Are Zopa Rates Dropping?
I have been looking at my Zopa spreadsheet and it would appear that the lending rates now, are not as high as they were.
If I look at the average rate on all loans so far in January 2013 it’s 6.33%. In January of 2012, 2011 and 2010, the rates were respectively 6.27%, 6.90% and 7.43%. As I’ve been using the same lending philosophy for a few years, it would appear that rates have fallen.
Bad debt at the end of 2010 was £334.53, with 2011 and 2012 being £408.24 and £466.23.
So rates may be dropping, but bad debts seem to be well under control.
I have wondered if that money from the government and new borrowers will depress rates, but as the ratio of money available to money required seems to vary quite a lot, it is probably classic supply and demand.
I shall watch this variability with interest.
Living With British Products Only
A family called Bradshaw have decided that they are going to live using only British products. Their story is here on Kent On-Line and their web site is here.
The BBC also flagged up a web site called Make It British.
Their piece also showed that you can buy tea from Cornwall. Now that is truly a British cup of tea!
Comet, Jessops and HMV
I don’t think in the last seven or so years, I’ve ever used any of these shops. I certainly haven’t since C died.
In fact, my last camera was bought in John Lewis, as was my last computer and most of the goods one traditionally bought at Comet.
And as I rarely listen to music these days, I don’t have a need for HMV or their on-line alternatives.
Now I know that my non-purchases didn’t push them over the edge, but we live in times, where every purchase is made with care, either for financial reasons or just for those of style and taste. Goods too, last longer.
The Anonymous Widower 