Bank Handler - Financial Blog » Savings http://www.bankhandler.com Daily Financial News Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:01:39 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 What To Look For In A Savings Bond http://www.bankhandler.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-savings-bond/ http://www.bankhandler.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-savings-bond/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:34:56 +0000 admin http://www.bankhandler.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-savings-bond/ Fixed rate savings bonds give you a higher rate of interest compared to traditional savings accounts. The downside of course is that you must be prepared to put your money in the account and leave it without any access for period of time, usually ranging from one to five years.

When choosing a fixed rate savings bond, there are some important factors to consider before you lock in your account.

  • Find out what interest rate you will receive
  • Know the exact date of when the bond is due and keep a record
  • Understand if you can make withdrawals and the penalties to make them
  • What type of deposit is required when you open it and ongoing.
  • Know when interest is paid on the bond and when. Is it monthly, annually, or at maturity.

Fixed term bonds may be a great option if: you don’t need money, you think interest rates might fall and the bond rate is fixed, or the premium makes it worth accepting.

Fixed term bonds may not be good if: the money is needed, interest rates might rise and the rate is fixed, you have concerns about the bank, or you can get higher rates elsewhere.

Fixed rate bonds allow savers to lock in at a rate for a specified term, providing them with a guaranteed predictable income from their investment.

 

 

]]> http://www.bankhandler.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-savings-bond/feed/ 0 Is it time for a new Laptop? http://www.bankhandler.com/is-it-time-for-a-new-laptop/ http://www.bankhandler.com/is-it-time-for-a-new-laptop/#comments Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:43:42 +0000 admin http://www.bankhandler.com/is-it-time-for-a-new-laptop/ From college students to business travelers, the laptop of today is able to work just about anywhere, to take care of everyday work. It offers the portability that the PC doesn’t and is the most highly evolved member of the family of computers.  When its time for a new one, a faster one or one that has more features, you will begin shopping around and comparing prices. 

If you have never heard of couponcroc.co.uk, then you are in for a surprise.  This site is where you can find twenty-two categories of money saving coupon codes and discount vouchers.  There are more than fifty-thousand top UK store listed here and each one offers a savings to you.  In the computing category, you will find a long list of stores such as Dell, Laptops Direct, Cartridge World and Hewlett Packard and each one has a discount for you.

Just check them out, see what savings you can find on the laptop you have in mind and then let your friends know so they can save just like you did.  Shopping for a new laptop is easier and faster when you have so many stores listed online at one place.  Maybe you find more than one discount to use as you shop for other things like travel, sports equipment and food. 

]]> http://www.bankhandler.com/is-it-time-for-a-new-laptop/feed/ 0 The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Variable Rate ISA http://www.bankhandler.com/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-variable-rate-isa/ http://www.bankhandler.com/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-variable-rate-isa/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:35:57 +0000 admin http://www.bankhandler.com/?p=76 isa15No matter which type of ISA you choose, it’s generally always better than a regular savings account. ISA’s have a tax free status that make them the perfect saving option. But, how can you know if a variable rate ISA is the best choice for you?

If you prefer to make safer decisions about your investments, you may be better off choosing a fixed rate ISA. When you have a fixed rate your interest isn’t based on the current market. It’s simply set at a certain rate and will remain there until your ISA matures. But, once the account has matured your rates will become much lower.

If you don’t follow the state of the economy, a variable rate can prove to be some what of a gamble. A variable rate ISA may start out with a good rate, but it can drop every time the economy weakens. You interest rate could literally change from good to bad overnight.

The big advantage of a variable rate ISA is that not only can your interest rate drop, it can also raise. So, while there’s a chance that you might get a bad rate, there’s also the chance that you can get the best ISA rates on your savings. The best choice for you really depends on whether you want to earn a steady rate or you’d prefer to earn a higher rate.

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