US Finance World

Travel insurance customers are advised to avoid alcohol while skiing. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is reaching out to travel insurance customers in order to highlight the dangers of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol at ski resorts.

Visitors to the slopes in France, Switzerland and Italy in recent weeks may have noticed new posters urging them not to misuse alcohol.

According to the FCO, an unfamiliar environment, cold and high altitudes can “heighten effects of alcohol drinking and lead to accidents and other mishaps”.

“More often than not they involve young people, students, seasonal workers and club groups,” the department said in a statement.

Airports, bars, restaurants and chalets are displaying posters advising “Don’t catch your death” as part of the campaign, which is being supported by tourist offices and the French police and rescue services.

For travellers to France, the FCO “strongly” recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before setting off and ensuring that cover is provided for potentially dangerous activities such as skiing. Read more…

These days’ people are coming up with more and more creative ways to save money on their monthly spending due to the unstable state of the economy that we have recently become so accustomed to. Unemployment rates have grown considerably as well as the cost of living which means less money at the end of every month for many individuals all over the country. People have had to give up everything from family nights out to vacations to lessons for the kids. The truth of the matter is that if you make a few minor changes in your monthly spending habits you may have enough extra money at the end of the month to put away for such things. Listed are a few of the changes that you can make that will add up to a significant amount of extra money at the end of each month.

Pay attention to your electricity bill and you can save a considerable amount of money every month. Many people do not realize how much leaving that extra light on that you don’t need or forgetting to shut off the TV at night can increase their monthly electric bill.

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A basic bank account is an account people can use even if they have trouble qualifying for regular bank accounts because of a poor credit rating. If you have a poor credit rating and are having trouble being accepted for a current account, a basic bank account could be a good option. Read out top 6 tips to find out about basic bank accounts.

1. Find out if you qualify for a standard account first

It’s best to use a basic bank account as a last resort, because they have fewer benefits than regular current accounts. You will be given a cash machine card for ATMs and you may also have a debit card with which to make purchases. But basic bank accounts do not allow overdrafts and there may also be a monthly fee to keep it open. You will also not earn interest on your balance.

2. Show you are reliable

Using a basic bank account properly can help you to build up to a more stable financial situation. O

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As 2010 begins and many Americans working on keeping their New Year’s resolutions to save money, they will also be trying to figure out what to do with the not-so-perfect holiday gifts they received during the holiday season. A recent survey indicated that 59% of consumers keep unwanted gifts they never plan to use, and 33% let them accumulate as clutter in their homes.

Besides taking up valuable space in your home, unwanted gifts are could also net you enough money to buy something you actually want. Of course, two main reasons consumers hold onto unwanted gifts is not wanting to upset the gift giver (60%) and for sentimental reasons (25%).

This year, resolve to make some extra money and get organized.

Maximize Your Finances

If your resolution is to make the most of your finances in 2010, why not begin by taking another look at the gifts you received that weren’t on your wish list? If

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Investing in bonds is a good investing decision in the current market. There are several types of bonds to be considered. Bonds are available in the corporate market, the municipal market and the MBA Market or mortgage backed securities as well as others.

Bonds are available in almost any amount and with a direct account you can purchase this amount every month automatically. Bonds do require varying minimum purchase amounts depending on type. By investing in bonds you earn interest quicker than you could in a normal savings account.

Bonds are available at less than their face value but only with certain types. Others have to be bought at face value. They are short-term securities and are second in popularity only to money market funds.

Most bonds are free from local and state taxes, making them of even further value. If you use the bonds to fund college tuition they will be free from federal taxes as well.

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