In today’s mortgage market is can be hard to save for down payment but not impossible. Mortgage lenders are now looking to lend money to those with 700+ FICO scores and at least 10% down but in most cases 20% is currently needed. So how do you save for a down payment? Click here to read more.. »
Jan
22
Best term deposit rates
Out of interest do foreign currency accounts pay interest the same as if they were held in the country of currency?
Like could I get 6% or 7% in an Aus or NZ account at HSBC in Thailand? or is it the same interest rate as if it were a Thai account? If it is the former what bank has the best rates for Aus and NZ?
In N.Z. Kiwibank seems to give the best term deposit rates.
I just got 8.15% for 1 year but at the moment you can get a higher return for 18 months.
You may be able to open an account online and deposit the same way.
I think interest rates will stay high in N.Z. for some time yet as there is talk of the reserve bank raising the cash rate in the next month or two.
Watch this space.
Jan
21
Investments & Interest Rates
It is coming up to “Pick an ISA” time again. I am unable to understand why most banks seem to be offering X% on cash ISAs (tax free obviously) but can offer X+1% on bonds on which tax is payable. If they have my money why does the rate vary depending on where it is? Any easy answer please? Click here to read more.. »