Released on = February 16, 2006, 5:03 am

Press Release Author = David Andrews

Industry = Financial

Press Release Summary = Smokers stand to save more than just their lives if they
quit smoking now, advises online financial data provider Moneynet.


Press Release Body = Following yesterday's decision by the Government to impose a
total ban on smoking in pubs and clubs, Moneynet (http://www.moneynet.co.uk )
highlights the true extent of the financial cost of smoking.

"A smoker applying for life assurance will find themselves facing almost double the
premium of a non-smoker," said Moneynet chief executive Richard Brown. "Add that to
the price of the cigarettes and the cost of smoking plainly threatens your wealth -
not just your health."

With a packet of cigarettes currently costing around £5, a husband and wife who both
smoke 20 a day will already be spending a staggering £3,640 a year on their habit.

Should this couple, aged around 40, want to take out life assurance including
critical illness cover with Norwich Union for example, they would be looking at a
monthly premium of £213.30. For a non-smoking couple the cost would be just £112.20.


Add this extra charge to the huge sum already going up in smoke on cigarettes and
they would find themselves blowing more than £400 a month on smoking - that's £4,800
a year.

If the couple were to quit smoking and invest the money they would have spent on
inflated premiums and cigarettes, based on an average rate of 7.5%, they would amass
around £250,000 after 20 years.

And Moneynet advises consumers not to fib to try to get lower cost life cover. "Many
people are tempted to lie about their smoking habits when applying for life
assurance, but this is a false economy," said Brown. "Should you become ill or die
from a smoking related condition, your insurance won't pay out - and then you'll
fully understand what smoking has cost you."

Consumer enquiries: 0208 460 2833/ http://www.moneynet.co.uk

Press enquiries:

Richard Brown, Chief Executive, 020 8313 9030

David Andrews, David Andrews Media Ltd 07941 255855/01273 774109

Editor\'s notes
Moneynet.co.uk is the UK's longest established online personal finance research and
data analysts. The company offers consumers a choice of thousands of low cost
financial services products. From mortgages, personal loans to motor, home and
medical insurance, credit cards, savings accounts and best buy fixed rate products,
Moneynet is one of the most comprehensive online services of its kind in the UK.
Founded by chief executive Richard Brown, the Moneynet brand is destined to become
one of the UK\'s major players in consumer finance products.

Disclaimer:
All information contained in this article, is for general information purposes only
and should not be construed as advice under the Financial Services Act 1986.


Web Site = http://www.moneynet.co.uk

Contact Details = Press enquiries:

Richard Brown, Chief Executive, 020 8313 9030

David Andrews, David Andrews Media Ltd 07941 255855/01273 774109