The Abbey National has announced a reduction in the interest rates offered on several of its savings accounts, with cuts of 0.25 percent to match the recent base rate cut by the Bank of England.
Commencing on 1 May all Abbey National savings accounts with the exception of the eSaver Direct, Super 50 Plus and 50 Plus Saver will have the 0.25 percent cut on their rates. These ones mentioned will keep their rates as they were.
The Abbey National savings and investments director said that although the rates had been reduced on their accounts it was important to have a savings plan in place, especially in the current economic climate. It is a very competitive market and Abbey are committed to doing the best for their customers.
The Nationwide Building Society informs us that people are losing around GBP248 million through expired or unpaid Child Trust Fund vouchers.
According to data gathered by them a quarter if the vouchers have expired while over 40 percent of the valid ones have not been used so far this year. In financial terms this, said the Nationwide Building Society, means almost GBP13 million each year is being lost in interest earnings alone.
A further word of caution came from a Nationwide Building Society spokesman who explained that if a suitable provider is not chosen by the parents then the government can allocate one for them, though this may not be in the best interests of the child. Child Trust Fund Vouchers are an excellent tax efficient savings vehicle and it is a shame more people are not using them.
Alliance and Leicester fixed rate bonds have enjoyed some interest rate changes, with the one year fixed rate product going up from 6.5 percent to 6.65 percent AER.
All the fixed rate bonds provided by Alliance and Leicester will payout on a monthly basis should that be preferable to the customer, with the balance invested needing to be between GBP2,500 and GBP2 million to be eligible for monthly payments. The minimum amount needed to invest in one of these bonds is GBP1,000.
The benefit of fixed rate bonds is the security of the capital invested as well as there being a set, guaranteed, return said an Alliance and Leicester spokesman. This means customers know exactly what they will receive back from their investment, enabling them to plan more effectively.
