February 23, 2012

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Plan your finances and update your living space

January 31, 2012 By Riley Jenkins

People tend to put up with furniture in their homes for far longer than they actually like it, particularly if they’re worried about how much it’s going to cost to replace it all. You get accustomed to your lumpy sofa in the pattern that you no longer like. Even though it sags when the family sit on it, you’ve all got used to it, so you put up with it. However, go round and see someone’s smart new living room and it might get you thinking.

Have a little look online and you’ll see that some new furniture doesn’t necessarily mean blowing the monthly budget either, especially if you only buy a couple of things at a time. For instance, there are so many different styles of sofa to choose from now, and they come at all different prices. It depends on the shape and size of your living room what kind of sofa you might want to buy. If you’ve got the room for them, recliners can be great for relaxing on. However, remember that you’ll need space both behind and in front of them when they’re in the reclined positions, so measure up before you buy.

Corner sofas are also very popular today – every furniture store stocks them and they fit in virtually any living room. Some people are put off by them, thinking they’ll take up too much space, but often one corner sofa takes less room than two traditional sofas.

You can make a big impact with changing furniture in the dining room, too. If you often have guests over for dinner and it’s a bit of a squeeze around your existing table – why not get an extending dining table? These are perfect as you can extend them when you need the extra space, but reduce them back down when it’s just you and your family at home – so you can pass the salt with ease! As for the chairs you can often get folding dining chairs that will go well with your permanent ones – and just store them in the garage or in the cupboard under the stairs until you next need to extend the table.

A few new pieces of furniture will make a huge difference to how you feel about your home, and the process of choosing them should be fun, too.

 

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Whether or not to buy a new car

January 28, 2012 By Riley Jenkins

At this time of year, especially if you’ve had a difficult winter with a car that has had lots of problems on cold winter mornings; it can be tempting to think that the best solution is to buy a brand new car.

There are plenty of enticing new car offers around at the moment, giving you great incentives to set up those easy-to-afford monthly payments in return for trouble free motoring, in a car the colour and trim level of your choice. However, try not to fall for the salesman’s patter, and remember that the monthly payments will go on for years and years. In fact, you’ll probably never own your new car, as you’ll be tempted to trade it in in a few years’ time and increase the monthly payments ‘just a little bit’.

The alternative – which many people choose – is to make a far more sensible choice and buy a cheap and reliable used car. For a start you don’t have to pay the VAT you’d have to pay on a new car, and you won’t suffer the immediate drop in the car’s value that you get when you drive a new car off a salesroom forecourt.

And if you’re thinking that a new car is better for the environment, you’re probably right. Almost every car rolling off the production lines this year is far more fuel efficient (and therefore eco-friendly) than its predecessors; yet this has been the case for a number of years now, so you can still get some really fuel-efficient conventional cars and even hybrids on the second hand market now.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that a new car makes economic sense – do some thorough research and find a used car that will not tie you into crippling payments, yet still offer you reasonable running costs.

 

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High yielders do the business

January 13, 2012 By Riley Jenkins

If you’re a saver, it can hardly have escaped your notice that there’s barely any point bothering in these days of 0.5% interest rates – with no reversal in sight, for the time being at least.

But if your rely on your savings and investments to provide you with at least some if your living expenses – and you’ve understandably lost trust in the overall finance industry to advise you in that process – then a high yield portfolio might be right for you.

A high yield portfolio is designed to provide investors with a decent income in a hands-off style so they don’t need to continually be trading shares to achieve the income.

Quite a few well-respected providers of essential goods and services which are listed on the UK stock market (or other international markets for that matter, though these may be a little harder to research for UK-based investors) pay yields around three times the best possible interest rates.

These may be through the companies’ ordinary shares or via the companies’ preference shares or corporate bonds.

The simplest way for individual investors to get a yield is to invest in a well-diversified portfolio of defensive stocks; these are shares which provide essential “can’t do without” goods and services and which present reasonably good value.

Examples include utilities providers (gas, water, electricity etc, supermarkets and big oil companies). At the time of writing, to give you a few examples, SSE plc should be providing a dividend yield of around 5.65%, Sainsbury’s around the same, United Utilities a smidgeon lower, whilst big insurers RSA and Aviva are around 7.5%.

These are just a few examples as things stand today. And as you buy the shares “today” then the yield is locked in at today’s prices ad infinitum – unless something unforeseen happens, of course.

This is why it’s best to select your high yield portfolio across a range of companies in different sectors. And if you feel out of your depth, try and get some advice first on which shares to invest in from someone who understands these things, who has no axe to grind – and whom you trust.

Good luck.

This article was written by David, a financial blogger who writes about anything ranging from Payday Loans to debt problems.

 

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The all-new Civic is here

January 4, 2012 By Riley Jenkins

The all-new Civic is here and it’s better than ever. The Civic is surely the car to which Honda owes its reputation for innovation more than any other. And the new honda civic 2012 certainly continues that proud tradition.

The new model’s petrol engines have Honda’s latest i-VTEC system, as well as a completely redesigned cylinder head. The car is also made up of generally lighter components than its predecessor and the diesel 2.2 litre i-DTEC model has a range of new components which combine to make the new engine both lighter and stronger and reduce engine friction.

Meanwhile, all the Civic 2012 manual versions include the new “Idle Stop” whereby the engine shuts down when the car comes to a halt, starting automatically an instantly when the driver is ready to pull off again – and so making substantial fuel savings.

Also helping minimize fuel consumption are all round sharper aerodynamics. The rear spoiler gas been reshaped and new panelling improves the airflow at higher speeds. Also, the automatic grille shutter in diesel models works on information including water and air temperature, and speed, which thus optimizes cooling and reduces drag to a minimum.

Also, Honda’s “ECO assist” system can better fuel economy by anything up to 15%. This system tells you when to change gear for optimal fuel performance, changing the colour of the speedometer to let the driver know. And drivers can also choose to hit the “ECON” switch which automatically changes settings such as the air conditioning and throttle mapping to make sure the car is as mean as possible on its fuel consumption.

In any ways, the brand new Civic is the culmination of 40 years’ continual development on Honda’s favourite car – and the new version looks like becoming just as popular as its eight predecessors.

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How coupons can help you save money

January 3, 2012 By Riley Jenkins

In the current economic times, saving money is a priority for the vast majority of us. Modern life can be expensive, especially if you have a family, and it can often be a real struggle trying to find any more ways to cut down on spending.

There are simple steps you can take to save money however. And one of the most effective steps is to make the most of coupons. By using Printable Coupons, you will find you can save money on quick meals, clothing, household goods and even restaurant meals out. So saving money doesn’t have to mean not having a life.

A good tip when trying to cut back on the spending and save your money is to not always stick to the same brands. Experiment by buying different brands using your money-off coupons; you might actually find that you get to like new products as a result. And you’ll be saving money at the same time, so it’s a win-win situation.

Meals out can be expensive and seem unrealistic for those on a very tight budget, but printable coupons can make a big difference to the price. Search for coupons that give you two for one offers and you and a friend or loved one can treat yourself to a well-deserved night out for half the price every once in a while.

If you have a family, money-off coupons can be a real godsend when it comes to those everyday essentials that seem to mop up money, such as nappies, baby formula, school clothes, cleaning products and toiletries.

For days out, money-off vouchers can mean you and your family are able to take that theme park trip or even go on a little break; it’s all about hunting down the best bargains and making the most of those money-off coupons.

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How to save money at home

December 20, 2011 By Riley Jenkins

In the current economic climate saving money has never been more of a concern, especially for families. Managing family finance has never been more important and yet, for many, has never been more difficult.

However, there are plenty of small changes you can make to your daily lives that, put together, can make a real difference to the amount of spare money you and your family has.

Look for bargains. At the end of each day supermarkets will vastly reduce the price of items that are not out of date yet but which need to be sold that day. If you can get to the shops an hour or two before closing time you are bound to pick up some amazing bargains and will find yourself spending pence on something you would have spent pounds on earlier in the day.

Freeze any food you think you won’t eat in time so that it doesn’t go off, and if you make large portions of meals, save the leftovers for another day rather than chucking them in the bin. Use money off coupons. You will find these in many magazines as well as on product packaging and online money-saving sites. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to use them. The manufacturers make them to be used, after all, so take advantage of them!

Save on your energy bills by wearing jumpers and making hot water bottles before automatically putting the heating on. Wash your clothes on as low a cycle as possible and save them up until you’ve really got a full load; the same applies to the dishes and dishwasher.

Invest in energy-saving light bulbs to save money in the long run and make sure you switch lights off when you leave the room. When you leave the house, make sure all plugs are off at the switch and the television is fully off; being on standby will still drain energy.

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How to build a balanced portfolio

December 13, 2011 By Riley Jenkins

If you want to build a balanced portfolio, then you really need to take a detached look at yourself, your age, your finances and future prospects. It’s an individual thing. A financial adviser can help, but isn’t the be all and end all. You need to question what vested interests they have and, more to the point, how deeply they truly understand what you’re trying to achieve.

But – here are a few pointers depending on what you’re looking to achieve and how risk-averse you are:

At the safest end of the scale, money held as cash and gilts is followed by investments held as corporate bonds, investment property. This lays a solid foundation.

Next up the risk scale come things like tracker funds, unit trusts, exchange traded funds, and investment trusts – followed in turn by large cap shares, mid cap shares, and small cap shares.

Then high on the risk scale are high risk-reward investments such as warrants, contracts for difference (CFDs), financial spread-bets etc.

Working from this risk table basis, it’s a good idea to construct an ideal based on different percentages in shares, fixed income, gilts, etc.

This is all over-simplified as a CFD needn’t be inherently high risk, in just the way that a spread bet straddle needn’t be very risky or a twin trade such as long one major supermarket, short another etc. In other words, the above risk table is simply an overall rough guide – there are always nuances of difference within sectors. Even a small cap company investment may be relatively safe in a situation where, for example, the small cap sits at a substantial discount to its cash and property assets.

If you can build a sensible and balanced portfolio of investments tailored to your own needs that also has a sensible weighting towards what you perceive the future to be – you won’t go too far wrong.

This article was written by David, a keen financial writer. He’s always trying to inform people about everything to do with trading, from what a cfd is to the easiest way to check oil futures.

 

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Put Your House in Order

December 6, 2011 By Riley Jenkins

If you’ve ever asked yourself the question: do I need a paper shredder at home? Then the answer is probably a resounding yes. Many of us have a home office or desk these days, sometimes just for keeping track of household bills and so on, but more often than not with the increase in flexible working practices we are working from home too. And then of course there are the kitchen table billionaires amongst us, busying away on the internet!

 

Keeping a tidy desk in your house is just as important as keeping on top of things in your office. We all know that businesses suffer if we are not efficient and in control, and it is the same in our own homes. Nobody likes to get a red letter reminding of a missed bill payment, and none of us like to skip an important date or forget about a special offer voucher until it is too late either. In the UK shredders are appearing in our homes more and more often and this can only be a good thing when it comes to sorting out paperwork and protecting sensitive information.

 

The thought of data theft and identity fraud fills many of us with dread so keep your family safe by setting the shredder confetti cut onto all unwanted letters and statements containing your personal details and making sure they are properly destroyed. It is a good thing to protect any files you bring home from the office too. Shred any duplicates and file necessary originals under lock and key to keep them safe. Whilst you’re at it, check out the insurance policy your company has for laptops etc and make sure the cover is in place in case of an incident at home. Being prepared is always better than regretting your lack of attention to detail so put your house in order as soon as possible.

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Manage your Money in your New Home

November 23, 2011 By Riley Jenkins

Buying a house these days is not as easy as it used to be. The prices are through the roof and the mortgage companies are demanding huge deposits to secure their own lending. If you are short on cash once you move in then one of the best ways forward when you want to do up your house is to consider getting a loan to pay for some of your furnishings. As with any financial decision I would urge you to seek professional opinion and guidance, and never over-commit yourself to repayments that are unrealistic for your income. A personal loan to consolidate other debts and allow you to make some major purchases may seem like the solution to all your problems, but you need to ensure that you can comfortably find enough money to stick to the monthly payments.

 

Beds on finance are one option which might work well. Items like beds and sofas are large purchases but the repayment costs involved do not typically run to hundreds of pounds every month for years on end. With healthy competition in the marketplace as well there are quite often good deals to be had so shop around and make the most of it.

 

www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk are a great place to start as they are currently offering interest free credit on a wide range of order values. Having a smart new bed, even if you are somewhat lacking in other furniture, might make all the difference on how you feel about your new home. A good night’s sleep is needed for everyone, and will be particularly appreciated if a hard days DIY lies ahead! Turning your new house into a home should be fun more than stressful so sort your finances out properly and enjoy the experience as best you can.

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Overseas property insurance – here or there?

November 22, 2011 By Riley Jenkins

Investing in property overseas isn’t just lucrative – it can also be a lot of fun. But there are so many potential pitfalls to avoid that many ordinary people and professional investors are deterred.

And they’re right to feel diffident. We’ve all seen the horror stories where people have fallen foul of quirky local laws, insufficient surveys, structural problems and straightforward rip-offs. Having seen so many such programmes in the years since the financial crisis (before which buying property overseas was seen as something of a one way bet) it’s a miracle anyone bothers at all these days.

But don’t let the horror stories put you off. There are many ways you can anticipate and prevent or avoid the problems that others run into. For the main part, these are common sense; do your research thoroughly, do all you can to make sure you have the best quality legal advice you can find in the country concerned, and never part with any money at any stage until you’re absolutely sure you’re getting what you bargained for. This is particularly true when buying off plan for a new development. You need to know as much as you can about the developer’s finances and track record.

Then there’s the one that so many people seem to forget – insurance. No just buildings and/ or contents insurance, but insurance for the whole buying process.

Most holiday home owners are unclear whether to choose a locally sourced policy or one in their own country.  Just remember that foreign property insurance often provides inadequate protection from the major perils that holiday homes abroad face.

Looking for online resources could be a good way of improving your understanding of property insurance options. It’s a case of hunting for blogs where individuals like David Lichtenstein offer their opinions on an array of different topics.

Local insurance policies also have their own complex complaints and claims procedures, and unlike the USA or UK, customers of these foreign providers often don’t have further recourse to solve disputes. Consequently, choosing a home-based insurer (possibly in addition to a local one if you need this) is a good belt and braces option and you can insure against some of the crazy pitfalls we’ve all seen the documentaries on; cover which may not be available in the country you’re investing in.

The most important thing is to know you have adequate insurance – and to make sure you pick the right house in the right location. A good idea is to look how the experts approach buying. Besides good structures, a company such as The Lightstone Group always looks for good communities and strong market demographics with good access. When these factors are in place, you should be able to rely on the investment as being sound for many years to come.

 

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