According to the Telegraph, half of all adults will possibly be declined a credit card. This huge figure shows just how strict the policies are that banks now employ to combat the outcomes of the Eurozone crisis are. Out of this proportion, young adults aged 18 to 24 are the most likely to be declined credit. This is a big problem for university students who commonly fit into this age bracket. These students already graduate with a hefty student debt and are going to struggle to find lenders willing to support them when they need a credit card, mortgage or a general loan.

However, as the saying goes, with every problem, there’s a solution.

High street lenders have notoriously strict guidelines when it comes to approving loans. However, there are a number of reliable credit providers who follow more flexible criteria. These lenders are specifically suited to people with a poor or no credit rating and work to improve their credit situation.

The main problem facing students is that they often don’t have a credit history at all. This positions them as a huge risk for lenders as they have no proof that they can handle debt. Although most students have a student debt, this is a government funded study loan, which they only begin to pay back once they earn a certain amount of money. This is different to owing money on a credit card where the responsibility is wholly on you to make monthly repayments as soon as you use the card.

Research provided by aquacard found that many young adults are failing to meet banks’ lending criteria. To combat this, students have to do everything they can to make themselves an attractive option to lenders.

James Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer at aqua, urges credit applicants to register on the electoral roll, pay their bills on time and confirm their credit record is correct to ensure the best chances of attaining a loan.

While all these points are valid, for students their credit record won’t even exist without any credit history. The most important thing they can do is to start building up a good credit history. How to improve credit rating for a student? There are two simple solutions.

Don’t forget the gas

Paying your utility bills on time, like the gas and electricity, prepares you for managing larger debt repayments in the future. Paying these bills on time can also affect your credit rating. Although these bill payments are not always recorded on your credit report, many companies, like British Gas, share information with credit reference agencies such as Equifax and Experian. Late payments of your bills can be shared with lenders and result in credit providers refusing your credit application.

Get a credit card

Student credit cards are a simple and convenient way to prove to the banks that you can manage debt. These cards can be used for buying anything from groceries to your phone bill and as long as you pay the amount off quickly, your credit rating will rise. Certain credit providers, like aqua, provide a range of credit card options aimed at building a person’s credit. They work by simplifying the repayment process making it as easy as possible for you to pay your bills on time. The aqua Advance credit card, for example, comes with a credit limit of between £250 up to £1,600 depending on how much you can manage, and offers flexible repayment dates. It also rewards you for making repayments on time by reducing the initial 34.9% APR by 5% each year for three years – so you end up with a very competitive 19.9% APR. If you have an Advance credit card you will also receive SMS reminders to ensure you don’t miss a payment. Additionally, and most importantly, they look great to lenders.

Today, parental roles are changing. There’s no longer a black and white distinction between which parent does what in the family household. In the past, women have traditionally stayed at home to care for the child while the men worked to provide for the family. But things have changed. Firstly, women are now a predominant force in the workplace. And secondly, the range of family combinations has diversified. There is now a mixture of mums and mums, dads and dads or even one mum or one dad.

This is modern parenting. The need to care and provide for a child has not changed, but the expectations on parental roles have. Governments need to do as much as they can to support this.

A new government plan on the current maternity leave system will begin in 2015, broadening options for parents and their working lives. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is the man behind these changes. He has pushed and succeeded in getting reforms across that allow parents to share up to one year of paid parental leave however they see fit.
Currently, women can, in most workplaces, take one year of paid maternity leave after their child is born, while men can take two weeks.

When maternity leave was first introduced it revolutionised the workforce. In the United Kingdom this occurred in 1976. Women working full-time had to have been with their current employer for at least two years from 11 weeks before their expected due date. Today, women can take up to 52 weeks maternity leave from the first signs of pregnancy, no matter how many hours you work, how much you’re paid or how long you’ve worked for the employer. While the laws surrounding parental rights have come a long way from this, there’s still much further to go.

The gap between the sexes and their traditional roles in parenting is narrowing. And the accepted style of parenting is changing. Debates over how best to discipline a child and whether to breastfeed or not stir up a lot of friction between different communities. But ultimately, the decision on how to parent is personal, and any unbiased advice you need along the way can be found at Clearblue Advice.

The upcoming changes to maternity leave in the UK give parents exactly that – a personal choice in how to divide or spend their paternal leave.

For some women, one of the symptoms of pregnancy is the need to put their career on hold. Even if the mother is the main household earner, the onus is on her to take the time off. In actual fact, it may be more suitable for their partner to have the time off, and they may really want to.

When the changes to parental leave are brought into effect in 2015, parents will be given much more choice and freedom in how their family works together.

There are many reasons you may want to take out a personal loan. However, before taking out any kind of financial product or plan it’s important to learn more about it. People often sign up to bank loans or credit cards, for example, without asking the right questions.

Read on for some of the main questions you should be asking if you’re considering taking out a personal loan.

Why do you need a loan?

The first thing you need to realise is that any loan, large or small, is a financial commitment. You’ll be expected to make regular and timely payments. With this in mind, consider carefully the sum you’ll need.

Take into account that smaller loans often come with a higher interest rate. A larger loan means that your level of commitment increases dramatically. You need to make sure you never miss a payment, as you may receive hefty charges.

How long will you be paying your loan back?

Your overall loan amount is greatly influenced by the repayment term. It’s always worth setting the term for as short a time as your budget allows. Make sure that your monthly payments are manageable, no matter how long your repayment plan is.

How much will you be paying back a month?

Personal loans usually have a fixed payment schedule and duration. Always be sure to ask whether your loan is a variable or fixed rate. Think carefully about whether the loan fits your budget, on both bad months and good months.

Can I pay off the loan early?

You may be able to pay off the loan early – which can save you a lot of money in interest charges. However, you may find that there’s a charge for early repayment. Think carefully before taking out a loan that doesn’t charge an Early Repayment Penalty, especially if you suspect that you will be able to pay your loan off earlier.

Should I take out a secured or unsecured loan?

A secured loan requires you to put down an asset, such as your house or car, for security. This type of plan offers longer repayment terms and lower interest rates, but there is a higher risk. If you’re considering taking out a secured loan, make sure you’re able to fully commit.

An unsecured loan usually has higher interest rates, with repayment terms typically set at seven years. Many people prefer to take out an unsecured loan, since missing a payment will not put them in danger of repossession.

Should I take out Payment Protection Insurance (PPI)?

There’s been a lot of bad press regarding Payment Protection Insurance over the last few months. Basically, PPI will ensure the monthly repayments are met on your loan if you’re unable to make them due to sickness, an accident or unemployment. It may be worthwhile, particularly if things are a little tight or you’re reliant on a single income. Consider this option carefully.

If you’ve ever wandered around looking for your glasses, only to find them on the top of your head, or watched as your contact lens slithered silkily down the side of the basin and neatly into the plughole, you’ll know what it is to long for perfect 20:20 vision. We perform a thousand tasks every hour which require clear, sharp eyesight: reading, driving, watching TV and checking the bank balance… If only we could see without having to think about our eye paraphernalia…

Well, we can.

Laser eye surgery was first introduced in the 1980s. Since then its popularity has soared, with in excess of 100,000 people a year undergoing procedures in the UK alone. With 85% of existing optical aid users being eligible, it’s little wonder that clinics and centres are springing up all over the place. But it’s not enough to find out if you’re suitable for treatment; you have to ask whether the treatment is suitable for you. You should ask how much it costs, what the recovery time is like and does it hurt.

Check out laser eye surgery reviews for extensive information about every aspect involved with the process: from how to choose a clinic, along with a step-by-step run down of what to expect during the actual procedure – including what it actually feels like – to links to external forums, where past patients discuss their own personal experiences. There’s also an interactive comparison of prices in your area – for in the same way as if you were buying say, a new computer, or considering cosmetic surgery, it pays to shop around. Not only do you want to be reassured on quality, nobody likes paying over the odds for a product they can get for a better price somewhere else. Similarly, if you’re unsure about the requisite level of competency offered, the site fills you in on the appropriate qualifications and affiliations a surgeon should display after their name, and recommends questions to ask about what you should expect from aftercare.
Laser eye surgery is actually one of the safest elective surgical procedures going. It’s fast – typically a matter of minutes; some patients are unaware the operation has started, let alone finished; and the recovery time is quick. And lest you fear the worst, there are no needles involved at any time since anaesthesia is delivered in eye drop form.

This swift intervention has a long-lasting effect, too. No more appointments to fit in at the opticians for costly glasses; no more fiddling around trying to fit small pieces of plastic into your eyes, or endeavouring to get them out again. 20:20 vision without any daily fuss or frustration.

Click here to check out whether laser eye surgery is for you.

Whether you’ve got a St Bernard’s or a Chihuahua, a moggie or a Siamese, a budgie or a python, your pet deserves the very best care and attention. Without you, his life would be empty, and without him, you’d be incomplete. We know. We understand. Your pets mean the world to you.

It makes sense then that you’d want to provide the right sort of provisions for him should the worst happen to either of you. Planning ahead to avoid any awkward or difficult circumstances when it comes to taking care of your loved ones is part and parcel of accepting responsibility over them.

The RSPCA has been at the heart of animal wellbeing for over a hundred years. They now offer pet insurance designed to assist with the unforeseen costs of pet ownership.

Owning a pet can be absurdly expensive when it comes to treating illness or accident. According to the Independent, the cost of vet bills can mount up incredibly fast, with simple procedures like booster jabs costing upwards of £40 each.

Add to this the cost of overnight stays, medications, specialist food and drips, the price of your beloved animal friend can quickly spiral out of control. In order to better prepare yourself for any future difficulties, taking out RSPCA pet insurance could save you money and give you piece of mind.

Here are five reasons to cover your pet with good all-inclusive insurance. You might be surprised at what it can actually do for you.

1. Insuring your pet isn’t just about preparing for future illnesses or accidents that may not happen – most companies offer a reward fee, meaning that should your animal pal decide to go off adventuring on its own, you’ll be able to offer a larger reward for their safe return.

2. Vet bills are famously expensive and smaller procedures such as injections can add up very quickly. Add to this the everyday costs of food, grooming and boarding kennels, and your pets can easily become your most expensive householders. Pet insurance will cover most illnesses and accidents, leaving you with only an agreed excess to pay for.

3. Should you be the one who becomes poorly, pet insurance will cover your pet’s stay in a boarding kennel while you recover in hospital, ensuring they have somewhere safe and caring to stay.

4. Inclusive pet insurance policies will also cover dog and cat (and even some more exotic pets – but check first) travel insurance, meaning that when you go jet setting, you can also take your animal friends.

5. Finally, insurance companies are willing to pay out reasonable compensation for pets should your prize-winning pedigree be stolen or suddenly pass away.

As you can see from this short list, pet insurance can offer you so much more than simply cover for vet bills. The professional opinion is though, the cost of vet bills alone might make pet insurance worthwhile.

You love your pets and you want to keep them safe and healthy. By taking out an all-inclusive pet insurance policy you’re safeguarding their futures, ensuring you enjoy long and happy lives together. Worrying about money is too much of an issue in this day and age, so isn’t it time you put your mind at rest when it comes to the health of your beloved animals?

How did we ever banish boredom before the arrival of Facebook? It seems impossible now to remember all those tedious train journeys without mobile internet access or the hours lost waiting at the bus stop with nothing to do.

These, days if we find ourselves hanging around waiting for something we’re likely to log in to Facebook or download an app to entertain ourselves.

One of the most popular methods of banishing boredom is by playing online bingo, now thought to be the 2nd most popular entertainment pastime in the UK. In recent times, many bingo players have migrated to Facebook, where they can play bingo with friends from their network or from the wider social network community.

Facebook bingo players are attracted to the sense of community and familiarity this creates, and they like knowing who they are playing with and real friendships are made and nurtured through playing together online.

Until now, only free games were available on Facebook, but this week saw the launch of the first games app on the social networking site which allows players to compete for and win real money prizes. The Facebook Friendzy App is the latest innovation from Gamesys, the company behind popular online bingo site Jackpotjoy.com. As Friendzy is the first and only Facebook app where gamers play for real money it’s likely to become one of the most popular bingo apps on the entire Facebook network.

Bingo players are rarely motivated by the lure of the prize, preferring to play on sites that feel friendly and welcoming. But the possibility of winning big can add a different dimension to the game, as players watch the numbers more closely when pounds and pence are at stake.

The cost to players of each game is minimal – you can play for pennies but the potential rewards are huge. Prizes range in size, from little if you win a round of Bingo 90 to huge for a winner of a Community Progressive Jackpot. And because bingo is a game of chance, players don’t need to be experts to win, although seasoned players claim they to have a range of tactics and strategies that help them improve their chances.

The game is entirely safe to play and all player information is protected by Friendzy’s developers, Gamesys. Gamesys is licensed and regulated by the authorities and every month pays out more than £90m in cash prizes.

The company’s Managing Director Michael Saunders said at the launch of Friendzy: “We are committed to forming decisive partnerships and extending our products to a wider audience. To be selected to provide our award winning games and entertainment to the UK Facebook community marks an exciting turning point for the industry and a milestone for the business.”

Mankind is on a constant search for entertainment and amusement. Every period of our history involves a new pastime or hobby, and one of the most long-lasting of these is the traditional game of bingo.

An established pastime across the world, bingo is often considered a traditionally British game, despite the little known fact that its origins lie in Italy. Even in the modern age of computer games and smartphones, bingo remains a popular hobby, and this is more than likely due to the rise of online bingo.

One of the main attractions of online bingo is that you can play it wherever and whenever you want. Gaming fanatics can play from the comfort of their own home or anywhere with an active Internet connection.

There is no longer the need to brave the cold weather or travel a great distance in order to source a bingo hall; players can simply log onto their favourite site in a matter of minutes and begin playing.

Those that often take part in the online game will more than likely be aware of the many exciting bonuses and promotions on offer.

For great promotions you may want to try a bingo site like wink bingo, a popular site with a fun-filled atmosphere complete with enticing incentives.

Welcome bonuses are a beginner’s perfect companion. They allow you to begin gameplay with the casino’s money as opposed to your own. Such game play is a great way to familiarise yourself with the online format before putting your own money at stake.

Despite what many people may think, more people between the age of eighteen and fifty are readily taking part in games of online bingo, and these players cover all demographics and genders. Due to this fact, online sites are revamping the look and feel of their sites to match their diverse clientele.

All businesses, no matter what size they are, need to keep track of their payroll. While tiny companies might well be able to get by with the free tools on offer from HMRC, for most firms, they will need something a bit more substantial. Payroll software, such as easy to use online payroll software, can be very useful for small businesses. This articles looks at the reasons why it is useful, what it actually does and how it can make administering certain activities and events easier.

Why use payroll software for your small business?

Why it is useful
First of all, the main reason payroll software is so useful for a small business is that it helps to do a lot of the payroll work for you. Wages are not only one of the biggest costs for little companies but they also come with a significant administrative burden, which is where the software can help you. It enables you to input all of the relevant data and then automatically calculates the payroll for you.

This typically includes taking account of things like employees’ tax and NI as well as employers’ National Insurance Contributions and the tax implications of any benefits that a firm may offer to its employees (such as pension contributions or childcare vouchers). Most good small business payroll software also updates whenever new regulations come into force, which is a benefit as it helps the calculations to stay accurate without the business having to worry about it.

What it does
As you can see from the above explanation, payroll software has the ability to relieve much of the administrative burden that goes along with any payroll. As well as making standard calculations for full-time employees, it also incorporates a wide range of other issues related to the payroll.

For example, many small businesses have part time staff, who also need to be on the payroll. This can be taken care of by the software, as can any employees who have flexible working hours or any overtime completed by employees. Without software, these are all additions and calculations you would have to make manually, so it’s easy to see where the benefits come from.

Good software can typically also keep track of rotating shift workers and flexible benefits. It helps to save time and means that companies have confidence that they will be able to produce accurate payslips for their employees on time. It makes it easier to determine how much people need to pay through PAYE, which also helps in terms of generating the right tax codes for employees.

You can also use the software to track things like absences and holiday leave. Online payroll software can be particularly useful as it allows for easy access and it is very simple to update, as well as ensuring businesses can access it wherever they need to as long as they have an internet connection.

Activities and events
As well as all of this, small business payroll software can also be used to track other regular activities or events associated with the payroll. For example, it is useful for keeping up to date employee records, which can be particularly useful when someone joins or leaves the company. It can also help you keep track of employee productivity such as by producing reports based on timesheets.

This is not only important for the company’s own information, but it also helps to make sure the company complies with relevant legislation such as the national minimum wage requirement or the working time directive.

Also, as any business knows, there is a requirement to file financial returns every year, and payroll software can make this much easier for your business as it keeps much of the relevant information in one place, where it can easily be transposed as required. There are good accounts courses available where employees can learn about how the software can be of assistance when dealing with financial returns. For example, the software can typically enable firms to issue P60s and P11Ds to employees, as well as submit forms to HMRC (such as the P14 and P35).

Overall, small business payroll software is very useful for all businesses. It helps to automate a lot of processes and means that less time needs to be spent administering the payroll, which frees up employees to focus on other things, as well as giving the company peace of mind that important processes are taken care of to a high level of accuracy thanks to this software. It is definitely something worth considering for your company.

A renowned producer of innovative cars, Honda has created a number of vehicles that have transformed the automotive world. Their recent dedication to offering environmental benefits has seen hybrid cars feature at the forefront of their line-up, characterising the future of their development.

Honda has pioneered hybrids with a simple system. They are extremely lightweight and contain a simple electric motor that is positioned alongside a combustion engine. Their hybrid cars hide a nickel-metal hybrid battery and power electronics under the floor of the boot, improving performance without impairing appearance.

The Honda Insight hybrid was the first car of its kind and has been very well received since its introduction. In fact, a recent announcement stated that since the introduction of the Insight in 1999, Honda has sold more than 800,000 hybrid vehicles across the world.

As the pioneer of this form of motoring, it is clear that hybrid vehicles are a prime focus for the manufacturer and that means new models are always likely to be on the horizon.

The Honda Jazz hybrid is Honda’s fourth hybrid and has comfortably established itself in the supermini sector. This popular car is one of the cheapest and smallest family hatchbacks and retains the high quality standards that Honda is famous for.

The driver is left in charge due to the Integrated Motor Assist System and, with the electric motor enhancing the performance, this acts as a generator during braking, harsh acceleration and even at top speed. The engine is typically Honda, energetic and vivacious, but the Eco button on the Jazz reduces power, offering longer stop intervals.

All of these features make the Honda Jazz one of the latest developments in eco-friendly cars, but it is far from being the only hybrid on offer. The Honda range incorporates a number of hybrid models, with the original Honda Insight remaining a popular choice.

Offering hybrid cars in everything from saloons to hatchbacks, it is clear that drivers will have a wealth of choice available to them when making their decision – but why should they choose hybrids?

With governments and car manufacturers both focusing on this area, hybrid cars are only likely to become more commonplace in the future and that means investing in them now puts you ahead of the game.

Alongside the environmental benefits that are on offer, hybrid cars can also save you money. Their improved fuel economy offers you the chance to make savings on your fuel, whilst their low carbon emissions may make them subject to reductions in road tax and other associated costs.

If you are looking to reduce your fuel bills and emissions when you purchase your next car, a hybrid could be the perfect choice. As the manufacturer who pioneered this form of technology, Honda remains a popular choice for many drivers who are looking to become more environmentally-friendly.

With innovative technology that enhances the driving comfort and performance offered across their range, Honda’s hybrid cars are taking the world by storm by offering quality that is almost unrivalled.

It was once said that everyone will have his or her 15 minutes of fame and it seems like Mrs Janet A’s 15 minutes will be coming sooner rather than later, after she won big at a game of bingo recently.

Janet was playing on Jackpotjoy.com, one of the UK’s most popular instant win bingo sites. Offering a huge range of games, fun features and the chance to win a fabulous cash prize, Jackpotjoy is particularly popular with first-time players due to its easy-to-navigate layout and selection of games to suit every skill level.

Best of all, the Free Demo feature allows you to take each game out for a test drive before you decide on your favourite and to make sure you don’t miss out.

Bingo 75 winner can’t wait to be famous

Janet was of course delighted with her win, describing herself as “shocked and surprised” following her cash prize of £16,210.64 (a windfall that we’re sure will be put to good use!)

Janet was playing Bingo 75, a game that offers a quirky twist on traditional bingo. Instead of trying to check off lines or houses, players have to check off a specific pattern or shape, such as a flower or heart. The first to nab the shape wins and because it’s a game of online bingo your computer will monitor your card for you, meaning that you can play more cards than ever before.

Bingo 75 also offers a unique progressive jackpot to its players. The more you play, the higher the jackpot becomes, until eventually one lucky player is left with a huge cash prize. To ensure that everyone picks up the rules easily, the friendly chat hosts are on hand to help with any problems you may have, so beginners needn’t be worried about knowing what to do. Bingo 75 also attracts a friendly crowd, so don’t be shy since they’ll soon make you feel welcome.

Of course, winning the jackpot isn’t a sure thing, and Janet knows how lucky she is to have won and isn’t going to take it for granted: “I can’t wait for the publicity call and to see myself in a magazine”, she said following the news of her win.

And bingo isn’t all that Jackpotjoy has to offer its users. Casino fans will doubtless be itching to take advantage of the extensive roulette, poker and blackjack games, particularly for the chance to feel glam and test their skills in a real-life game. Television fans will be equally enthralled with Deal or No Deal, a game that offers the chance to feel like a contestant on the hit TV show (Noel Edwards not included!)

For something a little bit different, why not let your Indiana Jones side shine through and take on the Tiki Temple? This hilarious jungle game offers slots, mysterious creatures and unforgettable characters and if you make it all the way to the temple you could net the progressive jackpot bonus. Keep an eye out for Poncho the Parrot and chameleons Lenny and Benny – just don’t let them boss you around too much!

Aside from the huge choice of games, Jackpotjoy also offers a range of other features including chat rooms that’ll give you the chance to make friends with your fellow gamers. Chat about everything from sport to politics and even gaming techniques in one of the monitored chat rooms and don’t forget to pick a fun username to stand out from the crowd.

When you’ve exhausted your gossiping skills, head over to the competition page to be in with a chance of winning an exotic holiday, a new laptop or another fabulous prize. In fact, Jackpotjoy seems to have something for everyone, whether its mysterious poker or fun slots and you’ll certainly never get bored thanks to the 80 plus games currently available. So why wait any longer? Head over to Jackpotjoy.com and get gaming now.