Open a RaboDirect High Interest Savings Account and get a whopping 5.60%p.a.* 4 month special variable rate on balances up to $250k for new customers

As well as your money working harder, there are lots of other benefits to being a RaboDirect customer.

• Open a Personal or DIY Super account online in minutes
• Absolutely no fees or hidden charges
• No fixed term or minimum account balance
• For balances Under $250k the Standard variable rate is 4.85% plus 0.75% p.a. bonus rate*

Apply for a RaboDirect High Interest Savings now

*Information and rates correct as at 16/05/2012. Rate shown is subject to change and comprises a 0.75%p.a. fixed margin above our standard variable rate on balances up to $250k, currently 4.85%p.a. Available to new customers for 4 months from account opening, then reverting to the standard variable rate. Not applicable to ‘Accounts on behalf of another person’. Different rates apply to business accounts

RaboDirect High Interest Savings is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts

Features:

• Earn up to 6.00% p.a.   Choose a term that suits you, from 1 month – 5 years
• Simple easy online application to set up your Term Deposits
• Interest paid monthly, quarterly, half yearly or yearly
• Start with as little as $1,000
• All rates available for Businesses, DIY Super and our new SMSF Online accounts
• Automatic reinvestment capability

To see all rates and getting more out of your Term Deposits, click here

Apply for a RaboDirect Term Deposit now!

Terms and conditions apply.

**6.00%p.a. rate is annual rate for 5 year term 

RaboDirect Term Deposit Account is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts

Worst Car Parking Mishaps is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts

Published in September 2011 and based on Australian household expenditure in the last 12 months leading to June 2010, the study also shows a 38% increase from the $343 per week average spending revealed in the preceding survey (2003-2004). Part of the reason for this increase, according to the ABS, was inflation. In fact, based on the consumer price index (CPI), prices of goods and services had risen by about 19% during the period between the two surveys.

With the continuously rising cost of living in the country, savings precede the list of things that get sacrificed in budget allocation. With the tons of things an Australian household has to spend for, saving up for the rainy days gets removed from the list of priorities, resulting in more expenses (and even problems) when emergencies and other unplanned expenses arise.

The good news is there are several ways to save extra money and still be able to spend for necessities. Here are some tips on where to cut down costs and how to build an emergency pool that you can dip into in case of emergencies.

1.      Evaluate your monthly bills.

Except for utilities such as water and electricity, make a list of all the bills you pay each month, along with the average amount that you shell out for them every payment day. Go through each one and evaluate which ones can be (1) gotten rid of, (2) reduced, or (3) availed for a lower cost from another provider.

2.      Conserve energy.

Not only will you get to help save the environment, you will also be able to reduce utility costs.

• Review your energy consumption and see where you can cut down usage. Are you using too much computer or TV? Is your air conditioner on even during fine weather? Are you using too many lights?
• Look at your bulbs and in case they’re still incandescent, replace them with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs consume less energy and last a lot longer than most other types of bulb.
• Use appliances and fixtures that help you conserve resources such as water-conserving toilets and energy-efficient appliances.

3.      Be a smart shopper.

Before going out to shop, especially for grocery shopping, be sure to make a list of the things you need and prioritize them. As much as possible, suppress the urge to buy more than what you really need. It also pays to avoid shopping on an empty stomach. Shopping when hungry makes everything seem inviting, increasing the tendency for you to overspend. Avoid bringing your credit card or checks unless absolutely necessary. Use cash as much as possible.

Use discount coupons from the Internet and compare prices to see which ones offer the best quality for the most affordable price.

In a nutshell, there are three expenditures that you can cut down on to be able to get you that extra money for savings: bills, utility consumption and shopping. Effective use of your resources entitles you to have leeway for other more important things.

BONUS TIP: Open a savings account.

By opening a savings bank account (or several savings accounts), you will be able to store your money in a bank for safekeeping. You wouldn’t have to take hold of it, so there is less risk of losing it accidentally or of you spending it on a whim. You can also earn interest off it.

3 Sure-Fire Ways to Save Money is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts

Despite being a relatively new kid on the block, Ubank is proving to be streets ahead in engaging customers online via Twitter with a much larger follower base and more more mentions than the long established ING Direct.

Let us know how you have found your bank to be with engaging you through social media (Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and so on).

Ubank Vs. ING Direct Twitter Showdown [Infographic] is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts

As a result, Vodafone has spent the last year investing many millions in new base stations and upgrades to improve the quality of service including data connections and has not got to the point where it is confident to advertise it’s so called ‘new network’ and spend a large amount of money in advertising, discounts and gaurentees to lure people back.

Despite this, the hashtag #vodafail has not yet died out and has been used 481 times in the past month.

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Let us know your experiences with Vodafone recently.

Are they winning or failing? Leave your comments below.

Vodafail or Vodawinning with new network? [Infographic] is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts

In these arduous economic times we often find ourselves wishing for an unexpected windfall or even a raise at work so that we could indulge in something new for ourselves. Desires for that new purse you saw in a magazine, a new book a friend was telling you about, a new dining room set to brighten up boring meals, or maybe even a new car to replace your old clunker are eating you up inside.

You were accustomed to the latest looks and now you have to choose between buying necessities or keeping up with the Jones’. Since you are avoiding adding to your debt at all costs, wishing seems to be your only option at this time. Or is it? While focusing all your attention on saving money and sticking to a budget is more important than ever, there are numerous opportunities out there to have our cake and eat it too.

Set a Goal

Figure out what you want and what you are willing to do for it. Set a time limit on how long you are willing to wait to buy that item and then divide the time by the approximate cost to figure out exactly how much you need to save or earn every week to buy it. For example, let’s say you want a new swimsuit that costs $100 and you are going on vacation in 4 weeks. Divide 4 into 100 and you need to save $25 a week to buy it in time to show off those curves.

Save for that Special Item

Most of us are not born savers of our money. We spend it as soon as it comes in, then sit around twiddling our thumbs, eyeing up our credit cards, and wishing for things we just cannot afford. There is something to be said for adding a line to your budget for a special item you really want and saving your money for it. Once you have enough saved to purchase it, each time you see it you will remember how hard it was to save for it, but how rewarding it was to pay cash and not have that guilty feeling of using a credit card.

Selling Your “Stuff” or Your Talents

We all have “stuff” that we no longer use lying around our homes. It’s time to spend fifteen minutes a day in the basement or attic and decide what you love and what it’s time to part with. Then choose a Saturday and have a garage sale. Have you already done this? Then think of a special talent you have such as speaking another language or landscaping? Offer your talent for sale locally. Always keep your goal in mind.

Buying Locally

Guess what? You aren’t the only one out there scraping pennies. Your neighbors, friends and local businesses are too. Use this to your advantage. Scour the classifieds in newspapers to see what others are trying to sell. Use the weekends to visit garage sales, thrift stores, antique shops and consignment shops. All have new or used items marked down because others need the extra money too. Certain store chains are also starting to carry designer brands at rock bottom prices. Wouldn’t it be great to find your goal item at half price?

Buying Online

There are entire sites and blogs dedicated to finding the best deals online. These sites often have coupon codes, dates of big sales and other hints and tips to buy that item for the cheapest price available. Check online for bartering sites, auctions and free recycling of items. Most of these types of sites are divided by location so you do not have to pay shipping. It also allows you to narrow down the deals to your specific location for bigger bargains close to home.

It may take time to sort through all of the items and information, but there are abundant treasures everywhere! The wonderful feeling of achieving your goal will have you on a natural high for weeks! Working hard for what you want and saving money is very rewarding.

Andrew Greene is a freelance writer and blogs for debtmanagement.org.uk a site he likes to recommend after they helped him recover from being buried in debt through debt management.

Tips for Getting What You Want on Any Budget is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts

Paint. Painting is definitely the cheapest thing you can do to renew life in your home. It’s easy to paint a room for under $75. For kitchens, high gloss finishes are more resistant to splashes from food and oils. For a living room, dining room, or bedroom – anything works! Bright colors bring personality to rooms, while neutral or dull colors add sophistication. The way you paint your home is a reflection of who you are, so go with what you feel works for you.

Thrifting. I cannot stress this enough – you can find couches for $40 that would be upwards of $300 at IKEA at your neighborhood Goodwill. Make sure you inspect pieces of furniture for broken parts or stains. Many stains are easy to remove, but some can be gross and stubborn. Appliances are also considerably cheaper at thrift stores, and if they’re in need of repair, you can easily find parts online at sites like this one. Mirrors, bookshelves, and decorative items are also easily found at thrift stores.

Rugs and curtains. Finding rugs and curtains for cheap is a lot simpler than you think. Stores like Target and Walmart have simple rugs for low prices, and if your budget is higher, you can find some really cool ones at smaller boutiques – and you’re stimulating your town’s economy if it’s a locally owned business! Curtains are also a good item to get at thrift stores, but you can find them at specialty stores as well. Or, even better, you could make your own!

DIY. DIY crafts are probably the cheapest (and most fun!) aspect of redecorating your home. Paper garlands are a cute idea to bring color and life to a room. Strung over a fireplace or table, they can make a bare wall look unique. And the best part? Making a paper garland shouldn’t cost more than $7. Wine bottle candle holders are also creative and classy – perfect for a dining room table. They’re easy to make too – just put a thin candle in the neck of a wine bottle. The internet can also help you find countless other ideas for DIY home décor – look at sites like Etsy or Pinterest for inspiration and fresh ideas.

Lighting. Lighting is an extremely important part of a room. The way a room is lit can change the mood and atmosphere. Small lamps add a cozy touch to a living room, while brighter lights are good for a kitchen. Mirrors and bright lights can make a room look bigger. Cheap lamps can also be thrifted for inexpensive prices.

These are just a couple of tips to inspire you. Use your creativity and you could come up with more frugal ways to give new life to your home!

Avalon Kenny is a writer and full time student from Greensboro, NC. She passes her time studying extensively, working at her computer based job, and writing. You can find her on Twitter at @SheIsAvalon.

Freshen Your Space for Less is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts

Inside the Home

Security Systems – this is without a doubt one of the most popular ways by which you can equip your home to provide better security for you and your loved ones.

• As your home is filled with your most valued belongings, buying a home alarm system is not actually the best time to be extra frugal. Spend the extra time and money to search for quality security devices that are efficient and easy to use. There is no sense in buying an alarm system that would conk out just when you need it the most.
• Never turn your alarms off, not even when you are all safely at home. Robberies and thefts do not just happen on the rare instances that you and your entire family are on vacation which is why it is best to always be on guard.
• Do not entrust the details and specifications of your security system to anyone.
• See to the proper inspection and maintenance of your home’s anti-theft devices to ensure that they are still working perfectly.
• Should your security device break down, make sure to have it repaired or replaced the soonest time possible.

Outside the Home

Certain conditions can make your home more susceptible to the prying eyes of these invaders.

• Trim off bushes and hedges where thieves can hide. Always make sure that they are below waist level and can easily be seen from your window.
• Proper lighting plays a key role in arresting the threats of home invaders. Do not encourage these unscrupulous individuals to prey on your home by keeping a poorly lit lawn and patio where they can easily hide from the neighbors as they attempt to enter your home.
• If you can spend a few extra bucks, opt for sensor activated lights that monitors any sudden and unwelcome visits around your property.
• Make sure that all your outdoor lighting is properly maintained and working in perfect condition.
• Always keep your back doors and garage doors locked.

Other Tips

• Install double locks and secured deadbolts on all your doors and windows. When using a safety chain, make sure that it is made from quality materials that won’t easily cave in.
• Never open your door especially at night unless you are 100% sure on who is at the opposite end.
• Window grills are also excellent for those who regularly open their windows to allow the cool breeze in.
• Make sure that your valuables are not easily seen through the windows to avoid attracting burglars.

While it is impossible to have a 100% invasion-free home, making it a lot more difficult for these devious felons to enter your premises boosts your chances of evading such an experience.

Carla is a prolific writer on all things related to safety and the home. Some of her most popular work includes pest control reviews of bed bug steam cleaning methods and finding the right bed bug traps if your home has become infested.

Securing Your Home: What You Need to Know is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts

Enjoy the benefits of a high interest online savings account with some of the most competitive features and rates on the market. Reach your savings goals faster with the high interest rate of the Virgin Saver.

All customers who apply for a Saver account from the 14th May will be offered an ongoing flat variable rate of 4.75%.

Features

• Leading rates on the market - Highest variable ongoing rate of 4.75% p.a.
• Customers can now open more than 1 Saver account and get the same great ongoing rate of 4.75%. There is no limit to the number of accounts a customer can open
• There will no longer be tiered rates, the 4.75% rate applies to the whole balance. As noted, this rate applies to customers who apply and open an account after the 14th May
• Zero Fees  Enjoy zero fees and unlimited transactions free of charge from a nominated link bank account and the Virgin Saver.
• No Minimum Balance  A savings account for everyone regardless of their earnings with no regular repayments, deposit amount or minimum balance required
• 24/7 Access to Funds  Keep your banking convenient with online account access 24/7 to transfer money, view your transactions, set up savings plans

Apply for a Virgin Saver Account now

Terms & Conditions apply and are available by clicking here.

Virgin Saver is a post from: High Interest Savings Accounts