Japan can – and will – be a normal economy again
Posted on April 13th, 2011
For several decades, business and economic pundits have exoticized Japan’s economy. The supposed lost decades since 1990 have only heightened perceptions of a country whose economic system operates in unique ways, not subject to standard economic analysis.
As I have argued tonight, this view of Japan as atypical and mysterious is, however, unfounded for macroeconomic policy purposes. W
Tags: Economy, Economy Again
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British homes “shop window” of opportunity for thieves
Posted on April 11th, 2011
Ageas has joined forces with the Neighbourhood Watch Trust to persuade Britons not to make their homes a “shop window” of opportunity for thieves.
New research carried out on behalf of the insurer indicates that homes across the UK have an average £1,223 in valuables (such as TVs, other electronic goods, antiques and works of art) clearly displayed for would-be burglars to see through windows.
The findings also suggest that nearly one in five people have £2,000 or more worth of valuables on display to passers-by.
Tags: Thieves, “shop Window”
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What Are Pay As You Drive Car Insurance Plans?
Posted on April 9th, 2011
If you are tired of paying a high car insurance premium, as if anyone isn’t, it may be time to choose a different type of plan, a pay as you drive car insurance plan. This type of plan can be helpful because it focuses specifically on charging you less, if you drive less.
How it Works
The pay as you drive car insurance plan is different from one provider to the next. However, these plans can be outstanding in terms of what they can offer, if you fit the profile of a driver. Here’s how they work. You install a device in your vehicle. This device does not interfere with your driving ability, but it helps to monitor your driving. It watches how much you drive for example. In
Tags: Car Insurance, Drive Car, Drive Car Insurance, Insurance
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Commuters typically carry £3,800 worth of gadgets
Posted on April 5th, 2011
Gadget-loving commuters are carrying over £3,800 worth of technology to and from work, according to new research from esure.
The typical commuter bag or briefcase is likely to contain electronic kit worth £593 more than two years ago, including costly smartphones, laptops, e-readers and MP3 players.
With over 35% of Britons considering buying an iPad 2 this year, the cost of the commuter bag looks set to rise even further.
The research also indicates that 46% of commuters lug a company or personal laptop around with them, with the proportion rising to 56% in London.
However, more than half of all respondents were not sure whether their personal belongings insurance covered the cost of the gadgets they regularly carry to and from the workplace.
Commenting on the findings, esure’s head of home underwriting, Nikki Sellers, says: “Brits are now inadvertently carrying around a treasure trove of digital devices for both work and pleasure.”
Tags: Worth, Worth Gadgets
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Home insurer finds burglars are targeting middle class semi-detached houses
Posted on April 4th, 2011
A middle class semi-detached house with a Ford Mondeo parked outside and games consoles on view inside is a perfect target for burglars, claims a new study from Halifax Home Insurance .
According to the research, burglars prefer to steal from a semi-detached house worth around 150,000 as they believe expensive properties have more rooms which makes it more difficult to find the items they want to take.
Burglars look for items that are must have because they will be able to sell them on. Top of the list are games consoles (PS3 and the Nintendo Wii are favourites), followed by mobile phones and jewellery . Read more…
Tags: Class, Middle Class
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Consumers Cut Auto Insurance Costs During Recession, Taking On Risk
Posted on April 2nd, 2011
A new study says that Americans took on more risk during recent years as a way to reduce car insurance costs. Quality Planning conducted the study and found an increase in the number of people who opted not to purchase collision and comprehensive insurance between 2006 and 2010. They saw even higher jumps with older vehicles.
Between 2006 and 2010 Americans spent an average of $721 to insure each vehicle. During those years, the average insurance cost for a new vehicle was $913 and older vehicles cost $528 on average to insure. The study revealed that most owners were willing to pay for complete coverage for new vehicles.
But when it came to older vehicles, consumers were more likely to take a gamble and reduce insurance coverage.
Tags: Insurance Costs, Risk
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