Housing and money #thrifty #frugal
Property prices keep going up and rarely go down. Demand constantly outstrips supply because demand increases with the increasing money supply. This sends up housing costs for everyone but particularly for those who are renting. There isn’t much you can do to reduce your housing costs if you’re renting, except to move house or consider applying for housing benefit.
Interest rates and the markets #investments
Interest rates
I’m watching interest rates around the world. It seems the Federal Reserve will be the first to normalise interest rates. It could be as early as next month but many pundits are betting on December. That could be the trigger for other central banks to raise their rates too. It would certainly have an effect on the value of the US dollar as more money would be invested in the US as international investors look for better returns on their funds. That, in turn, would have a negative effect on other currencies including the GBP.
How to double your standard of living #thrifty
If you’re on a low income it is actually easier to double your standard of living than if you’re on a higher income. First you need to do a little bookkeeping and identify your sources of income and what you spend it on. (more…)
Easy money? #investments
The other day I read that the majority of members of parliament are now landlords and have their money invested in the London property market. It only needs the government to fund a London building programme to burst that bubble. No wonder they’re all scared of Corbyn getting into number 10! (more…)
Predictions for 2016 #finance
We can never be sure what the future will hold, but I think this will be the year when inflation starts to creep up again. Competition in many areas such as the supermarkets was fierce in 2015. The oil companies had to compete too with a glut of oil and that is seeing producers with higher costs disappearing. The world economy has seen tight money and increasing competition. (more…)
Keep it simple or maybe not
On a Sunday I just write whatever comes into my head for my WordPress blog and then try to write something more considered for a zillion ideas. My ramblings on WordPress seem very popular though and so why do lots of research when I don’t need too? The simple answers are often the best in life. We can sometimes look for answers that are too complicated.