Unsecured Loans - In the News

15 January 2009 - Britons 'won't cut back on holidays'

Despite the ongoing economic downturn putting increasing pressure on the wallets and purses of Britons, people are still not willing to sacrifice their holiday plans, one sector commentator has claimed.

Frances Tuke, spokesperson person for ABTA - The Travel Association, said that in ... More

15 January 2009 - Time for cheques to check out?

There are likely to be less cheques going forward in the UK, one sector commentator has claimed.

Neil Munroe, external affairs director at Equifax, said that although some small businesses may continue to use this payment method, fewer retailers now expect them as they become less ... More

14 January 2009 - Britons 'delaying retirement'

A quarter of people in the UK are being forced to delay their retirement due to the ongoing economic downturn, it has been claimed.

According to research by Life Trust, Britons are now seeing the value of their pensions shrink while their other investments also fall, forcing many to deny ... More

14 January 2009 - Credit plan for businesses unveiled

The business secretary Peter Mandelson has unveiled a £20 billion credit plan with the aim of helping UK companies through the credit crunch and the recession, it has been reported.

Included in the package is a £10 billion working capital scheme, which will ensure bank lending ... More

13 January 2009 - 'Invest in a' classic wardrobe

With many Britons still finding their disposable income under pressure from the credit crunch and impending recession, consumers are increasingly choosing not to purchase the fastest, cheapest and most disposable fashion.

Such is the assertion of Shelly Vella, fashion director at ... More

13 January 2009 - Brits 'feel guilty about not comparing prices'

British consumers are left feeling guilty if they do not compare product prices before they begin shopping for electrical goods and gadgets, according to one sector commentator.

Lucy Allen, PR director for GotYourPriceCheck, said that 55 per cent of people had admitted they researched ... More

12 January 2009 - Talk isn't cheap

The UK is too busy talking to get value for money, one company has claimed.

Research by moneysupermarket.com has revealed that despite the credit crunch putting a strain on Britons' finances - which should prompt them to take action to keep costs down - many are sticking with their costly... More

12 January 2009 - Government 'can no longer avoid making choices'

The government is no longer able to put off making tough choices in relation to bank lending, the Liberal democrat party has asserted.

In a statement, the party claimed that the Conservative party's recent suggestion of a full-scale national loan guarantee scheme could potentially expose ... More

9 January 2009 - Rate cuts 'half a solution'

Following the decision by the Bank of England's monetary policy committee yesterday (January 8th) to cut the base rate of interest to 1.5 per cent, one political group has claimed that this only offers half a solution.

The Liberal Democrats stated that as the recession deepened and with ... More

8 January 2009 - Base rate at 1.5 per cent

The Bank of England announced today (January 8th) that the base rate of interest will now stand at 1.5 per cent.

Following the decision of the Bank's monetary policy committee (MPC) to reduce interest rates by 0.5 of a percentage point, the base rate now stands at the lowest ever recorded... More

7 January 2009 - Future interest rate decisions 'depend on eurozone'

As the Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) begins discussions today (January 7th) over whether to make further cuts to the base rate of interest, one sector commentator has claimed that future interest rates depend on sterling.

In addition, Michael Baxter, economist at ... More

7 January 2009 - Interest rate cut 'could allow breathing space'

By cutting the base rate of interest by just one per cent, the Bank or England could afford itself some breathing space, one sector commentator has asserted.

However, Trevor Williams, UK chief economist for Lloyds TSB, said that should this reduction occur this month - which would take ... More

7 January 2009 - Interest rate fall predicted

A drop in interest rates to 0.5 basis points may be necessary by the end of the year, it has been claimed.

Economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research Arek Obhanissian said that the organisation believes there will be a drop in rates over the course of 2009.
... More

6 January 2009 - Recession 'could be much more severe'

The continued lack of credit in the UK economy could turn an ordinary but "fairly nasty" recession into something "much more severe", according to one sector commentator.

Jonathan Loynes, chief European economist at Capital Economics, said banks were still reluctant to... More

5 January 2009 - Cameron 'feels like shaking Brown'

Leader of the Conservatives David Cameron has admitted that he feels like shaking Gordon Brown over his handling of the economic crisis, it has been reported.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said it was time for the prime minister to admit that his government's tactics for ... More

5 January 2009 - Children have gone phishing

The online activities of children in the UK may be exposing their parents' financial details to phishing attacks, one sector commentator has warned.

Michael Lynch, CPP fraud expert, said this was because young people may be unaware if the sites they are going on are secure when they input... More

2 January 2009 - A 'stagnant' year ahead

According to one sector commentator, 2009 looks to be a "basically stagnant" year, with output falling overall during the 12 months and unemployment rising.

Charles Davis, economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, said that he expected the contraction of ... More

2 January 2009 - Brits set to 'ditch the gym'

With the credit crunch continuing to put a strain on the finances of Britons, many are resolving to quit their gym membership during 2009, which may mean that shifting the pounds is a less popular new year's resolution this year.

According to moneysupermarket.com, the average gym ... More

30 December 2008 - Recession 'will start to improve in 2010'

Although the economic recession is not over and done with, according to one sector commentator it will start to ease and improve in 2010.

Mark Parker, executive chairman of Talkbiznow.com, said that his personal opinion was that the economy would remain in this situation for the next two ... More

30 December 2008 - A worrying new year

Britons are becoming increasingly concerned about the cost of living, new research has found.

The study, which was compiled by reallyworried.com, found that the average person in the UK now spends two-and-a-quarter hours a day worrying.

And the top five concerns were found to be ... More

29 December 2008 - A winter migration to the credit card

According to one sector commentator, there has recently been a migration in consumer spending from the debit card to the credit card.

Donald MacLeod, head of Sainsbury’s credit cards, said that ... More

29 December 2008 - 'One million job losses' predicted

It has been predicted that up to one million UK workers could face losing their jobs over the course of the next two years as the country prepares itself for an economic recession.

A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has revealed that as many as 300,000... More

24 December 2008 - Men hit the shops

Many men who have left their Christmas shopping to the last minute may today (December 24th) be making a mad dash to the shops, one sector commentator has claimed.

According to research by Sainsbury's Bank, this is because males are more likely to leave things late, with 54 per cent of ... More

24 December 2008 - Recession 'may be worse than feared'

The UK's slide into recession is picking up pace following yesterday's (December 23rd) reports that gross domestic product for the three months up to September fell by 0.6 per cent - more than the original estimate of 0.5 per cent.

This was the steepest fall in 18 years and suggests that ... More

23 December 2008 - Pensions 'not a determining factor for jobseekers'

Pension funds are no longer being used as a determining factor by Britons seeking work, one sector commentator has claimed.

Gerwyn Davies, public policy adviser from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said this was because people were just searching for available ... More

23 December 2008 - GDP shrinks 0.6 per cent

Gross domestic product in the UK shrank by 0.6 per cent between July and September of this year, according to new figures.

The data compiled by the Office for National Statistics reveals the biggest fall since 1990, despite previous reports that the estimated contraction had been 0.5 per ... More

22 December 2008 - Sprouts the way to do it

Britons may find this Christmas that sprouts are not only good for their health but also for their wallets, one sector commentator has claimed.

Debbie Jennings, VAT director at PKF accountants and business advisers, said that this was because people who already felt their finances were ... More

22 December 2008 - Reduced credit 'affecting inflation'

The amount of credit currently available on the market is decreasing and this is having an effect on inflation as there is now less money to go around, one sector commentator has claimed.

Darren Cook, spokesperson for Moneyfacts, said that Britons were now slowing down on their spending ... More

19 December 2008 - Christmas a taxing time for the wallet

Taxes on traditional Christmas items are proving to be hitting the wallets of Britons hard this year, one sector commentator has claimed.

Debbie Jennings, VAT director at PKF accountants and business advisers, said that some people went on "booze cruises" in order to stock up on... More

19 December 2008 - Consumer confidence 'improves'

Confidence among British consumers has improved for the second consecutive month, according to the findings of a recent survey.

Market research group GfK NOP reported that confidence in the UK rose by two points to -33 during December, although this is still close to an all-time ... More

18 December 2008 - The crunch that stole Christmas

Christmas may always be a time when Britons feel a greater strain on their finances than throughout the rest of the year, however, the 2008 festive season has proved to be particularly demanding.

According to research by LV=, 3.2 million children have admitted that their parents' spending... More

17 December 2008 - Brits 'may sacrifice short overseas breaks'

Britons are likely to sacrifice short breaks abroad "altogether" because of the ongoing economic downturn, one sector commentator has claimed.

However, Elliot Frisby, press and public relations manager for VisitBritain, noted that in spite of this, fewer people would deem it ... More

16 December 2008 - Discounting 'behind retail surge'

The move to cut VAT to 15 per cent made by the chancellor in the pre-Budget report is not the main factor behind a surge in retail sales, it has been claimed.

An expert at Sainsbury's Finance said that while this may have had some effect, its overall impact is small.

Instead, it... More

16 December 2008 - Sterling trading on the up

There has been an increase in the level of trading on currency markets as investors look to make good use of the slide in the value of sterling.

According to Barclays Wealth, the drop in value of sterling against the euro has led to more trades in the currency pair.

Barbara ... More

15 December 2008 - Taking credit card care

Consumers in the UK should take care of their credit card as to skim the plastic or write down the information only takes a few seconds, one sector commentator has warned.

Danny Harrison, card fraud ... More

15 December 2008 - Bank warns of negative equity

The Bank of England is set to warn homeowners in the UK that more households will be pushed into negative equity due to instability in the international financial markets, it has been reported.

In its 2008 Quarterly Bulletin, the Bank claimed that the issue facing its monetary policy ... More

11 December 2008 - Holidays 'a necessity'

Britons view their annual holiday as a necessity rather than a luxury and are willing to make financial sacrifices elsewhere in their day-to-day lives in order to fund it, one sector commentator has claimed.

Ian Bradley, public relations officer at the Association of Independent Tour ... More

11 December 2008 - BoE expert predicts 2009 end for downturn

The UK economy is likely to remain in its current unstable state until the end of 2009, the third-longest serving member of the Bank of England's (BoE) monetary policy committee has claimed.

Kate Barker made her comments as reports came out that the pound was continuing to weaken against ... More

10 December 2008 - Start saving for Christmas

Britons who choose to save throughout the year for Christmas are likely to find that the festive season is not such a great expense, one sector commentator has claimed.

Michelle Slade, press and public relations officer for Moneyfacts, said it was all a case of people making sure they ... More

10 December 2008 - Economy 'to shrink one per cent'

New research has revealed that the UK economy is likely to shrink by more than one per cent in the fourth quarter.

According to predictions made by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), this suggests that the economy is in for a deeper recession than earlier ... More

9 December 2008 - Consumers 'reluctant to spend'

Consumers in the UK are both short on money at the moment and reluctant to spend what cash they do have, one sector commentator has claimed.

Richard Dodd, spokesperson for the British Retail Consortium, stated that consumer confidence was now at an all time low because people were worried... More

8 December 2008 - Elders 'may be putting health at risk'

Older people in the UK are cutting back on essential items such as food and heating which could potentially be putting their health at risk, one sector commentator has claimed.

Gordon Lishman, Age Concern's director general, said that it was nothing short of a "national scandal"... More

8 December 2008 - A time to re-give

Disappointing gifts waiting for Britons under the Christmas tree are increasingly being stockpiled in order to give to friends and family the following year, one sector commentator has claimed.

TV presenter Melissa Porter said on behalf of 3V that some people were now attempting to take ... More

5 December 2008 - Britons plan for frugal festivities

Amid the ongoing credit crunch and rising concerns over the impending recession, Britons are taking a cautious approach towards spending this Christmas, one sector commentator has claimed.

Freelance journalist Karen Kay explained that this was a good thing because it was all too easy to ... More

4 December 2008 - Banking code 'should be welcomed'

The new banking bill, which was unveiled yesterday (December 3rd) as part of the Queen's speech, is to be welcomed, according to one financial group.

Monetary authorities and the Bank of England will now be able to intervene if a financial services provider gets into severe difficulties ... More

3 December 2008 - Overseas shoppers 'will return'

The UK retail sector and the economy may receive a boost if lower VAT and a weakening pound continue to attract overseas shoppers after Christmas.

Will Holroyd, managing director of WhiteConcierge, said the group would not be surprised to see a number of non-British residents arriving ... More

3 December 2008 - Queen 'to announce new lending rules'

The Queen is expected to announce new legislation this afternoon (December 3rd) that will see banks fined if they break lending rules, it has been reported.

This could result in the code of practice for banking - which is currently voluntary - becoming legally binding under the new ... More

2 December 2008 - Shoppers enjoy VAT cut

Britons setting off to buy their Christmas gifts are today (December 2nd) enjoying the first day of the VAT cut implemented as part of the chancellor of the Exchequer's recent pre-Budget report.

The reduction means that goods will now effectively cost some 2.5 per cent less after Alistair... More

1 December 2008 - US influence 'could have impact on interest rates'

Further cuts to the base rate of interest are expected in the new year, one sector commentator has claimed.

However, Ross Walker, economist at the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, noted that "uncertainty" would remain as actions in the US could have an effect on any decisions by ... More

28 November 2008 - Another rate cut to come?

A poll of 11 economists, financial institutions and business organisations has found that the majority believe that the base rate of interest will be cut by the monetary policy committee (MPC) next week (December 4th).

The survey, which was carried out by the news agency Adfero, found ... More

28 November 2008 - Industry calls on Mandelson

Motor industry chiefs have called upon Peter Mandelson to discuss a resolution to the economic crisis currently blighting the sector, it has been reported.

The meeting with the secretary of state for business followed the news that Jaguar Land Rover is taking steps to cut its workforce in... More

27 November 2008 - A question of stocks

One sector commentator has claimed that he would currently feel more confident in investing in stocks than he would be buying property.

However, Jason Butler, partner at Bloomsbury Financial planning, warned that the stock market still came with a bit of a "rollercoaster ride of gut ... More

27 November 2008 - Businesses 'may now be under pressure'

The recent reduction in VAT - from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent - may help boost consumer confidence but could also put businesses under pressure to implement billing changes, one sector commentator has claimed.

Mark Seemann, director of product marketing at Genesis Communications, said ... More

26 November 2008 - Darling 'may be optimistic'

If it becomes apparent that the chancellor of the Exchequer was incorrect about the UK's economic recovery in his pre-Budget report, then one sector commentator believes that the economy will not be as robust as it would otherwise have been.

Michael Baxter, economist at Defaqto, said ... More

25 November 2008 - Borrowing not a concern for Darling

Alistair Darling is confident that the government will be capable of meeting the borrowing commitments outlined in yesterday's (November 24th) pre-Budget report.

In a move designed to help boost the weakening economy, the chancellor of the Exchequer revealed plans to cut taxes and ... More

25 November 2008 - Frugal pickings at the festive table?

Britons are on the hunt for the best deals available this Christmas in order to make a saving when the family sits down to their festive meal, it has been claimed.

According to research by Abbey, 53 per cent of thrifty Britons are considering buying supermarket own-brands this year, while... More

25 November 2008 - Overdraft charges 'increase 20 per cent'

Charges incurred by Britons going over their overdraft limits have increased by 20 per cent over the last year, according to one group, which may lead to some individuals considering a credit card or More

21 November 2008 - Women are 'feeling the heat'

Many women in the UK are likely to becoming under increased stress as they take responsibility for their family's finances, one sector commentator has claimed.

Dr Rebecca Small, assistant clinical director for Bupa UK Health Insurance, said that women are more likely to admit to the fact ... More

21 November 2008 - Banks receive Treasury warning

The UK's banking sector has been warned to resume lending again or face being nationalised, it has been reported.

Chairman of the Treasury select committee John McFall made his comments in a statement which claimed that financial services providers needed to stop "sitting on their ... More

20 November 2008 - Short-term thinking 'caused financial crisis'

The ongoing economic downturn was caused in part by the businesses that put short-term money making ahead of long-term security, it has been suggested.

Danielle Cohen, ethics manager at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, said it was difficult to predict what companies ... More

20 November 2008 - Small businesses 'to receive aid'

The chancellor of the exchequer has pledged to help struggling small businesses in the UK by introducing measures that will aid them in securing finance and insurance.

According to a Financial Times article, Alistair Darling is also expected to announce increased funding for plans that ... More

19 November 2008 - A unanimous vote

Minutes from this month's monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting - where the group made the unprecedented decision to slash the base rate by 1.5 per cent - were published today (November 19th).

The report revealed that the MPC voted unanimously in favour of governor of the Bank of ... More

18 November 2008 - The rise after the fall

Ministers have admitted that taxes will have to be increased in the aftermath of next week's expected tax cuts, it has been widely reported.

Gordon Brown has recently hinted that any tax cuts unveiled in next week's pre-Budget report would be temporary measures before borrowing got back ... More

17 November 2008 - PPI rules 'a victory'

The new rules being planned for the sale of personal protection insurance (PPI) to consumers are being hailed as a "victory" by one sector commentator.

Last week, the competition commission published its proposed changes to increase competition in the payment PPI ... More

17 November 2008 - London 'to be hit hardest'

The UK capital is likely to be hit the hardest by the recession, while the north may be spared from many of the predicted job losses, it has been noted.

Experts at Public and Corporate Economic Consultants have warned that 1.7 million workers are likely to lose their jobs over the next ... More

14 November 2008 - First European recession 'in 15 years'

The European economy fell into its first recession in 15 years during the third fiscal quarter of 2008, it has been reported.

This has meant that the current financial downturn could see the deepest interest rate and tax cuts witnessed since the Great Depression.

And this news ... More

13 November 2008 - Women 'more concerned about finances'

Women in the UK are more stressed about their financial affairs and suffer sleepless nights as a result, in contrast to their male counterparts, new research has found.

According to Bupa UK Health Insurance, nearly half of females say they experience stress in their everyday lives, ... More

13 November 2008 - PPI with loan sales 'to be delayed'

The sale of payment protection insurance (PPI) in conjunction with loans, such as secured or unsecured loans, may be delayed, it has been widely reported.

According to the Competition ... More

12 November 2008 - Tory tax break scheme criticised

Plans unveiled by the leader of the Conservative party David Cameron to afford businesses a £2.6 billion tax break have been criticised by the Social Market Foundation.

Mr Cameron hoped the scheme would create 350,000 jobs to aid Britons through the recession by encouraging employers... More

11 November 2008 - A frugal Christmas with the gift of time

Britons who are worrying about the impending costs of this year's festive period have been advised to give the gift of time to their loved ones.

Financial expert and TV presenter Jasmine Birtles said taking older relatives out for a day trip or an excursion to the cinema would be much ... More

11 November 2008 - Bank's move 'will help economy'

The decision of the Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) to cut interest rates will help the UK's economy, one sector commentator has claimed.

Last Thursday (November 6th), the MPC voted to reduce the base rate of interest by 1.5 percentage points - from 4.5 per cent to three... More

10 November 2008 - Tax cut speculation increases

Gordon Brown has stated that he is looking at "everything" that can be done to aid Britons through the ongoing economic downturn, which has heightened speculation the government will issue tax cuts.

According to the BBC, the prime minister told GMTV that such action would be the... More

10 November 2008 - 'Rude awakening' for store card customers

Consumers planning on purchasing items using store cards are likely to have a "rude shock" this Christmas, according to one sector commentator.

David Kuo, head of personal finance at money website Fool.co.uk, said it was going to be increasingly hard for Britons to secure a More

7 November 2008 - Interest rate cuts 'very welcome'

Yesterday (November 6th), the Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) voted to slash interest rates by 1.5 per cent - taking them to three per cent - a decision which has been welcomed by one sector commentator.

Robert Sinclair, director of the Association of Mortgage ... More

6 November 2008 - Interest rates cut to 3 per cent

The Bank of England has slashed the base rate of interest beyond the expectations of many leading economists today (November 6th).

It was announced earlier that the monetary policy committee (MPC) has reduced rates by 1.5 percentage points, taking them to three per cent.

This was... More

6 November 2008 - 2009: A time to feel better off?

Britons may well start to feel a little bit financially better off by next year, one sector commentator has claimed.

Adrian Lowcocks, senior investments advisor Bestinvest, said the global economy had taken a while to realise that rising fuel, utility and food costs were interlinked and ... More

5 November 2008 - UK's disposable income falls

The disposable income of Britons has fallen by 30 per cent over the course of the last two years, according to new research.

A study by Abbey has revealed that as many as one in ten people are now spending up to 90 per cent of their salaries on basic essentials, which may include rent or ... More

5 November 2008 - A less lavish Christmas for Brits?

The credit crunch and impending economic recession has meant that many households in the UK are now preparing for a Christmas that is less lavish than the standards of recent years.

According to David Kuo, head of personal finance at money website Fool.co.uk, Britons in 2008 may well be ... More

4 November 2008 - King and Darling face their critics

The chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling, governor of the Bank of England Mervyn King and Adair Turner, the chief executive of the Financial Services Authority, faced their critics at the House of Commons Treasury select committee yesterday (November 3rd).

MPs posed questions to ... More

3 November 2008 - A frugal Christmas for Britons?

Families in the UK may be forced to celebrate a budget Christmas this year, as the credit crunch and ongoing financial crisis continues to put pressure on the outgoings of homeowners.

According to research carried out by Birmingham Midshires, 78 per cent of all Britons are now taking ... More

3 November 2008 - Interest rates 'may drop to zero'

There is a "reasonable possibility" that interest rates in the UK could drop to zero per cent by 2009, one sector commentator has claimed.

Michael Baxter, an economist at Defaqto, noted that rates were already at one per cent in the US and were likely to fall again and that ... More

31 October 2008 - Darling urges banks to amend lending code

The chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling has called on the banking sector to amend its codes on lending, it has been noted.

Mr Darling made his plea following the revelation that the government had no power to set the terms or amounts financial services providers could offer small... More

30 October 2008 - Student grants cut

Middle-income students who were due to receive government grants have seen them get cut by the government, it has been noted.

Underestimations by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills has left a £200 million hole in the sector's budget, leading some 40,000 student to... More

30 October 2008 - Darling to raise taxes

Tax rises will be carried out in conjunction with spending cuts once the recession is over, the chancellor of the exchequer has stated.

Alistair Darling's pledge has been designed to pull the UK economy out of debt, yet it is unlikely that such increases will occur before polling day in ... More

29 October 2008 - Rate cuts are no "magic bullet"

A member of the Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) has warned that further reductions to the base rate of interest will not act as a "magic bullet" to end the ongoing financial crisis.

Tim Besley stated that patience was needed by Britons as a rate cut was ... More

29 October 2008 - Darling to deny irresponsible borrowing

The chancellor of the exchequer is expected to deny that the government is irresponsibly borrowing money to pull the UK out of the ongoing economic slump today (October 29th).

This follows criticisms from a group of leading economists in the Sunday Telegraph that officials were not taking... More

28 October 2008 - Loan applications 'may rise'

The number of Britons applying for secured and unsecured loans is likely to rise as people attempt to protect themselves during the ongoing economic downturn, it has been suggested.

Tom Howard,... More

28 October 2008 - BOE predicts stability risk

The Bank of England (BOE) has claimed that a heightened risk has been posed to the UK's financial stability by the ongoing economic crisis and credit crunch.

In addition, the central financial services provider suggested that the international monetary community now faced the "most ... More

27 October 2008 - Level salaries 'create spending cutback'

People whose salaries are staying level during the ongoing credit crunch are now cutting back on their spending, one sector commentator has claimed.

Roger Edwards, an insurance expert for Bright Grey, said that these decisions had been made in order to meet the increasing prices of ... More

24 October 2008 - 'Take care' with outgoing reductions

Although many Britons may be keen to reduce their outgoings as the credit crunch continues and recession concerns increase, it is important that they take care when deciding where to make a cut, one sector commentator has claimed.

Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive... More

23 October 2008 - 'Why wait' for interest rate cut?

One sector commentator has questioned whether the Bank of England (BOE) should wait until November to make the next cut to the base rate of interest.

New Star's Simon Ward said a big reduction to interest rates was expected to be carried out by the monetary policy committee (MPC) next ... More

22 October 2008 - Banks to help small businesses

Banking sector chiefs are due to attend a summit which has been designed to offer support to small businesses through the economic downturn, it has been noted.

According to Wales Online, business secretary Peter Mandelson and chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling will also be in ... More

22 October 2008 - Food inflation 'slowing'

Food inflation is beginning to slow down and is likely to continue to do so, according to one sector commentator.

Richard Dodd, head of media and campaigns at the British Retail Consortium, said in August price inflation for foodstuffs was at ten per cent, which fell to 9.1 per cent in ... More

21 October 2008 - Economic recovery 'could take years'

The recovery of the economy in the UK could take years, but there are still some opportunities, a number of sector commentators have agreed.

A roundtable discussion organised by Threadneedle saw Leigh Harrison, the firm's head of UK equities and Quentin Fitzsimmons, head of government ... More

20 October 2008 - UK 'already in recession'

The UK economy is already in a recession following a difficult three months, some sector commentators have claimed.

According to the BBC, the Ernst & Young Item Club has claimed the British economy will decrease by one per cent next year and will not begin to recover until 2010, when ... More

17 October 2008 - Mixed views on bailout success

A recent poll of five economists has revealed that there are still mixed views about the potential effectiveness of the government's rescue package for the UK banking sector.

While two of the respondents to the survey - which was carried out by the news agency Adfero - predicted the ... More

16 October 2008 - Pension rise 'too little, too late'

The recent increase in the state pension is "much too little, much too late", according to one charity for Britain's older population.

A statement by Help The Aged claimed that, while the rise to five per cent would have been sufficient and was large compared to the standard of ... More

16 October 2008 - Bailout at threat?

The government's internationally praised rescue package designed to support the collapsed UK banking system may be at threat, it has been claimed.

According to the Guardian, Lloyds TSB - which is in the middle of a planned merger with HBoS - is now requesting that the Treasury ease the ... More

15 October 2008 - Inflation reaches 16-year high

Inflation rates in the UK reached a 16-year high, recently released figures have suggested.

According to the Independent, the Consumer Price Index rose to 5.2 per cent last month, up from 4.7 per cent in August and exceeding sector commentators' predictions.

However, the ... More

14 October 2008 - Iceland 'considers joining EU'

Iceland is to resume its consideration to join the European Union (EU), following a week that almost saw the collapse of its banking sector, it has been noted.

According to the Times, the country has once again started to speculate over the matter after Alistair Darling, the UK chancellor... More

13 October 2008 - World Bank leader speaks out

The leader of the World Bank has spoken out about the ongoing international economic slowdown.

According to the Telegraph, Robert Zoellick said the current financial crisis was a "man-made catastrophe" and that the response would be both fear and anger.

He went on to ... More

10 October 2008 - Brown urges global support

Gordon Brown has called on his international counterparts and their governments to come up with a similar bailout scheme to the UK's in order to support their banking sectors.

Earlier in the week, Labour officials unveiled the new rescue package which will use £50 billion of ... More

9 October 2008 - 'Worse to come' for UK economy

Following the Bank of England's (BOE) day early interest rate cut yesterday (October 8th), economists have warned that worse is still to come.

According to the Guardian, the ongoing financial market turmoil will continue to put pressure on jobs, property prices and economic growth in the ... More

8 October 2008 - Consumer confidence falls

Britons' financial optimism within the UK fell by three percentage points during September, according to new figures.

The 2008 Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index for last month revealed it now stood at 50 points, following two months of economic uncertainty as concerns over the ... More

7 October 2008 - Loan rates climb 'up to 9 per cent'

In the last month, eight financial services providers have increased the rates of unsecured loans by as much as up to nine per cent, according to recent figures.

Data compiled by uSwitch.com ... More

7 October 2008 - Interest rates 'won't reach 3.5 per cent'

Interest rates are likely to receive a cut by the end of the year, however, they will not reach 3.5 per cent as they did in 2003 and 2004.

Such is the prediction of Ross Walker, economist at Royal Bank of Scotland, who added that he believed the first reduction to the base rate would be ... More

6 October 2008 - Darling: Government will not call for rate cut

The chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling has told how the government will not urge the Bank of England (BoE) to make cuts to the current base rate of interest, it has been noted.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

6 October 2008 - "No good" being told to tighten belts

It is no good for the government to tell lower-paid public sector employees to tighten their belts when prices "are being allowed to spiral", one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

6 October 2008 - FSA ban 'won't solve credit crunch'

The recent ban on short-selling by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) is not something that will solve the causes of the credit crunch at the moment, according to one sector commentator.

In news that may be of interested to investors looking for More

3 October 2008 - A caravan for Christmas

Britons looking to celebrate Christmas in an unusual way this year have been advised by one sector commentator to consider a caravan holiday.

In news that may be of interest to those on the lookout for More

3 October 2008 - Older generation "much more adventurous"

The older generation has become much more adventurous when it comes to picking their holidays, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of interest to people on the hunt for More

3 October 2008 - BoE 'should send strong message'

The Bank of England (BoE) has been urged to send a strong message to Britons, pledging that they are set to deal with "the very real probability" of a recession, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

2 October 2008 - Wall insulation urged

Homeowners have been advised by one sector commentator to invest in cavity wall insulation in order to reduce their heating bills.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured ... More

2 October 2008 - Government 'not doing enough' to guarantee savings

The majority of Britons believe the government is not doing enough to secure their personal savings.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans, a poll conducted in recent... More

1 October 2008 - 'Better decisions' made through budgeting

People who keep track of where their money is going will be able to make the best financial decisions, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured... More

30 September 2008 - Waiting for a sales takeoff

Consumers are now more inclined to wait until there is a sale before going ahead and booking their flights, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those looking at More

30 September 2008 - Getting ahead in education funding

Parents in the UK who wish to send their children to a private school will have to begin saving for this eventuality, "almost at the point of conception", according to one sector commentator.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

29 September 2008 - Travelling 'not impacted by crunch'

The number of people travelling the world has not been impacted by the pressures households are facing during the credit crunch, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

29 September 2008 - Festive fun up north

Edinburgh has a lot to offer to visitors throughout the year but it is a particular attraction during the festive period, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those looking for More

29 September 2008 - Student properties 'a wise investment'

Student houses that can be rented out may be a wise investment at the moment, one sector commentator has claimed.

However, those seeking unsecured loans may also be interested to hear that a ... More

26 September 2008 - State pension 'needs to match inflation'

The government has been called upon to ensure that the basic state pension is in line with average salaries or inflation, depending upon which is higher.

In news that may be of interest to older people seeking More

25 September 2008 - Saving for children's future "vital"

Parents have been advised by one sector commentator that saving for their children's futures is vital.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans, David Kuo, head of ... More

25 September 2008 - A taste of debt?

While many people who find themselves in debt would refrain from eating out at restaurants, those who continue to spend on such luxury leisure activities may not have yet faced up to the reality of their financial situation, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of ... More

24 September 2008 - The UK has become "cool"

Britain has now become a "cool" place for people to escape on a short break, according to two sector commentators.

In news that may be of interest to those looking for unsecured loans... More

24 September 2008 - Gambling - know your limits

People with financial difficulties who are turning to gambling as a result should ensure that they understand their limits, one sector commentator has recommended.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

23 September 2008 - UK holidays 'can be just as relaxing'

Holidays in Britain can be just as relaxing as going abroad and are also better for the environment, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that might be of interest to environmentally-conscious individuals seeking More

23 September 2008 - Credit crunch 'should ease next year'

The credit crunch should begin to ease in 2009 and is likely to only last until 2010, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans, ... More

22 September 2008 - Recession needed 'for economy to recover'

A recession is what is needed to allow the UK economy a period of recovery, although the next year will be tough, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of interest to people seeking More

19 September 2008 - ABCUL reports higher personal loans demand

A greater number of Britons are applying for personal loans, according to the Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL).

The organisation reports that its members have witnessed increased ... More

19 September 2008 - Unsecured loans borrowing 'is up'

The total amount of unsecured loans borrowing taken out in the UK has increased in recent months, it has been claimed.

Financial services provider the Fair Investment Company reveals that More

19 September 2008 - Personal loans applicants 'calling on mum and dad'

A greater number of young Britons are asking for the help of their parents in guaranteeing personal loans and other forms of credit, it has been claimed.

Financial comparison website ... More

18 September 2008 - Bringing microgeneration to the people

The challenge for the development of microgeneration will be bringing it to ordinary Britons, one sector commentator has asserted.

People seeking unsecured loans to fund such developments in ... More

18 September 2008 - UK is "getting richer"

Britain is becoming a richer nation all thanks to the diversity of the businesses that are being set up, according to two sector commentators.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

17 September 2008 - Parents urged to help kids

Parents of children preparing to head off to university have been advised to help them to get their finances in order first.

In news that may be of interest to those looking for unsecured ... More

17 September 2008 - Farm holidays an "excellent" experience

Enjoying a domestic holiday on a farm could be an "excellent" way for people keen to go green to experience what the UK has to offer, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

16 September 2008 - Eco-friendly 'not pocket-friendly'

Purchasing an environmentally-friendly vehicle can be a costly choice, it has been asserted.

Those seeking unsecured loans to fund such an investment may be interested to hear research by ... More

16 September 2008 - Credit crunch 'is not over'

Recent reports that global investment bank the Lehman Brothers has had to file for bankruptcy has led one sector commentator to speculate that the credit crunch is not yet over.

In news that may be of interest to people seeking More

15 September 2008 - Paying bills 'a top priority'

Paying the household bills has been revealed as being the top priority among Britons, according to new research.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans, saving for the... More

12 September 2008 - Grandparents cancel their dreams

Grandparents who have dreamed for many a-year about going travelling have been forced to cancel their plans in order to pay off debts, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to older people seeking More

12 September 2008 - Travel in the wake of 9/11

The way people travel has been altered by the aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York, it has been claimed.

On the seventh anniversary of the tragedy yesterday (September 11th), Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president and chief executive officer of the World Tourism and ... More

11 September 2008 - Britons 'cutting back'

Many households in the UK are having to cut back on the bare essentials in order to meet the increasing cost of energy bills, it has been asserted.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

11 September 2008 - "More people" marrying abroad

More and more Britons are choosing to head overseas to get married, it has been asserted.

In news that may be of interest to people seeking unsecured loans to fund such an event, Thea ... More

10 September 2008 - Wedding industry "unaffected" by crunch

The credit crunch has had no significant effect on the wedding industry, it has been revealed.

In news that may be of interest to couples seeking unsecured loans, a poll carried out at the ... More

10 September 2008 - Mind the gap

Parents of children attending private schools have been warned that the rise in fees and living costs could result in a savings gap.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured ... More

9 September 2008 - A red card for footie fans

One in four football fans have been forced to reign in their passion as the credit crunch rumbles on, piling pressure on people's pockets.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured... More

9 September 2008 - Foreign wedding equals "value for money"

Getting married overseas can offer people "excellent value for money", it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to couples seeking unsecured loans to fund their marriage ... More

9 September 2008 - A "period of great difficulty" for the UK

Britons should prepare themselves for a period of great difficulty if the economy shrinks any further, one sector commentator has claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those on the hunt for More

8 September 2008 - The cost of kids

Parents in the UK are forking out an average total of £233 billion to support their grownup children, it has been revealed.

In news that may interest those seeking unsecured loans, LV= has... More

8 September 2008 - A "worrying time" for private school parents

It is a very worrying time for the parents of children attending private schools in the UK, one sector commentator has claimed.

With news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured ... More

5 September 2008 - Interest rates maintained

The Bank of England has voted in favour of maintaining the current base rate of interest at five per cent for another month.

In news that may interest those seeking unsecured loans, the Bank's ... More

5 September 2008 - Travellers look to exchange rate

Travellers are looking to the best exchange rate when it comes to picking their holiday destination, it has been asserted.

In news that may be of interest to people seeking unsecured loans, ... More

5 September 2008 - Debt and the credit crunch

As the credit crunch's grip on the economy in the UK tightens, debt is increasingly shadowing consumers and their purse strings.

In news that may be of interest to those on the lookout for More

4 September 2008 - On the search for easy updates

Britons are keen to find easy updates for their homes, rather than carrying out major improvements, it has been asserted.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans to ... More

4 September 2008 - Recession "won't be as bad" as in the past

The predicted impending recession is not likely to be as bad as the ones that have gone before it, it has been asserted.

However, in news that may be of interest to people seeking unsecured ... More

3 September 2008 - Recession "more likely than not"

The chance of the UK economy sliding into a recession is now "more likely than not", according to one sector commentator.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured ... More

3 September 2008 - A more exotic breed of hen

Stag and hen weekends are moving away from locations such as Blackpool and towards a more exotic destination, it has been asserted.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured ... More

2 September 2008 - Pressure on newlyweds

The financial pressure on recently married couples is steadily rising, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to newlyweds seeking unsecured loans, the AA has warned that many ... More

2 September 2008 - A flood of popularity for ferries

Ferry travel is set to increase in popularity as people take fewer shorter breaks in light of the ongoing credit crunch, it has been suggested.

In news that may be of interest to people looking for More

1 September 2008 - 'Two million' turning pleasure to business

Almost two million Britons have turned one or more of their hobbies into a business venture, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans, Direct Line ... More

1 September 2008 - Summer holidays 'now more expensive'

Fewer Britons may have found themselves singing 'We're all going on a summer holiday' this year, as vacation costs increased, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

1 September 2008 - Consumer spending 'good indicator' for economy

Consumer spending has been described as a good barometer for measuring the overall conditions in the UK economy.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans, Jonathan ... More

29 August 2008 - UK 'great for couples'

British couples make up the biggest travelling group going on UK breaks, it has been noted.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans to fund a domestic getaway, Elliott ... More

29 August 2008 - Inflation proving barrier to interest cut

It is likely that interest rates will be lowered once the economy has passed the current "spike of inflation", one sector commentator has suggested.

With news that may be of interest to those seeking More

28 August 2008 - Cut to interest rate predicted

It is likely that the Bank of England will make its first reduction to the current interest rate in the latter quarter of this year, it has been claimed.

With news that may be of interest to those seeking More

27 August 2008 - Brits 'more able' to work abroad

Britons are becoming better at adapting to life working or retiring in a foreign country, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans to fund such a ... More

27 August 2008 - Parties rocking the purse strings

Teenage parties are responsible for causing a total of £16.8 million worth of damage to their parents' homes every year, it has been noted.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

26 August 2008 - A spell for disappearing cash

Those wanting to be the next Harry Potter or Wayne Rooney are putting an increased amount of pressure on their parents' purse strings, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

26 August 2008 - Disposable income 'drops'

Disposable income in the UK has fallen for the first time since 1997, with households now £2,500 worse off than they were this time last year, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

26 August 2008 - Credit crunch 'not hitting holiday plans'

Three-quarters of the UK population will not be cancelling their holiday plans, despite the ongoing credit crunch, it has been revealed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured ... More

22 August 2008 - Love on the beach

Almost one in ten (nine per cent) holiday romances lead to eventual wedding bells, it has been revealed.

In news that may be of interest to those considering unsecured loans to fund their ... More

22 August 2008 - Government 'blamed for high energy costs'

The British public are blaming the government for the rise in energy costs, it has been asserted.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans, Saga Home Insurance has ... More

22 August 2008 - Graduates bring home 'more than washing'

Recent university graduates are bringing home more than just their washing, it has been noted.

In news that may be of interest to those looking for unsecured loans, Virgin Money has urged ... More

20 August 2008 - MPC decision almost unanimous

The Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) was almost unanimous in its decision to maintain the current base rate of interest at five per cent for the fourth consecutive month, it has been noted.

In news that may be of interest to people seeking More

20 August 2008 - Students feel the weight of their shopping bags

Young people preparing to head to university next month should prepared themselves for a shopping bill that could potentially be more than they were expecting, it has been suggested.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking More

19 August 2008 - Britons "blowing savings" on holidays

People in the UK are "blowing" their savings to fund going on holiday, it has been asserted.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans, Abbey Savings has ... More

19 August 2008 - Economy 'will not halt wedding plans'

Soon-to-be brides and grooms in the UK will not let the recent economic downturn prevent them from enjoying their special day, it has been suggested.

In news that may be of interest to those looking at More

18 August 2008 - Where weddings "really do come true"

Twice as many men as women dream of getting hitched at the Disneyland theme park, possibly with Mickey Mouse stepping into best man duties, a recent survey has revealed.

The study by Halifax Travel Insurance revealed that Peaches Geldof's wedding destination of choice - Las Vegas - only ... More

15 August 2008 - Families are "getting poorer"

Households in the UK may be struggling as the ongoing credit crunch pushes costs higher, it has been claimed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking unsecured loans, Charles Davis, ... More

14 August 2008 - Credit crunch 'not stopping wedding season'

The credit crunch has not caused couples to delay their wedding plans this year, it has been claimed.

Rachel Moschke, editor of Wedding Ideas Magazine, said that instead many people were doing some of the work themselves or cutting back on their original plans instead.

For ... More

14 August 2008 - Filling the gap

A gap year could allow individuals to stand out from the crowd when it comes to applying for jobs, young people have been advised.

In news that may be of interest to those looking at unsecured ... More

14 August 2008 - Brits heading for long-haul

British holidaymakers are turning their backs on the traditional European vacation, by jetting off on more long-haul flights, it has been claimed.

Research by Cater Allen revealed that 26 per cent of people would prefer to head to somewhere further off the beaten track while 20 per cent ... More

13 August 2008 - Students should 'ignore the gimmicks'

Youngsters preparing to fly the family nest and head to university next month have been advised not to be tempted by "gimmicks" when they chose their new bank accounts.

In news that may be of interest to people searching for More

13 August 2008 - Consumer confidence 'being rocked'

It is "no surprise" that confidence among consumers is at an all-time low, it has been claimed.

This is due to the current economic situation and the fact that the Bank of England has shown a "reluctance" to change the interest rate, a sector commentator has ... More

12 August 2008 - Heading for a recession?

Ahead of the release of the Bank of England's August Inflation report tomorrow (August 13th), it has been revealed that inflation is set to rise to four or even five per cent.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking an More

12 August 2008 - An expensive gift

It has been revealed that it is not only the soon-to-be happy couple who has to fork out during wedding season.

In news that may be of interest to people seeking an unsecured loan, research by ... More

12 August 2008 - A special day in the sun

People seeking an unsecured loan to fund their dream wedding have been advised that more and more Britons are getting married abroad.

Peter Staddon, a spokesperson for the British Insurance ... More

11 August 2008 - Teenagers investing in piggy banks

More and more teenagers are putting their allowances straight into their piggy banks in order to save for university, it has been revealed.

In news that may be of interest to those seeking an More

11 August 2008 - Recession 'not all hype'

There is a "very real" downturn currently in evidence in the UK economy and it has not been caused by a lot of hype, one sector commentator has suggested.

In news that may be of interest to people seeking More

6 August 2008 - Thrifty Scot: Shop around for competitive loan rates

An online financial resource has recommended that people shop around to find the best rate for a secured or unsecured loan.

The Thrifty Scot noted that homeowners would definitely be subject to... More

29 July 2008 - Tesco buy RBS out of Personal Finance

Royal Bank of Scotland's 50 per cent share of Tesco Personal Finance was bought out by the supermarket today in a £950 million deal to take full control of the former joint venture.

Tesco said that the move would allow it to extend its financial services "over time" to that... More

10 July 2008 - Bridging loans 'too risky for lenders and borrowers'

The current house price fall has made 100 per cent bridging loans unpopular with consumers and providers, a property advisor has said.

Savills Private Finance commented on the service, which is available to professional or even first-time buyers who want to buy an auction or repossessed ... More

9 July 2008 - Interest-only loans slide as lenders 'become more cautious'

Fewer applications for interest-only mortgages are being approved, analysis by a finance website shows.

After analysing trends in statistics from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) which found that interest-only loan approval for house purchases was down by a third, mform.co.uk found ... More

7 July 2008 - Savings down as consumer loans soar

Consumer borrowing has gone up by £22.4 billion in the first quarter of 2008, an independent financial advice website has revealed.

Research conducted by Unbiased.co.uk shows loan amounts are up by £13 billion more than during the same period in 2007 - effectively increasing ... More

7 July 2008 - More families look to personal loans to pay mortgages

Over four million households are turning to personal loans and credit cards to deal with rising costs, says a leading financial website.

Moneysupermarket.com said that those with mortgage and rent payments were struggling the most, indicating that long term debt is being solved with ... More

7 July 2008 - Consumers need to be wary of bank account offers

Although a new type of current bank account is to be introduced that offers similar interest rates to saving accounts, a financial expert has warned consumers to be wary of them. ... More

1 July 2008 - Government to make low-cost loans available

The government has announced it is to make loans more easily available to those on a low-income by relaxing rules around credit unions.

According to the Treasury, the restrictions surrounding ... More

30 June 2008 - Payday loans

In the recent volatile economic times in the UK, increasing numbers of consumers are turning towards payday loans as a solution to their financial uncertainties.

Research from Moneysupermarket.com showed... More

30 June 2008 - Loan rates are increasing

Lenders of personal loans are 'feeling the pinch' as much as the consumers struggling to extract money from their More

27 June 2008 - Consumers should insure loans especially during summer

With the summer holidays being one of the most expensive times of the year, consumers with personal loans in place should ensure they take out More

27 June 2008 - Increasing numbers of people looking to payday loans

Twice as many consumers people are turning to payday loans than they were nine months ago, according to new research from moneysupermarket.com.

Findings from a study by the consumer watchdog, undertaken ... More

23 June 2008 - Consumers turning to "doorstep loans"

Increasing numbers of in-debt consumers are turning to doorstep loans as banks are making borrowing harder, according to new research.

The study from Equifax revealed that nearly a third of ... More

19 June 2008 - Rejection rate for unsecured loans higher than before

The number of rejections for unsecured loan applications has increased, according to new research.

Findings from a study by Defaqto showed that when comparing the average deal across a range of unsecured loan amounts with the average recorded last time interest rates were at five per ... More

19 June 2008 - A poor credit rating 'will make it difficult' to borrow

If a consumer possesses a 'poor' credit rating then they will find it difficult to borrow in the present economic climate, one financial expert has warned.

Moneynet.co.uk said that at present lenders are only providing money to those consumers who can demonstrate their ability to pay it ... More

10 June 2008 - More loans taken out to fund education

An estimated 18,000 loans worth an estimated £165 million were taken out to pay for school fees, a finance expert has claimed.

Sainsbury's Finance's analysis of government data suggests that households are increasing their spending on education.

The firm estimates that the... More

30 May 2008 - Debt Consolidation loans

In a economic climate where new research from PruProtect shows over half of UK consumers feel financial worries are becoming their main concern, increasing numbers of people are turning to loans as a way out of their financial difficulties.

However, with the number of approved loans ... More

30 May 2008 - Lenders need to be contacted ''as soon as possible'' over missed payments

If a consumer finds themself at risk of falling into mortgage arrears then they should contact their lender as soon as possible, a housing expert has advised.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders said that homeowners should get in touch with their lender even before they miss a payment. ... More

28 May 2008 - 'Tougher lending conditions' behind drop in switching

Increasing interest rates on loans and tougher lending conditions are behind a drop in the number of household and financial products being switched, one financial watchdog has claimed.

Research from MoneyExpert revealed that there has been a 17 per cent drop in the number of people ... More

21 May 2008 - Use of payday loans is ''probably symptomatic of underlying debt problem''

Regularly using payday loans could be a "symptom of a more serious underlying debt problem", one financial expert has claimed.

The National Debtline said that if a consumer has run out of money before they receive their next pay cheque then there is a problem.

Beccy ... More

20 May 2008 - Personal loan rates increased by 1%

Despite the Bank of England (BoE) cutting interest rates three times, the average rate on personal loans between £5,000 and £7,500 has increased by one per cent during the past six months, according to a financial expert.

Findings from MoneyExpert revealed that the average rate... More

13 May 2008 - Loan providers 'making use of social networking'

Social networking websites are being utilised by credit providers to advertise their products, according to one credit charity representative.

A spokesperson from Credit Action told the Press Association that social networking sites have become "hugely popular" and credit ... More

22 April 2008 - Bradford and Bingley warns of increasing arrears

Bradford & Bingley has warned of increasing numbers of customers falling into arrears with their mortgage payments.

According to the lender, the rise has been noticeable in the past few weeks.

Stephen Crawshaw, chief executive of the firm, said that the bank had seen the ... More

15 April 2008 - Borrowers forced to go to higher cost lenders

The tightening of lenders' purse strings may lead to borrowers being forced to seek funds from higher cost lenders, one financial expert has claimed.

According to Equifax, if the banks begin to reject potential borrowers, then consumers may not take money out.

Neil Munroe,... More

14 April 2008 - Cost of borrowing on cards on the up

The cost of spending using a credit card is on the up despite the Bank of England (BoE) cutting interest-rates three times in the past six months, a financial expert has claimed.

A study by MoneyExpert revealed that the tightening of lenders' purse strings brought on by the credit crunch... More

8 April 2008 - Difficult to predict how long mortgage demand will last

While there is still demand for mortgages, it is difficult to predict how long this will last, one property expert has said.

Moneywise.co.uk attributed this market uncertainty to the lack of first-time buyers, who are struggling to get on the property ladder without a large deposit. ... More

4 April 2008 - Lenders are not making enough credit checks

Lenders are not undertaking enough credit checks on consumers before offering them a loan, a financial advisory service has said.

According to uSwitch, the Banking Code, which was recently amended to offer consumers more protection, still has room for improvement.

Up to 70 per ... More

2 April 2008 - Avoid security and go for flexibility when dealing with personal loans, say experts

When deciding upon which personal loan take out consumers should avoid security and go for flexibility, one financial expert has claimed.

Consumer advisors Fool.co.uk said these are the two most important considerations when weighing up their options.

David Kuo, head of ... More

1 April 2008 - Personal loan rates have increased despite rate cuts

Despite the Bank of England interest-rate cuts, banks building societies and financial service providers have increased their personal loan rates, one financial expert has claimed.

According to MoneyExpert, average rates on all unsecured personal loans have risen from 10.62 per cent at ... More

28 March 2008 - Personal pricing 'can benefit borrowers'

The recent tightening of lending conditions in the personal loans market is not necessarily bad news for UK consumers, it has been suggested.

While some loan providers may be making it more difficult to borrow large amounts in the current economic climate, the way in which lenders now ... More

19 March 2008 - Larger lenders suffered the most in the wake of the credit crunch

In the wake of the credit crunch many of the larger lenders appear to have suffered the most, according to financial experts.

Research from moneyfacts.co.uk show that from the top 250 mortgages, only 68 are offered by the larger lenders.

This is compared with how they had been ... More

14 March 2008 - Borrowers should keep their loan providers 'in the loop'

An expert has advised people who have taken out student loans to ensure that they keep their provider informed if they change address.

Samatha Owens, head of personal finance at Moneyfacts, said that a lot of people "might be getting lost in the system" if they move around a ... More

28 February 2008 - Cheap credit era come to an end, say FSA

The financial era of cheap credit has come to an end, meaning securing a loan could become more expensive for consumers, one monetary body has claimed.

According to the Financial Service Authority (FSA), the effects of the global credit-crunch will force banks to change the way they do ... More

22 February 2008 - Car upgrade spending revealed

Motorists would most like to upgrade their in-car sound systems if they had the funds to do so, according to a new study.

Nine per cent of drivers would most like to give a boost to their car stereos, while eight per cent would like to make improvements to their engines and seven per cent... More

21 February 2008 - Bridging loans 'more important than ever'

The need for bridging loans has increased in recent months as the UK economy continues to adjust to tighter credit conditions, a financial expert has stated.

Lee Tillcock, editor of Business Moneyfacts, explained that demand for bridging loans will typically rise during periods of ... More

19 February 2008 - Couples 'must communicate about finances'

A financial expert has highlighted the importance of communication between couples when it comes to money.

Mike Kalen, president and chief executive officer of financial services provider The Hartford Life Limited, said that people who do not make money decisions in collaboration with ... More

18 February 2008 - Drivers 'must check insurance for Europe'

Britons have been advised to refer to their motor insurance policies before taking a car to Europe.

According to the AA, many UK people assume that they will be automatically covered to drive in European Union (EU) countries on a standard car insurance policy, when the reality may be far ... More

15 February 2008 - Flooding 'will lead to insurance hikes'

People who live in properties situated on floodplains will soon face major increases in the cost of their home insurance, it has been claimed.

Richard Mason, director of insurance at Moneysupermarket.com, said that the UK's recent flood problems are likely to cause a "hefty ... More

15 February 2008 - Scots named most romantic people in UK

People in Scotland were the most likely to take their partner away on a romantic break this Valentine's Day, new research has revealed.

According to a survey of romantic habits around the UK by American Express Insurance Services, 36 per cent of Scots said they were planning a special ... More

14 February 2008 - Consumers receive identity fraud warning

British consumers have been urged to stay vigilant as reported incidences of identity fraud continue to rise in the country.

Citing data from the home office, Direct Line Home Insurance stated that identity fraud issues currently cost the UK economy £1.7 billion each year, with the ... More

14 February 2008 - Car buyer figures 'plummeting'

The number of British people planning to buy a car has reached its lowest level in two years, a new survey has stated.

According to the AA, planned car spending has also fallen by an average of £976 in the last six months, as consumers tighten their belts in the face of other ... More

14 February 2008 - Brits 'hide spending from partners'

A large number of Britons keep financial secrets from their partners, new research has claimed.

With loved-up couples across the country preparing to spend a romantic evening together for Valentine's Day, the survey from Moneysupermarket.com states that 27 per cent of UK people spend ... More

14 February 2008 - Cost of property weather damage revealed

The cost of repairing damage caused by high winds last year was an estimated £4.5 billion, with 1.5 million roofs damaged over the past 12 months.

New figures from Halifax Home Insurance reveal that 200 million tiles have been replaced in the past year alone, with water damage ... More

13 February 2008 - Drivers 'must check policies for Europe'

British motorists have been advised to check the small print on their insurance policy before taking their car into Europe.

While standard motor insurance policies will cover holders for driving in the European Union, the precise extent of cover is likely to change, the Association of ... More

13 February 2008 - Brits 'prefer work to romance'

Many UK employees would rather spend extra hours in the office than quality time with their loved one on Valentine's Day, a new survey has suggested.

According to Lloyds TSB, 71 per cent of British workers would stay late at work to deal with an urgent inquiry on Valentine's Day, even if ... More

13 February 2008 - Motorists 'wasting money on car finance'

Many British car buyers are throwing away cash on forecourt finance deals, a new survey has indicated.

According to findings from uSwitch.com, the nation's motorists could waste a collective £174 million next month if they sign up to the car finance provided by their dealer instead ... More

13 February 2008 - Valentine's Day spending 'set to increase'

British people will spend more than ever on Valentine's Day gifts and cards this year, according to new research.

A survey from Alliance & Leicester states that Brits will this week collectively shell out more than £1 billion on romantic presents for their valentine, despite the ... More

12 February 2008 - Brits 'confused by Valentine's gifts'

The majority of people in the UK are mistaken about what their partner really wants for Valentine's Day, new research has indicated.

Findings from a survey by PayPal show that a surprise weekend away or romantic dinner are the presents which most people would like to receive this Thursday... More

12 February 2008 - Car insurance costs 'on the rise'

Insurance is getting more expensive for the UK's motorists, according to a new survey.

Research from Moneysupermarket.com shows that car insurance premiums increased by an average of 4.5 per cent during the second half of 2007, with the typical premium priced at £303 by the end of ... More

11 February 2008 - Pet owners 'must think about insurance'

An industry expert has urged British pet owners to consider taking out insurance for their animals.

Jenny Davies, media and PR officer at veterinary employment group PDSA, said that pet insurance can provide people with "peace of mind" and ensures that any unexpected fees for ... More

8 February 2008 - Home insurance ''critical''

A home insurance policy is the second most important insurance product for consumers after motor cover, according to an expert.

Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive at the British Insurance Brokers' Association, said that home insurance is "absolutely ... More

8 February 2008 - January 2008 - Consumers and the credit crunch

Now that the first month of 2008 has drawn to a close, the headlines remain dominated by tales of woe from businesses struggling to maintain their operations amid the ongoing global credit squeeze.

British pub chain Mitchells & Butlers recently announced losses of £274 million as... More

6 February 2008 - Aston Martin named most popular ''dream car''

Britons who had £100,000 to spend on a new car would be most likely to choose an Aston Martin, it has emerged.

Research by insurance company swiftcover.com suggested that people taking out a substantial personal loan for a car purchase would be most likely to choose British models ... More

6 February 2008 - Romantic Brits given Valentine's insurance warning

With Britons set to spend around £1.32 billion on Valentine's Day gifts this month, many should consider insurance if they are purchasing a highly-valued present for their loved one, it has been suggested.

The average wedding ring coasts about £1,055 and some £2.58 billion... More

6 February 2008 - Brits 'take out more loans in January'

Twice as many Britons are likely to take out an unsecured personal loan in January compared to other months of the year, it has emerged.

Research by Halifax found that people aged between 20 and 29 years were most likely to take out an unsecured personal loan for debt consolidation ... More

5 February 2008 - Parents 'need more financial knowledge'

Many British children are unsure of their financial options because their parents lack an understanding of money issues, an expert has claimed.

Editor of Moneywise magazine Rachel Lacey said that UK adults "have a responsibility to educate their children" about personal finance ... More

5 February 2008 - Brits 'planning to propose in 2008'

Research has shown that British romantics are planning to spend £1.8 billion on proposing marriage in 2008, according to research from cahoot, reported by Abbey.

It is believed that 1.8 million people will pop the question this year at an average cost of £1,218, which could mean... More

4 February 2008 - Brits 'paying too much for financial services'

Many UK consumers are wasting money on unsuitable and uncompetitive financial products, a new study has claimed.

According to MoneyExpert.com, the average British household could make annual savings of up to £547 by switching their "five financial basics" - personal loans, ... More

4 February 2008 - Personal loans 'best option' for debt consolidation

A financial expert has advised people looking to consolidate their debts to do so using an unsecured personal loan.

Rachel Lacey, editor of personal finance magazine Moneywise, said that unsecured loans can be "great for consolidating other debts", but warned consumers against ... More

1 February 2008 - Loan users 'need to think about repayments'

People who take out a loan or a mortgage need to consider how they would make their repayments if they were to become unwell or lose their jobs, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has said.

According to the organisation, there are currently some 2.4 million people in Britain unable... More

31 January 2008 - Credit history 'important for job prospects'

Consumer credit histories may be important when applying for certain jobs, the external affairs director from credit report company Equifax has said.

Neil Munroe offered the opinion that some jobs which are financially related "or have other sensitivities" may involve a ... More

31 January 2008 - British homeowners 'want privacy'

More than half (53 per cent) of Britons want to keep themselves to themselves and do not want to interact with their neighbours, according to the latest research from Yorkshire Bank.

The bank's quarterly Housebuyers Survey has also revealed that 37 per cent of homeowners can go for weeks ... More

31 January 2008 - Drivers 'still not wearing seatbelts'

A quarter of British drivers are getting behind the wheel and taking to the roads without using a seatbelt, according to the latest research.

Statistics released by moneysupermarket show almost four in ten (39 per cent) put this down to forgetfulness, while 11 per cent said they do not ... More

31 January 2008 - Interest rates to fall 'steadily'

The base rate of interest, as set by the Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC), will fall steadily during 2008 and 2009, according to an economist.

Howard Archer, chief European and UK economist for Global Insight, said that it is expected that the base rate will fall to 4.5 ... More

31 January 2008 - Brits ''clueless'' about travel insurance

Many Britons have no idea what to expect from a standard travel insurance policy and holidaymakers are being urged to find out what they are covered for.

A total of one in eight people (12 per cent) are "in the dark" about what a standard policy does and could lose out when they... More

30 January 2008 - Brits 'go online to pay bills'

A growing number of UK people are using the internet to make bill payments, new research has revealed.

Findings from Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank state that the number of customers using its online service increased by 70 per cent from 2006 to 2007, with 1.9 million bill ... More

30 January 2008 - Electoral roll 'protects against fraud'

Failure to register on the electoral roll can cause people to acquire a negative credit rating, an expert has warned.

Neil Munroe, external affairs director at Equifax, said that being traceable on voting records is one of the "basic things" that consumers should do to ensure ... More

30 January 2008 - Energy switching 'could lead to big savings'

More consumers need to be aware of the advantages of changing utility provider, an expert has claimed.

Tim Wolfenden, head of home services for uSwitch.com, said that British people are becoming increasingly "savvy" about switching other financial products but are still ... More

30 January 2008 - Brits 'taking out secret loans'

Many British people take out personal loans without letting anyone else know, new research has revealed.

According to a survey from Abbey, 1.3 million people have secretly arranged a loan in the UK and the total value of these products is estimated at £7.7 billion.

There are... More

28 January 2008 - Brits 'leave travel insurance until last minute'

Many UK holidaymakers are taking risks by arranging their travel insurance just before they go away, it has been claimed.

According to research from Moneysupermarket.com, 63 per cent sort out their travel cover less than two weeks before their flight, while 47 per cent leave it until the ... More

28 January 2008 - Females 'more trustworthy for car buyers'

The majority of British car loan customers would prefer to make a purchase from a female salesperson, new research has revealed.

A survey by AA Personal Loans found that women are generally seen as more reliable then men when it comes to selling cars, with Lorraine Kelly named as the ... More

25 January 2008 - Insurers becoming ''more aware'' of fraud

The UK insurance sector is getting better at dealing with the threat of fraud, an industry expert has claimed.

With fraudulent claims adding significant amounts of money onto the premiums of honest people, this is potentially good news for consumers, Graeme Trudgill of the British ... More

25 January 2008 - Brits 'must stop putting homes at risk'

People have been urged to arrange adequate insurance and stop taking risks with their properties.

A spokesperson for Nationwide, which recently conducted a survey finding that 20 per cent of British homeowners are currently without buildings insurance, said that many people mistakenly ... More

24 January 2008 - 'Millions' found on UK streets

Approximately £186 million is picked up off British pavements each year, new research has stated.

The survey by Fool.co.uk reveals that the average UK person finds £3.80 on the street over the course of a year, while a lucky two per cent of the country's inhabitants will come ... More

24 January 2008 - Insurance ''imperative'' for travellers

Holidaymakers have been urged to arrange a travel insurance policy before heading abroad this winter.

A spokesperson for international travel agency STA Travel said that organising cover is "imperative" for all holidays, in order to provide people with peace of mind and ensure ... More

24 January 2008 - Consumers advised to be ''selfish''

A financial expert has urged Britons to start putting their own interests first.

David Kuo, head of personal finance at advice website Fool.co.uk, said that UK consumers should start to "take a leaf out of the banks' books" and be "a little bit more selfish" about ... More

23 January 2008 - TV finance guru urges consumers to ''get savvy''

The presenter of a Channel 4 programme on the nation's debt problems has called on Britons to take more responsibility for their financial situation.

Cesarina Holm-Kander said that many UK people are currently "complacent" about their money and could make substantial savings by ... More

23 January 2008 - Brits 'living in uninsured homes'

Many UK property owners are taking risks by neglecting to organise insurance for their homes, according to new findings.

Research from Nationwide states that 20 per cent of the population currently do not have any buildings insurance, despite the fact that many of the nation's homes are ... More

22 January 2008 - Brits 'spending more than they earn'

Almost five million people in the UK are spending money faster than they can earn it, a new report has claimed.

Research from price comparison website uSwitch.com states that 4.8 million Britons spent more than they earned during 2007, while an additional nine million just managed to ... More

22 January 2008 - Homeowners 'paying out for weather damage'

Bad weather can cost UK property owners dearly, new research has revealed.

According to findings from Abbey, 11 per cent of the nation's homes have been damaged by severe weather in the last five years, at an average cost of £2,699.

The survey also discovered that five per ... More

18 January 2008 - Brits ''spend billions on travel''

The cost of British people's holiday habits has been revealed by new research.

According to findings published by Alliance & Leicester, UK holidaymakers shell out £34.4 billion each year on trips overseas, with £23.3 billion spent while abroad.

The average cost of ... More

18 January 2008 - Bad weather ''putting property at risk''

Homeowners have been urged to check that they have adequate insurance policies in place as the country faces a period of prolonged bad weather.

Sainsbury's Home Insurance warned Britons that their property could be at risk as high winds and heavy rain continue to batter different parts of... More

17 January 2008 - Economy entering tough times, says Bank

A Bank of England (BoE) official has warned that the UK economy faces a difficult period as it attempts to recover from the disruptions of 2007.

Deputy governor of the BoE John Gieve said that problems in global credit markets had produced "a risk of a deeper downturn" in the ... More

16 January 2008 - Brits ''struggling with wage divide''

A financial education charity has stated that there is a widening divide between high and low paid workers in the UK, with more people getting into financial difficulty as a result.

Credit Action director Chris Tapp said that, while City salaries have "exploded" in recent years ... More

16 January 2008 - ''Billions'' to be spent on green home improvements

Homeowners in the UK are planning to spend large sums on making their properties environmentally-friendly this year, according to new figures.

Research by the Co-operative Bank shows that Britons are likely to invest up to £13 billion in green home improvements over the next 12 ... More

15 January 2008 - Consumers urged to take advantage of falling loan rates

People considering a personal loan application have been advised to move quickly, as many lenders are currently reducing their rates for the beginning of 2008.

According to a study by Moneyfacts.co.uk, five different loan providers have reduced their rates by as much as three per cent at ... More

14 January 2008 - ''Many solutions'' available for people in debt

A debt expert has stated that people in financial difficulty have a number of options available to them, with taking out a debt consolidation loan one of the main solutions.

Ian Wrenshall, director of advice service Debt Help UK, said that consumers should be aware of the options open to ... More

11 January 2008 - Brits ''neglecting home safety''

The nation's property owners have been urged to become more conscious of their safety at home.

According to a survey by Legal & General, many British people install safety devices in their homes but only a small proportion continue to check the effectiveness of such items after they ... More

9 January 2008 - Homeowners ''failing to pay bills''

Many people in the UK are struggling to cope with the rising cost of running a household, new research has indicated.

According to MoneyExpert.com, approximately 6.9 million bills have gone unpaid since June 2007 as homeowners find their budgets squeezed by increasing utility and food ... More

9 January 2008 - Brits ''financially unready for change''

New research has suggested that the finances of many UK people have suffered in recent years as a result of major life changes.

According to the survey from Abbey, 15 million Britons have experienced a financial setback since the beginning of 2006 on account of being unprepared for sudden... More

7 January 2008 - Consumers ''need financial workout''

The vast majority of Britons are in need of a "financial workout", new research has claimed.

Some 99 per cent of consumers need to shape up their finances in one way or another - which may include looking at loan products - to ensure they do not lose out, the study by Abbey ... More

4 January 2008 - Struggling consumers advised to avoid January sales

People who have overspent during Christmas or are struggling with existing debts have been urged to stay away from the shops during sale season.

James Ketchell, spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), said that avoiding the temptation of the January sales is ... More

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