UK Money News - May 2008

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30/05/2008

First Direct cuts rates on two-year fixes
First Direct is to cut rates on two of its mortgage deals, it has been announced.
Tesco targets savers
Tesco has become the latest savings account provider to increase the interest rates offered by its product, amid increasing competition for customer deposits among banks and building societies.
Land Registry: House prices down 0.2% in April
New government figures suggest that the decline in the property sector is continuing to set in.
Government to unveil fuel poverty relief plan
The government is today poised to announce plans to provide assistance to elderly people and those in low income groups with soaring fuel bills.
Arians are UK's most dangerous motorists
Drivers who were born under the star sign Aries are the most reckless in the UK, a new study has shown.
Biba warns of perils of self-insuring
Homeowners who shun standard insurance policies in favour of self-insuring are taking considerable risks, according to the British Insurance Brokers Association.
Northern Rock to double debt management staff
Northern Rock is poised to double the number of debt management staff it employs to cope with rising numbers of mortgage arrears on its books.
Millions left waiting for inheritance windfalls
Millions of Britons are putting their lives on hold while they wait for inheritance windfalls, a study has shown.
Scottish & Southern Energy warns of further price increases
Scottish & Southern Energy has warned consumers to expect further price rises imminently.
Barclays slashes overdraft fees
Barclays is to cut its overdraft fees, in a move that is expected to be aped by rival banks in the coming months.

29/05/2008

Kids go free with Tesco insurance offer
Families with children under 18 who are looking to take out health insurance can benefit from a new offer from Tesco.
Insurer warns of children's equipment crime wave
Parents with young children have been warned of the unscrupulous behaviour increasingly being shown by thieves.
Bank league table is "an important step" for customers
Moves to publish a league table for bank account providers have been welcomed by a personal banking expert.
Image-conscious motorists risk debt for flashy cars
Millions of UK motorists are prepared to go into debt to keep up appearances with their choice of car.
npower cuts online energy tariff
npower has announced it has cut the price of online dual fuel energy plan, flying in the face of reports that energy costs are set to soar this year.
House prices down again in May
House prices fell again during May for the seventh consecutive month, new data reveals.
Borrowers want zero per cent balance transfers
Zero per cent balance transfer offers have been named as the most important feature of a credit card in a consumer poll.
Financial worries mounting for Britons
More and more Britons are worrying about their financial situation amid high-profile reports that an economic downturn is looming.
Pensions trustees bullish about prospects
Pension trustees remain optimistic of the long term prospects of their schemes, despite rising numbers of closures.
Soaring gas prices could fuel huge rise in energy bills
Soaring gas prices will fuel a massive rise in the average household bill this year, it has been claimed.

28/05/2008

Small businesses shunning business bank accounts
Small businesses are increasingly opting for standard retail bank accounts rather than specialist business accounts, a new study has shown.
Brits pay extra for sea views
Properties in seaside towns are continuing to benefit from strong demand, despite the slowdown in the wider property market.
Brown turns up the heat on oil industry
Oil industry leaders, Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling today convened for a meeting to address the problem of soaring fuel prices and attempt to ease the burden of higher heating costs.
Overdraft charges fuelled surge in customer complaints
The number of customer complaints received by UK banks soared last year, fuelled by a wave of rising ire about overdraft charges, new figures show.
Leeds to launch new Inflation Buster Isa
Leeds Building Society has announced the imminent launch of a new version of its Inflation Buster Individual Savings Account (Isa).
ID fraud soared last year
Credit card holders fell victim to identity fraud in increasing number last year, according to figures from a credit rating firm.
30% of Brits support overdraft charges
A new study has uncovered a split in opinion of overdraft charges among banking customers.
Sub-prime mortgages arrears on the rise
More and more Britons are falling behind with their mortgages, amid increasing repayment costs and the soaring price of living.
Mortgage deals being removed from market quicker
The speed with which mortgage deals are withdrawn from the market has increased dramatically in the last year, new research reveals
Brits unprepared for financial shocks
Millions of Britons are unprepared to weather a change in financial circumstances, a new survey has found.

27/05/2008

Home improvement boom fuelled by slowing property market
The slowdown in the housing market has fuelled a rise in the number of homeowners looking to add value to their property through home improvements, a new study has shown.
Bank transfer system up and running
Britons will be able to make money transfers quicker than ever before, with the introduction of a new system today.
Arc: Scottish Widows gave 'negligent advice' to pension schemes
Scottish Widows could be facing a compensation claim of up to £1 billion over claims it provided poor advice to company pension schemes.
Crunch limits consumers' choice
Consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to switch financial products in the face of the credit crunch, a new study has shown.
Barclays apologises for Isa delays
Barclays Bank has issued an apology to savers affected by delays relating to its Tax Haven cash Individual Savings Account (Isa).
Pensions 'essential' for 21st century women
The fragility of modern marriages means that it essential that women have their own pensions and savings, according to a financial adviser.
Barclays launches fund supermarket offers
Barclays Stockbrokers has announced a special offer on five funds for a limited time only.
BBA: Mortgage approvals down 40% year on year
The number of mortgages approved for house purchase fell by almost 40 per cent year on year during April, according to figures from the British Bankers' Association (BBA).
Insurance companies use technology to catch cheats
Insurance companies are looking at new and more sophisticated technology to help them detect fraudulent claims, a price comparison site has warned.
Crunch puts the squeeze on Britons' savings
Britons are struggling to put money aside for the future amid rising living costs and higher mortgage repayments.

23/05/2008

Debt becomes a talking point
As the credit crunch bites, debt issues have become the number one topic of conversation among hard pushed Brits, a new survey has revealed.
Ethical investors' priorities revealed
Avoiding investing in companies which operate in countries with poor human rights records is the top priority for ethical investors, a new survey has shown.
Landlords 'losing faith in buy to let sector'
Optimism over the future of the buy to let sector has slumped, according to new figures.
More Brits engaging with finances
Britons are taking an increasingly proactive role in their finances as a result of the rising cost of day to living.
Warning for would-be landlords
Homeowners looking to rent out their properties to take advantage of the demand for rental accommodation must first ensure they are equipped with relevant information, a buy to let mortgage firm has advised.
Cautious Brits 'are saving more'
Britons are saving more to help them mitigate the effects of the economic downturn, a new study has shown.
Rates on annuities rose last year
Holders of annuities are one of the few groups with reason to smile in the current economic climate, new research has revealed.
Judge allows banks to appeal in fees case
Britons seeking to claim back bank charges could now have to wait years to pursue their cases, following a judge's decision.
One in ten homeowners burgled while on holiday
The vulnerability of homes to theft when its occupants go on holiday has been highlighted by new research from Churchill Home Insurance.
Brits unfazed by debt when paying for weddings
Many Britons are prepared to go take on heavy debts to finance their wedding, despite the current economic climate.

22/05/2008

Shopping around can still bring savings, claims finance site
Despite lenders levying charges on a number of loan products, consumers can still make significant savings by shopping around, it has been claimed.
Savers 'more cautious even before collapse of Rock'
As well as high profile news stories of heavy losses for banks, a number of other influences have contributed to the more cautious approach being taken by savers, according to one of UK's largest building societies.
Leeds revamps Inflation Buster ISA
Leeds Building Society has revamped its Inflation Buster Interest Savings Account (ISA) to offer consumers "a real return on their savings".
AMI: Save over £1,000 by using intermediary
Borrowers who opt to seek professional advice from an intermediary before taking out a home loan can make significant savings, it has been claimed.
Demand for share ownership schemes increased last year
The numbers of Britons choosing to participate in share ownership schemes has increased over the last year, new figures have revealed.
'Incredible choice' on offer for ethical investors
The ethical investment sector is now characterised by an "incredible amount of choice" for investors, an asset management firm has claimed.
Debt charity warns over use of payday loans
Consumers who regularly use payday loans to tide them over financially are most probably facing an "underlying debt problem", a leading debt charity has warned.
Home insurer issues tips to avoid garden theft
The Cheshire Building Society has issued advice to homeowners to help them avoid failing prey to garden theft this summer and facing a hefty bill to replace stolen goods
Rental market boosted by weakening buyer demand
Weakening demand for buying properties has fuelled a significant rise in the number of owners looking to rent out their properties, a new poll has shown.
Banks to challenge charges ruling today?
UK banks are poised to launch an appeal against a High Court ruling that could pave the way for consumers to claim back billions of pounds in fees.

21/05/2008

Tescocompare.com named top car insurance comparison site
Tesco's car insurance comparison site has been named the best in the UK for the second year running.
Teens plan on taking on debt
Millions of teenagers approaching adulthood are planning to apply for personal loans, overdrafts and credit cards when reach 18 despite their financial inexperience, a new survey has shown.
Homeowners warned over ambitious renovations
Homeowners have been urged to consider carefully which home renovation projects they take on, or face invalidating their home insurance policy.
NatWest targets first time buyers with 'cutting-edge' savings account
NatWest has launched a new account which it claims will assist first time buyers to get on to the property ladder.
Remortgagers looking for five-year fixes
Demand for five year fixed rate mortgages continued to rise last month, as homeowners looked for greater security fro, their home loan.
MoneyExpert.com: Be wary of 'high-interest current accounts'
Consumers have been urged to be wary of bank accounts promising high interest and study the terms of the offer before committing.
Alliance & Leicester launches new investment offer
Alliance & Leicester has announced the launch of a new offer aimed at investors seeking to balance "short-term security with long-term growth potential"
CML more downbeat on property market
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has downwardly adjusted its forecasts for house price growth this year and for the volume of property transactions set to take place.
Crunch hits Brits' ability to save
A new study has exposed the extent of the UK's savings gap, which is leaving millions of Britons facing an uncertain future.
Brits stung by rise in overseas card fraud
Debit and credit card committed overseas fuelled a huge rise in the incidence of the crime last year, new data has shown.

20/05/2008

Brits ignorant of how much insurance cover they have
Millions of Britons are unaware of how much insurance cover they have despite paying out thousands of pounds every year, a new survey has shown.
Energy sector must be investigated, says watchdog
Rising prices for gas and electricity are evidence that moves to increase competition into the energy market are not working, according to a leading utilities watchdog.
Teens to fuel ethical investment boom
Today's generation of teenagers are set to fuel huge growth in the ethical investment sector, a new study has suggested.
NAPF: Employers must make pensions easier to understand
UK employers have been called on to make their pension schemes easier to understand for their staff to help them plan for their retirement.
Standard Life GARS fund now available on bonds and pensions wrappers
Standard Life has announced the launch of a new insured fund aimed at investors "with a cautious attitude to risk but who still desire greater returns than normally available from cash"
Alliance & Leicester launch new online savings accounts
Alliance & Leicester has announced the launch of two new online savings accounts, which it claims offer "a great rate of interest" to savers.
First Direct to offer mortgages again
First Direct has confirmed it is once again to begin offering mortgages to new customers, after withdrawing from the market last month.
Brits hit by higher loan repayments
British consumers are being forced to pay higher rates to borrow money from lenders, new research has shown.
Assetz: No firm evidence of house price crash
Reports of a crisis in the UK property market are exaggerated, a new study suggests.
Kwik Fit and Swiftcover are UK's most competitive car insurers
Kwik Fit and Swiftcover have been named as the most consistently competitive car insurance providers in the UK.

19/05/2008

Number of bankruptcies down
The number of people seeking voluntary bankruptcy in England and Wales has fallen, new figures from the Ministry of Justice reveal
Middle class debt 'on the rise'
People reporting problems with levels of unmanageable debt are increasing among professionals living in some of the most affluent places in the UK, the BBC reports
House prices on the up
Despite evidence to the contrary, house prices are continuing to rise in the UK, a new study from Rightmove suggests
CAB sees problems ahead for household debt
Increasing numbers of Britons will have trouble paying their household bills over the next few months due to the credit crunch, the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has predicted
Plastic charges 'bump up holiday costs'
Britons' love affair with plastic could be piling unnecessary pounds on to the cost of their holidays, say experts
Financial hangover 'to last two years'
The problems of consumer credit are not going to go away easily, a former chancellor of the exchequer has warned
Fall-out from 'stupid loans' set to continue
"Stupid loans" and over-eagerness to borrow money mean the UK will not be pulling out of the current credit crunch any time soon, a former chancellor of the exchequer has claimed

16/05/2008

12.5% housing slump predicted
Property prices in the UK will experience a 12.5 per cent decline over the next two years, according to Investec
Simpler tax forms called for
The tax system should be reformed to ensure individuals pay the correct amount and improve service, according to a group of MPs
Fewer facing bankruptcy
Bankruptcy levels showed a surprisingly sharp decline in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2007, according to the Ministry of Justice
Savers get more protection
The government is considering introducing new legislation that will increase the guaranteed threshold for savers' deposits to £100,000
Modern cars are leaving UK motorists confused
Over a third of UK drivers (37%) admit that they can't understand the lights or warnings on their car's dashboard
Holidays are ring-fenced
Despite the rising cost of food and fuel and falling house prices as many as 28 per cent of people are refusing to forego their summer holiday .
Auto-enrolment extended into workplace saving schemes
Automatic enrolment in workplace saving schemes will be extended to insurance-based workplace pensions from 2012, secretary of state for work and pensions James Purnell announced today

15/05/2008

Coventry ups rate on 50 Plus esaver account
The Coventry Building Society has become the latest lending to increase rates on a savings product amid increasing competition for customer deposits.
Credit card holders shunning fraud insurance
Take-up among credit card holders for insurance to guard against ID theft and fraud is likely to be limited, according to a credit ratings agency.
FSA slaps financial advice firm with record fine
A financial advice company has been hit with a record fine after it was found to have kept inadequate records relating to sub-prime mortgages.
Borrowers urged to shun money shops for personal loans
Money shops are among the worst ways for consumers to borrow money, according to the Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL).
Leeds Building Society launches Postal Escalator Bond
Leeds Building Society has announced the launch of a new postal bond offering an escalating rate of return.
Insurance fraud can damage credit record
Consumers who are caught committing insurance fraud will severely damage their finances thanks to advances in technology which are revolutionising the insurance industry, it has been claimed.
Lenders fail to pass on April interest rate cut
Several mortgage providers have failed to pass on the benefit of April's cut to interest rates to customers, a financial website has claimed.
Government pledges savings help for low-income groups
A new government scheme has been announced to encourage low income groups to save more.
More homeowners struggling with repayments
More and more homeowners are struggling to make repayments on their mortgages, new figures suggest.
Defaulting homeowners prevented from switching energy provider
Hundreds of thousands of homeowners could be frozen out of cheaper gas and electricity tariffs, due to falling behind with their payments.

14/05/2008

Government expects house price drop of between 5-10%
The government is preparing for a house price fall of between five per cent and ten per cent this year, confidential documents have revealed.
Nationwide trims rate on fixed rate deals
Nationwide Building Society is to trim rates on a selection of its fixed rate mortgage deals, it has been announced.
Buy to let landlords urged to tackle tax returns
Buy to let landlords have been urged to get their tax affairs in order in the wake of a widespread crackdown from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
LV= to waive 'unfair' admin charges on insurance
LV= has announced it will no longer charge customers for "unfair" administrative charges on its general insurance policies.
Brits urged to not over-rely on credit
Using credit to help cope with the rising cost of day to day living should only be a short term measure, a financial education charity has warned.
Isa investors losing appetite for risk
More and more investors are targeting Individual Savings Accounts (Isas) with less risky investment strategies, new statistics have shown.
HSBC extends mortgage rate match offer
HSBC has confirmed it is to extend its offer to match rival lenders mortgage rates by six weeks.
Tips to avoid catalytic converter theft
A car insurance provider has issued tips to motorists to help them avoid losing their catalytic converter to thieves.
Pension providers increase life expectancy assumptions
An increase in life expectancy has prompted a number of the UK's leading companies to increase their liabilities.
Barclays will not scrap Goldfish card reward scheme
Barclays has moved to quash press speculation that it is to scrap the reward scheme offered to Goldfish credit card customers.

13/05/2008

British Gas considering further price hike
British Gas is mulling further increasing its tariffs to mitigate the impact of soaring energy costs.
Lenders breaking rules on networking sites
A number of lenders who advertise on social networking sites are contravening rules, a debt charity has claimed.
FSA fines Land of Leather £210,000
Land of Leather has been found guilty of exposing tens of thousands of customers to an unacceptable risk of buying unsuitable payment protection insurance (PPI)
Pension funds' legal challenge could benefit investors
UK pension holders could be set to benefit from a legal challenge being mounted by some of largest pension funds in the country.
Rics report reveals deepening gloom property market
More and more surveyors reported house price falls last month, in a further sign of the slowdown in the property market.
Tesco launches new life insurance product for over-50s
Tesco has launched a new life insurance policy which has been devised to specifically meet the needs of those in the over-50 age group.
Newcastle Building Society enters car insurance market
Newcastle Building Society has launched a new motor insurance policy to complement its range of insurance products.
Credit card firms punishing low-risk customers
Credit card companies are clamping down on customers irrespective of their credit record, it has been claimed.
Mortgage lending slumped in first quarter
Mortgage lending for house purchases slumped to its lowest level since 1975 during the first quarter, new figures have shown.
Young people facing debt mountain
Debt among young Britons is reaching record levels, a new survey suggests.

12/05/2008

ABI to make annuities more transparent
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has pledged its ongoing commitment to improving understanding of the terms of annuities.
Britons fearful over banks' prospects
Millions of Britons are worried that their bank could collapse and take their savings with them, it has been revealed.
More borrowers seeking fixed rate mortgages
Uncertainty over interest rates and the housing market has meant that homeowners are seeking fixed rate deals in increasing numbers, a new report has revealed.
New fixed rate bond from Leeds Building Society
Leeds Building Society has announced the launch of a new fixed rate bond for customers seeking a secure investment amid volatility in the financial markets.
Millions holding out for house price falls
Millions of Britons are eagerly anticipating the further decline of property prices, a new survey has shown.
End of free banking would leave majority worse off
The majority of Britons will be worse off if overdraft fees are scrapped, it has been claimed.
TD Waterhouse launches two investment opportunities
TD Waterhouse has announced the launch of two new investment opportunities which will "help customers build an investment portfolio" at reduced cost.
Debt fears fuelling mental health problems
Debt worries in the personal loans and credit card debts are exacerbating the mental health problems of millions of Britons, a new survey suggests.
London's dominance of £1m-plus property market weakens
London's dominance of sales of million-pound properties is weakening, a new survey has shown.
British Gas to sue Accenture over customer billing application
British Gas is to sue Accenture after billing software allegedly led to a raft of customer service complaints and mistakes with tariffs.

09/05/2008

Drivers failing to check insurance cover
British motorists over-rely on urban myths instead of closely reading the terms of their insurance policies, it has been claimed.
Repossession claims up 8.5%
New figures to be released today will show a rise in the number of repossession claims issued by lenders, providing evidence of the increasing strain being felt by homeowners.
Over-50s fearful over retirement finances
Millions of Britons approaching retirement age are harbouring severe doubts over their financial security when they give up work, a new survey has shown.
Halifax increases return on Web Saver Extra account
Halifax has confirmed it is to increase the rate of interest offered on its online bank account.
Consumers turning to bridging loans
The reluctance of mainstream lenders to grant credit is fuelling a rise in the number of consumers turning to bridging finance, it has been claimed.
Study savings account terms closely, analyst warns
Consumers looking to open a savings account should pay close attention to its terms before committing to it, a price comparison site has advised.
SVM funds target cautious investors
Cautious investors looking to safeguard their capital from the volatility currently afflicting the financial markets have been alerted to the launch of two new multi-asset funds
Concerned Brits consult IFAs for mortgage advice
The slowdown in the property market is driving more and more people to consult independent financial advisors (IFAs), new figures suggest.
Alliance & Leicester revamps one-year fixed rate bond
Alliance & Leicester has increased the interest rate on its one year fixed rate bond, it has been announced.
London property prices stagnating
House inflation for prime properties in central London locations is moderating, new figures have shown.

08/05/2008

Pension scheme buyouts to surge this year
More and more UK companies are poised to offload their pension schemes this year, it has been claimed.
High street banks raise monthly fees on current accounts
Three of the UK's largest high street banks are set to levy new charges on customers with packaged accounts, it has been reported.
Millions of Brits prepared to lie to car insurer
Millions of Britons are prepared to lie to motor insurance providers to ensure their claim is not jeopardised, a new survey has revealed.
Estate agents confidence hit by market uncertainty
House price falls are severely impacting on confidence levels among estate agents, a new survey has suggested.
High-cost mortgages are here to stay, warns BSA
Homeowners have been warned that mortgages will remain expensive for at least another two years.
Post Office bonds target 'cautious savers'
The Post Office has announced the launch of a range of new growth bonds aimed at "cautious savers".
Gloom hits prices of prime London property
The market for prime central London property is beginning to feel the impact of the house price falls noted across the country, a new report has shown.
Lobby card providers for rate cut, urges finance site
Consumers have been called on to lobby credit card providers for a cut to interest rates charged on the products.
'No relief for homeowners' as Bank freezes interest rate
UK mortgage holders are poised to continue to wrestle with higher repayment costs, following the Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates.
Hips final roll-out delayed
Reports that the final roll-out of home information packs (Hips) is to be delayed have been confirmed by the housing minister Caroline Flint.

07/05/2008

Govt proposals could cut cost of car insurance
Drivers could be given the chance to cut their motor insurance premiums as part of a new government-backed scheme.
cahoot raises rates on savings accounts
cahoot has raised the interest rates on its savings accounts, despite the Bank of England's decision to trim interest rates last month, it has been announced.
Car insurance premiums set to rise 10%
Motorists can expect to pay considerably more for their car insurance this year, a price comparison site has warned.
Direct Line insurance targets pub and restaurant owners
Direct Line has launched a new insurance product aimed at owners of pubs and restaurants.
Homebuyers cautioned over borrowing to raise deposit
Homebuyers have been warned against attempting to buy a house using unsecured loans or credit cards.
Hard-bargaining first time buyers driving price deflation
Aggressive haggling from first time buyers is helping to drive UK property prices down, it has been claimed.
Brits set for improved annuity returns
Britons who are set to retire in the near future are poised to benefit from the highest returns on annuities for five years, it has been claimed.
Saga revamps Online Savings Account
Saga has revamped its online savings account with a new guarantee on the return offered to account holders
Jupiter announces new 'go anywhere' fund
Jupiter has been granted regulatory approval to launch a new "go anywhere" fund to invest in the European credit markets.
Norwich Union ethical fund bars investment in biofuels
Ethical funds managed by Norwich Union will continue to shun large-scale investment in biofuels, it has been announced.

06/05/2008

Brits assured over future of equity release
People planning to release equity from their homes should not be shaken by the recent volatility in the property market, it has been claimed.
Lloyds TSB launches Airmiles Mortgage
Lloyds TSB has announced the launch of an innovative mortgage product through which borrowers can benefit from free airmiles.
Brits missing out on best buy bank accounts
Millions of Britons are missing out on the best value bank accounts through apathy, it has been revealed.
High energy bills help make today most expensive day of the year
Soaring gas and electricity bills coupled with heavy spending over the Bank Holiday weekend and other household outgoings means that today is the most expensive day of the year, according to research.
Women pensioners poised for £1,400 windfall
Thousands of female pensioners could be set a payment of up to £1,400 after the government found that that they had not been receiving their full state pension.
Larger deposits required for best-buy mortgage loans
Lenders are restricting access to the best buy mortgage deals to those with substantial deposits, new research has shown.
Consumers cut spending as crunch cuts lines of credit
Lenders' unwillingness to clear customers for credit cards and personal loans is forcing millions of Britons to curb their spending this year, a new survey suggests.
One in ten Brits 'has no home insurance cover'
Millions of UK homeowners are risking a severe financial blow by opting to go without home insurance, a new survey has revealed.
Top award for Sainsbury's Internet Saver account
Sainsbury's Internet Saver account has picked up the Trust It award from a financial website.

02/05/2008

Halifax: House prices down 1.3% in April
UK house prices fell again last month, in a further sign of the slowdown affecting the property market.
Brits cut holiday spending in face of credit crisis
Millions of Britons plan to cut back on holiday spending this year as credit becomes less available and the cost of living rises, a survey has shown.
Empty homes at risk during Bank Holiday, home insurer warns
Britons who fail to adequately secure their homes when they go away this Bank Holiday are leaving themselves vulnerable to burglars, a home insurance provider has warned.
Brits urged to take immediate action over overdraft charges
Britons who have been hit by high overdraft charges should launch their bid to reclaim the money as soon as possible, a consumer group has warned.
Debt-hit Britons urged to contact bank
Britons facing debt problems should take action to amend the problem as soon as possible, a personal finance expert has advised.
Brits will continue to 'keep faith in property investments'
Britons faith in property as an investment is unlikely to be permanently affected by the recent downturn in the market, it has been claimed.
Pensions top list for IFA enquiries
More Britons consult independent financial advisers (IFAs) for guidance over pensions than any other financial product, it has been claimed.
'Consult professional advice before taking out an IVA', warns wealth manager
Consumers facing debt problems should think very carefully before taking out an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA), according to a financial planning and wealth management service.
More Brits are banking online
More and more UK consumers are managing their bank accounts online, it has been revealed.

01/05/2008

Credit squeeze driving demand for financial advice
The credit crunch has prompted a flood of demand for the services of independent financial advisers (IFAs), it has been claimed.
Outlook improves for buy to let landlords
The outlook for landlords has continued to improve this year, with average monthly rents up four per cent in the last three months.
Card fraud victims urged to inform provider immediately
Victims of card fraud must act quickly to prevent long-term damage to their credit rating, according to a credit rating provider.
Barclaycard launches new credit card with reward scheme
Barclaycard and InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) have launched a new credit card with an innovative reward scheme.
Homes selling faster, despite market downturn
Properties were snapped up buyers faster during the first quarter than in the corresponding period last year, despite studies showing that the property market is slowing.
Protection for pension schemes 'will not impact on deals'
New rules intended to protect company pensions schemes which could be jeopardised by private equity takeovers may only have limited effect, according to independent pensions consultant John Ralfe.
Home improvers urged to tread carefully or invalidate insurance
Britons planning to use the May Bank Holiday to carry out home improvements have been urged to take care that they do not do anything to invalidate their home insurance policy.
Car insurance body calls for crackdown on uninsured motorists
The British Insurance Brokers Association (Biba) has called on the government to launch a publicity campaign to highlight the dangers of driving uninsured and commit money to a body to enforce newly introduced regulations.
N.Ireland house prices could plunge this year
The Northern Ireland property market is set for a dramatic decline this year, it has been claimed.