What are you all up to today? - part 3
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I opened an account with HSBC.....that took a few weeks, but some are easier. Just did one with Tesco, went through very quickly. Always do these things on-line as far as possible.
Rather than savings accounts (other than NS&I) we are using current accounts that pay 3, 4 and 5% interest, though only on limited amounts. If you have enough accounts you can accommodate a fair amount.
Unfortunately rates seem to be about to fall, soon they will be next to nothing. Santander are going from 3% to 1.5% in November apparently.
Fixed rate monthly savers are also useful to cycle money through. Some are still paying 6%.
The majority of the accounts that pay the 5% etc you have to swtich to them to get it (M&S) being one of them. The problem I have with that is I don't have an account to switch
we have always just used the one joint current account. So today I applied for a current account in my own name with a bank that I had savings with years ago, just need to see if it goes through. Failing that I will open one with my current bank (joint account) then move it once I've had it awhile. Nobody wants you to deposit large amounts anymore, and the savings account that offer 5% are usually only 12mths, you are limited to saving £300/£500 a month. You can open interest paying current accounts without switching.
No doubt rates will decrease soon, but TSB pay 5% on £2k, you can have 3 accounts between a couple.
They also have a 5% monthly saver, max deposit £250.
Lloyds pay 4% on max £5k, again a couple can have 3 accounts. They have just dropped their MS to 3%, max deposit is £400 per month.
BOS pay 3% on max £5k, you can have 3 accounts each.
Tesco pay 3% on £3k.
Santander 3% at present on max £20k, you could have at least 3 accounts, but there is a £5 per month fee, so not so good.
Nationwide also have a similar account, and Clydesdale.
No doubt there are others.
HSBC pays 6% on their MS, but you need an "Advance" current account first. Deposit is £250pm.
Then First Direct also pay 6%, you need their current account too, the deposit there is max £300.
Nationwide also have a good MS.
I think you can open an M&S current account without switching, but you will not then get the switching bonus. Then you can open their MS too. I think it is still 6%, or at least 5%.
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At the moment we are funding 16 interest paying current accounts between us (not all full unfortunately!) , and circulating funds through a total of 7 monthly savers.
Totally given up on ISAs meantime, but we did put some into the NS&I over 60s account paying 4%.
It's the only way to get any decent interest these days.
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Many thanks for the info Kj, will look into some of these accounts, First Direct was the one I contacted this morning as I have had a savings account with them before so that should go through ok. M&S told me that I couldn't get the MS 6% account as I wasn't
switching a current account might need to go back and have another word with them. Will definitley look at the TSB as I do have a lump sum
that I would like to get a good rate on, then open a MS I can drip feed it from another account until my pension kicks in. I've already got the top rate 5% with Nationwide until Feb 2017.0 -
Sitting in glorious sunshine, supposed to change tomorrow staying sheltered from the cool southerly wind catching up on here.
Points in no particular order belated birthday greetings Malcolm - also glad you've seen the light retrip to chipping Sodbury enjoy! Glad your boss agrees on you having time off .
Tammygirl do sort bank accounts sure the link KJ has given will be good. With much 'messing around' we have current accounts that pay decent interest and have a floating £500 that goes in and out of accounts to fulfil conditions and moved a couple of DD's
for the same reason, a bit of a pain to start with but automatic once set up. Santander 123 will allow a couple £60,000 (3 x £20000) with interest currently 3% for £3000+ in each account, their is a charge, there us also cash back. Rates dropping in November
but money expert reckons still pays at £8000 come November. Nastionwide plays 5% to £2500 and gives access to 5% up to £500 per month. Higher charge but insurance for various things including travel makes it worthwhile for us. Almost a fulltime job keeping
track!!!For those of you away or just returned hope you have/had a great time.
Went to see Menopause the Musical last week, good giggle for women of a certain age . went to theatre last night to see State highway 48, male middle age crisis. Again reasonably good.
Went to local monthly market yesterday really good. Lots of Kiwi goods.then went to find a mountain sanctuary which appeared to be nearby, as usual with NZ deceptive! Arrived to find hefty charge and only an hour before closing, so did a small part of the
free section, really needs proper walking boots, not got them with us, and lots training for the steep undulations we come from Essex and don't do hills!!!!Back to family duties tomorrow. Time's running out now but really enjoying ourselves. Feels like a holiday
Take care folks
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Sounds like you are having a wonderful time B2.Glad the weather is good for you. Hope the family are all well.
Off to meet friends for lunch today celebrating 2 birthdays - one 60th and one 74th. Quite a nice bright morning but still no rain.
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Which bit of the site did you chose, H&T? Assume it's all open at this tme of year?
Yes Ian whole site open and full too, we were right at the top of the site to the right of the top toilet block.
Apologies for late reply, site wifi was too slow.
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Well...weekend didn't quite go to plan, our son had to pull out off the Tough Mudder after only completing about a third if the course, he twisted his knee. He had it strapped up but too painful to carry on.
It
is a great challenge though with everyone helping each other over the obstacles, getting very muddy and wet in the process.Weather was ok until just after lunch when the rain arrived, and didn't clear away until this morning. Arrived home this afternoon, unpacked the van, son went off home, with instructions to get his knee checked out!
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Lovely day today, sun been out all day a few white fluffy clouds and quite blowy. Had Mum for a few hours today as normal for the weekend. Went for a trike ride later this afternoon once Mum gone back home. Just a nice relaxing Sunday, roast beef and all
the trimmings for lunch so just a snack for tea tonight.Bakers2, glad to hear your enjoying yourselves in NZ the weather sounds nice for a winter. I will get the accounts sorted but not in too much of a rush as my pension doesn't kick in until November. I'm already with Nationwide and have very good interest
rates, its my own current account I want to make sure I get a good one for that too, likely candidates are First Direct or TSB at the moment
H&T sorry to hear your son hurt his knee and had to retire from his event, sounds like you had a good time though, anytime spent away is always a good time
I'm
itching to get away again but still got things to do, making big inroads to it all though, very happy at the moment.0 -
Bump
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Bump
Was that what you're son did to his knee?
Sorry to hear that he had to retire, but glad that you enjoyed your weekend.0 -
Thanks for the commiserations, he was gutted not to have finished, but is hoping to do a half mudder next month with some friends, knee permitting!
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Thanks for the commiserations, he was gutted not to have finished, but is hoping to do a half mudder next month with some friends, knee permitting!
Hope he's recovered in time for the event. Wish him luck from me.
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Excuse my ignorance, but what is a mudder?
A Tough Mudder is a 10 /12 mile cross country type event but with assalt course type obstacles, lots of mud and water. No winners as everyone who competes helps out others on the course to get to the end and finish.
Google it, lots of great videos online.
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Have survived the family wedding on a campsite high up on the Fosseway, spectacular views, strong winds and sitting to eat a meal on a chair which kept tipping me forwards thanks to the sloping ground (should have taken some wheel ramps!)
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Well...weekend didn't quite go to plan, our son had to pull out off the Tough Mudder after only completing about a third if the course, he twisted his knee. He had it strapped up but too painful to carry on.
It
is a great challenge though with everyone helping each other over the obstacles, getting very muddy and wet in the process.Weather was ok until just after lunch when the rain arrived, and didn't clear away until this morning. Arrived home this afternoon, unpacked the van, son went off home, with instructions to get his knee checked out!
Commiserations to your son, Helen, but a wise decision to pull out rather than risk further injury - there's always another day and another race. The weather must have made it pretty miserable too - don't suppose you had any wellies to lend him then!
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No wellies unfortunately Moulesy, and I was very glad I didn't have to clean his trainers!
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Have survived the family wedding on a campsite high up on the Fosseway, spectacular views, strong winds and sitting to eat a meal on a chair which kept tipping me forwards thanks to the sloping ground (should have taken some wheel ramps!)
Was it dress and wellies or posh hat and jeans?
Glad you enjoyed the day Brue.
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Last day at Wrekin View. Drove over and parked by Haughmond Abbey for a walk up onto Haughmond Hill and around the forest. Fine for most of the day but heavy rain from early evening. Hopefully it will have stopped by the time I take Flyte out for his last
walk. All outside jobs done ready for the move tomorrow.0 -
Many thanks for the info Kj, will look into some of these accounts, First Direct was the one I contacted this morning as I have had a savings account with them before so that should go through ok. M&S told me that I couldn't get the MS 6% account as I wasn't switching a current account
might need to go back and have another word with them. Will definitley look at the TSB as I do have a lump sum that I would like to get a good rate on, then open a MS I can drip feed it from another account until my pension kicks in. I've already got the top rate 5% with Nationwide until Feb 2017.Just noticed that TSB have recently cut the rate on their monthly saver to 2%, so another one off the "best buy" list.
You can create accounts to use for switching. Just open an account with a bank you do not really want to use, then switch it to the one you do want.
I think M&S have changed their conditions since we opened accounts with them. I know they added the requirement for 2 direct debits just a few months back.
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loading and checking the van for another well earned and deserved break.
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Have a good time Corners! We'd like to get away early September, I've been trawling through CLs etc today. Still haven't decided where to go as we have a lot going on and can't find enough time for a good long break. This week we have our extra terrier with
us so that will keep us busy!0
