Archive for July, 2011

Issues on Payday Loans – Regulation is not the Answer, Responsible Finance Management Is

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Proponents of stricter regulations and control of payday lending business may not be aware of the fact that they are probably doing a great disservice to UK consumers. Despite their firm belief that they are protecting the welfare of consumers, the full implication of a tighter regime in the operations of this subprime lending service may actually do more harm than good to consumers.

With the current credit crunch, where can consumers run to in the event that they don’t qualify for regular loans? If you take payday loans out of the equation, what would be the next option of these hapless consumers? Sadly, even the proponents of this move to further regulate and control payday lending business could not offer a viable alternative. The truth of the matter is that the issue of control and regulation seems to be creating more problems than solving them. In fact, there are certain proposals that can render the business of payday lending unprofitable in the event that these are fully implemented.

The gut issue is not really on how the affairs of payday lending companies are being handled. Our focus should be in the proper education of consumers on sound financial management and the campaign for a more responsible spending.

Food Prices on the Rise

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Whilst some prices are reducing for everyday shoppers food prices are most certainly on the rise. Customers are now revaluating their shopping habits with 4 in 5 people now changing their shopping habit as a consequence of the increase in food prices. The ”posh nosh” range organic food has been particularly hard with 38% of consumers less likely to buy organic meat and 43% of people cutting back on organic fruit and vegetables (Source – Daily Mail).

So how can a shopper make it easier on the wallet when food is needed. Here at www.loanadvances.com we have put some tips together to help with the escalating food costs:

  • Try not to use smaller shops and shop in small quantities – the temptation to do a smaller, daily shop will cost more in the long run as the price of food is typically much higher
  • Use the larger supermarkets to shop for your produce; some offer cash back schemes that will pay the difference on other costs (Asda are currently running this scheme, whereby they will reimburse 10% if their price is ‘beaten’ – they have a barcode system you can check online after you have shopped)
  • Make a list and stick to it. This take some discipline, but the supermarkets will try to tempt you with various offers; if it is not on your list, you do not need it!
  • Shop online. By shopping online you will be more focused on what you purchase and thus avoid temptation.
  • Never shop hungry; a classic piece of advice that is so true – if you are hungry and you so, you will buy more than you need.
  • Create storage space. Tinned produce will make a range of dishes that will save you money and feed many – have you got the storage space needed?
  • Home cook and freeze – another old classic money saving piece of advice. If you freeze your food, it will go much further and save you money.

    There are many more bits of advice you could follow on how to save money on your food. This is important as food is not going to reduce in price anytime soon!