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Banking UK - personal finance options online

The way that we go about our banking in the UK has changed considerably over the last ten years or so. We can now access our bank accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, whether over the telephone or online via our computers, on our TV screens, or even using WAP facilities on our mobile phones.

But the way in which we access our accounts is not the only thing that has changed. Internet banking has given the banking system a much-needed revival, and the increased competition that it has generated means that consumers now have much more choice about where they put their money. It also means that the inflexible, low interest bank accounts that used to be the norm are no longer acceptable.

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These changes are great news for customers, and new banking regulations also mean that if we are not content with the service our existing bank offers, it is now easier than ever before to switch to a new one.

For those who have extra funds available and want to get the most out of their savings, there are lots of options on offer. The type of savings account you choose depends on whether you want to save over the long-term, or prefer to have the option of accessing your money whenever you like. Long-term savings and investments schemes tend to give a better return, but there is a certain amount of risk involved with many investment funds, and if for any reason you do find you need to cash in the fund early, you are likely to lay yourself open to substantial penalty charges.

More flexible, short-term options include no-notice accounts, monthly income accounts and cash ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts). There are also some products that offer some flexibility in terms of getting hold of your cash, but require some notice before you can do so. For example a notice account allows you to withdraw funds without penalty, but you must give the bank prior notification. The amount of notice depends on who you bank with and the specific type of account that you have.

Also see the section on lady drivers car insurance. This covers advice on the following: cheap rates, situations as a result of a car accident, insurance and the law, the different road tax rates, pitfalls and problems with insurance, drivers with convictions and thereafter getting insurance and how to make a claim. There is also information on the types of insurance policies available like comprehensive insurance, third party, fire and theft, young drivers and special policies for high performace cars. This section also looks at the difference on car insurance between Europe, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Banking UK