There are a number of simple changes sellers can make to try and ensure their property isn’t overlooked by buyers.

Some of these cost very little, others cost a bit more, but they may all have a positive effect on the selling appeal of a home.

Improve first impressions

If, upon first glimpse of your property, a potential buyer gets a bad impression, they could be put off making an offer.

You might want to spend a bit of time neatening up your garden or giving your front door a fresh lick of paint.

Dirty windows could also make a property look less appealing, so you may want to give yours a quick clean before a viewing.

Many people can see beyond such things, but don’t presume that everyone will.

Create a homely environment

You want to make the home seem as inviting as possible so ensure the property is warm and well lit.

The National Association of Estate Agents recommends those overseeing a viewing in the winter to set a timer so the heating comes on an hour before the potential buyer arrives.

Even if the viewing is taking place during the day, you might want to keep all lights on so that there aren’t any dark and dingy corners in any of the rooms.

Something to bear in mind is that things you class as home comforts could constitute clutter in the eyes of others, so try to clear surfaces and make sure each room is kept tidy.

Moving on

Most people who have houses on the market are looking to move to a new property elsewhere.

If this is your situation and you’re also looking for a new mortgage deal, there are a number of offers available at the moment that may be suitable for you.

Those looking for a tracker mortgage may want to consider First Direct’s two-year offer, which has an initial rate of 2.39%, increasing to 3.69% after the introductory period.

This mortgage comes with a £499 product fee and allows the applicant to borrow up to 65% of the value of the property they have their eye on.

Those who need to borrow up to 75% of the value of the property may want to consider Leeds Building Society’s two-year tracker, which has an initial rate of 2.69%.

After the introductory period, the rate rises to 5.69% and there is a product fee of £199.

Consider fixing

If you’d prefer not to be a slave to the Base Rate, you may want to opt for a fixed rate mortgage.

Principality Building Society’s two-year fixed mortgage comes with an initial rate of 2.74%, rising to 4.99% after the initial period.

This mortgage comes with a product fee of £999 and allows people to borrow up to 75% of the value of their property.

Alternatively, First Direct’s two-year fixed rate mortgage has a lower product fee of £499.

However, it has a higher initial rate of 2.89% and only allows for borrowing up to 65% of the value of a property.

This mortgage has a subsequent rate of 3.69%.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

Nick Clegg has proposed moving more quickly to increase the income tax threshold to £10,000.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that doing so would give back more than £700 to every person who earns under £100,000 a year.

Under the current income tax threshold, people only have to pay income tax if they earn over £7,475 per year.

The coalition government already plans to increase the threshold to £10,000 by 2015.

Boiling point

Mr Clegg has called for the increase to take place sooner because ‘pressure on family finances is reaching boiling point’.

‘There is now an urgent need to give families more help; an urgent need to rebalance our tax system so it rewards work and encourages ordinary people to drive growth,’ he added.

Wage growth dawdles

The pressure on finances that Clegg speaks of is partly to do with the fact that the increase in average weekly wages in the UK has slowed.

According to the Office for National Statistics, average weekly earnings grew by just 1.9% in the three months to November 2011, whereas they increased by 2.8% in the three months to July of last year.

Cost of living

While wages have remained largely the same, the cost of living has rocketed over the past year.

Recent research from insurance firm Aviva found that the biggest concern of 62% of families in the UK was the rising cost of living.

One of the major factors driving up household expenditure is the price of energy, with the average gas and electricity bill now being 21% higher than it was at the start of last winter – rising from £1,069 in November 2010 to £1,294 now, according to Consumer Focus.

Ten tips to reduce the cost of living

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

When it comes to finance, the battle of the sexes still rages on: is there really a salary glass ceiling? Who should hold the purse strings in a relationship?

It seems that a greater proportion of women are thinking sensibly about saving for the future. According to Legal & General's MoneyMood survey, 72% of women aim to build up a nest egg in 2012 compared with 66% of men.

These findings are substantiated by research from NatWest, which states that almost a third more women than men are making use of the bank’s savings tool.

But, the picture is a little more complicated than that. Although NatWest found fewer men than women are putting money aside, those who do have more ambitious targets – £9,213 compared with £5,659.

Luckily, there are a number of ways that may help us all boost our savings pots in 2012 whatever our view on the battle of the sexes.

Identify areas of waste

In the current climate, many Brits find they don't have any spare cash at the end of the month once all the bills have been paid.

However, it could be worth scrutinising your bank statements to see if there are any areas where you could cut back.

Are you constantly buying milk at inflated prices from the corner shop because you've forgotten to pick it up at the supermarket?

If any patterns of unnecessary spending begin to emerge, try eliminating these and putting any money saved into a savings pot.

Remember why you're saving

According to NatWest, many savers have a particular goal in mind. While women tend to save for events such as weddings, men focus on targets such as getting together a deposit for a house.

Having these goals in mind could help prevent a saver from becoming disillusioned and giving up on their nest egg.

Keep track of your progress

If you're passionate about setting some cash aside each month, it's wise to pay close attention to your incomings and outgoings.

Without checking your bank balance regularly, it can be difficult to know whether or not you're on track to hit your savings target.

Don't forget about treats

When looking at your monthly budget, make room for the odd luxury item as well as the money you'll be putting into savings.

Remember, treats don't have to be extravagant – for example, consider two-for-one restaurant vouchers or using Tesco Clubcard points towards a cinema ticket or trip to the theatre.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

Most credit card applications ask for your salary details. In fact, a number of the most competitive cards require that borrowers have a minimum household income in order to qualify.

However, lenders also look at a potential borrower's credit report. Whatever that person’s salary, any serious blemishes such as bankruptcy within the past six years could seriously hinder the chances of getting credit.

MYTH TWO: You can’t move banks if you’re overdrawn

FACT OR FICTION? Many banks or building societies willingly accept new business from customers in the red.

Those who are currently paying an expensive interest rate on their overdraft may be able to pay off their debt more quickly by moving to another bank. For instance, Santander offers a 12-month interest-free arranged overdraft on its Preferred Current Account.

Banks may run a credit check on new applicants who are applying for an overdraft. Those with a less than impeccable score may not qualify for the most competitive accounts – or receive a small overdraft.

MYTH THREE: You can't beat a credit card company

FACT OR FICTION? This may be true for borrowers who find themselves paying expensive interest on a debt they can’t afford to pay off. However, savvy customers may be able to make a profit or earn rewards by capitalising on credit card perks.

With the Capital One World MasterCard, for instance, borrowers receive 5% cashback in the first three months – up to £100. The representative APR on this card is 19.9%.

MYTH FOUR: You're jointly liable for your spouse's debt

FACT OR FICTION? Despite popular misconceptions, walking down the aisle doesn't instantly tie a couple financially.

Unless two people have a joint credit agreement such as a credit card or loan, there isn't a financial association between them.

However, if you do have a financial connection with a spouse and the relationship ends, it would be prudent to inform the major credit referencing agencies (Equifax Callcredit and Experian).

MYTH FIVE: Making minimum repayments on a credit card damages your credit score

FACT OR FICTION? As long as a borrower pays at least the minimum amount required by the bill due date, there should be no ill effects for their credit report.

That's not to say that making the minimum repayments is a good idea. Borrowers who can afford to (and many of us can't in the current climate) would normally be wise to pay off as much of their credit card balance as possible each month.

Otherwise, they may accumulate a credit card debt that they could spend years (or even decades) struggling to repay.

MYTH SIX: You don't need to worry about a pension until you hit middle age

FACT OR FICTION? Of course, a person's pension plan depends heavily on his or her personal circumstances.

However, it's normally wise to start saving for retirement as early as possible. The longer a person postpones pension planning, the more he or she may need to set aside each month when they do begin saving.

Likewise, young people may also believe they don't need to consider life insurance if they don't have any dependents and are in good health. Ironically, however, this may be the optimum time to purchase a policy as premiums tend to become more expensive as we age and develop medical problems.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

One in 10 adults has never switched current account, according to recent research from Halifax.

Also, the bank found that some 26% of Brits have held their main current account for more than 26 years.

Missing out

You may be happy with the account you currently have, but by switching to a new one, you could potentially find yourself better off.

Banks are constantly battling to offer the most enticing sign-up benefits to prospective customers.

These include free money, preferential rates on savings accounts and fee-free overdrafts.

What’s on offer

First Direct is currently offering £100 to those who open one of its 1^st Accounts.

The conditions for receiving the cashback are that the account holder transfers at least two direct debits or standing orders and pays in at least £1,500 per month within three months.

People who aren’t happy with the bank can then receive £100 for leaving, provided they do so between six and 12 months of opening the account.

To receive this £100, the account holder has to have paid in at least £1,500 per month for the first six months.

Another feature of this account is that it comes with an interest-free overdraft of £250.

It’s worth mentioning that arranged overdrafts of more than £250 come with an interest rate of 15.9% EAR.

What else is out there?

If First Direct’s offer doesn’t float your boat, a deal from Santander may do the trick.

With this bank, customers can receive between £100 and £300 cashback for switching to one of its current accounts.

Not only this, but they can also receive an interest rate of 5% for 12 months, on balances up to £2,500 and an interest-free arranged overdraft for 12 months.

There are strict terms and conditions when it comes to qualifying for the cashback.

In order to receive £100, customers need to pay in at least £1,000 per month and must switch at least two direct debits or standing orders over to the new account within 13 weeks of its opening.

Customers can receive £200 cashback if they do all of the above, plus already have a mortgage with Santander.

Those who have a Santander mortgage and can bring £10,000 of savings to the bank can earn a whopping £300 cashback.

Despite the perks of this account, the bank doesn’t have the best reputation for customer service and applicants may want to bear this in mind when opening an account.

More than just a joining bonus

Another account that people may want to consider is the Halifax Reward Current Account, which comes with a joining bonus of £100.

In order to qualify for this cashback, customers need to use the bank’s switching service to transfer over all of their direct debits.

On top of this, account holders can receive £5 per month, every month they pay in £1,000.

Something to bear in mind with this current account is that it doesn’t have a free overdraft. In fact, customers will be charged £1 a day for using a planned overdraft of up to £2,500 and £2 a day for using a planned overdraft of over £2,500.

Those who become overdrawn accidentally and, therefore, use an unplanned overdraft will be charged £5 for each day they remain overdrawn.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

According to credit referencing agency Experian, the typical victim of identity theft is ignorant of the crime for approximately 500 days. After discovering the fraud, that person will spend about 300 hours trying to set the record straight.

Being contacted by a bailiff over a mystery debt could be a clear indicator of identity theft. However, there are other less obvious warning signs.

Someone tampers with your rubbish bins

If you notice that the rubbish or recycling has been interfered with, it could suggest a criminal has been on the hunt for discarded personal and financial information.

Many of us are now savvy enough to shred documents from the bank if we no longer need them. However, we happily throw away junk mail from a catalogue company ­– although these documents may also contain data that could be used by fraudsters.

The post goes missing

Despite the rise of internet banking, many of us still opt to receive a paper copy of credit card and bank statements.

If these documents fail to arrive, it may well be a cause for concern and would be wise to contact the bank or Royal Mail.

A missing credit or debit card may be even more worrying as an indicator of identity theft.

You’re unexpectedly declined for credit

Applying for credit in a victim’s name is a signature trait of identity thieves. According to fraud prevention agency CIFAS, identity fraud generates £10 million worth of income for criminals every day.

Being rejected for a new loan or credit despite a previously clean profile could be a warning sign of identity theft. In a worst-case scenario, this could mean that a person’s credit score has been damaged by a fraudster’s actions.

Bear in mind, there may be legitimate reasons for the rejection. A borrower may not meet a particular set of lending criteria – perhaps they don't come up to the minimum salary requirements, for instance.

It could be a wise move to contact the lender to determine the reason behind the rejection.

The state benefit trap

As well as credit, identity thieves may also apply for state benefits using their victim’s data.

A person may not discover their identity has been stolen until attempting to make a valid claim for benefits or receiving correspondence related to the fraudulent claim.

Criminals may use legitimate documents such as a person’s passport or National Insurance number to put in a claim for benefits.

Anomalies on your credit report

Financial pundits frequently advise their readers to keep a close eye on their credit score.

However, don’t simply assume a decent score means you’re safe from identity theft. Rather than simply checking your score, take the time to look at the details contained within the report.

Any unfamiliar addresses linked to your report or incorrect financial associations could indicate suspicious activity.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

According to a new report from the Transport Select Committee, it’s the increase in claims for whiplash injury that has caused the price of premiums to rocket in recent years.

The report shows that the number of people injured in UK road accidents decreased by 62,369 from 2005 to 2010.

However, the number of motor insurance injury claims recorded by the Compensation Recovery Unit increased by a massive 324,902 in the same period.

Government crackdown

Louise Ellman, Transport Committee Chair, is urging the government to crack down on insurance companies and their links to injury lawyers.

The MP also believes that law firms should have to provide evidence, firstly that a whiplash injury has taken place and, secondly, that it has had a significant effect on the claimant’s life.

Ms Ellman believes this would prevent so many people from making bogus claims.

Uninsured drivers

It’s not just personal injury claims that are driving up the cost of car insurance.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), uninsured drivers add £30 to every insured motorist’s annual premium.

Not only this, statistics from the DfT show that uninsured drivers also injure around 23,000 people and kill a further 160 each year.

Last year, the Continuous Insurance Enforcement law made it an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle, rather than just to drive when uninsured.

‘Our message is clear – get insured or face a fine, court action or seeing your car seized and destroyed,’ said Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.

Average premium

The average annual cost of car insurance is £921, according to the AA’s latest Insurance Premium Index.

When the time comes around for you to renew your car insurance, one option is to just accept the renewal quote given to you by your existing insurer.

However, it may also be a good idea to shop around and search for quotes from other insurers to see whether you could be getting a better deal elsewhere.

Other ways to cut costs

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) recommends people increase their voluntary excess and claims that doing so may mean they pay a lower premium.

It also claims that paying for car insurance in one lump sum, rather than in monthly instalments, may bring the price down slightly.

Finally, the ABI recommends that, if people are looking to buy a new car, they choose a vehicle with a low engine size, as these tend to be less expensive to insure.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

Imagine your boiler died over the weekend or your car needed a new battery. Would you dip into your rainy day fund?

For millions of Brits, it may not be that simple. According to research from First Direct, more than a fifth of UK households don’t have any savings at all and 7% have less than £250.

With the average household having expenses of around £50 per day, these funds would last just five days according to First Direct’s data.

Why are saving levels so low?

There’s no denying that economic conditions in the UK and beyond are at least partially responsible for our depleted nest eggs.

Despite our best intentions, soaring energy bills, inflation and pay freezes mean we may not have any extra money to put aside each month.

By making common mistakes, however, we could be further hurting our chances of effectively saving money.

We’ve rounded up five common mistakes to avoid if you’re trying to save.

1. Setting unrealistic goals

Resolving to save an extra £500 a month might sound like a good idea, but is it really feasible?

By setting a goal that is almost doomed to fail, savers may easily become disheartened and give up entirely.

Instead, it could be wise to look at monthly incomings and outgoings to decide on a more attainable savings goal.

2. Getting caught out by bonus rates

When taking out a savings account, our first instinct may be to simply opt for the product with the most competitive interest rate.

However, a number of the highest-paying savings accounts carry bonus rates. This means investors receive a more generous rate of interest during an introductory period – normally one year.

After this period ends, the rate may drop significantly. At this point, it might be worth looking elsewhere for a more competitive savings option.

3. Handing too much to the taxman

For most of us, tax is a fact of life and the interest from any savings products will be subject to tax.

By taking advantage of tax-free cash ISAs, Brits can put away up to £5,340 in tax-free savings during the current tax year.

Investing in a pension is also one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for the future. As well as tax relief on contributions, it’s also possible to take up to 25% of the fund as a tax-free lump sum on retirement.

4. Not paying off debts

In the current climate, the interest payments on debts may well be higher than the returns from a savings account.

Once these debts are cleared, it could be time to search for a savings account with the most competitive rate possible.

5. Making hasty withdrawals

A number of banks and building societies impose hefty penalties on customers who make early withdrawals from their savings.

Halifax, for instance, charges a penalty of 365 days’ lost interest for early closure of its five-year Fixed Online Saver.

Before dipping into any savings account, it's wise to double-check the withdrawal restrictions.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

Learning your car has been stolen would be a nightmare for many motorists – especially those who regard their motor as a member of the family.

Alternatively, you could find your car is still there but the window has been smashed and your laptop has gone from the backseat.

To pinpoint which cars are most vulnerable to this kind of attack, insurance company Admiral has analysed its claims data from the 2010/2011 period.

According to the findings, the Nissan Sunny is the most stolen car make and model, while the Nissan Figaro tops the tables for the highest number of break-ins.

Top five cars for percentage stolen 2010/2011

1. Nissan Sunny
2. BMW X6
3. Audi RS6
4. Nissan Figaro
5. Mitsubishi Spacewagon

Top five cars for percentage broken into 2010/2011

1. Nissan Figaro
2. Citroen C8
3. BMW 730
4. Audi RS4
5. Peugeot 807

Source: Admiral

Whatever car we drive, it appears Brits are prone to worry about theft and break ins.

In fact, research from Admiral and YouGov has revealed that 74% of drivers feel anxious about their car’s security.

Despite the pervasive sense of unease, the data revealed that the levels of car crime have fallen significantly during the past 10 years.

According to the 2011 statistics, 0.16% of Admiral customers had their cars stolen during this time. This figure represents a massive drop­ compared with 0.54% in 2001.

Dave Halliday, Admiral Managing Director, said: ‘This anxiety could be linked to a general sense of unease about the state of the country and the economy in particular, our cars are after all, one of the most valuable things we own.’

Car crime and insurance

Whether or not car insurance covers vehicle theft or a break-in depends on the type of policy.

Third party fire and theft or comprehensive policies normally pay out if the car is stolen.

In addition, a comprehensive policy may cover any items stolen from the vehicle during a break-in or any damage caused by vandalism.

With third party insurance, however, motorists won’t be covered for items stolen or criminal damage so would probably need to cover these costs themselves.

Bear in mind, any car insurance may be invalidated if the policyholder is negligent with the vehicle’s security.

For instance, an insurer may refuse to pay out if a customer’s car is stolen after the door had been left unlocked.

How to improve car security

Off-road parking significantly reduces the risk of a car being stolen or broken into. As well as making the car less vulnerable to crimes, using off-road parking may also reduce the cost of insurance premiums.

Installing motion-sensitive lighting outside the home may act as a deterrent to opportunist criminals planning to break into a vehicle.

Finally, improving a car’s security by adding features such as an alarm or immobiliser also reduces the risk of crime. Motorists who can’t afford a sophisticated security system could opt for a less expensive steering lock.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

According to data from Nationwide, UK house prices remained relatively unchanged from the final quarter of 2010 to the same period in 2011, with the average home rising in value by 1.1%.

There were exceptions, for example London property increased in value by 5.4% and that in Northern Ireland decreased by 8.9%.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide's Chief Economist, said that it doesn’t look like the housing market will perform much better in 2012.

Are first-time buyers in luck?

This could be good news for first-time buyers who are looking to purchase a bargain property.

However, unless these people have a hefty deposit saved up, they may not be able to benefit from the current price stagnation.

Banks and building societies are cautious in who they lend to as the current economic situation in the UK is causing many people to default on their loans.

High LTV mortgages are not as common as they used to be, but there are still some available, so the situation is not actually that bleak.

Low LTV mortgages

For those who have managed to save a decent sized deposit, there are a number of mortgages on the market that could be suitable.

For example, those who have saved up to 40% of the value of their property may be able to get a two-year tracker with Halifax at an interest rate of 2.94%.

The mortgage has a product fee of £995 and, after the first two years, the interest rate rises to 3.99%.

First Direct offers a two-year tracker mortgage with an initial rate of 2.39% to those who want to borrow up to 65% of the value of their property.

The interest rate on the mortgage increases to 3.69% after the initial two years and there is an arrangement fee of £499.

Mid LTV deals

People who have managed to save a reasonable deposit of, let’s say, 30% may find they still have quite a few options available to them.

Chelsea Building Society offers a two-year tracker mortgage at a rate of 2.39% for an LTV of 70%.

The interest rate rises to 5.79% after the initial period and borrowers should also bear in mind that the mortgage has a product fee of £1,495.

Those looking for an LTV of 75% could consider Principality Building Society’s two-year fixed mortgage at 2.74%.

With this mortgage, there is a product fee of £999 and the subsequent interest rate is 4.99%.

High LTV mortgages

People who have no deposit saved but want to get straight onto the property ladder may want to consider going to Aldermore.

The lender is offering a 100% mortgage deal, but requires the borrower to secure a guarantor to support it.

This person, perhaps a parent, has to secure 25% of the mortgage on their own home, meaning that if the new property is repossessed, the guarantor would be liable for any shortfall in the sale of the property.

Alternatively, HSBC recently launched a promotion in which the fees on some of its lifetime tracker mortgages were scrapped, this includes the fees on its 90% LTV mortgage.

Those with a 10% deposit can get an interest rate of 4.09% above base rate, so the current rate payable is 4.59%.

Before deciding on a mortgage, it could be wise for borrowers to consider all of the fees attached, including initial charges and early repayment or exit fees.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

Have you decided to shop around for a more competitive deal on your credit card or current account?

If so, you’re unlikely to be alone as thousands of Brits may have made similar vows at this time of year.

In fact, these coming weeks may be an opportune time to take out a new financial product. We look at some competitive offers that won’t be around for long.

The bank that pays 6%

As savers struggle to get a decent return on their cash, HSBC is offering current customers an inflation-busting 6% gross AER.

The offer applies on the bank’s Premier, Advance or Bank Account products.

Bear in mind, the rate is available on balances of up to £2,500 for 12 months. After the first year, the bank won’t pay any interest on the money deposited in the current account.

This offer is part of HSBC’s annual sale that runs until 31 January.

New £100 switching offer

Halifax is offering a £100 cash incentive to customers opening a new current account.

The deal applies to its Ultimate Reward Current Account, Reward Current Account and Current Account products.

Unlike other switching offers, customers receive the money on the first day they begin the switching process.

This offer runs until 19 February.

Interest-free overdrafts

Co-operative current account customers who slip into the red may be able to escape fees on their debt for the next three months.

Until 4 April, the bank won’t charge any interest on agreed overdrafts.

Bear in mind, this freeze only applies to formal overdrafts the bank has agreed in advance and the bank charges £20 per year to set up or renew a formal overdraft.

Further, this offer won’t be available to students and basic bank account customers.

What else is on offer

Santander’s Preferred Current Account is widely regarded as the market-leading product.

Customers receive a welcome bonus of between £100 and £300 – depending on their level of savings and whether they have an existing mortgage with the bank.

In addition, the account also pays 5% gross AER on deposits of up to £2,500 for the first 12 months ­– after which the return drops to 1%.

This account also offers an interest-free arranged overdraft for a period of 12 months.

23 months on 0% balance transfers

As part of its annual sale, HSBC has also launched a credit card offering 23 months on balance transfers.

With almost two years interest free, this is the second longest balance transfer period on the market.

As a negative, the deal is only available to existing HSBC current account customers.

The card also carries a balance transfer fee of 3.3% and a representative APR of 17.9% as soon as the interest-free period expires.

Like other items in the HSBC sale, this deal is available until 31 January.

What else is on offer

Non-HSBC current account customers could find a longer interest-free balance transfer period with Barclaycard.

With 24 months interest free, customers who transfer a balance onto this card may not have to pay any interest until 2014.

Like the HSBC card, there is a representative APR of 17.9%, but the fee is a lower 3.2%.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

According to research from Lloyds TSB, Campden Hill Square in Holland Park, London, is the most expensive street in Britain with an average price of £4.86 million.

Like a number of a number of streets on the ‘most expensive’ list, Campden Hill Square can be found in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. In fact, seven of the 10 most expensive streets are located in this area.

Suren Thiru, Economist at Lloyds TSB, said: ‘This part of London has always had a glamorous reputation, attracting buyers from the business and entertainment world, and more recently the super-rich from across the world.’

Beyond Greater London, Leys Road in Surrey has the highest average house price of £3.1 million. The most expensive street outside southern England is Withinlee Road in Prestbury, which is home to a number of footballers.

In Wales, Druidstone Road in Cardiff is the most expensive street with an average house price of £685,000.

10 most expensive streets in England and Wales

Property prices for the rest of us

Most of us can only dream of owning such high-value homes. According to figures from Nationwide, the average UK house price is a more modest £164,785.

For the average homeowner, however, there was a slight growth of 1% in house prices during 2011.

These figures also place London as the most expensive region for house prices with Northern Ireland being the least expensive.

Boosting the value of a property

Whether or not you’re living in one of the UK’s most exclusive addresses, there are a number of ways you may be able to increase the value of your home.

By clearing up the garden, sellers could potentially make their property more attractive to buyers.

Something as simple as cutting the grass or trimming back hedges may significantly improve the garden’s overall appearance.

Removing personal touches may also bolster the chances of a sale. Without clutter from the current owners, people may be able to visualise themselves living in the property.

Potential buyers may also be turned off a property if they have the impression the interior is old fashioned or out-of-date. Adding a lick of paint in a neutral colour may make the interior appear more modern and spacious.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

Have you vowed to ditch your bad habits in 2012? Be honest, did you make the same resolutions last year only to break them mid-way through January?

We’ve rounded up five frugal tips for self improvement this year.

1. Lose the Christmas love handles

Rather than paying £70 a month for a swanky private gym, council-run facilities are a fraction of the cost and should have most of the same equipment.

If you’d rather not join a gym, be creative about other ways to get fit. Buy a second-hand exercise DVD or start walking to work instead of getting the bus.

2. Pay off your debts

Every year, thousands of Brits vow to clear their credit card debt. Sadly, many of those fail – often giving up because they feel they’re not making any progress.

Taking out a 0% balance transfer card may be one of the most effective ways to pay down credit card debt in 2012. These cards waive interest during an introductory period, which allows borrowers to pay off their debts more quickly and cheaply.

At present, Barclaycard offers the market-leading 0% balance transfer deal with two years interest free.

Next up, HSBC carries a 23-month deal for existing current account customers and Halifax offers 22 months at 0%.

3. Give to charity

If you’re planning to give to those less fortunate in 2012, it makes sense to benefit from all available tax breaks.

If you’re a UK taxpayer, giving money through Gift Aid allows the charity to reclaim the basic rate of tax of any money you donate.

Higher rate taxpayers may also be eligible for a rebate via this system – for more information, see the Directgov website.

If you would like to leave money to a charity in your will, gifts to qualifying charities will be exempt from inheritance tax.

As well as tax relief on charitable contributions, you could investigate pay as you earn schemes operated by your employer, in which the company may match any charitable donations you make.

4. Start saving

We all know times are going to be tough in 2012, which may make it especially important to build up an emergency fund.

If you have extra cash to put aside, it would be wise to make sure you’re getting the best possible rate on your savings.

In the easy access market, Nationwide's MySave Online Plus offers a return of 3.12% gross AER, which includes a 1.58% bonus for the first 12 months and allows one penalty-free withdrawal per year.

Those who won’t need access to their funds could also receive a market-leading rate from the AA’s one-year fixed account, which pays 3.6% gross AER.

5. Take a dream holiday

While all of our suggestions so far have been pretty serious, your ambitions in 2012 may be more leisure-focused.

If you’re planning a holiday, you could cut costs by considering a destination that isn’t normally popular with tourists or planning your trip outside the holiday season.

While you’re away, cut down on pricey alcohol and food by dining the way locals do. Eating out for lunch instead if dinner is another huge money saver.

Once you've got your finances sorted, all you’ll need is to stick to your resolutions is will power. Good luck.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

A lot of people will admit that they blew their budget last month, so could this card be the answer to tackling Christmas debt?

We take a closer look at the pros and cons of this deal.

What’s good about it?

This Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card is the current market leader in terms of length of 0% interest period.

People who can’t afford to pay off large amounts of their debt each month may benefit from having this card, as it allows them to pay off the money they owe over two years.

Those who take out the new product can benefit from the Barclaycard Freedom rewards programme.

Customers automatically earn Reward Money at participating retailers, which can then be redeemed on future transactions at selected stores within the programme.

Another positive feature of the new Barclaycard is that the application process can be done online in a short period of time.

What to watch out for

While the card comes with a long interest-free period, it also comes with a 3.2% fee.

Customers have to pay 3.2% of whatever they transfer onto the card. For example, a person transferring £1,000 would have to pay a fee of £32.

By comparison, another of Barclaycard’s credit cards, which offers 22 months at 0%, comes with a fee of 2.9%, or £29 on a transfer of £1,000.

The new Barclaycard comes with an APR of 17.9%, which cardholders would have to start paying if they failed to meet a minimum repayment or didn’t pay their debt off within two years.

Those looking for a card to make purchases with may want to avoid this card as it only offers 0% on purchases for three months.

Another negative, for some people at least, is that the card doesn’t allow money to be transferred to it from other Barclaycards.

Also, the 24 months at 0% deal is only available to those with excellent credit scores. Those who do not have such a high score may be offered a different deal or declined altogether.

The alternatives

HSBC’s Credit Card comes with 0% on balance transfers for 23 months and a representative APR of 17.9%.

The transfer fee is 3.3% or £5, whichever is greater. For example, if the debt being moved onto the card totals £1,000, the fee would be £33.

It should also be noted that any transfers onto the card must be completed within 30 days.

This card is only available to those who pay more than £500 per month into an HSBC current account and earn £8,500 or more each year.

People who want a card for spending may want to consider the Tesco Clubcard Credit Card, which comes with 0% interest on purchases for 15 months.

People should beware that this card comes with an APR of 16.9%, which cardholders will have to start paying straight away if they miss a repayment.

For those who are looking for a card that they can transfer debt onto and they can make purchases with, the Halifax All In One Credit Card could be a suitable option.

This card offers 0% for 15 months for both balance transfers and purchases and it comes with a 3% or £3 fee, whichever is greatest. So, if the debt being transferred onto the card totals £1,000, the fee would be £30.

The final point to mention about this card is that the APR is 17.9%.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

No matter how careful we are with our money at Christmas, many Brits end up overspending – whether splashing out on the latest toy for the kids or one too many trips to the pub.

Luckily, there are several tricks to help clear your debts more quickly and cheaply if you have overspent at Christmas.

Bag a balance transfer

Anyone with existing credit card debt may be able to switch to a 0% balance transfer deal, which will waive interest during an introductory period.

At present, Barclaycard offers the market-leading 0% balance transfer deal with 24 months interest free.

Next up, HSBC carries a 23-month deal for existing current account customers and Halifax offers 22 months at 0%.

For those who have a significant credit card debt, switching to a balance transfer deal could potentially save hundreds of pounds.

Where you need to be careful

Those who fail to clear their balance in full before the 0% period ends could start paying expensive interest on their debt and potentially risk getting into financial trouble again.

In the case of Barclaycard, HSBC and Halifax, there is a representative APR of 17.9% as soon as the interest-free period has elapsed.

If you’re planning to transfer money onto a balance transfer card, you normally need to pay a fee and it’s essential you take this into account.

The Barclaycard 24-month offer has a fee of 3.2%, which would equal £32 on a debt of £1,000. With the Halifax deal, there is a fee of 3.5% and HSBC has a 3.3% fee.

Borrowers who don’t need the full 24 months to clear their debt might want to consider the Virgin All Round Credit Card, which offers 16 months interest free for a fee of 1.99%.

If you're taking out a card with an interest-free promotional offer, it’s wise to be diligent with your spending. The lender may revoke the 0% offer if you exceed your credit limit or miss a payment on the card.

Fancy a snowball?

Rather than tackling a number of debts at the same time, it might prudent to consider ‘snowballing’. Using this technique, borrowers single out one debt and then focus all their efforts on paying this off, while making minimum repayments on everything else.

Remember, it would be wise to prioritise those debts with the highest interest rates.

Once the first debt is clear, get to work on the next, then the next and so forth. From a psychological standpoint, it can be rewarding to see the number of debts become fewer and fewer.

Prepare for 2012

If you went beyond your Christmas budget last year, you could use the experience to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen again this year.

Rather than waiting until waiting until December to figure out how you will cover festive costs, it may be a good idea to start saving a little every month.

By putting aside just £20 a month from January, you could have £240 in your 2012 Christmas fund.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

As much as we all love Christmas, shopping for presents can be a bit of a minefield at times. What if your granddad doesn’t like his new jumper or you’ve already got that Lord of the Rings box set from Auntie Eileen?

Defective goods and your rights

Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, consumers are legally entitled to a refund if an item is not ‘as described’, ‘of satisfactory quality’ or ‘fit for purpose’.

If customers wish to return defective goods, the law states they must do so within a ‘reasonable’ period of time. However, there is no legal definition of how long this is. To be on the safe side, it’s sensible to ask for a refund as soon as possible.

Is a receipt necessary?

Anyone who wishes to return an item without a receipt may be in for a battle with the sales assistant.

Whatever he or she tells you, it is possible to return a defective item without a receipt. In the absence of a receipt, a credit or debit card statement could act as proof of purchase.

Having said this, it’s always easier to obtain a refund with a receipt, so it’s wise to hang onto these if possible.

Beware the myth of sale items

We’ve probably all heard that all sale goods are non-returnable even if there is a fault. However, this simply isn’t true – no matter how much retailers may wish it were.

If sales goods are faulty, consumers have the same rights to a refund as they would if they paid full price.

However, there is one exception. If the fault was pointed out at the time of purchase, dissatisfied consumers cannot cite the defect as grounds for a refund.

What if you simply don’t like it?

While the law offers extensive protection if goods are faulty, consumers have far fewer rights when seeking a refund for another reason – for example if clothing doesn’t fit or the customer simply changes his or her mind.

Although a number of retailers may offer a refund or exchange in this situation, they are under no legal obligation to do so. This means it could be a good idea to enquire about the store’s return policy at the time of purchase.

Remember, stores may be more likely to offer a refund on any goods still in their original packaging.

Shopping online and your rights

According to research from PayPal, more than three quarters of Brits will do some of their Christmas shopping online this year.

Under Distance Selling Regulations, customers have a seven-day cooling off period if there isn’t any face-to-face contact when making a purchase – for example, over the internet or by telephone. During this time, it is possible to cancel for any reason – as long as this is done in writing.

Why it helps to pay with a credit card

Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, a lender is jointly liable with the retailer if something goes wrong with a credit card purchase – the item fails to arrive, is not ‘as described’ or the retailer goes bust.

In order to qualify, the item purchased must cost between £100 and £30,000.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

With spending cuts and soaring energy bills, most of us are worried about meeting rising costs in 2012. However, it’s possible to offset some of this pain and become £413 better off between now and the first of January.

Cash is king

With Christmas just days away, you’d hope most people would have done their shopping by now. However, many of us end up scrambling at the last minute for at least one present.

If a friend or relative confesses he or she hasn’t yet bought your present, you could consider asking for money. Although you may find the request embarrassing, your relative might be relieved not to have to spend hours coming up with gift ideas.

Research from First Direct has found that 28% of Brits expect to receive an average £83 in cash gifts this year.

Capitalise on your time off

The period between Christmas and New Year could provide an opportunity to make money from your skills. If you’re a technical whizz, you could help people set up new equipment they received at Christmas or complete DIY jobs. Some people might even be willing to pay you to dispose of their dead Christmas tree.

Charging £10 an hour could mean around £80 for a day’s work. Two days work would be £160.

Sell unwanted Christmas gifts

Chances are, most of us will receive an unwanted Christmas gift this year – whether from a distant relative or the office secret Santa.

Rather than dumping the offending items in the attic, you could always put them onto an auction site such as eBay or else try having a car boot sale.

If you add a few other items you have accumulated over the year, it’s possible to recoup around £70 for your efforts.

If you’re not a fan of Auld Lang Syne

Although going out on New Year’s Eve might have been fun when we were 18, the novelty starts to wear off a bit as we get older – especially if we’re feeling the pinch after Christmas.

Why not make some money this year instead? Try asking if your local bar needs an extra pair hands – with generous tippers, bar staff can easily make £100 for a night’s work.

If you really can’t face the crowds and the December chill, you could consider offering to babysit for neighbours or colleagues. This way, you could make some extra cash without having to leave the comfort of your home.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

New research from Sainsbury’s Finance reveals that icy conditions have caused over 1.3 million road accidents in the UK over the past five years.

If it’s not freezing temperatures making the roads treacherous to drive on, it’s your car breaking down or even failing to start. But what can you do to avoid being stranded?

Service your car

To reduce the chances of your car not starting on a morning, make sure the radiator is topped up with anti-freeze.

Ensure you have a supply of de-icer in the vehicle too as this can help you to clear the ice from your windscreen and windows quickly.

You may also want to consider investing in winter tyres as these have deeper tread and can grip to slippery roads more effectively. Before fitting these tyres, check that doing so won't invalidate your car insurance.

Check that all of your car lights are working properly, your windscreen wipers don’t need replacing and that you have an ample amount of fuel in the tank.

‘Making the necessary checks and being properly prepared can make all the difference between a safe journey and one that ends in disaster,’ claims David Williams, Chief Executive of road safety charity GEM Motoring Assist.

Drive more carefully

Stopping distances can increase tenfold in bad weather and the slightest over steering or breaking can cause complete loss of control, so make sure you take care when you’re behind the wheel.

If visibility is poor during the day, use dipped headlights so that there is more chance of other road users spotting you.

Make sure you keep a careful watch out for other road users too, especially motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Have the right items in your car

There are a few things that it’s always a good idea to have in your car in case you break down, such as a torch and a blanket, but these can be even more important in the winter.

Other items you should make sure you have with you are a fluorescent or high-visibility jacket and warm winter clothing.

A spare battery for your mobile phone and a thermos flask containing a hot drink can also be useful.

Make sure you’re covered

If you’re currently looking for car insurance, think carefully about the level of cover you need.

Third party and third party fire and theft tend to not cover you if your car is damaged after skidding on ice, whereas some comprehensive policies will.

Comprehensive policies tend to be the most expensive, but they could provide you with the peace of mind that you can get your vehicle back on the road should it fall foul of poor weather conditions.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

However, ironically, the seminars and training programmes these people run can be very expensive.

We take a closer look at these schemes and ways of reducing debt and increasing savings.

Getting rich quick

The wealth creation market is huge in America and is starting to make quite an impression in the UK now too.

Those who attend seminars and meetings part with their hard-earned cash with the promise of being coached to make millions in a matter of years.

Janice Geddes, a 38-year-old nursery nurse from Ilford, Essex, is one of those who have subscribed to the services of a wealth trainer.

‘According to the plan, I will be a millionaire in 10 years' time,’ she told the BBC.

‘I owe £4,000 on my credit card, but I will be financially free. It's going to happen,’ Ms Geddes added.

She believes that the courses she has paid thousands of pounds for will teach her the skills and mindset she needs to become wealthy.

If you’re hoping to boost your finances but don’t want to pay thousands to learn how, you could try the following.

Pay off debt

If you’re saddled with debt, perhaps the most important thing to do to get you on the road to riches is pay this off.

Credit cards and loans usually come with much higher interest rates than savings accounts, so any interest you earn on your nest egg will be negated by that you have to pay on your debt.

If it’s credit card debt that you’ve got, transferring this onto a card that has a lengthy 0% interest period could be a good idea.

This means that you have time to pay off some, if not all, of your debt before you start having to pay interest.

If you have debt in the form of a loan, shop around and see if you could be getting a lower rate elsewhere.

Have a look at your contract first, though, as some loan companies charge a fee for exiting a loan early and this could be higher than the amount of interest you’d save with your new loan.

Build savings

Once you’ve paid off your debt and you’re back in the black, it could be time to think about putting some money away in a savings account.

Cash ISAs offer the opportunity to earn tax-free interest on savings of up to £5,340.

ING Direct’s Cash ISA 2011/2012 allows you to earn 3% AER interest on your savings for 12 months. The interest is paid monthly and you won’t lose any interest if you make any withdrawals.

You can earn higher rates of interest if you are prepared to lock your savings away in an ISA for up to five years.

Alternatively, you could take out a standard savings account, such as Kent Reliance Building Society’s Five-Year Fixed Rate Bond - Issue 5, which offers an interest rate of 4.7% gross AER.

If you want to be able to access your money sooner, Nationwide’s MySave Online Plus allows you one penalty-free withdrawal per year and has an interest rate of 3.12% gross AER.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**

A recent study by the Post Office revealed that one in four parents has admitted to breaking the speed limit on the school run.

Half of parents said they rushed every weekday morning to get their kids to school on time.

Save lives and save money

Figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) show that accident rates are highest during school run times.

It’s no secret that driving carefully reduces the risk of accidents occurring. This, most importantly, cuts the risk of people being injured, but also reduces the number of claims received by car insurance companies.

The fewer claims you make on your car insurance, the lower your premiums will tend to be.

Other ways of cutting premiums

There are a number of actions that can be taken to reduce car insurance premiums, such as increasing the voluntary excess.

Agreeing to pay a higher voluntary excess usually reduces the cost of car insurance premiums, but setting the excess at an unaffordable level could leave the driver unable to get their car back on the road.

Fitting a security device such as an alarm or immobiliser may also decrease premiums, as cars with such features are thought to be harder for thieves to steal or break into.

Insurers see those who park in a garage or on a driveway as less likely to make a claim than those who leave their cars on the side of a road.

Premiums may also be lower for those who pay annually, not monthly and who haven’t modified their vehicles in any way.

Finally, motorists could find that they get cheaper quotes by shopping around, rather than just excepting their current insurer’s renewal price.

**Articles featured on BeatThatQuote.com are for information purposes only and reflect the views of individual writers. Articles are not, and should not be considered as, financial advice. BeatThatQuote.com strongly encourages our readers not to rely solely on information contained within this article/our website, but to conduct their own research and seek independent advice about the financial products they purchase.**