Personal Finance

How to load the stock market dice in your favour

5 February 2012

Are shares a gamble, or an investment?
Buying now costs less than renting as rates fall

4 February 2012

Buying is now cheaper than renting in Scotland for the first time in three years.
Index tracking is useful - as long as investors know what they are buying

4 February 2012

THE rapid growth of the index-tracking Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), for a low-cost, diversified exposure to a stock market, is evidence that many investors believe in a passive investment strategy.

Buy travel currency to cash in

4 February 2012

THOSE planning a holiday this month could save up to 10% by organising their travel money in advance.

Free money, higher interest - why isn't everyone changing their bank account?

29 January 2012

A number of banks are trying to woo customers to switch current accounts with a range of incentives including cash payments and free overdrafts.
Insuring a pet can bite into finances

28 January 2012

This is the time of year when pet owners' thoughts turn to insurance, and when families who have acquired pets over Christmas start to realise the potential costs.
First-hand knowledge of a company can help investors

28 January 2012

First-hand experience of a company's products or services can help investors.

How to tackle the financial university challenge

22 January 2012

University for Scots in Scotland may still be the best deal in the UK, but parents looking ahead can still expect 18-year-olds to put a major strain on future finances.
Why it could pay to move your current account

21 January 2012

The highest current account unauthorised overdraft fees uncovered by Which?
Emerging markets could be wise tips for investors this year

21 January 2012

PRIVATE equity and emerging markets trusts are being tipped by investment company analysts as potential money-makers for private investors this year, but income will be the predominant theme.

Elsewhere on Herald Scotland

Ignore ETF warnings – and frequent dealing – at your peril

21 January 2012
the borrowers

15 January 2012

Some of the big high-street lenders have been cutting the rates on personal loans, bringing the average rate for a £7500 loan down to 6.67% – the lowest level since October 2007.
Regular saver accounts can offer best rates

14 January 2012

ALMOST 30% of households in the UK have less than £250 in accessible savings, according to a First Direct survey this week.

New rules help credit unions extend reach

14 January 2012

CREDIT unions received new powers this week which will allow them to deliver a wider range of financial services to many more members, communities and businesses.
Brazil gamble could offer good long-term gains for investors

14 January 2012

SCOTS looking to fine tune their investment portfolios for 2012 might consider looking to the "B" in Bric (Brazil, India China and Russia) if they want to lock in some potential for returns in the long-term.
The best ways to make your money grow in the new year

8 January 2012

The biggest financial regret for more than half (52%) of UK adults last year was "not saving enough", according to a recent survey by first direct bank.