forex, Investment, Money, Stocks, Trading

Saxo Bank To Acquire E*TRADE’s Nordic Business

Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire E*TRADE International’s local Nordic online trading business and online bank from E*TRADE Nordic AB, an indirect subsidiary of US-based financial services company E*TRADE FINANCIAL Corporation. The Nordic business includes client accounts in Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and Norway.

This strategic move continues Saxo Bank’s steady expansion over the last few months and further cements Saxo Bank’s position in the Scandinavian marketplace.

The acquisition of one of Scandinavia’s established online bank and brokerages is a further step by Saxo Bank towards offering more saving and investment products to investors. Following this latest acquisition, Saxo Bank will be able to offer pension products as well as stock and margin accounts, bond offerings and, in the future, a Funds Supermarket. Moreover, Saxo Bank’s AUM will increase by more than DKK 5.0bn and the acquisition adds an additional 50,000 active accounts.

In a joint statement, Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen, Co-CEOs and co-founders of Saxo Bank, said: “This acquisition supports our long term expansion strategy and broadens our product offering on the SaxoTrader platform. In addition, the expanded client base will enable us to further improve our services to both existing and new clients through improved efficiency and scale.”

Following the acquisition, E*TRADE Nordic’s existing local clients will continue to receive the same service and offering to which they have become accustomed. In addition, E*TRADE Nordic’s local clients will benefit from the additional trading opportunities that they will find on the Saxo Bank platforms, including futures trade. Similarly, Saxo Bank’s existing and future clients will now have the opportunity to save for their pension through Saxo Bank, as well as trade Bonds and hold margin accounts.

Fournais and Seier Christensen added: “The acquisition of E*TRADE International’s local Nordic business will strengthen our growth opportunities and market position in Scandinavia. In the past 10 years, E*TRADE International has become a well regarded online trading and investment brand across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The combination of E*TRADE Nordic’s local business and Saxo Bank’s brand is powerful and it strengthens our position in the long term investment market. Saxo Bank is looking forward to being able to offer E*TRADE Nordic’s products and services to our client base and vice versa.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases