UK Money News - June 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

30/06/2008

House prices down 1% in June
UK house prices fell by one per cent during June, new figures from Hometrack have revealed.
Insurers hitting young drivers with penalty points
Young drivers who have points on their licences can find themselves paying almost double for car insurance, it has been revealed.
Nationwide slashes rates on current accounts
Nationwide has announced it has cut interest rates for customers selected savings accounts.
Lloyds TSB embroiled in youth debit card controversy
Lloyds TSB has become embroiled in controversy over a targeted advertising campaign offering cards to children.
New youth account from Abbey
Abbey has launched a new current account for children offering young savers a rate of eight per cent.
Economic fears fuelling rising in retirement saving
More and more Britons are saving money, driven by growing fears over their retirement income, new figures from Scottish Widows have shown.
Child Trust Funds 'offering lower returns'
Parents investing in child trust funds (CTFs) are receiving worse returns than a year ago, new figures have shown.
Brits' charge cards preferences changing
More and more consumers are opting to pay for goods using debit cards rather than credit cards, a new survey has shown.
Liverpool Victoria unveils new equity release product
Liverpool Victoria (LV) has announced the launch of a new equity release product which enables mortgage holders to "draw down the funds they need, when they need it"

27/06/2008

House prices 'stagnated in May'
UK house prices were unchanged during May, according to new data from the Land Registry.
Pru rules out returning money to policyholders
Policyholders in a with-profits fund managed by Prudential will not be receiving any of the fund’s inherited estate, it has been announced.
Investors choose funds to diversify portfolios
UK investors choose funds because of the scope they offer to diversify their portfolio, it has been revealed.
Fake burglar alarms 'are a real deterrent'
Fake burglar alarms act an excellent deterrent to burglars, a reformed housebreaker has claimed.
Britons predicting further house price falls
Nearly three quarters of Britons believe that house prices will continue to fall for the next 12 months.
Mortgage holders hardest by higher cost of living
Mortgage holders are less well placed than tenants to ride out the spate of financial pressures caused by the soaring cost of living, a new survey has found.
Brits go green to cut energy bills
Higher gas and electricity bills are forcing more and more Britons to become "greener", a new study has shown.
Bonds offering 'best returns for a decade'
Bond investors are currently more likely to receive a good return on their money than at any time in the last ten years, according to a price comparison site.

26/06/2008

Retired couples hold assets of £270,000
Retired UK couples currently hold an average of almost £270,000 in assets, new research has revealed.
More Brits using debt management solutions
Soaring living costs and higher mortgage repayments have fuelled a huge rise in the number of households turning to debt management solutions, new figures have shown.
New Growth Bond from the Post Office
The Post Office has announced the launch of a new bond which offers savers a rate of return of 7.5 per cent.
Insurer warns of theft risk at festivals
Pop fans are set to risk over millions of pounds worth of personal possessions at music festivals this year, according to a home insurance provider.
Credit cards are 'flexible way of managing money'
Credit cards can be a "flexible and user-friendly way of managing your finances" if used wisely, a card provider has claimed
Inflation could cut worth of pensions savings
Soaring inflation is at risk of eroding the value of Britons' retirement savings, it has been claimed.
Saga responds to insurance reforms
Moves to end the practice of insurance companies refusing to offer cover to older Britons have been given a cautious welcome by one of the UK's largest over-50s insurance specialists.
High schooling costs force parents to cut retirement savings
The higher cost of education is prompting millions of parents to contribute less to their retirement savings.
Energy bills set to rise for five years after 2015
Gas and electricity bills are set to increase further as of 2015 to fund the country's move to more sustainable energy, it has been announced.

25/06/2008

Savings inducement for giving up smoking
Smokers who kicked the habit to coincide with the introduction smoking ban could have accumulated a cash sum of over £2,000 had they deposited the money they no longer spend on cigarettes in a savings account.
Pensions reforms unveiled
Companies are to be prevented from encouraging workers to opt out of pension schemes, under new proposals from the department for work and pensions.
Lenders encourage youngsters to get into debt
Lenders are targeting young people to take out credit cards and personal loans, despite their unsuitability for credit, a survey has found.
Cost of fixed rate deals continues to rise
Homeowners are being forced to pay rates of over seven per cent on fixed rate mortgages, as lenders raise repayments to protect their profit margins.
Lenders must reduce high mortgage fees
Lenders must stop charging unfair arrangement fees on mortgages, according to Alistair Darling.
The Cheshire targets savers
The Cheshire has unveiled a new savings product offering investors a return of up to 60 per cent over five years.
Summer home insurance warning
Higher prices for food could mean that homeowners are underinsured in the event of a loss of power for fridges, an insurer has warned.
Home loan approvals down in May
The number of home loans approved fell dramatically during May, as lenders continued to shore up their lending criteria.
Energy chiefs confirm impending price hikes
Executives of some of the UK's largest energy suppliers have fuelled speculation that gas and electricity tariffs could be set to rise by 40 per cent over the next 12 months.

24/06/2008

Fees warning for card use overseas
Britons are set to pay hundreds of millions of pounds worth of fees for using their credit and debit cards abroad this summer, it has been claimed.
Brits using savings to fund summer breaks
Britons are using savings rather than credit cards to pay for their holidays this year, a new survey has shown.
Brits neglecting road safety when driving overseas
Britons are risking a car insurance headache by not familiarising themselves with regulations when driving overseas, a new study suggests.
Brits missing out on workplace pension benefits
Millions of Britons do not understand the workings of workplace pensions and are missing out on the benefits they offer, a new study has shown.
Brits urged to use credit card reward schemes,
Britons planning to spend during the summer sales should ensure they maximise their outlay by using a credit card with a reward scheme, a card provider has advised.
Co-op unveils new tracker mortgage
Customers of the Co-operative Bank will be able to benefit from a new tracker mortgage deal, it has been announced.
Abbey issues new Guaranteed Growth Plan
Abbey is poised to launch a new investment product offering a guaranteed return of five per cent over 3.5 years or 50 per cent of the FTSE 100 index (capped at 35 per cent).

23/06/2008

'Abolish tax on savings to help crunch-hit Brits'
The government has been called on to abolish tax on savings to help Britons deal with the impact of the credit crunch.
Liverpool Victoria scoops top award for Mortgage & Lifestyle Protection insurance
Liverpool Victoria's (LV) new mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance has been granted five stars by a financial product rating body.
Rental yields up in May
Buy to let landlords benefited from higher rental yields in May, according to an index compiled by Paragon Mortgages.
FSA unveils comparison service for loans protection cover
Britons will be able to make more informed choice over their payment protection insurance provider when taking out a personal loan with a new online comparison service.
Online banking more popular than social networking sites
Britons now spend more time managing money on the internet through online bank accounts than they do on social networking sites, a new survey has revealed.
Sellers forced to cut asking prices
House sellers are being forced to set lower asking prices for their homes as demand in the UK property sector continues to decline.
Abbey issues new Guaranteed Growth Plan
Abbey is poised to launch a new investment product offering a guaranteed return of five per cent over 3.5 years or 50 per cent of the FTSE 100 index (capped at 35 per cent).
Brits urged to notify car insurer of travel plans
Thousands of Britons could be risking invalidating their car insurance by failing to tell their provider they are taking their car overseas, an insurer has warned.
Egg launches new equity bond
Online bank Egg has launched a new three-year guaranteed equity bond offering a rate of return of 26 per cent (eight per cent AER).

20/06/2008

The Newcastle launches new fixed rate option bond
Newcastle Building Society has unveiled a new fixed rate bond offering a rate of seven per cent.
Brits do not trust govt to manage pensions
The majority of Britons have scant confidence in the government's ability to manage pensions, it has been revealed.
Survey detects rise in doorstep loans
Increasing numbers of Britons are turning to high-interest doorstep loans after being turned down from credit by mainstream lenders.
NatWest unveils new Student Package
NatWest has launched a revamped version of its Student Package, offering tailored products to those in full-time education.
More costly fixed rate mortgages squeezing debt-hit homeowners
Homeowners opting for fixed rate deals to gain greater control over their mortgage debt are being hit by higher repayments, new research has shown.
40% increase 'will send thousands into fuel poverty'
Millions of Britons would be plunged into fuel poverty if prices increase as much as is being predicted, a price comparison site has warned.
Leave fee-charging cards at home when holidaying, advises site
A price comparison site has named the best and worst credit cards to cut costs when travelling
Costly mortgages putting off buyers
The prospect of high mortgage repayments is the chief factor dissuading Britons from buying property, a survey has revealed.
NAPF launches guide to private equity pensions investments
The National Association of Pension Funds' (NAPF) has today launched Private Equity Made Simple, as it aims to make pensions investments more comprehensible to the general public.
British Gas customers facing price hike
British Gas customers could be facing a price hike in the near future, a trading statement from the company has warned.

19/06/2008

The Yorkshire launches new fixed rate deals
The Yorkshire Building Society has announced the launch of two new mortgage products aimed at borrowers who "want to fix their monthly mortgage payments as low as possible"
Britons reluctant to change account providers
Britons remain reticent when it comes switching current account provider, despite increased competition for business among banks and building societies.
Mortgage lending down in May
Gross mortgage lending fell during May, as sentiment among lenders and homebuyers continued to slump.
A&L raises rates for online savings offerings
Alliance & Leicester International (A&LIL) has announced it has increased interest rates on its range of online savings products.
Borrowers hit by higher loan rates
Borrowers seeking unsecured loans are being by increasingly higher repayment rates, as loan providers act to shore up their profit margins in the face of the credit crunch.
First-ever SMS car insurance quote service launched
Drivers will be able to obtain a quote for car insurance direct to their mobile phone with the launch of a new text message service from swiftcover.com.
Energy bills could rise by 40%, warns expert
Consumers are facing a 40 per cent increase to their gas and electricity bills by the end of 2008, it has been predicted.
House prices could fall as much as 9%, warns HBOS
UK house prices could decline by as much as nine per cent this year, the UK's largest mortgage lender has predicted.
Savers must 'look before they leap' when choosing accounts
Consumers looking to benefit from the increasingly attractive rates on savings accounts have been urged to closely scrutinise the terms before committing.
Borrowers turning to credit for mortgage repayments
More and more homeowners are being forced to take out loans or add to their credit card debt to pay their mortgages, a survey has shown.

18/06/2008

Insurer advises on home security
A price comparison site has issued a set of tips to homeowners to help them avoid being burgled while they are away on their summer holidays.
NS&I raises rates on fixed rate investments
National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has announced it has increased the interest rates on its fixed rate investments by up to 0.75 per cent.
Cutting car insurance costs 'can offset petrol hikes'
Motorists can offset the impact of higher petrol costs by shopping around for cheaper car insurance, it has been claimed.
Brits shunning services of financial advisers
More than half of the population have never sought out professional financial advice to help them plan for their financial future, it has been revealed.
Lloyds TSB seeking owners of £69m in dormant accounts
Lloyds TSB has enlisted the help of a private detective agency as it looks to track down owners of money held in long dormant bank accounts.
ABI demands long term flood action plan
Around half a million homes will become uninsurable unless the government takes action to reduce their risk of flooding, the Association of British Insurers has warned.
Soaring prices hitting pensions contributions
Britons of "all age groups and social classes" are scaling back their contributions to savings and pensions as soaring prices eat into their incomes, a new poll has revealed.
Sub-6% fixed rate offers 'set to disappear'
Fewer and fewer fixed rate mortgage deals will be available with sub-six per cent rates in the near future, as lenders continue to raise repayments to shore up profit margins, it has been predicted.
British men are the real Beale
Eastenders fixture and all round miser Ian Beale is the fictional character most men identify with when it comes to their approach to finances, a survey has revealed.
Credit card companies 'lax with credit checks'
Millions of Britons who have been granted credit cards over the last year were not subjected to basic credit checks, a new survey has revealed.

17/06/2008

Tories plan to clamp down on store card companies
A Conservative government would crack down on store card companies charging punitive rates of interest, the shadow chancellor has revealed.
Inflation over 4% for pensioners
Pensioners are feeling the impact of higher prices for day to day living significantly harder than the rest of the population, a new study has shown.
Graduates 'face 7-year wait to buy first home'
Graduates have been warned that they are facing a long wait before they can afford to take their first step onto the property ladder.
South east tops table for house price growth
Strong performances for property south Buckinghamshire and east Sussex helped make the south east the dominant region for house price growth last year, according to Knight Frank.
The Yorkshire picks up top savings award
The Yorkshire Building Society has been given a top savings award by a price comparison site.
A&L scoops awards for current accounts
Alliance & Leicester (A&L) has scooped a brace of awards for its current accounts.
New guaranteed bond from Scarborough Channel Islands
Scarborough Channel Islands has announced the launch of a new guaranteed bond, offering both "a competitive fixed interest rate" and easy access to funds.
Scrapping of NU policy is 'a blow for young drivers'
Norwich Union's (NU) decision to withdraw its Pay As You Drive car insurance scheme is a "blow for younger drivers" who typically pay the highest premiums for cover, according to price comparison site.
Cost of fixed rate deals hits ten-year high
Borrowers seeking the stability of fixed rate mortgages are being hit by increasingly higher repayment rates, new research has shown.
Fearful Brits stashing money under mattresses
A significant proportion of the country has been so concerned by economic uncertainty that they are opting to stash their money under their mattress, a new survey has shown.

16/06/2008

Report calls for radical reform of property market
Far-reaching reforms of the UK property market have been recommended in a new report from influential housing sector bodies.
Repossession fears mounting
Homeowners are becoming increasingly concerned over the threat of repossession, a new survey has shown.
Store cards are the 'devil in disguise'
Store cards are still stinging customers with high rates of interest, despite legislation to clamp down on providers.
Consumers warned of fluctuating returns of savings accounts
Consumers must closely study the terms offered by savings accounts if they are to ensure they are still benefiting from a market-leading rate, it has been claimed.
Estate agents accused of taking risks with Hips
Some estate agents are cutting costs by enlisting the services of a non-accredited provider of Home Information Packs (Hips), it has been claimed.
Nationwide raises mortgage rates
Nationwide Building Society has confirmed it has raised rates on its mortgage products.
Homeowners urged to ensure shed is covered by home insurance
Homeowners have been urged to consider the contents of their sheds when taking out a home insurance policy.
Credit card firms sweetening terms to attract customers
Borrowers are being offered increasingly attractive terms on credit cards, a price comparison site has claimed.
House price recovery 'is four years away'
House prices will not recover for at least another four years, economists have predicted.
Banks urged to do more to reward customers who stay in the black
Banks must do more to reward customers who stay in credit, a finance website has claimed.

13/06/2008

Competitive fixed rate bonds are 'fantastic' for savers
The current range of competitive fixed rate bonds offer "fantastic" value for savers, a price comparison site has claimed.
Libor changes 'could restore stability to market'
Changes to the way that the rate at which banks led to one another are calculated could have a positive influence on the UK property market, it has been claimed.
Value of UK property down £300bn in nine months
The value of the UK's stock property stock is falling fast, new figures have revealed.
Motorists can 'cut costs with credit card fuel incentives'
Credit cards with fuel incentives offer a great way for motorists to cut their motoring costs, a price comparison site has advised.
Savvy movers take the DIY approach
Cash-strapped home movers are cutting costs when they move into their new property by shunning the services of removals firms, it has been revealed.
Friday 13th spooks home movers
Superstitious Britons are set to contribute to the slowdown in the housing market today, as fear of Friday 13th discourages thousands of people from moving home.
Brits cause 5m household accidents annually
Britons are involved in five million household accidents each year, causing total damage of £1.35 billion, a survey has revealed.
Gap insurance 'most relevant for new car owners'
Guaranteed Asset Protection (Gap) insurance is a prudent option for owners of new cars but is less advisable for older vehicles, a motoring magazine has recommended.
Cost of motoring to 'force drivers off the roads'
Fuel price hikes and higher car insurance premiums could mean that drivers spend as much money keeping their car on the road as the value of their vehicle a price comparison site has predicted.
House prices dropped 0.6% in May
UK house prices recorded the most marked monthly decline for 12 years in May, research from the Financial Times (FT) has shown.

12/06/2008

Code change 'could cut protection from online fraud'
Consumers with online bank accounts who fail to secure their PC could be offered less protection from fraud in future, it has been claimed.
First-ever Shariah-compliant savings plan unveiled
The UK's first ever Shariah compliant savings plan alternative to a guaranteed equity bond has been launched today.
First time buyers forced to raise higher deposits
First time buyers are being forced to raise higher deposits as lenders continue to tighten their lending criteria, it has been revealed.
'Low risk factor' is fuelling rise of ID fraud
Criminals are committing more and more ID fraud and credit card crime because of low risks they represent compared with other forms of theft, a credit rating agency has claimed.
Skipton invites savers to Pick 'N' Fix
The Skipton Building Society has unveiled a new range of Pick 'N' Fix bonds offering annual returns of between 6.50 and 6.70 per cent.
Tesco unveils new home insurance policies
Tesco has announced the launch of three new insurance products which it claims will "meet the needs of customers whatever their home insurance requirements"
Lenders raise fees on fixed rate mortgages
Lenders are charging higher application fees for fixed rate deals amid a surge in demand for the products.
Households' finances 'could unravel in downturn'
Families have been urged to protect themselves from the economic downturn expected over the next two years by ensuring they have appropriate insurance cover.
Brits forced to help out parents in retirement
Britons are increasingly having to support their parents in their retirement, a new survey has revealed.
The Cheshire launches new two-year fixed rate bond
Cheshire building society has announced the launch of a new bond offering a rate of 6.75 per cent.

11/06/2008

Brits urged to start saving earlier
Britons who start saving before they hit their earnings peak are those best placed to enjoy a retirement free of money worries, new data suggests.
Drivers urged to seek out cheapest car insurance
Securing the cheapest available car insurance cover can help limit the impact of petrol price increases, according to a price comparison site.
PPI will prove 'valuable if economy slows'
Payment protection insurance (PPI) on loans will prove vital to millions of Britons should the economy continue to weaken, it has been claimed.
New savings bond from the Yorkshire
Yorkshire Building Society is set to launch a new savings bond offering a market leading rate of seven per cent.
Mortgage debts piling up for older homeowners
Older homeowners are facing increasing levels of mortgage debt, as survey has revealed.
50% of bank customers hit by overdraft fees
Overdraft fees are affecting more than half of the population, new research has shown.
Insurance warning for home improvers
Thousands of home owners could be set to invalidate their home insurance cover this year by carrying out improvements and home extensions without notifying their provider, new figures suggest.
Dual fuel tariffs cheaper than fixing
Online dual fuel offers remain a cheaper option than fixed tariffs for the time being, new research reveals.
Britons reveal retirement fears
More and more Britons are becoming concerned over financing their retirement years as a result of increased lifespans, it has been revealed.
20,000 could be facing negative equity
The decline in the housing market could have left 20,000 homeowners facing negative equity, new figures suggest.

10/06/2008

2m Brits aiming to profit from property downturn
Millions of Britons are eyeing the downturn in the property market as a chance to improve their housing situation, a survey has shown.
Young male drivers stung by car insurance costs
Young male drivers are forced to pay over 40 per cent higher car insurance premiums than their older counterparts, it has been revealed.
Cash-strapped Brits unprepared for emergencies
Millions of Britons have made no financial provisions for domestic emergencies, a study has revealed.
High LTVs are 'fuelling decline in property market'
Mortgage lenders who impose high loan to value rates (LTV) on their mortgage products are fuelling the decline in the property market, it has been claimed.
Pensioners urged to use retirement money wisely
Pensioners have been urged to be wary of taking out lump sums of money from their company pension funds to spend or give away.
Tesco: Avoid insurance price hikes by switching provider
Millions of homeowners who renew their home and contents insurance cover with their existing provider are being hit by punitive price increases, it has been revealed.
Rics: Buyers deserting property market
Buyers are staying away from the UK property market in increasing numbers, new data has shown.
Banks urged to scrap charges to help struggling consumers
Increasing pressure on household finances means that banks have an even greater responsibility to scrap excessive overdraft charges, it has been claimed.
More parents to use loans to pay school fees
Rising fees for private schooling are set to fuel a surge in application for loans, Sainsbury's Finance predicts.

09/06/2008

Abbey unveils new range of bonds
Abbey is preparing to launch a series of bonds aimed at investors who are able to lock away their capital for a pre-determined period.
Debt-hit Brits urged to budget more effectively
Budgeting effectively remains the best way that consumers can ensure they do not fall into debt, an online bank has advised.
Lloyds TSB raises rates on Plus accounts
Lloyds TSB has raised rates on its Plus current accounts, as it bids to steal a march in the battle for customer deposits.
Motorists hit by paying for cover monthly
Britons who pay for their car insurance monthly are missing out on significant savings at a time when motorists are being hit by higher petrol costs.
Halifax unveils home insurance 'loyalty scheme'
Halifax has launched a new incentive to encourage homeowners to switch from their existing home insurance provider.
Brits favour state pensions to fund retirement
State pensions remain the most popular way through which Britons hope to fund their retirement, new research has shown.
Card companies hit borrowers with higher APRs
Credit card borrowers have been warned to beware of higher repayments rates charged on balance transfers when the zero per cent term has expired.
Banks offering higher rates on current accounts
Competition among current account providers is continuing to benefit customers who can secure increasingly higher returns on their cash, a price comparison site has claimed.
House prices fell in almost all regions in May
House prices fell in all but one of the regions of the UK last month, new figures from Chesterton estate agents reveal.
Prepare for 40% increase in gas bills, warn energy experts
Britons have been warned to expect a 43 per cent increase in their gas bills over the next 12 months.

06/06/2008

British Gas raises tracker tariff
British Gas customers on its tracker tariff are facing double digit increases to their bills, it has been announced.
Subsidence warning from insurer
Homeowners have been warned to check they have sufficient home insurance cover in the event of their property suffering from subsidence this summer.
Lenders tactics to blame for debt mountain
Lenders and credit card providers must shoulder some of the blame for the financial crisis currently facing millions of Britons, it has been claimed.
IMLA defends subprime lenders from criticism
Claims that subprime lenders are unscrupulous are unjustified, according to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA).
Shunning life assurance to cut costs is a "risky strategy"
Homeowners who opt to go without life assurance with a new mortgage in a bid to save money are choosing a "risky" game, a financial adviser has warned.
PPI reform 'could fuel rise in loan repayment rates'
The reform of payment protection insurance (PPI)could result in higher loan repayment rates, a price comparison site has warned.
B&B raises rates on mortgages
Beleaguered lender Bradford & Bingley (B&B) has raised rates on its mortgage deals, it has been announced.
Charities urge debtors to share experiences
Debt charities are urging consumers to get in touch to share their experiences in dealing with creditors.
Skipton launches new bond
Skipton Building Society is launching a new limited edition bond offering an interest rate of 6.7 per cent.

05/06/2008

Prudential launches 'inflation-beating' funds
Prudential has launched two new funds which have been designed to deliver "inflation beating returns" to investors.
Halifax unveils new Regular Saver account
Halifax has launched a new savings account offering a best buy rate of ten per cent for a limited period.
OFT issues warning over debt letters
Consumers have been warned not to respond to unsolicited mail that urges them to cancel their individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) and opt for an alternative debt management solution.
Brits must 'maximise savings amid higher living costs'
Britons have been urged to maximise their savings to help them cope with soaring costs of day to day living.
Lloyds TSB and Northern Rock ink mortgage deal
Lloyds TSB is to take beleaguered lender Northern Rock's mortgage customers onto its balance sheets, it has been announced.
High prices putting squeeze on pensions
The rising cost of living means that Britons are saving less for their retirement, a new survey has shown.
Borrowers are overcharged for PPI, commission claims
Insurers are overcharging Britons for payment protection insurance (PPI) on personal loans, the Competition Commission has claimed.
House prices down 2.4% in May
UK house prices fell again during May, new figures from Halifax have revealed.
Brits skimping on car insurance
The cost of cover is the most important criteria used by drivers when shopping around for car insurance, a survey has shown.

04/06/2008

Asda staff scoop £37.5m jackpot with SAYE scheme
Asda employees who participated in a Save-As-You-Earn (SAYE) employee share plan are today set to benefit from a total windfall of £37.5 million, it has been announced.
Skipton urges online savers to look beyond High St banks
Customers who have an online savings account with a High Street bank could secure a better return on their money elsewhere, according to Skipton Building Society
CML sets out repossessions action plan
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has outlined a scheme to help prevent a surge in repossessions this year.
Online application helps calculate insurance costs
Legal & General has launched a new online tool to help customers ensure they are not underinsured on the contents of their home.
Abbey's one-year bond offers "highest rate on high street"
Abbey has launched a new fixed rate bond offering investors a return of 7.01 per cent.
Brits ignorant of financial commitments
Millions of Britons are in the dark over the state of their finances and credit commitments, despite appearances to the contrary.
The Coventry ups rates for savers over 50
Coventry Building Society has announced it is increasing the rate of interest on its online savings account for the over-50s.
Retirees urged to consider equity release
Retired homeowners are being advised to consider their equity release options by a national charity.
Young people frozen out of property market by crunch
Conditions in the housing market are worsening young people's chances of getting on the property despite sliding house prices, it has been claimed.

03/06/2008

Scottish property proves resilient to downturn
The downturn in the property market is not hitting Scotland as hard as England, it has been claimed.
Young people are lax over credit card safety
Younger people are failing to guard against credit card fraud despite the rising tide of the crime, a new survey has revealed.
Automated calls harass debtors, pressure group claims
Banks must cut down on their use of interactive voice messaging technology to call customers, a campaign group has said.
Debt levels poised to skyrocket as cards become more costly
Credit card companies are continuing to make borrowing money more expensive, fuelling predictions that consumer debt levels will soar this year.
Young Brits are 'well-placed to save'
Young people who are not in a relationship remain in a good position to save money despite the economic downturn.
Pension study highlights value of financial advice
The importance of consulting an independent financial adviser (IFA) when planning for retirement security has been highlighted by a new study.
Overseas investors will fuel demand for superprime homes
Foreign investors are set to ensure that there is no shortage of demand for superprime properties in London.
B&B shareholders urged to be cautious over rights issue
Investors have been urged to think carefully before they commit to Bradford & Bingley's (B&B) rights issue.
Home insurance firm reveals most common domestic mishaps
Millions of Britons have caused damage to their homes as a result of a mishap, a new survey has shown.
Debt fears looming for nearly 40% of Britons
Consumers with existing debts are becoming increasingly concerned over their ability to repay their credit card and loan debts, a new survey has shown.

02/06/2008

Brits turning to store cards to manage finances
The soaring cost of day-to-day living is prompting a rise in the use of store cards, according to one of the UK's largest retail chains.
British Gas cuts dual fuel tariff
British Gas has cut the price of its Click Energy dual fuel tariff, despite soaring wholesale energy costs.
Nationwide hikes prices of fixed-rate mortgages
Nationwide has announced it is to increase the price of new fixed rate mortgage deals, in a further sign of the unpredictability of the UK mortgage market.
Mortgage approvals fall to 15-year low
Mortgage approvals for house purchase slumped to a record low during April as lenders continue to tighten their loans criteria.
Crunch leaves millions feeling trapped in their homes
Millions of Britons claim they feel trapped in their homes as a result of the credit crunch, a new poll has revealed.
New Indian equity fund announced by New Star
Retail investors are being offered the chance to access opportunities in the burgeoning Indian economy with a new equity fund from New Star.
Insurer issues garden theft warning
Homeowners can guard against the rising tide of garden theft by following a few simple guidelines, a home insurance provider has claimed.
Nine million Brits have received incorrect energy bill
Millions of Britons have received incorrect gas and electricity bills over the last two years, a new survey has revealed.
BSA: Record inflows for building societies' cash Isa's
The mood of uncertainty among investors fuelled record inflows for building society cash individual savings accounts (Isa's) during April, new figures have confirmed.
1m facing negative equity by end of 2009, warns bank
Up to a million homeowners could be trapped in negative equity by the end of 2009, it has been claimed.