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

Diversity has the ‘X-Factor’

A lot of my discussions with clients when I first meet them is about their investment experience in the past.  Many express wariness of investing in funds, having been unfortunate with their previous decisions. This is the problem with choosing a fund based on its past performance. No fund can always be top of the table.

Read More

British expats in EU want pensions clarity

There has never been a better time than now for British nationals living in the EU to consolidate their retirement plans by properly investigating their expat pensions options.

Post-Brexit, sterling has fallen dramatically against the euro and for many the uncertainty surrounding expat pensions is causing understandable anxiety.

Currently, British expats living in the EU receive an annual rise in the state pension; however, this could change in the post-Brexit environment, meaning that many face the prospect of frozen pensions and as a result are giving serious consideration to the idea of returning to the UK.

While these uncertainties are not to be dismissed lightly it is worth remembering that exit negotiations are yet to begin and freedom of movement and state and expat pensions are all likely to be issues for discussion once talks do start.

Read More

Select your country

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