Contact

News & Insights

Comparison website ‘misleading’ savers into buying low rates

They compared four major comparison websites, as part of the investigation and found its rivals offered far more choices. Savers who took these inferior “best buys” could lose up to £500 a year in lost interest, according to the programme. 

This figure comprises interest that savers would forgo if they put £1,000 into an easy-access account, £10,000 into an Isa, £8,000 into a 3-year bond and £7,000 into a notice account according to the sites recommendations, compared with the best deals for each product. The savings section has now been removed from the website 

The first comparison site started in 2002, introducing the model whereby firms pay for their products to be included in online best-buy tables. These sites have since become household names, and are widely used to compare financial products such as car insurance and energy suppliers. 

Comparison websites typically have a commercial link with the products they advertises, for example the comparison website may receive a commission every time a user clicks through to a bank or building society’s product website. 

Investors are lulled into a false sense of security by expecting impartial information to be supplied for them to get the best deal.  Whilst quite often people are satisfied with the outcome, there is no ongoing support and advice after. This is where Blacktower can help you.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Can expats vote in May’s surprise general election?

Polling Station EntranceFollowing Theresa May’s shock announcement that there will be a general election on June 8, many long-term expats were left wondering if they would get the chance to vote.

Britons who have lived abroad for more than 15 years were previously denied the right to vote in the 2015 general election as well as the EU referendum last year. The latter was viewed as particularly unfair by many seeing as the result of the referendum, Brexit, is likely to have major impact on the future for many British expats.

Read More

Portugal is the Place for South African Expats

Portuguese Flag and Euros Portugal is an increasingly popular choice for South Africans who are looking to embrace the adventures and opportunities of expat life in the EU. Making the move can pay dividends as Portugal offers a favourable tax jurisdiction for financially prudent and high-net-worth expats. For example, by investing at least €350,000 in the country, and meeting other criteria, South Africans can secure residency on fairly straightforward terms, while also utilising the tax benefits offered by Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency programme.

It is easy to see why so many South Africans are doing it; Portugal’s favourable investment and residency landscape has made it a thriving and innovative economic  destination in the European Union. Couple this with one of the more enviable European climates, and you have a simple formula that makes Portugal one of the world’s leading expat retirement destinations.

Read More

Select your country

Please select your country of residence so we can provide you with the most relevant information: