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THE MEDIA has been rife with reports of the credit crunch so it is no surprise people are concerned about their finances at a time of higher energy bills and record petrol costs.
In a bid to put the publics' minds at rest, one of Britain's leading housebuilders is holding a series of free events aimed at showing you how to make your money work harder.
Bryant Homes' weekend-long Money Matters event take place on May 17 and May 18 at its developments across Kent including Kemsley Fields and Great Easthall in Sittingbourne, Sovereign Quarter in Gillingham, Queens Square in Maidstone, Ditton near Maidstone, Bridgefield in Ashford, Childsbridge Farm in Seal and Herne Bay.
A team of independent financial advisors will be on hand to offer advice or help on how to get your finances in order, decide on a budget and organise the right mortgage to suit your needs.
Jane Stockwell, regional sales and marketing director for Bryant Homes, said: "It's very easy to become confused with all the financial information associated with moving house.
"How do you decide which mortgage lender to go for and do you really know how much you can afford to borrow?
"Our financial advice events are free and are there to guide you through the money maze and help put your mind at ease."
For further information about the Money Matters events across Kent click here
If you are unable to visit a development to take advantage of the free advice on offer, Bryant Homes' has compiled a list of money-saving tips to help you beat the credit crunch and get on or up the property ladder.
First-time buyers should consider joining forces with friends or relatives to get on the property ladder. Most lenders will allow up to four borrowers on one mortgage but make sure you draw up a legal agreement so if you decide to sell the property there are no disagreements over mortgage payments or profits.
Extend the term of the loan from the typical 20-25 years to 30 years to cut monthly payments. However, bear in mind that with longer loans you will probably pay more interest over the full term.
Simplify your lifestyle by listing everything you've spent money on in one month or file your receipts somewhere safe in your wallet and add up the costs at the end. If most of your expenditure is buying sandwiches at lunch then save money by making lunch at home to bring to work.
With the rise in energy bills it makes sense to shop around for utilities providers and see if you can get a better price somewhere else. There are several online comparisons websites enabling you to see the market at a glance.
It sounds like an impossible task but start saving. You need to make sure you have a cash reserve to ensure that if an unforeseen expense comes up you can cover it. Make use of ISAs and other high interest accounts to make your money stretch further.
3:31pm Friday 9th May 2008
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