How to save money on your Christmas gifts

Whilst Christmas is an exciting and fun-filled time of year for many people it can also fill many people with dread, particularly in the current climate where money has been really tight for so many households. Read more

Tags: christmas gifts, save money, supermarkets, scheme, money saving tips, special event, number, day

Citizen’s Advice reports on rising debt issues

Officials from Citizen’s Advice Scotland have recently commented on the rising issues relating to debt amongst consumers that are contacting the service. Read more

Tags: business, debt problems, day, Citizen Advice Bureau, consumer debt, credit, relationship, biggest issue

Card made available to allow children to shop via the Internet

A new card has been launched that could allow children aged just thirteen to make purchases via the Internet. Kids will be able to shop online as well as make cash withdrawals on the debit style card. Read more

Tags: Automated teller machine, make, day, new card, Go card, industry

Marked rise in repossession levels

A recent report has shown that the rise in repossession levels in the UK is resulting in around one hundred and twenty families a day being evicted from their homes. In the second quarter of this year it is said that one hundred and twenty families a day were losing their homes to repossession, which reflects a 70% rise compared to a year earlier. Furthermore, industry officials have predicted that this figure will continue to rise as the nation edges every closer to a deep recession and the global financial crisis continues to take a hold. Read more

Tags: rate, repossessions, Mortgages, base rate, economics, point

What happens if your airline goes bust?

Over recent weeks two airlines have spectacularly gone bust, leaving many passengers stranded and many others wondering whether they will ever see the money that they forked out for their holiday again. The global credit crunch and the soaring cost of fuel has left many budget airlines really struggling, and over recent weeks both airline Zoom and holiday firm XL have had to call it a day. Read more

Tags: chalk, money, date, GBP, credit, day, member, airlines

Try before you buy housing could prove effective

A recent report has shown how some housing developers are now trialling a scheme where a potential property buyer can try out the property that they are thinking of buying for a day or two before they make a decision or commitment. With house sales falling as a result of right credit conditions, falling house prices, and the global credit crunch, those that are able to purchase often need more persuasion and it seems that this try before you buy method could help developers to increase sales and buyers to enjoy increased peace of mind when it comes to making a purchase. Read more

Tags: older age, road, Business and Economy, day, potential buyers, households, age bracket, inflation uk economy

Employers say economy at risk of recession

Employers from small and medium sized businesses in the UK have said that the economy is at serious risk of recession. The warning came after a small business survey was carried out earlier this month, with businesses warning that the economy could slide into recession within a matter of months. The survey showed that orders and sales for small and medium sized businesses in the manufacturing and services sector had been drying up over the past three months. Read more

Tags: recessions, recession, economy, Late 2000s recession in Europe, interest, bank, day

Bank accounts for students

Even as a student it is important to have certain banking facilities and services that enable you to manage your money and your debts effectively, and many banks in the UK now offer specialist bank accounts designed to meet the need to students. This is good news for students, as it means that not only can they benefit from having banking services available to them but they can also build a business relationship with a bank, which could prove invaluable in the future when it comes to setting up a regular bank account, setting up a savings account, and most importantly borrowing money for purchases such as a car or property. Read more

Tags: relationship, cost overdraft facility, bank accounts, uk consumers bank, wide range, bank account, day

Tighten your belts as household costs rise, says expert

Consumers are being told to be careful with their money and ‘tighten their belts’ because of the rising costs of many essential household items and bills.

Money education charity Credit Action has said people have grown accustomed to relatively low food and petrol prices but they will now have to adjust their budgets as these costs are increasing.

According to Capital Economics, food inflation is expected to remain at its current rate of six per cent for the next few months, while water and council tax bills are set to rise.

Gas bills are predicted to increase by around ten per cent and electricity by eight per cent in the second half of the year.

“For most families and people trying to manage their money and trying to budget carefully, that’s going to become much harder because there’s going to be far more cost associated with just the basic day to day living expenses,” said Chris Tapp, director of Credit Action.

Tags: day, belts, consumers, Tighten, tax, water

Brits prefer cards to cash

vNearly a third of British consumers use their credit cards for everyday spending, according to new research.

Findings from Fool.co.uk showed that debit cards account for over a third (37 per cent) of spending while cash accounts for over a quarter (29 per cent).

David Kuo, head of personal finance with Fool.co.uk, said that using plastic is useful but relying on money that cannot be seen is indicative of the recent reliance on credit that is apparent in our culture.

“It is more important than ever to build a decent savings pot because one day when you need to pull a rabbit out of the hat, you could find that all you have is a dead duck in your pocket,” he said.

Further results of the study showed that fewer people carry cash, with nearly half of us withdrawing money once a week or less.

Meanwhile, last week, Chris Tapp from Credit Action said that anyone looking for a new credit card should shop around to make sure that they get the best possible deal they can.

Tags: day, debit, duck, Brits, personal finance, Electronic commerce, Credit Cards, business

Up to £1.6bn to be spent on Valentines day

British spenders are expected to splash out up to £1.6 billion on Valentines day gifts for loved ones, according to a recent survey.

Findings from PayPal revealed that the average spend per gift is thought to be £71.25 with those in a relationship spending £69.90.

Cristina Hoole, spokeswoman for PayPal, said: “It would seem that romance is far from dead as almost half of Brits will be splashing out a massive £1.6 billion on their loved ones this week.”

She added that as millions are expected to hit shops, up to one in five will choose to shop online for a gift to avoid the crowds.

Further findings from PayPal showed that up to a quarter of UK men are more likely to conduct their shopping online and 36 per cent of Brits in a relationship do not plan to give any presents.

Meanwhile, research from APACS, the UK’s payment association, revealed that credit card spending over the festive period totalled £32.2 billion.

Tags: facebook, romance, recent survey, day, quarter, UK men

Consumers need “rainy day emergency cash”

All consumers should aim to save up to six months worth of salary in an Isa as a “‘rainy day’ emergency cash”, according to financial experts.

However, Harsgreave Lansdown said that for those who have already used their Isa’s maximum deposit allowance of £3,000 during this tax year “there aren’t really that many options” open to them other than premium bonds or building societies.

Ben Yearsley, investment manager with the asset management provider, said: “A lot of people do hold stocks and shares in their Isa, they like the excitement of holding individual shares. When you get big winners you can make big tax free gains in the Isa.”

As of April 2008 a series of changes are expected to be made to Isa. These changes include an increase in the annual subscription limit for cash Isas by 20 per cent, from £3,000 to £3,600.

The limit for stocks and shares Isas will also go up by 3 per cent, from £7,000 to £7,200.

Tags: management provider, series, rainy day emergency, day, tax, tax free gains, consumers

Online shoppers one step ahead in the Christmas sales

An estimated 60 per cent of consumers used the internet on Christmas day to pre-empt the festive sales, say industry experts.

According to a survey of over 2,000 shoppers, the Post Office said that one in five of festive online users would make a purchase over the internet.

Post Office Broadband manager Stewart Fox-Mills, said: “Whereas families traditionally fought over the TV remote control on Christmas Day, the growing popularity of computers and the internet means more people will be fighting over the mouse this year.”

Marks & Spencers launched its online sale at midnight on Christmas day and reported busy trading into the early morning.

The retailers reported particularly busy trading between midnight and 1am.

Meanwhile, shoppers are still expected in the shops in the traditional post-Christmas sales.

Industry experts are expecting some retailers to offer discounts of up to 70 per cent in an attempt to make up the slow build-up to the festive period.

Tags: post office, step, online sale, morning, christmas

The Great British insurance scam

Con-artists are costing the UK insurance industry £1.6 billion per year and we are suffering as a result.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) claims that fraudulent insurance claims are rife in the country and innocent people are being penalised through increased premiums.

Research by the organisation shows that the average policy holder’s premium is £40 higher than it should be because £4 million worth of false claims are made every day.

The ABI carried out a survey which found that ten per cent of people have cheated their insurance company, either by completely fabricating a claim or exaggerating it.

Nick Starling, director of general insurance and health at the ABI, wants to see greater power given to the authorities to deal with the crime.

“Honest customers should not have to pay for cheats. These figures highlight that greater deterrents, such as criminal prosecutions, are needed to discourage fraud,” he said.

“This is why we are calling for police forces to be given more resources so that fraud can be treated with the seriousness it deserves.”

The ABI says that around 50 per cent of all fraudulent claims centre on home contents and building insurance.

Tags: seriousness, Great, power, premium, average policy holder

The Benefits Of Pet Insurance

Even if your family pet started out life as a runaway stray cat, rather than a Crufts champion, vets’ bills can soon mount up into a considerable amount of money. Wouldn’t it be great then if you could find a way to be reimbursed for all of the expenses that your pet is routinely costing you each year? Read more

Tags: Financial economics, pet insurance benefits, Human Interest, day, insurance providers, inopportune, insurance premium online, pet insurance

Car Insurance For Women

According to Sainsbury’s Car Insurance survey, women drivers are paying less than their male counterparts for their car insurance. Female drivers in the UK currently pay an average of £412.44 a year – which is more than £90 less than the male average of £503.98. Read more

Tags: industry, Bingley, female car insurance, women drivers, car insurance policies

January worst month for burglary

A robbery takes place in Britain every 35 seconds during January, with figures showing it to be easily the worst month for crime.

According to Halifax Home Insurance, we are 26 per cent more likely to have our homes broken into during the first month of the year when compared with the annual average.

It is estimated that around 76,000 homes will be broken into during January, costing a collective £170 million.

Halifax is trying to get the message across that it is vital to take out insurance, while the firm is also attempting to help homeowners prevent crime in the first place.

“We tend to see a rise in burglaries during January as burglars know that it is the time when our homes are packed with lots of new and expensive items, ranging from electrical goods to jewellery,” said Vicky Emmott from Halifax Home Insurance.

“We must remember that thieves are opportunists, and will strike during the day or night if they feel a property has inadequate security and the timing is right.”

Official crime statistics show that a huge 40 per cent of burglaries take place during daylight hours (06:00 – 18:00), highlighting the fact that thieves are willing to strike at any time of day.

Homeowners are being urged to remain vigilant throughout the day and night in order to avoid becoming a victim of burglary.

“The fact so many burglaries take place during daylight hours shows the importance of always remaining vigilant,” added Ms Emmott.

According to Halifax, Nottingham, London and Leeds are the worst areas for theft, while Colchester, Bath and Shrewsbury are the safest.

Tags: worst areas, day, firm, order, GBP, theft, london, halifax

Making a Car Insurance Claim

Having an accident and making a claim on your car insurance Read more

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