05.09.08

With Johanna Gornitzki

The savings market continues to go from strength-to-strength, and following Alliance and Leicester upping the stakes on its instant access deal, experts expect consumers to benefit. In this newsletter, Moneywise takes a look at the whole savings market to see where the best deals currently are.

And, to help you make the most of your savings, Moneywise is hosting a live webchat next Tuesday 9 September at 1pm to help you make sure your savings work as hard as possible. You can post your questions in advance by clicking here.

Also in this newsletter, read Rebecca Atkinson's latest blog on why meat is off the menu at her house, and take part in our poll - this week we want to know if you think supermarkets are profiteering from food price inflation. Plus, the latest quizzes, news stories and forum queries.

Finally, next week the UK's first Financial Planning Week takes place, and to mark the occasion Moneywise will be featuring a range of articles on setting financial goals, budgeting and making the most of your money. Don't forget to log-on and see how you can improve your finances.

Please sign our petition on the Prime Minister's website to get personal finance on the National Curriculum.

Saving deals hot up as A&L ups rate

Savers look set to benefit from heightened competition in the savings market, following Alliance and Leicester's decision to increase the rate on its instant access deal.

Today's best saving rates

Interest rates may have been frozen at 5% this week but with a cut pencilled in for November, savers are being urged to opt for fixed-rate bonds now. Rebecca Atkinson takes a look at the savings horizon.

Tide turns on rising annuity rates

Pensioners yet to take out an annuity product have been urged to think about doing so quickly, as rising rates seem to have hit a tipping point.

New car sales plummet to 1966 levels

Sales of new cars have plummeted to the lowest levels seen since 1966, as the credit crunch and economic downturn keep drivers away from the showrooms.

Meat is off the menu

I haven’t been to many BBQs this August, mainly because of the miserable weather. But I wonder if there is another reason why so few of my friends have flung open their garden gates for charred bangers, soggy buns and undercooked chicken?

Are supermarkets profiteering from food price inflation?

Retail food prices have risen by 10% since last August. Should supermarkets be doing more to absorb global food price inflation, or are they profiteering at the expense of consumers? Vote now...

Take your finances back to school

We all learn from our mistakes, but when it comes to money even the smallest slip up can be costly. To help you manage your finances the right way, the Moneywise team goes back to the classroom to reveal the top 10 lessons in personal finance.

Could you pass a teen money exam? (part four)

Get your thinking cap on and see if you're on the money when it comes to personal finance.

How Moneywise have you been this week?

It's been a busy week, with an interest rate decision, a tax rebate for 22 million Brits and a shake-up of stamp duty rules. How Moneywise have you been?

What should I do about my wife's pension?

Moneywise user bundesleader and his wife are considering cashing in her pension and paying the money into his fund instead. Have you been in a similar situation, or have any views on the best course of action? Respond now...