02.29.08

News - Advice for Advent

Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 3:50 am by jaime

It’s December and the countdown to Christmas has begun.

And each day you’ll be able to get a top financial tip from our special Working Lunch Advent Calendar.

We’ll open a window every day and one of our programme regulars will pass on a nugget of advice.

You’ll be able to see them all here on our website.


24 December

Tax expert John Whiting of PricewaterhouseCoopers says: “Take tax seriously - for example, just check your tax code to make sure the right amount of tax is being knocked off your salary.

“A lot of codes are wrong and you don’t want to be paying more tax than you have to.

“In particular anyone who is aged 65 or over should make sure that the Revenue have given them the higher personal allowance due to them - again sometimes the Revenue forget and you could end up paying too much tax on your income.”


23 December

Make those 0% credit card deals work for you, advises Jill Stevens of credit reference agency Experian.

She says it’s possible to go from one six month 0% offer to another, yet doing so shouldn’t affect your credit rating.

“What lenders are looking for when they look at the credit searches which are on your credit history is abnormal activity,” she explains.

“We as a credit reference agency only hold information about credit searches for 12 months. So changing a card twice in 12 months is not abnormal at all.”


22 December

Some advice on returning faulty goods from the Consumers’ Association.

  • Keep receipts. If you can’t find them and you paid by credit or debit card, your bank statements are proof of purchase.
  • If the product is more than six months old, you’ll need proof the product is faulty - contact an independent repairer and ask them to produce a report.
  • When you return a faulty product, you should explain that in line with the Sale of Goods Act you’d like the product repaired or replaced.
  • If the store doesn’t help, ask for details of the head office and deal with them instead.
  • Be persistent and arm yourself with the facts. If all else fails go to the Small Claims Court


    21 December

    Christine Ross of SG Hambros has a tip concerning Isas.

    “If you have cash in an instant access account for a rainy day, why not transfer it to a cash mini-Isa?

    “Then your interest will be tax-free. If you have 3,000 in a cash account earning interest of 4% a year, then, as a basic rate taxpayer you will pay tax on your interest of 24. If you transfer to a cash Isa with the same interest rate you will pay no tax on your interest.”


    20 December

    “Small businesses need to plan ahead for Christmas or they could face major cash flow problems,” warns Lisa Edmonds of credit insurer and management specialist Gerling NCM.

    “Companies should talk to their customers so they can invoice early or get guaranteed payment dates. With the holidays coming up, cheque runs might change or accounts staff might be on holiday, causing delays to invoices being settled.”

  • Plan ahead and send out your invoices early so they can be paid before Christmas
  • Talk to your customers. See if you can negotiate early payments before Christmas, perhaps by offering a discount.
  • Check your dates. Find out when your customer’s cheque run is, when they are on holiday and when the accounts department will open again.
  • Be nice to your suppliers. Let them know when you will be closed and negotiate longer payment terms if cash flow is a problem.
  • Get peace of mind. The New Year can often be a financial struggle, so consider credit insurance to protect against bad debts.

    19 December

    This one’s from the boss, Greg Dyke.

    “Watch Working Lunch and listen to their tips,” insists the dating older woman and tip.

    “That way you’ll do very well.”

    Can’t say fairer than that, Greg.


    18 December

    It can pay to be a bit of a Scrooge at Christmas, says Rob Pittam. You can save money and be kinder to the planet.


    Click here to see Rob’s top tips.

    For a start, your local council will recycle your Christmas tree when you’ve finished with it. You can also send your wrapping paper for recycling.

    “If you open your presents very carefully, you can use the wrapping paper again next year,” Rob says.

    “Similarly, Christmas cards. If you cut out the middle, you get a nice little Christmas tag you can stick on next year’s presents.”

    And if you’ve got children, get them to make presents. It saves money, they’ll enjoy it and grandparents love getting handmade gifts from the little ones.


    17 December

    Beware of premium pre-Christmas prices, says Simon Gompertz.

    “I bet you get annoyed, like me, if you’ve shelled out good money for something before Christmas then you find in the January sales that the price has been discounted. There is a way round that

    “If you’ve bought it at the Gap chain, for instance, and you take your receipt back within two weeks they’ll refund you the difference between the original price and the sale price.

    “Also if you use a Barclaycard for your purchases, they have a scheme where if you take it back or show them the receipt within 60 days they’ll also refund you the difference.

    “The same applies to some storecards like Burton and Dorothy Perkins, as long as you’ve been paying a certain insurance premium into your card account.”


    16 December

    All elderly people should look at their entitlement to benefits, says Mervyn Kohler of Help the Aged.



    It’s yours - you might as well make a claim for it.


    Mervyn Kohler

    “Half our older population are now entitled to claim the Pension Credit, which could bring in valuable income on a week by week basis.

    “So ask the various relevant authorities about your benefits and entitlements and make a claim.

    “It’s yours - you might as well make a claim for it.”


    15 December

    Get haggling, says Working Lunch’s Gillian Lacey-Solymar.

    “I know it doesn’t come particularly naturally to us and it’s not in the culture of this country but do do it and don’t be ashamed because you can get away with quite a lot.

    “Only the other day a couple went into a very posh West End jewellers and spent 2,000 and managed to get 500 off the price.

    “Obviously in smaller shops you’ll do better on haggling than in larger shops but it’s even worth doing in department stores.”


    14 December

    “You can contribute up to 3,600 per year to a personal pension, even if you are not working,” says adviser Christine Ross of SG Hambros.

    “You’ll gain tax relief at your highest rate. If you don’t pay tax, you can still receive basic rate tax relief - 22% - on your pension payments.

    “Therefore, the maximum contribution of 3,600 will actually cost you only 2,808 after tax relief - you just pay the net amount and the insurance company or pension provider will claim the tax for you.

    “If you can afford 50 a month, after tax relief your pension will gain a total of 64 a month - an extra 14.”


    13 December

    Here’s one for travellers from the Association of British Travel Agents.

    “Buying an annual travel insurance policy can be very good value for money,” they say.

    “But make sure that all the holidays you book under the one policy are properly covered - for example, snow holidays and adventure activities require different levels of premium than just your sun-and-flop holidays.”


    12 December

    “I’d like to recommend Premium Bonds, a very good, sound long-term investment,” says stockbroker Elissa Bayer of Gerrards.

    “But go for the blocks rather than the individual shares. Go for 100 or 1,000 and you could get a very good return in 2004.”


    11 December

    A couple of tips from the Consumer Credit Counselling Service to make sure the only red you see this Christmas is on Santa’s outfit.

    Take care if you buy presents online. It’s easier to get carried away on a computer than it is on the High Street so keep a check on how much you’re spending.

    And don’t over-cater. Remember that food shops are closed for only two days at most so don’t panic and buy a load of stuff you’ll only end up throwing away.



    10 December

    The National Union of Students says you should make the most of your time at college or university.

    Make sure you get an NUS card and make sure you use it. With discounts offered at many High Street shops, cinemas and restaurants there are some handy savings to be made.

    When you get to the till ask if they offer an NUS discount - if you don’t ask, you don’t get!


    9 December

    The National Consumer Council points out that expensive presents aren’t always the best.

    Consider a “no-present pact” for adults in your immediate family - giving what you can, instead, to your favourite charity.

    Alternatively, why not give your loved one a Christmas promise, in the form of a “voucher” promising to help with chores such as doing the shopping or ironing, washing the car or babysitting.


    8 December

    Do some planning, says Justin Urquhart Stewart of Seven Investment Management.

    “Work out what you want to achieve,” he advises.

    “Add up all your liabilities, add up all your assets, take one from the other and you find out what you’re worth. Then do it on a family basis.

    “So next year, don’t invest - do some planning first. Then you can invest.”



    7 December

    Graham Hooper of Charcol Holden Meehan has a number of tips.

    Make sure your life policies are in trust as this saves Inheritance Tax at 40%.

    If you’re uncertain about the markets, phase your money into markets - perhaps on a monthly basis - rather than investing in one lump sum.

    Most of us are eligible for a dating advices advice and tips pension - tax relief means you can get back 22p or 40p in the free (depending on your income).

    Buy a hands-free phone kit for the car (not necessarily financial, but could save you money in fines in the long run!).

    And make a will!


    6 December

    “Work out a realistic budget for all your Christmas spending, from presents and new clothes to going out and entertaining, then stick to it,” says Citizen’s Advice.

    “And don’t spend more than you can afford.”


    5 December

    A tip for small companies from Stephen Alambritis of the Federation of Small Businesses.

    “Don’t allow yourself to be buried in a quagmire of invoices and tax demands,” he says.

    “Discover a system for organising records that is suitable for your business. Adjust your own system to benefit your own experience and develop one to fit your own needs.”



    4 December

    Moving your mortgage around can save you big money, says Patrick Bunton of London & Country Mortgages.

    If you have a 100,000 mortgage with a standard variable rate of 5.75%, you could easily knock about 2% off that rate.

    There are some good deals around which mean you don’t have to pay any fees. All in all, you could end up saving yourself 2,000 a year, says Patrick.


    3 December

    You need to find time to give your portfolio some tender loving care, according to Morven Whyte of dating internet safety tip Redmayne Bentley.

    “Stockbroking and gardening are very similar. They both need lots of time, lots of energy and lots of attention,” she says.

    “What you have to regularly do - and not just at Christmas - is pull out the weeds, allowing the roses to blossom and to bloom.

    “You’ve got to cultivate your garden and you’ve got to cultivate your share portfolio for the long term.”



    2 December

    Start saving for your retirement now, urges Malcolm McLean, chief executive of the Pensions Advisory Service.



    The sooner you start paying into a pension plan the easier it is.


    Malcolm McLean

    “It makes sense for everybody to have a retirement plan,” he says. “Not necessarily a pension but some form of saving so that when you retire from work you have a good standard of living.

    “The younger you start preparing for this, the sooner you start paying into a pension plan, the easier it is and the less it will cost you.

    “So give it some thought - go ahead, get a plan!”



    1 December

    Don’t give thieves a bonus this Christmas, warns the Financial Services Authority.

    It says you should protect yourself from identity theft by keeping all the receipts from your credit and debit card purchases and checking them against your statements. Make sure no-one else is running up bills on your account.

    When you’ve finished with receipts dispose of them sensibly in case someone’s rummaging through your rubbish.

    And be careful where you leave your credit card. For instance, don’t put it behind the bar at the pub! It could be easy for someone to clone your card.

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    02.28.08

    News - How will the pre-Budget report affect me?

    Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 3:40 am by jaime

    dating india teenager tipdoes the Chancellor have in store for us in the pre-Budget report? A leading accountant offers her top tips.

    Put 10 December in your diary. It’s the date of the Chancellor’s pre-Budget report, a sort of mini-budget.

    The Chancellor normally reserves his big dating safety tips for the Budget which takes place in the Spring.

    But the pre-Budget review can be a good way of breaking unwelcome news, the idea being that by next year we will have either forgotten or got used to it.

    This year the announcement is very close to Christmas, but I doubt the Chancellor will be giving away few presents.

    So what will be in his pre-Christmas stocking? And how could it affect you?

    Childcare

    Childcare provided by your employer has always been free of National Insurance (NI).

    However it’s currently only tax-free if your employer both pays for the childcare and manages it.

    The good news is the government is expected to announce that other employer-supported childcare, not just childcare in work-based nurseries, but also vouchers, could be free of tax and NI.

    But the bad news is that financial support could be capped at 50 a week.

    This low ceiling could lead to a NI increase for many people and a tax bill for some parents.

    I also fear that it could increase complexity for employers, and some could stop providing childcare altogether.

    Vans

    The government has been consulting on plans to change the way vans are taxed.

    The Inland Revenue currently classes company cars and vans free dating tip for man. Cars are heavily taxed, while vans get off more lightly.

    If your employer provides you with a van you can use to go to and from work, and/or use at the weekends, you could be in for a big surprise.

    The government has woken up to the increasing popularity of vans in recent years.

    It plans to treat vans like company cars, so people could see their tax bill increasing by more than 100%.

    Pensions

    The complex pension tax rules are due for a shake-up.

    Obscure christian articles on dating advices are going to be swept away, but other problems could appear.

    For instance, if your pension savings fund does really well, so that its value exceeds 1.4m, the Chancellor is expected to confirm that any excess will no longer be tax-free, but will be taxed at the rate of 60%.

    Stamp duty

    For most people, having such a large pension is as likely as living in Lapland. Owning a valuable house is much more likely.

    But Will Mr Brown catch you there too?

    Although there has been lots of speculation about whether stamp duty should be changed to reflect booming house prices, it is likely the government will be preoccupied with two major reports on housing, the Miles report on fixed term mortgages and the Barker report on increasing the supply of housing.

    And with the housing market finely balanced, it may not want to increase stamp duty this time.

    Domicile

    This issue has been simmering in the background for years - but is definitely one to watch in this year’s pre-Budget review.

    Generous tax breaks are available to people who live in the UK, but do not regard Britain as their home country.

    This rule is very beneficial for wealthy foreigners, because they can avoid paying tax on non UK income and capital gains, as long as they do not bring the money into the UK.

    These “domicile” rules are likely to change, increasing the tax bill for these individuals.

    There is a political argument that the rules could be fairer, but I think too harsh an approach will make rich entrepreneurs less likely to set up businesses here.

    National Insurance (Nics)

    NICs stands for National Insurance Contributions.

    In April this year NICs went up by 1% on earned income.

    In my view, it is unlikely the Chancellor will put them up again so soon this side of a general election.

    The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by the BBC unless specifically stated. The material is for general botswana dating advices only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.

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    02.27.08

    News - Attacked from cyber-space

    Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 3:30 am by jaime

    If you’ve been cancelling those annoying little messages telling you to renew your anti-virus software, you might want to think again.

    The average home computer comes under attack from the internet once every twelve minutes.

    That’s the finding of an experiment by BBC News adult dating advices free sex Technology team

    They set up a “honeypot” computer and connected it to the internet. On its worst night, the PC was attacked 53 times - by worms, spyware and phishing attempts.

    This morning on Breakfast:

  • We talked to one of the team who conducted the experiment, Darren Waters. He’s the technology editor of BBC News Interactive.

    On one of its worst nights, the PC recorded 11 attacks by a Blaster worm, three attacks from a Slammer worm and one attempt to hijack it completely by dating advices indian girl the web server built into Microsoft windows.

    Basic Safety: top tips
    Computer security
    Do: install anti-virus software and keep it up to date
    Do: install a personal firewall
    Do: use updates from Microsoft or Apple
    Don’t: open suspicious e-mails
    Don’t: click on unexpected dating seduction relationship tip advice
    Don’t: click on links to banks in e-mails
    More safety tips

    The BBC’s honeypot computer was equipped with special software which monitored attempts to attack it.
    The computer also received 36 fake security announcements and adverts.

    On average, it was hit by a potentially crippling bug once every hour during the experiment.

    It’s thought there could be around 200,000 malicious computer programmes on the net.

    The vast majority of attacks are directed at home computer users, according to the security software firm Symantec.

  • 02.26.08

    News - Gran’s baby tips can be outdated

    Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 3:21 am by jaime


    New parents should think twice before adopting their own mum’s dating advices game naruto sim
    tips, survey findings suggest.

    More than half of 785 women over the age of 50 agreed that mums-to-be should drink stout for iron - outdated advice no longer recommended.

    But other tips given were sound advice, said experts who reviewed the findings by SMA Progress.

    Age Concern said dating advice tips were an dating tip for gay man important source of support for many young parents.

    Good advice?

    Four out of five (78%) of the women questioned believed babies should be “warm when they go to bed”.


    Grandparents can be a really important source of information and support to young parents.
    A spokeswoman for Age Concern

    But this advice could be a cause for concern, according to health visitor Alison Wall.

    She said: “Our advice is that babies should be put to bed on their backs and in loose and cool covers.

    “All this helps to minimise the risk of cot death.

    “Grandma’s advice is in direct conflict with our county dating advices orange speed.”

    Outdated

    About half of those questioned (44%) said children under two could begin to drink tea, which is not recommended by health experts.

    But nine out of 10 questioned (89%) correctly knew that getting infants into a routine is crucial - young children should know their bedtime and sleep in their own cot.

    Very few agreed with the incorrect advice that pregnant women should eat double.

    Ms Wall said: “Grandparents play an essential role in bringing up a new baby.

    “We need to keep providing plenty of up-to-date information and advice to mums - but involving grandmas and grandpas is a great idea as they are an important part of the family.”

    Some of Gran’s tips
    Good advice
    Baby needs routine
    Discipline is important for toddlers
    Be patient when weaning
    Outdated advice
    Babies should be warm when they go to sleep
    Canada dating advices personals
    should drink stout for its iron
    Tea is an appropriate drink for under two’s
    Source: SMA Progress

    Age Concern said it had serious concerns about the messages the survey might give out.

    A spokeswoman said: “It makes sweeping generalisations about older people and it may cause offence to some grandparents.

    “Grandparents can be a really important source of information and support to young parents, especially with more and more parents working and lone parent families.

    “Grandparents are playing an increasingly important role.”

    She said every week, half of families with children under 15 rely on a grandparent to provide childcare.

    If grandparents were to be paid for the childcare they provided it would amount to 4bn a year, she said.

    02.25.08

    News - Holyrood tips for Moroccan VIPs

    Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 3:12 am by jaime

    I wonder what the gentlemen from Morocco were thinking as they watched First Minister’s Question Time from the VIP gallery.


    The delegation from the Moroccan parliament was in Scotland to study devolution.


    Would the Scottish model be a solution to the problem of their rebel province of Western Sahara?


    Perhaps they could disband the regiments of the Polisario militiamen.

    Or they might introduce ID cards which could only be used for free dating advices services online
    services.


    At the very least they might pick up a few tips on how to fight a general election which has not yet been called and which does not involve any of the issues for which the politicians concerned are responsible.


    All he (Tony Blair) needs is a handbag and he’d be a dead ringer for another prime minister who failed to take heed of the wishes of the Scottish people
    Nicola Sturgeon


    The Scottish National Party’s Nicola Sturgeon, for instance, asked First Minister Jack McConnell whether he would raise those awkward issues of ID cards and the Scottish regiments with the prime minister while he was in Scotland on his successful dating tip visit.


    “The Scottish Parliament has voted against ID cards and the merging of the six Scottish regiments,” said Ms Sturgeon, “so will he represent the democratic views of this parliament to the prime minister?”


    Both issues are, of course, matters reserved to Westminster but that did not stop Mr McConnell pointing out that ID cards would not apply to Scottish Executive services and that the SNP would “abolish” the regiments altogether because they wish to disband the British Army.


    Nor did it stop Ms Sturgeon having a go at the prime minister.


    “Tony Blair is out of touch. He doesn’t listen and he isn’t trusted by the people of Scotland,” she said.


    “All he needs is a handbag and he’d be a dead ringer for another prime minister who failed to take heed of the wishes of the Scottish people.”


    Annual statistics


    Conservative leader David McLetchie went on the attack over school discipline.


    There was an assault on a teacher every 12 minutes of the school day, he said, yet Education Minister Peter Peacock had stopped collecting annual statistics on incidents of indiscipline in Scotland’s schools.


    “We don’t have a peacock running education, we have an ostrich.”


    Mr McConnell replied: “We had a government of ostriches when the Tories were in power.”

    Collection of drinks and glasses

    Holyrood is determined to tackle Scotland’s binge drinking culture


    We were back in the Western Sahara. But if the Moroccan parliamentarians cared to look through the business of the week at Holyrood, they might find more practical suggestions for good government.


    Housing Minister Malcolm Chisholm announced that anyone selling a house will have to provide a seller’s survey.


    The idea is to avoid multiple surveys being carried out on the property by each of the bidders. A voluntary scheme launched last July attracted only 74 householders, so it’s now to be made compulsory.


    A bill to ban “happy hours” in pubs was announced by the executive on Monday.


    Cheap drink promotions will have to last at least 48 hours.


    It will be part of a bill to up-date Scotland’s licensing laws.


    Economic viability


    Other changes will include more powers for local licensing boards and tighter rules to prevent the sale of drink to under-18s.


    A bill to allow the opening of a tram line from Leith to the centre of Edinburgh was given approval in principle.


    There are still doubts, however, over its economic viability.


    And a bill to tighten the law on FMG, female genital mutilation, was given its stage one approval on Thursday.


    Over-jealous police preparations are creating an atmosphere of Fortress Gleneagles
    Colin Fox
    SSP leader


    MSPs heard with horror that young girls from Scotland are still being sent to Somalia to be circumcised.


    Anyone found aiding and abetting such an operation will now be liable for prosecution in this country.


    The Scottish Socialist Party staged two debates in the chamber on Thursday morning.


    The first called for the introduction of free school meals for all children.


    The second called for a restatement of the right to demonstrate at the G8 summit of world leaders at Gleneagles in July.


    In his first speech as the new Socialist leader, Colin Fox said the G8 leaders were the cause of world poverty, not the solution.


    “Over-jealous police preparations are creating an atmosphere of Fortress Gleneagles,” he said.


    Provocative attitude


    “And I wonder whether these are designed to prime the population for attempts to curtail our right to protest peacefully.”


    Minister Tom McCabe admitted contingency plans have to be made by the police but it was the Scottish Executive’s policy to “facilitate” demonstrations and encourage debate on the real issues of the summit, poverty in Africa and climate change.


    The Scottish National Party’s Roseanna Cunningham caused a stir by suggesting the police were adopting a provocative attitude to demonstrators.


    “The police are presenting things at the moment that look suspiciously like them saying effectively… come on if you think you’re hard enough.”

    Ranks of police

    The SSP attacked what it called Dating advices canada
    police preparations’


    It was a suggestion later denied by the Chief Constable of Tayside John Vine.


    On Wednesday, the communities committee was packed out with lobby teams from all sides in the debate over opencast coal mining.


    The executive is thinking of introducing a presumption against the practice into the planning laws.


    The mining companies and the unions said when that was done in England it led to a drastic fall in output and jobs.


    Last year no planning applications were approved at all.


    They said the same would happen in Scotland, with the loss of 2,800 jobs.

    Opencast coal mining site

    The industry says thousands of jobs depend on opencast mining


    Campaigners from Lanarkshire argued that most of the jobs were “imported” and the coal companies continually flouted their planning conditions.


    Scottish Coal has offered a compromise of “compliance plus” and withdrawn planning applications from two sites near the village of Douglas.


    But whether that will be enough to change ministers’ minds - we will just have to wait a few weeks to see.


    Finally, the enterprise and culture committee issued a report deploring the “significant decline” in funding for community arts projects.


    They said two million Scots participate in the arts and crafts movement, transforming their lives and their communities.


    MSPs want more outreach work by the national arts companies, a new award scheme, and the art-proofing of all the executive’s budgets.


    Scotland is not a cultural desert, the gentlemen from Morocco will be pleased to note.


    Cumbernauld may not be Casablanca, Tranent may not be Tangiers, Motherwell may not be Marrakesh, but at least Holyrood is not Holywood.

    02.24.08

    News - New year property market tips

    Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 3:01 am by jaime

    An expert explains how buyers and sellers can best make the housing market work for them in 2006.

    The New Year usually brings an upsurge in housing market activity.

    Even before the Christmas decorations are put back in the attic people start to think about moving home.

    The “sky-high” house price inflation of recent years has now finally come to an end, so sellers can no longer rely on a legion of hungry buyers to snap up their property no matter what.

    On the other hand, though, the market is a long way from being in freefall, so buyers have to be sensible in their offers and act swiftly when they see the right property.

    Advice for sellers

    Advice for buyers

    Advice for sellers

    According to some estimates, 75% of buyers now do their initial research online.

    So, if you are looking to sell your home in 2006, it is essential to use an estate agency that has an attractive, up-to-date and dating free man tip website.

    However, it also needs to be highly informative. Buyers, these days, are cash rich and time poor and want to know as much information as possible about a property before they take the time to see it in person.

    So, always check that detailed floor plans can be viewed online, that there are photographs of every room (not just the main rooms), and that there are accurate location maps. If these basics aren’t there, less people are likely to take an interest.

    It might seem a strange thing to say, but next up you need to make sure that the estate agent isn’t overvaluing your property.

    In the online information age, an overvalued property is as bad as an undervalued property because it can mean your property just won’t sell.

    By doing some basic research online, buyers, these days, can get a good idea of what a property is worth so it’s pointless trying to tell them otherwise.


    Remember, once you have instructed an agent, never tie yourself into a contract of more than six weeks.

    In any case, a correctly priced property will often sell at a higher price than an overvalued one as it will generate more interest and may result in buyers competing with their offers.

    An important part of selling a property is whether you instruct on a ’sole’ or ‘multi’ agency basis, and I would always recommend the former.

    To start with, multi agency will almost certainly be more expensive - expect to pay up to 1.5% more in commission than sole agency.

    A handful of signs outside your home can also send out the wrong message: it can tell buyers you’re having problems finding a buyer, or are desperate to sell, either of which could result in a lower offer price.

    And then there is the fact that estate agencies will be less motivated to sell your property if they have not got exclusive rights on it - whatever they might say to the contrary.

    Remember, once you have instructed an agent, never tie yourself into a contract of more than six weeks. This will focus the agents mind.

    To reduce the amount of time it takes to sell your property, it is vital you contact a solicitor the moment you put it on the market. However, be sure to use one that is experienced in selling properties in your area.

    A couple looking at a house

    The new year often brings renewed interest amongst buyers

    The solicitor should dating advices florida gay set out to collate all the necessary information, such as
    service charge and leasehold documents and the deeds from the mortgage provider.

    That way, once an offer is made, the onus is on the buyer’s solicitor to move the sale forward.

    Once an offer has been accepted, you then need to be assertive with the buyers and set a timeframe of two weeks within which they must carry out the searches and have completed any surveys, which shows commitment.

    Make sure they know that if they fail to do this, your property will go back on the market.

    Advice for buyers

    Location, location, location may be high up on a buyer’s list of priorities, but equally important is research, research, research.

    Knowledge really is power when you are house hunting, and the best place to accumulate it in 2006 is online.


    Take into account that 2006 is unlikely to be the buyer’s market we have experienced in much of 2005

    For example, specialist websites like the government’s single father dating advices.gov.uk show actual prices paid on every UK property sold, as well as instant current valuations.

    So, if you are keen to buy on a particular street, there’s a good chance you will be able to find out how much a similar property to the one you want to buy sold for recently, and what it is likely to be worth now.

    This means when you approach an estate agent, you will be in a strong position.

    Next up, check that the company you are dealing with is a member of two key industry bodies and abides dating advices gay lesbian site by their respective codes of conduct: the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and the Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA).

    That is not to say that non-member agents are all crooks, but is does give you peace of mind that the company you have chosen has met certain recognised standards, and that you can seek the help of a third party should you have cause for complaint.

    Also determine whether the property you are interested in being sold on a ’sole’ or ‘multi’ agency basis. Sole agency is usually preferable because you know the seller is only dealing with one estate agent, meaning any dealings are likely to be smoother and - importantly - that you’re far less likely to be gazumped.

    Given the competitive nature of the UK mortgage market, and the fact that interest rates are historically low, it is worth getting more than one mortgage quote.

    For example, specialist mortgage brokers can often arrange far more competitive rates than are offered on the High Street.

    Finally, when you make an offer, take into account that 2006 is unlikely to be the buyer’s market we have experienced in much of 2005.

    Clearly, this depends on where you are and the type of property you are making an offer on, but confidence is growing overall and this, coupled with a shortage of stock, means that you could lose out on your dream home if you offer well below asking price.

    The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by the BBC unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.


    02.23.08

    News - Minister tips more pension reform

    Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 2:51 am by jaime

    The government has hinted it may bring forward more reforms to the state pension system to benefit women.


    Men and women who retire from 6 April 2010 will only need 30 years of national insurance (NI) payments to get a full basic state pension.


    The government is now considering a system for women to buy additional contributions if they still fall short.


    The Pensions Minister Mike O’Brien said he might bring forward such a plan in November’s pre-budget report.


    “What we are looking at are ways of allowing women to buy back-dated national insurance contributions, and we hope to have a look at this in our pre-budget report in November,” he said on the BBC’s Today programme.


    Fewer contributions


    Until 2010, men will still need 44 years of contributions, while women will need to have paid in for 39 years to receive a full state pension.


    we are sympathetic and keen to find a way to improve the situation
    DWP spokesman


    Mr O’Brien’s comments came in response to date dating first teenage tip from the Liberal-Democrats that the reforms will not benefit people who retire just before the changes are due to take effect.


    “If you are 60 on 6 April you are fine but if you were born on 5 April you don’t benefit at all from the new rule,” said the Lib-Dem spokesman Steve Webb.


    Mr Webb claimed that some women might miss out on 25,000 worth of extra pension payments during their retirement, citing dating advices in swansea
    by the House of Commons library.


    The issue may be discussed in Parliament this afternoon when the House of Commons debates a number of amendments set down in the Lords to its Pensions Bill.


    One of them proposes that women be allowed to buy up to nine years of extra NI contributions to help them get a higher state pension.


    “We don’t actually support the amendment,” said a spokesman for the Cheap dating tip of Work and Pensions.


    “But we are sympathetic and keen to find a way to improve the situation,” he added.


    Cliff-edge


    The government says that when its new pension rule starts in 2010, the number of women eligible for a full state pension will rise immediately from 50% to 75%.


    But it argues that phasing in this change, or starting it earlier, would simply cost too much or lead to other women losing out.


    “This cliff-edge issue is a real one but is not easy to solve,” said Mr O’Brien.


    The pensioners who are thought most likely to miss out on the new rule are women who stopped work in the 1960s and 1970s to bring up children before the pension system was changed to credit them with extra NI contributions.


    The government claims that to bring in the 2010 change two years early would cost an extra 160 million a year from today.

    02.22.08

    Sport - Kirwan tips Pumas

    Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 2:42 am by jaime

    Argentina will be the surprise package of this year’s rugby World Cup, according to Italian coach John Kirwan.

    The Pumas have only once gone past the group stages in the four previous online dating advices canada frees to date, their best result when they reached the quarter-finals four years ago.

    But Kirwan believes Argentina remain potential christian dating man tip for a place in the semi-finals.

    He told the BBC Sport website: “I see New Zealand and England as the two teams to beat, with Australia and France also in contention.

    “But people should not overlook Argentina - they’re the real wild cards and could easily upset that leading quartet.”

    France have already been beaten twice in 2003, losing 10-6 and 33-32 in a two-Test series.

    And Kirwan tipped the Pumas to cause some other upsets when the tournament begins in 10 October.



    They also have that bit of flair that stands them aside from other teams


    John Kirwan on Argentina

    The former All Black wing said: “I was older woman dating advices younger
    with how they played against both France and South Africa but I wasn’t surprised.

    “Argentina are a hard side to knock over. They’re well drilled and they have a good coach.

    “They maintain that same solid pack they’ve always had over history and they do the basics very well. But they also have that bit of flair that stands them aside from other teams.”

    Argentina are in Pool A - dubbed the “pool of death” - and face defending champions Australia, Ireland, Romania and Namibia.

    They look set to easily overcome minnows Romania and Namibia, but are likely to need to beat either Australia or Ireland.

    Kirwan added: “I think they’ll do it. Put it this way, I’m pleased it’s a team we won’t have to face.”

    02.21.08

    News - Want to stop smoking?

    Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 2:32 am by jaime

    Which of the many stop smoking methods available is most effective? To find out, we’ve recruited five guinea pigs from the BBCi hutch. Over the next few weeks, our volunteers will chart their progress on these pages.

    If you have tips or words of encouragement, let us know using the form below. And if you’d like to join in, these tips from the charity Quit may help:

    • Pick a date to stop and stick to it
    • Throw away your cigs, lighters and ashtrays
    • Accept that withdrawal won’t be pleasant, but is a sign your body is recovering
    • Treat yourself, using the money you’re saving on fags
    • Take it one day at a time

    METHOD ONE: COLD TURKEY

    Graphic designer Jesse Brown is trying sheer willpower (and carrot sticks).

    Jessie

    “Before new year, I was smoking 10 a day - 20 on the weekends. I’ve been puffing for more than 10 years now, and have given up several times, whether it be for a couple of months or a couple of days. I tended to start again because I got bored with trying not to smoke.

    “Now most of my friends don’t smoke, and I’m literally like a dying breed. I’m not feeling any younger, and the effects of smoking are becoming more apparent. My hangovers are worse, my chest hurts a bit more each morning, and I definitely feel it walking up stairs.

    “I also want to give up because nobody believes I can. I stand to make a tidy 50 off my friend if I don’t have a cigarette before August. So it is pride, health concerns, and fear of being poor that keep me going.”

    METHOD TWO: ACUPUNCTURE

    Ulyssa MacMillan will undergo acupuncture treatment at Neal’s Yard Remedies.

    Ulyssa

    “I’m a hardened smoker of many, many years who is fed up and wants to stop. I’ve tried a number of methods over the past few years.

    “Willpower lasted about 2 hours before climbing the walls. Patches lasted all the way to Mexico (you can’t smoke on planes).

    “Allen Carr’s book, Easy Way to Stop Smoking, lasted four weeks. I was pretty impressed with myself and then made the mistake of going to the pub. I then tried the book another three times, patches again, twice, and hypnotherapy - he shouted at me for an hour then told me to imagine myself on a beach with no cigs. It didn’t last, so then I went to stop smoking clinics three times. I became too embarrassed to ask for my money back.


    “Why do I want to quit? I’ve promised myself a shopping spree to New York in a year’s time with all the money I’ll save. That’s at least 2,000… oh, and it’s a filthy habit.”

    METHOD THREE: BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION

    Stephen Fottrell is straying where others have clearly foundered - Allen Carr’s legendary method of behaviour dating dating man successful tip woman.

    Stephen

    “As a habitual new year quitter, I’m traditionally pessimistic about my chances of succeeding. As a 15 to 20 a day man, I have good reason to be. I’ve tried patches, gum and sheer willpower to no avail.

    “But I’ve forced myself to watch nasty warning ads and they’re beginning to work. The one where fatty gunk is squeezed from the artery of a ‘typical 32-year-old smoker’ in particular has scared the bejesus out of me.

    “So I’m giving it a good shot this time. My sponsor is one Allen Carr, whose book I was given years ago but have never read. I’ve been off the smokes since 1 January, with the exception of an indiscretion last Friday night. I’ve also had a cold, which has helped. Maybe if I can keep the cold, and stay off the fags, all will be fine.”

    METHOD FOUR: E-MAIL MOTIVATION

    Sarah Brown has signed up for the NHS’s e-mail counselling.

    Sarah

    “My name is Sarah and, alas, I am a smoker. From the age of 14 (when more than one inhalation per cigarette would induce a fainting fit) to my, er, mid-20s, I have gleefully smoked my way through pack after pack of the infernal cancer sticks with reckless disregard for my poor parched lungs.


    “Previous attempts using sheer willpower failed miserably, patches itched, and I’m convinced a hypnotherapist will either dredge up some long-repressed childhood trauma or make me think I’m a chicken.


    “However I’ve decided enough is enough. I yearn for unpolluted lungs, sweet smelling clothes and dulcet vocal tones - let’s hope the NHS can make good on its promise!”

    METHOD FIVE: NICOTINE REPLACEMENT

    John Brunsdon will give patches another go.

    John

    “My relationship with cigarettes has been an on-off affair for 15 years, and I consider myself a social smoker - or to the people I sponge ciggies off when I’m supposed to be on the wagon, an anti-social smoker.


    “I really enjoy smoking and my philosophy is that there is no experience that cannot be improved by a cigarette, with the possible exception of fixing a gas leak.


    “But with a new baby due to arrive in March, I’m determined to quit. I’ve tried patches before, with limited success, but am hoping the added incentive of an audience will make it work this time.”



    Add your comments on this story, using the form below.


    Apart from the smell, cost and indignity of standing outside the office in winter months, what really got me to stop was the incessant moaning and pomposity of ex-smokers. In the end it was easier to join them! Nicotine lozenges filled the gap for a few weeks and definitely helped ease the habit-routine.
    Dylan, UK

    For 18 years I couldn’t imagine having a glass of wine or going out for dinner without smoking. I used hypnotherapy but before we started treatment, my therapist told me to start breaking my association with wine/food and cigarettes by carrying on smoking, but going outside to smoke rather than doing it in the comfort of the pub or restaurant.
    Sharon R, UK

    It was not having something in my hand which caused stress and feelings that I was missing something. Chocolate fingers with cups of tea and a lump of Blu-tack to fiddle with, and 4 years later I’m still not smoking. Keep your hands busy and you won’t notice that you don’t have a cigarette.
    CJ Anderson, UK

    Go Jesse! You are welcome to my 50 if you can go without until 1 August. I am sponsoring Jesse and his girlfriend, and think more people should try to help their friends give up. Obviously we will drink the 50 together at the pub that night, which is far healthier… isn’t it?
    Guy, UK

    I set up a screen saver on my PC so that whenever I stopped work and was having a craving, I’d be reminded of all the harmful chemicals in and diseases caused by smoking. The worst for me was a stat about how many smokers have to have limbs amputated. Also, when you have a craving repeat: “I do not actually want a cigarette. My body is craving nicotine because I am addicted. It will pass”. Sounds cheesy but it worked for me.
    Al, UK

    I told every one I knew I was quitting. I then boasted that nothing would stop me quitting, and promised to pay for a slap-up meal for all of my friends if I failed… (I used 3 pieces of gum a day - broken in half - to get me through).
    Patrick B, UK

    A friend in South Africa wrote a book on how he gave up - imagine you’re about to eat something revolting every time you want a cigarette (his was dog poo). He soon weaned himself off, as he was almost physically ill every time he wanted to light up.
    Nick Holme, UK

    Despite the possible risks, which I weighed up against smoking, I went on Zyban, and quit within 3 weeks of the 9-week course my GP prescribed me. I’ve been cigarette-free for almost 3 years, and cannot bear even a whiff of cigarette smoke. My husband did the same, and we feel fabulous - no more morning cough, no wheezing, and we no longer catch every bug doing the rounds.
    Marina, Scotland, UK

    I had a 30 a day habit and smoked for 14 years, which is really sad as I’m only 29. A heart scare, shortness of breath and a serious lack of cash drove me to give up. I chewed the gum at set times, so it almost replaced the actually smoking habit. It did get to the point when I was enjoying the gum almost as much as the fags, and I got quite anxious when it was time to give up chewing. But it was surprisingly easy.
    Sarah, UK

    An ex-colleague once said to me “don’t refer to it as giving up”. This implies loss, and stopping smoking is a gain in so many ways. I wish everyone success in terminating their relationship with Nic O’Tine.
    Peter Wall, UK

    I’ve installed a free quitmeter which shows how long you’ve quit for, how many cigarettes you haven’t smoked, how much cash you’ve saved and how much you’ve extended your life. It’s quite a good motivator.
    Oliver Pyke, London, UK

    I gave up using an aversion technique. You’re allowed to smoke, but only if you smoke each cigarette down to the filter within one minute. You will then spend several hours feeling sick. Soon you will hate those little white sticks!
    James S, UK

    The biggest incentive I had was that my mum had just been told she had lung cancer. She died six months later. I’ve never smoked since.
    Neil Brown, Scotland

    What kept me quit was my 3-year-old daughter shouting “Daddy, don’t smoke again” every time I was tempted, and the realisation that if something bad happened, why would I want to memorialise it for ever as the thing that started me smoking again?
    Nick J, UK

    Find your triggers (things you do that put the thought of a cigarette in your mind - mine was having coffee at work, and after a meal) and replace them with something more constructive.
    Spence, UK

    I avoided bars - and other smoking places - like the plague, and, most importantly, gave up alcohol for three months, because the two tend to be associated.
    Val R, UK

    I found nicotine replacement a must for the recommended three months - I took the gum, as it took care of the oral aspect of the addiction. Also drink lots of water to help flush the nicotine out of your system.
    Reuben Thomas, London, UK

    Peer support makes all the difference. I haven’t smoked for six months by getting involved in a web community at quitnet.com. Advice dating tip and encouragement from others is priceless, as is having a chatroom to get support, distraction and a place to rant. It’s US-based, but there’s a club for Brits where you can write “fag” without causing confusion.
    Paul Moynihan, UK

    I’m a serial quitter doing much better this time, down to 2 things:
    1) Instead of picking a date and having that oh so sad final cig before bed on the final day, I decided one morning that my final fag had been the one I’d had the night before. This meant no nervous build-up.
    2) Some of you will think I’m a crank, but love and dating advices advice
    … I was a lapsed Christian until fairly recently, and since I “came back” I’ve had a powerful sense that God wanted me to quit. So I prayed for help and have had none of the cravings. Whatever your method, all the best.
    Ellie G, UK

    Allen Carr’s book didn’t tell me how to quit smoking. What it did do was debunk all of my reasons for smoking. What also helped was playing squash three weeks after I’d stopped, and realising just how much energy I had left after playing. My biggest incentive is never wanting to go back to wheezing off the court after 30 mins.
    Pete G, UK

    I used patches and the netdoctor.co.uk smoking forum. I’ve had a couple of wobbles in the speed dating tip years since, but the answer is to not give in to the huge feelings of guilt - you have to carry on the next day as if you are still a non-smoker, which you are. My other advice is to try everything and, once you have tried everything, try everything again - for me, a new brand of patches worked.
    Catherine O, UK

    Terms & Conditions


    02.20.08

    Sport - Kirwan tips Pumas

    Posted in Dating advices, Dating tips at 2:23 am by jaime

    Argentina will be the surprise package of this year’s rugby World Cup, free dating tip for woman to Italian coach John Kirwan.

    The Pumas have only once gone past the group stages in the four previous tournaments to date, their best result when they reached the quarter-finals four years ago.

    But Kirwan believes Argentina remain potential candidates for a place in the semi-finals.

    He told the BBC Sport website: “I see New Zealand and England as the two teams to beat, with Dating india teenager tip and France also in greek dating advices websites
    .

    “But people should not overlook Argentina - they’re the real wild cards and could easily upset that leading quartet.”

    France have already been beaten twice in 2003, losing 10-6 and 33-32 in a two-Test series.

    And Kirwan tipped the Pumas to cause some other upsets when the tournament begins in 10 October.



    They also have that bit of flair that stands them aside from other teams


    John Kirwan on Argentina

    The former All Black wing said: “I was impressed with how they played against both France and South Africa but I wasn’t surprised.

    “Argentina are a hard side to knock over. They’re well drilled and they have a good coach.

    “They maintain that same solid pack they’ve always had over history and they do the basics very well. But they also have that bit of flair that stands them aside from other teams.”

    Argentina are in Pool A - dubbed the “pool of death” - and face defending dating advices history internet Australia, Ireland, Romania and Namibia.

    They look set to easily overcome minnows Romania and Namibia, but are likely to need to beat either Australia or Ireland.

    Kirwan added: “I think they’ll do it. Put it this way, I’m pleased it’s a team we won’t have to face.”

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