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Brits with at least £500 in the bank urged to take action with their money now

Brits with at least £500 in the bank urged to take action with their money now

Daily Mirror4 days ago
Savers across the UK are being urged to move their money now, before the latest Bank of England interest rate cut, to avoid missing out on free cash in the long term
Millions are being encouraged to switch their bank accounts as finance gurus highlight the missed opportunities for free cash due to low-interest savings accounts. UK households are advised to make the move swiftly before the Bank of England interest rate reduction.

Even those with a modest £500 could notice a significant benefit from moving to one of the leading accounts. The more savings individuals have, the greater the gains they'll see through accrued interest. Recent studies indicate that the best 50 easy-access accounts yield an average of 4.23% interest.

This is in stark contrast to many major banks which offer a paltry 1.17%. Financial experts are dismissing these accounts as unworthy due to their negligible returns. In other similar news, a state pension warning for millions of Brits who are between two specific ages.

A person with just £500 would earn £21 in the higher-yielding accounts versus a mere £6. For someone with £10,000, the difference is even more pronounced: £423 in interest compared to only £117 in a typical low-interest account - that's such a big difference!

With the latest Bank of England interest rate cut on the horizon, households are urged to capitalise on these advantageous accounts promptly, reports Birmingham Live.
Alastair Douglas, CEO of TotallyMoney, commented: "The Bank of England is expected to continue cutting rates over the next 12 months in a bid to boost the economy – so it's important that savers act quickly, and make sure their money is working for them. Some banks are paying below 1% interest, and with inflation at 4.10%, for some people, their cash will effectively be losing value."
He added: "When shopping around, keep an open mind, and consider smaller or newer banks and building societies. They'll often offer some of the best rates in a bid to try and win customers from the big high street providers. Loyalty doesn't pay, but being savvy with your savings can."
Andrew Hagger, personal finance expert of Moneycomms.co.uk, commented: "Your average saver simply wants a decent rate of return on their money without having to worry about the impact of confusing terms and conditions. Their priority is to be able to get their hands on their cash whenever they need it."
So, if you're looking to expand your savings and earn some extra free cash - don't think twice and move your money to accounts with higher rates. Every little helps, right?
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New calls to increase weekly State Pension payments to £586 for every person aged over 60
New calls to increase weekly State Pension payments to £586 for every person aged over 60

Daily Record

time3 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

New calls to increase weekly State Pension payments to £586 for every person aged over 60

An online petition proposes a new 'universal' State Pension linked to the National Living Wage. State pension age to be reviewed by UK Government amid fears that 45% of workers are not saving A new online petition is calling on the UK Government to increase weekly State Pension payments to £586 for every person over the age of 60, including Brits living abroad in retirement. Petition creator Denver Johnson, proposes increasing payments to equal 48 hours each week at the National Living Wage rate of £12.21 per hour. ‌ The petition proposals would provide 13 million people currently on the State Pension - and those over 60 - with £2,344 every four-week payment period, some £30,476 each year. This uplift would also be applied to some 453,000 retirees whose State Pension has been frozen at the point of emigration because the country they now live in does not have a reciprocal agreement with the UK Government. ‌ The 'Give State Pension to all at 60 and increase it to equal 48 hours at Living Wage' petition has been posted on the petitions-parliament website and states: 'We want the Government to make the State Pension available from the age of 60 and increase this to equal 48 hours a week at the National Living Wage.' ‌ The petition continued: 'Hence from April 2025 a universal State Pension should be £586.08 per week or about £30,476.16 per year as a right to all including expatriates, age 60 and above. 'We think that Government policy seems intent on the State Pension being a benefit not paid to all, while ever increasing the age of entitlement. We want reforms to the State Pension, so that it is available to all including expatriates, from age 60, and linked to the National Living Wage, for security.' At 10,000 signatures, the petition would be entitled to a written response from the UK Government. At 100,000 it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament - read it in full here. ‌ Annual State Pension uprating Under the Triple Lock measure, State Pensions increase each year in-line with whichever is the highest of average annual earnings growth from May to July, Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation in the year to September or 2.5 per cent. The New and Basic State Pension increased by 4.7 per cent in April, which means someone on the full New State Pension currently receives £230.25 per week, or £921 every four-week pay period. ‌ Those on the full Basic State Pension receive £176.45 each week, or £705.80 every four-week pay period. State Pension uprating predictions for 2026/27 The Triple Lock is currently on track to be determined by the earnings growth element which is currently at 5.2 per cent (excluding bonuses). However, this figure may go up or down and isn't the final metric that will determine the level of uprating. The CPI figure for June was 3.6 per cent with the July figure due to be published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on August 20. ‌ That being said, a 5.2 per cent increase on the current State Pension would see people receive the following amounts. Full New State Pension Weekly: £242.90 Four-weekly pay period: £971.60 Annual amount: £12,630.80 ‌ Full Basic State Pension Weekly: £186.25 Four-weekly pay period: £744.60 Annual amount: £9,679.80 The annual uprating won't be confirmed until the Autumn Budget, but pensioners - and those due to retire next year - can start to plan their finances by following the Triple Lock measurements. The September CPI figure will be published in mid-October, but the wages growth figure is usually published in August. ‌ State Pension and tax The Labour Government confirmed earlier this year that the Personal Allowance will remain frozen at £12,570 until April 2028. If the New and Basic State Pension increased by the lower measure of the Triple Lock (2.5%), it would see the full New State Pension exceed the income tax threshold by nearly £79 in the 2027/28 financial year (£12,578.80). ‌ While the amount of State Pension to be taxed may seem relatively small - tax is only paid on the amount over the Personal Allowance - older people with other income streams could find themselves having to part with more cash to pay a tax bill - if it's not automatically deducted from private or workplace pensions through PAYE. And remember, that figure is based on the lower measure of the Triple Lock. Using the current projections, more pensioners could be dragged into the retirement tax net sooner, especially if they have additional income through a private or workplace pension. ‌ What is taxed Guidance on states: 'You pay tax if your total annual income adds up to more than your Personal Allowance. Find out about your Personal Allowance and Income Tax rates. Your total income could include: the State Pension you get - Basic or New State Pension Additional State Pension a private pension (workplace or personal) - you can take some of this tax-free earnings from employment or self-employment any taxable benefits you get any other income, such as money from investments, property or savings ‌ Check if you have to pay tax on your pension Before you can check, you will need to know: if you have a State Pension or a private pension how much State Pension and private pension income you will get this tax year (April 6 to April 5) the amount of any other taxable income you'll get this tax year (for example, from employment or state benefits) You cannot use this tool if you get: ‌ any foreign income Marriage Allowance Blind Person's Allowance Use this online tool at to check if you have to pay tax on your pension. The full guide to tax when you get a pension can be found on here.

'I moved to Dubai for luxury - the reality was very different'
'I moved to Dubai for luxury - the reality was very different'

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

'I moved to Dubai for luxury - the reality was very different'

Natalie Goodall, 32, was offered a golf coaching job in Dubai aged 18 after completing internships at a golf school there A British woman who relocated to Dubai has returned to the UK after years of gruelling 80-hour working weeks, claiming the glamorous city offers "no work-life balance" despite increasing numbers of Brits flocking there. Natalie Goodall, 32, was offered a golf coaching position in Dubai aged 18 after completing internships at a golf school there. ‌ She seized the opportunity - initially staying with a mate and then various relatives before securing her own flat in Damac Hills. She spent years living in the seemingly perfect and opulent city, which now houses celebrities including Amir Khan and The Beckhams. ‌ According to The Telegraph's figures, 30,000 Britons relocated to Dubai in 2021, climbing to 35,000 in 2022 and 40,000 in 2023. However, for Natalie, the Dubai way of life became overwhelming - as the city's "business model" didn't accommodate "work-life balance". ‌ Following years of enduring 80-hour, six-day working weeks, Natalie returned to the UK in 2019 and has now made her home in West Parley, Dorset. Whilst she adored Dubai and mentioned she'd return for breaks, she indicated she's doubtful about moving back permanently. As masses of Brits choose to emigrate there with lofty expectations of lavish living and non-stop entertainment, Natalie believes that Britons arriving with such high hopes "may be disappointed." Natalie, now a self-employed PGA professional, said: "I never saw myself leaving Dubai - I was working at one of the best golf schools in the world. And the city was absolutely stunning, on my day off I went down to the beach and when you let your hair down you could have a bloody good time. ‌ "But afterwards you'd look at your bank balance and think 'oh crap'. But the business model out there - there is no work-life balance. "I was coming home to my partner after 12-hour days, at 9pm, and I could barely hold a conversation because I'd be so tired. In my last year I told him 'I can't do this' - you know when your time is up. It's a very glamorous place and I can see moving there is a trend - but everywhere has its downfalls." ‌ Natalie initially travelled to Dubai at 18 for several work placements with a golf academy. At 21, she secured a permanent assistant coaching role there whilst studying for her PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) qualification to become a certified instructor. Initially, she shared accommodation with a mate from school before her mum and dad relocated there when her father, employed in the petroleum industry, received a job transfer - prompting her to move in with them. Following two years, she began renting her own flat with financial help from her parents, as she found it difficult to afford the deposit. She would spend her single weekly day off on Mondays either relaxing by the seaside or exploring Dubai's spectacular attractions to maximise her time in such magnificent surroundings. ‌ Natalie said: "It was amazing - the weather was like being in Spain even in winter. I got to see the Opera House, lots of concerts and stayed for my birthday in the Burj Al Arab hotel, which was so cool. The golf courses were unbelievable too and the food and service was amazing." At the time, she was earning the equivalent of roughly £25,000 to £30,000 annually - but Dubai's steep living costs meant she couldn't fully embrace the lavish lifestyle many people imagine. She explained: "It was not sustainable. I was just making money to survive - in the service industry you were worked very hard. I was working six days a week and I couldn't afford to reduce my hours." ‌ After meeting her fellow expat boyfriend Will Coan, 34, in 2017, the couple moved in together, but Natalie began to "spiral". She explained: "You can feel yourself, your work and time management aren't as good, your diet goes out the window. I never saw myself leaving Dubai, but it's not sustainable - as I got older, I started to think, how the bloody hell will I have a life here? It's not on an individual person - it's just the business model out there." ‌ In September 2019, she relocated from Dubai back to the UK and secured employment in Guernsey, after obtaining the necessary golf qualifications to become a coach. Nine months later, Will, who worked in a role in food manufacturing, completed his contract and returned to the UK as well. Now happily settled in West Parley, Natalie admits she'd only consider returning to Dubai, where her parents still reside, for a holiday. She insists it would take "a huge number" salary offer to tempt her back permanently. She suggests that the surge of Brits heading to Dubai for a better life might not be ready for the reality. She said: "I think there are people moving because they've been on holiday there and say 'screw it, I'll live here'. It's like a trend - in the same way Ellen DeGeneres moved to The Cotswolds. "In Dubai, it is a glamorous place, but it can be unglamorous in certain situations. You have to look at the opportunities and weigh up if it's right for you. If you go with high expectations, you might be disappointed."

Woman moved to Dubai for luxury - reality was very different
Woman moved to Dubai for luxury - reality was very different

Wales Online

time2 hours ago

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Woman moved to Dubai for luxury - reality was very different

Woman moved to Dubai for luxury - reality was very different Natalie Goodall was out there for years, but has now come back to the UK Natalie Goodall in Dubai (Image: Natalie Goodall/SWNS) A Brit who lived in Dubai returned to the UK after years of working 80-hour weeks said the city has "no work-life balance" despite growing numbers fleeing the UK to live there. Natalie Goodall, 32, was offered a golf coaching job in Dubai aged 18 after completing internships at a golf school there. ‌ She jumped at the chance - living with a friend and then various family members before renting her own apartment in Damac Hills. She lived in the seemingly idyllic and luxurious city for years, which is now home to celebs including Amir Khan and The Beckhams. ‌ According to The Telegraph's estimates, 30,000 Britons moved to Dubai in 2021, rising to 35,000 in 2022 and 40,000 in 2023. But in Natalie's case, the Dubai lifestyle became too much - because the city's "business model" didn't allow for "work-life balance". ‌ After years of working 80-hour, six-day weeks, Natalie moved back to the UK in 2019 and has settled down in West Parley, Dorset. While she loved Dubai and said she'd go back for holidays, she said she's unlikely to relocate back there. As swathes of Brits opt to move out there with high expectations of luxurious living and endless fun, Natalie feels that Brits going with high expectations "may be disappointed." Natalie, now a self-employed PGA professional, said: "I never saw myself leaving Dubai - I was working at one of the best golf schools in the world. And the city was absolutely stunning, on my day off I went down to the beach and when you let your hair down you could have a bloody good time. ‌ "But afterwards you'd look at your bank balance and think 'oh crap'. But the business model out there - there is no work-life balance. "I was coming home to my partner after 12-hour days, at 9pm, and I could barely hold a conversation because I'd be so tired. In my last year I told him 'I can't do this' - you know when your time is up. It's a very glamorous place and I can see moving there is a trend - but everywhere has its downfalls." Natalie in Dubai (Image: Natalie Goodall/SWNS) ‌ Natalie first visited Dubai aged 18 for some internships with a golf school. Aged 21, she was offered a full-time assistant coaching position there while completing a PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) course to qualify as a coach while working. She first lived with a school friend before her own parents moved there after her father, who works in the oil trade, got a job posting - so she began living with them. After two years she started renting her own apartment with assistance from her parents, as she struggled to cover the cost of the deposit. She spent her one day off each week on Mondays at the beach or visiting stunning locations in Dubai to make the most of the surroundings. Natalie said: "It was amazing - the weather was like being in Spain even in winter. I got to see the Opera House, lots of concerts and stayed for my birthday in the Burj Al Arab hotel, which was so cool. The golf courses were unbelievable too and the food and service was amazing." ‌ At the time, she was making the equivalent of around £25,000 to £30,000 a year - but the high costs in Dubai meant she couldn't enjoy the full extent of the luxurious lifestyle compared to what people assume. She said: "It was not sustainable. I was just making money to survive - in the service industry you were worked very hard. I was working six days a week and I couldn't afford to reduce my hours." After meeting her fellow expat partner Will Coan, 34, in 2017, the pair lived together, but Natalie began to "spiral". ‌ She said: "You can feel yourself, your work and time management aren't as good, your diet goes out the window. I never saw myself leaving Dubai, but it's not sustainable - as I got older, I started to think, how the bloody hell will I have a life here? It's not on an individual person - it's just the business model out there." Natalie and Will (Image: Natalie Goodall/SWNS) In September 2019, she moved from Dubai back to the UK and got a job in Guernsey, once she had secured the necessary golf qualifications to be a coach. Nine months later, Will, who worked in a role in food manufacturing, finished his contract and moved back to the UK as well. Article continues below They now own a home together in West Parley and are happier than ever. Natalie said she'd return to Dubai, where her parents are still living, for a holiday - but it would take a salary offer of "a huge number" for her to consider moving back permanently. She said it may be the case that the droves of Brits flocking to Dubai for a better life aren't prepared for reality. She said: "I think there are people moving because they've been on holiday there and say 'screw it, I'll live here'. It's like a trend - in the same way Ellen DeGeneres moved to The Cotswolds. "In Dubai, it is a glamorous place, but it can be unglamorous in certain situations. You have to look at the opportunities and weigh up if it's right for you. If you go with high expectations, you might be disappointed."

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