MONEY MATTERS by Roy Young

Rising oil prices...rising interest rates...rising winds!

What impact has this had on the Dollar rate and your proposed real estate purchase??. In essence it has led to a topsy turvey period, with GBP-USD movements looking somewhat akin to a Florida roller coaster ride.

A home valued at $200,000 dollars at the beginning of September would have cost approximately £109,000 pounds, but one week later, it would have cost in the region of £112,000 pounds and all because of the change in exchange rate, an issue often overlooked when purchasing overseas for the first time.

The message here however, is not to try and analyse where you THINK markets are going, as even the so called experts find it difficult anticipating such volatile movements. The RIGHT message is very clearly to not run a currency risk, i.e. do not leave yourself open to market swings, the purchase process is stressful enough without the added distraction of having sleepless nights watching currency exchange movements!

Our affiliated Currency company can help and advise you of the best ways to carry out your currency conversion and also provide strategies to reduce your foreign exchange exposure. Whilst they can't anticipate where the markets will be on a particular date, they can assist you in optimising the timing of your transactions, so as to provide monetary savings and avoid those unexpected extra costs.

They provide superior rates of exchange, commission free trading and experienced designated dealers to help lead you through the - often daunting - currency transaction. It is assumed by many people that the high street Bank is the only avenue for this type of transaction, however, currency companies now provide a safe, informative and money saving option.

If you would like to learn more about exchanging and transferring money at BETTER RATES, email your telephone number using the form below - or call if is more convenient - and we will ask our currencies advisor to contact you with full details