February 21st, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | News

American Express has launched its first-ever limited time offer on the Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card, offering new Cardmembers 5% cashback up to an increased £125, over an extended five month welcome period.

This is £25 more than the usual £100 limit on the 5% introductory cashback rate, and runs over an extended five month period versus the usual three months, giving Cardmembers more time and opportunity to benefit from the 5% rate. Customers must apply for the Card between 21 February and 9 April, 2024 to receive the offer.

Following the extended 5% cashback period, Cardmembers can then earn up to 1% cashback, as usual. They receive 0.5% cashback on spend up to £10,000 and 1% cashback on spend over £10,000, each Card membership year. With no annual fee, there is no cap on how much cashback Cardmembers could earn from their spending each year.

On top of this, Cardmembers can continue to earn up to £150 additional cashback through referring a friend who is approved (£20 for each successful referral).

Dave Edwards, Vice President, American Express, commented: “Recent research in our latest Amex Trendex Report showed that 45% of UK adults are factoring in personal finance when making resolutions for the year ahead, so we know many of us are embracing the early months to look at ways we can get more from our spending. This limited time offer will provide new Platinum Cashback Everyday Cardmembers with a chance to kick-off the year positively, by earning boosted cashback on every purchase they make.”

American Express^® Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card benefits

The Platinum Cashback Everyday Card comes with a host of benefits beyond purely cashback. With Amex^® Experiences, Cardmembers enjoy exclusive access to some of the most sought after sports, music and theatre events before tickets go on general sale. Alongside this, Cardmembers can make the most of Amex Offers; discounts from a range of popular dining, entertainment, retail and travel brands.

By adding family members or partners to their Account, Cardmembers can earn cashback even faster. Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Cardmembers are entitled to up to 5 complimentary Supplementary Cards (subject to approval), with spend on all Cards earning cashback.

Full terms and conditions apply. 18+. Subject to status. For more information please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/credit-cards/platinum-cashback-everyday-credit-card/

The American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card has a Representative APR 31.0% Variable.

February 19th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | News

A new study by Carwow has found just how severely mileage impacts the value of used cars. The study reveals car valuations can drop by a staggering 27% once they tip over the 60,000-mile mark. As a result, owners looking to sell are now being advised to do so before their vehicle hits this 60k mileage milestone.

Carwow’s research also reveals that 42% of people want to sell their car as quickly as possible once they’ve made the decision to change vehicles. However, delaying the move to sell may prove costly for consumers once the vehicle has reached higher mileage.

How much value (£) a car loses per 10,000 miles:

Chart image link

The graph above highlights three points where the value lost increases significantly. These sit at 30,000, 60,000, and 110,000 miles.

The most value is lost when cars surpass 60,000 miles, dropping by an average of 27% compared to their value at 50,000 miles. This could be because the industry standard car warranty lasts for three years, or until a car reaches 60,000 miles, whichever is sooner. Cars that have clocked over six figures will then see a further drop of 24% – an average loss of £945 when hitting 110,000 miles.

Carwow’s data also shows that cars with between 100,000 and 150,000 miles on the clock could fetch an average valuation of £3,259, yet owners run the risk of much lower valuations if they rack up more than 150,000 miles.

The loss in value per mileage bracket shows that a timely sale could save car owners from a sizable drop in valuation prices, showing the importance of keeping a close eye on mileage.

Paul Barker, Managing Editor at Carwow, said: “Our data highlights just how crucial it is for car owners to act quickly. Waiting around to sell could result in a substantial drop in valuation price, and owners selling at the right time becomes key to get the best valuation for their car.

“Of course, there are many factors that can affect the value of a car, such as the model and any modifications that have been made. However, mileage is one of the key factors that affect a car’s value and understanding just how much will help car owners in their decision-making.

“With a considerable proportion of sellers looking to sell their cars as soon as possible and a notable decline in their valuations, it’s crucial for owners to weigh their options and consider making the most of the current used car market before further depreciation takes its toll.”

February 14th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | News

M&S Travel Money insight reveals the value of the pound has increased against nine of the top ten currency destinations over the last 12 months, meaning families heading away for some winter sun may see their travel money go that little bit further, compared to the same time last year.

While sterling has gained ten percent or more on half of the destinations in the top ten, the Eurozone remains holidaymakers’ top currency destination, despite a smaller sterling gain of three per cent on last year.

For those looking to travel further afield, America remains the second most popular currency destination, with UK holidaymakers benefitting from the pound also increasing three per cent against the US dollar.

Barbados has dropped out of the top ten currency destinations for Brits heading abroad this February, compared to the same time last year, with Switzerland moving into the top ten currency destination, at tenth place, despite the Swiss Franc gaining three per cent on the pound.

The pound has seen the biggest movement against the long-haul destinations in the top ten, compared to the same time last year, with sterling gaining 10 percent on the Australian Dollar, the third most popular currency destination, and 13 per cent on the Thai Baht, the fourth most popular currency destination.

Sterling movements against M&S Travel Money’s top ten currency destinations:

Nic Moran, M&S Travel Money, said: “With Sterling gaining on many of our most popular currencies, holidaymakers looking for some winter sun should consider the total cost of their holiday, including exchange rates and local costs, to ensure they’re making their holiday budget stretch even further.”

Nic’s top travel money tips:

• Plan spending money early: Get your spending money organised ahead of time; order your currency online, or visit a high street bureau de change, to secure a rate in advance – and travel with both local currency and a credit card, to ensure you’re covered for all eventualities.

• Don’t leave yourself short when it comes to currency: Ensure you have enough cash for snacks, taxis and tipping, ATMs may not always be readily available.
• Consider local costs when budgeting: ensure you factor in the cost of things like meals, shopping and tipping; sterling gains on some destinations can mean your holiday budget goes further on arrival

The M&S in-store travel money bureaux, alongside its euro and dollar Click & Collect travel money service, means an M&S currency service is available in more than 450 M&S stores. The service offers a Click & Collect facility, so customers can order using their Smartphone or tablet – whether at home or in-store – and collect in as little as 15 minutes.

Top ten currencies 2024 YTD

February 13th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | News

Go.Compare car insurance has today released new data, showing that the average car insurance premium has risen by 35% in 12 months.

The latest price index from Go.Compare car insurance shows that in Q2 2022, the average price of car insurance was £347, and then in Q4 2023, it had risen to £465, an increase of 35%. The report also revealed that the most expensive place to insure your car is in London, where the average insurance premium costs around £678 a year, which is 78% more expensive than the South West, where the median cost is £371.

Commenting on the index, car insurance spokesman, Tom Banks, said: “This updated report shows that car insurance premiums, whilst changing each quarter, have been steadily increasing since in the start of 2022, and between Q3 and Q4 2023 alone, premiums jumped by 10%.”

The data also revealed that currently, the cheapest type of car insurance was third party, fire and theft cover (TPFT), which costs £456 annually, slightly lower than the average premium for a comprehensive policy (£467).  According to the Index, third party only (TPO) insurance policies cost £607, almost 30% higher than comprehensive cover.

Tom continued, “Usually, you would expect the most basic level of cover to be the cheapest, but for car insurance, Third Party Only (TPO) policies are the most expensive. It was surprising to see that TPFT policies came out as the cheapest type of policy- it just goes to show how things are changing when it comes to pricing.

“The increasing costs of premiums is being attributed to the rising costs of replacements and repair costs, as well as inflation. We are now seeing these costs being passed onto the policyholder, who is having to foot the bill for these increases.”

In addition, recent research from Go.Compare found that over 80% of motorists have seen their insurance premiums increase this year.** And in an effort to minimise the impact of these rising costs, policyholders are taking matters into their own hands, with 55% of respondents saying they now make sure that they shop around at renewal.

If you have found that your car insurance premiums have increased, you may be able to shop around and find a better deal elsewhere.  Go.Compare has compiled 18 tips on how to get cheaper car insurance, some of these include:

• Don’t leave it until the last minute: Data from Go.Compare has revealed that the best day to renew insurance on your car is 27 days before your renewal is due.*** The same data also found that the most expensive time to buy your new policy is the day the renewal is due. On average, the longer you leave it to renew your car insurance policy, the more you are going to pay.

• Mileage: Statistically, the more you drive the more likely you are to have an accident. So if you drive 10,000 miles a year, your car insurance will probably be more expensive than someone who drives only 6,000 miles. While this isn’t always guaranteed, simply driving less could help you lower the cost of your car insurance and it remains important to estimate your mileage as accurately as possible.
• All in a day’s work: It may be worth thinking about how you describe your job and the work that you do. If, for example, you don’t commute, you may be able to find a cheaper policy by describing your insurance as being ‘for social use’.

Also, the way you describe your job can affect your premium. For example, a ‘chef’ might pay a different premium to a ‘cook’ as even though the roles are very similar in reality, the insurers may treat them differently. But be honest or you risk invalidating your policy.

Tom concludes: “With premiums on the increase, it’s more important than ever that you shop around at renewal as insurance companies will change how they price for certain risks. Just because one insurance company was the right policy for you last year, it doesn’t mean it will be the same this year.”

For more information, and to read Go.Compare’s report on the “Cost of car insurance”, please visit:  https://www.gocompare.com/car-insurance/guide/how-much-does-car-insurance-cost/

February 8th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | Uncategorized

Data from Hodge  reveals 80% of Brits are most concerned about the increase in energy prices, 72% are worried about everyday costs and 61% are struggling with rising inflation.

Although concerns about the rising cost of living have eased slightly, it continues to impact over three quarters (76%) of people surveyed.

From a regional perspective, top worriers are in the East Midlands (35%), followed by West Midlands (34%), and North East (33%).

Additionally, over a third (38.2%) of Northern Irish residents expressed worries about fuel and electricity costs.

Surprisingly, despite these concerns, they boast the highest confidence in managing their own money.

Meanwhile, the housing market continues to present challenges for first time buyers with skyrocketing mortgage rates, which is reflected in the 10% of Brits that are actively saving towards owning a house. Instead, many are choosing to save for leisure activities.

From an age perspective, 57% of people below 20 years old are most concerned by the escalating costs of fuel.

However, over two thirds (69%) of 20-30 year olds are deeply worried about the increasing cost of everyday items.

Interestingly, residents aged 31 and older are struggling with energy costs. This financial landscape underscores the shifting worries and priorities experienced throughout different life stages.

Biggest money worries in the UK

•  Energy prices – 80%
•  Cost of everyday items – 73%
•  Rising inflation – 61%
•  Fuel prices – 52%
•  The effect on pension/retirement income – 32%
•  The effect on wages – 22%
•  Rising interest rates – 22%
•  Fall in the value of the pound – 22%
•  House prices – 18%
•  Increased loan payments – 12%

Christie Cook, managing director of retail at Hodge, said:

“Over the past few years, the UK has faced economic uncertainty, making financial planning a challenge.

“It’s evident Brits are actively taking steps to manage their finances amidst these challenges with the majority reducing their electricity usage to cut back on costs.

“Additionally, nearly half (49%) of the UK population are preparing for their future by setting aside money in emergency savings.

“Others are choosing to enjoy their money by saving for a holiday, while more than 4 in 10 (46%) are dipping into their savings.

“With fluctuating interest rates on savings accounts, it’s understandable that consumers aren’t staying loyal to their bank.

“More than half (54%) of individuals say they would consider moving their savings if they found a more competitive rate.”

February 8th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | Press Releases

A recent data analysis revealed the substantial financial contribution made by vans to toll roads in England. In 2022, they generated a daily estimated revenue of £339,488, resulting in an annual revenue of over £123 million.

Van drivers, who make up 18% of road traffic, are spending more time exploring cost-efficient ways to manage their expenses on the go. Research by Go.Compare Van Insurance highlights the toll roads that are best avoided if van users want to save some cash.

Despite toll roads making up a small fraction of the 187,200-mile English road network, they significantly impact the 3.8 million van drivers regularly crossing the country. However, the impact isn’t always negative, as some alternative routes can be pricier due to the additional mileage.

Comparison of toll expenses vs. alternative routes:

While certain toll roads like the M6 and the Tyne Tunnels appear more costly for van drivers, most toll roads not only offer convenience but also prove cheaper than alternative routes. For instance, steering clear of the M6 could save van drivers a substantial £14.25, adding only around 8 miles to their journey. Considering that there are 9,000 daily van crossings on the M6, exploring alternate routes could result in significant savings.

The comparison site found that van drivers saved an estimated £24 million on fuel costs by using tolls every year. On the other hand, the additional mileage incurred by avoiding tolls might lead to increased vehicle wear and potentially higher insurance premiums.

Tom Banks, motoring expert at Go.Compare, said: “Our research highlights the significant financial impact of tolls on van drivers, it’s evident that navigating these routes strategically can lead to huge savings.

“While tolls offer convenience, our data highlights that certain routes might prove more costly for van drivers. By opting for alternative routes, van drivers can save substantially, a crucial consideration given the high volume of daily van crossings.

“However, it’s essential to weigh these savings against potential increased mileage, which could impact insurance premiums. Finding the right balance between toll use and mileage is key for van drivers seeking cost-effective journeys.”

More information about the research can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

February 7th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | News

According to research from Suffolk Building Society, over two-thirds (69%) of potential self builders do not know that some mortgage lenders will allow them to borrow to purchase land where planning permission has been granted.

Correspondingly, concern over financing a project was the number one barrier for those interested in self build: other concerns were around seeking planning permission and difficulties in finding suitable land.

The Society believes the lack of awareness about being able to borrow for land may discourage people from considering self build. Many incorrectly believe they either need to be sufficiently cash-rich to fund the land themselves before applying for a self build mortgage, or be gifted a plot from land-owning family members.

Suffolk Building Society is aiming to normalise self build and in doing so, wants more people to know that self-build is a viable option for those with modest budgets. Its recent research found that over half (54%) of those who are considering a self build at some point in the future believe that self build is still reserved only for the very wealthy.

Richard Norrington, Chief Executive at Suffolk Building Society said: “Self build television series undoubtedly make for great viewing, but they do set the bar remarkably high. One could easily assume that self build is only for those with unlimited time and deep pockets.

“Self build is considered a fairly standard route to homeownership in countries such as Hungary, France, and Sweden, and with better education and awareness, self build could become more mainstream here in the UK too.”

Numbers considering self build and reasons why

The cost of living crisis has not significantly dampened people’s appetite for self build: a third of people are still considering self build, which is only a small decrease from 35% last time the survey was undertaken in July 2020. The propensity to consider a self build decreases with age: younger people in their 20s (60%) and 30s (56%) are significantly more interested than those in their 50s (16%) and 60s (7%), dispelling the myth that self build is a project for retirement.

Of those considering self build, 31% would prefer to go for a completely new build, 27% said they would opt for a knockdown/rebuild project, and 21% said they would undertake a major renovation to an existing property.

The main motivation cited by over a quarter (28%) was the ability to design the layout of their own home, but this is a significant drop from 51% in 2020. There was a broader range of reasons evident in this year’s research including self building being a more affordable way of creating an ideal home (15%) and having a home in the right location (12%). One in ten (9%) of those considering a self build are doing so to create a home suitable for multiple generations under one roof.

Four in five (83%) want to make eco-friendly decisions about their future property. However, of these, seven in ten would only prioritise this if it was within their budget. Which is reflective of the current economic environment.

Self Build Register awareness

The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 requires each relevant local authority to keep a register of individuals who are seeking to acquire serviced plots of land in the authority’s area for their self build project.

Data published on 31 March 2023, showed a decline in individuals joining the Self Build Registers, which tallies with new research from Suffolk Building Society:

Only one in five potential self builders (21%) are signed up to the Self Build Register and 41% of those considering self build had not even heard of the Self Build Register.

Richard Norrington continued: “The National Custom and Self Build Association campaigned diligently for the Self Build Registers in a bid to facilitate a greater number of self build homes. But so far, this has not been realised. The Registers need promoting alongside resources that help people understand all that a self build entails, as, despite the current economic uncertainty, there is clearly still an appetite for self build.

“As a country, we need to normalise self build, encouraging regular people to build good homes, thus helping to reduce the housing shortage in the process and improving the collective carbon footprint of our housing stock.

“There are undoubtedly more hurdles in this process than in a standard house purchase – particularly at the moment with high labour and material costs. However, being able to design a property that meets your needs both in terms of function and aesthetics is hugely rewarding. We would like more people to know that some lenders are ready and willing to lend on land as well as for the build itself, and secondly, that self build is more accessible than they might have previously thought.”

February 7th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | News

American Express has launched a limited time dining Offer helping its Gold Cardmembers earn boosted cashback when they eat out.

Over the next three months – 19 February to 19 May, 2024 – American Express Gold Cardmembers can earn 20% cashback, boosted from 10% in previous months, when spending at over 1,000 eligible restaurant locations or dining spots* across the UK. The amount of cashback that can be earned is unlimited, with no cap on the number of times – overall or per restaurant – Cardmembers can use the Offer.

The list of restaurants features a host of global cuisines including GBK, Carluccio’s, Honest Burgers, Gordon Ramsay, Sticks’N’Sushi, Soho Coffee Co., Hawksmoor, Gaucho and more**. A full list can be found here.

Other eligible American Express® Cardmembers*** can also earn when they dine, with 10% back for Platinum, Amex Cashback, Amex Cashback Everyday, and select business Cardmembers.

To redeem the Offer, Cardmembers simply need to save the offer to their Card via the Amex® App or online at americanexpress.com, where they can also browse dozens of other shopping, travel and entertainment offers. Eligible Cardmembers will see the Offer on display, with cashback being applied when they spend at participating restaurants.

Ricky Bonham, Vice President, American Express, commented: “We know our Amex® Gold Cardmembers want to get the most out of their spending, and particularly enjoy eating out with friends and family, so we believe our latest Offer will be particularly compelling. With over 1,000 restaurant locations to choose from, and a chunky 20% discount to be had, our Cardmembers will be able to benefit from enhanced savings when they dine out.”

February 5th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | News

An extensive new study has revealed how driving a bit further and flying from an alternative airport nearby could help some flyers save cash on their parking. The biggest potential saving can be found in the capital, where nearly £70 can be cut by travelling from Heathrow rather than London City Airport.

The research, conducted by MyVoucherCodes, took the difference in average car park prices between closeby airports. Then, it subtracted the fuel costs of driving between them to find whether it would be worth making the extra journey to save on parking.

Parking at Heathrow costs an average of £85 less than at London City Airport, and the drive between the airports costs just £7.74 each way in fuel. Therefore, travellers would save £69.93 on parking by making the short trip to Heathrow and flying from there instead.

In fact, Londoners would be better off, in theory, driving to the other side of the country. Parking at Liverpool (the cheapest airport for parking) costs an average of £132 less than parking at London City Airport (the most expensive airport for parking). As driving the 450-mile round trip would cost just £57 in fuel, making the drive to fly from Liverpool instead would save travellers £75.

The research found that those in the midlands can also spend less using this tactic, as the short journey to East Midlands Airport from Birmingham gives a saving of £64. Similarly, travelling the extra distance from Manchester Airport to Liverpool will save holidaymakers £37.

Other ways to save on airport parking, according to the study, include booking far in advance and checking for voucher codes. It noted that while some car parks simply charge a flat fee across the year, many offered lower rates for bookings made further in advance – meaning that booking as early as possible gives a better chance of a lower price.[2]

The time of year travellers fly can also impact rates, as many car parks charge their highest fees during the peak summer months. Over a 13-month period, December 2024 was the cheapest month for airport parking, costing an average of £118.52 for two weeks.

In addition, it advised that park & ride car parks cost an average of £40 less than meet & greet, making them a cheaper option for those looking to cut costs.

Sarah-Jane Outten, savings expert at MyVoucherCodes, said: “It was really interesting to see how various factors can impact airport parking prices. Based on our figures, it’s clear that booking early, opting for park & ride, and checking for voucher codes can all give you a better chance of a low price. However, many car parks are priced differently, so getting the best rate may depend on the exact car park and airport you choose.

“It was also very eye-opening to see how prices for parking spaces can vary in different parts of the country. Many travellers can make a saving by driving a bit further and flying from a different airport that’s only a short distance away. Meanwhile, Londoners would technically be better off making the long trip up north rather than paying the sky-high prices of the capital.

“If you have a choice of airports for your selected destination, it can be worth checking how parking prices may vary between each. If the difference is bigger than the cost of driving there, then you might be better off making the extra trip.”

More tips on how to save on airport parking can be found on MyVoucherCodes’ website.

February 1st, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | News

Owners of off-the-road vehicles have been told that they could be sitting on a hidden fortune, as a new study has found that the UK’s SORN’d cars are worth a staggering £11.2 billion.

The research, compiled by Carwow, has combined Department for Transport and internal valuation data to reveal the untapped resale potential of cars declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). This declaration tells the DVLA that the car won’t be used on the road.

It says there are now over three million cars with a SORN declaration in the UK, with an average value of around £3,264, equating to billions of pounds worth of off-the-road vehicles nationwide.

SORN’d cars range from worn-out rust buckets in need of repair to high-worth classics tucked away to preserve their value.

But, Carwow says that the average scrap value is just £275, meaning that even if every registered SORN car was only worthy of being scrapped, owners would still rake in a substantial £945 million.

Therefore, rather than leaving them on the driveway, owners of these vehicles could sell them on to get a cash boost during the financially challenging January period.

Latest figures from the DVLA show that just over a tenth of the UK’s licensed cars currently have a SORN declaration, a whopping 30% increase since 2018.

Northern Ireland has a higher proportion of SORN vehicles than any other UK country, with 22% of licensed cars here classified as SORN in 2023, a huge 51% jump over the same five-year period.

Estimated SORN value per region:

Overall, Northern Ireland has 219 off-the-road cars for every 1,000 licensed in the country. That means Northern Irish owners are the most likely to keep a registered SORN vehicle which translates to an estimated value of £740 million.

Comparatively, England demonstrates the lowest ratio, with just 90 SORNs for every 1,000 licensed cars.

However, with over 2.4 million off-the-road cars, England’s vehicle owners are still sitting on an estimated value of £8.1 billion, making up a massive 72% of the UK total.

Paul Barker, motoring expert at Carwow, said: “Looking at these numbers, it’s shocking to see the hidden value held in these out-of-use cars. If you’ve got one of these vehicles sitting idle in your garage, you might want to consider the opportunities available to you.

“Recent industry data shows that certain cars from the noughties have doubled in price. For example, a 2004 Vauxhall Corsa could be worth 94.4% more today than it was in 2019. So, it could pay to use a free online valuation calculator to check what your car is really worth.

“At Carwow, we have a specialist team for vehicles that are a little more unusual, such as classic and vintage cars. This team is available to help if the valuation doesn’t meet expectations or if we are unable to provide a value at the point of listing.

“With over three million SORN vehicles in the UK valued at more than £10.9 billion, these off-the-road cars hold a big opportunity for owners.

“The average value of one of these cars could also help towards a larger financial goal. It could be the chance for a fresh start, a new opportunity, or even just a little extra cash.”

More information can be found on the Carwow website.