Scotsman.com - Money Feed

Homeowners miss cheaper loan deals

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:43:12 GMT

HOMEOWNERS in Scotland are missing out on a golden opportunity to slash costs by failing to take advantage of rock-bottom mortgage rates, it has been claimed.

Savers squeezed out by low interest rates

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:43:06 GMT

THEY pledged to get Britain saving again. In reality they’ve achieved quite the opposite, punishing prudence and removing incentives to save.

Jeff Salway: Anger growing over behaviour of banks

Sat, 11 May 2013 17:52:11 GMT

WE CAN call it the “Goodwin effect” if you like. I’m referring to the growing propensity of people in Scotland to complain about the banks.

Credit unions take on payday lenders

Sat, 11 May 2013 17:43:07 GMT

CREDIT unions in Scotland are targeting both banks and payday lenders following the launch of a scheme aimed at boosting membership of the mutuals.

Jeff Salway: Flood victims face insurance nightmare

Sat, 04 May 2013 18:01:32 GMT

HOME insurance is one of those financial products that’s taken for granted; it’s essential but it’s easily available and usually affordable. Where would homeowners be without it?

How to boost your chances of getting a mortgage

Sat, 04 May 2013 18:00:14 GMT

THE days of lying to obtain a mortgage are back as a growing number of borrowers and brokers respond to stricter lending criteria by filing false loan applications.

Jeff Salway: Chancellor’s schemes set for disaster

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:17:22 GMT

OUR Chancellor may this weekend be pondering Robert Burns’ observation that “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley”.

Jeff Salway: Band freeze extends IHT net

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:15:35 GMT

FOR a tax that very few people have to pay, so-called “death duties” inspire a rare degree of hostility and fear. But with the government freezing the threshold above which inheritance tax (IHT) is charged at 40 per cent, a growing number of Scots are planning ahead to ensure their beneficiaries aren’t landed with a hefty bill when they pass on.

Jeff Salway: Be thankful banks won’t advise you

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:47:17 GMT

GOING to a high-street bank for investment advice is like asking George Osborne for help with your finances. You’d be wise not to, in other words.

Savers suffer as Isa rates plunge

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:47:11 GMT

BANKS have been accused of turning their backs on struggling savers as the interest paid on individual savings accounts (Isas) continues to plunge.