Money Saving News for July 2009
- Visa credit card product launched by Linux - 31st July, 2009
Computer operating system programmer Linux has announced that fans can help support it by taking out a new branded Visa credit card which will see the firm earn money for usage.
The Linux Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organisation working to support the open-source operating platform and its derivatives, hopes that fans of the computer brand will take up the credit card... - Car insurance providers raise premiums - 31st July, 2009
Those looking to save money during the tough economic climate at the moment may be dismayed to know that car insurance providers have been raising the costs of new policies.
According to research by financial advice website Gocompare.com, the rate at which prices have increased is the highest for ten years while now is a particularly "unwelcome" time to introduce hikes... - Home mortgage market 'could be shaky' - 31st July, 2009
Despite recent positive reports which show that home mortgage approvals are slowly increasing in number, one expert has said that the housing market could still see some falls.
The Bank of England this week revealed that mortgage approvals rose from 44,169 in May to 47,584 in June, prompting speculation that green shoots were evident in the market... - Brits turn to high-interest unsecured loans - 30th July, 2009
Low-income Brits are being hit hard by the credit crunch and are turning to unsecured loans with high interest in order to deal with their debt problems, according to one industry figure.
Children's charity Barnardo's recently called on the Office of Fair Trading to launch an investigation into the practices of high-interest unsecured loan providers amid concerns that they may be helping families to spiral into debt... - Leeds Building Society extends Isa savings account allowance - 30th July, 2009
Isa savings account provider Leeds Building Society is offering its customers an extra £1,500 allowance to gain tax-free interest on any money deposited in the products.
The company has taken up the Financial Services Authority's offer of the allowance, and those who have already reached the maximum investment for their 2009/2010 Isa savings account can still take advantage of the deal... - June home mortgage approvals up - 30th July, 2009
The Bank of England has released new data on home mortgage approvals which shows some tentative signs of a recovery in the housing market.
For the fifth month in a row, the Bank's figures have shown a rise on its previous announcements, with 47,584 home mortgage applications being successfully approved in June, compared to 44,169 in May... - Home insurance provider warns of wasp infestations - 29th July, 2009
Home insurance provider Sheilas' Wheels has said that the last week in July is the time when wasps and hornets are most prevalent, which could lead to unwanted infestations in properties.
However, those attempting to remove any nests should seek professional help before attempting the task themselves, according to the firm... - Avoid shifting debt onto credit cards, warns expert - 29th July, 2009
An expert within the industry has said that those shifting debt onto credit cards may be helping their finances to spiral out of control.
Tom Howard, spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), said that the practice of taking out more credit to pay back previous debt accrued on cards is "a sign" of a money problem... - Savings accounts in the UK 'see rise in bonuses' - 28th July, 2009
More savings accounts in the UK are offering bonuses on top of interest rates in an attempt to win customers during the recession, a new report has found.
Conducted by financial website Moneyfacts.co.uk, the research analysed the number of variable-rate savings accounts coming with bonuses at different points over the past two years... - Homeowners to look to foreign mortgage lenders? - 28th July, 2009
Homeowners looking to move house or remortgage their property, along with first-time buyers, could consider taking out a deal with a mortgage lender in China, Israel or Sweden, according to one industry figure.
Mark O'Sullivan, director of trading for Currencies Direct Limited, believes that the workings of the mortgage market could be altered if UK residents decide to take advantage of the better deals offered by foreign companies...