Personal finances: Loose Change

AGE CONCERN has produced a new guide to bereavement. The booklet, A Practical Guide to Coping with Bereavement, explores the practical and emotional issues of coping with death. Call 0800 387718 for a copy, or write to: Age Concern, Freepost SEA 3369, London SE21 8BR.

BRITANNIA INTERNATIONAL, the offshore arm of Britannia Building Society, is launching a 30-day Notice Account, paying tapered rates of up to 7.45 per cent gross, guaranteed until 29 January 1999. Rates begin at 4.5 per cent on deposits between pounds 1,000 and pounds 2,500, with the highest rate on sums above pounds 25,000. Annual and monthly rate options are available. Call 01624 681100.

BARCLAYS IS launching two healthcare products. The Personal Accident Plan offers a lump sum in the event of a person suffering certain accidents. Two levels of cover are available: standard and premier, with premiums starting at 17 pence a day. There is also a Hospital Cash Plan, paying benefits for each 24-hour period spent as an in-patient in hospital. Details from all branches.

CAPITAL BANK is launching a buy-to-let mortgage available to self-employed people. The loan, available on a loan to value of up to 85 per cent, is fixed at 7.49 per cent until either November 2003 or November 2000. Call 0800 7831204.

CREDIT SUISSE is offering a 1 per cent discount on lump sum investments into its Transatlantic Fund, a unit trust specialising in US equities. The discount is based on the fund's usual 5.25 per cent initial charge. Details from independent financial advisers. For a list of three IFAs near you, call 0117 971 1177.

PORTMAN BUILDING Society is withdrawing its one-year fixed interest bond at 6.75 per cent, following heavy demand. The company is launching a new bond, this time offering 6.5 per cent, with a minimum investment of pounds 500. Call 0800 807080.