Revealed: top tips for making the most of your money following hike in interest rates - The Redditch Standard

Revealed: top tips for making the most of your money following hike in interest rates

Redditch Editorial 2nd Nov, 2017 Updated: 2nd Nov, 2017   0

FOLLOWING the first increase in the Bank of England’s base interest rate for more than 10 years, some top tips of getting the best from your cash have been revealed.

MoneySuperMarket’s money expert Sally Francis has put together some guidance for readers who might be affected:

  • Cheaper mortgage – If you’re on a variable rate mortgage, you could switch to a cheaper deal. But you might incur fees and charges, so work out whether it’s really going to save you money
  • Offset option – You could ask your lender about ‘offsetting’ your mortgage. This is where your savings and current account are stacked up against what you owe, and you’re only charged interest on the balance. Mortgage = £200,000, savings = £15,000 – you pay interest on £185,000
  • Switch energy – If you’ve never switched provider or haven’t done so for several years, you’re probably on a standard variable rate tariff. Switching to a fixed rate deal could save you hundreds of pounds a year.
  • Don’t auto renew – Car and home insurers love it when you renew with them. Instead of rewarding your loyalty they often punish you with a price hike. So be a new customer every year and get the best deal in the market.
  • Max your bank account – Been with the same bank for years? There’s a new breed of current account that pays interest or gives rewards for certain types of spending. And you might get a £100+ cash incentive to switch.

Visit https://www.moneysupermarket.com/store/loans/UK-unclear-how-interest-rates-work/?_ga=2.238780419.2007934736.1509442353-531159618.1507109667  to find out more.




Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Redditch Standard newspaper.

Advertising

Advertise with the Redditch Standard to reach your audience