Wintry weather 'highlights importance of travel insurance'
The recent bad weather has served as a reminder of just how important travel insurance can be, it has been suggested...
First-time buyers 'should avoid raffles'
First-time buyers would probably be better off avoiding property raffles and concentrating on saving a deposit for their mortgage, it has been claimed...
Brits 'travelling further afield'
The number of people from the UK looking to take out travel insurance for trips to long-haul destinations could be on the rise, if the comments of one industry body are anything to go by...
Comparison websites 'should give meaningful information'
Price comparison websites can be useful for people looking to buy insurance, providing they include comprehensive information, it has been suggested...
Book inoculations ASAP, says travel group
As soon as you know where you are going on holiday you should book any necessary vaccinations, an expert in the travel insurance and holiday sector has said...
A competitively priced house can sell quickly, says expert
Despite the current economic climate, a house priced "competitively" could sell quickly, an expert in the property industry said today...
Prepaid credit cards could be useful, Equifax says
Prepaid credit cards could be really useful for some consumers in the current financial climate, credit reporting agency Equifax has stated...
Credit card fraudsters getting more creative, says expert
Credit card criminals are becoming more creative in their endeavours to fraudulently obtain money, an expert in the financial industry suggested today...
Interest rates heading towards zero, says economist
A senior economist has said the interest rate is heading towards zero due to the "full-on recession" happening at the moment...
Lenders 'more willing' to help people in debt
Lenders are becoming more willing to work together with consumers to help them consolidate or reduce their debts, a money advice co-ordinator has asserted...
Single premium PPI 'should be banned by Competition Commission'
The sale of single premium payment protection insurance (PPI) should be banned by the Competition Commission, according to a consumer group representative...
CCCS: Credit unions may not work for everyone
While there have been a number of "helpful initiatives" undertaken by credit unions in recent times, they may not be a realistic alternative to payday loans for some people, according to a spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)...
A romantic gift for car insurance customers?
People looking for the perfect gift to give a car insurance policyholder on Valentine's Day may want to extend their search to the DVLA's Personalised Registrations website...
Hostelling 'great for price and social aspect'
Staying in a hostel instead of a hotel can be beneficial to the wallet as well as providing an enhanced social aspect to a holiday...
Mortgage overpayments 'can help protect equity'
Taking advantage of the low base rate and overpaying a mortgage can help to secure the equity in a property, it was suggested this week...
Youngsters do save into pensions, says NAPF
Young adults are putting money aside for their retirement because many of them are aware of how important this is, it has been stated...
Wedding day 'can be paid for with loans'
Couples arranging their wedding day could find that a secured loan helps make their dream marriage come true, according to a personal finance website...
Bank reports increase in home improvements loans
There has been a rise in the number of people taking out home improvements loans, according to a high street bank...
Banks, government 'responsible for credit crunch'
Monetary institutions as well as the government can be partially blamed for the country's current financial situation, it has been claimed...
Vehicle depreciation 'can be sped up by smoking'
Motorists who smoke in their vehicles could find that the value of their cars and vans falls because of their habit, it has been claimed...
Take a year off mortgage payments with Nationwide competition
Homeowners will be given the opportunity to go without paying their mortgage for a year should they win a new building society competition...
UK consumers 'living on the edge financially'
People in the UK are currently walking a financial tightrope, it has been claimed...
Secured loans 'are an option for those in debt'
People in debt and looking for an option to alleviate such arrears could turn to a secured loan, according to a financial site...
Graduates 'should not rush to pay debt'
People leaving university do not need to hurry when paying off their student debt, it has been claimed...
UK locations 'more popular after screen exposure'
Locations in Britain featured in films and television programmes have encouraged an increase in tourism, it has been claimed...
Holidays 'will not be cancelled in wake of credit crunch'
British holidaymakers will not be giving in to the credit crunch and cancelling trips away this summer, it has been claimed...
Bank of England 'disappointing 31 million people'
The Bank of England is disappointing 31 million British citizens, it has been claimed...
Bank of England 'disappointing 31 million people'
The Bank of England is disappointing 31 million British citizens, it has been claimed...
Citizens Advice 'welcomes' Financial Capability Action Plan
Citizens Advice has spoken out in favour of the government's new Financial Capability Action Plan...
Seven million 'have not left the UK on vacation'
There are close to seven million people in the UK who have not left the region to go on holiday, it has been reported...
Consumers 'turned to debit cards first in 2007'
Debit cards are still the number one choice for making payments, according to a new report...
Festival revellers 'should look to stretch their cash'
People heading to festivals over the summer have been advised to make their cash stretch as far as they can...
New home insurance aggregator "unique"
A new home insurance comparison service recently launched is a "unique" way for people to pick up a good deal, it has been reported...
Smokers count cost of giving up
Quitting smoking has a number of financial benefits in addition to health bonuses, it has been reported...
Summer spenders to pick up £7.89bn bill
People in the UK will not have their spending curtailed by the credit crunch this summer and will part with around £7.89 billion, it has been claimed...
Banking online 'preferred over social networking'
Using the internet to keep up with finances is a more popular pursuit than staying in touch old friends through social networking, according to new research...
Two in three 'fall out on holiday'
A summer holiday can often result in two out of three people falling out with friends or loved ones, it has been claimed...
Half of Britons 'have never taken financial advice'
More than half of the people in the UK have never taken out any type of financial advice, it has been reported...
Traditional savings accounts 'still popular'
A survey has found that Britons continue to keep faith with banks, with the majority entrusting the institutions with their savings...
Consumers in debt 'have a range of options'
Consumers struggling to meet recent increases in mortgage repayments as well as rising energy and food bills should consider debt consolidation, according to an industry expert...
Inheritance 'makes some purchases possible'
Paying off the mortgage is an option only possible in the event of a big inheritance, according to new research...
Consumers 'tempted into debt by cars'
People are most likely to get into debt buying a car that they cannot afford, according to new research...
'More than £4bn per year spent on digital TV'
People in the UK spend more than £4.2 billion each year on digital television, according to new research...
Tips for football fans headed to Moscow
Football fans making the trip to Moscow for the Champions League final have been issued a number of tips to make sure their journey runs smoothly...
Half of Brits 'would shun repairs'
A significant amount of people in the UK would choose not to attempt to repair an electrical device if it stopped working, according to new research...
M&S Money offers Champions League tips
Finance group M&S Money has given a series of tips to Manchester United and Chelsea fans heading to Moscow for this month's Champion's League final...
Most couples 'want to separate their money'
A new poll has found that most couples would separate their money from their partner's if they could...
Stop-start system 'appeals to drivers'
Motorists in the UK are becoming increasingly interested in technology which cuts out the engine when it is not in use, it has been reported...
Consumer site warns over pet insurance
People in the UK looking to own a pet should consider the financial implications of the move before picking one up, it has been claimed...
10 per cent 'think money is safest under the mattress'
One in ten people in Britain believes that their money would be safest stowed under their mattress, according to new research...
Dream home 'kept in mind by 60 per cent of Brits'
Buying a dream home is an ambition held by close to half of the people in the UK, according to new survey results...
Money 'a worry for UK children'
A significant proportion of children in their early teens worry about money difficulties, according to new research...
UK households 'owe energy suppliers'
More than a quarter of energy customers in the UK owe money their energy suppliers, according to new research...
Credit card companies 'reject 18,000 applications daily'
The number of credit card applications rejected by companies across the UK has been revealed by a consumer organisation...
Britons 'would pay more for environmentally-friendly goods'
New research has found that people in Britain would be willing to fork out more for environmentally-friendly products...
Elderly 'hit hardest by inflation'
People over 65 are being hit hardest by an increase in food and energy costs, it has been reported...
Rate cut 'unlikely to make much difference'
The cut in the base rate level of interest is unlikely to make much difference to credit conditions in the UK, it has been claimed...
Motorists 'may miss out through lack of haggling'
Drivers who choose not to haggle when buying a new car could be missing out on significant savings, it has been reported...
Consumer group reveals best way to complain
People in the UK have been advised how to get what they want when they complain to companies, it has been reported...
February saw 'increased secured loan activity'
The number of secured homeowner loans as well as other forms of lending went up over the course of February, it has been claimed...
£1.1 billion 'switched between credit cards each month'
People in the UK will attempt to transfer close to £1.1 billion across credit each month, it has been claimed...
Plastic-wielding Brits 'tend to snub cash'
People in the UK are choosing to use their credit cards in order to pay for everyday occurrences rather than cash, it has been reported...
People 'cannot save due to living costs'
The cost of living is preventing people in the UK from putting away a substantial amount of savings, it has been claimed...
Property 'key goal for under 30s'
More than half of Britons under 30 have identified owning a home as a major priority, according to a new study...
Most property buyers 'would look abroad to purchase'
Buying property abroad is a likely option for an increasing number of people looking to get on the housing ladder, it has been reported...
Credit card headline rate "most important thing"
The headline rate of a credit card has been described as the most important thing to consider when taking one out...
Older people 'suffer higher inflation'
Britain's pensioners are dealing with a higher rate of inflation than any other age group in the UK, it has been claimed...
Brits 'gave £1bn on cards last year'
People in the UK made £1 billion-worth of charitable donations through their credit cards over the course of 2007, it has been claimed...
Britain's pensioners 'should pick up money owed promptly'
Older people in the UK need to act quickly in order to get the money they are owed in pension credit, it has been claimed...
Quitting smoking 'can save more than health'
Giving up smoking can see people in the UK save money as well as their health, according to new research...
Consumers urged to consider Fairtrade options
People in the UK should consider choosing Fairtrade options when they can, it has been reported...
Base rate cut 'is not guaranteed'
Property owners should not assume that a cut in the base rate is on the way, according to a financial services provider...
Consumers waste two year 'worrying over debt'
The average Briton spends two years of their life worrying about their financial situation, according to new research...
Lovers 'often surprised by cost of nuptials'
Getting married in the UK costs more than engaged couples originally think, new research has found...
Consumer body urges people to switch off
Consumers are being told to keep in mind energy-saving tactics for one day this month...
Credit card transfers to hit £6.68bn in 6 months
Some £6.68 billion will be transferred between credit cards over the next six months, new research has found...
Capped balance transfer limits 'falling'
Capped balance transfer fees on credit cards are falling in frequency, according to new research...
Parents 'may be forced to cut spending on children'
Mums and dads across the UK are set to cut the amount of money they spend on their children as fears of a recession this year grow, according to new research...
Debt 'worries one in three'
Debt is said to be a concern for one in three people in the UK, new research reveals...
OFT uses novel approach to get scam message across
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is to send out a text message to young people in an effort to make them understand the dangers of mobile phone scams...
Surprise and weekend away most hoped-for Valentine's gift
People in the UK would like to receive a surprise gift on Valentine's Day more than anything else, new research has found...
Don't use card abroad this Valentine's Day, says Nationwide
Couples looking to celebrate Valentine's Day abroad this year have been warned not to spend more than they need to by a high street bank...
Base rate cut by Bank of England
The Bank of England has today cut the base rate level of interest to 5.25 per cent...
Nearly two-thirds 'not bothered about a will'
The majority of people in the UK are not concerned about making a will, new research shows...
Parents 'spend more time helping first-borns on ladder'
First-born children receive more help getting onto the housing ladder than their siblings, new research indicates...
House prices hold during January
The price of buying a house in the UK slowed over the month of January, according to a high street bank...
Switching could see £1.25 bn savings
Consumers in the UK could save £1.25 billion on an £8,000 bill by switching providers half way through a term, it has been claimed...
Regular savers' £24K nest egg for children
Parents saving for the children's' futures are contributing to an average nest egg of £24,228, it has been reported...
Consumers 'do not read refund policies'
Most consumers admit to not reading the return and refund policies they receive when they buy an item, it has been reported...
Britons 'spending more than they earn'
A number of people living in the UK may be living beyond their means, new research indicates...
Skint homeowners 'missing mortgage payments'
Mortgage repayments have been missed by nearly half a million homeowners over the past six month, new research indicates...
Pension-less Brits 'still expecting retirement in early 60s'
People in Britain are expecting to retire before they are legally entitled to, despite the fact that they have no pensions provision in place, it has been reported...
Holidays more interesting to Brits than mortgages
Living elsewhere for a few days each year is more of an appeal than choosing a house to buy, if new research is to be believed...
Christmas expenditure 'expected to be cleared within a month'
Consumers in the UK believe that they will clear the debt they accumulated over the Christmas period within a month, it has been reported...
Providers 'get tougher' on mortgages
Mortgage lenders are getting tougher by cutting the maximum loan-to-values they offer, new research has indicated...
New credit cards for 2.6m in 2008
People in the UK will be ringing in the new year by switching their credit cards, a financial firm reports...
Expats 'turning to the internet to bank'
People who have left the UK in order to live abroad are increasingly turning to the internet to manage their finances, according to new research...
Review finances, consumers urged
Credit card customers should shop around for the best deal on their plastic in the new year, according to an industry expert...
Cardholders plan £9bn switch
Credit cardholders intend to move almost £9 billion worth of debt in the first quarter of 2008 by taking advantage of balance transfer deals, the findings of a new survey have revealed...
Money issues this Christmas
People are being reminded to keep an eye on their finances this Christmas by financial experts...
Toddlers 'cause £122m of home damage each year'
Parents in the UK pick up a combined bill of £122 million each year due to damage caused by toddlers, it has been claimed...
Britons make green new year resolution
A large proportion of people in the UK are planning to lead a more environmentally-friendly life in the new year, according to new research...
Last-minute spending habit revealed
Shoppers in the UK will be spending close to £12 billion in the last week before Christmas, it has been claimed...
Top Christmas presents revealed
New research has revealed which Christmas presents are likely to be underneath the tree come the big day...
Credit card charges 'present over Christmas'
People who are celebrating Christmas in a foreign country this year should double-check that they will not be charged hidden fees for using their credit card abroad, it has been claimed...
Stressed-out Britons hit net for Xmas shopping
People in the UK are using the internet in order to reduce the tension of high street shopping over the Christmas period, new research claims...
Price increase in energy 'expected next year'
The price of energy is expected to rise sharply in the new year, according to a consumer switching company...
It pays to be smart this Christmas, says Citizens Advice
Shoppers have been given tips on how to make the most of their finances this Christmas...
Consumer credit activity 'tight over Christmas'
This year's activity in the financial market will influence Britons to spend less this Christmas, a new survey has found...
'Christmas shopping most popular in November'
The most popular month for consumers to begin Christmas shopping is November rather than December, new research has found...
Over a quarter of Brits 'unhappy with net speed'
More than one in every four UK broadband users is unhappy with the speed at which they can surf the internet, according to new research...
Males 'should foot first date bill'
The battle of the sexes still wages on when it comes to who pays for what, new research has revealed...
UK homes 'possess £74 billion in gadgets'
Homeowners in the UK keep 400 million pieces of gadgetry in their properties, totaling approximately £74 billion...
Bank of Grandparents 'saves mum and dad £900 annually'
Financial assistance from their own parents means that mums and dads in the UK save around £900 per year raising their children, it has been reported...
Worth of inherited items tops £50m
People in the UK currently have £50 m worth of items inherited that they have stored away, according to a high street bank...
Which? reveals charity card swindle
The British public may be being misled by the amount they donate when they purchase a charity Christmas card, according to a consumer company...
Third of Britons think 'financial chat is rude'
The majority of people in the UK believe that money is a personal subject that should not be discussed, new research shows...
Christmas spending trends revealed by Apacs
Consumers are to spend a total of £53 billion over the festive period, it has been claimed...
A quarter of property owners 'not shopping around for insurance'
A proportion of homeowners in the UK could be missing out on home insurance savings as they are not shopping around for deals...
More students taking jobs
Young people in the UK are taking jobs to accompany their studies, according to new research...
Car clampdown sees rogue motorists caught
Police officers in Somerset have come down hard on drivers who continue to break the law on the roads, it has been reported...
Balance transfer fee 'rake in £459 million'
Credit card companies are set to gain millions from balance transfer fees from consumers, it has been reported...
More assistance for first-time buyers
People are likely to increasingly rely on help from their families when looking to get onto the property ladder for the first time, it has been claimed...
Fraud cases 'on the up'
An increase in the number of fraud cases has been reported by a top industry body...
First-time buyers 'prepared to pick up haunted house'
Most people looking to take a step onto the housing ladder would even buy a house said to be haunted, it has been claimed...
People 'more worried about burglary during winter'
Nearly half of the people in the UK believe that they are more likely to be burgled during the winter than at any other time of the year, it has been claimed...
Mortgage-paying families 'cutting back on borrowing'
Families in the UK with mortgages to pay are attempting to reduce the amount of money they are borrowing, according to a high street bank...
Aberdeenshire residents 'enjoy best quality of life in Scotland'
People who live in Aberdeenshire have a better quality of life than anyone else in Scotland, according to new research...
Travellers 'waste £350m through poor packing'
Forgetful holidaymakers spent a combined total of £350 million on items they already have at home but had not packed, it has been found...
Nearly half of Britons 'looking to buy abroad'
Close to half of people in Britain are considering buying property in sunnier climates, according to a financial institution...
Disposable income 'at lowest level since 1997'
The amount of money Britons have to spend on what they please has reached its lowest level in ten years, it has been reported...
"Spend more on us," say moaning partners
A proportion of boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands on wives in the UK are not spending enough on their significant others, new research has indicated...
Fraud losses 'up over first half of 2007'
The amount being lost by consumers in the UK to fraud has gone up over the first six months of the year, it has been announced...
Newborns lead to new debt, research indicates
People who have just had babies typically run up debts of over £1,000 in the year after birth, new research has shown...
Abbey issues warning to uninsured students
Close to one in three students are uninsured, according to a recent estimation...
Britons 'keep £49bn for special purchase'
People in the UK are saving up in order to have money ready for a special expensive purchase, it has been reported...
Apacs: 86% young people use plastic
Apacs, the UK payments association, has revealed that 86 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 hold a plastic card of some kind...
Cashback 'feature held most dear by consumers'
A cashback option has been named the most desirable feature for consumers taking out a credit card, according to new research...
East Midlands children 'get more spends'
New research has revealed the stingiest and most generous parents in the UK by region...
Close to fifth of drivers leave gadgets on display
Nearly twenty per cent of motorists in the UK are leaving devices on display in their vehicles, making them prone to opportunistic thieves, it has been claimed...
Britons will waste '£125m in CTFs in 2007'
People in Britain will not be taking advantage of over £100 million-worth of child trust funds (CTF) this year, it has been claimed...
Personal finance classes given £11.5m boost
The government is to spend £11.5 million rolling out a new curriculum which teaches children about personal finance...
Some 6% of Brits happy to give back when wealthy
Only a handful of people in the UK would be willing to contribute something back to society in the event that their financial worries dry up, it has been reported...
Nearly 4m Brits in debt denial
Close to four million people in the UK are denying that the debt in which they are living is a problem, it has been claimed...
Football fans 'may seek debt advice' after this season's live game
Around the UK, football fans are ready to give up going to see a live game in reaction to increasing ticket prices...
Financial advice 'more valuable than pay-off'
Helping a person sort out their finances is more productive than paying the amount off for them, it has been claimed...
Citizens Advice: Teach personal finance in schools
Children should be taught personal finance while they are at school, a consumer organisation has claimed...
Most parents 'struggle with school costs'
Most parents find it difficult to pay for their children's school costs, according to new research...
'Number of advantages available' in offshore investment
A wide variety of options are available to those who put their money into offshore investments, new research has claimed...
Electricity firms 'still cashing in with regional rates'
Electricity companies are still making money out of the regional monopoly status they held in the past, it has been reported...
Interest rates slowing housing market
According to new figures from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), interest rate hikes have finally slowed the housing market...
Proportion of people in the UK 'do not know their debt'
A number of Britons do not know exactly how much debt they are in, new research has indicated...
People in debt 'have unrealistic pay-off date'
New research has shown that many of the people in debt have unrealistic expectations over when they will pay the amount off...
Apacs warning reminds consumers of pin threat
Consumers have been urged to ensure they are taking secure measures when using their pin numbers...
Buy-to-let property 'could see studying child save'
Investing in a buy-to-let property in order to allow a child to live there while at university may help young people save money, according to new research...
Student debt on the increase
Those enrolling at university in September 2007 can expect to leave with a debt exceeding £20,000, new research has indicated...
Retirees '£57m in debt'
A number of people in the UK have retired only to pick up a large collective bill of debt, it has been claimed...
Bigger banking choice 'may exist at supermarkets'
A wider range of financial services may be provided at supermarkets than high street banks in the near future, it has been claimed...
Parents 'not making grade over university saving'
A number of parents in the UK are not coming up to scratch when it comes to saving the money to put their child through university...
Cutting up cards 'first step to debt recovery'
Making sure they cut up credit cards may be the first step for many towards complete debt recovery, it has been claimed...
An uncharted past 'leads to future without credit'
New research has indicated that a person without a credit history may find it harder to borrow money or make particularly large purchases, it has been claimed...
Fool: Loans can become millstones
Taking out a personal loan can turn into a millstone, a consumer finance website has warned...
Consumers 'should be careful in wake of base rate decision'
The base rate level of interest may have been held this week but consumers should still be careful when it comes to borrowing, it has been claimed...
Happiness is £10,000 per year
New research from a high street bank has shown the price of happiness to be just over £10,000...
Average 50-year-old 'has £7,000 saved'
The average Briton has saved £7,179 by their 50th birthday, new research has indicated...
Easy access accounts 'not doing what they claim'
A number of easy access bank accounts are not offering consumers what they claim to, according to new research...
Consumers: No end in sight for rate rises
The base rate level of interest will continue to rise in the future, consumers believe...
Students and parents alike 'underestimating university costs'
The financial price of going into higher education is underestimated by both students and parents, it has been reported...
University 'waste of money and time' for one in four
Close to a quarter of young Britons consider it a waste of time and money to go to university, it has been revealed...
Redecorating 'higher priority than legal changes'
Over half of people in the UK look to redecorate before they consider anything else when buying a new home, according to new research...
Warning over joint mortgages
People considering taking out a joint mortgage are being urged to ensure that they know the people they are choosing the product with...
Consumers urged to consider overseas credit card charges
Many people planning to use their credit cards while on holiday abroad are unaware that they could be charged additional fees by the provider, according to a new report...
BBA: Consumers' appetite for borrowing falls
The level of unsecured borrowing in June remained at a similar level to the previous month, suggesting that consumer demand is slowing, a new report has revealed...
Average house price reaches £211,056
The latest figures produced by the Department of Communities and Local Government have revealed that the average property price in the UK reached £211,056 in May...
Card firms recoup £50m in penalty fees
Revenue generated by credit card penalty fees for missed payments reached £50 million during the past six months, according to new research...
Equity release 'no longer a last resort'
Consumers' perceptions of equity release schemes have changed, according to one expert, who suggested that people no longer see it as a "last resort"...
Stamp duty 'a barrier for FTBs'
Rising interest rates and house prices means that affordability is becoming increasingly stretched for potential first-time buyers (FTBs), according to a new report that suggests stamp duty is creating further pressure...
CML: Fixed-rates continue to be popular
New figures have shown that short-term fixed-rate mortgage deals continue to be popular with first-time buyers (FTBs) and people moving home...
Using credit cards abroad is 'more financially secure'
While many people find credit cards more convenient than travellers cheques when making purchases abroad, one expert has claimed that using a card is much safer as well...
Mortgage woes 'to increase with interest rates'
The Bank of England's fifth interest rate increase in a year will hit people with fixed-rate mortgages hard, it has been claimed...
Price of Downing Street living revealed
The price of living on Downing Street has been calculated by a consumer finance website...
Britons hold £13.6 billion in idle cash
People in the UK have £13.6 billion lying dormant in current accounts, it has been claimed...
Festival lovers 'need to consider rucksack contents insurance'
Music-lovers looking to see their favourite acts at festivals this summer should think about purchasing contents insurance, it has been claimed...
Debt 'a prerequisite of student life'
People looking to go to university should come to accept that they will be in debt by the end of their course, according to a consumer organisation...
Cost of love - £744, says consumer site
The true price of love has been calculated to be £744 a year by a consumer website...
Cash machine celebrates 40th birthday
It has been forty years since the world's first cash machine began dispensing money, it has been reported...
The UK's fashion habits 'cost £6K'
Over the course of a lifetime, Britons spend more than £6,000 on clothes and shoes they do not even want, it has been claimed...
Credit cards 'picked by brand'
A person is more likely to take out a credit card if they are impressed by the brand behind it, it has been reported...
Youth 'choosing housing over uni'
Young people are choosing to save up to buy a house rather than go to university, it has been reported...
'Enormous amount' spent by the young
An enormous amount of money is being spent by young people in Britain each year, it has been reported...
More free cash points from banks
Banking institutions in the UK are to offer more free cash points, it has been claimed...
City goals 'hit fans in pocket'
Seeing Manchester City score at home last season cost fans an average close to £50, it has been reported...
Cost of a dad calculated
The price of having a father around the house has been summated in a new piece of research...
Britons living a 'financial fantasy'
People in Britain are fantasists when it comes to planning their finances for the future, with many counting on money they believe they will earn in future, it has been reported...
Overdraft charges 'total £52 million'
The increase in the interest rate in recent months has been accompanied by banks hiking up overdraft charges, it has been reported...
Best energy deals 'received by few'
The majority of people receiving energy bills in the UK are not getting the best deals, it has been reported...
Rewards 'not being picked up by credit card customers'
People signing up for credit cards may not be taking advantage of the rewards being offered to them, it has been reported...
Get finances fit, urges BBA
Authorities in the banking industry have told people that they should look to get their finances into shape over the summer months, it has been reported...
Roaming charges to drop
Roaming charges for people using their mobile phones abroad are to be cut, it has been reported...
Firms 'turning blind eye to sickness'
Many finance companies are not putting in place procedures to cut down on staff sickness, it has been reported...
More than £300m worth of phones down the toilet each year
Britons flush £348 million worth of mobile phones down the toilet each year, a consumer site has reported...
Most landlords 'keep the tenants' deposits'
Most landlords in the UK choose not to return a deposit once a tenant decides to leave their property, it has been reported...
People 'are stashing £3.5 billion at home'
People in Britain are hiding away a total of £3.5 billion in cash within their homes, it has been reported...
Pensions debt 'risked by the self-employed'
People in the UK who are self-employed are risking debt by not putting away enough for when they retire, a pensions authority has claimed...
Couples 'indebted in holy matrimony'
The happiest day in the lives of couples may also be the most expensive, it has been reported...
Banks 'need to be more innovative with online services'
Banks and financial companies have failed to make best use of the internet for banking services over the last decade, according to an online banking pioneer...
Apacs marks tenth anniversary of online banking
It has been ten years since people began to use the internet as a method of managing their finances...
Research shows withdrawal patterns
A new study has looked into how people in the UK get hold of their cash...
Keep on reclaiming bank charges, says Which?
People should not give up in their quest to reclaim unauthorised bank charges, it has been stated...
Rate of inflation for elderly 'too high'
Elderly people are facing inflation rates that are too high, it has been claimed...
Cost of moving is £54,400 per lifetime
Over the course of a lifetime, the cost of moving house totals £54,400, it has been claimed...
British keep their finances 'secret'
People in the UK would sooner discuss relationship and health problems before they talk about money, it has been revealed...
Homeowners hit by interest rate rise 'should seek help'
People who think they may struggle as a result of the increase in the interest rate should look to get help, it has been claimed...
People in the UK 'quick at choosing dwelling'
When it comes to picking a place to live, Britons take an hour and a half, according to new research...
Inheriting debt is 'a fear of the young'
The debt mountain left by a deceased parent is something most young Britons fear, it has been revealed...
First-time buyers affected by high interest rates
More income is being spent on mortgage payments by first-time buyers (FTBs) in the face of higher interest rates, it has been reported...
Increase in interest rates 'could see millions refinance'
Millions of homeowners may look to refinance if the interest rate goes up this month, it has been claimed...
Warning for homeowners looking to make improvements
Britons who are considering doing some DIY over the bank holiday weekend should make sure they do not end up destroying their houses, according to a financial services body...
Providers 'fooling borrowers with PPI'
The consumer group Which? has stated that customers may be fooled into taking out payment protection insurance (PPI) when they apply for a loan...
Soft commodity costs 'have gone up'
The price of soft commodities has gone up over the past five years, according to reports...
Two of the 'big six' see cuts
Of the biggest energy suppliers on the market, two have discounted their rates, according to a consumer switching company...
Discounted prices shake up energy market
The price of energy is to be discounted by a top utilities provider in order to shake up the market, it has been reported...
People in the UK 'should be tight-lipped' instead of disclosing details
Sensitive information is being revealed to strangers by Britons regularly, according to new research...
Switching battle 'declared by consumers'
The number of people swapping their bank account between financial providers is part of a surge of switching activity within the industry, it has been claimed...
Cost of running a home 'totals £11,000'
The yearly price of maintaining a household has gone up by 12 per cent, it has been claimed...
It's grim up north, financially, says study
Britons who live in the northern areas of the UK are less likely to pay off outstanding credit card bills than their southern equivalents, according to a new report...
Debt prevalent among the Friends generation
People aged around 30 carry the highest amount of debt, it has been claimed...
Spring cleaning online 'could save finances'
People could be looking at making substantial savings if they were to shift their financial strategy online, it has been suggested...
The UK's furniture bill worth £13bn
People in the UK spent a total of £13.5 billion on home furnishings during 2005, according to new statistics...
Interest rate rise hitting homeowner applicants
Nearly half a million people have been turned down when applying for a mortgage - largely due to increasing rates of interest, a consumer site has claimed...
March house price increase 'massive'
The price of housing in England and Wales grew by a larger amount in March than at any other point over the last four years, according to a property expert...
Pet price £2.6 billion over last 5 years
People in the United Kingdom have paid £2.6 billion for their pets over the last five years, it has been reported...
Electricity charges 'shock loyal customers'
The price of the average electricity bill has risen, despite the arrival of various utility-switching sites, it has been reported...
Some 66,000 bankruptcies in last 12 months, says government
Around 66,000 people in the UK declared themselves bankrupt last year, according to new government statistics...
Avoid impulse furniture buys, advises consumer group
People should be careful and take precautions if they end up buying furniture this weekend, according to a government advice service...
'A third would consider' banking fees
Fees for banking services would be accommodated by around a third of people in the UK, a financial body has claimed...
Operator travel insurance 'not a good idea'
People looking to go away this summer should avoid taking out a holiday insurance policy with their travel agent, according to an industry expert...
Wedding guests typically foot £300 bill
The average wedding guest at a UK service spends around £340 in total in order to attend the event, it has been claimed...
Single parents face 'saving struggle'
Lone parents are finding it increasingly difficult to establish a sufficient amount of savings, research indicates...
Saving 'not considered by most spenders'
People are choosing not to save based more on their attitude than the amount of income they have, new findings have indicated...
Rate rises 'shake' home-buyers
The three interest rate increases that spanned August 2006 to January 2007 may have put off potential homeowners, it has been claimed...
Mood to save 'has lightened'
Over 50 per cent of people in the UK were ready to save in February, new findings have revealed...
Showing restraint 'will cut credit card debt'
People who show restraint when paying off their credit cards will wash away their debt, according to a consumer finance organisation...
Police: Spring into action to avoid garden burglary
Now that spring is approaching, police in the North Cotswolds have warned homeowners that their property may be at a greater risk from burglars...
Mothers may 'influence finance most'
Mums may hold the most influence when it comes to people's finances, new research has revealed...
Parents 'want financial help from offspring in old age'
Despite recent reports of parents having to provide financial support for their children long into adulthood, it has emerged that many retirees are relying upon their offspring for money...
Card fraud 'slashed' through chip and pin
The successful rollout of chip and pin technology has seen a dramatic reduction in card fraud, having improved the security of credit card transactions for consumers in the UK...
Britons told to reclaim bank charges
Consumers are being urged to make the effort to reclaim bank charges amid concerns that they are subject to unfair extra costs as levied by banks...
Most customers 'can't escape their bank'
More than half of consumers think that their relationship with their bank is inescapable, according to a new report...
Britons saving £1.1 billion by 'bundling'
People in the UK are making substantial savings by taking out combined service packages - or bundles, according to new research...
Loans under 6% becoming 'extinct'
Loan interest rates less than six per cent are close to extinction, a consumer organisation has stated...
Zodiac reveals 'money personalities'
A study on the financial habits of 1,700 consumers has revealed that a person's star sign may be indicative of their money worries...
Young Britons 'putting pensions first'
Planning for retirement is a more pressing priority for young Britons than purchasing property, according to reports...
Consumers 'may not know' their mobile plan
Many UK mobile phone customers are unaware which tariff they are on or how much they are actually spending on their service, according to a consumer switching company...
Women in the UK 'gripped by shopaholicism'
There are more than three-quarters of a million women in the UK addicted to shopping, new findings have indicated...
Winter spending sees savings stretched
The savings of UK consumers were used to indulge shoppers spending habits over the winter months, according to new findings...
Base rate rise 'doesn't always mean bank generosity'
Some savings providers were less generous than others after January's base rate rise from the Bank of England, a financial organisation has suggested...
Give up spending for lent, says expert
Britons should give up non-essential spending for lent and start a saving habit instead, a consumer finance site has claimed...
Halifax to reunite customers with £44 million 'lost accounts'
Approximately £44 million has been left in 110,000 old and unused Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) accounts, the bank has reported...
50% parents not paying pocket money
Around half of British parents are not giving their children weekly pocket money, but saving for the future instead, a financial group has found...
Debt is affecting teenagers, say experts
Debt is affecting people as young as 14, according to new research...
Chip and PIN celebrates first anniversary
It has been a year since chip and pin was introduced as the primary way in which to pay using a card, a trading body has announced...
Expert: Valentine's could cost more than your heart
Elaborate Valentine's day proposals may end up cost around half as much as the actual wedding, according to new findings...
Base rate freeze 'a relief for borrowers'
Mortgage borrowers could be breathing a collective sigh of relief following the Bank of England's recent decision to freeze interest rates at 5.25 per cent...
uSwitch: Shop around for better phone and net-only rates
Telephone and internet-only current accounts could be making customers more money if they looked around for the best in-credit rates on the market, a consumer site has suggested...
Expert: 1.38m switching accounts
Over the next six months, around 1.38 million people will change their current account for others offering better services, according to new findings...
One in twenty break-up 'because of money'
Financial concerns could be a primary factor when couples decide to break up, according to findings from a consumer money organisation...
Personal debt - Repossessions 'sign of the times'
Record levels of personal debt meant that households are more vulnerable than ever to harsh financial conditions, an official finance body has claimed...
Saving as simple as skipping a sandwich, says money group
Some seven out of ten people save five per cent of their salaries each month, or around £3.19 each day - the cost of an "up-market sandwich", according to Fool.co.uk...
Argument erupts over 'dirty bank tactics'
A study from a consumer group that claims banks employ "underhand methods" to deal with customers querying charges has been criticised by the British Bankers' Association (BBA)...
Buyers 'will take risks' to set foot on ladder
More risks will be taken by first-time buyers in order to get themselves on the property ladder, new research has shown...
'Loan rates steady' despite Bank rise
The interest rate increase at the beginning of this month has lead to a rise in mortgage rates, although personal loan rates have stayed the same, according to MoneyExtra...
23m 'switch to cut costs'
Britons are choosing to leave product providers if a better deal comes along, MoneyExpert says...
Morgan Stanley: Credit spending more clever
The amount of money being spent on credit cards from January to March this year will increase, according to Morgan Stanley...
Survey: Financial resolutions popular in 2007
Almost half of the new year's resolutions committed to in 2007 were finance-based, with more than a quarter being broken by the end of the month, according to IFA Promotion...
Tax tips for returns
As the deadline for tax returns approaches, taxpayers have been given tips on how to save on their finances, as well as avoid the £100 fee for late submissions...
4m Britons 'switch to cheaper energy'
Millions of Britons are switching to cheaper gas and electricity suppliers to save money, according to new figures...
Students 'need financial advice'
Students need to be given more advice on managing their money, according to a new study...
UK house price inflation continues
The rate of house price growth increased in November last year, new government figures have revealed...
Parents 'expect to fund kids in later life'
Many parents are expecting to bankroll their children when they are in their 60s, according to new figures...
Interest rates go up to 5.25%
Interest rates in the UK have been raised to 5.25 per cent by the Bank of England (BoE) today...
Women with expensive handbags 'vulnerable to crime'
Many British women risk falling victim to crime by carrying expensive items in their handbags, according to an insurance firm...
Fixed-rate mortgages 'may suit cautious borrowers'
A property expert has speculated that fixed-rate mortgages will suit more cautious borrowers on the grounds that they offer a guaranteed, predetermined return irrespective of base rate changes. ..
Pet priorities changing, insurer reveals
Pet insurance sales are being altered as a result of shifts in owners' social patterns, according to research...
Lloyds TSB launches 'save-as-you-spend' debit card scheme
Lloyds TSB has announced the launch of a new savings scheme that will allow people to save their change every time a debit card is used...
No-swipe credit cards 'linked' with identity theft
The latest innovation in banking has the potential to make customers susceptible to identity theft, experts warn...
Parents failing kids on CTFs
Too many parents are failing their children by not getting the best returns out of their Child Trust Funds (CTFs), claims new research. ..
No handouts for children of the future
In two generations' time, children will be expected to be financially autonomous from an early age, according to new research. ..
Financial woes become 'last taboo'
Less than a quarter of Brits are willing to speak to their closest confidants about debt problems, as a new survey suggests that money worries have become the last taboo. ..
Delaying pension payment 'cuts retirement fund by 50%'
Graduates disillusioned with pension funds could be risking halving their retirement fund if they delay making contributions until they hit 30, according to new research. ..
Savers favour buy-to-let
Bricks and mortar is still Britons' favoured investment vehicle as new research shows that people are choosing to put their money into the rapidly growing property market for the best returns. ..
PPI sellers 'failing consumers'
Firms selling payment protection insurance (PPI) are failing to treat their customers fairly, concludes a review by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). ..
FSA to teach personal finance
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has pledged 15 to 20 million pounds a year for the next four years in a bid to help ten million people organise their finances and plan for the future. ..
Credit union services 'to be available in Post Offices'
Availability of credit union services should be increased by making them accessible through Post Offices, a Labour MP has claimed. ..
Identity fraud hits new high
By the end of 2006 it is estimated that over 68,000 people will have fallen victim to identity fraud, according to CIFAS, the UK's fraud prevention service. ..
Pension funds warned over bonds
Pension funds' focus on buying bonds in order to secure strong yields for their customers could prove to diminish the value of the asset in the long-term, warns a report by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). ..
£20 for single parents looking for work
Single parents will receive a £20 bonus to their benefits if they prove that they have been taking steps towards taking on work, in a pilot scheme due to be introduced by the department for work and pensions next April. ..
70% of debtors owe over £10,000
Some 70 per cent of people with serious debt problems owe more than £10,000 and two thirds are struggling to pay back between £10,001 and £50,000, according to new research. ..
Consumers warned 'save wisely'
Savings account providers are increasingly attaching withdrawal terms and conditions to instant access savings accounts, warns a leading consumer welfare website. ..
Banks' customers warned of current account cost
Customers signing up to packaged bank accounts are being charged almost £140 a year, according to new research. ..
Interest rates held
The Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) has voted to keep interest rates at 4.75 per cent for October. ..
House price growth but slowdown to come
UK house prices reported strong one per cent growth in September but are expected to ease by the end of the year, according to the Halifax house price index...
Phone bills 'to rise covertly'
Millions of Britons could be paying more for their phone bills, despite an advertising campaign claiming the opposite, according to new research...
Package accounts 'not what they seem'
Customers are getting a poor deal from many packaged current accounts, according to new research. ..
Parents warned of non-stakeholder CTFs by experts
Experts have warned that parents buying into a non-stakeholder child trust fund may be charged high fees and find the process very complex. ..
Students still rely on parents
As the new academic year begins, new research reveals that despite bursaries, loans and employment, students all over the country are still relying on their parents for financial support. ..
Child Trust Fund confusion
During the first year of the Child Trust Fund (CTF) a quarter of parents and guardians receiving vouchers from the government failed to invest them before the 12 month expiry date...
Mortgage lending at record high
August's value of mortgage lending has broken the all-time record once again, as analysts praise the state of the housing market. ..
Value of pensions halve in a decade
Personal pension returns have plummeted over the last ten years leaving those coming to the end of their working life with concern for the future...
Britons' grand familial financial outlay
The best things in life may be free, but children are certainly not as new research reveals that Britons spend almost £10,000 a year supporting their families...
Debt: An old problem
Thousands of pensioners are racking up huge debts with no intention of paying them back, claims a new survey...
Energy customers face tough winter
Homeowners will be paying more for their energy this winter if they stick with the incumbent suppliers, according to experts...
Hoards of Britons default on mortgages
Hundreds of thousands of British homeowners have missed their mortgage repayments in the last year, according to new research. ..
Students 'conned' by banks' free gifts
Many university freshers will be targeted in the next few weeks by banks offering £100 free gifts, but they may be lured into choosing the wrong bank account, new research claims. ..
Clampdown on door-to-door sales
Consumers pressured into buying goods on their doorsteps will have a cooling off period during which they can return their items under new government proposals launched today. ..
Britons unaware of IHT costs
Britons are not preparing themselves adequately for when they pass away, possibly leaving their loved ones with a huge inheritance tax bill, it has been claimed. ..
Teenage dreams so hard to beat – into reality
The vast majority of British teenagers believe that they will become homeowners in the future but the reality facing them is that millions of adults cannot afford to buy their own accommodation...
Credit card spending spikes in July
The amount of money spent on credit cards has risen sharply in July, despite the month's historical low credit borrowing, according to moneyextra.com...
Cash machine fraud on the rise
Cash machine fraud has risen by an alarming average of 37 per cent a year between 1996 and 2005, according to Sainsbury's Bank. ..
Cheque mate for bank payments
From October, new legislation arrives meaning people will no longer be able to write cheques made out to banks or building societies...
'Perpetual' interest mortgage launched to help first time buyers
Kent Reliance yesterday (August 23rd) announced that it would be launching a new low-cost interest-only mortgage that would allow repayments to be passed on to the next generation, but borrowers have been warned to consult relatives before committing to the loan. ..
Pensioners susceptible to inflation
Inflation is considered to be the biggest risk when buying a level conventional annuity by 90 per cent of advisors, according to new research by Prudential. ..
Britons underestimate the cost of NHS treatment
Despite the vast majority of Britons relying on the NHS to cover the cost of their healthcare, they consistently underestimated the cost of the treatment they receive, according to new research by Legal and General. ..
Small loans more expensive at big banks
Over half a million people who took out loans for less than £5,000 in the past year have, on average, been paying too much interest, according to uSwitch.com. ..
Millionaire aren't what they used to be
Although having millions of pounds stashed away in your bank has its benefits, it comes at a price, according to Abbey Premium Banking...
Cardiff – the UK's most expensive city
London has been overtaken as the country's most expensive city by Cardiff and Edinburgh among others, reports Combined Insurance...
British women miss out on pension benefits
Six in ten women are not contributing to a pension fund, potentially losing out on pension tax relief, according to new research by HSBC. ..
Real cost of uni far higher than estimated
Both parents and soon-to-be students are underestimating the costs of higher education, new research from the Association of Investment Trust Companies (AITC) has warned...
More than a million heading toward bankruptcy says report
More than 1.1 million people are likely to seek bankruptcy protection or an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA) in the foreseeable future says new research. ..
Nationwide card users happiest, Barclaycard most vexed
Nationwide customers are the most satisfied with their credit cards while Barclaycard customers are the least content, new research has shown...
Lower minimum payments means twice the interest warns research
A widespread shift in the credit card industry towards lowering the minimum level that has to be paid back monthly may seem like a good thing at first glance. ..
Beware balance transfer credit card trap says survey
Balance transfer credit card users are paying on average ten per cent above the best rates available, to them claims a new survey. ..
Inheritance tax bill up estimated £400 million in '06
The UK's inheritance tax bill increased by £200 million during the first half of 2006, as rising property prices meant that more and more people became liable for the charge. ..
June mortgage lending breaks records
June mortgage lending broke all previous records reaching £32.2 billion, new figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) have revealed. ..
Borrowers facing 110 fees says survey
The average UK consumer with just five standard financial products to their name faces 110 penalty fees, with even the smartest and most organised struggling to avoid them. ..
Virgin balance transfer offer 1 year 0% interest
The Virgin Money balance transfer credit card will now offer 12-months interest free on all transfers, up from its previous offer of nine. ..
Break-up linked to bankruptcy says report
A new survey has revealed a disturbing relationship between the UK's rising levels of debt and divorce. ..
Victims call for ID theft support
Victims of identity theft are calling for a "one-stop shop" to help individuals recover from the crime. ..
Half UK has no income protection insurance warns poll
Around half of the UK has no income protection insurance, Co-operative Insurance has warned. ..
Credit rating problem mortgage market expands
The number of mortgages tailored for people with credit rating problems has grown six times faster than the mainstream market in recent years say new figures. ..
Days of easy credit over claims research
Refusals for new credit cards and personal loans are soaring as banks attempt to stem rising levels of bad personal debt, research has claimed. ..
Interest free will never die but it will fade away
Just six credit cards offering interest free periods on new purchases for longer than ten months are left on the market, claims Sainsbury's Bank. ..
"Extreme" debt cases double says charity
The number of people in the classified as struggling with "extreme" debt has doubled in the course of a year, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has warned. ..
First time buyers face record debts
First time buyers now face greater mortgage debts than at any time since records began, new Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) figures have shown. ..
Experian busts credit rating myths
Credit blacklists, popularly believed to dictate your chance of securing loans and credit, are actually a myth claims a new report from credit rating agency Experian. ..
Inheritance assets tax plan scrapped
The chancellor has scrapped plans to tax assets left in trust in wills, the government has announced. ..
£500m profit from balance transfer credit card deals says research
Credit card providers are running a profit margin of around £500 million every year on balance transfer credit card deals and other introductory offers, says Nationwide. ..
UK puts pension's faith in celebrity relics
A growing number of people in the UK are considering funding their pensions with celebrity memorabilia, research for Aon Consulting has claimed. ..
Affordability gap finally closing says A&L
The yawning affordability gap in the UK property market is finally beginning to close as cheaper mortgages and rising wages bridge the divide, claims Alliance & Leicester. ..
Big four high street banks fold over excessive penalty fees
Barclaycard, Lloyds TSB and HSBC have all said that they will not contest the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) order that they must slash their credit card penalty fees. ..
Am-Ex forced to apologise over balance transfer credit card fiasco
Red-faced American Express bosses have been forced to apologise after mistakenly offering customers zero per cent balance transfer credit card offers for life. ..
Credit comes in from the cold
The widespread availability of cash back credit cards and low interest credit card deals is driving the use of plastic for everyday purchases, says research by Morgan Stanley. ..
OFT says bank fees ruling not applied to overdrafts
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has said that it will not apply its landmark ruling that bank fees must be slashed to overdraft charges. ..
Tracker rates come down while fixed rates go up says report
Fixed rate mortgages are becoming more expensive while trackers are coming down in cost, new Moneyfacts data has shown. ..
Investors flood the markets
Private investors in the UK have been pouring money into stock market investments claims the Investment Management Association (IMA). ..
Two-fifths missing out on pensions credits
Almost two-fifths of all pensioners entitled to pension credit are not claiming it, government figures have revealed. ..
Variable rate time comes again as fixed rates fixed up
Variable rate tracker mortgages are poised to become the best value deals as mortgage suppliers prepare to up their fixed rate prices, research for the Woolwich has claimed. ..
Almost £12bn switched every 6 months on balance transfer credit card deals
Almost £12 billion is due to be juggled on zero per cent finance and balance transfer credit cards over the next six months alone, research by Capital One has claimed. ..
Banking complaints double
More people than ever before are complaining about the service that they receive from their banks, with the number of complaints up 50 per cent over 2005. ..
Tax men warn same-sex couples of rule change
The Chartered Institute of Taxation has warned that same-sex couples in the UK could have inadvertently run up as much as £1,600 in unpaid tax following changes to the law. ..
Cheap personal loans proliferate
Cut rate personal loans have proliferated, but many people are still failing to make a loan comparison and are accepting expensive deals from their banks, claims new research. ..
Two million in UK face £10k or more debt says survey
Around two million people in the UK are in debt amounting to more than £10,000 on credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts, debt advice company One Advice has claimed. ..
Nationwide offer first time buyers relief
Nationwide has increased the amount of money that it is prepared to loan to first time buyers struggling to get onto the property ladder. ..
Sainsbury's launches longest 0% card
Sainsbury's Bank has launched a new credit card offering the longest zero per cent period currently available in the UK, with nothing to pay on purchases for a year. ..
Analysts warn of death of 0% balance transfer credit cards
Credit card providers are likely to respond to Office of Fair Trading (OFT) demands on fees by deciding that zero per cent balance transfer credit card deals are no longer economical. ..
OFT rules bank charges "unlawful"
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has ruled that the fees charged by banks and building cards in the UK are "legally unfair" and challenged providers to slash their charges. ..
A third of all current account holders permanently in their overdrafts
A third of all adults with bank accounts in the UK rely on their overdrafts just to get by, new research has revealed. ..
Analysts warn on savings accounts cuts
Financial analysts have warned that savers should be prepared to regularly review their savings accounts as rates tumble across the board. ..
18 to 40-year-olds lacking in financial savvy
In launching a programme to help more than ten million people over the next five years, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) said the financial skills of the UK's 18-40 year olds is essential if they are to meet the greater demands placed on them and avoid problems in the future. ..
Balance transfer credit card users warned on small print
Borrowers using balance transfer credit cards have been warned that they must scrupulously read the small print to avoid unexpected fees, say finance advisors. ..
Inheritance tax to almost triple says Halifax
Inheritance tax levied on wills and estates could nearly triple to an annual £5.6 billion, Halifax has claimed. ..
Graduate first time buyers face mountain
Graduate first time buyers struggling to get onto the property ladder are finding themselves dragged down by their university debts says a new survey. ..
Don't let a honeymoon turn into a disaster
Couples heading off on honey moons should make sure they leave with travel insurance before they go. ..
Basic bank accounts provide financial confidence
Over three quarters of basic bank account users say it has given them for financial confidence, according to a survey commissioned by the British Bankers Association (BBA). ..
Employees uninformed about A-day says research
More than a fifth of all companies in the UK have yet to inform their staff about upcoming pensions plan changes. ..
UK embraces online banking says survey
More than half of the UK (59 per cent) now regularly takes advantage of online banking, says new research. ..
Store cards overcharging by 20% says report
Britons who choose to put spending onto store cards are routinely paying 20 per cent too much in interest, the Competition Commission has said. ..
Giantkiller takes on UK banks
Once in a generation comes a hero. A man prepared to stand up against the forces of oppression, no matter what the cost to himself. A man capable of the greatest compassion for the little guy and terrible wrath for the forces of darkness. ..
UK throwing away £7.6 billion on tax
The UK is gifting the chancellor a collective £7.6 billion in tax revenue that they could be squirreling away in duty-free saving products, IFA Promotions has claimed. ..
ISA commercial property investment to reach £12bn, say analysts
A massive £12 billion in commercial property investment is due to be made through ISAs, analysts are predicting. ..
ISAs back says F&C
Sales of cash ISAs have shot up over the past year, F&C Asset Management has revealed. ..
Millions planning equity relief to avoid will bills
Despite being persistently portrayed in the Daily Mail and the Telegraph as the generation that loves to 'Ski' - Spend the Kids Inheritance - two million retired people are finding other ways to avoid inheritance tax. ..
UK misses £2.8bn on balance transfer claims IF
British credit card borrowers could save £2.8 billion pounds if they switched to lifetime balance transfer credit card deals, according to internet bank IF. ..
Law student takes on UK banks over charges
A law student who has previously humiliated a high street bank over the charges it makes is to bring a court action today against the biggest high street providers. ..
Buy to let boomed in 2005
The number of buy to let mortgages sold in the UK rocketed by 39 per cent in the second half of 2005, say new figures issued by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). ..
Demise of first time buyers much exaggerated says CML
Rumours of the demise of first time buyers have been greatly exaggerated, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has claimed. ..
Homeowners out of pocket £160 on fuel bills, says Which?
As homeowners face another threatened rise in gas and electricity rates, Which? has said that "rookie" switchers, who are not normally mercenary in searching for deals, stand to gain the most by changing provider. ..
Halifax attempts to repossess suicide father's home over £5,000
A father of two killed himself after a downward spiral of bad debt and finance problems eventually saw his home repossessed and his family evicted. ..
Record number of first time buyers forced to ask for family help
First time buyers are asking their families for help to get on the property ladder in record numbers, government figures have revealed. ..
Private investors prove clueless on returns
The greater majority of private investors have no idea what the best investment of the last 12 months was, says research by Star Asset Management. ..
Consumers opting to switch credit cards
Britons are still switching from card to card in search of the latest deal, according to figures from Moneyfacts. ..
When Valentine's Day goes wrong
British consumers are terrible for making claims after Valentine's Day gestures go wrong, Lifestyle Extra reported. ..
Pitfalls of payment protection insurance
The limits of payment protection insurance (PPI) should be made clearer to borrowers, according to a report from Defaqto. ..
Homeowners missing out on ££££ with mortgage protection insurance
Smart homeowners are able to save thousands on mortgage protection insurance, experts have claimed. ..
Six million savings accounts to switch in '06, says survey
In a fresh sign of competition in what was until recently considered an unexciting market, almost six million savings account holders are planning to switch in 2006. ..
Bankruptcy levels bust records
Filings for personal bankruptcy increased to record levels during the final months of 2005, rising 57 per cent compared to the same period of the year before. ..
Credit card comparison 'almost impossible' says Which?
Making a realistic comparison of credit card deals is all but impossible as many credit card companies do not clearly explain how they calculate interest, Which? has claimed. ..
Abbey offers baby £20,000 personal loan
Abbey has apologised to the mother of a one-year-old whose daughter had been told by the bank that she was eligible for a £20,000 personal loan. ..
Borrowers warned on 367% interest equity release
Financial advisors have issued a major warning over an equity release scheme that could end up costing homeowners much of the value of their homes. Shared Appreciation Mortgages - Sams - marketed by the Bank of Scotland (now HBoS) and Barclays have been taken up by at least 15,000 elderly homeowners since they were launched in the late 1990s...
Quarter of a million households face 'fuel poverty'
Over 250,000 UK households are facing a stark future of "fuel poverty" if, as expected, gas and electricity bills continue to rise. ..
Visa reports 1.4m cards canned in 2005
Visa Card is reporting that the amount of money spent on its licensed plastic has declined for the first time ever. ..
Resolutions prove brittle in the chill January days
It seems that as the hangovers and the party memories fade so does the will power. ..
Financial health-check recommended
UK consumers are being advised to carry out a "financial health-check" at least once a year, in order to keep pace with their "hectic lifestyles and future ambitions". ..
Money worries making us sick
Financial stresses and strains are becoming so bad that they are making us ill, according to a survey from AXA. ..
Almost half of child trust funds unclaimed says survey
Almost 50 per cent of the Child Trust Fund (CTF) vouchers launched a year ago have yet to be claimed, says a survey of the funds by Nationwide. ..
Cashback credit card joins the endangered list
The cashback credit card is becoming endangered, if not heading towards all out extinction, say credit card advisors. ..
Number of pension age employees will increase by third, says ONS
The number of people unable to retire at 65 is set to soar over the next 15 years, as poor savings and low pensions make retirement an economic luxury, say figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). ..
UK warned against freezing gas and electricity bills
As the prices of gas and electricity have risen over recent months, so more utility operators have begun offering long-term fixed rate deals. ..
Banking code investigates credit practices
Some of the UK's largest finance providers could soon be facing clampdowns on the way they handle customers' credit ratings. ..
Nationwide withdraws cashback credit card
The walls began coming down on yet another branch of credit card offers today with the news that Nationwide is to withdraw its cashback credit card from new business. ..
Cahoot launches new savings rates
Online bank Cahoot has launched the first skirmish of a looming price war over UK savings accounts, with a 4.85 per cent saving rate offer for all customers. ..
Mortgage equity withdrawal declining
The mortgage equity withdrawal (MEW) market in the UK remains sluggish, official figures reveal ..
BskyB resurrects the long running 0% card
BSkyB and Barclaycard have teamed up to launch a 12 month interest free balance transfer credit card. ..
Banks report rush of interest in 'dormant' savings accounts
Banks and building societies says that they have received a flood of enquiries from people wishing to track down old savings accounts. ..
Mortgages boom to second highest month on record
A series of the most well respected mortgage indicators in the UK have all reported a major boom in mortgages over November. ..
ING Direct cuts savings accounts rate but remains ahead
Savers with ING Direct online "basic" savings accounts could be forgiven for looking elsewhere, as the provider announces that it will be cutting its rate to 4.5 per cent in January. ..
Last will and testament
Sorting out wills and legacies in often entangled financial affairs can be a nightmare, and cause rows in one in ten families following a death. ..
First time buyers face tough choices
First time buyers have a greater range of mortgages than ever before to choose from, but many of these will come at a price. ..
Credit card users devoted to their plastic
Far from being the nation of bed hopping "rate tarts" that credit card companies try to paint us as, credit card users in the UK have been revealed as devoted to their cards. ..
£1.5 billion lost every year to savings account 'apathy' says Capital One
Over £59 million is sitting in savings accounts in the UK earning their owners less than two per cent in interest every year, Capital One has revealed. ..
Little seasonal cheer from Capital One
What has until now been the longest running balance transfer credit card is to be withdrawn from the market in another blow to credit card rate hoppers. ..
Credit for Christmas
Credit card companies are looking forward to a bumper Christmas, as consumers get ready to spend on their balance transfer credit card deals and no-longer-so-low low interest credit card deals. ..
David and Goliath of mortgage comparison
Most people would say that the largest providers would come out best in a mortgage comparison. ..
Find your way out of debt
Thousands of people in the UK have started waking up from a long credit binge over the last few months – and as with so many forms of excess, it can leave a nasty hangover. ..
Low interest credit card prices creep up, despite falling borrowing costs
Despite the overall cost of borrowing falling, credit card companies are raising the costs of borrowing on plastic, an extensive credit card comparison has revealed. ..
Housing market 'resilient' as demand steady
Analysts have hailed the latest set of British Bankers Association (BBA) mortgage data as proof that the housing market has landed softly. ..
Credit card comparison gets harder
Increasing numbers of credit card providers are abandoning the low interest credit card and balance transfer credit card deals that they have until recently used to tempt borrowers through credit card comparison. ..
Leeds adds to 100% mortgages range
As the cost of homes, deposits and mortgage comparison has grown ever more expensive, so 100% mortgages have grown more popular. ..
Competition Commission warns on door step lending
The Competition Commission (CC) has warned people on the lookout for an unsecured loan that they will be paying over the odds if they choose to sign up with a doorstep lender. ..
BT home phone slammed in satisfaction survey
Two of the biggest home phone line providers in the country are failing to live up to the expectations of most of their customers, says a new satisfaction survey. ..
Three quarters of IVA applicants 'living beyond means'
Most people who apply for Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) to sort out their unsecured loans and credit card borrowing say they were simply living beyond their means, says a new report. ..
Borrowers ripped off 500% on personal loans cover
Consumers could be shooting themselves in the foot by taking payment protection insurance (PPI) from their lender, says a new personal loans market survey. ..
Current accounts: the product we love to hate
Current accounts are the financial products most likely to leave consumers unhappy, a new poll has revealed. ..
£1.6 billion lost in poor tax planning
Poor inheritance tax planning is set to cost UK families £1.6 billion through 2005. This is a £400 million increase in the past year alone says IFA Promotion, who issued the research. ..
