How ‘Leeds Permanent’ vanished – and a new ‘Leeds’ filled the void
If the former Leeds Permanent Building Society had ‘done what it says on the tin’ like that wood-stain in the old TV ad, the mortgage lender would surely still have branches on Britain’s high streets. Savers might even be able to invest in its Liquid Gold account, the ‘nice little earner’ promoted in another old […]
In the news
EMPTY NESTERS SITTING ON NEARLY £60,000 OF WASTED SPACE On average, over-50s in Britain have £56,574 worth of unused space standing empty in their properties (usually bedrooms belonging to children who have since flown the nest)3. Many are reluctant to downsize due to the nostalgia and memories linked to their family homes. LOWEST RISE IN […]
ATOMIC explosion!
Acronyms Take Over Many Investment Concepts From ASOS to Zoopla, acronyms, abbreviations and made-up names are everywhere in the digital age. It may seem like a phenomenon largely confined to online marketing and, though there has been an eruption of new monikers in that arena, the process of shortening or updating ordinary corporate names, regulators’ […]
Granny and Grandad lend a hand
As well as the Bank of Mum and Dad, the ‘Bank of Granny and Grandad’ now plays a major role in helping both prospective and existing homeowners. Recent figures show that nearly a third of buyers aged 18-34 were helped financially by their grandparents to buy their home and 12% of existing homeowners have received […]
Home fires still burning
Picture this: a spark from an open fire has caused a blaze in a house on a city street and the flames have spread to next door. The residents have all escaped safely and the fire brigade has been called. Fire appliances are soon on the scene and hosing water onto one of the blazing […]
In the news
FAMILIES RELYING HEAVILY ON GRANDPARENTS FOR FREE CHILDCARE For many families, childcare is a significant expense that often eats a good chunk out of their monthly income. It’s no surprise then, that many parents are turning to their own parents for help. Recent research1 shows that 85% of grandparents offer some kind of support with childcare, […]
Work for yourself? Make your pension work for you
Self-employment offers many benefits: being your own boss and having the flexibility to choose your working hours being but a couple of examples. But when it comes to pensions, those who work for themselves are finding they’re at a disadvantage. Research7 has revealed that, although 74% of self-employed people think it’s important to save for retirement, […]
Older people lack suitable housing options
Around 7.2 million over-65s would consider buying a bungalow, showing a strong demand for single-storey homes among the older population. With only two million bungalows ever having been built in the UK, however, it’s clear that demand far outstrips supply7. As our population ages, more thought needs to be given to the provision of housing […]
Don’t sell yourself – or your contents – short
Recent research has revealed that we could be undervaluing the contents of our home by £115 bn6 – meaning that millions of people across the UK may not have the right level of cover for their possessions. Contents insurance covers anything in your home that isn’t fixed down (think furniture, electrics, clothes, toys, books etc.). Over […]
University challenge of digs and tuition
In recent years it has become more widely accepted that university isn’t the only route to satisfying and rewarding employment. Apprenticeships and vocational training are among the other paths available; and there are many instances of success in business by those who entered a workplace direct from school and worked their way to the top. […]