Monthly Archives: May 2010

Author: Mark Dawson
Title: Older People ‘Under Financial Pressure’

Article: Thousands of older people across Britain could be putting themselves under unnecessary financial pressure, a new set of figures indicates.

In research conducted by the London School of Economics (LSE) for the British Gas/Help the Aged Partnership, pensioners could be losing out on a total of some 50,000 pounds over the course of their lifetime by not claiming all the money they are entitled to receive. According to the company, about half of all the country’s older citizens are eligible to claim enough cash to cover their heating costs and be lifted out of ‘fuel poverty’. And as a result of getting such help with their finances, people may find that they are in a better position to meet other demands on their spending such as mortgages, credit cards and loan costs. Overall, the LSE suggested that a total of 4.5 billion pounds in unclaimed benefits for older people is lying in government coffers.

Pointing to the typical case of unclaimed benefits, it was suggested that a 65-year-old woman who does not make the most of what she is entitled to is losing out on some 25 pounds per week. Consequently, such a consumer could be receiving more than 30,000 pounds over the remainder of her expected lifetime. In turn, this is a figure that could greatly reduce the constraints on many consumers’ finances, whether this is related to making loan repayments or paying off credit cards.

Meanwhile, getting an extra 50 pounds per week would equate to yet more in additional benefits. However, the study also uncovered that about one in three pensioners do not know where to go to seek help with benefits – a statistic that may indicate that many older people may struggle in receiving advice with their personal finances.

Commenting on the LSE findings, Anna Pearson, spokesperson for the British Gas/Help the Aged Partnership, said: “Our recent research revealed that more than one million older people cut back on food to cover their heating costs. With individual pensioners possibly eligible for up to 50,000 pounds, our message to older people is – you’ve got to claim it to gain it.”

As a result, the partnership has called on the government to bring in an automatic benefit payment scheme for older people, as well as putting more money into face-to-face financial advisory programmes.

Similar concerns were echoed earlier this year. According to Helen Wanless, senior press officer at Age Concern, one in three Britons aged 60 and above are unaware that they are able to receive pension credits. She added that many people found the claiming process to be too complicated, although getting such money could well provide help with money management for many people. According to the Commons public accounts committee some 1.6 million of the over-60s could be missing out on about 2.1 billion pounds which is waiting to be claimed. Consequently, Ms Wanless urged that the government must do more in boosting consumers’ awareness of such a product. However, even after receiving credits should consumers discover that they still have problems in managing their finances, applying for a cheap loan could be one way in which to provide help with spending. Mark Dawson writes for Loan-Arrangers .co.uk where visitors can compare cheap UK loans online. Then apply for the best rate secured loans and bad credit loans available.

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Author: Art Gib
Title: Quick Tips for Frugal Living

Article: More and more people today are beginning to realize the necessity of living a somewhat frugal lifestyle. What many of them don’t know, however, is how to live frugally. Still others are ashamed to live this way, not wanting their friends or neighbors to think they are poor.

After living a lifestyle of free spending, breaking those habits and moving to a new lifestyle can be difficult. However, it is by no means impossible, and you absolutely do not have to look like a pauper. There are ways to live frugally, and live smart.

First off, evaluate where you shop and your shopping habits. Do you get your clothes from high-end stores, or from the more moderately priced stores? Are you an impulse buyer, or do you shop around? Are you a brand shopper? When you go to the grocery store do you buy the well-known brand, which is usually at least thirty cents more, or do you pay for the store brand? These questions, when answered truthfully, will give you some idea of how you spend your money.

From there you can come up with a solution. Shop at a less expensive clothing store, make a grocery list and stick to it. Make a plan and don’t deviate. No impulse buying, and if you absolutely must have that one item, weigh all the costs before buying the product.

Another big mistake people make is frequently eating out. This is detrimental to more than your finances. It flattens your pocketbook while fattening your belly. Keep track of how often you eat out. If it’s three or more times a week cut it down to once a week. When you’ve gotten used to that cut it again to twice a month. This will help your pocketbook and your health. Eating a home-cooked meal with the family is beneficial psychologically as well as physically.

When you need new furniture consider going the second-hand route. Oftentimes this furniture is in excellent condition, and you’ll get it for half the price. Find a second-hand website or search your local classifieds. Be patient about it and more than likely you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Some people like to see what they can get for free so they enter drawings and join swap sites. Lots of people win things such as a free Wii or a gift card of some sort. Swap sites are fun because you can trade what you don’t want for something you do. It’s a good way to get rid of clutter and to get something useful in return.

It’s your preference on how you want to live frugally, but these ideas above are just a few suggestions to get you started. You never know, it might be the best thing you’ve done for yourself in a long time. Reward Storm (http://rewardstorm.com/) is an offers site where one can earn a free Wii. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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Author: Eddie Lamb
Title: Do Not Become a Victim of Criminal Identity Theft

Article: Most crimes are fairly easy to detect. Your purse is stolen, or your house is broken into. Valuable items such as cash, jewelry and electronics are missing. Criminal identity theft can be harder to discover. It may take some time before you notice that someone is using your credit card or has applied for a loan in your name.

Once the crime has been found, the thief may have done enough damage to your financial life that it will take some time and headache to weed through the problems and get all of them straightened out. You will have to contact a number of companies and agencies besides your local police department to jumpstart the investigation. Fortunately, there are procedures in place to help you get your life on track after becoming a victim to criminal identity theft.

Is Identity Theft a Crime?

In recent years, the federal government, as well as numerous state governments, has passed laws making identity theft a crime. Usually the person responsible for the act has obtained access to your personal information through unscrupulous if not illegal means and is now using that information to develop a new identity with the intent of committing crimes.

Depending on what information is taken, various government agencies and financial companies may become involved. If your social security number is stolen, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration. If your credit card number is being misused, that company will need to be notified immediately. If a new credit card or loan has been opened up in your name without your authorization, the credit reporting agencies will be the place to begin your own investigation.

Criminal identity theft can leave the victim feeling vulnerable and angry, just like any other crime can. While the consolation is limited, it does help to know that you are not alone in your feelings. Many people have had criminal identity theft happen to them. The good news is that there is much information and support available out there for those who need it.

The Federal Trade Commission is a valuable resource for learning what to do in the case of criminal identity theft, as well as one official where you can report the act to help make the investigation a nationwide effort. Although the FTC does not actually do any investigating, this agency can alert the proper authorities to the presence of criminal activity involving identity theft.

Identity theft is a crime, and it should be treated as such. If you think you are the victim of criminal identity theft, do not waste any time in notifying the proper authorities of your crime. The sooner you file a report, the sooner an investigation can begin. Eddie Lamb publishes an abundance of information on a range of topical subjects. This article Do not become a Victim of Criminal Identity Theft, is just one of a host of useful articles about Identity Theft listed on our site map at .Identity Theft On The Net.

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