The Abbey National is aiming to help smokers kick the habit by encouraging them to save the money they would normally spend on cigarettes.
The typical 20 cigarettes a day smoker spends around GBP170 each month that could be used for many different and ultimately far better uses. Over the period of just a year a smoker who gives up and puts the money they would have spent into a monthly savings account such as the Abbey National Fixed Rate Monthly Saver would have a balance just 12 months later of almost GBP2,120.
An Abbey National spokesman urged smokers to think seriously about their options and consider the benefits of using a savings account to put money to one side. It can quickly build up into a tidy sum and the person becomes healthier into the bargain.
Two new offshore savings accounts have been announced by Alliance and Leicester, called the eSaver Offshore Notice 50 and eSaver Offshore Issue 2.
The issue 2 Alliance and Leicester Offshore savings account replaces the original one and now pays interest at 6.25 percent gross p.a, variable. The Notice 50 savings account is better suited to those who can keep the money in place, or at least give good notice on withdrawals. This one offers a 6.35 percent interest rate on balances of GBP25,000 and over, again gross p.a.
An Alliance and Leicester spokesman explained that it was customer demand that had brought these new savings accounts to the market. They combine excellent interest rates with flexibility and so meet customer requirements very well.
Tesco Finance has just announced an improved rate for its internet saver account, paying 6.25 percent AER for 12 months.
The finance arm of Tesco has brought in a 12 month additional interest bonus of 1.5 percent, enabling them to bring this outstanding rate to the market. As a spokesman for the company said, this offer could not be timed any better, since consumers are now looking for the best savings rates possible as they look to make the most of their money.
Customers can invest up to GBP100,000 in the Tesco Finance Savings Account, enjoying the bonus interest rate for the first 12 months, after which it will revert to its regular 4.75 percent AER.
