Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Money Box

Discussion & Talk

Podcasts

Factual: Money

The latest news from the world of personal finance

The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Money Box: Low interest rates; How a minor car scrape can still hurt you

Low interest rates; How a minor car scrape can still hurt you

31/08/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Money Box, Low interest rates; How a minor car scrape can still hurt you

Low interest rates are here to stay. So how will that affect you personally?

Low interest rates are here to stay. How will that affect your savings? And what for pension pots? And how a minor car bash you don't claim for could still push up your premium.

The Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney has said he expects no change in Bank Rate until at least 2016. Though economic commentators are divided on whether that will be true. What it does mean is that low interest rates for savers are here to stay. There's also a question mark over how much longer inflation will hover at around the 2.5% mark. Inflation is another key factor to consider when making decisions about saving, investing and converting a pension pot into an annuity. An economist, a savings expert and an annuity guru flag up the issues involved.

Every time you call your car insurer and enquire about whether you can claim for an incident that call is noted down and finds its way to a national database called CUE (Claims and Underwriting Exchange). The information it stores can be used to set the premium on your insurance - not just for the present insurer but any future insurer too. Even if you never make a claim and keep your no claims bonus, if you have made a number of enquiries your premiums could be increased. And as far as we can tell, insurers never tell you about it. Bob Howard will report on the issue.

A financial adviser who simply took over the small amounts of trail commission (perhaps 0.5% a year on your investments) and then gave it back to you or got it paid into your investment pot is closing down after two years of not making sufficient profits to keep going. Commission Cleanser was run by Ivan Massow. He talks about what went wrong and what happens to his customers - and their commission - now. And we get industry comment.

The final settlement has been announced for the 7 million people persuaded by their bank or credit card provider into calling CPP which then mis-sold them card protection insurance or ID theft protection. Money Box explains how the compensation scheme will work.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Money Box

Low interest rates; How a minor car scrape can still hurt you

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4