Published: 8/7/2010
The Bank of Scotland has a fantastic opportunity for first time buyers saving a deposit for their first home – doubled up savings.
The way this works is that savers who regularly deposit money into a Bank of Scotland savings account, up to a maximum amount saved of GBP5,000, will have the balance matched by the home builder Persimmon. The one proviso is that this only happens if the savings are used as a deposit on a new house.
A spokesman from the housebuilder saw it as making a real difference for first time buyers, though they would still need a considerable amount saved elsewhere in order to make the 25 percent minimum deposit most mortgage providers require. The Bank of Scotland are also in favour of the scheme as they want to help home buyers as much as they can.
The Alliance and Leicester has extended the offer period on its 9 percent gross interest paying fixed rate savings account to give more customers the opportunity to benefit. The one year deal is open to Alliance and Leicester customers who invest in the Balanced Savings and Investment Plan, which brings together the savings account already mentioned and an investment bond. The bond is designed to offer good returns over the medium term, typically around 5 years, while the savings account gives customers a great benefit in the short term. Investment bonds have grown in popularity recently as investors look for safe homes for their money where growth can still be achieved and this Alliance and Leicester offer which combines the high interest savings account delivers all that and more.
The Halifax has just announced that the Web Saver Extra savings account it offers will have an increased rate of interest, up now to 6.35 percent gross. The increased rate offer is applicable to all customers be they new or existing ones and it is valid on balances as little as GBP1, the minimum amount needed to open the account, up to GBP100,000. Halifax Web Saver Extra account holders are able to manage their savings online and are allowed one withdrawal each year without affecting their interest payment. Any subsequent withdrawals will see thirty days loss of interest on the value of the withdrawal. This particular Halifax savings account has been very popular with customers enjoying an excellent rate of interest, payment of which is made annually and added to the account.
According to a parenting and relationship specialist young people in England, Wales and Scotland should learn how to save money, in a step to help them learn the value of money.Helping children learn and understand how to save money themselves is a great way for them to learn. By letting them contribute to purchases made by the family for items such as toys or treats, it can demonstrate how to handle money and learn the responsibility that goes with it. In today’s society it is becoming more difficult to manage money as most purchases are made with a debt or credit card. But children need to see real money transactions being made and the importance of dealing in cash transactions.Savings accounts can be a great way for young people to learn about how to save their money. There are many types of savings accounts that children can open, so that they can experience how to save and how it all works. See our savings accounts comparison table for more information or our guides and tips pages.