LOOSE CHANGE

Prolific is launching a combination growth PEP, investing in both the UK market and the Far East. Initial charges are 3 per cent, on minimum investment of pounds 2,000. Call 0345 886666.

National Counties Building Society is offering a new 90-day postal account, offering 4.25 per cent on savings of pounds 5,000 and a top rate of 6.5 per cent gross on investments above pounds 50,000. Call 01372 742211.

Lloyds Bank is launching a job counselling service, Jobcare, to holders of its card protection insurance scheme, giving telephone advice on CV writing and job interview techniques. Details from Lloyds branches.

Yorkshire Building Society is offering a three-year stepped rate investment bond starting at 6.5 per cent gross and rising to 8.25 per cent in year three. Call 0800 378836. Skipton's two-year Step-Up Bond increases every six months from 5.75 per cent to 7 per cent. Call 0800 603010.

Framlington is launching a monthly income PEP with 3 per cent initial and 1 per cent annual charges. Minimum investment is pounds 3,000. Call 0345 775511.

Leeds & Holbeck Building Society is offering 10-year fixed rate mortgages, pegged at 8.49 per cent on loan-to-value of 90 per cent. Call 0113225 7777.

Chartwell Investment Management is offering a free Guaranteed Product Guide, which examines "guaranteed" investments. Call 01225 446556.

Flemings is waiving its usual 1.5 per cent initial charge on PEP investments made in October. Charges now payable are 1 per cent dealing costs and 0.5 per cent stamp duty. The annual rate is pounds 25 plus VAT. Call 0500 500161.

Help the Aged is launching a guaranteed home repair service with a 24- hour cover. Policyholders face no call-out fee and no on-the-spot payment. Call 0500 515542.

TSB is launching a five-year guaranteed stock market bond which locks in gains made on the FTSE 100 share index 25 per cent above the investment date level. Capital is guaranteed back if the market falls. Call 0500 758444.

Johnstone Douglas, the financial planning firm, is offering a free guide to pension annuities, answering the 10 most common questions. Call 0800 557768.