02 October 2012

All You Need To Know About Poor Credit Rating Cards


Credit cards are extremely useful. Not only are they really easy to use, convenient and have worldwide acceptance but they can give you more financial freedom. When you take out a credit card you are given a credit limit which is essentially borrowing money. Each month you will be sent a statement listing all the transactions you have made and what you owe for borrowing the money which is the interest rate or APR. Credit cards are very usefully so many people will want one. However, if you have a poor credit history you will struggle to get the card that you want. So what are your options?

Poor credit rating cards are especially designed for people who have damaged their credit scores which can easily be done simply by missing payments. They are also designed for people who have no credit history at all and those who have been refused a credit card elsewhere. These cards can help you rebuild or start to build your credit rating. As long as you use the card responsibly you will start to see your rating improve which will help your future chances of borrowing. A better credit rating means you will be able to borrow more with lower interest rates.

The main drawback of these cards is that as providers see you as more of a risk the interest rates can be considerably higher when compared to other types of cards. You will also find that the credit limits can be lower. If you miss payments as the interest rates are so high you can find the charges can easily accumulate. There can also be other charges which can easily spiral out of control. By missing payments you will also damage your credit rating even further which will not help your future chances of borrowing.

Before taking out one of these cards you need to make sure that you understand the risks and dangers of a credit card. It is important that you take the time to research the market and compare different cards against each other, weighing up the pros and cons of each. You can use sites like Which Way To Pay which will help you find the best deal available. Always make sure you read the terms and conditions thoroughly and that you are aware of any fees that are associated with the card.

02 August 2012

Why Get A Reward Credit Card?


Many of us have credit cards. They are a fantastic way to keep our finances ticking over and ensure the smooth flow of money without paying interest for borrowing short-term. They can help you build up a good credit rating, making it cheaper and easier to borrow in the future, as well as giving you insurance on all of you online purchases.

There is more to credit cards however, if you want there to be. Reward credit cards have all the same features as a regular credit card, except that they give you the ability to collect points as you use it. These points are then redeemable for a range of rewards of your choice.

Whatever you’re into, there is a reward credit card out there to suit your needs. You can get reward cards for your favourite supermarkets, giving you points to spend in store; you can get gaming cards to buy games, gadgets, films and more with your points; you can go shopping for free and get hefty discounts; you can collect air miles to put towards your holidays and you can even get free insurance.

There is a wide range of cards out there, so it’s worth doing your homework to find the best deal for your spending habits. Make sure you compare all features of the cards, from annual charges, the amount of points you will collect with each pound you spend and the interest rates.

Compare Reward Credit Cards Today!

13 July 2012

Going Away This Summer? Make Sure You Have The Right Travel Insurance


Holidays can take a lot of time of energy to plan not to mention they can cost a lot of money. To protect what can be a major purchase you should think about taking out travel insurance. Unfortunately, the unexpected can happen and failing to take out travel insurance can turn a holiday into a costly financial nightmare. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can be a great help if you have to deal with any number of problems while you abroad. Travel insurance can cover you if you experience travel delays, cancellations, missed departures, lost, delayed or stolen items including your belongings, money and transport, emergency medical treatment and repatriation, personal liability and legal expenses. You can also get additional cover options including winter sports, hazardous sports and leisure activities, terrorist incidents and if your airline goes out of business. You can buy travel insurance for a single trip or an annual policy for all trips taken in a year.

When deciding on the right policy for you bear in mind that different travel insurance policies cover different things and the risks that are covered will vary from policy to policy. With this in mind always make sure you know exactly what is and isn’t covered before you sign anything. You need to decide what is important to you and make sure that the policy you choose provides the right level of cover for your circumstances. This will help you avoid any unexpected surprises if you are unfortunate enough to make a claim.  Remember that price isn’t everything because the cheapest insurance is not necessarily the best as it will offer the least amount of cover.

There are a huge range of policies and so it is essential that you take the time to find the best cover to suit your pocket and your travelling needs. Buying travel insurance through a tour operator or travel agent is typically much higher than what is available elsewhere and you shouldn’t be fooled by holiday operators who insist that you take out their own insurance. The best way to find travel insurance is to compare policies online. Sites like Which Way To Pay are great places to find some of the best travel insurance deals. 

05 July 2012

Why Are Payday Loans So Popular?


Payday loans have been talked about in the press a lot recently. Despite the bad press they are one of the most popular products on the financial market at the moment. The reason why so many people are turning to payday loans is because they are one of the easiest and fastest ways of getting hold of instant cash. People take out payday loans for a number of reasons. If you are struggling to make ends meet before your next payday or an emergency expense has caught you by surprise then a payday loan could be considered.

Another reason why payday loans are so popular is that they are extremely accessible.  There are minimal credit checks involved and as long as you are over 18, have a bank account and a regular income you are pretty much guaranteed to get approved, even if you have a bad credit history. To get hold of a payday loan all you have to do is complete an online application which will only take a couple of minutes and you could have the money in your account in under an hour.

There are certain dangers that come with taking out a payday loan. It is paramount that you are certain you will be able to pay back the loan, plus the interest when the payment is due. The interest rates on these loans can be very high and so payday loans should only be used as a last resort. As the interest rates so using these loans incorrectly or regularly could result in a debt crisis. In some cases even if the lender agrees to extend the loan you will continue to pay the interest which can accumulate and there may also be other costs for missing payments. Remember that payday loans are for short term borrowing and should never be used to solve any long term financial difficulties you might have.

Make sure you research the payday loan market and compare products before you make your decision.

28 June 2012

Get Back On Track With A Debt Management Plan


Can’t see a way to pay off your debt? Do you want to be living a debt free life? A debt management plan can be a great debt solution. It is an informal arrangement that avoids the need for formal insolvency procedures such as an IVA or bankruptcy. With a debt management plan you agree to repay your debt over a period of time, usually extending the amount of time which the debts must be repaid. Your repayments can be reduced to a much more affordable amount making it easier for you to get your life back on track.

What’s great about a debt management plan is that you will be working with experts in helping people get out of debt. Debt management companies will assess your individual situation and tailor make a solution to help you overcome your financial difficulties. You can also rely on support and advice throughout the duration of the plan.

When working with a debt management company they can deal with all correspondence from your creditors so you do not have to worry about being constantly hassled. Debt management companies can even negotiate with your creditors to get them to agree to lower repayments and have the interest on your debt frozen. However, please remember that your creditors do not have to accept this.

Before you consider a debt management plan remember that they can take a long time to complete. Also bear in mind that while the plan can reduce your monthly repayments to make them more affordable to you it usually means that you will pay more in total over a much longer period. In some instances if you organise a debt programme this may show up on your credit reference file, which could affect you in the future. However, once your debts have been cleared then your credit rating will start to improve which will increase your chances of future borrowing

21 June 2012

Make Sure Your Biggest Asset Is Protected With Home Insurance.

It is important to protect what is probably your most valuable not to mention expensive asset. Some investments, like your home, are just not worth taking chances with. Home insurance is essential with the main benefit being the financial security not to mention the peace of mind. Without home insurance you could face financial ruin trying to pay for repairs and replacements. Imagine if your house burned down and you didn't have the insurance. You may not be able to pay for the repairs but will still have to pay the mortgage.  Home insurance is designed to offer customers financial compensation in the event that damages or thefts occur to their homes. A good home insurance policy will save you money should something happen to your home or your belongings.

Home insurance comes in a number of different forms and the type of policy which is purchased will depend on your specific needs. The exact cost of the insurance will depend on the type of cover that you buy and which insurer you decide on. You should be able to find policies that suit a variety of budgets. No matter where you live, or the size or type of house that you live in you can find a policy that suits you although these aspects may affect how much you will pay for the policy.  Home insurance premiums can usually be paid in monthly instalments or annually. Bear in mind that additional features on the insurance will increase the premiums.

You can get a home insurance quote from many companies easily online or by phone. Most insurers offer an online application form that is straightforward and can be completed in a matter of minutes. To ensure you choose the best insurance policy at the most affordable price, be sure to compare policies from many different providers. Comparing insurance providers through comparison sites like Which Way To Pay is a great way to find the best deal on the UK market.

31 May 2012

Earn Rewards As You Spend Spending With Reward Credit Cards


If you are looking for a credit card that does more you might want to consider a reward credit card. Reward credit cards work exactly the same as traditional credit cards but the providers offer incentives just for using them. You don’t have to change the way you spend but can earn rewards as you spend. By using the card you collect points which you can exchange for discounts, gift vouchers and even flights. If you plan to use your card a lot then cards with cash back programmes where you earn cash on your purchases could be the right type of card for you. For travellers, there are also some great cards that can offer a wide range of travel-related benefits including air miles, free hotel stays and more. There are some great benefits of these cards which can help you make your money go further. There are many reward credit cards on the markets and deals available to suit more people and their needs.

It is important that you consider how and where you are going to use the card before you apply particularly as there are a large variety of specific reward programmes to choose from. Always check to see what the rewards are as they will only be right for you if you use them. The right card for you will depend on your lifestyle and what sort of rewards you want.

Please remember that you should use these cards responsibly as these cards encourage you to spend because the more you spend the more reward points you collect. With this in mind you must be disciplined. In terms of who these cards are most suited to these cards are best for people who pay off their balance in full each month. Be careful not to be drawn in just because of the rewards. Make sure that besides the reward programme, are you really getting a good deal? You may find that there are annual or monthly fees attached with this type of card. As with any credit card compare the interest rate and all other features of the card before you apply which you can do through comparison sites like Which Way To Pay. When you are comparing the overall value of the card make sure that the card’s benefits and reward programmes are worth any annual or monthly fee.

24 May 2012


Do You Have Bad Credit But Need A Loan?

It is very easy to damage your credit rating simply by missing credit card and loan payments. There are thousands of people across the UK who have a bad credit history. Unfortunately, many people who need a loan will struggle to get the funding they want if they have anything less than a perfect credit rating and obtaining a loan through conventional lenders will be difficult. This is because the banks see you as high risk, and given the current economic climate it is a risk they are unwilling to take. However, there are options for people who have bad, little or no credit and have been refused elsewhere. You might want to think about taking out a bad credit loan which is especially designed for those with a poor credit history.

People take out bad credit loans because you can get one whatever your financial past, whether you have had a CCJ, default or IVA. Furthermore, they are suited to those looking to borrow more money for more time than the amount you can borrow with a payday loan. Another great aspect of a bad credit loan is that as long as you are responsible and adhere to the loan agreement and making your payments on time, these loans can be used to help improve your credit rating. This is because many of these loans come with a credit rebuilding facility. By rebuilding your credit rating this will stand you in a better position in the future when applying for financial products which will result in improved rates and loan conditions over time.

Like standard loans you can get secured or unsecured bad credit loans and there advantages and disadvantages of each. Secured loans are where you are required to put up an asset, used as collateral that is ‘secured’ against the loan. This is usually your car or home. With a secured loan because the lender has your asset as security there is less risk involved for them so you will often find you can borrow more money and will be given lower interest rates. However, there is more risk involved for the borrower because should you default on your payments then you risk having this asset seized. This means the worst case scenario is that your home could be repossessed. With an unsecured loan you do not have to put an asset up against the loan so there is less risk for the borrower but more for the lender and so you will find there are higher interest rates.

All loans come with an element of risk and are a big commitment. With bad credit loans you will find that the interest rates can be significantly higher than on other types of loans because the lenders consider you to be less likely to make your payments on time. As the interest rates are higher the risk of falling into debt is increased. You also risk damaging an already bad credit score which can put some people off. With this in mind you should only take out a loan once you have assessed your personal financial situation and can be sure that you will be able to make the monthly payments. Always be fully aware of what you are applying for and weigh up all the pros and cons before committing. Use comparison sites like Which Way To Pay to find some of the best bad credit loans on the market. 

20 December 2011

Want to Start Saving Money? Here are Some Tips!

Saving money is not fun or easy. But it is necessary, especially now that the economy doesn’t seem to be recovering any time soon. With the expense of Christmas hanging over many of us, the New Year is as good a time as any to start thing about your finances. Adding to your savings accounts is often simple; spend less money! It often means that you have to change some of your habits, which is the hardest part of all. Follow these tips to make a real difference to your outgoings!

1. Keep a note of all that you spend for a couple of weeks. Writing down every pound you spend, in cash, through direct debit, by card or credit card, will make you sharply aware of where all your money is going and even in itself stop you from spending.

2. Use the data you collect on your spending to identify your weak points. Whether it’s eating out, buying clothes or high rent, there are ways of cutting down.

3. Keep a copy of your most recent bank statement on your fridge or somewhere where you see it every day, to keep your balance in your mind and make you more careful when spending.

4. Cut back, stop spending and watch the money roll in!

29 November 2011

Keen to Cut Your Petrol Bills? Here’s How!

The price of petrol at the moment is enough to make anyone flinch at the pump. Whether you just want to save money, or are more concerned about the environment, there are some things you can do to cut down on the amount you spend on filling up the tank without cutting back on the amount you drive.

Here are a few simple tips that anyone can follow. They might seem like small changes, but if you stick to them, you’ll notice your petrol bills going down.

1. Find the cheapest place to buy petrol and forward plan to fill up there. Many of us try to buy petrol at cheaper garages, but make sure you do it every time. Larger supermarkets often have the lowest prices.

2. Drive slower on the motorway. You might not think that driving at 70mph instead of 80mph will make a difference, you save in excess of £10 depending on the length of your journey.

3. Empty your boot of things you don’t need. If you car is very heavy, you will be paying more in fuel to move it.

4. Drive in as higher a gear as possible! This will mean your engine will run more efficiently and you will save some cash today!



22 November 2011

What is a Payday Loan?

Since the economic crisis and the recession, banks have been more and more reluctant to lend money. All types of borrowing have become more difficult to get approval for, from small personal loans to mortgages. This has however opened up the loan market to a range of private loan companies which now offer a new range of loans for your convenience.

One loan that has become very popular over the last few years is the payday loan. As the name implies, these loans allow you to borrow smallish amounts of cash to tide you over until your next payday. The loan amounts are relatively small, ranging from £100 to £1000, and the loan lengths are short, normally 2 weeks to a month.

As the nature of the loan means that you need it quickly, you can often have the money put into your bank account on the same day as you apply. In some cases, you can even have the cash within 15 minutes. This feature of the loans is helped by the fact that credit checks are rarely carries out, making approval instant.

You have to be over the age of 18, be a UK citizen, have a bank account and you may have to provide proof of employment. As the loan amounts are small and for short periods of time, the interest rates are quite high. But if you are stuck for cash, need to pay the rent, for emergency dental treatment or a car repair, then a payday loan could come in very handy.

16 November 2011

Want to Save on Your Heating Bill This Winter? Here’s How!

With the big 6 energy companies hiking up their prices by up to 18% this winter, more people across the UK will be in fuel poverty than over the last few years. Fuel poverty is when more than 10% of a household’s income goes on heating their home. Although things may not be that bad, we all could do with reducing the amount of money we spend on our gas bills.

Just as with saving money on anything, it’s not always easy and old bad habits must be broken in order to save. If you are serious about reducing your bills, helping the environment and saving yourself some cash. There are various small changes you can make, and bigger ones too, to save money today! Just follow these tips.

1. Insulate your home! Lagging your boiler and insulating the attic will save you more than you might think.

2. Turn it down. Have your heating on a lower heat to save money.

3. Turn it off. If you put your heating on a timer, you can often get away with having it on for just a couple of hours in the morning and a few hours at night.

4. Invest in double glazing! This costs money initially, but will save you in the long run.

5. Layer up. Put more clothes on, drink hot drinks and make a hot water bottle before you reach for the thermostat.

11 November 2011

Keen to Start Saving? Here Some Tips to Get you Started!

Saving money is not an easy thing to do at the best of times, let alone at a time when borrowing has become expensive, pay freezes are common and prices are rising. Saving money is not something that happens by itself; it takes planning and some effort.

The main thing you can do to make a difference is to stop spending! This is the only real way you will be able to add to your savings accounts. Here are some tips to help you pin point the areas you can save on today!

1. Keep a diary of all your outgoings. This is a great place to start to get a clear picture of your bad spending habits.

2. Cook at home, avoid eating out in restaurants and buying take aways. You’ll be surprised how much money you’ll save.

3. Keep a copy of your bank statement on the fridge to keep your finances on your mind so you’ll be more careful with your money!

27 October 2011

Consolidation Loans Explained!

Put simply, a consolidation loan is a loan that allows you to pay off your debts. This means that instead of making multiple payments to multiple companies, your debts are consolidated into one lower payment each month for a longer period of time. Although you will still owe the same amount of money in the long run, these loans can really take the pressure off.

A consolidation loan doesn’t just ease the pressure of mounting debts, but it can even have a payment protection scheme is some cases. This means that if you are ill, in an accident or lose your job, you are covered for the payments, taking all the worry away, especially if you have dependents.

You should always research all the options available to you before committing to a loan. Different companies may offer you different deals as often the loan is tailored to your personal circumstances. It’s best to weigh up your options; having to pay big bills every month puts pressure on you, but these loans do have higher interest rates, so you will be in debt for longer.

17 October 2011

How Could a Payday Loan Help You?

The global economy is slowly worsening; as the European debt crisis sluggishly goes on and economic data continues to disappoint, it has become increasingly difficult to get approval for loans from banks. Loans from traditional institutions like banks are also mostly long term and for large amounts. So what if you only need to borrow a relatively small amount of money, but don’t know where to get it from? This is where payday loans have come onto the market.

You can only borrow from £100 to £1000, usually for a couple of weeks to a month. This means that these short-term loans are great for tiding you over until your next payday and getting you out of a tight financial corner. Whether you need money for an unexpected expense of any kind, need some spending money for holiday or need to take you car to the garage, a payday loan could be the answer.

You have to be over 18 years old, have a bank account, be a UK citizen and you may need to provide proof of employment. Credit checks are very rarely carried out, so if you have had debt problems in the past, you don’t have to worry about not being approved. The application forms are mostly online, and as there are no background checks, you often will get the money in your account within a matter of hours.

Although the lack of credit checks has its advantages, it also means that these loans are relatively high risk to the lender, meaning that interest is often high. If you budget properly to pay back the loan as soon as possible, this does not have to be a problem. Do however make sure you are fully aware of how much you will be expected to pay back before you agree to anything. Shop around and find the best payday out there for you!

13 October 2011

Spending Too Much on Food?

It can often feel like you’re spending all your money on food. Prices seem to be going up constantly, from meat, fruit and vegetables to coffee and restaurants; it’s easy to spend a bomb just feeding you and your family. The trick with saving money on food is the same as saving money on anything - find a cheaper option and stop spending! Being aware of how much money you are spending is the first step. You won’t save anything without trying and making some cut backs.

The best step you can take towards saving is to cook at home from basic ingredients. By choosing meals that have inexpensive ingredients, you can really stretch out your budget. It is often healthier to cook meals yourself as you can more easily regulate fat, calorie and salt content. Avoid restaurants and take-aways when you can, the mark up is more than you might think!

Another great way to save is to take lunch into your place of work from home, or buy basic ingredients in a supermarket. The prices of sandwich shops, cafes and restaurants are hugely elevated, so why not make your own?

The bigger the supermarket, the lower the prices. Perhaps you should consider switching supermarket to a less expensive one if you really want to save money. Smaller convenience stores always have higher prices, so forward planning will save you money so you don’t have to pop around the corner to pick up extra items.

If you like your coffee, and buy one from a cafe on the way to work, this can really mount up. Why not make your coffee at home or at work? It might seem like a hassle but if you’re spending £3 a day on coffee, that amounts to £60 every month, so it’s really worth it.

07 October 2011

Start Saving on Petrol Today!

With the price of petrol going through the roof, it’s no wonder that people across the UK are cutting down on the amount they use. Using your car is often the most convenient option, but it’s time to ask yourself is it the most efficient? There are various things you can do to cut down on the amount of money you spend on petrol, with the added bonus of being kind to the environment.



1. Walk, cycle or take public transport on short journeys. A cold engine uses more fuel, making shorter distances less efficient.

2. Get rid of excess weight in your vehicle. A full trunk will require more petrol to shift.

3. Drive slower! It’s obvious, but the faster you drive, the more petrol you use.

4. Keep your engine well maintained, it will be more efficient and use less fuel.

5. Share car journeys with friends, family and neighbours when you can.

28 September 2011

Pet Insurance Explained

As a nation of animal lovers, many of us have pets. Whether you’re potty about parrots, dizzy over dogs or crazy for cats, the chances are you will need to visit the vet at some point. If you have pets, you know how much these bills can amount to. Pet insurance is a must. You can get all types of cover for a whole menagerie of animals. There is no equivalent to the NHS for your pets, so whether it’s a major operation or a general check-up, you’ll be footing the bill.

You can get cover not only for vet bills, but also if your pet is stolen, strays or dies. You can also get third party liability cover if your animal causes an accident, does any accidental damage and even holiday cancellation due to your pet.

There is often an excess to pay on any vet bill however, which is usually at a level which means you will have to pay for flea control treatments, worming and vaccinations. But this is not always the case, so make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions before you buy.

There are countless numbers of companies that offer insurance, so do your homework and find a policy that suits you and your beloved pet. Most companies cover cats and dogs, but if you have a more unusual animal like a reptile, exotic bird or horse, you may need to find a more specialist insurance company.

There are many pitfalls to look out for when buying pet insurance, other than an excess. Some policies will only cover a certain condition for a year. This means that if your pet has a reoccurring problem, anything from a specific type of cancer to an allergy or epilepsy, then you will only be covered for the first year. Always read the small print!

22 September 2011

Want to Save Money But Don’t Know Where to Start?

Every day seems to bring more bad financial news at the moment, and even if you don’t understand completely the implications of it, we all know it’s not good. If ever there was a time to examine your finances and where your money is going, then this is it.

Saving money however is not always that easy. There always seems to be one reason or another cropping up meaning we can’t add to our savings accounts. It’s your mum’s birthday, the kids need new shoes, you’re going on holiday or whatever it is, there is always something. It can easily feel like your finances are out of your control.

There is no need to feel like this! If everything is a bit overwhelming and you are looking for some clarity, then keep a financial diary for a month or two. Write down everything you spend, in cash and on cards, even direct debits. A picture will quickly emerge of your spending patterns and bad habits.

We all have weaknesses and it’s usually the little things that add up rather than bigger expenses. Look at what you spend your cash on, and if there are ways to avoid parting with this money. We all have busy lives, but this trick is simple and doesn’t take much time. You’ll find that you save money just by keeping the diary as writing everything down will make you more reluctant to spend.

Whether you eat out once or twice too often a week, indulge in expensive clothes, taxis or holidays, there are always areas that you can work on with your spending. Old habits are hard to break, but think about what you’re buying and find a cheaper alternative. You’ll be so grateful in the long term .

15 September 2011

Ways to Tackle your Debt!

There is nothing worse than worrying about money, especially if you have children or any other dependents. It can keep you awake at night, and the stress can seriously affect your health. There is no need to suffer in silence as there are various options available to you to sort out your finances once and for all.

If you feel like you’re drowning in your debts, then a consolidation loan could make all the difference. Owing a range of sums of money to several lenders, all at different interest rates and with different deadlines can be extremely stressful. A consolidation loan allows you to pay off all of your existing debts at once. This leaves you with only one monthly repayment, with one loan to keep track of. The monthly repayments are much lower, and the interest rate is considerably less than you were paying before.

As these loans are specially designed for those in debt, you don’t have to worry about being accepted for bad credit. You can apply online and get your debt situation sorted before you know it. The company will assess your debts and devise an appropriate loan amount, interest rate and repayment plan to suit you. Remember that the lower monthly payments don’t mean you owe any less money in total, and it will take you a lot longer to get out of debt.

If a consolidation loan is not for you, then the best option is to consult a debt solutions company and get your own personalised debt management plan. These are flexible financial plans that can help manage your debt should you not be able to keep up with repayments. The professionals at your debt solutions company will be able to negotiate with your creditors for you when making your plan. Interest rates may be frozen, and you often will be left with a lower monthly payment. You may have to have a minimum amount of debt to qualify for a debt management plan, usually of about £1000, so it’s important to check the terms.

Whatever method you go for when sorting out your debts, it’s important to address the problem sooner rather than later. Paying back existing debts by taking out other loans will only suck you into a debt spiral that is extremely difficult to get out of. So don’t bury your head in the sand and look towards a brighter, stress-free future for you and your loved ones.