MBS Newsletter 2009 by Cheryl Hughes

2009

Newsletter

Inside > Interest rates paid to savers during the year > New branch openings > The importance of writing a Will > How we support the community

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

Page 04 Savings Account News

140 years and still going strong

05 The Importance of Making a Will Don’t risk leaving your loved ones with extra heartache

06 New Branch Openings

Branch developments in Newport, Cardiff and Swansea

07 Our Mortgage Services

Don’t forget to ask us if you have a mortgage question

08 Helping our Communities

ow our charitable foundation continues to help the H community

10 Independent Financial Advice

Investment Planning – Are your finances on track?

12 Interest Rates

Interest rates paid to savers during the year

Customer Policy Our aim is to provide a friendly, personal and efficient service, coupled with a range of highly competitive products and total financial security. At all times we will pursue the concept of mutuality by balancing the interests of both investing and borrowing members as equitably as possible within the framework of market forces.

Front cover: Newport Speedway Our Charitable Foundation awarded funds to Newport Speedway for the purchase of safety equipment needed to help teach children from 5 to 18 how to develop good techniques leading to competitive level cycling.

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

Welcome Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m delighted to welcome you to our 2009 newsletter. The Society has recently celebrated its 140th birthday and we are proud that the qualities that have contributed to our longevity are the same qualities that have allowed us to remain strong and secure in the face of the significant challenges affecting the global money markets. In this newsletter, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see how our continued success this past year has been reinforced by the expansion and development of our branch network, demonstrating our commitment to improving our facilities for our customers. We continue to offer competitive products to borrowers and savers alike, as recognised by another award for our Cash ISA account. By generating only sufficient profit to remain financially strong, we pass more benefit back to you, our members. Please remember you can now vote online through our website, or you can still complete and return the enclosed proxy voting form. You can now also elect to receive next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AGM pack by email instead, which helps the Society in its efforts to become a more environmentally friendly organisation, and will raise more money for our Charitable Foundation (see page 6). Your feedback is important to us to help ensure our products and services continue to meet your needs, so please return our short customer questionnaire (or complete online). Returning the questionnaire enters you into a prize draw for a chance to win a two night stay for two people at the five star Celtic Manor Resort. Finally, for every valid voting form received (paper or online), we will donate 20p to our Charitable Foundation. Last year, thanks to our members, we raised a considerable sum to help support local organisations and charities across South Wales.

Andrew Lewis Chief Executive

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

Savings Account News 140 Years of Success and Strength On January 23rd 2009, the Society proudly celebrated its 140th birthday. Such longevity is a testament to our ongoing commitment to our customers, the quality of our lending and our continued financial strength and security. The Society has scrupulously avoided the sub-prime mortgage market and has not acquired any ‘toxic debts’ that would have marginalised our performance or our competitive position. As we are also almost totally funded by our own members, we have consequently been less exposed to the recent events affecting the global money markets.

Chief Executive Andrew Lewis and staff celebrate the Society’s 140th birthday.

As we celebrate our 140th year of business, we remain an independent regional building society that is well managed, customer-focused and which continues to pursue a policy of profit sufficiency rather than profit maximisation.

ISA Best Buy Award Earlier this year, our ‘Cash ISA 2’ account was awarded a 2009 Moneyfacts Best Buy Award for being one of the most consistent Cash ISA accounts in the UK over a 36 month period up to January 2009. (Details of our Cash ISA 2 account can be found at our website at www.monbs.com)

New Savings Accounts The Society has launched several new accounts in the past year, widening the range of savings options available to our customers. Income Generator – allows you to use your savings to generate a regular monthly income. Interest is variable and paid on a monthly basis. Open an account online at www.monbs.com. Charities & Clubs Account - available to Clubs, Societies and Registered Charities who wish to invest their funds into a savings account without the need for current account services. The account offers a competitive rate of interest and withdrawals can only be made via the Society’s online ‘My Accounts’ service.

Online Services @ www.monbs.com More and more customers now enjoy the convenience of managing their accounts online using our ‘My Accounts’ service. You can register by logging on at www.monbs.com.

Open Savings Accounts Online Customers can now open savings accounts through secure application forms on our website. A selection of accounts can currently be opened online, and we plan to add this facility to the majority of our savings accounts over the next 12 months.

Interest rates paid to Savers over the past year can be found on Page 12

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

The importance of making a Will Don’t risk leaving your loved ones with extra heartache Everyone should make a Will. It’s the only way to ensure that everything happens as you wish, and to make sure that your loved ones are protected. Even if you have a Will already, it may well need updating, particularly if you’ve been married or divorced, bought a house, had children, retired or received an inheritance. The good news is that making a Will doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Monmouthshire Building Society can put you in touch with one of our trusted panel of solicitors*. They’ll offer you expert help with making a new Will or changing your current Will – all for a fixed price (subject to your Will requirements and preferred method of communication), agreed in advance, which you simply pay direct to the solicitor. For further information, visit our website at www.monbs.com/willwriting. Alternatively, please call 01633 844 400 or visit your local branch. *Monmouthshire Building Society Group Will Writing Service is offered in association with a trusted panel of South Wales based solicitors. Full details are available from the Society upon request. No advice will be given by Monmouthshire Building Society Group as to whether the type of Will chosen is suitable for your circumstances and no introductory fee will be made to the Monmouthshire Building Society Group.

Tell us what you think Your feedback is very important to us to help ensure our products and services meet your needs. We invite you to complete the enclosed short customer questionnaire and return it in the reply paid envelope along with your completed proxy voting form. Alternatively, you can complete the customer questionnaire and vote online at www.monbs.com/voteonline All questionnaires returned by 14th August 2009 will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a two night stay for two people at the five star Celtic Manor Resort, home of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

The five star Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales.

The prize will also include a full Welsh breakfast on both mornings, a spa treatment for both guests in the hotel’s award winning Forum Spa and full use of the leisure facilities in The Forum Health Club.

Last year’s winner, Mrs Jacqueline Phillips from Abertillery receiving her prize from Chief Executive, Andrew Lewis.

For more information on the full range of facilities offered at the Celtic Manor Resort, please visit www.celtic-manor.com or phone 01633 413 000

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

New Branch Openings The last 12 months has been an exciting period of expansion and development for the Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s branch network with the relocation of two of our branches, and the opening of our first ever branch in Cardiff. Our flagship Head Office branch in John Frost Square, Newport was relocated to another area within our existing building. The new branch is more spacious and modern with enhanced customer facilities across 2 floors including a suite of private interview rooms, digital television screens and full disabled access including automatic doors and a lift. Our Swansea branch has been moved to a new centrally located office at 18 Union Street. The new branch offers improved access, private interview rooms, extended opening hours and an increased number of till positions. A full mortgage advisory service is also now available. The Society recently celebrated the official opening of the branch in the company of Welsh rugby stars Shane Williams and Lee Byrne.

Welsh rugby stars Shane Williams and Lee Byrne surrounded by Society staff, officially open our new Swansea branch in May 2009

Our Cardiff branch, based in Birchgrove, was opened in November 2008 following the acquisition of Ben Smith Insurance Services. This is the Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first ever dedicated branch in Cardiff and will allow customers in the area to access our full range of mortgage, savings and insurance products and services.

Go Green for 2010 and raise money for charity! From 2010, you can receive your AGM pack by email to help the Society play its part in being more environmentally friendly. The Society will also donate 50p to its Charitable Foundation for every customer who registers for this new service. If you currently vote online or use your proxy voting form, you will find a section where you can elect to receive your AGM pack electronically from 2010 onwards. You will need to provide a valid email address to be able to register.

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

Our Mortgage Services Whether you’re a first time buyer, looking for a bigger home, wanting to save money on your mortgage or simply looking to make some improvements to your current home, Monmouthshire Building Society is here to help. We offer a wide range of competitive mortgages, coupled with a personal, flexible approach to help you find the right mortgage to suit your needs.

Our mortgage services cover: • House Purchase

• Buy to Let

• Remortgages

• Self Build

• First Time Buyers

• Commercial

Greg Harry, a qualified mortgage adviser and branch manager outside our new office in Swansea

If you have a question about mortgages, simply visit one of our branches or telephone us on 01633 844 400 and our experienced mortgage staff will be happy to help. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.

Monmouthshire Insurance Services Our insurance subsidiary company, Monmouthshire Insurance Services Ltd (MIS) continues to experience impressive growth since its launch in 2007. Based at our Head Office in Newport, MIS offers an extensive range of general and specialist insurance services for both commercial and residential markets. MIS arranges cover through a variety of different FSA regulated insurance companies to find the product most suited to your individual needs. An insurance ‘healthcheck’ and quotations are provided free-of-charge and with no obligation. MIS have now also launched their own website – www.mis.co.uk - where both business and personal customers can find out more information about the types of insurance available, and can request quotes online.

Their professional advice covers: • Commercial Combined •A ll channels covered – Manufacturing, Warehousing, Distribution & Retail • Shops, Offices & Restaurant insurance • Tradesman & Landlord policies • Travel (commercial and domestic) •S pecialist – Key person; High net worth individuals; Foreign property

Contact Us For further information, contact MIS on: Tel: 01633 844 450 Email: info@mis.co.uk Web: www.mis.co.uk Monmouthshire Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registration No. 467065.

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

HELPING OUR

COMMUNITIES

Community spiritâ&#x20AC;Ś in action Registered Charity No. 1081311

As a regional building society we feel great affinity with the communities in which we operate and actively endeavour to support them wherever possible. In the year 2000 the Society extended its commitment by launching its own Charitable Foundation. Since its launch, the Foundation has contributed tens of thousands of pounds to over 120 local organisations and charities across South Wales. During the last financial year, the Foundation has provided support to 22 locally based organisations, some of which are pictured here.

1st Raglan Scout Group received a grant from our Charitable Foundation to help purchase six tents to allow them to undertake more outdoor excursions as part of their scouting activities.

The Foundation, a registered charity, is independent of the Society and its policies and decisions are determined by a Board of Trustees. The Trustees give up their own time in running the Charitable Foundation and are not paid for the work they do.

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

How you can help us Every proxy voting form returned (either online or through the post) means we receive money to help us continue the work we do. On behalf of all the trustees, I would like to thank everyone who voted last year, and encourage more of you to vote again this year. G Jones, Chairman, MBSCF

How do I apply for a grant? Full information, including eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply can be found in the application form. Copies are available from any Branch or Agency Office, or can be downloaded from the website. You can also apply online using an electronic version of the form which can be found in the ‘Community’ section within our website: www.monbs.com.

Tredegar Community Youth Cafe Funding from our Charitable Foundation allowed Tredegar Community Youth Cafe to purchase a new darts board and darts set for the café, which offers a safe and stimulating social environment for young people in the Blaenau Gwent area.

The Foundation has now extended its area of operation across South Wales to accept applications from Swansea postcodes (SA1 – 13 only)

Further Information If you would like further information on the work of the Foundation please visit the ‘Community section’ within our website www.monbs.com, or contact The Secretary, Monmouthshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, Monmouthshire Building Society, John Frost Square, Newport, South Wales, NP20 1PX.

Rookwood Hospital Our Charitable Foundation awarded funding to Rookwood Sound Hospital Broadcasting to purchase new bedside hospital radios, so that recuperating patients can be provided with respite and stimulation from the hospital's radio broadcasts.

Crownbridge School Crownbridge School in Torfaen, which supports pupils with learning and physical disabilities, received funding to help purchase African Djembe drums for their music programme.

Newport District Disability Football Club The club, which provides football training opportunities for people with disabilities, received funding to purchase football kit and other training equipment.

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

Investment Planning A matter of timing? Like many people, your investments have probably been affected by the recent economic crisis. Apart from stock markets crashing, interest rates have fallen to all time lows and property funds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which used to be a favourite safe haven â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have suffered problems. There does seem to be a glimmer of hope, with stock markets recovering somewhat and reports of economic growth in the UK in the last two months. Although stock markets and other investments such as commercial property, experience sharp swings over short periods, over the long term they can produce a better return than other investments. Research shows that, historically, the longer an investor stays invested, the smaller the likelihood they will lose money and the greater the chance they will make money. Of course, there are investment opportunities available that offer a high degree of protection against capital loss. Analysis by Fidelity International covering a 25 year period from February 1984 to February 2009 has compared the difference in outcome to investors holding investments for ten years, compared to the results achieved by investors over five years and those staying invested for just one year. Over a period of 25 years, containing 181 possible ten-year monthly start points, an investor taking a ten year view would never have made an overall loss on a UK portfolio and in less than 1% of instances from a global portfolio. In contrast, investors taking a short term view would have run a much higher risk of their investment declining in value. The message is clear; investment is not about timing, but about the length of time you stay invested.

Are your finances on track? Many people find it difficult to fully answer this question. That is why we are here. We can help you plan for your financial future, and also make sure your current arrangements are up to date and on track to achieve your objectives. We recommend you review your personal finances from time to time, because as your life changes, so do your financial requirements. On the following page is a short summary of the stages involved in how we undertake a financial review.

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

The Key Stages of a Financial Review • Introducing Our Services

During an initial meeting, we will introduce our services and explain that our independent status means we are not tied to any specific provider or product.

•D etermining your Financial Objectives

Using a financial planning questionnaire, we will undertake a fact gathering exercise with you to discuss your immediate and long term financial objectives, assess your attitude to risk and reward, and provide a full explanation as to the suitability of considering investment.

Monmouthshire Independent Financial Advisers are part of the Monmouthshire Building Society Group and were established in 1997 to offer our customers access to independent financial advice. We believe this is important, as being independent, we are able to search the whole of the marketplace to find the products most suited to your needs. We also offer Independent Financial Advice on: • Financial Protection • Equity Release • Inheritance Tax Planning • Long Term Care • Retirement Planning • Corporate & Personal Pensions • School / University Fee Planning

• Develop a Financial Plan

Using a range of financial planning tools, we will undertake research to find suitable solutions and strategies that meet your objectives. The suitability of the investment planning solutions we present will meet with your attitude to risk evaluation.

• Implement Recommendations

Once you are happy with the agreed strategy, all paperwork will be processed by us and we will liaise with you and the investment providers to ensure smooth implementation. A suitability report will be provided that confirms our advice, which you will be asked to sign to confirm your understanding of it.

The staff of Monmouthshire Independent Financial Advisers, outside their offices in Newport.

For in-depth advice on any aspect of financial planning and investments, please contact us on: Tel: (01633) 844 300 Email: info@mifa.co.uk Web: www.mifa.co.uk

• Monitor the Plan

A service level will be agreed and if appropriate, investments will be reviewed and where necessary, your investment portfolio will be amended or rebalanced.

The Financial Services authority does not regulate Buy to Let or commercial mortgages, nor taxation or trusts. Monmouthshire Independent Financial Advisers Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Reg number 185037. Investments can fall as well as rise.

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

Interest rates paid to savers during the year (1 May 2008 to 30 April 2009) Where appropriate the rates include any bonus. All bonuses payable are fixed unless otherwise stated.

Accounts available to new customers. 01 May 08

01 November 08 01 December 08

01 January 09

01 February 09

01 March 09

01 April 09

Escalator Bonus 90 - Annual Interest (inc.0.5% bonus) £100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999 £2500 - £4999

AER/Gross %

5.35 4.95 4.55 4.30 4.05 3.30

4.85 4.45 4.05 3.80 3.55 2.80

3.50 3.05 2.75 2.30 2.05 2.05

2.75

2.50 2.50 1.75 1.50 1.25 0.85

2.00 2.00 1.50 1.25 1.00 0.60

2.75 2.00 1.75 1.50 1.10

Escalator Bonus 90 - Monthly Interest (inc.0.5% bonus) AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross %

£100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999

5.20 4.78 4.37 4.11 3.85

5.10 4.70 4.30 4.05 3.80

4.68 4.26 3.85 3.59 3.34

4.60 4.20 3.80 3.55 3.30

3.28 2.82 2.52 2.06 1.81

3.25 2.80 2.50 2.05 1.80

2.62 2.62 1.91 1.66 1.40

2.60 2.60 1.90 1.65 1.40

2.37 2.37 1.66 1.40 1.15

2.35 2.35 1.65 1.40 1.15

2.37 2.37 1.66 1.40 1.15

2.35 2.35 1.65 1.40 1.15

1.91 1.91 1.40 1.15 0.90

1.90 1.90 1.40 1.15 0.90

Escalator Bonus - Annual Interest (inc.0.5% bonus) £100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999 £1000 - £4999

AER/Gross %

4.30 3.80 3.55 3.30 3.05 2.55

3.80 3.30 3.05 2.80 2.55 2.05

2.30 1.80 1.55 1.35 1.25 1.25

1.75

1.50 1.25 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85

1.00 1.00 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60

1.50 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10

Escalator Bonus - Monthly Interest (inc.0.5% bonus) AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross %

£100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999

4.11 3.59 3.34 3.08 2.82

4.05 3.55 3.30 3.05 2.80

3.59 3.08 2.82 2.57 2.31

3.55 3.05 2.80 2.55 2.30

2.06 1.56 1.30 1.10 1.00

2.05 1.55 1.30 1.10 1.00

1.61 1.35 1.00 1.00 1.00

1.60 1.35 1.00 1.00 1.00

1.35 1.10 0.75 0.75 0.75

0.95 0.95 0.55 0.55 0.55

Escalator Instant Account - Annual Interest £25000 and over £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999 £2500 - £4999 £500 - £2499 £100 - £499

AER/Gross %

2.90 2.35 2.20 2.10 1.85 1.45

2.30 1.75 1.60 1.50 1.25 0.85

1.00 1.00 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50

0.50

0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40

0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

01 May 08

01 November 08 01 December 08

01 January 09

01 February 09

01 March 09

01 April 09

Saver Plus Account (Issue 2) - Annual Interest (inc. 1.0% bonus) (launched 01 February 2009) AER/Gross %

AER/Gross %

2.85

2.35

£20 and over

Christmas Saver Account (Issue 2) - Annual Interest (inc. 1.0% bonus) (launched 01 February 2009) AER/Gross %

AER/Gross %

2.85

2.25

£1 and over

Premium Tracker Account - Annual Interest AER/Gross %

AER/Gross %

4.50

4.00

2.50

1.50

1.00

0.50

0.10

£10000 and over

Young Savers Account - Annual Interest AER/Gross %

AER/Gross %

5.15

4.55

3.25

2.25

1.75

1.25

£10 and over

Cash Child Trust Fund - Annual Interest (inc. initial 1.25% bonus) AER/Tax free %

AER/Tax free %

6.25

5.75

4.25

3.25

2.75

2.25

1.75

AER/Tax free %

5.30

4.80

3.55

2.75

2.50

£250 and over

Cash ISA 2 - Annual Interest £10 and over

Cash ISA 2 - Monthly Interest (launched 14 October 2008) £5000 and over (by transfer only)

AER %

Tax free %

AER %

Tax free %

AER %

Tax free %

AER %

Tax free %

AER %

Tax free %

AER %

Tax free %

AER %

Tax free %

5.22

5.10

4.70

4.60

3.40

3.35

2.53

2.50

2.53

2.50

2.53

2.50

2.48

2.45

ISA Saver - Annual Interest (inc.1.0% bonus) (launched 01 March 2009) AER/Tax free %

AER/Tax free %

3.00

2.50

£20 and over

Income Generator Account - Monthly Interest (launched 01 March 2009) AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross %

£5000 and over

3.04

3.00

2.53

2.50

Affinity Instant Account - Annual Interest (launched 01 August 2008) £100 and over (£10 if under 18)

AER/Gross %

4.00

3.50

2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

Premier Saver Account (Issue 4) - Annual Interest (inc. 1.0% bonus) (launched 01 February 2009) £25000 - £100000

AER/Gross %

2.50

2.00

Continued overleaf >>>

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

01 May 08

01 November 08 01 December 08

01 January 09

01 February 09

01 March 09

01 April 09

Two Year Bond (Sixth Issue) - Annual Interest (launched 15 December 2008) AER/Gross %

AER/Gross %

4.00 4.00 3.50 3.50

4.00

3.75 3.75 3.25 3.25

3.20 3.20 2.70 2.70

£100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £5000 - £24999

4.00 3.50 3.50

Two Year Bond (Sixth Issue) - Monthly Interest (launched 15 December 2008) AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross %

£100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £5000 - £24999

3.87 3.87 3.35 3.35

3.80 3.80 3.30 3.30

3.87 3.87 3.35 3.35

3.80 3.80 3.30 3.30

3.61 3.61 3.09 3.09

3.55 3.55 3.05 3.05

3.61 3.61 3.09 3.09

3.55 3.55 3.05 3.05

3.14 3.14 2.63 2.63

3.10 3.10 2.60 2.60

Corporate Bonus 90 - Annual Interest (inc. 0.5% bonus) £100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999 £2500 - £4999

AER/Gross %

4.90 4.55 4.30 4.05 3.80 3.30

4.40 4.05 3.80 3.55 3.30 2.80

3.00 2.55 2.30 2.05 1.80 1.30

2.00

1.75 1.75 1.25 1.00 1.00 1.00

1.25 1.25 0.75 0.60 0.60 0.60

2.00 1.50 1.25 1.25 1.25

Corporate Bonus 90 - Monthly Interest (inc. 0.5% bonus) AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross %

£100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999

4.73 4.37 4.11 3.85 3.59

4.65 4.30 4.05 3.80 3.55

4.21 3.85 3.59 3.34 3.08

4.15 3.80 3.55 3.30 3.05

2.77 2.31 2.06 1.81 1.56

2.75 2.30 2.05 1.80 1.55

1.76 1.76 1.25 1.00 1.00

1.75 1.75 1.25 1.00 1.00

1.50 1.50 1.00 0.75 0.75

1.15 1.15 0.65 0.55 0.55

Corporate Instant - Annual Interest and; Designated Deposit ll - Annual Interest £25000 and over £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999 £2500 - £4999 £500 - £2499 £100 - £499

AER/Gross %

2.80 2.30 2.15 2.05 1.80 1.40

2.30 1.75 1.60 1.50 1.25 0.85

1.00 1.00 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50

0.50

0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40

0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

General Client Account - Monthly Interest AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross %

£3m and over £1m - £2999999 £100 - £999999

4.59 4.33 4.07

4.50 4.25 4.00

4.07 3.82 3.56

4.00 3.75 3.50

2.53 2.27 2.02

2.50 2.25 2.00

1.51 1.26 1.00

1.50 1.25 1.00

1.00 0.75 0.50

0.50 0.25 0.10

Monmouthshire Building Society NEWSletter 2009

01 May 08

01 November 08 01 December 08

01 January 09

01 February 09

01 March 09

01 April 09

Charities and Clubs Direct Account - Annual Interest (launched 01 March 2009) £100000 and over £5000 - £99999

AER/Gross %

2.00 1.75

Charities and Clubs Direct 30 Account - Annual Interest (launched 01 March 2009) £100000 and over £5000 - £99999

AER/Gross %

2.50 2.25

Accounts no longer available to new customers Designated Deposit 1 - Annual Interest £10 and over

AER/Gross %

3.45

2.85

1.50

0.75

0.50

0.25

AER/Tax free %

5.25

4.75

3.50

2.65

2.40

Cash ISA 1 - Annual Interest £10 and over

Cash ISA 1 was previously known as either a TESSA Only ISA 1, TESSA Only ISA 2 or a Mini Cash ISA 1. These accounts have been renamed in line with Government changes to ISA’s.

Saver Plus Account (Issue 1) - Annual Interest (inc. 3.0% bonus) £20 and over

AER/Gross %

5.90

5.40

4.00

3.10

3.05

Christmas Saver Account (Issue 1) - Annual Interest (inc. 3.0% bonus) £1 and over

AER/Gross %

5.90

5.30

4.00

3.10

3.05

Premier Saver Account (Issue 1) - Annual Interest (inc. 2.60% bonus) £25000 - £100000

AER/Gross %

6.60

6.10

4.60

3.60

3.10

2.65

Premier Saver Account (Issue 2) - Annual Interest (inc. 2.45% bonus) £25000 - £100000

AER/Gross %

6.45

5.95

4.45

3.45

2.95

2.50

Premier Saver Account (Issue 3) - Annual Interest (inc. 1.50% bonus) £25000 - £100000

AER/Gross %

5.50

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.50

2.00

Two Year Bond (Fifth Issue) - Annual Interest £100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999

AER/Gross %

5.45 5.10 4.70 4.45 4.20

4.95 4.60 4.20 3.95 3.70

4.00 3.50 2.70 2.45 2.20

3.00 2.75 2.00 1.75 1.50

2.75 2.50 1.75 1.50 1.25

2.10 2.00 1.25 1.00 0.75

Continued overleaf >>>

01 May 08

01 November 08 01 December 08

01 January 09

01 February 09

01 March 09

01 April 09

Two Year Bond (Fifth Issue) - Monthly Interest AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross %

£100000 and over £50000 - £99999 £25000 - £49999 £10000 - £24999 £5000 - £9999

5.33 4.96 4.54 4.28 4.02

5.20 4.85 4.45 4.20 3.95

4.80 4.44 4.02 3.76 3.51

4.70 4.35 3.95 3.70 3.45

3.82 3.30 2.48 2.22 2.02

3.75 3.25 2.45 2.20 2.00

2.78 2.53 1.76 1.51 1.26

2.75 2.50 1.75 1.50 1.25

2.53 2.27 1.51 1.26 1.00

2.50 2.25 1.50 1.25 1.00

2.53 2.27 1.51 1.26 1.00

2.50 2.25 1.50 1.25 1.00

2.02 1.92 1.16 0.90 0.65

2.00 1.90 1.15 0.90 0.65

Accounts only available through other organisations The accounts are only available to clients of Monmouthshire Independent Financial Advisers Ltd. Platinum Account - Annual Interest £100000 and over £50000 - £99999

AER/Gross %

5.35 4.95

4.85 4.45

3.35 2.95

2.50 2.00

2.25 1.75

2.00 1.50

Platinum Account - Monthly Interest AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross %

£100000 and over £50000 - £99999

5.22 4.80

5.10 4.70

4.70 4.28

4.60 4.20

3.14 2.73

3.10 2.70

2.38 1.92

2.35 1.90

2.12 1.66

2.10 1.65

2.12 1.66

2.10 1.65

1.92 1.41

1.90 1.40

Corporate Platinum Account - Annual Interest £100000 and over £50000 - £99999

AER/Gross %

4.90 4.55

4.40 4.05

2.90 2.55

2.00 2.00

1.75 1.75

1.25 1.25

Corporate Platinum Account - Monthly Interest AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross % AER % Gross %

£100000 and over £50000 - £99999

4.75 4.39

4.65 4.30

4.23 3.87

4.15 3.80

2.68 2.32

2.65 2.30

1.76 1.76

1.75 1.75

1.51 1.51

1.50 1.50

1.51 1.51

1.50 1.50

1.16 1.16

1.15 1.15

Since 1st May 2008 the Bank of England Base Rate has changed as follows: 08 06 04 08 05 05

October 2008 November 2008 December 2008 January 2009 February 2009 March 2009

4.50% 3.00% 2.00% 1.50% 1.00% 0.50%

Notes to interest rates • I nterest rates are variable and changes will be displayed in all of our branch and agency offices, and also published usually in the South Wales Argus and the Western Mail newspapers. You can also obtain details of interest rates from our website (www.monbs.com), by phoning either your branch or Head Office, or asking our branch staff. •A ER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate and illustrates what the interest rate would be if interest was paid and compounded each year. As every advert for a savings product will contain an AER, you will be able to compare more easily what return you can expect from your savings over time. • The ‘gross’ rate is the contractual rate of interest payable before the deduction of tax at the specified rate. • The ‘tax free’ rate is the contractual rate of interest payable where interest is exempt from income tax.

John Frost Square, Newport, South Wales, NP20 1PX. Tel: 01633 844 444