MARTIN Lewis has revealed his top money saving deals for the New Year including how you can get free cash by switching banks. The financial expert spoke on ITV's Good Morning Britain about a range of sales on offer this month, so you can bag a bargain as we head into 2019. Rail fares have risen by 3.1 per cent but Martin gave some handy tips on how you can make your railcard last longer. For example if you buy your railcard the day before you turn 31, you can use it up to the age of 32. And if you're eligible for a 16-25 railcard, you can purchase the three year railcard the day before you turn 24 so it'll last up to the age of 27. If you're looking to grab a bargain in the January sales, he also explained how retailers are boosting their sales by up to 70 per cent with more set to follow. How to earn cash by switching bank accounts? After ditching free cash incentives in the middle of last year, First Direct has now bought back its switching bonus of £100. Martin highlighted how … [Read more...] about Martin Lewis reveals how you can get £150 FREE cash by switching banks in New Year money saving deals
Bank deals new account
HSBC will pay you £200 to switch bank accounts but there’s a catch
EVERYONE wants free money, right? And £200 to switch your current account to one with HSBC sounds like a deal you don't want to miss. But before you go flashing the cash, you might want to take a closer look to see if this account is the right one for you. Yes, the bank is offering the most amount of money for switching - the next best offer is from Marks & Spencer bank who will give you £125 gift card - but is it worth it? To get the cash, you'll need to switch to the bank's premium account, the Advance Account, but you'll need to be able to pay in at least £1,750 a month for at least nine months a year. You'll also need to set up at least two direct debits or standing orders within the first 30 days and you have until June 30 to apply. If you're still up for the switch, you mustn't forget to use the bank's official switching service or else you won't get the offer. The first £150 will be paid into your account within 50 days of you opening the account but … [Read more...] about HSBC will pay you £200 to switch bank accounts but there’s a catch
Why the U.K. Is Making Bank Bosses Pay for Mistakes
The U.K.’s effort to hold top bank officials personally accountable when things go wrong on their watch is turning out to have some teeth. Just ask Barclays Plc boss Jes Staley. Regulators in mid-May ripped a chunk out of his wallet -- and left his reputation in tatters -- for attempting to find out the identity of a whistle-blower. Staley is the first top manager to be ensnared by new rules known as the Senior Managers and Certification Regime. They will soon be applied to the rest of the financial-services industry, putting thousands of managers on notice that they, too, could see a bite taken out of their bank accounts and their careers damaged. Lawyers say regulators in other countries are watching to see if the rules might be a template for them.1. What gives regulators this authority?The Financial Conduct Authority has broad powers to point the finger at specific people when things go wrong -- and to make them financially and reputationally responsible -- even if the … [Read more...] about Why the U.K. Is Making Bank Bosses Pay for Mistakes
Manafort’s ex-son-in-law reaches plea deal to cooperate in investigations
The former son-in-law of Paul Manafort, the onetime chairman of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, has cut a plea deal with the justice department that requires him to cooperate with other criminal investigations, two people with knowledge of the matter said. The guilty plea agreement, which is under seal and has not been previously reported, could add to the legal pressure on Manafort, who is facing two indictments brought by the special counsel Robert Mueller in his inquiry into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Manafort has been indicted in federal courts in Washington and Virginia with charges ranging from tax evasion to bank fraud and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Jeffrey Yohai, a former business partner of Manafort, was divorced from Manafort’s daughter last August. Yohai has not been specifically told how he will be called on to cooperate as part of his plea agreement, but two people familiar with the matter say they consider … [Read more...] about Manafort’s ex-son-in-law reaches plea deal to cooperate in investigations
What to know about starting your personal banking in Germany
Germany is a banking powerhouse, with established names like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, KfW and DZ Bank all calling Germany home. With these big names, though, come a lot of differences in the banking structure. So how do you know where to start? We walk you through the ins and outs of making your way through the German banking system. Know the lingo The first step to banking is knowing the lingo. Geldautomat, for example, is extremely important: ATM. Photo: DPA Before you embark on navigating the complicated waters of banking in Germany, it’s important to know the lingo. Here are some of the important German-specific words that you will need to know before you set foot inside a German bank. EC-Karte – This is an EC card, essentially the same as a debit card, that is the most accepted form of credit payment by most German retailers. IBAN and BIC- Much like in other places in Europe, your … [Read more...] about What to know about starting your personal banking in Germany