moneynet in the press

What Investment (Web) – 23rd December 2007

WHAT IS A SAVINGS ACCOUNT?

The choice of savings accounts looks overwhelming, but a few simple questions should help you quickly narrow your options. What type of investor are you? Do you plan for the future or are you compulsive? Do you like to tie your money up so you steer clear of tempting winter sales or do you like easy access to your money at short notice?

Richard Brown is chief executive of Moneynet.co.uk, a financial aggregator site. Launched in 1997, Moneynet.co.uk was the first UK website to publish a comprehensive, independent and impartial overview of the products available in the personal finance sector.

Wales on Sunday – 23rd December 2007

MONEYTALK

Although he probably wanted to be helpful, the letter from David Cameron asking lenders to be lenient on homebuyers who hit trouble when their fixed-rate mortgages expire has probably added to fears about prospects in 2008.

Mortgages: The squeeze could be toughest on borrowers who fixed their rates at about 4.5pc in August last year, said Richard Brown at Moneynet.co.uk. Seeking new loans next year, they could find many fixed, discounted and tracker products carrying hefty upfront fees and possibly tie-ins for a set period of time.

The People (Main) – 23rd December 2007

MORE DEBT’S ON THE CARDS

Christmas will leave millions facing money misery in the New Year.

A last-minute £12billion seasonal spending splurge has left many families facing a financial crisis.

Expert Richard Brown, of Moneynet.co.uk, said: “Britain’s personal debt is on course to increase by £1million every four minutes in 2008.

“But don’t let lenders have it all their own way. If you have to borrow, shop online for the cheapest deals.”

He also warned of the temptation to take out a store card.

Richard said: “When Christmas shopping and the January sales take their toll, store cards are especially tempting.

Telegraph & Argus (Bradford) – 22nd December 2007

WHY 2008 IS TO BE YEAR OF THE SAVER

Although he probably wanted to be helpful, the letter from David Cameron asking lenders to be lenient on homebuyers who hit trouble when their fixed-rate mortgages expire has probably added to fears about prospects in 2008.

Mortgages: The squeeze could be toughest on borrowers who fixed their rates at about 4.5pc in August last year, said Richard Brown at Moneynet.co.uk. Seeking new loans next year, they could find many fixed, discounted and tracker products carrying hefty upfront fees and possibly tie-ins for a set period of time.

Eastern Daily Press (Main) – 22nd December 2007

NEW YEAR, NEW DEBTS? OR WILL YOU HAVE A WEALTHIER 2008?

Many people believe that the New Year is going to bring them new financial misery.

The crisis in the credit markets means that more borrowers are likely to be rejected for the best mortgage deals, and that could be compounded as more people come to the end of fixed-rate mortgages that were started when interest rates were much lower than they are today.

The squeeze could be toughest on borrowers who fixed their rates at about 4.5pc in August last year, said Richard Brown at Moneynet.co.uk. Seeking new loans next year, they could find many fixed, discounted and tracker products carrying hefty upfront fees and possibly tie-ins for a set period of time.

Mr Brown said borrowers with repayment mortgages might extend their mortgage terms to 35 or 40 years.