This bi-monthly magazine is ideal if you're interested in keeping up with all aspects of personal finance, including insurance and investments and for helping you make the most of your money.
Available bi-monthly on subscription in braille and electronically for 76p per issue. To order Money Matters, contact RNIB on 0303 123 9999 or email shop@rnib.org.uk
Money Matters is also available in digital audio (DAISY) format. This is the same format that can be played on Talking Book players and can also be read on computers with DAISY software. If you would like to switch to this format, please contact RNIB on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
You can contact us about the content of Money Matters by email at editorial@rnib.org.uk or write to us in braille or print to RNIB Editorial Department, PO Box 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS.
In this issue - June 2013
-
Five questions about ... Contactless cards
-
One in five retiring in 2013 "will be below poverty line"
-
Mortgage lending up 4% - the highest level for four years
-
Up to 3.5 million people owed tax refund, says HMRC
-
Post Office unveils new current accounts
-
Why are the old unable to borrow?
-
How you can get to grips with the new world of Universal Credit
-
Holiday hell as insurers reject sickness cover
Co-operative Bank rolls out "talking ATM's"
The Co-operative Bank has announced the launch of its first talking ATMs with high contrast screens for blind and partially sighted customers with over 400 going live on May 22. The Bank will then launch over 1,000 ATMs with talking functionality by the end of 2013, with a further 1,000 planned for 2014.
Talking ATMs deliver private, spoken instructions through a headset which is plugged into the ATM. High contrast screens are also being introduced (a UK first) which will aid many partially sighted customers. The customer will be able to complete transactions on their own in a convenient environment at any time.
The "talking ATM" functionality will eventually be available at all Co-operative Bank branch ATMs and at most ATMs at Co-operative Food stores. The service will be available to Link or Visa card holders from all banks.
Fazilet Hadi, RNIB's Group Director Inclusive Society, said: "We are delighted Co-op is rolling out speech-enabled ATMs, benefiting thousands of people with sight loss. We believe all banks in the UK should provide ATMs with audio facilities for their blind and partially sighted customers, and now for other banks to follow Co-op's example."
Credit card cutbacks
Almost one in 10 people has cut up their credit card in an effort to get their finances under control during the economic downturn, a study has found. Two-thirds of families have started buying own-brand products and four out of 10 have put off home improvements, while a fifth of individuals have cancelled their gym membership and a third are drinking less. According to the Future of Britain Project, a research initiative by the advertising group OMD, half of 35-to 44-year-olds expect to be worse off than their parents.
Moneysaving tip of the month
Going abroad, or spending on foreign websites? You can save hundreds of pounds by using specialist travel spending cards for the best possible exchange rates. Top choices, according to the Moneysaving Expert website, include the Halifax Clarity credit card and, for over-50s, the Saga card. The site also offers tips on how to get the best rates on travel money.