Options Available to those looking to Raise Finance

If you have assets, for example, the equity locked up in your home, then you may wish to consider Equity Release.

Equity Release allows you to release the equity locked up in your home, in the form of a tax-free cash lump sum. There are a number of difference schemes available, including:

• Home Reversion Schemes
• Home Income Plans
• Interest Only Mortgages
• Lifetime Mortgages

For those looking to raise finance to pay off mounting debts, then Debt Consolidation may be the most appropriate option. Debt Consolidation may allow you to reduce the total amount you repay, and help you to become debt free within a shorter period of time.

There are a number of options available, which include:

• Individual Voluntary Arrangement - IVA
• Debt Management Plan

Pension Release is also an option for anyone looking to raise finance. However, releasing the cash tied up in your pension will reduce your income in retirement.

Personal Loans are a common method of raising finance, and are available for a number of different purposes, and with many different interest rates, repayment terms.

Credit Cards are a common source of finance for individuals. Credit cards can offer convenient financing, and can come with a number of other benefits, such as airmiles.

Options Available to those looking to Invest for the Future

The most common method used to invest for the future, is through a Pension. Pensions are a convenient way for individuals to save up a small amount each month, to be repaid following retirement. Amounts paid into a pension scheme are invested by the administrator, protecting the real value of the contributions against inflation between now and retirement.

For those with surplus cash, Investments are an option. Investments are available in a number of formats, to allow the investor the choice of how risky an investment they desire, and how much of a return they expect.

For those looking to cut costs and save money

With the recent recession, house price falls and low interest rates, you may find our section on Mortgages provide some useful information for homeowners.

Nowadays, there are a number of different bank accounts available, all offering different benefits at varying costs, in order to attract you to them. See our Banking section for more information.

For those looking to protect themselves if the worst happens

Nowadays, insurance is essential to ensure you are protected when the worst happens. Our Insurance section explains the various types of policies available, as well as the potential pitfals of each, and where you should go to find the best deals and most comprehensive cover.

Life assurance is a policy designed to pay out a sum of money in the event of death, or critical illness. The policy requires payment of a premium, paid at regular intervals, or in a lump sum. See our Life Assurance sction for more information.

Businesses looking to raise finance or manage their finances

Our Corporate Finance section provides informarion to help small businesses raise the necessary finance to fund their business, and includes some of the pitfalls to look out for.