UK Money News - January 2008
For Money News and Related News then fan down this page for the headlines and choose a story that interest by clicking the red title - Happy Reading
31/01/2008
- House prices down 0.1% in January
UK house prices dipped very slightly during January but were still down for a third consecutive month, new data shows. - Powergen set to rise prices
Powergen customers are facing large increases to their gas and electricity bills, it has been reported. - Watchdog slams energy companies
Complaint handling standards in the energy sector are unacceptably low, according to the UK's energy market watchdog. - Be vigilant over 'frosting' crime, says Sainsbury's Car Insurance
With temperatures expected to plunge this week, a car insurance provider has warned of the dangers of leaving your car running to warm up the engine. - Families hit by added tax burden
Families will be paying an extra £2,600 per year in tax to fund the government's spending and borrowing commitments, according to an independent study.
30/01/2008
- Lenders profiting hugely from payment protection insurance
Lenders are making large profits from payment protection insurance policies (PPI), according to a report from competition authorities. - Borrowers urged to transfer debt to save
Borrowers can make significant savings on their personal loan repayments by transferring their debt to a series of credit cards, it has been claimed. - Housing market 'less accessible'
Britain's housing market has been growing steadily less accessible over the last 12 years and it is now 351 per cent harder to get a foot on the property ladder than it was in 1996. - New rules for IVAs
Providers of individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) will be following new industry guidelines from Friday. - Credit crunch hits tracker mortgages
The effects of the credit crunch have hit tracker mortgages, according to research from the personal finance website, Moneyfacts.co.uk. - Pensioners face £5k income gap
People retiring in Britain this year will be living on £5,000 less than the average income, research has shown - Brits keeping loans secret from family, says Abbey Loans
New research has uncovered a high incidence of Britons taking out loans without their family and partners' knowledge. - Hips cutting speculative marketing, claims AA Legal Services
Home information packs (Hips) have cut the incidence of homeowners speculatively marketing their properties, it has been claimed. - Property market continues to slow
The slowdown in the UK property market continued in December, with mortgage approvals falling for the seventh month in a row. - 'Energy efficient homes are more attractive to tenants'
Landlords can make their properties more attractive to potential tenants by making them more energy efficient, a specialist buy to let mortgage provider has claimed. - New website helps locate cash in dormant accounts
A new website has been launched to help UK consumers reclaim cash held in dormant accounts. - Yorkshire asks dormant account holders to come forward
Customers of Yorkshire Building Society should act now to avoid unclaimed assets in dormant accounts being commandeered by the government, a leading building society has warned. - Over 80s are UK's best-off retirees
Britain's best-off retirees are those in their 80s who worked until standard retirement age and who are now living off company pensions, a study has revealed. - Sheila's Wheels to launch home insurance
Specialist women's car insurance provider, Sheila's Wheels, is to begin offering home cover next year, it has been announced.
29/01/2008
- Credit card owners urged to rein in spending
Borrowers with credit card debts should cut their spending before banks do it for them, according to a personal finance expert. - Removing walls can invalidate insurance, warns provider
The vogue for open plan living could be leading millions of homeowners to invalidate their home insurance policies, it has been claimed. - Borrowers in arrears face 'unjust charges'
Mortgage holders who go into arrears could be punished more harshly by their providers than they think, it has been claimed. - Mortgages take up most of household budgets
The last fifty years has seen a sea change in how UK consumers' budgets are spent, a new study has revealed. - Overpaying on mortgage brings benefits, says Charcol
With many consumers' finances currently buoyed by bonuses and pay rises, January is the ideal time to consider overpaying on your mortgage, it has been claimed. - More Brits facing financial problems this year, FSA predicts
British consumers are set to wrestle with financial problems in increasing numbers this year, it has been claimed. - Brits savings rise nearly 40-fold
Claims that Britons are facing large debts have been challenged by the results of a new study indicating that saving may be more common than has been previously thought. - Retirees investing in shares for 'nest egg' savings
A number of UK residents approaching retirement age are investing in shares as a nest egg for their retirement, it has been claimed.
28/01/2008
- Savings outlook 'uncertain'
The outlook for savings and investments this year is "uncertain", according to the Investment Management Association (IMA). - The Nottingham targets silver savers
The Nottingham Building Society is targeting more experienced savers with a new account. - Financial advisors key to saving money
Financial advisors can play an important role in helping people to save money, according to their trade association. - Hidden cost of last-minute travel insurance
People who leave travel insurance to the last minute could be left out of pocket, experts have warned. - Bridging loans 'not routine'
Bridging loans should not be considered a routine part of the property chain, according to AA Legal Services. - Employees 'seek pensions advice from employers'
Employees would welcome improved pensions advice from their employers, it has been claimed. - Buildings insurance offers 'vital protection'
Homeowners who neglect to take out buildings insurance for their property are leaving themselves at significant risk, it has been claimed. - Markets 'could be rocky' in run-up to summer
Financial markets look set to remain volatile in the coming weeks and months, according to a poll of personal finance experts. - Cara-fans 'must study insurance details'
Fans of caravanning should ensure they understand their level of cover when setting off for a holiday, one personal finance industry body has suggested.
25/01/2008
- Home improvements 'can be beneficial during slowdown'
Home improvements can be beneficial to people who are looking to sell their properties as the economic climate worsens, one expert has suggested. - Women 'more trustworthy in car sales'
British consumers would trust a female second-hand car salesperson more readily than a male alternative, according to the latest personal finance news from AA Personal Loans. - Insurance industry 'increasingly alert to fraud'
The insurance industry in the UK is becoming increasingly alert to issue of policy fraud, according to one expert on the subject. - Consumers 'must look out for themselves' when recession looms
British consumers should look after their own interests this year in order to protect themselves from the economic downturn now widely anticipated, says David Kuo from Fool.co.uk. - Price hikes 'will cause energy switching'
An increasing number of consumers will switch their energy providers in weeks to come as prices continue to rise, one expert has asserted. - Mobile cash-back deals 'have been problematic'
Mobile contracts that entail a cash-back element have proven to be problematic for British phone users for a variety of reasons, according to Consumer Direct. - South-west 'offers diverse property choices'
The south-west of England offer potential property investors a diverse range of options to choose from, it has been claimed.
24/01/2008
- Mortgage lending 'weakening'
Mortgage lending by the UK's high street banks has been weakening in recent months, according to the latest money news from the British Bankers' Association (BBA). - FSCS 'has brokered £1 billion in compensation'
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has paid out more than £1 billion to customers of collapsed businesses since its foundation in 2001, it has emerged. - February rate cut 'likely'
A cut in the base rate of interest looks likely in February, according to one personal finance expert. - Bestinvest: Mortgage market remains robust
The UK's mortgage market remains in good shape, despite the difficulties facing the wider economy at present, according to the assessment of Bestinvest's mortgage manager Peter O'Donovan. - Tax advantages 'make CTFs appealing'
Tax advantages associated with child trust funds (CTFs) make the products appealing to parents looking to secure the financial futures of their offspring, it has been suggested. - Property investors 'should make the most of French market'
Property investors should take advantage of the potential offered by the French housing sector in the coming weeks and months, one expert has claimed. - Croatia 'an investment hotspot of the future'
Investors looking for positive property finance news should consider Croatia, it has been suggested. - Consumers 'do not understand green energy'
Consumers are keen to switch to a cheaper energy supplier to help with debt payments but are not buying into green energy policies, it has been suggested.
23/01/2008
- Self-building sector 'can defy economic downturn'
The self-building and renovating sector of the UK's construction industry can defy the negative outlook for the national economy and may even thrive because of it, according to one expert account. - Most Brits have Christmas debts 'under control'
A majority of consumers around the UK have their Christmas-related debts under control despite relying heavily on credit to fund their expenditure last month, it has been claimed. - Gilts offer 'safe bet' in turbulent times
Gilts can offer investors a reliable rate of return during a time which is proving to be turbulent for the financial markets, one expert has asserted. - Investors urged to think long term
Investors in commercial property have been urged not to panic and to judge the prospects of their assets on a long-term basis. - Consumers 'should look out for best deals'
Consumers looking to make the most of their personal finance products should take the initiative to ensure they are getting the best help with finance available, it has been suggested. - Islamic insurance market 'growing'
The marketplace for insurance products that are compliant with Sharia law is increasing, according to one personal finance organisation. - Mortgage buyers 'must be made aware of options'
It is vital that consumers looking to compare mortgages are aware of the details of options recommended to them, it has been claimed. - CTFs and other savings 'can complement one another'
Consumers looking to make the most of the help with money available to them might like to consider combining their offspring's child trust fund (CTF) with other forms of savings, it has been suggested.
22/01/2008
- Deal with debt is bank's personal finance advice
Sainsbury's Bank has urged Britons to deal with their debts as part of an overall effort to improve their personal finance performance. - Consumers express council tax 'hatred'
Consumers around the country have expressed their dislike of council taxes via a recent poll carried out by MSN Money. - Financial wellbeing drops, Alliance Trust notes
Financial wellbeing has worsened around the UK in recent weeks and months, according to the Alliance Trust's latest "financial reality" report. - Darling confident about underlying strength of UK economy
Chancellor Alistair Darling has claimed that he is confident about the underlying strength of the UK economy, despite worsening financial conditions in the wake of the so-called credit crunch. - Trouble with debt ahead for big spenders, uSwitch claims
Trouble with debt could be on the way for millions of UK consumers who have been unable to curb their spending in recent months and years, according to a report from uSwitch. - Early pension planning "vital"
Earlier pension planning is vital for anyone aiming to secure a comfortable level of income in retirement, according to one personal finance expert. - People "nervous" about trouble with debt
British consumers have become "very nervous" about their trouble with debt in light of the problems facing the UK economy, it has been claimed. - Bank accounts 'help kids with understanding money'
Parents can help their children with understanding money by opening a bank account on their behalf at an early age, it has been suggested. - Speeders 'face money trouble'
Motorists could find themselves in trouble with debt if they are caught speeding according to new research from moneysupermarket.com, which suggests that insurance providers punish repeat offenders with inflated premiums for up to five years. - Biba: Improved regulation needed for personal finance comparison websites
The British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba) has called upon the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to improve regulation of price comparison websites. - Personal finance awareness 'important for teens'
Teenagers should be given an understanding of personal finance by the time they are 16 if they are to make the most of their child trust funds, MDM Associates has claimed.
21/01/2008
- Abbey debt advice includes comparing mortgages
Comparing mortgages can be an important way for British consumers to manage their money more effectively, according to debt advice from Abbey. - Understanding money 'could keep Scottish kids out of debt'
Part of the curriculum for schools in Scotland is to focus on helping children gain a greater understanding of money that could enable them to avoid trouble with debt in later life, it has been revealed. - Economic slowdown 'not all bad'
An economic slowdown would not have entirely negative consequences for the UK as a whole, according to one personal finance expert. - Energy price hikes 'could lead to trouble with debt'
Energy price hikes being introduced by a number of suppliers could lead to trouble with debt for many consumers around the country, it has been suggested. - Teachers 'need training' on personal finance education
Teachers should be trained in how to educate British school children on issues relating to personal finance, it has been claimed. - Newcastle Building Society predicts equity release boom
The equity release industry in the UK is set to grow considerably over the coming weeks and months, according to the Newcastle Building Society. - CML notes record mortgage lending in 2007
More money was lent as mortgage loans in the UK last year than has been the case in any previous 12-month period, according to the latest personal finance data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). - Trouble with debt 'sees consumers miss mortgage payments'
Trouble with debt has seen millions of overstretched consumers around the UK miss their mortgage repayment deadlines, according to recent research. - BSA: Lending drops as interest rates rise
Amounts of money being borrowed from building societies as mortgage loans decreased last month on a year-on-year basis, according to the latest personal finance news from the Building Societies Association (BSA).
18/01/2008
- Friday 18th 'worst for car accidents'
Today (Friday January 18th) is the best day to leave the car at home due to the high number of accidents that tend to take place on this date. - Fixed-rate bonds 'an attractive option'
Fixed-rate bonds are once again proving to be an attractive option for homeowners, it has been claimed. - Pension savings 'need to last a long time'
The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has announced that many people are risking disappointment in their old age by failing to properly prepare for retirement. - Credit crunch 'will affect private investors'
The impact of the recent credit squeeze will have an effect on private investors, reports a spokesperson for Off-Plan International. - Awareness of life insurance 'growing'
Understanding of the importance of health and protection insurance has become more widespread, an industry expert claims. - Consumers 'Give property market frosty reception'
The number of potential buyers and agreed sales fell over the festive period, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has announced. - Cookery capers 'put kitchens at risk'
Amateur cooks are causing devastation in the kitchen and starting fires, an insurance company says. - Poor weather 'causes hike in insurance claims'
British weather has helped boost the number of claims made in the last three years on home insurance policies, an insurer suggests. - Record profits 'should anger British Gas customers'
News that British Gas is increasing its dual fuel tariff by 15 per cent should have customers asking questions, an expert says.
17/01/2008
- Conflicting housing data 'causing confusion'
Prospective buyers and sellers already faced with difficult personal finance decisions are becoming confused by the conflicting data that is emerging on the UK housing market, Fool.co.uk claims. - Car owners 'should be aware of flood risk'
Vehicle owners living in flood prone areas are being urged to check their car insurance policies to make sure they are covered for flood damage. - Brits 'should increase focus on personal finance'
Consumers should spend more time working towards understanding finance and making finance comparisons to get the most out of their money, it has been suggested. - Green mortgage market 'not hit by credit crunch'
The green mortgage market has remained relatively stable in spite of the impact of credit squeeze, according to building society Norwich and Peterborough. - Young people 'pressurised by debt'
Many young people feel that they are in significant debt and rely on a variety of sources of credit to get through the month, it has been claimed. - January bills 'should not be ignored'
Consumers who put off paying bills in January could end up in a more difficult personal finance situation as a result, one firm is warning. - Premiums on home buildings insurance 'increasing'
The premiums on home buildings insurance are continuing their upward trend, according to the AA's latest quarterly insurance index. - Chances of swift interest rate cuts 'falling'
The possibility of a Bank of England rate cut occurring in the near future is diminishing according to Woolwich, which has just launched three new fixed-rates. - CTFs 'encouraging increased saving'
Child Trust Funds (CTFs) have led to a savings culture whereby children's accounts are regularly topped up by direct debits from parents and other relatives. - "Market leading" fixed-rates from first direct
Personal finance firm first direct has launched two "market leading" fixed-rate offset mortgages, described as "unique in their flexibility".
16/01/2008
- Consumers 'should go green in 2008'
British consumers have been urged to be more environmentally-friendly by selecting greener personal finance products and services this year. - High costs 'making gap years impossible'
The high costs of getting on to the housing ladder has made it financially impossible for thousands of British students to take a gap year, according to the latest money news from Abbey. - Fixed-rate interest 'higher despite rate cut'
The majority of fixed-rate mortgage deals being offered in the UK have increased in recent weeks despite the cut in the base rate of interest by the Bank of England, it has been revealed. - Credit crunch 'boosting green mortgages'
Eco mortgages are becoming more popular because they can withstand the effects of the credit crunch, an expert suggests. - Homebuyers 'must consider inflation' before purchase
True inflation may be higher than government figures and should be taken into account, an expert claims. - Debtors seeking solutions 'should take free advice'
People who need help with debt should get independent advice, an expert suggests. - Uninsured cars 'used in fight against crime'
Police are using the motor insurance database to help prevent and solve other crimes, it has been suggested. - Credit unions 'an option' for those who need help with money
People who need help with money could benefit from the "controlled" system of credit unions, according to a spokesperson for the Church of England. - Savers 'should study the small print'
Consumers are being encouraged to ensure they read the small print on agreements for any savings account they open, to make sure they receive the help with money that they expect. - Landlords 'must heed tax assessment deadline'
People who have invested in the buy-to-let market as a means of sourcing help with money should remember to file their tax returns if they wish to avoid later trouble with debt, according to warnings released today. - Equity release 'increasing in popularity'
Increasing numbers of people are investigating equity release as a means of finding help with money, new figures from one personal finance firm suggest. - Pension funds 'make poor returns in 2007'
Pension savers across the UK are unlikely to welcome new figures assessing the success of funds in 2007.
15/01/2008
- Homebuyers 'likely to welcome price drops'
The current downturn being seen in property prices could signal welcome help with money for buyers, one personal finance advice site has stated. - Pension funds 'are diversifying investments'
Pensions schemes are continuing to diversify the range of assets in which they invest to provide help with money for retirees, it has been claimed. - Indian market 'geared towards investors'
Consumers choosing to buy into Indian property are generally doing so for the help with money achievable through the investment, one industry company has stated. - Many Christmas debts 'to continue into February'
Many consumers are not expected to have dealt with their Christmas debt by the end of January due to constraints on their budgets, it has been claimed. - Savings accounts 'remain competitive'
The credit crunch has had an inevitable effect on the interest rates on offer in savings accounts from personal finance product providers, one price comparisons site has stated. - Banks 'prefer debt management to bankruptcy'
Banks and other lenders are interested in getting consumers into debt management schemes to avoid losing substantial sums, it has been claimed. - Uninsured driver numbers 'falling'
Motorists who have had the misfortune to experience a road accident with an uninsured driver will welcome the latest news from the British Insurance Brokers Association (Biba).
14/01/2008
- Niche markets 'not a hideaway' from financial turmoil
Although the financial sector is in some turmoil at the moment, investing in niche markets is not a sensible way of avoiding the onslaught for those seeking less risky help with money, it has been claimed. - New buyers 'benefit from Hips'
The first-time buyer market is the only one currently benefiting from the government's home information pack (Hip) scheme, it has been claimed. - Those who don't belt up 'could end up cash-strapped'
UK drivers could benefit from a reminder about the need to wear seatbelts while on the road, one personal finance firm has stated. - Housing stock values 'climb in 2007'
The total private housing stock in the UK rose in value by as much as nine per cent in 2007, according to the latest figures from one personal finance institution. - Scottish Widows introduces long-term fixed-rate
Consumers looking to compare mortgages who wish to ensure stability in their payments may be interested in the latest offering from Scottish Widows Bank. - High court hearing on overdraft charges underway
A hearing has commenced on a test case ruling on the legality of unauthorised overdraft charges at the high court, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has stated. - Isa offerings 'made earlier this year'
Now that the new year is in full swing, many consumers will be looking for opportunities to save following the Christmas spending splurge. - Buy-to-let 'is a profitable pastime'
As many as nine out of ten (87 per cent) landlords consider managing their portfolio to be a "profitable pastime" rather than a full-time career, it has been claimed. - Loan to values 'on the wain'
Consumers seeking the best value help with money when looking to compare mortgages may find that the sums offered are in decline, one personal finance organisation has stated. - Consumers 'must be informed about debt solutions'
Given the current affordability issues being experienced by many people in the UK, it is more important than ever that people are aware of the help with money available when they start to experience trouble with debt. - Churchill offers January help with finance
With personal finance situations unusually tight following the Christmas binge, consumers could be looking for help with money in a number of quarters - and Churchill Insurance has offered one deal likely to please some.
11/01/2008
- Leeds BS: Cheaper fixed-rate products emerging
Following the news that the Bank of England has not increased the interest base rate this month, one lender has suggested that borrowers should not despair. - Direct Line offers help with money for post-Christmas budgets
Homeowners who have stretched their finances over the festive period can get some relief from Direct Line, the home insurance company claims. - Stocks and retail are 'bad news' markets, says F & C
2008 will be a bad year for the stock and retail markets, according to investment house F & C Asset Management. - Personal accounts 'could impact on wider industry'
The impact of personal accounts on current pension arrangements is being assessed by Scottish Life, it has been stated. - FSA fairness guidance 'cautiously welcomed'
New guidance from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) on treating customers fairly has been partially welcomed by the Investment Management Association (IMA).
10/01/2008
- Halifax: Empty homes action has public backing
Two thirds of people think that the government should do more to tackle the problems of empty homes, Halifax research suggests. - Banks keen to reclaim debt, says Thomas Charles
Informal debt consolidation services offered by banks often offer "no light at the end of the tunnel", says Thomas Charles, a leading debt advisory service. - John Charcol: Rate hold will cost homeowners £105m a month
The Bank of England decision to hold current interest rates will cost British variable rate mortgage holders an estimated £105 million a month, according to leading mortgage advisor John Charcol. - Turkey 'offers interesting investment opportunities'
Consumers hoping to acquire help with money through investment in overseas property might consider Turkey as an alternative to the Mediterranean. - Northern Ireland housing market 'set for success'
The housing market in Northern Ireland is set to continue its successful progress during 2008, according to forecasts from one personal finance institution. - Self-cert mortgages 'remain available despite tightening'
Although the credit crunch has impacted on many aspects of consumers' personal finances, those on self-certification mortgages are likely to find that their market has remained strong. - Hips 'have increased awareness of energy efficiency'
The government's home information pack (Hip) scheme has been useful in raising awareness about the need for improved home insulation, it has been claimed. - Energy companies 'should offer social tariffs'
Calls have been made for utilities companies to offer low-cost "social tariffs" providing help with money to vulnerable people. - Brits 'should save for a rainy day'
Consumers who hope to avoid trouble with debt should try to save around six months' worth of salary, one personal finance body has stated. - Lenders 'cannot blindly follow base rate calls'
A decision made by the Bank of England about the base rate today will not be the only factor governing how institutions choose to alter their mortgage rates, one personal finance body has reminded the public. - NLA criticises 'unfair agent fees'
Consumers who have invested in the buy-to-let market as a way of finding help with money are likely to welcome this morning's assertion from the National Landlord's Association (NLA).
09/01/2008
- Investors 'should wait and gauge unstable markets'
Those wishing to invest in unstable countries should "wait and watch" before committing, according to a leading property investment company. - Financial product buyers 'should read small print'
Consumers purchasing a new personal finance product often look at the headline figures but not at the small print, one industry commentator has observed. - Base rate 'likely to be maintained on Thursday'
Many personal finance institutions are expecting the interest rate to be maintained when the Bank of England makes its monthly announcement tomorrow, it has emerged. - 'Gap exists between understanding and action' on pensions
There seems to be a disparity between the number of people aware that they are not saving enough for retirement and those actually addressing the issue, it has been claimed. - Green installations 'could boost property values'
Green features installed in British homes could well influence the value of such properties in the future, it has been suggested. - Consumers 'should devise an annual budget'
Consumers would be wise to work out an annual budget if they hope to avoid trouble with debt.
08/01/2008
- Energy price hikes 'avoidable'
Increases in energy prices instigated by utilities firms are neither necessary nor fair, according to an independent industry watchdog. - Low-mileage drivers 'can seek out help with money'
Drivers who use their cars rarely or only cover small distances might like to consider investigating a recent product designed to provide help with money to motorists, one firm asserts. - Higher life expectancy 'a challenge to pensions'
The increased life expectancy of the UK population presents a significant challenge to the pensions industry, according to one organisation. - IHT planning 'is about preserving value'
Consumers using life insurance payouts to provide help with money when meeting inheritance tax (IHT) bills are "pouring money down the drain". - Mortgage market 'would benefit from European integration'
Increased integration of different mortgage markets across Europe would be beneficial to the industry as a whole, it has been claimed. - House price index 'does not signal a turnaround'
The latest figures from the Halifax house price index are surprising in that they suggest a rise in property values, one industry body has claimed. - Commercial property 'could hold opportunities' if market stabilises
Consumers considering seeking help with money through investment in commercial property might like to choose their markets carefully, in light of the latest comments from one industry body. - Consumers 'confused about pensions priorities'
New findings from one personal finance firm suggest that many consumers remain confused about the best ways to save for retirement, it claims.
07/01/2008
- Inheritance tax planning 'must start early'
It is very important that those likely to be liable for inheritance tax seek help with finance to address the situation as early as possible. - Liverpool 'remains a good place to invest'
Consumers looking to gain valuable help with money through buy-to-let investments might like to consider Liverpool as a location for rented homes, it has been suggested. - Drawdown mortgages 'increasing in popularity'
Increasing numbers of homeowners are choosing to take advantage of drawdown lifetime mortgages, it has been claimed. - Direct Line: Vandalism victims' no claims discount protected
Direct Line is offering to protect the no claims discounts of any car insurance customers who fall victim to vandalism and find their windows broken or their tyres slashed. - Nationwide: Savings code of conduct call
Nationwide is calling for a voluntary code of conduct for the savings industry to protect consumers against misleading introductory rate offers. - Consumers swap credit cards as 2008 gets underway
Millions of consumers plan to swap their credit cards during the beginning of this year in a bid to get their finances back on track. - FIC: Make sure your gizmos are covered
Consumers are being urged to check their home insurance policies carefully to make sure they are fully covered for any gadgets and gizmos they received at Christmas. - Halifax: Migration to south-east identified
Millions of Britons have migrated to the south east of England from elsewhere in the UK over the last decade, new figures show. - Halifax offers new 0% credit card
Halifax has launched a new low-rate credit card which it claims offers the best zero per cent deal for consumers on the high street.
04/01/2008
- NAEA restates CLG criticism
Home Information Packs have received yet more criticism from one industry body this week, as the troubled scheme moves into the new year. - Mortgage market competition 'increasing'
Anyone looking to compare mortgages is likely to welcome news from one personal finance industry analyst which suggests that the market is becoming increasingly competitive. - Secured lending demand 'remains robust'
The demand from consumers for secured lending has remained strong in recent months while supply has been constrained. - Drivers given saftey advice for winter
Drivers throughout the UK are likely to take to the road more tentatively in the coming frosty mornings to try to avoid the personal finance disaster of a car accident. - Interest rate cut 'supported by lending data'
A further interest rate cut to be announced by the Banks of England's monetary policy committee in the coming months has been predicted by one personal finance commentator. - Equity release 'becoming mainstream'
Releasing the value built up in a home is becoming an option relevant to increasing numbers of consumers seeking help with money, it has been claimed - Bankruptcy 'a more likely option in 2008'
Consumers throughout the UK who are experiencing trouble with debt are more likely to choose bankruptcy as an option in 2008, it has been suggested. - Consumers 'are unaware of advisers' status'
UK financial advice services that provide help with money to the public are in urgent need of a change, according to one personal finance commentator. - Personal Accounts 'will help millions save for retirement'
The Personal Accounts pension scheme - due to be introduced in 2012 - will bring people into the pensions system who would not have otherwise saved for retirement, according to one organisation. - CCCS: Indebted should steer clear of sales
Consumers who need help with debt have been advised to stay well clear of the tempting January sales.
03/01/2008
- Consumers 'should seek best card deals'
Searching out the best credit card deals is an important aspect of making the most of an individual's personal finance situation. - Building society rates 'can encourage saving'
The good interest rates offered by building societies can prove a powerful incentive to save, according to one industry organisation. - Insulation for the vulnerable 'welcome'
Governmental plans to ensure improved insulation for consumers aged over 70 has been welcomed as "very good news" by one industry body. - Debtors struggling with repayments 'have options'
Anyone struggling to cope with credit card debt has a number of options open to them, it has been claimed by one personal finance institution. - Independence of shareholder benefits building society customers
Building societies are able to offer attractive help with finance to consumers because they are not subject to the demands of shareholders. - Higher financial pressure 'will boost money troubles'
The credit crunch and increased pressure on consumers' finances is likely to cause a rise in the number of bankruptcies and insolvencies in the year ahead, it has been claimed. - Affordability 'remains an issue for new buyers'
Current affordability figures produced by one personal finance provider have been questioned by a specialist first-time buyer firm today. - Child trust funds 'a waste of money'
Child trust funds have been aimed at the wrong group of people and have consequently not had the beneficial effect hoped for, it has been claimed. - Employees 'cannot afford to avoid pension schemes'
It is important that workers throughout the UK sign up to available pension schemes to ensure that they have sufficient help with money in their retirement, it has been claimed. - House price inflation 'will fall in the next three years'
The phenomenon of house price inflation has reached an end for this generation, according to one first-time buyer specialist. - NIA: Practical beats behavioural in terms of energy saving
People looking for help with money through increased home energy efficiency are better off changing their insulation than their behaviour, it has been claimed. - Unconventional property mortgage market 'expanding slowly'
The mortgage market for "unconventional" properties is starting to open up, making it easier for people to source help with money, it has been claimed.
02/01/2008
- Improper money management may be 'devastating'
With millions of Britons searching for help with money, one expert has asserted that improper money management can have devastating effects for families and individuals in the UK. - India offers "good off-plan opportunities"
India could provide investors looking for help with money through off-plan properties with a number of options in 2008, according to an industry figure. - Abcul welcomes government initiative on credit unions
The Association of Credit Unions (Abcul) has welcomed the government's recent announcement that it intends to modernise the regulatory framework in relation to the UK's mutual lending sector. - Entrepreneurial kids 'raking in £696 million'
Young Britons are accumulating a collective total of around £696 million each year for carrying out household chores, according to the latest money news from Abbey. - Capital One ID fraud service 'is an early-warning system'
A new online service designed to act as an early-warning system to protect against the threat of identity theft has been made available to Capital One credit card customers around the UK, it has been revealed.
01/01/2008
- Financial healthcheck 'sensible in 2008'
With the new year in full swing, consumers are likely to be trying to keep up with the good intentions of their latest resolutions. - New year 'heralds tricky financial time'
With 2008 set to be a difficult year for the personal finance situations of many Britons, one price comparisons site has offered tips on how to minimise the burden. - BBA offers 2008 finance tips
As the new year begins, many people will be forging new year's resolutions - and one personal finance institution has offered some suggestions for gaining greater help with money in 2008. - January 2nd 'is worst for breakdowns'
Britons resigning themselves to a return to work tomorrow may find that they never quite make it, given that January 2nd is the day most likely to see cars give up the ghost. - Free overdrafts 'can provide valuable help with money'
Consumers looking for help with money should take time to become aware of the possibility of an interest-free overdraft, it has been claimed. ...more - Holiday season 'sees increased fraud risk'
The winter season can see a sharp rise in ID Fraud due to the relaxed attitude that accompanies the festive period, it is claimed. ...more - Consumers 'should assess green claims carefully'
Investors concerned about the ethical credentials of firms that provide them with personal finance services should check their policies in detail, it has been suggested. - Diversity 'is important in retirement savings'
Consumers looking to gain the most help with money available for their retirement should ensure that their savings are invested in a number of different places.
Money News: January 2008 | December 2007 | November 2007
