Category Archives: Money

Money

Banks, Checking & Savings, Financial Services, ISAs, Money, Personal Finance

The New M&S Advantage Cash ISA Option Is Attracting Record Numbers Of Savers, With Over Twice As Many Accounts Opened Since Its Launch In January Compared With During The Whole Of 2008

Customer feedback indicates that many are basing their choice to save with M&S Money not only on the rate itself, but also on brand trust and security. Recent research reveals that for a third of people (34%) the most important factor when choosing a home for their money is a savings provider they can trust*.

As well as seeking a trustworthy provider, customers are looking for value in terms of pricing, quality and service**. M&S Advantage Cash ISA is currently one of the most competitive in the market. Fixed rate options are also available, and customers can split their annual Cash ISA allowance between variable and fixed rates, using one simple application form.

Colin Kersley, M&S Money Chief Executive, commented; “Financial stability is a priority for savers in these uncertain times, with trust and value becoming key factors for customers when choosing a savings provider. Record numbers of savers are applying for new Cash ISAs with M&S Money or transferring from other providers, and they tell us it’s because they have trust in the brand.”

All cash savings with M&S Money are protected under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme, so the first £50,000 per customer of any cash savings are 100% guaranteed. M&S Money is part of HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

Advantage Cash ISA option
Minimum deposit £100 lump sum, or £25 by monthly direct debit, up to Cash ISA allowance of £3,600 per tax year, transfers from other ISA providers allowed. The Advantage Cash ISA interest rate of 3.10% includes a 1% bonus until 21st April 2010, after which the rate will revert to 2.10% AER/tax-free variable.

Fixed Rate Savings
Within an ISA – minimum deposit £500 up to Cash ISA allowance of £3,600 per tax year, transfers from other ISA providers allowed. Outside an ISA – minimum deposit £500, maximum £1 million.

This is a strictly limited offer and is available both inside and outside an ISA. Early withdrawals are permitted during the term but will be charged at a fixed flat withdrawal charge (£50 for 1 year term, £75 for 2 year term, £100 for 3 year term). The charge may mean a customer gets back less than they originally deposited if they withdraw their savings before the term end date. Partial withdrawals are not permitted.

* Research carried out on behalf of M&S Money by YouGov 9th – 11th January 2009, among 2,120 people aged 18 and over.
** YouGov and the Credit Crunch, 21st November 2008 – key factors in consumer choice (savings), c.35% safety/security/confidence/reputation, c.25% price-related factors (interest rate).

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

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Financial, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Money, Personal Finance

M&S Money Survey Finds Two-Thirds Of Householders Have Failed To Check If Their Plants, Bushes, Trees And Shrubs Are Covered By Insurance, Despite The Fact That The Average Garden Contains £721 Worth Of Greenery

As householders head into the garden this spring, the survey from home insurance provider M&S Money reveals that many people have been targeted by green-fingered criminals.

The M&S Home Insurance survey found that 17% of people with a garden know someone who has had plants, bushes, trees or shrubs stolen from their garden. The problem is particularly serious in northern England, where almost a quarter (24%) of adults with a garden knows someone who has had greenery stolen.

Plants are also a favourite target of vandals – 10% of people have had plants, bushes, trees or shrubs in their garden maliciously damaged. Gardens in Wales are most likely to be targeted by vandals, with 17% of Welsh respondents reporting they have had plants damaged.

Despite the apparent extent of the problem, 67% of people have not checked whether their plants are covered by home insurance.

Judith Roberts, M&S Insurance Manager, said: “Householders often spend thousands of pounds securing their home to protect their family and property. However, despite the huge amount of time and money invested in many gardens, security levels are often very poor, making them an attractive target for thieves and vandals.

“Householders can take simple steps to reduce the risk of becoming a garden crime victim. It is also wise to check whether your home insurance policy provides cover for property in the garden.”

The M&S home insurance policy covers for loss or damage to plants, bushes, shrubs and trees in the garden.

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

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

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Financial, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Money, Personal Finance

M&S Money, Pet Insurance Provider, Warns Pet Owners Who Cut Back On Regular Treatments For Their Animals Will Increase The Risk Of Expensive Vet Bills In The Long-Term

As Spring arrives, M&S Money is highlighting that animal lovers can reduce the risk of their pets suffering from common conditions, such as dental disease and worms, by investing in regular, affordable treatments. For example, a single treatment to reduce the risk of fleas in household pets costs around £4. A vet bill to treat fleas can reach as much as £2,000 in severe cases.

Judith Roberts, M&S Insurance Manager, said: “Responsible pet owners know that regular treatments can help to reduce the likelihood of their pets suffering from common conditions. However, purchasing all the recommended medication can be expensive, particularly at this time. M&S Pet Insurance customers are turning to Bestpet to reduce the cost of these treatments and ensure their pets remain happy and healthy.”

M&S Pet Insurance has joined with the online pharmacy, Bestpet.co.uk, which already sells pet medication costing up to 50% less than buying at the vets, to help reduce the costs for pet-owners, with a further 5% discount on prescription and non-prescription drugs as well as pet foods.

Pet owners are also reminded that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of treating any illness that their pet should have been vaccinated against.

John Darlington of Bestpet Pharmacy said: “Even if a pet is insured they need to be treated regularly to prevent suffering and avoid potential claims as well as possible premium increases. Simple worming and flea treatment regimes can protect the pet from infestation. We are now approaching the high season for these ailments.”

 

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

With a market capitalisation of US$190 billion (as at 7 October 2008), the HSBC Group is one of the world’s largest financial services organisations. Over 100 million customers worldwide entrust HSBC with US$1.2 trillion in deposits. With a tier one capital ratio of 8.8% and a loan to deposit ratio of 90% as at 30 June 2008, the Group remains one of the most strongly capitalised and liquid banks in the world.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

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Anti-Money Laundering, Assets, Debts, Financial Services, Money

Cardiff Based Suppliers Of Data Cleansing And People Tracing, Tracesmart, Have Launched A New Online Service To Combat Money Laundering

Tracesmart are renowned for their tracing expertise as they currently help reunite unclaimed assets with their rightful owners and offer a variety of pension tracing services. However the company also offers a host of other provisions via its Tracesmart Corporate division, not least of which is their electronic identity verification facility, ID. Identity checks are an essential part of current anti-money laundering (AML) legislation and as such, ID is currently used by a vast range of businesses as part of their AML measures.

Previously, Tracesmart customers using ID, needed to select multiple tabs and verification criteria to conduct an identity check as part of AML procedures. This is no longer the case, as Paul Weathersby, Technical Director for Tracesmart explained, It was noticed by our technical team that to conduct a thorough AML search using ID meant that multiple search tabs had to be utilised and what Tracesmart’s customers really needed was the means by which multiple tabs could quickly be searched simultaneously. As such, we have developed AML – allowing users to swiftly and confidently verify client identity. We have also created an improved interface to make this an easy and straight forward task.

Money laundering is considered to have a massive negative financial impact upon the UK economy and the addition of Tracesmart’s new AML service is another means of combating the problem, fighting those who use the money to fund criminal activities.

Speaking about the new service, Mike Trezise, Managing Director for Tracesmart, added, Our new AML service is further proof of our commitment as a company to product development, improved customer service and most importantly, confirmation of our responsibilities as a data company that we continue to fight any form of identity related crime. We strive to improve our services so that we can protect our customers, and in turn, their customers, f r o m the negative impact of identity fraud.  

    • Tracesmart Ltd was formed in 1999 and supplies a diverse range of consumer data cleansing, identity check and tracing tools to a wide variety of industries. Their client base ranges f r o m SME to blue chip companies; allrecipients of bespoke solutions, built around their specific needs.
    • Paul Weathersby – Tracesmart’s Technical Director, Weathersby is the driving force behind the development and production of Tracesmart’s suite of web-based services, and manages and directs their experienced IT team.
    • Mike Trezise is the founder and Managing Director of Tracesmart. With over 25 years tracing and fraud analysis experience, his unrivalled knowledge provides the company with a distinct competitive advantage.

     

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    Financial, Financial Education, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Money

    Fulfill Your Insurance Continuing Education Requirements For Only A $1 Per Credit In Most States

    If you have been frustrated with the options available to fulfill your credit requirements for continuing insurance education, you life may have just got a lot easier. www.MyCeIsOnline.com began offering insurance education courses last month for only $1 per credit in most states. Instead of paying over $10 per credit hour to take them in a class. We had an insurance agent take several of their courses to review their site and service.

    The feedback was that it was the ugliest site she had ever seen. That being said, the courses were delivered with out issues, payment was easy, and she really liked the part about not paying until she passed the exam. In all she said she didn’t care if the site was ugly. It was by far the best Insurance CE solution that she had seen.

    We would suggest the same, go check out the site, laugh at how ugly it is, then fall in love with its simplicity. To visit their site. Go to http://www.myceisonline.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Notes to editors:

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

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

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

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    Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Management, Financial Services, Money, Personal Finance

    Lloyds TSB study highlights the plight of the 13.5 million recession novices in the UK, as the financial recession hits the real economy

    According to a new study* from Lloyds TSB the current economic downturn is the first recession which over one in four of British adults** have experienced in their adult life. While recession veterans are realistic about what to expect, these recession novices are more optimistic and less prepared to change their lifestyles.

    The report found 21% of all Brits – regardless of past experience – felt the current climate has led them to suffer from ‘recession depression’. 17% claimed they had sleepless nights worrying about personal finances and 36% are spending more time at home.

    The report indicated that a third of recession veterans feel better prepared for today’s economic woes because they have lived through a downturn before, although 44% acknowledged it feels very different to last time. Many said their confidence comes down to better financial management. 68% felt better prepared because they are more careful and don’t overspend (compared to 57% of novices) and 66% said they are better prepared because they don’t rely on credit to fund their lifestyles. 56% of those with recession experience simply thought they were more realistic than younger generations about how much they can spend.

    Corinne Sweet, Psychologist and author commented: “When times are bad and money is tight, people experience fear and anxiety, making them more conservative and less adventurous and expansive overall. Recession novices will be feeling the greatest shock, and worrying about how to maintain their lifestyles while paying off debts, while those that have lived through it before will probably cope better, reverting to old methods of survival.”

    Recession veterans are taking sensible steps to rein in spending, like buying cheaper brands (42%) and becoming more frugal. Novices are less prepared to take drastic steps. Just 24% admitted drastically cutting their spending (compared to 30% of old timers) and only a fifth are becoming more frugal compared to 39% of recession old timers. Recession novices are also less prepared to cut back on holidays and breaks away with 19% cutting back compared with a quarter of recession veterans.

    To help customers during this difficult period, Lloyds TSB has created a guidance microsite for people looking for financial help. Savvy Guidance is an online resource providing useful tips and information on managing finances in the current climate, along with interactive explanations of the credit crunch, a jargon buster, FAQs and real life video stories showing how the guidance and support from a financial health specialist, can help in times of financial difficulty.

    Throughout the country 1,500 financial health specialists are also on hand in Lloyds TSB branches to help customers review their finances, manage their money better and givetailored guidance and support.

    About Lloyds TSB:
    Lloyds TSB offers customers a wide range of current accounts, savings accounts, insurance, personal loans and credit cards, designed to meet different customers’ needs.

    Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and signatories to the Banking Codes.

    Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065.

    Notes to editors:
    * Opinium Research carried out an online poll of 2,221 British adults from 30th January to 3rd February 2009. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria. 
    ** Based on UK population figures and that anyone aged 34 or below will not have been an adult during the last recession (1992). This equals 13,580,000 UK adults (28.3% of 47,778,000 UK adult population) who have not lived through a recession before in their adult life.

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    College Finance, Financial, Financial Services, Loans, Money

    Indiana Campaign Finance Announces Payday Loans

    Now, through Indiana Campaign Finance — fast payday loans — from the convenience and privacy of your desktop. No fooling — there’s no faxing. Just quick funding. No tedious, time-consuming, paper-greedy processes to hold you back or tie you down from the solution that awaits you, thanks to Indiana Campaign Finance.

    ICF knows that some situations call for a fast and trouble-free fix, so our knowledgeable experts have created the online No-Fax Payday Loan, for the fastest prescription for your short-term financial crunch.

    For those urgent, worrisome times when “help can’t wait,” Indiana Campaign Finance (ICF) can come to your rescue. home loans ICF isn’t just any port in the storm — it’s your modern-day solution for modern-day financial woes. Use fire to fight fire — apply for your ICF Payday Loan, and get help, fast.

    Apply for an easy, fast ICF student loans or Payday Loan online and get your money deposited directly and conveniently straight into your bank account, with no faxing or intervention required. No anxiously waiting for mail deliveries that might get held up or misdirected – you’ll be the first to know when help has arrived, not your mail carrier.

    If you can type, ICF can help — it’s just about that simple. Armed with just your paystub and the privacy of your computer, you can truly feel better fast by attacking what really needs to be done: dealing with urgent debt and quieting creditors through help from ICF.

    Now is the time to exchange desperation for relief — why wait? ICF is on your side. — or can be, as soon as you say the word. 

    Don’t hesitate to turn to ICF for help — with financial debt, like a hole in the roof, things will only deteriorate the longer you wait. 

    Act now to stop your expensive debts from getting even bigger. With the savvy and sympathetic staff at ICF, there’s no need to wait or hesitate.

    Afford yourself some urgently needed peace of mind: with a quick-fix remedial Payday Loan from Indiana Campaign Finance, you can buy yourself some breathing room to think straight and fly right. Apply For the ICF No Faxing Payday Loans Online And Get Your Loan Now! Indiana Campaign Finance Payday Loan online applications are at your fingertips, at http://www.indianacampaignfinance.com/loans/payday-loans.html.
    Remember, the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll breathe easier. See also : auto loans, bad credit loans

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    Banks, Checking & Savings, Financial Services, ISAs, Money, Personal Finance

    Lloyds TSB Announces That It Will Be Increasing Rates On Its Fixed Rate Cash ISA By Up To 1 Per Cent

    Available from 24th March 2009, the rate on the Lloyds TSB Fixed Rate Cash ISA is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of account opening. Accounts can be opened with a minimum deposit of £3000 and will accept transfers from previous tax years.

    Colin Walsh, managing director savings and investment at Lloyds TSB said: “This latest rate increase is just one example of how we are working to help savers make the most of their money in today’s difficult economic climate. Given the current low rate environment, it is more important than ever to make use of your tax free allowance and we would encourage savers to take action before the tax year end on April 5th.”

    Existing customers who already hold a balance within the improved tiers will also see their rate increase from the 24th March. This means customers who have a balance of £9000 or more will earn a guaranteed rate of 3 per cent for 12 months.

    Research from the bank shows that almost half of savers would prefer a fixed rate, in today’s uncertain economic climate.

    Colin Walsh continued: “The ISA market has been active for ten years now and many savers have built up a substantial tax free nest egg. Unlike a number of the headline ISAs on the market, our product allows customers to transfer in their previous ISA savings, so they can earn a competitive rate on the maximum balance.”

    More information on the Lloyds TSB Fixed Rate ISA is available through branches of Lloyds TSB or online.

    Rate increase applies to 2009 Fixed Rate Cash ISA launched on 16th
    February 2009. Rates on 2008 Fixed Rate ISA remain unchanged.

    About Lloyds TSB: 
    Lloyds TSB offers customers a wide range of current accounts, savings accounts, insurance, personal loans and credit cards, designed to meet different customers’ needs. Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and signatories to the Banking Codes. Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065. 

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    Financial, Financial Services, Home Equity, Loans, Money, Mortgage, Personal Finance

    Fixed rate mortgages are low, particularly for those with at least 25% equity, but will they/can they get any cheaper?

    Tracker mortgage rates mirror any change in bank rate, but with mortgage lenders increasing tracking margins, and with bank rate at 0.5%, have you missed the boat?

    Unusually, standard variable rates may also look attractive, but are lenders passing on any change in interest rates, as they struggle to retain savers?

    If you are unsure what to choose, here are some L&C tips on how you could hedge your bets.

    A mix and match mortgage is where you take part on a variable rate and part on a fixed rate. This gives you some security but will also mean you don’t completely miss out if rates fall again. The downside is that you’re likely to pay an arrangement fee for both schemes.

    Drop lock mortgages, offered by lenders such as Halifax, Nationwide and C&G, allow you to take a tracker deal, but switch to a fixed rate in the future without penalty.

    This might seem the perfect solution but timing your switch will be tricky, and is likely to involve your home being revalued. With house prices continuing to fall, a revaluation could see you move into a higher loan to value band with higher rates, so even if fixed rates generally fall, you could end up paying more. Any switch is also likely to mean a new arrangement fee.

    You could also consider a capped tracker mortgage. The tracker means you don’t miss out on interest rate cuts, and adding a cap means there is a maximum rate you can pay, so if rates rise above the cap, you don’t need to worry.

    The Coventry and Yorkshire Building Societies and Woolwich have all recently launched capped trackers.

    To find out more visit the best buy mortgages section of the L&C website.

    Whatever you do, L&C’s advice is don’t delay. With lenders reserving their best deals for those with up to 40% equity, and falling house prices eroding your equity, any delay could cost you dear.

    For more information and no-fee advice, borrowers should call free on 0800 373300.

     

    London & Country (L&C) is the UK’s leading no-fee mortgage broker. Based in Bath, it provides whole of market advice via telephone and post to clients nationwide. As well as residential mortgages, it also specialises in the Buy-to-Let and adverse-credit sectors.

    L&C is a Climate Neutral company and for the last seven years has invested in climate friendly projects and tree-planting to help offset its emissions and those of its customers. For more information, go to www.lcplc.co.uk/green

    L&C has won numerous awards including:

    Best Mortgage IFA/Adviser of the Year – Money Marketing, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008
    Best Technology Adviser – Money Marketing 2007
    Best Mortgage Broker outside London – Mortgage Strategy, 2004 and 2005
    Best National Broker – Mortgage Introducer 2005, 2006 and 2007
    Best Overall Broker – Mortgage Introducer 2005
    Overall broker of the year – Pink Home Loans, 2006 and 2007
    Top 100 company in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 for 2004 and 2005
    Business of the Year – The Bath Business Awards 2005
    Growth Strategy of the Year – National Business Awards (Wales and West) 2008
    Business Leader (Broker) – British Mortgage Awards – 2008
    Online Mortgage IFA of the Year – Financial Adviser – 2008

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    Business, Costs, Financial, Financial Services, Money, Profits

    Forward Thinking PEO Services Provider Brings More Money to Businesses

    It’s a known fact that American businesses these days are searching for more progressive ways to keep their organizations viable and profitable. The current economic situation has businesses locally, nationally and globally strategizing on how to balance income and expenses. Many companies are struggling with decisions like; should we diversify, cut payroll costs, adjust our employee benefits structures or shut the doors. A current reality facing all business decision makers is that it’s time to implement reorganization and restructuring strategies geared towards keeping their companies from experiencing devastating losses.

    Fortunately, a Professional Employer Organization, PEO, can help in some very beneficial and economic ways. A PEO company is a one-stop human resources hub that can help any business streamline their back office support essentials like payroll processing, tax filing, and more. National’s PEO Services begins with a team concept that means the client has the attention of several experienced PEO staff and not just one or two persons. Whatever your business needs; payroll, human resources, workers compensation and benefits administration, to name a few, a professional and experiences PEO can save businesses money. Organizations with the staff sizes as small as10 or as large as 500 employees, are National PEO’s specialty.

    Payroll Outsourcing Services is just one benefit provided a National PEO client. They can and have saved many companies hundreds to thousands of dollars. National PEO’s highly trained and accomplished staff can get your clerical and back office needs met quickly and efficiently. Many experts in business have proven that if a company enlists the help of payroll outsourcing services, the executives and management personnel are free to give their attention to the product or service offered to the consumers. What does all this translate to the new client of National’s PEO Services? It means more income to operate and less expense allocated in the clerical or administrative divisions.

    Owning a business with employees means payroll processing. Payroll workers can spend countless hours tracking the employees time and where it was spent, tallying the figures for Federal, State, and Medicare taxes (this doesn’t include filing the tax forms quarterly or yearly), and writing the paychecks. Every business is unique and a perfect solution, for any business dilemma, can be found with the assistance of a talented and experienced PEO. The PEO team acts like a one-stop payroll administration center that incorporates the management of all human resource responsibilities such as: payroll processing, payroll tax filing. National PEO is not limited to payroll; they offer human resources information management (John Rico), benefits administration, information technology (Kevin Davis), paycard services and so much more.

    Business experts and business professionals from all types of commerce and enterprises will warn newbie business owners to not take the accounting, clerical and payroll end of business for granted. It is in these areas that bad decisions or neglect can topple a company into bankruptcy. Don’t like the bookkeeping or back office end of business? Consider researching the services at National PEO, a
    reputable professional employer organization.

    Businesses today need state of the art information technology. Difficult economic times do not have to mean the end of any business enterprise. The smart business person and decision makers are always open to strategize internal changes that can keep operations profitable and continue to provide customers the quality service and product they have come to expect. Peo Services like National PEO, puts money back into business. They can handle numerous requirements presented by the business owner or corporation, in return, saving that business precious time and money.

    About National PEO, LLC:

    Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, National PEO has been in business since 1999. They specialize in providing professional employer services with an emphasis on teamwork. A highlight of National PEO is that clients can purchase bundled or ala carte services. National PEO caters to businesses of any size.

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    Credit Cards, Financial, Financial Services, Loans, Money, Personal Finance

    Woolworth’s Release Everyday Money Credit Card

    If you are a Woolworth’s customer or thinking of becoming one then the new “Woolworth’s Everyday Money Credit Card” offer is for you. The advantage of the new Woolworths credit card is that it rewards you for being a loyal shopper. You receive bonus points f r o m Shopping at Woolworths and partner stores around Australia. Rewards For Shopping at Woolworth’s Supermarket. 

    Earn 3 points for every dollar spent on select products at Woolworth’s supermarkets. If you spend $200 on food shopping per week then this would equate to 600 bonus points added to your Everyday Money bonus points account. Earn 2 points for every other product you buy at Woolworths, Safeway, Big W, CALTEX WOOLWORTHS/SAFEWAY co-branded fuel outlets, epump, Woolworth’s/Safeway Liquor, Dick Smith PowerHouse and participating Dick Smith Electronics and Tandy stores. The Everyday Money deal also gives you 1 point for any other purchases made on your credit card. This product gives you the opportunity to earn reward points for your everyday shopping in Australia.

    Redeeming your Points
    Every 4 months depending on how many points you have earned in this period Woolworth’s customers will earn a Shopping Card that can be used at Woolworth’s stores and participating partner networks. The shopping card can be used for anything f r o m food shopping to the petrol pump.

    Credit Card Features
    The Everyday Money Card is issued on behalf of the HSBC Bank and is subject to their lending requirements. The low purchase interest rate as of March 24 2009 is 17.99 percent. For a limited time only the Everyday Money Mastercard comes with a $50 bonus shopping card upon the first card usage, and zero dollar annual fee for the first year, after which the annual fee is $49 per year. If the balance transfer is not paid off within this period then the standard purchase rate applies.

    Conclusion
    If you are a Woolworths customer and a responsible credit card user then the rewards program offered by the Everyday Money Mastercard will provide you with advantageous benefits. Woolworths is one of Australia’s most reputable organisations and the partnership with HSBC Bank gives the Australian consumers a deal that will save.

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

    Recession Woes Grow For Pensioners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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    Online Marketing Strategies Leave IT Departments Isolated Reveals Rackspace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

    New Software Helps Entrepreneurs Find Venture Funds

    Commonwealth Capital Advisors (CCA) reached yet another milestone when it released a new software module of Financial Architect® Venture Producer™. Venture Producer™ is revolutionizing the way start-up and early-stage Venture/Hedge Funds are raising substantial amounts of capital using the techniques of Wall Street investment banks.

    Venture Producer™ is an addition to the highly acclaimed Financial Architect® family of programs, which simplify equity financing for start-up and early-stage companies and Funds. The easy-to-use software based Venture Producer™ generates the required securities offering documents and investor leads, which enable start-up and early stage Venture and Hedge Fund managers raise and manage an unlimited amount of capital for their management companies as well as their venture or hedge funds.

    CCA is an eleven-year-old investment banking advisory firm comprised of Wall Street Investment Bankers, Securities Attorneys and CPAs who invented Financial Architect®, a patent pending system designed to substantially reduce the cost (in time and money) of raising capital, through the selling of securities.

    “The goals of Financial Architect®, and the module we’re announcing for Venture/Hedge Funds are simple,” said Timothy Hogan, CCA’s Chairman and CEO. “We want to help experienced professional entrepreneurs involved in and or desiring to break into the very lucrative fields of venture capital, mutual and hedge fund management industries to significantly lower the costs and increase the speed of raising equity capital. Just as important, we want to provide these professional management teams with an easy-to-use expert system that will enable them to choose the right deal structure for capital they need and manage those funds in compliance with federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations.”

    “We believe there’s significant and growing demand among entrepreneurs for control over their financing strategies. The software components of Financial Architect® are designed to meet this ‘do-it-yourself’ approach,” he concluded.

    More importantly, Commonwealth Capital Advisors has developed and now provides Financial Architect® as the Premier Expert System for start-up, early-stage and seasoned companies, that seek capital. The patent pending, software based, Financial Architect® is a system and method of reducing the cost of raising capital, as so states the abstract of its patent application.

    Financial Architect® enables entrepreneurs to: valuate their company pre and post-money; create “marketable deal structures” for securities to be offered that are designed sell into today’s private equity markets; create the required securities offering documents compliant with federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations; and access to accredited “angel” investors, private equity funds, hedge funds, registered investment advisors, broker-dealers and many other sources of capital, around the world, that have a specific interest in funding start-up and early-stage companies. Access to investors, more Wall Street secrets and techniques, as well as, regulatory guidance is located in the password-protected “Commonwealth Capital Club” located on CCA’s website and is part of Financial Architect®.

    “When it comes to raising capital, there are no guarantees — only degrees of probability. To further ensure success, simply increase the probability to the highest degree possible. Financial Architect® is designed to increase your probability of raising capital to the highest degree possible. How can we make such a claim? Because this is the Wall Street process and without it, Wall Street wouldn’t exist. We’ve simply brought the “Wall Street” process to “Main Street” companies.” Timothy D. Hogan, Founder & CEO: Commonwealth Capital Advisors

    “When it comes to raising capital, there is no simpler way to explain how to effectively raise substantial amounts of capital while maintaining voting control. If you read just the first 2-Chapters of the Ebook, “The Secrets of Wall St. – Raising Capital for Start-Up and Early Stage Companies,” it would be time well spent. By doing so, you will be able to make an informed decision if our process is right for your company’s capital raising needs. At a minimum, you will save a significant amount of time, money and headaches trying to figure out how the world of capital really works,” Hogan concluded.

    If you have not been through the process before and have a limited appreciation and understanding of it, then we suggest you educate yourself first, by reading the abridged edition of: “The Secrets of Wall Street — Raising Capital for Start-Up and Early Stage Companies.” (It’s Complimentary)

    Entrepreneurs around the world are revolutionizing the way capital is raised using Financial Architect®.

     

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    J2 Solutions Sign With Tracesmart

    Leading suppliers of debtor tracing and data cleansing services, Tracesmart welcome the award winning J2 Solutions to their continually expanding list of tracing agency clients. J2 Solutions will be utilising the company’s online people tracing system with a view to improving their already high levels of trace success.

    Operating in a variety of industries, J2 Solutions are based in Northwest England and currently employ over 30 highly trained and dedicated telephone tracing agents. The company was established in 2004 by their Managing Director, Gary Jones, who joined the debt collection industry as a doorstep collector at the age of 18, before progressing to generalised investigations and then specialising in telephone tracing.

    Jones was recently appointed to join the board of the Credit Services Association (CSA), the official voice of the UK debt collection industry, following a substantial level of involvement with the organisation and in particular his role as the driving force behind the CSA Tracing Code of Conduct. Commenting on the code of conduct and why his company has opted to use Tracesmart, Jones noted,

    “The debt collection industry has endured more than its fair share of negative press over recent years in regards to ethical debtor tracing. I fully support the CSA’s Tracing Code of Conduct and implore tracers to only conduct debtor tracing exercises using fully legitimate and ethical means. As part of our commitment to ethical tracing, J2 Solutions only utilise appropriate sources of information – one of the reasons we have opted to sign up with Tracesmart. We also hope that in using their system we can continue to improve our trace success rates and further cement our place in the top flight of tracing.”

    J2 Solutions join Tracesmart’s diverse client base, which include the likes of renowned financial institutions who use the company to reunite individuals with unclaimed assets, and solicitors who use their online systems to conduct identity checks as part of compliance measures. Tracing agencies are, however, some of the company’s key clients and Tracesmart helps these organisations to efficiently and ethically trace people; commenting on these core clients Chris Rothwell, Sales Director for Tracesmart noted,

    “Tracesmart has a proven track record with tracing agencies and our services are utilised by a wealth of companies from sole traders right the way through to blue chip. A comprehensive working knowledge of tracers’ needs and continual development of our services, ensure our clients have an effective, reliable and ethical tool to use when conducting positive and negative traces. We fully support the work of Gary Jones and the CSA’s Tracing Code of Conduct, and are now proud to welcome J2 Solutions as a client.”

     

    J2 Solutions – One of the UK’s leading tracing agencies, J2 solutions deliver professional tracing services to a wide range of sectors including; legal services, private sector, public sector, credit industry and private individuals. In 2008 they won the inaugural “Tracing Agency of the Year” title, at the Credit Today Awards.

    Tracesmart Ltd, Formed in 1999, Tracesmart supplies a diverse range of consumer data cleansing, identity check and people tracing tools to a wide variety of industries. The company’s client base ranges from SME to Blue Chip, who are all recipients of bespoke solutions, built around their specific needs.

    Gary Jones, J2 Solutions Managing Director, Gary is renowned as one of the country’s leading trace specialists. A member of the CSA board, his extensive knowledge played a key role in the development of the CSA’s Tracing Code of Conduct.

    Chris Rothwell, Tracesmart’s Sales Director, Chris previously worked in both the financial markets and tracing industry. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Chris heads up Tracesmart’s corporate sales team in addition to providing tracing consultancy.

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    Javelin Marketing Provides Resources for Financial Advisors to Combat Recession

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

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

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

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

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

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