They are both signature guitars based on the legendary Kiss guitarist’s Les Paul that he used in the four night sell out gigs in the Budokan theatre in Tokyo. This is actually a record previously held by the Beatles, which is no mean feat and definitely worthy of a signature guitar. Frehley joined a very impressive list of celebrity Les Paul players and is perhaps the most famous one who wears make-up! So this isn’t just you’re standard Les Paul and for a guitar with such a heritage at such a price it really is quite impressive.

Lets start with ultimately the thing that matters, the way they sound. To recreate the famous Kiss tone both guitars are fitted with three high output DiMarzio pickups, a DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup fitted at the bridge and two DiMarzio PAF style pickups at the middle and neck positions. In Frehley’s original guitar only the bridge pickup was wired but new models all are available which gives you more playing versatility.

Now the design and looks and in all fairness the Gibson is quite interesting. In the mid 70’s when the guitar was first introduced there was a few specific construction features. It has a four-piece maple top, a ‘sandwich’ constructed rear and a mid and back mahogany section, connected with a thin maple veneer. To most of you that wont make a whole lot of difference but in plain terms it means the guitar was solid, with no weight relief giving it a distinct tonal difference. I’m sorry to say that the Epiphone isn’t as interesting with a mahogany back and neck and maple top, still nice though!

Excluding the logo of course it is the minor and precise details that set the guitars apart. The Gibson Les Paul has the exact Grover Banjo Button style tuners, gold speed knobs and mother of pearl block inlays. The Epiphone isn’t as accurate but still flashy, with a Locktone Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece are a more familiar feature with Les Pauls.

We most certainly don’t buy guitars because of the extras but this might be considered for the Epiphone Ace Frehley Budokan, especially if you’re Kiss fan. It comes with the custom hard case with ‘Budokan’ stencilled on it, a binder with pictures of Ace and his famous axe. The Gibson can’t offer you this but what it can offer you is authenticity. I don’t think it would be fair to finish the article on a biased note as the Gibson Les Paul Ace Frehley is a beautiful guitar, and if you have the money I’d advise you to get it. But for such a brilliant guitar at such a low price, and ONLY 100 DUE TO BE PRODUCED, the Epiphone is a steal and if you’ve always wanted a Les Paul, then act fast!

Unfortunately, most of us don’t have a degree in HTML code, so this can be a bit tricky – but fear not, Halifax has come to the rescue with a brand new savings calculator that it is making available to anyone who wants it.

All you need to do is click on the link at the bottom of the tool below and you’ll be given a bit of code which you can add to your site wherever you see fit. With so many people thinking about getting their money in order in the New Year, it could be well worth thinking about!

Every year the Government allows people to save a certain amount tax efficiently in whats known as an ISA (Individual Savings Account).

Although banks do initially lose money on student accounts, they act as a loss leader because they work to the fact that many students will continue to use the bank for years to come, generating profits through other products, from savings accounts to mortgages.

Student accounts are designed specifically with students in mind, allowing money to be paid in and withdrawn, as well as offering a number of other benefits including 0% overdrafts and discounts on products and services.

Below are some on the main things to keep in mind when searching for the best student account.

ñ  Look around for the best interest free overdraft

Most students will find the overdraft facility is the most useful tool they have, so it can pay off to find the best deal. Look into how the overdrafts are given, as some accounts advertise big limits but in the small-print you will see that these can’t be reached until the second or third year of study.

While many banks try to attract students with cash incentives or discounts, the most valuable feature of all is the 0% overdraft (unless you don’t need it). This can also be true after you have graduated, so look into the graduate accounts that will follow.

ñ  Always stay within your overdraft

It very important to make sure you never exceed your 0% limit. This isn’t just a rule for student accounts, it’s something you need to stick to for life.

Doing so is likely to lead to penalty charges, so if you’re desperate, go and speak to your bank as they may agree to increase your limit.

If you do find you have accidentally gone over your overdraft and you are charged, call your bank to explain – they may refund the charges if you are back within your limit and don’t make a habit of it. Something else to keep in mind is that different banks charge different amounts, so you could be charged up to £30 per transaction upon exceeding your limit.

ñ  Building up your credit score

Any products that allow you to spend money that you don’t already have, including bank accounts with overdrafts, are used to build up a picture of your financial activity which will affect your credit score. The data is stored, so if you stay within your limits you will build up a good credit rating.

However, exceeding your overdraft will have a negative affect on your credit score.

Your credit score is used by lenders to make an informed decision on how much of a risk you pose to them. Prove that you can be trusted with credit and you are more likely to be accepted on application to the top deals on loans, mortgages and credit cards.

This rule also applies to student credit cards, so be sure to stay within your credit limits.

ñ  Don’t choose your provider based on convenience

Just because a bank has a branch near to your campus, or it is the bank that you have used in the past, it doesn’t make it a reason to open a student account with them.

Most cash points offer free withdrawals these days and most banks come with online banking facilities, so this should mean you won’t need to visit a branch very often. Therefore, you should focus your reasoning purely on what the account offers.

ñ  Switch to a graduate account after finishing your studies

Once you have graduated, you will still be eligible for preferential terms, including interest free overdrafts to help you clear your debts without having to pay interest for the privilege. In some cases these accounts are free, but those that do charge often come with other benefits such as mobile phone insurance and breakdown cover, which may be less than you currently pay for these services.

Of course, if you’re looking to ensure utilities, broadband, mobile phone and subscription television fees are paid on time then there are multiple other options available. Some companies allow you to pay over the counter at the Post Office, while others accept special payment cards that can be used at designated outlets. The problem some people might have with these, however, is that it takes time out of your day and is seemingly just one more thing that needs to be added to your extensive list of things to do.

This is where Direct Debits and standing orders really come into their own, as once they have been set up the money is taken from your account and the third party is paid on time. The whole process is automated so you should never have to worry about being chased about missed payments – provided, of course you have sufficient funds in your current account to pay the bill – and any funds taken will be detailed on your statements.

However, as the two facilities are so similar, there is often some confusion about how they differ. Both are basically an instruction to your bank to make a payment to a third party on what is usually a regular quarterly, monthly or weekly basis – although they can also be arranged to be more flexible . The only real difference comes down to how they are managed and how much they cost. A Direct Debit will often be the favoured option by companies as they are cheaper to operate. Therefore, some offer discounts to customers who choose to pay this way. Of course, both options are free for the account holder to set up, but as standing orders need to be verified by the bank it can often take longer for the funds to be completely transfer.

Therefore, although the differences between Direct Debits and standing orders may seem small, there are savings to be made. So, having a current account that offers the ability to set up both might be the best option. In addition, if the facility also has an arranged overdraft you may find that even if your account is in credit, the money can be taken without you having to incur any charges. Of course, this will depend on the individual provider, but may offer you just one more reason to consider switching bank accounts sooner rather than later.

It was discovered that on average, 68 per cent of respondents admitted they would be likely to switch bank accounts if they were unhappy. Those in Northern Ireland were the most adamant on the matter, with 85 per cent saying this was the course of action they would take. This region was followed by residents of Yorkshire and Humberside (73 per cent), the North West (71 per cent), the North East (70 per cent) and the South West (69 per cent). The least likely to change current accounts in the UK were people in Wales, but even among this group, 58 per cent said switching was preferable to sticking with an account that didn’t work for them.

Commenting, Which? chief executive Peter Vicary-Smith said there were many reasons consumers might want to change, but ultimately it was their opinions that were the most valuable in deciding the future of the industry. With all this in mind, is it about time you considered the facilities of your account and whether or not they are the best for your needs? You may not currently have internet access on your account, but there are all manner of online bank account options available to you that might be worth thinking about. Alternatively, you might not currently have an overdraft, but once again this is something you could address by checking out what is on offer.

You may find the process is particularly easy and requires much less in the way of filling in forms than you would expect. This is in part due to changes in European law in 2008 that are designed to make switching simpler for consumers and involve both your old and new bank account provider having to work together to ensure the transfer of payments, direct debits, standing orders and other information is done as rapidly and hassle-free as possible. So why not take a look at your current account today and see if you might benefit from being one of the consumers up and down the UK that are making sure they are equipped with the best current accounts?

Taking out a mortgage to buy your first home

Often the hardest part of getting a mortgage is saving up a deposit, which is usually at least 10 per cent of the value of a property. However, once you’ve got a decent amount squirreled away, you can find yourself at something of a crossroads. Continuing to rent where you live could seem a safe option – there’s no debt involved and with savings behind you, you’ll always be able to cover the rent, even if you lose your job. However, the rent is effectively ‘dead money’ – you’ve gained nothing of tangible value by putting cash in your landlord’s pocket.

Taking out a mortgage is a big decision, especially if it’s a six-figure amount. Although house prices can fluctuate, when the market picks up, you’re likely to be left with more than you put in – along with having somewhere to live that’s your own.

Paying for home improvements with a credit card

If you’re planning to sell your home, paying for a home improvement such as a new kitchen with a credit card is a calculated gamble. The aim of the exercise is to add more value to the home than the cost of the credit – meaning you’ll be able to pay back the money you owe once the house has been sold. Other options for paying for the work could include taking out a bank loan or remortgaging your property – a financial advisor should be able to take you through your options.

Taking out a car loan to buy a new vehicle

If you already own your car outright, it could seem a strange idea to pay for a new one using credit. However, if your vehicle is old and inefficient, you could be spending far more than the difference on petrol and repairs, meaning that buying a newer, cleaner model is a better bet in the long run.

In all instances, the key is understanding the difference between good and bad debt – and the role that risk plays in improving your financial health.

Although travel companies can offer their own insurance as part of a package break, it’s essential to shop around to look at other deals before signing up.

There’s a number of things to look out for when searching for travel insurance – and price is not always the best marker of a good policy. In fact, cheaper policies tend to offer worse value overall due to their exclusions and the limited cover they can offer. If you’re a frequent traveller, getting an annual policy may be the best avenue to go down, but if it’s for a single trip, here’s a few things to look at.

Keep an eye on the excess
If a policy seems particularly cheap, it’s a good idea to first focus on the excess. If the cost of a claim is going to run into hundreds of pounds, you’ll be less likely to claim than if the excess is more reasonable. A policy like this could end up being far more than cheap – it’ll be pretty worthless if it prices you out of claiming.

Scrutinise policy exclusions
Most travel insurance policies are littered with exclusions, meaning you have a number of things to consider before signing on the dotted line. For example, some policies may offer no cover for pre-existing medical conditions or ask that you provide a police report before the claim is processed. This may sound relatively simple, but in some foreign countries a report can be pretty hard to get hold of – especially if you’ve already returned home.

Pay close attention to the small print
It’s imperative that you read and fully understand every word of a travel insurance document before signing up. For example, if your policy talks about events relating to a “close relative”, you may be surprised at who this does and doesn’t refer to. If a breakdown is mentioned, this could only refer to public transport rather than your own car. If you’re ever unsure of what something means, get in touch with the insurer and ask them to clarify – and they don’t make things clear, it may be best to consider another policy where the claims process is more transparent.

The key to much of the above is giving yourself ample time to find a comprehensive travel insurance policy which offers good value for money and cover. With this important little document in your suitcase, you’ll be able to get on with enjoying your holiday with the peace of mind that you’ll be covered for many unexpected mishaps.

Scores of companies are constantly placing newer models with the latest technologies on the market, costing twice as much as the one your bought previously. As a result, the freshest models draw more interest, rendering the older mobile phones practically valueless. Consequently, discarded mobile phones soon risk becoming potentially noxious waste.

Given that we are inclined to buy charming and attractive new technology, our old mobile phones will probably end up in the landfill, perhaps after some time at home unused. Pollution here is at stake though, since mobile phones contain toxic materials such as lead and copper. Toxic substances may also leak out and contaminate water. Thus recycling your mobile for cash, especially schemes with economic incentives, will improve even our most dire environmental concerns. Furthermore, mobile phones contain precious metals, which can be recovered during the recycling process, melted down and reused for many applications such as electronic circuit boards.

The recycling process thus plays a highly vital role in our society. Many recycling companies will accept old handsets and even broken handsets, paying out cash in return. The internet has seen the recent growth of websites that assist in replacing old mobile phones, or at least pay money for the old set.

Selling the old phones allows for the conservation of existing resources and reuse of older material. This helps in many sectors, such as mining, lowering the need for higher output and reducing chemicals used to extract the gold and silver required for manufacturing mobile handsets which contaminate the land, and thus preserving a broad array of interconnected sectors that go beyond a simple mobile phone manufacturing plant. In short, recycling assists in replacing older models by transferring reusable materials to the new handsets.

1. Budget

Whether you are just one person, a couple or a large family, it’s vital to create a budget and stick religiously to it. You have to know where you’re spending your money and how much. This will reveal problem areas and you’ll have a clearer picture of where you need to cut back. Rather than daunting, this exercise should be liberating, as you will take control of your finances.

2. Get Help

This is often the hardest thing for people to do these days. We’re adults, we like to think we’ve got the world in the palm of our hand and don’t need anyone to tell us what to do. However, turning your back on expert advice in anything is rarely a good idea. Certainly not when it comes to financial matters. The way out for your money problems may be easier than you think. So find someone who knows more about your problem than you do and see what they have to say.

3. Face The Music

If things have gotten out of hand financial, then you need to take action. Burying your head in the sand will not accomplish anything. As Shakespeare said we should “take arm against a sea of troubles, and, by opposing, end them” and this is sound advice. You got yourself into this debt mess, it’s up to you to get yourself out.

4. Change Jobs

If you’re starting to feel a financial pinch, consider changing jobs. While still at your current job, use some of your free time to look into other careers. Ones that pay more than what you’re currently making. The extra money will help you stay on top of your financial situation and keep you stress free in the wallet department. That is if you’ve already followed the other items on this list. Celebrating your new position and salary with a trip to the Bahamas will also affect your financial stress. By making it worse. This approach will ultimately dig you deeper into debt and you’ll find you’re looking for a higher paying job all over again.

5.  Stop The Bleeding

Once you see that your debts are getting the better of you or that you’ve overextended yourself financially, then it’s time to rein in. Take immediate action where you can. Don’t just go with the flow until the future provides a quick fix to all your woes. Do something positive yourself. Right away.

The bottom line here is not to give in to despair. In today’s world there is always outside help along with the direct action you can take yourself. Stay positive.

Andrew Salmon works as a freelance writer. He contributes to a number of blogs with articles about financial topics for the website Life Insurance Canada.