Using internet banking could be an effective way for people to keep track of their debts, it has been suggested.
Britons should consider the use of an online bank account in their efforts to manage money.
So claims Moneymagpie.com founder Jasmine Birtles, who notes that consumers should make use of internet banking to check their UK account on a regular basis.
By doing so, not only can they keep track of their money management - "to see what's coming and what's coming out" - but they can also ensure that their account has not been compromised by fraudsters.
Indeed, she notes that such crime is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Those looking to get to grips with their finances may also be interested in her points that a household's main monetary objective should be to clear off any debts owed on credit cards.
"If they have got credit card debt then that should be their first focus", she claims, adding that after this people should concentrate on building up their saving account">saving account balances.
Her comments come as research from the Financial Services Authority revealed that around half of families claim they would not be able to survive for more than a month should illness or some other unexpected event see them lose an income.
Earn 5% AER on balances up to £2,500 for 12 months
After 12 months you will earn 1.0% AER on any balance on the account
0% EAR on Overdrafts for the first 4 months (up to £5,000 depending on your circumstances), after this it will revert to 19.9%EAR
Manage your day-to-day money for free with no monthly account fee, no transaction charges and no charges for using account facilities - as long as you remain in credit
Get a cheque book and a Visa Debit card. You can use your Visa Debit card in shops wherever you see the Visa symbol and at virtually every cash machine in the UK and many worldwide. It also acts as a £100 cheque guarantee card
Access to your money 24 hours a day 7 days a week through our e-banking service, 750+ branches, 24-hour telephone banking service, LINK cash machine network or even by post
At least £1,000 a month must be credited to get 5% AER on balances up to £2,500
If not switching earn 6% AER on balances up to £1,000 for 12 months if £1,000 is credited each month
After 12 months you will pay an Advance Overdraft rate of only 12.9% EAR
When switching, Abbey will offer to match your previous overdraft up to £5,000. *Conditions apply*
Earn 0.1% AER on any balance on the account
Get a cheque book and a Visa Debit card. You can use your Visa Debit card in shops wherever you see the Visa symbol and at virtually every cash machine in the UK and many worldwide. It also acts as a £100 cheque guarantee card
Access to your money 24 hours a day 7 days a week through our e-banking service, 750+ branches, 24-hour telephone banking service, LINK cash machine network or even by post
At least £1,000 a month must be credited to benefit from this offer
2.5% AER / 2.47% Gross (variable) on balances up to £2,500, when you pay in at least £1,000 per month into your current account.
0.1% AER / Gross (variable) on balances over £2,500.
Free banking – no charge for everyday transactions when you’re in credit.
Access to one of the biggest banking networks in the UK with over 1,900 branches and 32,000 LINK cash machines.
A VISA debit card you can use in over 500,000 places in the UK and 18 million outlets worldwide.
Commission-free foreign currency and non-sterling American Express Travellers Cheques.
Utilise the speed and control of Internet Banking, if you are registered.
You can call PhoneBank ® (based in UK) to speak to our advisors or use our quick automated service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"Interest paid monthly. AER (Annual Equivalent Rate) – the rate if interest was paid and compounded once a year. Gross rate is the contractual rate of interest payable before the deduction of income tax at the rate specified by law. PhoneBank® is a registered trademark of Lloyds TSB Bank plc."
Earn up to 4.00% AER / 3.93% Gross variable on balances up to £7000 when you pay in £1,000 per month.
4.00% AER (3.93% Gross) on balances £5,000 up to £7,000
3.00% AER (2.96% Gross) on balances between £3,000 and £4,999
2.00% AER (1.98% Gross) on balances between £1,000 and £2,999
0.10% AER / Gross on balances upto £1,000 or over £7,000
Free banking - no charge for everyday transactions when you're in credit
Visa Debit card with access to 1,800 UK Branches and 58,000 LINK cash machines, use in over 500,000 outlets in the UK, 27 million worldwide
Commission-free foreign currency and non-sterling American Express Travellers Cheques
Utilise the speed and control of Internet Banking, if you are registered
Call a UK call centre to speak to our advisors or use a quick automated service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Interest rates are correct as at 02/02/09
AER (Annual Equivalent Rate) – the rate if interest was paid and compounded once a year. Gross rate is the contractual rate of interest payable before the deduction of income tax at the rate specified by law.
PhoneBank® is a registered trademark of Lloyds TSB Bank plc.
Account opening is subject to our assessment of your circumstances; you must be 18 or over to apply.
**Customers will now be able to get the first three months at only £6 per month (instead of £12.50)**
How to get 10% AER on your savings with this account...
Step 1: Open your HSBC Plus Account and agree to pay £12.50 per month for at least 12 months.
Step 2: Open a joint Regular Saver Account (as a Plus Customer you will be given a higher interest rate of 10% rather than 8%)
Step 3: You can move between £25 - £250 per month from Plus Account to the Regular Saver Account
Step 4: If you invest £250 per month, a total of £3,000 will be paid into your account during the 12 month term. At 10% interest, you will earn approximately £163 interest (gross).
WARNING: Partial withdrawals are not permitted from a Regular Saver Account. If you decide to close your account before the first anniversary HSBC Flexible Saver rate will apply (Currently 0.10% AER).
Overdraft facility at 17.9% EAR variable is available, however this is on a case-by-case basis.
Fee free cash withdrawals worldwide
Worldwide family travel insurance (inc. winter sports cover - up to aged 70) - Worth £180 per year!
ID Theft Assistance- £80 per year
Life Cover - £43 per year
Roadside Breakdown Assistance - £92 per year - Price based on RAC Solution 1 cover before any discounts.
Free everyday banking - no monthly subscription charges.
No arrangement or renewal fees - on overdrafts up to £15,000. And pay no interest on agreed overdrafts of up to £100.
Save on your mortgage - use your Interest Paying Current Account balance to save money with our Offset Service.
Easy access to your money - your debit card gives you access to almost every cash machine in the UK. You can also pay for goods and services wherever you see the logo shown on your card.
Online banking - manage your money 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with our telephone and internet banking services. (Except for short periods of essential maintenance.)
Overseas money - get money in local currency at cash machines and buy goods wherever you see the logo shown on your card.
Statements - monthly statements list all transactions and your current balance. You can also get mini-statements from any cash machine.
Earn interest - we pay interest on your account; it's calculated daily and credited once every month.