http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/articlesThe latest articles from the world of finance.(c) 2008, Moneyfacts Group plc. All rights reserved.5Figures from Moneyfacts.co.uk have revealed that the number of 90 per cent loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages has increased slightly in the last monthhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/69087/Slight-increase-in-90-mortgage-availability.aspx2009-07-03T16:55:33Figures from the Bank of England show that homeowners paid off a record amount of their mortgages in first quarter of 2009.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05996/Mortgage-repayments-at-record-level.aspx2009-07-03T15:50:04Many savers like to be able to visit their local branch when operating their savings account. While online accounts do tend to pay higher rates, there are some competitive accounts on the market offering branch based access.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/51694/Product-Focus-Branch-Based-Savings-Accounts.aspx2009-07-03T15:14:33There are further signs that the UK housing market is experiencing a recovery, with new figures showing that house sales are at a 14 month high.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79006/House-sales-numbers-hit-14-month-high.aspx2009-07-03T13:32:07The author of the Government’s Pensions Commission in 2005 has said that UK employees should continue working up until the age of 70.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02389/Stay-in-employment-until-youre-70-Lord-Turner.aspx2009-07-03T12:06:13Britons planning on a break abroad have been warned that scrimping on travel insurance could lead to a costly triphttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97822/Dont-travel-without-insurance-holidaymakers-told.aspx2009-07-02T16:21:38Student grants and loans are to be frozen, while tuition fees will rise, under new Government plans. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06043/Student-grants-and-loans-frozen-tuition-fees-up.aspx2009-07-02T15:17:20A crackdown on consumer credit is on the cards with the publication of a government White Paper, on Thursday 2 July. Today, we publish our ‘Loan Alert’ and look at some of the better credit card deals that are currently available.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/10687/Product-Focus-Credit-Cards.aspx2009-07-02T14:55:10The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is to launch a review into the supply of high cost consumer credit sector, which the body estimates could be worth as much as £35 billion annually. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67200/OFT-to-review-high-cost-consumer-credit-sector.aspx2009-07-02T13:29:02Credit card cheques have been banned as part of measures to protect vulnerable consumers, the Government has said.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50036/Government-bans-credit-card-cheques.aspx2009-07-02T12:07:09Scottish Widows Bank has launched a new one year business fixed term deposit account and a business seven day notice account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/13655/scottish-widows-rolls-out-all-star-business-cast.aspx2009-07-01T16:15:19Barclaycard has announced that its Goldfish MasterCard will charge 0% on introductory purchases for three months from issue date.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/40662/barclaycard-goldfish-is-catch-of-the-day.aspx2009-07-01T16:12:23The vast majority of people aged 45 years and over feel that guarantees on their retirement are important to themhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/40827/over-45s-have-appetite-for-retirement-guarantees.aspx2009-07-01T16:09:11Lump sum subscriptions to child trust funds (CTFs) have risen to their highest ever level, with the average sum now £525.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07431/child-trust-fund-contributions-on-the-up.aspx2009-07-01T14:23:21Recent reports have shown that there has been an increased demand for regular savings accounts as savers look to put some money aside for a rainy day. Many people are finding they have more money to save each month as the low base rate has reduced their mhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06036/product-focus-regular-savings-accounts.aspx2009-07-01T11:34:34House prices appear to be stabilising after the third monthly rise in the last four months in June. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94326/house-prices-continue-to-rise.aspx2009-07-01T11:29:02Hard pressed consumers have been urged not to sacrifice insurance and savings in order to maintain their current lifestylehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/72894/Savers-told-not-to-sacrifice-nest-eggs.aspx2009-06-30T15:09:19Newcastle Building Society has launched a new five year fixed rate bond that enjoys a loftier league position than the city’s football team.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79691/newcastle-bs-climbs-the-fixed-rate-bond-league.aspx2009-06-30T13:00:03The new voucherless system of opening a child trust fund is predicted to help reverse a fall in the number of people taking up the accounts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/22781/Easy-to-open-child-trust-funds-to-increase-take-up.aspx2009-06-30T12:57:40The number of mortgages available to borrowers with just a 10% deposit has increased over the last month, according to research from Moneyfacts.co.uk. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/61025/Mortgage-boost-for-small-deposit-borrowers.aspx2009-06-30T12:47:07There is lots of different opinion over when and by how much the Bank of England will increase the base rate in the coming months and years ahead. With so much uncertainty many savers looking for top rate in fixed rate bonds are only willing to lock theirhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/44398/Product-Focus-Fixed-Rate-Bonds.aspx2009-06-30T12:21:06Egg has revealed a new version of its no notice internet savings account paying 2.80% yearly.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/62997/Cracking-savings-account-from-Egg.aspx2009-06-30T09:41:37Further evidence of a recovery in the housing market has been revealed by the Bank of England. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/44102/Mortgage-approvals-rise-again.aspx2009-06-29T14:55:04Mortgage interest payments have fallen by almost a half over the last year, contributing to a 17% decline in the overall cost of owning and running a home.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50665/Mortgage-interest-payments-almost-halve.aspx2009-06-29T14:51:27As you never know what is around the corner, many people prefer to have at least part of their savings in an easy access account. While a bonus can help boost the rate in the short term, once it ends the rate is likely to become less competitive. There arhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/73147/Product-Focus-Easy-Access-Accounts.aspx2009-06-29T11:32:06Households are looking to repay debt rather than save, according to the latest savings and mortgage figures from the Building Societies Association (BSA).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/09893/Savers-choose-to-pay-off-debt.aspx2009-06-29T11:13:02Many parents could be unaware that they could be entitled to hundreds of pounds from the Government to help fund childcare costs.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/54036/Parents-may-be-missing-out-on-thousands.aspx2009-06-26T14:45:38Latest figures from the Land Registry show that house prices in England and Wales fell by 0.2 per cent in May, meaning the annual rate of decline has slowed to 15.9 per cent.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87130/house-price-decline-easing.aspx2009-06-26T14:23:23Despite the challenging economic conditions, some 1.8 million grandparents are regularly putting money aside for their grandchildren.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94975/1-point-8-million-over-50s-saving-for-grandchildren.aspx2009-06-26T12:22:33A number of people rely on the interest earned on their savings to supplement their income. For most of these savers the option of monthly interest is vitally important to ensure they receive a regular income. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84409/Product-Focus-High-Monthly-Interest-Accounts.aspx2009-06-26T10:35:50Regular savers have been putting away £209.23 a month over the last quarter, the largest amount recorded since the NS&I’s Quarterly Savings Survey began four and a half years ago. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14083/Savings-reach-record-high.aspx2009-06-26T10:16:57The British Bankers’ Association (BBA) has told the Financial Services Authority (FSA) it must not fail customers by clamping down on where people can get financial advice.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23591/bba-says-fsa-must-not-fail-consumers.aspx2009-06-25T16:40:51Since the Bank of England’s decision to cut the base rate of interest, savers have been cast as losing out, with ever dwindling returns on their funds. However, figures from Moneyfacts have revealed that they are now actually reaping the benefits of growihttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07521/savers-beginning-to-benefit.aspx2009-06-25T16:17:32Figures from the Department of Work and Pensions show that Britons failed to claim up £10.5 billion worth of benefits in 2007-08.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/36724/britons-fail-to-claim-billions-in-benefits.aspx2009-06-25T15:41:41If you can give a small amount of notice before accessing your savings then you can gain higher rates than you would on an easy access account. If you don’t need regular access to your money this could be a good way of earning more interest.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/58189/Product-Focus-Notice-Accounts.aspx2009-06-25T11:45:02UK consumers are being overcharged by £74 a year on average for the energy they use, as companies are refusing to pass on declines in wholesale prices in full, according to Consumer Focus.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97227/Energy-customers-overcharged.aspx2009-06-25T11:34:49More evidence that a recovery in the housing market is under way has been provided by HM Revenue and Customs. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/66900/property-sales-climb-higher.aspx2009-06-24T15:09:18Almost half of consumers are cutting the amount they spend on their credit cards by almost £100 a month in an attempt to cut the size of their outstanding balances.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99541/credit-card-spending-falls.aspx2009-06-24T14:19:16The amount of money Britons spend online is set to more than double by the end of 2011, meaning one in every £14 spent by shoppers will be used on internet purchases.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94477/UK-online-spending-to-double-by-2011.aspx2009-06-24T14:13:31In recent weeks rates on variable rate cash ISAs have started to fall, but if customers are prepared to place their money in a fixed rate cash ISA then they can still achieve a very competitive rate of interest. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/09795/product-focus-variable-rate-cash-isas.aspx2009-06-24T12:19:44Mortgage approvals by banks continued to increase in May, with the steady monthly rises witnessed since last November seeing the number of loans approved for house purchase recover to levels last seen in early 2008. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67087/mortgage-lending-up-steadily.aspx2009-06-24T12:10:25Fixed rate bonds continue to dominate the savings arena accounting for 70 per cent of the product changes seen by Moneyfacts this week. While the highest rates continue to be offered to savers committing funds for longer terms, competitive rates can be fohttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/65586/product-focus-fixed-rate-bonds.aspx2009-06-23T16:25:25Borrowers have increasingly opted to fix their mortgage rate over the last three months, providing further evidence of a shifting trend in the housing market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97174/Fixed-rates-find-favour.aspx2009-06-23T15:57:53Rents dropped across the residential lettings sector in the first three months of 2009 but expectations are that the trend is set to moderate, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/92599/Rents-fall-but-stability-predicted.aspx2009-06-23T11:16:53'Britannia offers a range of savings accounts which offer special bonuses, preferential rates and a few special extras'http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20773/britannias-bonus-chance-for-savers.aspx2009-06-23T10:30:42The Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) latest review has found continue weakness in the way specialist lending firms and third party administrators are handling house repossessions and mortgage arrears.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97663/fsa-crackdown-on-poor-arrears-handling.aspx2009-06-23T09:15:36Clydesdale Bank has given its savers a boost with news that it is to increase rates on selected fixed term accounts and its Children’s Bond.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14235/Clydesdale-Bank-increases-rates.aspx2009-06-22T14:24:20Close Brothers has launched two fixed term savings accounts that both enter their respective fields as a market leader.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/66056/Strike-gold-with-Close-Brothers.aspx2009-06-22T14:19:02The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has cut the number of homes it expects to be repossessed in the UK this year, although it warned that activity is likely to remain subdued for some time yet. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/89326/CML-revises-housing-market-forecasts.aspx2009-06-22T14:09:38With Bank Base Rate at an all time low, many providers are adding large bonuses to their savings accounts in order to increase the rate. While the short term benefits are good, just make sure you remember to review the rate when the bonus ends, or you couhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15920/Product-Focus-Savings-Accounts-with-bonuses.aspx2009-06-22T11:06:42Britain’s defined contribution (DC) pension assets increasing for the third month in a row, but a concerted period of gains are still needed to being them back to previous levels http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81096/Pension-assets-increase-for-third-month-running.aspx2009-06-22T10:53:08The average asking price of properties new to the market fell for the first time in five months in June, suffering a decrease of 0.4 per cent, but prices are still markedly improved on the start of 2009.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/22052/Asking-prices-drop-back.aspx2009-06-22T10:39:42The UK’s largest house builder and general construction business has said that the severe downturn scenarios which it had been planned for are now less likely to materialise. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/30405/Severe-downturn-now-less-likely.aspx2009-06-19T16:24:05Activity in the fixed rate mortgage market this week has been the most frantic for 12 months, with the average two year deal jumping by 0.16 per cent.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/57970/Average-fixed-rates-soaring.aspx2009-06-19T15:47:29With more complex funding structures than smaller players, the large high street banks do not have to rely so heavily on their savings books to fund their lending. This means that more often than not they do not offer the most attractive savings rates. Hohttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83275/product-focus-high-street-finance.aspx2009-06-19T11:56:08A Bank of England trends report has revealed that, despite the significant fall in the base rate of interest, there has been no significant rise in the amount homeowners are paying off their mortgages each month.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28456/boe-no-significant-change-in-home-repayments.aspx2009-06-19T11:46:47Capital One has said that after careful consideration, it is to stop offering savings accounts in the UK.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93669/Capital-One-to-end-savings-accounts.aspx2009-06-18T15:53:13Consumers looking for extensive cover for their homes that can be tailored to suit their individual needs are likely to see the value of AXA’s home insurance.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60589/put-your-house-on-axa.aspx2009-06-18T14:17:03Newcastle BS has launched a new fixed rate E-Bond which heads straight into the top six in its respective market. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60067/the-dime-on-the-tyne-is-all-mine-with-Newcastle-bs.aspx2009-06-18T13:52:38Businesses across the UK have increased their spending on healthcare benefits for their employees over the last 12 months, despite the challenging economic climate.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52012/Businesses-increasing-spend-on-healthcare.aspx2009-06-18T13:52:24By the time people reach the later stages of their life, many have accumulated a reasonable amount of savings. It is for this reason that they are a lucrative market for the banks and building societies and many providers have products specifically aimed http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/49475/Product-Focus-Silver-Saver-Accounts.aspx2009-06-18T13:18:28First time buyers (FTBs) appear to be returning to the housing market in significant numbers, providing further evidence that now is the right time to invest in property.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00342/First-time-buyer-numbers-surge.aspx2009-06-18T11:37:27Property prices will rise by an average of 1.4 per cent over the next year as cautious optimism returns to the housing market, according to the Building Societies Association (BSA). http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96646/Home-buyer-confidence-increases.aspx2009-06-18T10:05:48Coventry BS has increased the rate of its Poppy Save product by 0.50%, making it the leader in its field. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07237/Coventry-BS-increases-Poppy-Save-rate.aspx2009-06-17T15:11:47The Government plans to revolutionise broadband in the UK, making it quicker and more readily available. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/36101/Britain-to-become-worlds-digital-capital.aspx2009-06-17T14:45:29Rates on fixed rate bonds have steadily increased over the last few months, with the best deals available for customers committing funds for longer periods. However, many savers may not want to commit funds for longer than a year. Here are some of the beshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/39555/Product-Focus-Fixed-Rate-Bonds.aspx2009-06-17T12:14:37The decision to freeze the Bank of England’s base rate of interest at a record low 0.5 per cent was a unanimous one, minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting show.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/53383/Base-rate-decision-unanimous.aspx2009-06-17T12:04:43The current economic difficulties are affecting how much UK consumers are able to save, but putting funds aside is still considered to be important and worthwhile.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50282/Consumers-consider-saving-important.aspx2009-06-17T11:22:00The pension reforms that are to be introduced in 2012 are likely to boost their coverage across the UK, although many newly created accounts will be small.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84655/pension-reforms-should-boost-coverage.aspx2009-06-17T09:08:20The bottom of the housing market slump could well be in sight, after research revealed rents stabilised in May while house prices increased. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97403/Housing-market-slump-end-nearing.aspx2009-06-16T15:10:32New research has revealed that the UK’s 60 and overs are amongst those taking the greatest advantage of the scrappage scheme.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/59062/Sixty-and-overs-benefitting-from-scrappage-scheme.aspx2009-06-16T15:03:38When it comes to selecting a new savings account, the rate is for many the most important feature. However, there is a growing number of people whose priority is to find an account from an ethical provider. Here is a selection of some of the accounts on ohttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/37023/Product-Focus-Ethical-Investments.aspx2009-06-16T12:14:40The rate of annual inflation in the UK fell again in May, decreasing by 0.1 percentage points to 2.2 per cent.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/03643/Annual-inflation-falls-again.aspx2009-06-16T12:02:05During the last few weeks numerous cash ISAs have been withdrawn or had their rates cuts. At the peak of the cash ISA season there were numerous variable rate ISAs paying over 3.00 per cent. Today there are just five, with three of them requiring you to ohttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/62586/Product-Focus-Cash-ISAs.aspx2009-06-15T16:16:43The UK economy is stabilising and the worst of the recession has passed, according to the latest forecast from the CBI. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/16158/UK-recovery-in-2010-CBI.aspx2009-06-15T15:03:54The winners of the 2009 Moneyfacts Awards were announced on Friday at the prestigious Brewery venue in London.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99743/2009-Moneyfacts-Awards-round-up.aspx2009-06-15T14:46:48UK pension savers are losing out on tax relief worth approximately £720 million by neglecting to make additional pension contributions.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/91504/Pension-savers-missing-out-on-720-million.aspx2009-06-15T12:40:22The gap between asking and selling prices is beginning to narrow, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28437/Asking-and-selling-prices-gap-is-narrowing.aspx2009-06-15T12:35:46Forgetful UK holidaymakers will spend a huge £1 billion this summer on replacing essentials which have been left at home.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/53064/Holiday-replacements-costing-Britons-1-billion.aspx2009-06-12T16:13:54The UK public’s confidence on pensions seems to be returning but more needs to be done to make workers more aware of the benefits of company schemes.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/92929/Pension-confidence-rises.aspx2009-06-12T16:09:26Branches are expensive for banks to run and as a result branch-based accounts tend to pay some of the lowest rates on the market. In comparison, with much lower overheads, online based accounts are cheaper and easier to run and this saving is passed on thhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/88206/product-focus-online-accounts.aspx2009-06-12T12:32:28West Bromwich Building Society has gone some way to securing its future after reaching an agreement with debt holders. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/34766/west-bromwich-debt-deal.aspx2009-06-12T12:26:10After weeks of speculation, West Bromwich Building Society is set to become the latest lender to be rescued, according to reports by the BBC. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/39846/west-brom-to-be-rescued.aspx2009-06-12T10:33:30Principality BS has withdrawn and replaced its e-Saver account, replaced it with the e-Saver Issue 2.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/51204/Get-on-the-crest-of-a-save-with-Principality-BS.aspx2009-06-11T15:06:26Intelligent Finance has significantly increased the variable rates on a couple of its products.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60931/Intelligent-Finance-increases-rates.aspx2009-06-11T14:58:32Latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) have revealed consumers are opting for fixed rate mortgages in numbers not seen for 10 months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14891/Borrowers-flock-to-fix-it.aspx2009-06-11T14:53:42In recent days, swap rates have seen a significant increase. If this rise in rates continues, we are likely to see a number of providers passing this increase on through higher fixed rate mortgage rates. Here are some of the best deals at the moment:http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/12034/Product-Focus-Fixed-Rate-Mortgages.aspx2009-06-11T14:38:41Long suffering savers have been given a well deserved boost with the news that three providers have announced their intention to increase rates on their online based savings accounts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/64721/Online-savers-given-a-boost.aspx2009-06-11T14:20:43There is further evidence of the beginning of slow but steady recovery in the housing market, as figures show the number of home loans given to consumers rose by 16 per cent in April.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82035/Mortgage-lending-up.aspx2009-06-11T14:10:50Chelsea BS has replaced and improved its one, two and three year fixed rate bonds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63837/Chelsea-bonds-challenge-for-honours.aspx2009-06-10T15:14:01Alliance & Leicester (A&L) has launched a new bond for businesses with a turnover of up to £1 million.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/31613/New-bond-from-Aand-L-is-the-business.aspx2009-06-10T15:08:16Moneyfacts figures show that fixed rate bonds are the second most popular accounts with savers after instant access accounts, with the average amount invested just over £36,000. Providers are still attempting to outdo each other to offer top rates, so savhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/19834/Product-Focus-Instant-Access-Accounts.aspx2009-06-10T14:46:44A hint of a turnaround in the economic downturn has been provided by a 0.3 per cent increase in production output between March and April, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50584/Rise-in-output-fuels-recovery-hopes.aspx2009-06-10T14:09:51Against a backdrop of rising house prices and buyer activity, mortgage advisers are reportedly more confident about their prospects than they have been for a year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06499/Mortgage-adviser-confidence-up.aspx2009-06-10T11:54:11Savers investing a lump sum are having to scour the markets to find the best interest rates on offer for their hard earned cash. For those that do have a lump sum to invest but also have additional forms of disposable income, a regular savings account canhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/57925/product-focus-regular-savings-accounts.aspx2009-06-10T09:32:21Halifax has launched the Web Saver Reward; a no notice operated account, paying a guaranteed 2.50% on a minimum investment of just £1 for 12 months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23360/Get-your-just-rewards-with-Halifax.aspx2009-06-09T16:40:28Investors with funds tied up in Keydata Investment Services Limited have been told that confirmation their money is safe will be delivered as soon as possible.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/62282/Keydata-investors-in-the-dark.aspx2009-06-09T16:06:16House prices in the UK crept up by just over one per cent in April, aided in part by an increase in the value of terraced properties.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/29190/Average-house-prices-improve.aspx2009-06-09T15:26:07All 164 branches of Cheltenham & Gloucester (C&G) are to be shut as a result of organisational changes made by Lloyds Banking Group.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94297/all-c-and-g-branches-to-shut.aspx2009-06-09T15:12:06Lending by high street banks to small businesses rose by £287 million in April, which was up compared with the £271 million rise in March.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52163/Lending-to-small-businesses-rises-again.aspx2009-06-09T13:55:06A rise in both sales and buyer enquiries, combined with a reduction in stock levels, has begun to provide some stability to UK house prices.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21268/Buyer-interest-and-sales-increase.aspx2009-06-09T13:46:34A rise in the output of the UK’s private sector has been recorded for the first time in 13 months in May, according to the latest regional Purchasing Managers Index data. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/71225/Surprise-rise-in-UK-output.aspx2009-06-08T16:45:27Alliance & Leicester has unveiled a new no notice internet operated account which supersedes the Online Saver Issue 4.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/13570/Alliance-and-Leicester-tempts-with-web-based-winner.aspx2009-06-08T16:00:34Investor confidence looks to be returning and has actually surged significantly over the past six months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/03891/Investor-confidence-returning.aspx2009-06-08T15:52:35Rothschild Reserve has launched a new postal operated account that leads the way in its field.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/75534/Rothschild-launches-first-class-postal-account.aspx2009-06-08T15:51:24Last week we witnessed the end of some of the better ISA deals in the market, with a couple of big providers withdrawing or reducing their rates. A provider cutting its ISA rates while we are still at the dawn of a new tax year is nothing new, but it doeshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/56036/product-focus-cash-isas.aspx2009-06-08T15:04:05Men in the UK are walking a health tightrope after it was revealed that 20 million have no critical illness protection.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/73049/Twenty-million-men-without-CI-protection.aspx2009-06-08T14:53:54Alliance & Leicester International Ltd has enhanced its range of offshore savings products with three new bonds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/31711/Alliance-and-Leicester-Int-boost-offshore-portfolio.aspx2009-06-08T13:23:47Businesses in the UK are becoming increasingly confident about their future prospects and the health of the country’s economy.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99668/Busines-confidence-increases-again.aspx2009-06-08T11:53:16The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has called for further Government action to help first time buyers after the Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates on hold at 0.5 per cent for the third consecutive month. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/57824/first-time-buyer-help-urged.aspx2009-06-05T15:43:36UK holidaymakers are being advised to safeguard their debit and credit cards when they travel abroad this year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/29953/holidaymakers-given-card-advice.aspx2009-06-05T15:40:32The founder of a property website says the first shoots of the housing market recovery are visible but are being put in jeopardy by a property shortage.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/47180/housing-market-turning-point-imminent.aspx2009-06-05T14:45:57The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has proposed that interim rules which allow separate compensation cover for customers with deposits in two merging building societies be extended until December 2010. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79015/extension-of-deposit-rules-proposed.aspx2009-06-04T16:40:09Kent Reliance BS has boosted its fixed rate portfolio with a two year product that should prove popular with investors.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84022/fix-it-for-two-years-with-kent-reliance.aspx2009-06-04T16:31:22Newcastle BS has launched a new market leading no notice variable rate internet account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/36309/make-a-dime-on-the-tyne-with-newcastle-bs.aspx2009-06-04T16:29:33Coventry Building Society is paying homage to The British Legion with its new Poppy Save account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32658/coventry-bs-launches-poppy-save-account.aspx2009-06-04T16:26:21A study looking at independent financial adviser’s (IFA) views on retirement planning has revealed a significant uplift in those favouring flexible annuity products. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/44681/flexible-annuity-demand-going-strong.aspx2009-06-04T15:13:35The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to maintain the base rate of interest at 0.5 per cent for the third consecutive month.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/03381/monetary-policy-committee-freezes-base-rate.aspx2009-06-04T14:33:49If you are looking to get the best rate possible for your money then you should look at the building societies, which comprise 60pc of the Moneyfacts best buys. The large high street banks only account for 9pc, with the rest being made up by smaller provihttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/45361/product-focus-building-societys-avings-accounts.aspx2009-06-04T11:25:44UK house prices recorded a welcome rise of 2.6 per cent in May, following three successive months of falls.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/66241/house-prices-surge-2-6-per-cent.aspx2009-06-04T11:09:54The Association of British Insurers’ director general, Stephen Haddrill (pictured), has warned the Government not to harm other industries, such as insurance, as it sets about dealing with the banking crisis. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43040/dont-harm-industry-abi.aspx2009-06-03T15:40:05Brokers expect an upturn in the first time buyer and home mover business over the coming two months – the first time they have forecast positive growth for 18 months. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23150/brokers-expect-business-upturn.aspx2009-06-03T15:34:13The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has outlined the measures it is to introduce on 1 July to tackle the problems faced by customers in the sale and rent back (SRB) market. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/75481/fsa-to-protect-sale-and-rent-back-customers.aspx2009-06-03T14:42:16If, like Susan Boyle, you’re likely to be coming into some serious cash in the near future (the Scottish singing phenomenon could make up to £8 million this year, experts say), then a cash ISA might be the account for you.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/27110/product-focus-cash-isas.aspx2009-06-03T14:07:26Consumer confidence increased again in May following a sharp rise in April, although feelings about the present situation are not so optimistic.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/88896/consumer-optimism-increases-again.aspx2009-06-03T11:31:37If you are prepared to lock your money away, fixed rate bonds continue to offer the best rate of investment for your money. While the best rates can be found for committing funds for five years, there are still competitive deals for those looking for a shhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/92940/product-focus-fixed-rate-bonds.aspx2009-06-02T16:00:44Britons continue to rate the importance of ethical investments very highly, despite the prospect of lower returns.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28107/Britons-thinking-green.aspx2009-06-02T14:23:33Mortgage approvals increased in April, says the Bank of England, while lending from building societies has stabilised.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63198/Lending-round-up.aspx2009-06-02T14:14:56The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has said the current bank regulation system failed in its role of preventing a crisis or at least mitigating its effects. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48118/Bank-regulation-failed-Lords-Committee.aspx2009-06-02T14:11:26The pound has continued its recent resurgence against the dollar. It rose to its highest point against the currency since November last year for the second time in less than a week.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/73023/sterling-strengthens-against-dollar.aspx2009-06-01T14:45:02Hometrack has reported in its monthly house price index that house prices stabilised in May, following 20 consecutive months of decline.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79216/housing-market-stabilises.aspx2009-06-01T14:41:31Savers looking for instant access to their money have been given a boost of late, with the average rate increasing from 0.64% a month ago to 0.69% today.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/47712/product-focus-no-notice-accounts.aspx2009-06-01T11:53:36Stoicism appears to be alive and well in the UK despite the testing financial climate, according to latest consumer confidence figures.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04929/consumer-confidence-holds-steady.aspx2009-05-29T15:18:28House prices rose for the second time in three months in May, providing further evidence of improvement in the UK property market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15197/House-prices-rise-again.aspx2009-05-29T12:42:20People’s awareness of enhanced annuities appears to be growing after it was revealed sales of the product have continued to expand. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/16545/Enhanced-annuities-making-themselves-known.aspx2009-05-28T16:21:11It has been suggested that the banks should be made to repay the taxpayer funds that have been used by the Government to prop up the UK’s financial system. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93860/BoE-deputy-suggests-banks-pay-for-bailouts.aspx2009-05-28T16:13:29Buckinghamshire BS’ Fixed Rate Cash ISA Bond paying 3.26% yearly is an offer fit for a Queen!http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86109/seal-of-approval-for-buckinghamshires-cash-isa.aspx2009-05-28T14:55:55People hoping to holiday abroad this summer have received a welcome boost after the value of sterling yesterday surged against both the euro and the dollar. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/24055/Currency-boost-for-holidaymakers.aspx2009-05-28T14:41:50The official bank rate is at its lowest in history and it is possible it will stay at this level for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the wholesale funding markets are not functioning as well as they should do, resulting in providers continuing to rely http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/44635/Product-Focus-Savings-Accounts.aspx2009-05-28T12:20:26Consumers have been the beneficiaries of a price war in the life insurance market, according to research from Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/85789/Life-cover-price-war-good-news-for-consumers.aspx2009-05-28T11:19:51Consumers looking for a fuss free no notice account will be cheered by Scarborough Investment Direct’s newly launched Direct Access product.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/24000/Scarborough-Investment-Direct-beats-base-rate.aspx2009-05-28T09:29:48Lloyds TSB has announced it is to increase the rate paid by its Monthly Saver product.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/85250/Monthly-Saver-boost-from-Lloyds-TSB.aspx2009-05-28T09:14:09Clydesdale Bank International has increased the rates of two of its Fixed Term Deposits offshore accounts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/72200/Offshore-rate-up-at-Clydesdale-International.aspx2009-05-28T09:08:09Savvy homeowners are taking advantage of low interest rates to pay off their mortgages in record time. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/24249/Mortgages-being-paid-off-sooner-than-ever.aspx2009-05-27T15:49:59Norwich & Peterborough BS has made further strides into the internet fixed rate market with the launch of its One Year E-Bond. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48210/NandP-online-bond-boost.aspx2009-05-27T14:57:30Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks have extended their fixed rate savings ranges with the addition of a new five year bond.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99760/Fix-your-savings-with-Clydesdale-and-Yorkshire.aspx2009-05-27T14:49:33In today’s climate of record low interest rates, it is easy to be drawn in by higher rates offered by fixed rate bonds. The principle still applies: the longer you commit your money to an institution, the better your interest rate will be in return. But ihttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90583/Internet-savings-accounts.aspx2009-05-27T13:45:47Abbey, Alliance & Leicester (A&L) and the savings business of Bradford & Bingley (B&B) will all be rebranded as Santander by the end of next year. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05292/Santander-to-rebrand-banks.aspx2009-05-27T12:22:59It’s been suggested now might be a good time for investors to begin returning to the stock markets, after fund managers hoping to benefit from a market upturn revealed they would be increasing their personal investments in UK shares. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/47999/Time-might-be-right-for-investors.aspx2009-05-27T12:07:17Local authorities have been urged to boost the resources of credit unions and to use council banks to offer affordable credit to vulnerable citizens that cannot secure high-street lending.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/40671/Protection-against-loan-sharks-needed.aspx2009-05-26T15:11:08New research has revealed the more than half of the UK’s homeowners have made improvements to their property in the past year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/57728/Average-home-improvement-spend-at-5300.aspx2009-05-26T13:04:32New analysis has shown that the UK’s defined contribution (DC) pensions assets increased for the second consecutive month, having risen 10 per cent to a combined total of £418 billion. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/58759/Defined-contribution-pensions-perk.aspx2009-05-26T12:32:03Offshore savers have been urged to declare any outstanding funds in offshore accounts as the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) seeks to recover over £2 billion. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/12793/Amnesty-for-offshore-savers.aspx2009-05-22T15:42:28Despite their potentially lucrative value, Britons are holding onto their valuable collections such as coins, stamps and artwork.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/09051/Consumers-hold-onto-valuables-despite-downturn.aspx2009-05-22T14:32:12Britons will shell out some £73 million in unnecessary foreign exchange fees on holiday this summer.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90374/Britons-to-pay-millions-In-foreign-exchange-fees.aspx2009-05-22T14:00:05Figures from Scottish Widows show the insurance firm paid over £28 million in critical illness cover claims between November 2007 and October 2008.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15980/Scottish-Widows-reveals-critical-illness-claims.aspx2009-05-22T09:21:27Month-on-month UK retail sales increased by 0.9 per cent in April, compared with a 1.1 per cent improvement in March, according to the Office for National Statistics. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02768/Rise-in-retail-sales.aspx2009-05-21T16:42:05Gross mortgage lending declined in April, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), which has said it is too early to predict a housing market recovery.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/01358/Mortgage-lending-down.aspx2009-05-21T13:31:33The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has launched a broadside at letting agents, saying tenants are being routinely ripped off and let down by a system that allows them to operate completely unchecked.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17288/Tenants-routinely-rippedoff-Citizens-Advice.aspx2009-05-21T13:24:03There is further evidence that the housing market is slowly coming back to health with the news that the percentage of new mortgage applications made by first time buyers has risen notably in 2009.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02994/2009-first-time-buyer-applications-soar.aspx2009-05-20T16:12:48A number of businesses reported a small rise in the appetite for lending by major British banks’, the Bank of England has revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/31646/Appetite-for-lending-returning.aspx2009-05-20T15:44:29New research has revealed that 18 per cent more people intend to invest ethically this year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/40441/Green-investments-to-rise.aspx2009-05-20T15:36:22The number of brokers operating in the mortgage sector is set to reduce considerably in the coming years, the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) has warned.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/09527/Mortgage-broker-market-to-shrink.aspx2009-05-20T15:09:04The average amount of money saved each month by Britons is currently £120, a significant drop on previous figures.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23501/Britons-save-120-a-month-on-average.aspx2009-05-20T14:09:31National Savings & Investments has increased the rate of its Income Bonds by 1.00%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/19140/National-Savings-and-Investments-ups-bond-return.aspx2009-05-20T11:48:28Market Harborough BS has launched a new fixed rate mortgages which boasts the lowest interest rate in its class.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/72816/Market-Harborough-launches-new-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-05-20T11:39:47Buckinghamshire BS has launched a new fixed rate cash ISA bond that enters the market as a top ten product in its field.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/46871/Fix-it-with-Buckinghamshire-BS.aspx2009-05-20T11:34:49The recession may well be over by the end of 2009 with growth predicted in the UK economy in the first quarter of 2010.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/13093/UK-growth-round-the-corner-says-investor.aspx2009-05-19T15:32:38Savers have had a hard ride in recent times due to dwindling levels of interest on their hard earned money. However the freefall in rates looks to have ended, for some of us at least.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90916/Savings-free-fall-looks-to-have-ended.aspx2009-05-19T15:21:59The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has said the findings of its April housing market report showed some positive indicators.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06911/Estate-agents-report-offers-positive-indicators.aspx2009-05-19T14:28:14Annual inflation in the UK dropped in April due to falling demand from consumers caused by the economic downturn.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/61376/UK-inflation-on-the-wane.aspx2009-05-19T12:03:51The number of reluctant landlords having to consider renting out their property or a room is soaring as a result of the financial downturn.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00004/Reluctant-landlords-borne-from-downturn.aspx2009-05-18T16:55:05Being financially savvy could increase your chances of falling foul to scammers, according to research conducted by the University of Exeter on behalf of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83346/Scammers-a-risk-to-all.aspx2009-05-18T16:05:47There was a small improvement in the mood of savers in April, as the gloom surrounding the economy began to brighten. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/09457/Savers-outlook-brightens.aspx2009-05-18T14:43:41The average asking price of a UK home increased by £5,000 last month – the fourth month-on-month increase in succession.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/69753/Property-prices-on-the-rise.aspx2009-05-18T14:33:27Critics of the Government’s car scrappage scheme say it is not generous enough and will make little difference.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52880/will-make-a-little-difference.aspx2009-05-18T12:46:58ICICI Bank UK is to increase the rates of selected Hisave fixed rate accounts. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81883/Say-hi-to-returns-with-ICICI.aspx2009-05-15T16:04:37New figures from the UK Payments Association have shed some light on the way British consumers are purchasing goods and paying off debts in the midst of a recession. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83878/Debit-card-usage-increases.aspx2009-05-15T15:44:36The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has said that predictions of near record repossessions in 2009 were overly pessimistic despite a 50 per cent year-on-year increase.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/46243/CML-record-repossessions-prediction-pessimistic.aspx2009-05-15T15:22:52Market Harborough BS has launched a new fixed rate mortgage product.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02544/New-mortgage-from-Market-Harborough.aspx2009-05-14T16:20:15Pensioners are missing out on substantial sums in pension benefits because they do not disclose their health conditions to financial advisers. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/91471/Annuitants-told-to-reveal-their-illnesses.aspx2009-05-14T16:13:10The variety of options by which consumers can pay for utilities is creating problems, an expert has noted. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/51337/Consumers-confused-about-energy-tariffs.aspx2009-05-14T15:35:00First time buyers and home movers are benefiting from the lowest mortgage costs in almost five years, according to the latest monthly research from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48229/Mortgage-costs-at-five-year-low.aspx2009-05-14T14:25:43Consumers are feeling increasingly confident that the housing slump is almost over.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28908/Confidence-high-that-slump-end-is-nigh.aspx2009-05-14T14:05:09HSBC has launched a new five year fixed rate mortgage as well as withdrawing one of its three year fixed productshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94443/HSBC-delivers-best-buy-mortgage-product.aspx2009-05-14T12:33:37Nottingham BS has increased the rate of its two year fixed rate bond by 0.20%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96614/Bond-rate-increase-from-Nottingham-BS.aspx2009-05-14T10:39:06Principality BS has launched issue 130 of its Two Year Over 50s e-Bond which, offering a rate of 4.00% yearly (3.93% monthly), has leapt to the very top of its field.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04234/Principality-Bonds-with-the-Over-50s.aspx2009-05-14T09:30:17Halifax International has launched the second issue of its Portfolio Plus account, offering savers the chance of an attractive return on their hard earned cash. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08069/Halifax-International-offers-hope-to-savers.aspx2009-05-14T09:22:52Britons planning trips overseas have been advised to prioritise medical insurance.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/74432/Medical-cover-a-priority-for-holidaymakers.aspx2009-05-13T14:51:19Cash child trust funds (CTF) have delivered better returns than their stakeholder counterparts since the scheme was introduced four years ago, according to new research from Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83143/Cash-CTF-returns-outshine-stakeholder.aspx2009-05-13T14:28:18The average time it takes to complete annuity transfers between providers has been cut to just eight calendar days.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/49301/Annuity-set-up-times-tumble.aspx2009-05-13T10:58:04West Bromwich BS has announced the launch of a new fixed term internet operated savings account that wipes the floor with the competition. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/10164/West-Bromwich-cleans-up-with-new-E-Bond.aspx2009-05-13T10:20:07Low paid workers aged 22 and over will see minimum wage rise 7p to £5.80 an hour from Octoberhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90802/Minimum-wage-to-rise-from-October.aspx2009-05-12T16:44:19There are signs that the housing market may be on the road to recovery after both sales and buyer enquiries climbed higher in April.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17243/Outlook-improves-for-housing-market.aspx2009-05-12T14:50:30The majority of UK investors remain committed to equities over the long term, despite the market turmoil resulting in an upturn in the numbers diversifying their investments. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83430/Investors-choosing-to-spread-risks.aspx2009-05-12T11:48:39The government has announced plans for all homes in Britain to have smart meters installed by 2020.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/39128/Smart-meter-plan-will-reduce-energy-bills.aspx2009-05-12T10:21:55Motorists planning to take advantage of the new vehicle scrappage scheme have been urged to carry out research before agreeing to any deals.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42326/Car-insurance-comparisons-crucial-expert-notes.aspx2009-05-12T09:22:38The Government has been urged to introduce a raft of measures to help consumers get on the property ladder. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/71896/Call-for-mortgage-market-support.aspx2009-05-12T09:03:41A call has been made for gas and electricity tariffs to take on a standard format.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/64762/Energy-bills-should-be-standardised.aspx2009-05-11T16:16:28Northern Rock (Guernsey) Limited has re-entered the fixed rate bond market after a seven month absence with a highly competitive one year bond. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/80743/Rock-returns-with-a-fixed-rate-bond-bang.aspx2009-05-11T16:04:26Concern has been voiced that people are reducing their insurance cover in an attempt to save money during the recession, with home and motor insurance affected the most.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00867/Recession-sees-insurance-cover-cut.aspx2009-05-11T16:00:01The amount Britons are saving on a quarterly basis has increased for the first time in over a year, leaping 82 per cent in the last quarter.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/58269/Savings-habit-returning.aspx2009-05-11T11:42:28The cost of replacing home contents in the event of a fire or other major disaster has been described as "staggering". http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15184/Staggering-cost-of-replacing-home-contents.aspx2009-05-08T16:41:41The Building Societies Association (BSA) has called on the Government to protect savings accounts aimed at over 50s when the new Equity Bill is enforced.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/76366/BSA-silver-saver-accounts-have-role-to-play.aspx2009-05-08T16:27:46Lenders are beginning to show a willingness to grant loans to borrowers with smaller deposits, according to the latest research from Moneyfacts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/37270/Lenders-opening-up-to-lower-deposits.aspx2009-05-08T16:20:48Godiva BS has withdrawn its buy-to-let products, replacing them with a new fixed rate mortgage.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/24886/Put-your-house-on-Godiva.aspx2009-05-08T16:09:55Coventry BS has extended its product range with a couple of short term fixed rate bonds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05575/Short-term-gains-with-Coventry-BS.aspx2009-05-08T16:07:16The Woolwich is giving homeowners the chance to enlarge their property portfolio with a new buy-to-let product.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06879/Increase-your-portfolio-with-the-Woolwich.aspx2009-05-08T16:00:48The AA has launched a one year internet fixed rate bond which is one of the top ten products in its field.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/44958/Save-online-with-the-AA.aspx2009-05-08T15:58:34Bradford & Bingley has launched a one year fixed term branch based account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/68108/Bradford-and-Bingley-launches-super-saver.aspx2009-05-08T15:56:23Calls to freeze the national minimum wage should be ignored, according to the Trade Union Congress (TUC).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07944/Minimum-wage-freeze-discouraged.aspx2009-05-08T15:07:07The banks and financial services in the UK will be at the centre of the country’s economic recovery, the British Banking Association (BBA) has insisted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/47755/British-banks-well-spearhead-revival.aspx2009-05-08T12:29:39The cost of replacing the average contents of a British home is £44,500, with the living room typically holding the most expensive items.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/51836/Contents-of-British-homes-worth-almost-45000.aspx2009-05-07T15:44:25Despite promising customers a ten per cent cut in their electricity bills, British Gas’ decision has been called disappointing by a consumer group.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/53561/British-Gas-price-cuts-labelled-disappointing.aspx2009-05-07T14:24:06The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has voted to maintain the base rate of interest at 0.5 per cent.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20189/Base-rate-held-quantitative-easing-increased.aspx2009-05-07T14:04:59Borrowers looking for an unsecured personal loan have seen rates almost double in the last two years. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04007/Unsecured-loan-rates-soar.aspx2009-05-07T11:34:30Further hope that the property market may be beginning to recover has been fuelled by signs of confidence in the mortgage intermediary sector.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84143/Mortgage-brokers-report-renewed-confidence.aspx2009-05-07T10:29:32The Alliance & Leicester has announced it is to re-launch its popular Premier Regular Saver.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82068/Stunning-save-from-Alliance-and-Leicester.aspx2009-05-07T08:55:26Nottingham BS has launched a new, highly competitive fixed rate accounthttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86625/Fix-it-with-Nottingham-BS.aspx2009-05-06T15:26:26In the land of the mortgage market, the 60 per cent loan-to-value (LTV) product is king, according to figures from Moneyfacts.co.uk http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/22738/60-per-cent-LTV-deals-are-king.aspx2009-05-06T15:21:30The rate of decline in the UK property market appears to be slowing down while affordability has increased.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20259/House-price-decline-slows.aspx2009-05-06T15:04:04Consumer confidence is on the rise, with the latest research revealing April witnessed the largest single monthly increase for almost two years. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/66832/Confidence-on-the-up.aspx2009-05-06T14:54:01Council tax has overtaken fuel duty as the tax most Britons love to hate. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99733/Council-tax-tops-most-hated-table.aspx2009-05-06T12:00:44New figures have revealed the number of secret credit cards used by Britons has climbed to over 200,000.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86772/Secret-credit-cards-number-200000-plus.aspx2009-05-06T11:16:27A call has been made for more life insurance policies to be made available to people who are HIV positive.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/31025/Life-insurance-should-cover-those-with-HIV.aspx2009-05-06T09:53:35First-time buyers are keen to return to the housing market, but will need the help of the government and lenders if they are to do so. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83853/Plea-to-help-first-time-buyers.aspx2009-05-06T09:29:58The vast majority of investors taking control of the funds their retirement funds in self-invested personal pensions (SIPPS) are confident they can outperform fund professionals.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/34842/SIPP-investors-back-themselves-to-beat-professionals.aspx2009-05-06T09:16:45Britons relying on inheritance to form a large chunk of their retirement pot could be in for an unwelcome surprise.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08130/Britons-counting-on-inheritance.aspx2009-05-05T14:43:26Would be homebuyers unable to secure property have been given a boost with news that the number of rental properties on the market is increasing. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/68974/Rentals-decline.aspx2009-05-05T14:32:01Travellers who fail to obtain visas before going to the US will not be able to claim on their insurance if they are refused entry. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70155/Travel-insurance-wont-cover-visa-refusal.aspx2009-05-05T11:13:59Three new types of health insurance have been launched by Tesco. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70808/Tesco-makes-health-insurance-changes.aspx2009-05-05T11:02:31Home affordability for potential first time buyers has improved significantly since mid 2007. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/54360/Good-conditions-for-first-time-buyers.aspx2009-05-05T10:16:32Market Harborough BS has delivered some good news to investors with the announcement that it is to re-launch three savings products.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28112/Market-Harborough-re-launches-old-favourites.aspx2009-05-05T09:34:10Home insurance customers are causing increasing amounts of damage by choosing to perform their own beauty treatments, a poll has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43361/Beauty-treatment-accidents-rising-insurer-notes.aspx2009-05-01T16:39:23Figures from the Building Societies Association (BSA) have revealed that mortgage approvals more than doubled in March compared to February. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/85335/Mortgage-approvals-up.aspx2009-05-01T14:18:22There is evidence that a two-tier rental market is emerging, according to the latest research. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/77152/Rental-market-splits.aspx2009-05-01T14:14:39The level of high street bank’s lending to small businesses rose by £271 million in March, according to figures released by the British Banking Association (BBA).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96324/Small-business-lending-increases.aspx2009-05-01T14:05:57The British Banking Association (BBA) has spoken out against the Treasury Committee’s report on the economic crisis, which concluded that bankers have made an astonishing mess of the financial system. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97510/Move-discussion-forward-BBA.aspx2009-05-01T12:04:07Chesham BS has expanded its portfolio of products with three new fixed rate bonds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42140/New-bond-options-from-Chesham-BS.aspx2009-05-01T09:08:24Capital One Savings has reduced the minimum investment required on its base beater savings account to £1 (previously £500).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/19151/Beat-the-base-rate-with-Capital-One.aspx2009-05-01T09:00:29Consumers travelling on Virgin Trains are to be offered broadband internet access through a new arrangement with T-Mobile.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/53068/Broadband-access-for-Virgin-train-passengers.aspx2009-04-30T15:54:39Consumer confidence is at its highest level for nine months, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07860/Consumer-confidence-increasing.aspx2009-04-30T15:51:31The popularity of unsecured loans has fallen drastically since the beginning of 2008, as consumers have shied away from long term credit repayments.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/53239/Unsecured-loans-shunned.aspx2009-04-30T15:47:36The rate of decline in house prices looks to be on the wane, as latest figures from the Land Registry show a decrease of 0.4 per cent in March.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38090/House-price-fall-slows.aspx2009-04-30T15:37:15Britons have adapted to the financial woes that have dominated the last 18 months by switching to a no-frills lifestyle.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/78577/Britons-adopt-no-frills-lifestyle.aspx2009-04-30T14:09:14The cost of home insurance premiums continued to rise in the first three months of the year, fresh figures have indicated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/33694/Home-insurance-premiums-continue-to-rise.aspx2009-04-30T10:37:43Using a cashback credit card can help consumers with household costs such as phone bills, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23179/Cashback-credit-cards-can-help-with-bills.aspx2009-04-30T10:30:36Rents at the top end of the market could begin to creep up again as a result of the sales market for family homes starting to pick up. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/56054/Rents-could-recover.aspx2009-04-29T12:14:03A quarter of Britons are set to pick up their DIY tools this year in an effort to increase the value of their homes.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/12860/Britons-keen-to-improve-homes.aspx2009-04-29T11:13:10Car insurance premiums rose in the first quarter of 2009, figures have revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/22825/Car-insurance-cost-rising-figures-show.aspx2009-04-29T10:18:02Energy-efficient homes are not suffering the same fall in demand as other types of property on the housing market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/61514/Energy-efficient-homes-still-in-demand.aspx2009-04-29T10:15:44When it comes to payment methods in the UK, the debit card is king.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/10827/Debit-cards-are-dominant-payment-method.aspx2009-04-28T15:53:23Homeowners have been urged to take steps to protect themselves against the possibility that they could become victims of burglary.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63727/Insurer-warns-of-increased-burglary-risk.aspx2009-04-28T15:27:52The owner of Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks has revealed the lenders released almost £2 billion in new mortgage lending between October last year and March. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17110/Lending-up-at-Clydesdale-and-Yorkshire.aspx2009-04-28T15:19:37Bright Grey has revealed an increase in the number of critical illness claims it has paid out over the last 12 months as well as a dramatic reduction in the amount of claims it declined for non-disclosure. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84441/CI-payouts-improve-at-Bright-Grey.aspx2009-04-28T12:19:47A report commissioned by the Building Societies Association (BSA) has concluded that the mortgage landscape will experience marked changes in the coming eleven years.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/35107/BSA-delivers-mortgage-of-2020-report.aspx2009-04-28T11:51:02Home insurance customers have been urged to ensure their policies offer adequate cover before carrying out DIY work.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/26690/DIY-work-may-invalidate-home-insurance.aspx2009-04-28T11:38:33BT has launched a new broadband package, which it describes as the cheapest available of its kind.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32839/BT-announces-new-broadband-package.aspx2009-04-28T11:36:50New rules governing the cost of mobile phone services while roaming in the European Union have been welcomed by the UK communications regulator.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/64917/Reduced-roaming-charges-for-mobile-customers.aspx2009-04-27T16:23:43The Co-operative Bank has revealed a new discounted variable rate mortgage that wipes the floor with the competition. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97279/Great-discounts-at-the-Co-op.aspx2009-04-27T16:15:04The battered housing market has received a welcome boost with the news that house prices fell just 0.3% over April, the lowest monthly drop in a year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63408/House-price-decline-easing.aspx2009-04-27T16:08:13The Financial Services Authority (FSA) will have the full support of the UK’s banks when it takes over the responsibility for the country’s Banking Code.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70512/Banks-pledge-to-work-with-FSA-on-reform.aspx2009-04-27T14:35:17Newcastle BS has launched a pair of new fixed rate bonds that are likely to tempt consumers who prefer to carry out their banking online.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15810/Newcastle-launches-new-fixed-rate-bonds.aspx2009-04-27T12:20:00Consumers will benefit from new compensation limits to be introduced next January following a review of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48153/Compensation-limits-to-be-simplified.aspx2009-04-27T10:45:11As many as 1.5 million consumers could be tempted to trade in their old cars for new models because of the new scrappage scheme that was announced in last week’s Budget.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81606/Scrappage-scheme-could-tempt-1-5-million-people.aspx2009-04-27T10:18:49Julian Hodge Bank has delivered some welcome news to its customers with the announcement that a number of bonds and ISAs will have their rates increased.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97291/Julian-Hodge-Bank-increases-bond-rates.aspx2009-04-27T10:05:01Chelsea BS has continued its recent expansion of its product portfolio with the addition of a one year spring fixed rate bond (3rd issue).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63442/Bring-in-the-spring-with-Chelsea.aspx2009-04-27T09:56:37The high street has received a surprise boost after official figures revealed an increase in retail sales last month. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/31730/Surprise-rise-in-retail-sales.aspx2009-04-24T15:40:04Consumers have been promised fairness when the Financial Services Authority takes over all retail banking conduct regulation for deposits and payments in November.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67508/Bank-customers-to-benefit-from-regulation-changes.aspx2009-04-24T15:32:34Gas and electricity customers who are on benefits and are struggling to pay their bills have been given an enhanced level of support.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/88016/Enhanced-support-for-struggling-energy-customers.aspx2009-04-24T15:05:57West Bromwich BS has shot straight to the top of the short term fixed rate table with its newly released E Bond 22 account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/10365/West-Bromwich-tops-the-table.aspx2009-04-24T12:33:19It is fair to say that the past 12 months haven’t been particularly kind on savers in the UK.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94283/Light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-for-savers.aspx2009-04-24T12:27:39The AA has announced it is to replace its previous telephone account with a telephone 12 month fixed rate bond.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/73342/Phone-it-in-with-the-AA.aspx2009-04-24T10:58:38Chelsea BS has launched a new instant access, branch based account that pays a competitive monthly rate of 2.54% on a minimum investment of £100.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96096/Chelsea-launches-monthly-income-account.aspx2009-04-24T09:34:19Halifax has added an incentive of 50% towards council tax to the vast majority of its mortgage products.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/10614/Halifax-tempts-with-council-tax-contribution.aspx2009-04-24T09:30:39The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has responded to yesterday’s Budget, saying that it has not done enough for house buyers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/58819/AMI-raps-Budget.aspx2009-04-24T09:17:57Car insurance customers are set to benefit from the introduction of a new scrappage scheme, it has been noted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07641/Scrappage-scheme-good-for-consumers.aspx2009-04-23T16:10:27The house builder Persimmon has revealed sales volumes in the first quarter of 2009 ahead of expectations, raising hopes that a recovery in the market may be under wahttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04946/Home-sales-beat-expectations.aspx2009-04-23T15:49:17The UK public could save themselves millions of pounds in council tax if the way in which we recycle our household waste was improved.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60068/Recycling-could-save-millions.aspx2009-04-23T15:09:11The Government’s announcement that the contribution limit on ISAs is to be increased is further evidence of the enduring popularity of the account that was introduced ten years ago.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/35548/Top-performing-cash-ISAs-revealed.aspx2009-04-23T15:04:15State owned lender Northern Rock has reported ‘continuing progress’ in its trading statement for the first quarter of 2009.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/26448/Northern-Rock-making-progress.aspx2009-04-23T14:58:35Fraud using mobile phone technology is on the rise, an expert has said. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96742/Mobile-phone-fraud-increasing-expert-notes.aspx2009-04-23T10:06:59Motorists could benefit from lower car insurance premiums as a result of a new road safety initiative.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/10171/Car-insurance-cost-may-fall-with-road-safety.aspx2009-04-23T09:40:31It is the older generation that appears to have the most reasons to be cheerful, after Alistair Darling delivered a Budget targeted at supporting those lower income pensioners likely to have seen their earnings from savings fall as a result of recent drophttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/35647/Budget-suggests-life-begins-at-50.aspx2009-04-22T16:20:14The Chancellor had good news for homeowners looking to move before the end of the year after confirming the extension of the stamp duty holiday until the end of 2009 in today’s Budget. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/95085/Stamp-duty-holiday-extension-welcomed.aspx2009-04-22T15:09:03Savers have been given a Budget boost with the news that the annual ISA limit will increase to £10,200, up from the current limit of £7,200. Chancellor Alistair Darling also revealed that the amount allowed to be invested into the cash element of the tax-http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83974/Savers-celebrate-ISA-limit-increase.aspx2009-04-22T14:50:09High definition (HD) programmes are now available from the BBC over the internet, the broadcaster has announced. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/45573/BBC-offers-HD-online.aspx2009-04-22T14:32:11The mortgage market is showing further signs of tentative recovery after latest figures showed lending increased last month, up 16 per cent from February. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93271/Mortgage-lending-up.aspx2009-04-22T12:21:45The news that the UK is experiencing deflation for the first time in almost half a century is the latest blow for the country’s savers. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05849/Savers-given-raw-deal.aspx2009-04-22T12:04:23Progressive BS has announced an extended range of new bonds that are likely to attract savers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23525/Go-forward-with-Progressive-BS.aspx2009-04-22T11:55:37The economic downturn is having a negative effect on Britons' health, research has indicated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/31980/Recession-affecting-health-study-shows.aspx2009-04-21T16:43:22Over half of all motorists in the UK have been victims of some form of road rage over the last year, a study has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/64963/Road-rage-affecting-worrying-number-of-Brits.aspx2009-04-21T16:33:48LV= has said its annuity customers whose income is linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) will not see a reduction in their retirement income despite the UK falling into deflation for the first time in almost 50 years.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70979/LV-delivers-good-news-to-customers.aspx2009-04-21T16:14:57The newly installed Homeowners Mortgage Support Scheme (HMSS) has been largely welcomed by groups across the UK’s financial, social and housing spectrums.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/46245/Mortgage-support-largely-welcomed.aspx2009-04-21T15:14:06Homeowners who fall on hard times will be able to defer a large proportion of their mortgage repayments under a new scheme.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/34352/Mortgage-support-scheme-begins.aspx2009-04-21T14:25:44The Government has been urged to inject £2 billion into new work schemes to help the long term unemployed back into jobs.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/71436/Long-term-unemployed-need-funding.aspx2009-04-21T12:16:11Confidence in pensions is returning but rebuilding that trust must remain a priority for 2009, according to the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF). http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/91015/Pension-confidence-returns.aspx2009-04-21T10:22:26The UK economy will begin to see signs of recovery in the spring of next year, according go the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38797/UK-economy-recovery-to-begin-next-year.aspx2009-04-21T09:31:50ICICI Bank UK has introduced four new fixed rate bonds, all of which take the top spot in their respective fields.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43941/Time-to-bond-with-ICICI-Bank.aspx2009-04-21T09:26:55Vernon BS has made a couple of welcome additions to its suite of existing mortgages, with the introduction of two fixed rate products.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07803/Fix-it-with-Vernon-BS.aspx2009-04-21T09:17:32The Chancellor has been asked to freeze the minimum wage in a bid to help the private sector lead UK industry out of the recession. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/45817/Freeze-minimum-wage-BCC.aspx2009-04-20T16:45:33The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has told the Government that struggling families cannot afford a ‘do nothing’ budget.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/91346/No-time-for-do-nothing-budget.aspx2009-04-20T16:41:07Hopes are high that the deterioration in the housing market may have drawn to a close after new sellers increased average asking prices by 1.8 per cent, or almost £4,000, in April. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63319/Bounce-in-asking-prices.aspx2009-04-20T13:21:32Home affordability has improved significantly in the past eighteen months, with falling houses prices and mortgage rates key to making the market more accessible.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/30955/Home-affordability-improves-markedly.aspx2009-04-20T11:51:33Shopping around for a cheaper gas and electricity provider is one way that consumers can make their wages go further, it has been stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/36817/Brits-urged-to-shop-around-for-utilities.aspx2009-04-20T11:06:45Despite contraction in the UK economy and increasing government borrowing, the medium term outlook for sterling is positive, according to foreign exchange business Caxton FX.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/41732/Positive-outlook-for-sterling.aspx2009-04-17T16:45:33Consumers considering making a fraudulent insurance claim have been warned about the potential consequences.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82281/Expert-warns-of-insurance-fraud-consequences.aspx2009-04-17T16:06:00Britons spent the second half of 2008 abandoning saving in an attempt to pay off significant amounts of debt. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/26430/Britons-shun-saving-to-drive-down-debt.aspx2009-04-17T15:41:38The overall scale and impact of negative equity on the housing market needs to be kept in perspective, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has said.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99200/Perspective-needed-on-negative-equity.aspx2009-04-17T13:55:13Ipswich BS has launched a new buy-to-let fixed rate mortgage that is available in selected postcodes.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08360/Keep-it-local-with-Ipswich-BS.aspx2009-04-17T09:21:54Homeowners in the UK are playing a waiting game, keeping an eye on the property market in a bid to cash in on cheaper home ownership before the expected rise in house prices.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/29297/UK-homeowners-bide-their-time.aspx2009-04-17T09:11:42Fraudulent insurance claims rose by 17 per cent in 2008, fresh figures have revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20809/Insurance-fraud-rising-figures-show.aspx2009-04-16T15:25:27Relationships between banks and small businesses need to be rebuilt if the economy is to recover, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has said.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18664/FSB-reconnect-banks-and-businesses.aspx2009-04-16T15:22:05Anglo Irish Bank Corporation has announced that it is to increase the rate of its 12 Month Privilege Fixed Income offshore account by 0.20%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/91819/Offshore-offer-from-Anglo-Irish-Bank.aspx2009-04-16T14:32:16Chelsea BS has added to its notice account portfolio with the Bonus 60.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38063/The-smart-moneys-on-Chelsea.aspx2009-04-16T14:28:36West Bromwich BS has launched a fixed term internet account that shoots straight to the top of its market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/95607/West-Bromwich-tempts-with-E-Bond.aspx2009-04-16T14:26:51New customers signing up to Virgin Media broadband are being given the chance to be the first to use its enhanced email services.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05448/Virgin-Media-offers-enhanced-email-for-new-users.aspx2009-04-16T14:24:37A consistency survey conducted by Moneyfacts has found that savers are more likely to get the best returns on the funds by banking with building societies. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/33691/Building-societies-retain-consistency-crown.aspx2009-04-16T14:22:04Buyer enthusiasm is gaining ‘real momentum’ according to UK surveyors, following the news that new enquiries in the housing market in March rose for the fifth consecutive month.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/46103/Buyer-enthusiasm-increases-again.aspx2009-04-15T14:49:34Britons who are heading abroad have been warned to take care when choosing a travel insurance policy.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/89831/Good-quality-travel-insurance-essential.aspx2009-04-15T14:36:54The number of 18 to 34 year olds living rent-free with friends and relatives has soared in the past 12 months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94943/Adults-reluctant-to-fly-the-nest.aspx2009-04-15T14:24:02Child Trust Fund (CTF) contributions are at their highest levels ever, with monthly subscriptions at almost £15 million and one off payments topping £105 million. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05681/CTF-contributions-at-record-high.aspx2009-04-15T14:05:34The housing market has been given a slight boost with news that the number of mortgages provided by lenders crept up in Februaryhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/77507/Mortgage-lending-up-remortgaging-down.aspx2009-04-15T13:56:09Being warned over broadband consumption would prompt the majority of internet users to consider switching provider, a poll has revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/37234/Broadband-consumption-warning-could-prompt-switch.aspx2009-04-15T10:28:36Those taking out travel insurance have been urged to be honest about medical conditions.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50707/Travellers-must-be-honest-with-insurers.aspx2009-04-14T15:39:12With the unveiling of the 2009 Budget just over a week away, the Government has been told to give small English companies a break from the increasing cost of business rates.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94002/Give-small-businesses-a-break-Government-told.aspx2009-04-14T11:23:47The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has called on the Government to provide more help for consumers following the decision to freeze interest rates at 0.5 per cent.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/89283/AMI-calls-for-more-after-rate-freeze.aspx2009-04-14T11:19:34The Government has been called upon to reduce the qualifying period for statutory redundancy pay (SRP) by the Trade Union Congress (TUC.)http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/40531/Reduce-redundancy-pay-qualifying-period-TUC.aspx2009-04-14T11:11:54The popularity of the internet has been predicted to see it overtake television as the most consumed media in Europe next year. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96876/Microsoft-Internet-will-overtake-TV-in-2010.aspx2009-04-14T09:29:48The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has voted to maintain interest rates at 0.5 per cent and plough on with its policy of quantitative easing. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20709/Base-rate-held-at-0-5-per-cent.aspx2009-04-09T15:01:11A new tool has been launched offering holidaymakers the chance to calculate how long they should go away for.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21014/Insurer-offers-perfect-holiday-duration-solution.aspx2009-04-09T14:21:31British consumers are not protecting themselves financially against unexpected emergencies, research has indicated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02307/Loss-of-income-not-being-considered-poll-finds.aspx2009-04-09T14:14:26Mobile phone customers are set to be able to watch television streamed on their devices as a result of a new trial.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/73911/Television-coming-to-mobiles.aspx2009-04-09T14:07:39West Bromwich BS has unveiled its new E-Bond 20, a two year bond that should delight internet account loving savers everywhere. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/34134/West-Brom-scores-with-E-Bond-20.aspx2009-04-09T09:49:50Birmingham Midshires new Internet One Year Fixed Rate ISA should prove popular with investors searching for a home for this tax year’s ISA allowance. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/01393/Birmingham-Midshires-launches-One-Year-Fixed-ISA.aspx2009-04-09T09:47:02Chelsea BS new ten year fixed rate mortgage is a great deal if you’re looking to fix your mortgage payments for the long term.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/24468/Chelsea-unveils-10-year-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-04-09T09:41:27Manchester BS has launched two new variable rate savings accounts, both rated towards the top end of their respective marketshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81466/Sun-shines-on-Manchester-savers.aspx2009-04-09T09:35:58HSBC’s new range of mortgages includes an excellent discounted variable rate deal.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/09080/HSBC-discounted-deal-a-winner.aspx2009-04-09T09:29:54Cutting out insurance policies in order to save money could leave consumers at risk, it has been warned.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/30367/Brits-vulnerable-as-insurance-is-cut-back.aspx2009-04-08T15:20:46NatWest is doing its bit to help people onto the property ladder with the launch of a market-leading first time buyer only mortgage.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/75752/NatWest-fixes-it-for-first-time-buyers.aspx2009-04-08T14:58:05New rules which mean homeowners must have a Home Information Pack (HIP) in place before putting their property on the market will lead to better informed buyers, it has been suggested. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08482/New-HIP-rules-to-help-buyers.aspx2009-04-08T14:53:12Newcastle BS has just launched a three year fixed rate bond paying 4.11% yearly or 4.01% monthly. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86146/E-Bond-from-Newcastle-BS.aspx2009-04-08T14:44:29Bank of Cyprus has just launched a series of very competitive fixed rate bonds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/57965/Savings-Sunshine-from-Bank-of-Cyprus.aspx2009-04-08T14:41:26Norwich Union Healthcare has announced changes to its income protection product, with the aim of improving accuracy and reducing non-disclosure.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/34067/Insurer-changes-income-protection-app-process.aspx2009-04-08T14:34:54Broadband customers in the UK prefer to view adverts rather than pay for online content, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94494/Surfers-choose-ads-over-subscriptions.aspx2009-04-08T14:32:27The Government has been told that, despite changes it made to they way housing benefit is paid, the system is failing.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50956/Housing-welfare-scheme-failing.aspx2009-04-07T15:18:59Britons are set to save some £3 billion this year by shunning an overseas trip and holiday at home.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28776/Holidaying-at-home-saves-Brits-billions.aspx2009-04-07T15:12:09Britons are having to change their spending as a result of the economic downturn, research has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48925/Utility-bills-up-for-majority-study-shows.aspx2009-04-07T15:05:28Many Britons do not believe they are as skilled as their parents when it comes to DIY, research from Halifax has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43475/Brits-not-confident-in-DIY-abilities.aspx2009-04-07T15:01:43Car insurance customers are adopting a range of tactics to reduce their expenditure during their recession, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94147/Motorists-making-cutbacks-study-shows.aspx2009-04-07T14:57:29Debt collectors have agreed to give 30 days’ breathing space to borrowers struggling to repay debts. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/59478/Debtors-get-30-day-breathing-space.aspx2009-04-07T09:47:24The four year anniversary of Child Trust Funds (CTFs) will be marked by the process switching to a voucherless system.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/01885/Child-Trust-Funds-to-become-voucherless.aspx2009-04-07T09:38:22Principality BS has joined in the new tax year party with the launch of its new range of fixed rate ISAs. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70924/cipalitys-Fixed-Rate-ISAs-just-the-ticket.aspx2009-04-06T16:33:57Leeds Building Society’s One Year Fixed Rate ISA paying 3.05% ensures the new tax year is welcomed with a bang. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/33650/Leeds-ISA-makes-it-a-happy-new-tax-year.aspx2009-04-06T16:30:22The weekly full basic State Pension will rise from £90.70 to £95.25 from today – almost an extra £5 a week. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04774/State-pension-benefit-rises.aspx2009-04-06T16:26:49With the new tax year starting today, a number of important changes have come into effect that could affect the tax that you pay or the benefits that you receive. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/37326/The-new-tax-year-is-here.aspx2009-04-06T16:24:54The mobile phone industry is likely to remain strong despite the global recession taking hold, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00507/Mobile-phone-industry-remains-strong.aspx2009-04-06T16:10:08British motorists are not taking the issue of drink-driving as seriously as they should, it has been argued.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/55583/Drink-driving-not-taken-seriously-enough.aspx2009-04-06T16:03:46New standards for labelling household appliances have been predicted to help consumers save money on electricity bills.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99043/EU-standards-will-reduce-energy-bills.aspx2009-04-06T12:28:23Homeowners have been advised to ensure they have adequate insurance policies before carrying out DIY work. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82110/Home-insurance-a-good-thing-when-doing-DIY.aspx2009-04-06T09:41:29The long-running investigation into the fairness of bank overdraft charges took another turn today as the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) said it is to focus on three banks in particular, for the time being at least.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/45269/OFT-streamlines-overdraft-investigation.aspx2009-04-06T09:36:41Business, accounts, investment, commercial, mortgageshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/89265/Lending-to-small-businesses-increases.aspx2009-04-06T09:24:29Principality BS has delivered excellent news to savers by extending its range of ISAs to include a regular savings account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/45958/Save-of-the-season-from-Principality.aspx2009-04-03T15:34:53Millions of Britons are unnecessarily paying too much tax on their savings.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94621/Britons-paying-too-much-tax-on-savings.aspx2009-04-03T15:18:41Birmingham Midshires has boosted its portfolio of easy access products with the launch of a new no notice telephone operated account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/30664/Birmingham-Midshires-phones-it-in.aspx2009-04-03T12:30:16Lenders have predicted the amount of credit available to households and businesses will increase over the next three months. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/19724/Credit-availability-to-improve.aspx2009-04-03T12:23:31Savers who have not yet taken advantage of this year’s ISA allowance now have a few days to do so.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17724/This-years-ISA-deadline-imminent.aspx2009-04-03T09:16:09The cost of car insurance premiums is one of the major things consumers consider before purchasing a vehicle, a poll has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81379/Insurance-cost-a-major-factor-for-car-buyers.aspx2009-04-02T15:59:50UK houses prices recorded their first rise since October 2007 last month.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94502/Surprise-house-price-rise.aspx2009-04-02T15:56:26Dunfermline Building Society’s customers have been advised to continue banking as normal after its savings, mortgage and loans businesses were transferred to Nationwide.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/74488/Dunfermline-moves-business-to-Nationwide.aspx2009-04-02T15:53:15Consumers have been urged to check that goods in their garden are covered by home insurance.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/85834/Plants-important-consideration-for-home-insurance.aspx2009-04-02T15:38:03The House of Lords has given a group of UK banks permission to appeal a recent Appeal Court judgement on bank charges.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08615/Banks-to-appeal-charges-case.aspx2009-04-02T12:05:38Britons have been warned not to overlook the importance of insurance when planning holidays this summer.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83857/Travel-insurance-large-part-of-holiday-preparation.aspx2009-04-02T11:13:27Plans to compensate gas and electricity customers who are paying too much through direct debits have been welcomed by a consumer body.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/73870/Compensation-for-energy-customers-welcomed.aspx2009-04-02T11:11:29Homeowners are increasingly choosing to pay off their mortgage rather than take equity out of their property, the Bank of England has revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93252/Equity-withdrawals-drop.aspx2009-04-02T11:03:28One month on from the Bank of England’s historic decision to cut the base rate to the lowest level in 315 years, its impact on savings and mortgage rates is becoming clearer.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/26654/Base-rate-one-month-on.aspx2009-04-02T10:57:33The world's most powerful leaders have been told that the UK's recent review of financial regulation should serve as a template for how banks could work with governments, regulators and central banks to reform the banking system. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42312/G20-told-to-learn-from-UK.aspx2009-04-01T16:15:34The general consensus among Britons is that major changes to the international and domestic economic system are needed if the current crisis is to be overcome. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87636/Britons-say-major-economic-changes-needed.aspx2009-04-01T16:04:52A UK broker is calling on the Government to suspend stamp duty indefinitely, claiming it would cost relatively little and benefit the country’s financial institutions.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/29668/Suspend-stamp-duty-says-broker.aspx2009-04-01T15:05:41West Bromwich BS has launched two new EBonds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96140/Magic-bond-from-West-Bromwich.aspx2009-04-01T15:01:17Alliance & Leicester has introduced a couple of eye-catching products within its new range of fixed rate bonds and ISAs.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/30440/Impressive-launch-from-A-and-L.aspx2009-04-01T11:38:36Monmouthshire BS has launched a new Income Generator savings account. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38650/Income-Generator-from-Monmouthshire-BS.aspx2009-04-01T11:28:46The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has revealed it is to consult on whether the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) should provide extra protection for holders of temporary high deposit balances in the event of the failure of a UK bank. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08026/Savers-could-get-extra-protection.aspx2009-04-01T09:53:40The number of Child Trust Funds (CTFs) opened fell slightly in the last quarter, according to HM Revenue and Customs. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02691/Child-Trust-Fund-openings-down.aspx2009-04-01T09:41:03Barclays has said that it will not be participating on the Government’s Asset Protection Scheme (APS).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04684/Barclays-declines-Asset-Protection-Scheme-support.aspx2009-04-01T09:31:16Despite record low levels of interest, more than half of consumers on tracker mortgages are choosing not to pay off more of their home loan each month.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/16345/Low-rate-benefits-being-squandered.aspx2009-03-31T15:38:20Britain’s youngsters are becoming more aware of the challenging economic times they live in and are preparing for their financial future in ways their parents never did.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83122/Changing-financial-expectations-of-the-young.aspx2009-03-31T15:31:05Consumer confidence is at its highest level for nine months, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67494/Consumer-confidence-increasing.aspx2009-03-31T12:12:25Savers deposited a record amount of money with building societies in February, according to the latest figures from the Building Societies Association (BSA).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/34157/Savers-favouring-societies.aspx2009-03-31T10:55:16Hopes that a recovery in the housing market is under way have been fuelled further after figures from the Bank of England revealed the number of loans approved for house purchases rose to 37,937 in February.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/34783/Mortgage-approvals-up.aspx2009-03-31T10:51:07Close Brothers has added a market leading two year bond to its popular Premium Gold range.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06094/Close-Brothers-has-the-golden-touch.aspx2009-03-31T10:45:56Hopes have been raised that a recovery in the housing market is under way after figures from the Bank of England revealed the number of mortgages approved for house purchase rose to 37,937 in February, 19% higher than in January. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/11140/Housing-market-on-road-to-recovery.aspx2009-03-31T10:41:11Help for people struggling to pay gas and electricity bills has been announced by the Scottish government.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/16233/Scottish-government-announces-fuel-help-plan.aspx2009-03-31T10:35:43Home insurance customers considering a policy from Nationwide are set to see an increase in features this week.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48126/Nationwide-extends-home-insurance-cover.aspx2009-03-31T10:28:42Britons are changing their attitudes to money and how they use it as a result of the economic downturn.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86925/Britons-changing-attitudes-to-money.aspx2009-03-30T16:57:12The pace at which house prices are falling across Britain is slowing, latest figures show. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/72167/House-price-decline-slows.aspx2009-03-30T16:44:04Nationwide Building Society has confirmed it has taken over the savings business and some of the mortgage business of the Dunfermline Building Society. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/19731/Nationwide-snaps-up-Dunfermline.aspx2009-03-30T16:08:40A campaign has been launched to protect tenants who face swift eviction as their landlords’ property is repossessed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82397/Campaign-to-protect-tenants-launched.aspx2009-03-27T16:50:34The value of secured loans granted in the UK is dropping, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/74552/Secured-loans-falling-figures-indicate.aspx2009-03-27T15:14:01AEGON Scottish Equitable has revealed it declined just 9 per cent of critical illness claims last year, half the number it turned down in 2007. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94282/Refused-CI-claims-halve.aspx2009-03-27T15:03:43The chief economist at the Bank of England has predicted that the decline in fortunes of the UK economy could turn around by the end of 2009. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00096/Economic-recovery-by-2010.aspx2009-03-27T15:01:35The chief economist at the Bank of England has predicted that the decline in fortunes of the UK economy could turn around by the end of 2009. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87558/Economic-recovery-by-2010.aspx2009-03-27T15:01:35Energy companies have been told they must make significant improvements to their management of monthly direct debit payments made by customers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/53677/Ofgem-criticises-energy-providers.aspx2009-03-27T14:55:39The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is to call on the Government to bring the minimum wage for young workers up to the level of adults. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07601/TUC-end-low-pay-for-young-workers.aspx2009-03-27T14:49:57The combination of cheaper stocks and the need for alternatives to low-interest rate savings accounts could see a number of active investors re-enter the stockmarket in the coming months. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00920/Investors-look-to-re-enter-stock-market.aspx2009-03-27T14:43:15A slowing in the pace at which rents are falling and the volume of stock is rising suggests a recovery in the UK rental market may be just around the corner.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/03897/Rent-falls-slowing.aspx2009-03-26T16:21:18The Investment Management Association (IMA) has called on the Government to raise the limit on ISA allowances and to introduce more incentives for savers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04967/IMA-increase-ISA-allowance.aspx2009-03-26T16:18:31The fall in UK house prices could stop as soon as September this year, according to a group of property investment advisers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/53917/House-prices-may-level-out-in-September.aspx2009-03-26T16:11:59Energy firms are effectively using their customers’ money as ‘interest free loans’ by taking unnecessarily high payments each month, a consumer group has reported.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52956/Energy-direct-debits-interest-free-loans.aspx2009-03-26T16:02:05National Counties BS has announced that it will be relaunching its Guaranteed ISA for the new tax year. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/98238/National-Counties-BS-unveils-ISA.aspx2009-03-26T15:55:57Credit card customers have been urged to be more aware of the dangers of internet scams. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/39644/Credit-card-consumers-not-savvy-enough.aspx2009-03-26T09:58:23The Government has been urged to raise the threshold for stamp duty in order to aid the recovery of the housing market. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/46200/Call-for-stamp-duty-reform.aspx2009-03-26T09:07:42The time it takes for electronic bank payments and cheques to clear has been reduced but further improvements are needed, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18630/Payment-systems-need-further-improvement.aspx2009-03-26T09:04:05One of the UK’s biggest life insurers saw its critical illness (CI) payout increase by 14 per cent last year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14588/Critical-illness-payout-up-at-NU.aspx2009-03-25T16:41:25Britons have been advised to join their company pension scheme now rather than wait for the Government’s Personal Accounts in 2012.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48299/Waiting-for-Personal-Accounts-could-cost-thousands.aspx2009-03-25T16:35:13There have been encouraging signs of stabilisation in both the mortgage and rental sectors of the property market. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/01740/Property-market-recovery-hope.aspx2009-03-25T16:28:55Despite the challenging economic climate, 94 per cent of investors are planning to invest the same amount or more into their investment ISAs in the next tax year as they have done this year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18719/Investment-ISAs-ever-popular.aspx2009-03-25T16:18:22Manchester BS has launched two bonds that go straight into the upper echelons of their respective fields.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67900/Spectacular-save-from-Manchester-BS.aspx2009-03-25T14:58:20Banks have been urged to cut transaction fees for purchases made using credit cards. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14416/Credit-card-transaction-fees-should-be-lowered.aspx2009-03-25T10:00:17The Bank of England’s Mervyn King has said that people should believe in sterling despite its recent poor performance. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/40756/Keep-faith-in-sterling-BoE-governor.aspx2009-03-25T09:55:51Homeowners have been warned that they are putting themselves at huge risk of incurring significant costs by not insuring their properties to their full reinstatement value.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60550/Underinsurance-a-problem.aspx2009-03-25T09:46:20Yorkshire Bank has launched a range of new fixed rate and tracker mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15501/Yorkshire-Bank-launches-new-mortgages.aspx2009-03-25T09:42:25The introduction of Chip and Pin technology to protect credit card customers has had a positive impact, it has been argued.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42732/Chip-and-Pin-helping-fraud-prevention.aspx2009-03-24T15:50:26Britons planning a break in the sun have been warned against the risk of credit card fraud abroad.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/73814/Fraud-abroad-continues-to-climb.aspx2009-03-24T15:45:22Mortgage approvals made by the UK’s biggest banks rose for the third month in a row in February.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/11582/Mortgage-approvals-up.aspx2009-03-24T15:25:31UK retirees are missing out to the tune of almost £56.6 million by not taking advantage of enhanced annuities.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/59001/Retirees-missing-out-on-almost-57-million.aspx2009-03-24T15:17:37Nationwide BS has launched a number of fixed rate bonds. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/39915/Nationwide-will-fix-it-for-you.aspx2009-03-24T14:22:57Borrowers are increasingly opting to fix their mortgage as the average fixed rate continues to drop.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/16974/Fixed-rates-proving-popular.aspx2009-03-23T16:00:08The Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) has unveiled a package of new rules for energy suppliers which will ban “unjustified” prices.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04168/Ofgem-to-ban-unjustified-energy-prices.aspx2009-03-23T15:11:21Savvy savers are battling against the credit crisis by reducing their spending by almost £1,800 a year. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/68618/Consumers-tailor-spending-behaviour.aspx2009-03-23T15:06:14There are signs that confidence is gradually returning to the housing market, according to the latest research from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/75637/Confidence-in-housing-market-rises.aspx2009-03-23T14:52:43West Bromwich BS has given savers a reason to cheer by launching a longer term issue of its popular E Bond. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/85599/The-names-Bond-E-Bond.aspx2009-03-23T14:20:08New rules relating to credit card limits will encourage consumers to face up to debt problems earlier, an expert has argued. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/80830/Credit-card-rules-will-aid-responsible-borrowing.aspx2009-03-23T14:10:15British merchant banker Close Brothers has relaunched its popular Premium Gold Bonds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07136/Strike-gold-with-Close-Brothers.aspx2009-03-23T14:08:04Consumers are being put off taking out unsecured loans to buy a car due to uncertainty over potential incentive schemes, it has been arguedhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99814/Scrapping-scheme-would-help-loan-holders-buy-cars.aspx2009-03-23T12:13:29The mortgage rates offered by banks are often cheaper than those from building societies, Moneyfacts.co.uk research has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18844/Banks-offer-cheaper-mortgage-rates.aspx2009-03-20T16:46:42Britannia BS has modified its fixed rate mortgage range, leaving longer term borrowers with something to smile about.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/77191/Britannia-BS-alters-fixed-rate-mortgages.aspx2009-03-20T16:42:58Investors that are currently wary of equities have been urged to ensure they maximise their contributions towards their cash ISA instead.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/47697/If-equities-scare-cash-is-always-there.aspx2009-03-20T16:23:21An increasing number of young savers are putting money aside for a deposit for their first home, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/98998/Home-deposit-saving-on-the-rise.aspx2009-03-20T16:17:32Borrowers have a part to play in ensuring unsecured loans and credit card bills do not become unaffordable, an expert has noted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/49350/Consumers-must-control-borrowing-says-expert.aspx2009-03-20T15:27:33Legislation should be introduced to protect those with unsecured loans from losing their homes as a result of their debt, it has been argued.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/61467/Government-should-help-prevent-repossessions.aspx2009-03-20T15:22:38Mansfield BS has launched a new two year fixed rate mortgage at the rather excellent rate of 3.39%. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60313/Mansfield-BS-unveils-leading-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-03-20T15:04:08Banks are now beating building societies in the race to offer the most competitive deals on savings accounts, according to research by Moneyfacts.co.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/51256/Savers-should-bank-on-banks.aspx2009-03-20T14:53:54Credit card fraud is costing Britons an increasing amount of money, it has been revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/19972/Credit-card-fraud-continues-to-rise.aspx2009-03-20T12:51:59Parents are still investing in Child Trust Funds (CTFs) despite the deepening recession, the Treasury has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52825/CTFs-still-proving-popular.aspx2009-03-19T16:49:51New legislation will see home buyers have earlier access to better information regarding their possible new home. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83557/New-HIP-to-help-home-buyers.aspx2009-03-19T16:45:49New tenants are benefitting as rents continue to be pushed even lower across the residential lettings sector, it has been revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38706/Tenants-enjoying-lower-rents.aspx2009-03-19T15:27:55Almost a quarter (22%) of road accidents are parking related, a new survey has revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28812/Parking-poses-most-problems-for-drivers.aspx2009-03-19T15:21:56Leeds BS has revealed a new range of fixed rate ISAs with rates and withdrawal options that will make them hard to beat.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/22651/Leeds-BS-reveals-new-fixed-rate-ISAs.aspx2009-03-19T15:14:52Cahoot has launched a new two year fixed rate bond that has leapt into the upper echelons of the longer term fixed rate market. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/75755/Cahoots-fixed-rate-bond-aims-high.aspx2009-03-19T15:04:44ISAs must be made simpler and more flexible, if more people are to be encouraged into using the tax free savings accounts, it has been suggestedhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/24682/Savers-want-ISAs-simplified.aspx2009-03-19T14:56:39Help for those struggling with debt problems due to the recession has been hailed by Citizens Advice. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/46522/Charity-welcomes-help-for-credit-card-customers.aspx2009-03-19T14:45:35All nine members of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted in favour of the £75 billion injection of cash into the economy, according to the minutes of its March meeting. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/49751/Quantitative-easing-decision-unanimous.aspx2009-03-19T09:22:09An increase in the national minimum wage is both necessary and affordable, the Trade Union Congress has saidhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84809/Call-to-raise-minimum-wage.aspx2009-03-19T09:21:32Credit card providers are attempting to be more sympathetic towards consumers in the current economic climate, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60407/Credit-card-firms-taking-sympathetic-approach.aspx2009-03-18T16:47:45Help for consumers struggling with debt problems has been announced by the government.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/19849/Debt-help-plan-unveiled-by-government.aspx2009-03-18T16:44:04The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is to be more intrusive in its approach to the supervision of banks and financial firms, the head of the regulator has announced. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84286/Tougher-regulation-for-banks.aspx2009-03-18T15:36:33People have been urged to review their finances, following the release of official figures showing unemployment in the UK has climbed above two million for the first time in 12 years. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/78192/Money-checks-essential-as-job-losses-rise.aspx2009-03-18T15:32:51Customer’s credit card repayments should be used to pay off higher rate balances first to reduce the amount of interest they pay, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/55408/Credit-card-rule-change-could-lower-interest.aspx2009-03-18T15:25:19Over half of people (54%) believe now is a good time to buy property in the UK, a new survey has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/22891/Price-is-right-for-property-purchase.aspx2009-03-18T15:00:57As the Individual Savings Account (ISA) gets ready to celebrate its tenth birthday on 6 April, savers have been told to make more of their tax free savings allowance.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79679/Savers-urged-to-use-ISA-allowance.aspx2009-03-18T14:55:34Secured loans, FSA, secured loans comparison, loans guideshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81464/Secured-loans-need-FSA-regulation.aspx2009-03-18T10:16:21The crack down on irresponsible lending by credit card companies has been heralded as a victory for consumers. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63220/Credit-card-changes-welcomed.aspx2009-03-17T16:53:38Investors have been urged to review their finances before the tax year ends to ensure they’re being as tax efficient as possible.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04979/Investors-told-to-face-facts.aspx2009-03-17T16:42:05Borrowers struggling to meet their mortgage repayments should contact their building society for help immediately, it has been advised.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/12557/Societies-will-offer-arrears-help.aspx2009-03-17T16:37:40The AA is driving to the rescue of savers with the relaunch of its telephone operated eleven month fixed rate bond.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84542/AA-rushes-to-help-to-savers.aspx2009-03-17T16:32:42Almost nine out of ten (89%) investors are planning to place the overwhelming majority of their ISA investments into equities next tax year, despite the ongoing volatility in the markets. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60461/ISA-investors-being-lured-by-equities.aspx2009-03-17T16:25:16Plans are in place to prevent credit card companies from raising the amount that can be borrowed when this has not been requested, it has emerged.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63780/Government-plans-crackdown-on-credit-card-firms.aspx2009-03-17T16:15:41Consumers who feel they have been mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI) have been offered a new means to redress the problem.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23097/PPI-complaint-tool-for-unsecured-loan-customers.aspx2009-03-16T16:44:36Sales of variable annuities, a relatively new type of retirement product to the UK, have more than doubled in the last year, latest research has revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/25483/Popularity-boost-for-variable-annuities.aspx2009-03-16T16:29:13Almost two thirds of so-called baby boomers have not recently reviewed their retirement plans, despite the significant impact that the financial crisis is likely to have had on their pension pots. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83348/Baby-boomers-urged-to-review-pensions.aspx2009-03-16T16:21:04The value of work that mums do around the house continues to increase, yet the number that have life insurance, critical illness cover or income protection cover remains low, according to a new survey. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/27640/Value-of-mums-rockets-above-32K.aspx2009-03-16T16:16:14Bank of Cyprus UK has launched into the cash ISA market with a fixed rate product to set pulses racing. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/44884/Bank-of-Cyprus-UK-reveals-fixed-rate-ISA.aspx2009-03-16T12:47:56Halifax has provided a ray of sunshine to savers by increasing the majority of rates on its fixed rate savings accounts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32256/Halifaxs-fixed-rate-savings-shine.aspx2009-03-16T12:16:25Cumberland Building Society’s fixed rate mortgage range is hotting up, with cuts being made to many of its two and five year fixed rates. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/58644/Cumberland-improves-fixed-rate-mortgages.aspx2009-03-16T12:11:15Funding is to be provided to help debt advice organisations provide help during the recession, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81327/Government-boosts-funding-for-debt-advice.aspx2009-03-16T11:34:26Plans are in place for a new reward credit card scheme to be launched in the UK, it has emerged.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/80949/New-reward-credit-card-scheme-planned.aspx2009-03-13T16:49:39Britons are paying a staggering £9 billion in unnecessary credit card interest repayments each year. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/12321/Needless-credit-card-payments-over-9-billion.aspx2009-03-13T16:31:30Monmouthshire BS has launched a range of new fixed rate mortgages as well as announcing that all its mortgage products are now available to intermediaries throughout England and Wales.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17719/Monmouthshire-BS-launches-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-03-13T16:21:55The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has added its voice to growing calls for first time buyers to be assisted in their attempts to secure borrowing for a mortgage. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21798/Translate-enthusiasm-into-sales-estate-agents.aspx2009-03-13T11:42:49West Bromwich BS has unveiled a new three year guaranteed bond that boasts a market leading rate.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/76839/Fix-it-with-West-Bromwich-BS.aspx2009-03-13T11:27:13Principality BS has launched two new bond products that are exclusively available to over fifties.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63738/Principality-tempts-over-50s-with-bonds.aspx2009-03-12T16:39:32Low income families are being urged to give their children a financially sound start in life by taking advantage of free government handouts. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43799/Low-income-families-unaware-of-handouts.aspx2009-03-12T16:34:38A third of Britons expect to look back on the current period as an ideal time to invest in the stock market, although only one in seven is actually considering to do so.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50937/Consumers-may-regret-not-investing.aspx2009-03-12T15:37:59The Government has been urged to resurrect mortgage indemnity guarantees (MIGs) in order to help re-energise the mortgage market. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83427/AMI-reintroduce-MIGs.aspx2009-03-12T15:26:31The Government has been called upon to provide consumers with incentives to invest in their long term financial wellbeing.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/12257/AIFA-call-for-incentives-for-savers.aspx2009-03-12T15:21:52Britannia BS has launched a range of innovative 15 year fixed rate mortgage products that come with the welcome bonus of added flexibility.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/68906/Britannia-offers-borrowers-bonus.aspx2009-03-12T15:17:24A third of consumers expect interest rates to be higher in a year's time, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21994/Consumers-predict-interest-rate-rise.aspx2009-03-12T15:10:51Credit card customers have been urged not to consider using this form of finance in order to pay off mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/11154/Credit-card-shouldnt-be-used-for-mortgage-payment.aspx2009-03-12T15:10:18Financial institutions are providing secured loans, but help for the market has not been enough to prevent a decline, it has been stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/19740/Lenders-not-getting-enough-help-to-prevent-decline.aspx2009-03-12T15:08:41Abbey has tweaked its fixed rate mortgage range by withdrawing several two and three year products, and replacing them with a selection of two, three and five year fixed rates.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67236/Abbey-tweaks-fixed-rate-mortgages.aspx2009-03-12T11:07:52Consumers facing debt management problems have been warned not to pay for advice they could get for free.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/30912/Expert-warns-of-fraudulent-advice-sites.aspx2009-03-12T11:01:24Financial institutions have been urged to provide some relief to those with secured loans during the economic downturn.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87845/Banks-should-help-consumers-during-downturn.aspx2009-03-11T16:55:55Birmingham Midshires has unveiled a new online 11 month fixed rate bond that pays 3.72% on maturity.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63943/Birmingham-Midshires-launches-new-bond.aspx2009-03-11T12:57:57Smokers have been advised that they could substantially reduce their life insurance premiums by kicking the habit.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63805/Smokers-quit-to-save-a-packet.aspx2009-03-11T09:33:00UK savers are still putting away over £160 each month despite tough economic conditions.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97868/Consumers-still-saving-over-160-per-month.aspx2009-03-11T09:27:03A fear of redundancy is one of the key worries Britons have in 2009, a poll has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23787/Brits-worried-about-redundancy.aspx2009-03-10T17:32:00Consumers could soon be paying for goods using mobile phones rather than credit cards, it has emerged.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/71854/Mobile-phones-to-be-used-as-credit-cards.aspx2009-03-10T17:26:37Annuities are likely to offer better value than savings rates despite the effects of quantitative easing, consumers have been told.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/35079/Annuities-offer-value-despite-quantitative-easing.aspx2009-03-10T17:13:41Figures from the Bank of England suggest that the average interest rate for savers who require instant access to their money is close to zero per centhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50812/Saving-rates-down-Bank-of-England.aspx2009-03-10T17:10:09Sainsbury’s Finance has announced that selected rates on unsecured personal loans will be reduced by 0.4% for online applications.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/98479/Sainsburys-reduce-selected-loan-rates.aspx2009-03-10T17:05:14The Government has been told to help first time buyers secure mortgages in a bid to kick start the struggling property market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90004/Government-told-help-first-time-buyers.aspx2009-03-10T17:00:33Barclays Bank has launched its Golden ISA product which offers a market leading rate of 3.55% monthly.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/10809/Barclays-gold-standard.aspx2009-03-10T16:56:23Investors are increasingly turning to equities as a result of the ongoing decline in cash interest rates, a survey has found. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/11618/ISA-investors-turn-to-equities.aspx2009-03-10T16:53:08The British Chambers of Commerce’s March 2009 Economic Forecast paints a grim picture of the UK economy but predicts that the recession will not be as severe as it became in the 1980s.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/98229/Recession-not-likely-to-reach-1980s-level.aspx2009-03-10T16:40:45The most recent base rate cut is unlikely to have a significant effect on the UK economy, an expert has argued.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99225/Latest-base-rate-cut-is-virtually-meaningless.aspx2009-03-09T15:47:16Consumers have been advised that they should still be looking to build up savings, despite the economic crisis that has seen interest rates drop to their lowest ever levels.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38448/Importance-of-savings-falling.aspx2009-03-09T15:39:14Anglo Irish Bank Corp. has increased the rate of interest on two of its offshore accounts, as well as introducing a new product to the markethttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/24264/Anglo-Irishs-offshore-offers.aspx2009-03-09T15:15:00Following the Bank of England’s decision to lower base rate to 0.5%, banks and building societies have been busy working out how this will affect their mortgage and savings productshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93862/Base-rate-movers-and-shakers.aspx2009-03-09T14:47:19The AA’s new Internet One Year Fixed Rate Bond is simple, yet so effective. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94177/AA-keep-it-simple-for-savers.aspx2009-03-06T16:36:17Abbey’s latest forays into the savings market are good news for those of you struggling to find a home for your money.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60857/Abbey-offers-savers-another-option.aspx2009-03-06T16:35:36Manchester BS is making its mark in the fixed rate cash ISA market with a new three year product paying 3.31% yearly. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/72468/Manchester-BS-unveils-fixed-rate-cash-ISA.aspx2009-03-06T16:34:55Barnsley BS has revealed a new two year fixed rate mortgage with no extended tie-in at the competitive rate of 3.79%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00833/Barnsley-BS-fixes-it-for-mortgage-borrowers.aspx2009-03-06T16:33:45Nottingham BS has launched Issue 8 of its popular Children’s Regular Saver account paying 5.00% yearly, one of the best rates in the market. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83523/Nottingham-BS-doing-it-for-the-kids.aspx2009-03-06T16:32:49The Nationwide Building Society has announced that its credit and debit card customers will be charged for using their cards outside Europehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/29886/Nationwide-announce-overseas-charges.aspx2009-03-06T12:13:46Consumers are increasingly choosing to save their money rather than spend, a poll has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/92888/Credit-card-debt-prompting-Brits-to-save.aspx2009-03-06T11:55:34The Bank of England is unlikely to cut interest rates any further, it has been suggested. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87050/Bank-of-England-running-out-of-options.aspx2009-03-06T11:54:52The Bank of England has announced that the official base rate of interest has been cut by a further 50 basis points.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/40865/Bank-halves-base-rate.aspx2009-03-06T09:54:47Today’s decision by the Bank of England to cut interest rates by half a percentage point to yet another new low looks set to spell more pain for savers. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82263/Savers-suffer-again-but-help-may-be-at-hand.aspx2009-03-05T16:52:18The Bank of England is likely to turn to quantitative easing in order to stimulate the economy, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17683/Quantitative-easing-likely-in-near-future.aspx2009-03-05T12:02:15Consumers who find themselves with high levels of debt need to take responsibility for their situation, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/62564/Consumers-must-accept-responsibility-for-debt.aspx2009-03-05T12:01:41Halifax has increased the rates of its fixed rate ISAs by up to 0.15%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/36722/Halifax-increases-value-of-ISAs.aspx2009-03-05T10:45:26Bradford and Bingley has launched a new Easy Saver account, paying 2.50%, and a Global Saver account that pays 2.75%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/54024/Bradford-and-Bingley-Int-launches-offshore-saver.aspx2009-03-05T10:24:38Britons are becoming more realistic in their retirement expectations, preferring to focus on hobbies and time with the family rather than second homes and round-the-world cruises. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70834/Retirement-expectations-more-realistic.aspx2009-03-05T10:03:13The Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index recorded a rise last month for the first time since October last year. Despite a gloomy economic outlook, the index increased from 41 in January to 43 in February. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86246/Consumer-confidence-on-the-up.aspx2009-03-05T09:34:23Concerns over stability in the current economic climate are leading a growing number of Britons to take control of their finances, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/44746/Brits-taking-control-of-money-matters.aspx2009-03-04T15:52:18Nearly a quarter of people who are planning to buy a car over the next six months intend to fund part of their purchase through unsecured loans, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/56239/Unsecured-loans-fund-car-purchases-for-one-in-four.aspx2009-03-04T15:47:41Abbey has announced the launch of a new zero per cent balance credit card, in a bid to offer better value for consumers. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42732/Abbey-launches-new-0-per-cent-balance-credit-card.aspx2009-03-04T15:31:23Hinckley & Rugby BS has launched a new variable base rate tracker mortgage. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/09590/Hinckley-and-Rugby-BS-tempt-with-tracker.aspx2009-03-04T10:45:27The Bank of Ireland (NI) has launched a 12 month fixed term internet and telephone operated account for Northern Ireland residents.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18819/Bank-of-Ireland-offer-esavings-account.aspx2009-03-04T10:37:23Savvy consumers are protecting themselves against the possibility of insolvent retailers with credit cards, a poll has shown.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07689/Consumers-protect-themselves-with-plastic.aspx2009-03-04T10:24:36The Building Societies Association has said that a Bank of England decision to cut interest rates again this week would be bad news for almost everybody connected with the savings and mortgage markets. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/64312/BSA-discourages-interest-rate-cut.aspx2009-03-03T14:37:38The amount of borrowing on credit cards in the UK has increased during the first month of 2009, it has been revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/39239/Credit-card-borrowing-rises.aspx2009-03-03T12:00:06The cost of borrowing money has become cheaper following the Bank of England's interest rate decisions, it has been claimed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42422/Borrowing-has-become-cheaper-economist-confirms.aspx2009-03-03T11:52:43Leeds BS has launched a five year fixed rate escalator ISA that guarantees rising rates each year. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15837/Leeds-BS-unveils-five-year-ISA.aspx2009-03-03T11:19:55Abbey has withdrawn and replaced its three year fixed rate bond with a new two year offering, as well as revising its one year option.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70014/Abbey-out-front-with-new-bond.aspx2009-03-03T10:58:03Well over a million new accounts were opened in 2008, building societies have reported yesterday. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/59190/Building-society-account-openings-rise.aspx2009-03-03T10:48:50The number of unsecured loans agreed between lenders and individuals rose in January 2009, according to new figures http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/98937/Unsecured-loans-lending-rises.aspx2009-03-02T14:59:41Irresponsible lending has contributed to a situation that sees many Britons struggling with excessive debt, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/27398/Job-losses-and-irresponsible-lending-debt-problems.aspx2009-03-02T14:57:03The Bank of England is likely to lower the base rate of interest further this week, experts have predicted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/69645/Experts-predict-rate-cut.aspx2009-03-02T14:48:41The Bank of England is unlikely to bring the base rate of interest below 0.5 per cent, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15997/Base-rate-wont-fall-much-further.aspx2009-03-02T12:12:26Consumers are beginning to struggle as a result of taking on too much credit card and other debt in the past, it has observed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/59500/Easy-credit-has-led-to-debt-problems.aspx2009-03-02T12:04:43Chelsea BS is bidding to beat the winter blues with a market leading short term fixed rate bond. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/75235/Short-term-winter-bond-from-Chelsea-BS.aspx2009-02-27T16:13:30Consumer confidence has increased slightly this month, although figures are still significantly down compared to 12 months ago. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/34999/Consumer-confidence-rises.aspx2009-02-27T16:09:48The cost of renting is falling because homeowners are choosing to let their properties rather than sell them, according to a survey.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/01027/Consumers-find-solace-in-falling-rent.aspx2009-02-27T16:04:02First Direct have launched a new fixed rate mortgage with no extended tie-in that offers a hugely competitive rate of 2.99% for two years.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07286/First-Direct-deliver-with-fixed-rate.aspx2009-02-27T15:59:26Consumers in Britain have little chance of paying off the money they owe within their lifetimes, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/74799/Bills-and-secured-loans-contributing-to-mounting.aspx2009-02-27T10:44:19The majority of Britons believe they have at least some part to play in ensuring they are not lent too much money, a poll has discovered. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14352/Britons-accept-blame-for-irresponsible-lending.aspx2009-02-27T10:41:23First time buyers are being offered little incentive to join the property ladder, research by Moneyfacts.co.uk has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/56883/First-time-buyers-offered-little-incentive.aspx2009-02-26T15:56:41Thousands of current account customers were given cause for celebration this morning, as the appeal by eight banks to overturn the ruling that the fairness of overdraft charges can be investigated was thrown out by the High Court. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87150/OFT-defeat-banks-in-High-Court.aspx2009-02-26T15:45:55A US company has announced the creation of technology to protect credit card customers from fraud. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79421/Credit-card-fraud-solution-developed.aspx2009-02-26T15:05:27Godiva Mortgages has added to its product portfolio with a five year fixed rate mortgage, although customers will have to go through the intermediary channels to take advantage of it. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99360/Godiva-adds-to-its-product-range.aspx2009-02-26T12:46:56Fifty-six per cent of parents with children over the age of 16 have admitted to giving or lending a substantial amount of money to their kids or grandchildren, with one in six increasing their own debt to help their offspring. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70298/Savings-more-important-than-ever.aspx2009-02-26T12:46:19Loughborough BS has launched two new mortgages and replaced its standard variable rate mortgage of 4.99% for three years.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79299/New-mortgages-from-Loughborough-BS.aspx2009-02-26T12:45:45Research has found that the number of people who are making overpayments on their mortgages has doubled in the last year alone. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/26439/Mortgage-overpayments-increase.aspx2009-02-26T12:44:48The decision to require a debt collection agency to improve its practice has been welcomed by Citizens Advice.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83321/OFT-ruling-sends-a-message-to-debt-collectors.aspx2009-02-26T11:11:31Paying off debts such as unsecured loans is one of the key ways that young adults believe they can become financially secure, it has been foundhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/73344/Paying-off-debt-key-to-financial-independence.aspx2009-02-26T11:10:52Calls for an end to single premium payment protection insurance (PPI) have been welcomed by insurance brokers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99589/Potential-end-of-single-premium-PPI-welcomed.aspx2009-02-26T10:27:13The sharp fall in property values and reported rise in home repossessions is likely to change the once growing perception of ‘my house is my pension fund’ and drive people back into the pension savings market once the economy starts to rebuild, says a rephttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28409/Pensions-saving-to-become-popular-again.aspx2009-02-25T15:28:37Northern Rock’s announcement that it intends to increase mortgage lending by up to £14 billion over the next two years has been welcomed by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02304/Northern-Rock-mortgage-boost-welcomed.aspx2009-02-25T15:24:18Mansfield BS has launched a three year mortgage with a fixed rate of 4.09% to replace its 4.59% option. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83247/Mansfield-BS-launches-new-fixed-mortgage.aspx2009-02-25T15:23:21The number of home loans approved by banks rose slightly in the UK last month, according to the latest figures published by the British Banking Association (BBA).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/74335/Mortgage-approvals-rise.aspx2009-02-25T15:22:26Barnsley BS has withdrawn and replaced its portfolio of fixed rate mortgages, with rates reduced by up to 1.20%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96120/Barnsley-BS-replaces-its-fixed-rate-mortgages.aspx2009-02-24T16:43:20Banks in the UK are helping to make up for overseas institutions that are failing to provide secured and unsecured loans, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/98731/British-banks-proving-more-loans.aspx2009-02-24T16:38:06Companies that are still selling single premium payment protection insurance (PPI) alongside unsecured loans have been urged to stop doing so.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/72438/FSA-calls-for-end-of-single-premium-PPI.aspx2009-02-24T16:35:26The introduction of Chip and Pin technology has significantly reduced the amount of travel fraud being carried out on credit cards, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/36508/Credit-card-safeguards-see-shift-in-fraud-types.aspx2009-02-24T16:29:46Many consumers aged 25 and under are failing to protect their debts against the possibility that they become unable to work, it has been revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/37715/Younger-people-neglecting-income-protection.aspx2009-02-24T14:11:17Credit cards could be replaced by mobile payments in the future, it has been suggested. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/75754/Mobile-payments-more-secure-than-credit-cards.aspx2009-02-24T14:09:47Principality BS has launched a one year fixed rate regular savings account to celebrate St David’s Day. To take advantage of the competitive 4.50% rate, savers must invest a minimum of £20 a month, with the maximum amount set at £500. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17639/Principalitys-St-Davids-Day-special-and-new-ISA.aspx2009-02-24T09:59:29Abbey and Alliance & Leicester have launched a new two-year fixed rate bond with an interest rate of 4.01% AER/gross per annum – making it the best available rate in the market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15657/Abbey-andAlliance-and-Leiceste-new-fixed-rate-bond.aspx2009-02-23T16:30:33More than a third of Britons have switched financial products in order to save money in the last year, research has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79561/Brits-switching-credit-cards-to-cut-back.aspx2009-02-23T15:33:22Small business owners have been found to be increasingly relying on family and friends for unsecured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15990/Business-owners-turning-to-family-for-loans.aspx2009-02-20T14:33:04Consumers who take out unsecured loans for the purpose of buying cars are increasingly finding that they can get more for their money, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06426/Cars-now-better-value-for-unsecured-loans.aspx2009-02-20T14:32:11Unsecured loans, guaranteed loan, Which?, unsecured loans comparison, loans guides, loans blogs, loans discussionshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23557/Unsecured-loan-problems-prompt-rise-of-pawnbroking.aspx2009-02-20T10:20:35Credit card customers have been advised to protect their details in order to avoid becoming victims of internet scams.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/72021/Expert-warns-of-credit-card-fraud-risk.aspx2009-02-20T10:18:34Woolwich aims to attract mortgage customers with a new four year fixed rate mortgage.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43766/Woolwich-woos-customers-with-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-02-19T15:52:30Lloyds TSB are giving customers the chance to save at a rate of 3.2% with their new Fixed Rate Cash ISA. This new rate is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of opening the account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04365/New-Fixed-Rate-Cash-ISA-from-Lloyds-TSB.aspx2009-02-19T14:54:56Holders of Premium Bonds should all be checking to see if they are among the 550,000 people who have left £30m of prizes unclaimed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17995/Rate-changes-and-unclaimed-prizes-with-N-S-and-I.aspx2009-02-19T14:53:41The credit card industry is making changes to allow customers to carry out credit card comparisons more effectively, it has been stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04666/Standards-for-effective-credit-card-comparisons.aspx2009-02-19T14:43:09There may be a quick fix for savers struggling to find a decent rate of return for their money: http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67436/Fixed-rate-bonds-ride-to-savers-rescue.aspx2009-02-19T11:57:27Halifax International’s Portfolio Plus Issue One is giving offshore savers the chance of a potential 5% p.a. annual return depending on the performance of the FTSE 100 Index.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/25429/Halifax-International-tempts-with-possible-5-per-cent-pa.aspx2009-02-18T16:06:07The Bank of England must take action to ensure that the supply of credit is improved, it has been stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/58305/Lib-Dems-call-for-action-as-inflation-slows.aspx2009-02-18T15:22:13Nationwide Building Society's Trust Us, Trust You campaign has been recognised at a credit card industry event.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08348/Nationwide-credit-card-campaign-honoured.aspx2009-02-18T15:20:50Consumers are set to tighten their belts further as disposable income levels fall, research has revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79567/Brits-worry-about-paying-off-secured-loans.aspx2009-02-18T15:19:40The recession that has taken hold in the UK will continue throughout the rest of this year, it has been stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90421/Credit-needed-to-limit-impact-of-recession.aspx2009-02-17T14:59:12An increase in secured loan arrears and other debt problems has led Citizens Advice to extend its opening hours.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87374/Citizens-Advice-open-longer-for-secured-loans.aspx2009-02-17T14:57:59The Bank of England is having to take further steps to ensure that institutions provide more secured and unsecured loans, it has been noted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06553/Bank-considering-other-options-to-boost-lending.aspx2009-02-16T14:51:19Problems in the current economic climate are leaving adults who want to help their parents in retirement unable to do so, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14235/Adults-unable-to-help-parents-in-retirement.aspx2009-02-16T11:55:08Britons are confident that interest rates will rise because they are staying informed, it has been suggested. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/80098/Consumers-aware-of-interest-rate-debate.aspx2009-02-16T11:52:35An initiative to give consumers a greater chance of buying a new car has been proposed by the AA.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/76447/Car-scrapping-would-help-unsecured-loans.aspx2009-02-13T16:10:46Those who are thinking of splashing out on their loved ones this Valentine's Day have been advised to consider a zero per cent balance credit card.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02012/0-per-cent-balance-credit-card-for-Valentine-spenders.aspx2009-02-13T16:10:06Banks are increasingly focused on helping consumers get out of debt, it has been observed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/03477/Banks-attitude-change-for-unsecured-loan-holders.aspx2009-02-13T16:09:23Consumers with secured and unsecured loans are set to benefit if interest rates remain low for a prolonged period of time, an expert has observed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/41918/Low-base-rate-great-for-unsecured-loans-borrowers.aspx2009-02-13T16:08:42Unexpected credit card bills are causing some Britons to dip into their savings, research has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/16673/Credit-card-a-problem-but-Brits-hold-on-to-savings.aspx2009-02-13T16:08:04Consumers have been advised to consider finding a credit card with a low balance transfer rate if they experience an rise in interesthttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/80248/Consider-switching-to-avoid-high-credit-card-rates.aspx2009-02-12T16:37:04The value of unsecured loans taken out for home improvements rose significantly last year, it has been revealed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/88759/Unsecured-loans-for-home-improvement-on-the-rise.aspx2009-02-12T16:32:03Already the most competitive internet only ISA on the market, the NatWest e-ISA will now also be accepting transfers in from ISA’s which are held with other providers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/85105/New-ISA-deals-from-NatWest.aspx2009-02-12T14:20:29Although more than half of us Brits are looking to celebrate Valentines, nearly 39% will be looking to spend less than in previous years in a bid to protect savings.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02903/Has-cupid-been-credit-crunched.aspx2009-02-12T14:13:05Recent results from Birmingham Midshires ‘Saving Britain’ research show that we Brits have been holding on to our savings over the last 3 months, with ‘savings raids’ falling by 40% against the same period last year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67301/A-time-to-save-before-a-time-to-spend.aspx2009-02-12T10:33:53Over the last 21 years, pocket money received by children has increased by 419% according to Halifax. The number of children receiving pocket money has also increased from 71% (in 1987) to 82%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50073/Pocket-money-rises-higher-than-inflation.aspx2009-02-12T10:09:44Consumers are increasingly expecting a rise in interest rates, according to a survey.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/27680/Rise-in-interest-rates-expected-study-finds.aspx2009-02-11T16:45:45Nearly a third of couples in the UK have been arguing more over money matters since the onset of the recession, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83458/Money-worries-increasing-arguments-study-shows.aspx2009-02-11T16:45:01The zero per cent balance credit card offering from Abbey has received recognition at an industry awards ceremony http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21126/Abbey-praised-for-0-per-cent-balance-credit-card.aspx2009-02-11T16:44:16Consumers facing debt problems as a result of outstanding secured and unsecured loans have been advised not to wait before seeking help.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79219/Consumers-in-debt-should-not-delay-seeking-advice.aspx2009-02-10T16:13:13Halifax, credit cards, unsecured loans, personal debt, unsecured loans comparison, loans guides, loans blogs, loans discussionshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48298/Half-of-Brits-prioritising-finances.aspx2009-02-10T16:12:31Young Britons facing financial pressure are increasingly choosing to move back in with their parents, a survey has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/61417/Cash-strapped-Brits-moving-back-home.aspx2009-02-10T16:11:40The Bank of England's decision to lower the official base rate has been welcomed by the British Chambers of Commerce. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/01887/Base-rate-cut-was-the-right-decision.aspx2009-02-09T16:34:26Consumers have been advised to carry out a credit card comparison in order to find the best interest rate available.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/88022/Credit-card-comparisons-always-important.aspx2009-02-09T16:32:58A service designed to help credit card customers better manage their finances and reduce the risk of fraud has been recognised at an industry event. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52605/Credit-card-technology-recognised.aspx2009-02-09T16:28:11Lending levels are unlikely to return to their previous heights when the UK recovers from the recession, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83159/Credit-flow-unlikely-to-return-to-previous-levels.aspx2009-02-09T14:25:06Credit card customers should avoid using this form of finance for small purchases, a charity has warned. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38716/Credit-cards-shouldnt-be-used-for-small-purchases.aspx2009-02-09T14:23:10NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has become the latest lender to confirm a reduction in its standard variable rate (SVR) following the Bank of England’s decision to lower base rate to 1%. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/92487/RBS-NatWest-tries-to-satisfy-savers-and-borrowers.aspx2009-02-06T16:20:48Consumers have urged to be "very sensible" when making payments using credit cards.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/27198/Credit-card-users-should-be-sensible.aspx2009-02-06T14:47:07Britons are expecting to spend more on credit cards this year than they did in 2008, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/78111/Credit-card-spending-set-to-increase-survey-shows.aspx2009-02-06T09:53:18The Bank of England has lowered the official base rate for the fifth consecutive month.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63125/Base-rate-cut-by-0-5-per-cent.aspx2009-02-06T09:47:41The Bank of England's decision to cut interest rates by another half percentage point to a new record low of 1% means there'll be another month of moving and shaking in the mortgage and savings markets http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/62379/Interest-rates-slashed-again.aspx2009-02-05T14:28:39Those facing financial difficulty as a result of secured loans and other debt should be given more help, Citizens Advice has stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96266/Consumers-with-secured-loan-arrears-need-more-help.aspx2009-02-05T11:54:31Many consumers who resolved to transfer to a zero per cent balance credit card in the New Year have failed to do so, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42063/Consumers-failing-to-transfer-to-0-per-cent-Cards.aspx2009-02-04T14:20:22The government's economic priority should be to encourage banks to provide more secured and unsecured loans, it has been stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21385/Increase-in-lending-key-to-economic-recovery.aspx2009-02-04T10:57:29A new credit card has been introduced by MBNA, offering what the firm describes as a "market-leading" rate.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87293/MBNA-introduces-new-credit-card.aspx2009-02-04T10:56:45A widening gap between the best and worst annuity rates available has highlighted the importance of shopping around for the best deal, according to Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/89064/Mind-the-annuity-gap.aspx2009-02-04T10:16:22Lloyds TSB and its mortgage lending arm Cheltenham & Gloucester have promised to pass on any cut in the Bank of England base rate to their existing variable and tracker customers. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87203/Lloyds-TSB-C-and-G-to-pass-on-any-cut.aspx2009-02-04T10:15:00Consumers have been advised to be vigilant in order to ensure they do not become victims of credit card fraud. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/35886/Credit-card-holders-must-be-vigilant.aspx2009-02-03T15:49:39The Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) is likely to cut the base rate further this week, experts have predicted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/33985/Base-rate-cut-expected-poll-finds.aspx2009-02-03T15:49:02Unsecured loans holders have been advised to consider income protection to provide security.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21973/Income-protection-better-for-unsecured-loans.aspx2009-02-02T15:06:41The Bank of England could lower the base rate to zero per cent in the coming months, it has been suggested. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/54197/Base-rate-may-go-to-zero.aspx2009-02-02T15:06:02Those struggling as a result of the credit crunch could save money by using a reward credit card, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/49743/Reward-credit-card-can-ease-the-cost-of-food.aspx2009-01-30T16:13:00More than half of people in the UK have been cutting back on their spending, it has been found. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/74916/Consolidating-unsecured-loans-helps-cutting-back.aspx2009-01-29T14:47:22Consumers travelling abroad have been advised to ensure they are prepared to make payments by a variety of means. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93942/Credit-card-holders-vary-payment-options-abroad.aspx2009-01-29T14:46:45Not all borrowers who have taken out single premium payment protection insurance (PPI) will be able to make claims, it has been noted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18818/Insurance-for-unsecured-loans-not-comprehensive.aspx2009-01-29T14:44:18The Post Office has a selection of savings accounts, which are provided and run by the Bank of Ireland. In the last few weeks, many of the Post Office’s 500,000 savings customers, will have received letters advising them that they are no longer covered unhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28982/Savings-Compensation.aspx2009-01-29T10:59:34Those facing mounting problems as a result of debt through unsecured loans and credit cards are likely to find that banks are more willing to consider accepting consolidation, it has been noted. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83504/Banks-open-to-consolidation-for-unsecured-debt.aspx2009-01-29T10:32:50Growing numbers of people making claims on personal protection insurance (PPI) policies demonstrate their importance, it has been stated. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/64258/Claims-on-unsecured-loan-insurance-soar-ABI-finds.aspx2009-01-29T10:32:15For the second year in a row, with 1 in 3 people affected, London has been confirmed as the credit card fraud capital of Britain.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/53590/London-tops-credit-card-fraud-figures.aspx2009-01-28T14:40:07Savers searching for a home for their money that will deliver a consistently good return should be focusing their attention on building societies.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/30605/Building-societies-consistently-best-for-savings.aspx2009-01-28T14:39:07According to Sainsbury’s Home Insurance, water damage, through ‘forcible / violent bursting’, has been the cause of over 13,000 home insurance claims since 22nd December 2008. The value of these claims is estimated to be £27.56 million.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/56633/Are-you-covered-for-water-damage.aspx2009-01-28T14:22:10Further pressure has been placed on the government to increase the availability of secured loans. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70620/Government-must-increase-flow-of-lending.aspx2009-01-28T13:53:18Consumer campaign group Which? has called for a complete ban on the sale of single premium payment protection insurance (PPI).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14593/Single-premium-PPI-should-be-banned.aspx2009-01-28T12:25:53Consumers struggling to obtain unsecured loans are increasingly turning to expensive forms of finance, it has been noted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43110/Less-unsecured-loans-equals-more-payday-loans.aspx2009-01-28T11:19:06MBNA has announced the launch of a new reward credit card after teaming up with United Airlines.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84297/MBNA-and-airline-launch-reward-credit-card.aspx2009-01-27T13:56:11Unsecured lending dropped by nearly 38 per cent in December compared to a year earlier, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/51173/Value-of-new-unsecured-loans-down-38-per-cent.aspx2009-01-27T09:51:10Until borrowers can get a better deal than moving onto their lender’s SVR, we are unlikely to see any significant improvements in lending figures.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/44653/Lending-figures-will-struggle-to-improve.aspx2009-01-27T09:43:50The cost of an unsecured personal loan continues to increase with loan rates up in some cases by 3.4% in just 18 months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99591/Loan-rates-jump-3-4-per-cent-in-just-18-months.aspx2009-01-26T16:35:11New tactics adopted by HSBC to prevent credit card fraud are likely to be "much more effective", it has been claimed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/80613/Real-time-credit-card-monitoring-more-effective.aspx2009-01-26T12:31:06Melton Mowbray Building Society has just launched a new range of fixed rate mortgages although they are only available to those living within a 30 mile radius of the town. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00887/Melton-Mowbray-BS-launch-new-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-01-23T15:21:50Taxpayers choosing to make payments using plastic have been advised to consider using a reward credit card.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/95050/Reward-credit-card-should-be-considered-to-pay-tax.aspx2009-01-23T15:16:08News that the rate of inflation in the UK is slowing has been welcomed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21420/Slowing-inflation-welcomed-by-economist.aspx2009-01-23T14:57:18Unsecured loans, interest rates, Bank of England, base rate, unsecured lending, payment protection insurance, PPI, Barclays, Alliance & Leicester, Lloyds TSB, The Co-Operative Bank, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, unsecured loans comparison table, loans http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/29149/Interest-on-unsecured-loans-rising-figures-show.aspx2009-01-23T12:04:37Consolidating unsecured loans into one payment could help consumers to manage their finances, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/72983/Consolidating-unsecured-loans-could-help-save-cash.aspx2009-01-23T11:55:44Interest rates for secured loans may be set to fall further in the future, as the minutes of the Bank of England's most recent monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting have shown that all nine members backed a base rate cut.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/45574/Strong-support-for-rate-cut-minutes-show.aspx2009-01-23T11:10:23Alliance and Leicester has thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the current account market with its online Premier Direct Current Account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/45643/Great-deal-from-A-and-L-Premier-Direct-Current-Account.aspx2009-01-23T10:40:24FirstSave will launch a new one year fixed rate bond on 23 January 2009. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/39365/1-year-fixed-rate-bond-from-FirstSave.aspx2009-01-23T10:33:30Birmingham Midshires is offering the best one year fixed rate cash ISA on the market but you’ll need to act fast as it won’t be around long.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/15264/Birmingham-Midshires-offer-fixed-term-cash-ISA.aspx2009-01-23T10:23:19Leeds Building Society has launched a market leading five year fixed rate mortgage.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94983/New-fixed-rate-mortgage-from-Leeds-BS.aspx2009-01-23T10:05:28Consumers have been advised to consider taking out unsecured loans in order to consolidate their debt.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/26824/Unsecured-loans-a-good-idea-for-debt-consolidation.aspx2009-01-22T16:21:32The government's latest package to aid banks may help increase the level of lending, the centre for economics and business research (cebr) has said. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14848/Government-action-may-boost-lending.aspx2009-01-22T16:16:15Rate of inflation, consumer prices index, interest rates, secured loans, Bank of England, base rate, secured loans comparison table, loans guides, loans blogs, loans discussionshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/92487/Inflation-continues-to-slow-ONS-finds.aspx2009-01-22T16:11:11Several high street lenders have announced that they will no longer be offering single premium payment protection insurance (PPI) alongside unsecured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/29440/Change-in-insurance-policies-for-unsecured-loans.aspx2009-01-22T16:01:12Increasing numbers of homeowners are making monthly overpayments to their mortgage, according to Lloyds TSB and Cheltenham & Gloucester. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43713/Mortgage-borrowers-should-look-to-overpay.aspx2009-01-22T11:34:28The Britannia Building Society and Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) have announced they are to merge, creating what has been dubbed a super-mutual in the process. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/69026/Britannia-and-Co-op-to-create-super-mutual.aspx2009-01-22T11:24:05Alliance & Leicester are offering new customers the chance to gain a winter windfall of £100 if they apply online for their Premier Current Account and use their Premier Switching Service to move their account across.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82018/Get-100-from-Alliance-and-Leicester.aspx2009-01-22T11:15:03It’s a big idea in the USA, but will the expansion of the credit union market become a real alternative to high street institutions within Britain?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/54481/Change-your-current-account-for-a-credit-union.aspx2009-01-21T16:01:28Halifax is offering a new zero per cent balance credit card option for those looking to improve their financial situation in the new year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/11591/0-per-cent-balance-credit-card-offered-by-Halifax.aspx2009-01-21T11:14:33A lack of lending from banks is a major problem in the current economic crisis, it has been stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/66295/Lack-of-lending-is-key-issue.aspx2009-01-21T11:09:57Royal Bank of Scotland aims to tempt its Advantage Gold/Private/Business current account holders with a new range of variable tracker rate mortgages. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/74564/RBS-variable-tracker-deal-for-existing-customers.aspx2009-01-21T10:56:12In response the latest base rate change, Royal Bank of Scotland has launched a new range of fixed rate mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/56511/RBS-fixed-rate-mortgage-for-all.aspx2009-01-21T10:51:49Royal Bank of Scotland has just launched a new range of fixed rate mortgages aimed only at its Advantage Gold/Private/Business current account holders.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38246/RBS-offer-existing-customers-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-01-21T10:47:19Royal Bank of Scotland has just launched a new range of fixed rate mortgages aimed at its Advantage Private/Advantage Business current account holders onlyhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/35317/RBS-launches-new-fixed-rate-mortgage-range.aspx2009-01-21T10:02:40Royal Bank of Scotland Private/Advantage Business current account holders are set to be wooed by the new range of variable tracker mortgages designed exclusively for themhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/33093/RBS-temps-with-variable-tracker-mortgages.aspx2009-01-21T09:51:46Royal Bank of Scotland has launched a new range of variable tracker rate mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18365/RBS-offer-new-variable-tracker-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-01-21T09:41:37NatWest Private/Advantage Business current account holders are set to be wooed by the new range of variable tracker mortgages designed exclusively for them.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/49097/NatWest-tempts-with-variable-tracker-mortgages.aspx2009-01-20T16:41:10In response the latest base rate change, NatWest has launched a new range of fixed rate mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18213/NatWest-fixed-rate-mortgage-for-all.aspx2009-01-20T12:36:05NatWest has just launched a new range of fixed rate mortgages aimed at its Advantage Private/Advantage Business current account holders only.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60333/NatWest-launches-new-fixed-rate-mortgage-range.aspx2009-01-20T12:12:52NatWest has launched a new range of variable tracker rate mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/85285/NatWest-offer-new-variable-tracker-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-01-20T12:05:32NatWest aims to tempt its Advantage Gold/Private/Business current account holders with a new range of variable tracker rate mortgages. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/27753/NatWest-variable-tracker-for-existing-customers.aspx2009-01-20T11:49:43NatWest has just launched a new range of fixed rate mortgages aimed only at its Advantage Gold/Private/Business current account holders.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/12956/NatWest-offer-existing-customers-new-mortgage.aspx2009-01-20T11:44:12Prompted by the base rate change, The Cambridge BS has just launched two new fixed rate mortgages but they are only available to the people of East Anglia! http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/91933/Cambridge-BS-launch-new-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-01-20T11:36:21Prompted by the base rate change, The Post Office has just launched a new range of fixed rate mortgages. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/09966/Post-Office-launches-new-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2009-01-20T11:24:24Consumers are increasingly choosing to spend time at home as they try to weather the economic downturn by cutting costs, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86199/Credit-crunch-prompting-increase-in-family-time.aspx2009-01-20T11:00:10The government has announced new support for financial institutions, designed to get them to increase lending.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86575/Government-plans-to-increase-secured-loans.aspx2009-01-20T10:51:58Secured loans holders should speak to their lender in order to avoid repossession, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96229/Secured-loan-customers-should-contact-lender.aspx2009-01-19T10:25:40Consumers will continue to support charity work even when they are facing increasing financial difficulty, it has been observed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70036/Britons-generous-despite-downturn.aspx2009-01-19T10:22:08Falling house prices has made it easier for people on the lower rungs of the property ladder to take the next step up. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/22417/Property-ladder-climb-cheaper.aspx2009-01-16T14:55:36West Bromwich BS is in the news again, this time with the launch of a fixed rate bond which is guaranteed for three years.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32115/Earn-4-percent-for-three-years-with-West-Bromwich-BS.aspx2009-01-16T13:39:25The use of cheques in the UK has been predicted to continue to fall. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86813/Plastic-cards-set-to-replace-cheques.aspx2009-01-15T15:22:51Sainsbury's has announced that it is cutting interest rates on its unsecured loans. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60053/Sainsburys-cuts-unsecured-loans-rate.aspx2009-01-15T15:17:17The economic downturn has led to the emergence of new words, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32389/Financial-crisis-creating-new-words.aspx2009-01-15T11:33:56Holders of credit cards who have had difficulties paying off their credit card bill have been given breathing space by changes made by card companies and the governmenthttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/94097/Breathing-space-for-Credit-Card-customers.aspx2009-01-15T10:09:50The Scottish government has announced that it is taking steps to aid those who may be struggling financially. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04345/Scottish-government-creates-debt-forum.aspx2009-01-15T09:46:55Consumers in the UK are unlikely to switch from using credit cards to contactless payment options in the near future, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/24680/Switch-to-contactless-payments-will-take-years.aspx2009-01-14T11:25:11A growing number of people failing to repay secured and unsecured loans are likely to force banks to make cutbacks, it has been predicted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/50526/Increasing-numbers-defaulting-on-unsecured-loans.aspx2009-01-14T11:18:50The price of prime properties in central London fell a further 2.2% in December, contributing to a 16.9% fall over the whole of 2008, according to Knight Frankhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/49153/House-price-pain-persists-in-London.aspx2009-01-14T10:32:18Jobseekers who find themselves unemployed for longer than six months have been guaranteed more support from the Government to help them get back into work. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42842/Jobseeker-help-revealed.aspx2009-01-14T10:29:58Principality BS has today launched a new fixed rate regular savings account. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96629/Latest-Principality-BS-regular-savings-bond.aspx2009-01-14T10:14:59Consumers have been advised to keep track of their finances in order to avoid mounting difficulty. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67688/Keep-track-of-finances-to-avoid-debt-expert-urges.aspx2009-01-13T10:37:10Credit card customers shopped until the last minute this Christmas, figures from Barclaycard have shown.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/27802/Britons-shop-on-Christmas-Eve-figures-reveal.aspx2009-01-13T10:27:56A survey of charities has revealed that Britons increased the amount of money they gave away this Christmas.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32596/Charities-report-increase-in-donations.aspx2009-01-13T10:24:03According to Sainsbury’s Home Insurance, around 1.7million of the over-55’s will be leaving the country this year for at least 30 days, in the search for warmer weather.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00464/Extended-leave-Check-your-Home-Insurance.aspx2009-01-12T14:02:52Those thinking of using credit cards to make online purchases will find that security continues to be enhanced, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00677/Online-credit-card-security-set-to-increase.aspx2009-01-12T11:20:08Some borrowers are paying as much as 10,000 per cent interest on unsecured loans, it has emerged. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/28201/Extortionate-rates-charged-on-some-unsecured-loans.aspx2009-01-12T10:32:18Consumers struggling with debt due to credit cards and unsecured loans are now more likely to talk about it with friends than they were a year ago, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/87531/Britons-opening-up-about-debt.aspx2009-01-09T09:53:40The official base rate of interest has been lowered by 0.5 per cent, the Bank of England has announced.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/34484/Bank-implements-further-rate-cut.aspx2009-01-09T09:49:15With UK interest rates hitting an all time low of 1.5% following the Bank of England’s decision to slash them by another 0.5%, it’ll be all change again for mortgage and savings products. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90387/Interest-rates-all-change-again.aspx2009-01-08T14:04:03Credit card holders have been warned to be conscious of security, as details can be used by fraudsters abroad. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/58088/Fraudsters-targeting-credit-cards-for-use-overseas.aspx2009-01-08T12:36:09The methods consumers would use to save money when in financial difficulty have been revealed in a new survey.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/91266/Paid-TV-would-go-before-credit-cards-study-shows.aspx2009-01-08T12:35:11The base rate has been predicted to fall significantly this year, which could lead to cheaper interest on secured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/61629/Interest-rates-may-plummet-in-2009.aspx2009-01-08T12:34:09The Bank of England has been predicted to make a further reduction to the base rate of interest when the decision of its monthly meeting is announced tomorrow. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67213/Experts-predict-interest-rate-cut.aspx2009-01-08T12:33:08Saga’s financial services division has announced that it is in full support of David Cameron’s proposed efforts to help savers who have become innocent victims of the credit crunchhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/85652/Saga-supports-help-for-victims-of-the-credit-crunch.aspx2009-01-07T15:24:41With the Bank of England’s MPC looking to reduce the base rate to an historic low (8th Jan) opportunities to maximise savings returns are being sought out by investors who had previously suffered with base rate reductions.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/56145/Inflation-Buster-Bond-from-Leeds-Building-Soc.aspx2009-01-07T15:16:19Close Brothers has just launched the second issue of ‘Premium Gold 2’, a fixed term account paying a headline 5% interest per year. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/57282/Premium-Gold-2-from-CloseBrothers.aspx2009-01-07T14:28:34Anglo Irish Bank is offering four fixed rate bonds over terms ranging from one to five years, ideal if your New Year’s resolution is to save. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/37786/Anglo-Irish-Bank-offers-new-fixed-rate-bonds.aspx2009-01-07T14:18:37Those who have built up debt should resolve to sort out their finances this month, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84401/January-great-time-to-sort-unsecured-loan-debt.aspx2009-01-07T10:36:49Moves to help secured loans customers who may be facing repossession have been welcomed by the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/77447/Government-homeowner-help-welcomed.aspx2009-01-07T10:35:49Credit card customers have been urged to consider overpaying in order to reduce their debt level.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/76772/Credit-card-holders-should-overpay-says-expert.aspx2009-01-07T10:34:18The nation’s mortgage borrowers may be holding their breath to see if the interest rates are about to drop again this Thursday but savers must be ready for decisive action if last month’s rate cut is anything to go by. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/63848/Savings-rates-continue-to-tumble.aspx2009-01-06T16:45:50The value of outstanding unsecured loans in the UK has been shown to be continuing to rise. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02828/Debt-through-unsecured-loans-still-rising.aspx2009-01-06T11:15:54Banks may need to be forced to provide secured loans in order to minimise the effect of the recession, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90256/More-lending-needed-to-avoid-severe-recession.aspx2009-01-06T11:11:47Consumers are at risk of fraud due to children secretly shopping online, an expert has noted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/35393/Online-fraud-risk-for-credit-card-customers.aspx2009-01-06T11:02:43Credit card customers who spend large amounts of money inherit the habit from their parents, research has suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86018/Parents-influence-consumer-spending-patterns.aspx2009-01-05T16:51:05Unsecured loans and credit card spending rose in November, the latest figures from the Bank of England have shown.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/09071/Unsecured-loans-on-the-rise-Bank-finds.aspx2009-01-05T16:50:21Britons are not prepared to cut back on spending in order to protect against a potential loss of income, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20682/Brits-neglecting-loans-protection-study-suggests.aspx2009-01-05T16:49:40Consumers have become more prudent in their spending as they become more aware of the economic downturn, it has been observed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05463/Lack-of-credit-has-changed-spending-habits.aspx2009-01-05T16:48:59Consumers will need to be wary of the amount of credit that is available to them in the new year, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/57275/Credit-card-limits-may-tighten-expert-warns.aspx2009-01-05T16:47:52More than two in five consumers expect interest rates for secured and unsecured loans to be higher a year from now, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/02716/Consumers-predict-increase-in-loan-rates.aspx2009-01-05T16:46:12Lower interest rates are needed to boost the economy, an expert has argued.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/26654/Low-rates-for-secured-loans-needed.aspx2009-01-05T16:45:36Consumers are increasingly taking advantage of credit card deals in the current economic climate, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/59976/UK-shoppers-turning-to-credit-cards.aspx2009-01-05T16:42:27Consumers have been advised to shop around in order to find the best financial deals in the new year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/27558/Use-0-per-cent-balance-credit-cards-says-Halifax.aspx2009-01-05T16:39:37The value of all unsecured loans granted in the UK remained low in November, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/98103/Unsecured-loans-remain-subdued.aspx2009-01-05T16:38:12ING Direct hopes to entice new savers with an introductory bonus on its instant access savings account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60719/ING-direct-offer-extra-bonus.aspx2009-01-05T09:26:12Shoppers around the UK will be rushing out today to get some last minute purchases, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32222/Shoppers-rush-out-for-last-minute-purchases.aspx2008-12-24T11:16:21Consumers have been advised to take particular care when shopping online, in order to minimise the risk of fraud.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83505/Credit-card-holders-need-security-shopping-online.aspx2008-12-24T11:12:49Britons are budgeting more carefully in the economic downturn because finance is not readily available, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/76314/Lack-of-credit-leads-to-change-in-habits.aspx2008-12-24T11:07:48Secured loans customers could be set to see rates drop as the Bank of England is forced to take further action, it has been suggested. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/39733/Secured-loans-holders-may-see-drastic-action.aspx2008-12-24T11:03:27Many Britons are refusing to let the economic downturn affect their plans for Christmas, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/64714/Brits-defy-holiday-crunch-study-suggests.aspx2008-12-24T10:55:57Lloyds TSB has been found to provide the best website for its credit card customers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/22747/Lloyds-best-for-online-credit-card-support.aspx2008-12-24T10:15:26The lack of finance over the last 12 months has led Britons to dip into their savings, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43961/Lack-of-credit-cards-causing-problems.aspx2008-12-24T10:13:37Consumers have been advised to be particularly aware of the danger of credit card fraud in the run-up to Christmas.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83985/Credit-card-fraud-most-damaging-at-Christmas.aspx2008-12-24T10:11:02Borrowers are missing out on the benefits of interest rate cuts while banks increase profits, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60248/Secured-loans-suffering-as-bank-margins-increase.aspx2008-12-24T10:10:13The Bank of England has been predicted to introduce further base rate cuts at its next monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/13996/Bank-will-cut-rate-in-January.aspx2008-12-24T10:08:46Yorkshire Bank has thrown down the gauntlet to its mortgage rivals with its new 4.49% two year fixed rate mortgage. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52640/yorkshire-bank-new-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2008-12-23T08:48:55Clydesdale Bank has thrown down the gauntlet to its mortgage rivals with its new 4.49% two year fixed rate mortgage. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08312/clydesdale-bank-new-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2008-12-22T14:45:19Fixed rate mortgages now account for 69% of the market, compared to 51% this time last year. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70551/Expensive-fixed-mortgages-only-option-for-many.aspx2008-12-18T16:17:46Nearly half of Britons believe they should avoid credit card debts, research has found. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00260/Britons-avoiding-credit-card-debt.aspx2008-12-18T16:09:24Minutes of the Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting for December have revealed that the decision to cut the base rate was made unanimously.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07863/Further-cuts-to-come-for-secured-loans.aspx2008-12-18T16:07:49Providers of secured loans are receiving mixed messages about the steps they should take, it has been claimed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17914/Contradictory-messages-for-secured-loan-firms.aspx2008-12-18T16:05:29West Bromwich BS new ‘High Income – Over 65’s’ 90 day notice account should prove popular if you’re a saver of advancing years. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/49050/West-Bromwich-BS-new-notice-account.aspx2008-12-18T12:26:10Cambridge BS is offering a five year fixed rate mortgage of 4.99%, a great rate for those living in the East Anglia region. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18043/Cambridge-BS-new-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2008-12-17T16:28:19The governor of the Bank of England has suggested that interest rates may need to be cut further.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/16385/Rates-for-unsecured-loans-may-fall-suggests-King.aspx2008-12-17T16:21:43Fears over being granted secured and unsecured loans are causing consumers to change their purchasing plans, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/10757/Unsecured-loan-fears-delaying-major-purchases.aspx2008-12-17T16:20:55Consumers have been advised to use a reward credit card in order to make their money go further. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/13934/Reward-credit-card-perfect-for-small-purchases.aspx2008-12-17T10:27:30Skipton, Scarborough building society, financial services compensation scheme, FSCS, FSA, savers, savings accounts, savings guides, savings discussions, savings blogshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/54275/Savings-customers-get-extra-protection.aspx2008-12-16T15:47:42Halifax has revealed that 35 per cent of Britons are planning to use a credit card to fund Christmas purchases this year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/36439/One-third-opting-for-credit-cards-study-finds.aspx2008-12-16T14:08:00Principality, regular savings, savings account, savings, fixed regular savings, savings accounts, savings guides, savings discussions, savings blogshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/26253/Principality-BS-new-regular-savings-bond.aspx2008-12-16T14:02:11Melton Mowbray BS new two and three year fixed rate savings bonds offer hard pressed savers a little Christmas cheer. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/11487/Melton-Mowbray-BS-new-fixed-rate-bond.aspx2008-12-16T13:55:07Lloyds TSB has announced changes to the payment protection insurance (PPI) it offers to customers with unsecured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81093/Bank-makes-changes-to-PPI-policy.aspx2008-12-16T11:52:41Credit card companies have announced new principles designed to help borrowers struggling in the current economic downturn. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/55947/Credit-card-firms-agree-to-help-borrowers.aspx2008-12-16T11:36:52Those facing financial difficulty as a result of unsecured loans and credit cards are to be offered a new service by Natwest.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42386/Natwest-to-offer-advice-to-those-in-debt.aspx2008-12-16T11:36:05Unsecured loans customers need access to insurance policies in the current economic climate, it has been suggested. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/33175/Protection-for-unsecured-loans-needed.aspx2008-12-16T11:35:25Nearly half of people in the UK think interest rates should go down in order to improve the economy, the Bank of England has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/58561/Public-wants-further-rate-cut-survey-shows.aspx2008-12-16T11:34:26Research has revealed that a growing number of Britons are having to provide support to both older and younger relatives. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93642/Britons-continue-to-support-relatives.aspx2008-12-16T11:33:30Halifax has advised consumers that they may benefit from the use of zero per cent balance credit cards this Christmas. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/84452/Consider-a-0-per-cent-balance-credit-card-at-Xmas.aspx2008-12-16T11:32:34A quarter of adults in the UK are struggling with their finances, according to research by Axa.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/78432/Secured-loans-and-credit-cards-a-worry-survey-finds.aspx2008-12-12T09:59:11Elderly people are being forced to take out secured loans in order to pay care home fees, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/55512/Elderly-turn-to-secured-loans-to-fund-care-homes.aspx2008-12-12T09:58:06More than 50% of Brits looking to cross the channel on a booze cruise could be driving illegally and could end up spending more on any fines collected than savings made on alcohol.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81440/Dont-booze-cruise-into-trouble-abroad-this-Xmas.aspx2008-12-11T14:16:15Motorists are being urged to remove all traces of expensive satnav equipment when leaving their car unattended in a bid to cut down on car crime and car insurance claims.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/95937/Wipe-away-a-car-insurance-claims-this-Christmas.aspx2008-12-11T14:15:05Consumers have been advised to check payment protection insurance (PPI) policies that have been sold alongside credit cards.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60442/Warning-over-credit-card-insurance.aspx2008-12-11T10:58:39Internet shoppers have been advised to pay for goods purchased online using a credit card.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/30728/Online-shoppers-advised-to-use-credit-cards.aspx2008-12-10T16:24:29Customers may want to make a credit card comparison following news that Saga is offering a new product for those wanting to pay by plastic.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97893/New-0-per-cent-balance-credit-card-launched-by-Saga.aspx2008-12-10T16:23:17Research from Halifax Home Insurance shows that we Brits are spending on average £120 a year on technology and gadgets that we won’t use and will end up gathering dust.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18482/Are-your-gadgets-insured-or-gathering-dust.aspx2008-12-10T12:22:05The spread of financial fear brought on by the credit crunch has led millions of Britons to keep around £5.4 billion in cash hidden in their homes.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52504/Home-Insurance-risk-as-5-4-billion-kept-at-home.aspx2008-12-10T12:10:40Consumers have been advised to be wise with their money and credit cards in the run-up to Christmas by a finance expert.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/31655/Consumers-told-to-be-money-savvy.aspx2008-12-10T12:03:13Abbey has become the latest lender to offer a number of new financing options for homeowners following the Bank of England's base rate cuts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06392/Further-lending-options-offered-by-Abbey.aspx2008-12-10T12:01:33Banks have been urged to pass on the Bank of England's recent base rate cuts to their customers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/45993/Banks-urged-to-pass-rate-cuts-on-to-customers.aspx2008-12-10T12:00:06Lloyds TSB and Cheltenham & Gloucester have announced a new range of secured loans options following the Bank of England's base rate reduction last week.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05162/New-secured-loan-options-from-lenders.aspx2008-12-10T11:58:06Shoppers have been praised for buying gifts earlier this year to take advantage of high street sales.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52594/Shoppers-spending-prudently.aspx2008-12-10T11:28:55Nationwide has announced a change in its personal lending policy, with the rates lent based on personal circumstanceshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/57239/Nationwide-overhauls-unsecured-loans-pricing.aspx2008-12-08T15:39:24If you’re hunting for a new fixed rate mortgage, West Bromwich Building Society’s new range of two, three, five and ten year products may be just what you’re looking for. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06779/West-Brom-leading-the-mortgage-pack.aspx2008-12-08T15:23:46A growing number of people are turning to family and friends for financial help rather than taking out unsecured loans, a survey has found. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/31729/Brits-turning-to-family-for-unsecured-loans.aspx2008-12-05T15:51:23Homeowners in financial difficulty will be able to defer the interest payments on their mortgages for up to two years under new plans announced by Gordon Brown.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/72842/Mortgage-help-for-struggling-homeowners.aspx2008-12-05T15:41:10The Bank of England's interest rate cut is set to boost the UK economy, it has been suggested. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/22109/Economy-set-for-boost-when-banks-start-to-lend.aspx2008-12-05T15:31:20With the Bank of England base rate cut, Barclays customers will reap the benefits. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/65835/Barclays-rate-cut-good-for-mortgages-and-businesses.aspx2008-12-05T12:18:08Consumers with unsecured loans are unlikely to be helped by the Bank of England's base rate cut, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/60900/Unsecured-loans-holders-wont-benefit-from-cut.aspx2008-12-05T10:12:37Savers looking for a short home for their money and an impressive interest rate need look no further than Principality Building Society’s Six Month Fixed Rate Bond.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/77257/Principalitys-Bond-a-fast-mover.aspx2008-12-04T16:43:52The Bank of England has announced a reduction of one per cent to its official base rate of interest.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96638/Secured-loans-may-fall-as-Bank-cuts-rate.aspx2008-12-04T16:16:20Consumers with secured loans are to be given help in ensuring they keep their homes.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/56570/Help-provided-for-secured-loans-holders.aspx2008-12-04T16:15:34A new card has been launched to help consumers with their gift buying over Christmas. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21301/No-need-for-high-interest-credit-cards.aspx2008-12-04T16:14:51Cuts to the Bank of England's official base rate of interest are likely to continue over the coming months, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05543/Extent-of-future-rate-cuts-uncertain.aspx2008-12-04T16:14:10The Bank of England has slashed interest rates by a full percentage point to 2%, taking them to their lowest level since 1951. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14031/Base-rate-cut-to-2-per-cent.aspx2008-12-04T14:13:37Lloyds TSB and Cheltenham & Gloucester have promised to pass on any base rate cut in full to their existing variable and tracker customers. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20273/Lloyds-and-C-and-G-promise-to-pass-on-base-rate-cut.aspx2008-12-04T12:02:26Today we can get a better picture of how the shock 1.50% cut in base rate last month affected the mortgage and savings markets and it doesn’t make for good reading.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/31128/Shock-base-rate-cut-one-month-on.aspx2008-12-04T11:29:56Borrowing through unsecured loans has risen steadily since 2000, research has revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48680/Unsecured-loans-continue-to-grow-study-finds.aspx2008-12-04T11:09:38Citizens Advice is offering guidance for those trying to avoid falling behind on loans payments.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/91283/Advice-offered-for-secured-loans-customers.aspx2008-12-04T11:08:48Banks have been urged to pass on interest rate reductions to borrowers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/43821/Secured-loans-holders-benefiting-from-cuts.aspx2008-12-04T11:07:49Consumers are increasingly planning to turn to the internet for their Christmas shopping this year, a study has foundhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/80831/Reward-credit-card-good-for-internet-shopping.aspx2008-12-03T15:49:18Consumers have been advised to beware of potential pitfalls when looking for finance sources in the economic downturn.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86418/Beware-unregulated-secured-loans-expert-urges.aspx2008-12-03T15:42:39Nearly a third of consumers are planning to fund Christmas spending through loans and credit cards, a study has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/24439/Credit-cards-an-option-but-consumers-cutting-back.aspx2008-12-03T15:41:51Research has found that if we had £50,000 to save for 1 year, Nationwide would be the top choice for a savings account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/42926/Nationwide-most-trusted-for-savings.aspx2008-12-03T14:38:55On the 3rd of December, Alliance & Leicester are launching a new savings account designed for lump sum savers - the RewardSaver account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20637/New-savings-account-from-Alliance-and-Leicester.aspx2008-12-03T14:38:08Brits wanting to keep hold of their savings are welcoming a more frugal festive season, claiming this will help us rediscover the true spirit of Christmas.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08493/Fancy-a-humbug-Credit-Crunch-Christmas-is-here.aspx2008-12-03T14:37:20Consistent savings allow you to save regularly in the knowledge that you will achieve a competitive interest rate over time. They aren't the type of products which have a great initial rate to attract savers, which then reduces.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96010/consistent-savings-accounts-key-factors.aspx2008-12-02T11:21:53There are a number of things to consider when you’re taking out credit cards. Here’s the Moneyfacts.co.uk guide.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/48115/credit-card-key-factors.aspx2008-12-02T11:03:05Savings Accounts Key Factors - Clearly the interest rate is a very important factor in determining which savings plan you choose. But you need to think about more than just the percentage rate.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20965/savings-accounts-key-factors.aspx2008-12-02T11:01:47Mortgage key factors to consider. There are various key factors that you should consider before you buy your mortgage. Here's the Moneyfacts.co.uk guide to things to consider when buying your mortgage.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/56965/mortgage-key-factors.aspx2008-12-02T10:55:17Secured loans rose slightly in October 08, with the latest Bank of England figures showing that they reached £14.8 billionhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/89702/Secured-loans-increase-in-stagnating-market.aspx2008-12-02T09:54:28Consumers have been advised to shop around and avoid panic buying using credit card as Christmas approaches.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/46798/Shoppers-should-not-panic-buy-on-credit-cards.aspx2008-12-01T15:17:12Consumers expect interest rates to rise over the next year, according to research by Lloyds TSB.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/92273/Unsecured-loans-rates-will-rise-say-borrowers.aspx2008-12-01T14:58:08Depositors with the collapsed London Scottish Bank have been reassured that their savings are safe. Following the news that the bank had entered administration, the Government confirmed it would protect all savings accounts held with the bank. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/35688/London-Scottish-Savings-Are-Safe.aspx2008-12-01T14:52:52Secured and unsecured loans, unsecured loans, unsecured loan, unsecured loans comparison, unsecured loans guide, unsecured loans comparison table, interest rate cuts, interest rate, base rate http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/14450/Further-rate-cuts-will-come-next-week.aspx2008-11-28T15:03:18Secured and unsecured loans are set to see interest rates fall even further, it has been predicted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/80679/Secured-loan-rates-could-fall-further.aspx2008-11-28T14:51:03Proposals have been agreed at a meeting of government and credit card industry representativeshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20769/Credit-card-industry-to-draw-up-proposals.aspx2008-11-28T14:45:26Christmas time of course means that we all have a few more possessions, either in the house or coming home from the shops. However, are we all prepared with extra insurance cover?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/96565/Home-and-motor-insurance-December-increase-by-Saga.aspx2008-11-28T09:27:42Interest rates have been predicted to continue to fall over the next year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/75060/Economist-predicts-drop-in-unsecured-loan-rates.aspx2008-11-27T16:38:09Research has found that families are being forced to rely on more than one income due to debts and the rising cost of living.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/00032/Secured-loans-prompting-need-for-two-incomes.aspx2008-11-27T11:05:06Moves to begin greater sharing of information between credit card providers have been welcomed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/71994/Agency-praises-credit-card-company-initiative.aspx2008-11-27T11:03:42Some secured loans providers have been granting high-interest deals without carrying out credit checks, it has emerged.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82136/Secured-loans-providers-ignoring-new-rules.aspx2008-11-27T11:01:10A new initiative will see credit card companies engage in greater sharing of data in order to identify consumers who may be struggling.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/41202/Credit-card-companies-to-share-more-data.aspx2008-11-27T10:54:23Credit card companies are to be urged to lower interest rates in order to provide relief for consumers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/95653/Borrowers-not-getting-a-fair-deal-on-credit-cards.aspx2008-11-27T10:53:27Home insurance no-claims discounts are too complicated, with customers missing out on huge savings and finding it hard to understand their no-claims position say Sainsbury’s Financehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/79858/Less-home-insurance-confusion-say-Sainsbury.aspx2008-11-27T09:43:48So far, rates have been cut on just 22% of variable rate savings products, with most providers opting to pass on the full 1.50% cut or morehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/04098/Savers-left-out-in-the-cold.aspx2008-11-27T09:37:48The value of unsecured loans and credit card finance granted to consumers continued to be subdued in October, the latest figures from the British Bankers' Association (BBA) have revealedhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90022/Unsecured-lending-remains-subdued.aspx2008-11-26T16:20:27Credit card holders have been advised to take extra care in order to ensure their details are protectedhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/99632/Take-care-at-Christmas-credit-card-customers-urged.aspx2008-11-26T16:19:19Britons could benefit from using a reward credit card to fund their Christmas spending, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/86350/Reward-credit-card-best-for-Christmas-spending.aspx2008-11-26T16:18:16Consumers have been advised to consider using the help given by the pre-Budget report to pay off debt. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/26377/VAT-reduction-should-be-used-to-pay-secured-loans.aspx2008-11-26T15:09:42A growing number of people approaching retirement age are having to consider continuing to work due to debt, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/18487/Retirees-facing-unsecured-loans-debt.aspx2008-11-26T15:06:43Credit card customers are increasingly falling victim to fraud, research has shown.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/06060/Credit-card-fraud-worth-billions-study-suggests.aspx2008-11-26T15:05:31Tax cuts expected to be announced in today's pre-Budget report will not boost spending as planned, it has been suggestedhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/81327/Tax-cuts-will-be-used-to-pay-off-unsecured-loans.aspx2008-11-26T15:04:30According to confused.com, the real reason political correspondent John Sergeant left Strictly Come Dancing was to keep his car insurance down.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23988/Sergeant-leaves-strictly-to-keep-car-insurance-down.aspx2008-11-26T10:15:21We may be in the middle of the credit crunch with Christmas sales sitting at their lowest for 30yrs, but predictions of record online sales, and spending figures of £82.3 billion (in the three months up to January 1st), according to Virgin Money, are beinhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32845/Dont-credit-crunch-your-insurance-this-Christmas.aspx2008-11-26T10:06:46Birmingham Midshires new Internet 6 Month Bond is currently topping our Short Term Fixed Rate Bonds Best Buy Tablehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32160/Top-Rate-Top-Bond.aspx2008-11-26T09:42:14Britannia Building Society has laid down an impressive marker for others to follow, with the launch of its new range of fixed rate mortgages http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/08984/Britannia-Rules-in-Fixed-Rate-Mortgages.aspx2008-11-26T09:40:18Borrowers are being advised to prioritise debts in order to avoid the threat of losing their own home.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/45602/Secured-loans-should-take-priority.aspx2008-11-26T09:36:14Consumers considering paying for Christmas purchases on credit cards have been advised to ensure they can afford to do so.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/12679/Put-Christmas-on-credit-cards-with-care.aspx2008-11-26T09:33:48Poor maths skills have been cited as a possible reason for people to find themselves in financial difficulty.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82178/Borrowers-dont-grasp-the-maths-of-unsecured-loans.aspx2008-11-26T09:31:38Banks in the UK are still struggling to grant secured loans, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/20559/Lib-Dems-Banks-not-granting-enough-secured-loans.aspx2008-11-26T09:29:06The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has backed a Liberal Democrat proposal to educate children about personal finance.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/62768/Bank-welcomes-call-for-loans-and-debt-education.aspx2008-11-26T09:24:02The minutes of the Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting for November have been published, prompting speculation that further interest rate cuts could be on the way.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/23516/MPC-minutes-further-cuts-for-unsecured-loans.aspx2008-11-26T09:20:17Falling inflation could allow the Bank of England to introduce further rate cuts, it has been observed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/88313/Inflation-could-help-secured-loans-rates-to-fall.aspx2008-11-26T09:17:58Children should learn about personal finance in order to ensure they do not suffer debt problems, according to the Liberal Democrats.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/70290/Schools-should-teach-avoidance-of-loans-problems.aspx2008-11-19T15:13:18The majority of credit card holders are missing out on the benefits that can come with a reward credit card, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/36661/Reward-credit-card-makes-sense-in-current-climate.aspx2008-11-19T15:07:47Parents are becoming the favoured source of finance for grown-up children who have left home, the findings of a new study have revealedhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/21975/Brits-relying-on-parents-for-cash-research-shows.aspx2008-11-19T14:50:22Within the property market, the majority of professionals feel more has to be done, by the governments and by lenders, to boost the flagging housing markethttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/52757/Cut-rates-and-suspend-stamp-duty-call-the-NAEA.aspx2008-11-19T14:10:03New Research out today from Family Investments shows that the average spend per child this Christmas will be £60.This figure is down 48% compared to last years average spend (per child) of £115 and may leave many children needing to amend their Christmas http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/92052/Will-your-child-be-disappointed-this-Christmas.aspx2008-11-19T14:02:50Despite a 2.75% cut in base rate in the space of a year, overdraft rates have continued to increase, with Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank increasing rates by as much as 7.31%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/88213/Overdraft-rates-soar.aspx2008-11-19T11:12:15Quarter 3 found rents dropping as potential sellers flood the market with unsellable properties, according to RICS Letting Survey (published 18th November 2008)http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/07021/More-choice-lower-rent.aspx2008-11-19T10:06:47The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) which represents over 75% of the second charge mortgage market, today launched new Good Practice Guidelines for consumers encountering repayment difficulties, to see what they should expect from their lender, secondhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/10543/Good-Practice-Guidelines-from-FLA-for-lenders.aspx2008-11-18T15:25:57Loans customers in Scotland that find themselves in financial difficulty are to offered a new public service. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/83498/Debt-advice-for-Scottish-Loans-customers.aspx2008-11-18T15:17:05Homeowners have been found to be using environmentally-friendly materials in home improvements in a bid to reduce costs. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/69498/Secured-loans-holders-making-green-home-improvements.aspx2008-11-17T16:18:38Based on transactions between 2004 & 2008, The Vale in Kensington and Chelsea is the most expensive residential street in England and Wales. To live there, you need to be prepared for house prices on average to be around £4,677,500.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17607/Who-lives-on-your-street.aspx2008-11-17T16:13:48The latest Scottish House Price Monitor (from Lloyds TSB Scotland) has shown that Scottish house prices (based on an average domestic property in Scotland) have fallen by 4% in the three months to 31st October 2008. This has been the largest fall in pricehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93157/Scottish-housing-market-quietens-with-quarterly-falls.aspx2008-11-17T16:08:23Repossessing a home in the current economic climate is in nobody's interest, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/32001/Pressure-on-secured-loans-holders-benefits-no-one.aspx2008-11-14T14:58:06An expert has suggested that obstacles remain in obtaining secured loans. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/19846/Secured-loans-remain-difficult-to-obtain.aspx2008-11-14T14:51:13Recommendations for the sale of payment protection insurance (PPI) - often offered alongside unsecured loans - have been praised. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93504/Insurance-proposal-for-unsecured-loans-welcomed.aspx2008-11-14T14:42:52Borrowers with secured loans could cut years off repayments by ignoring rate reductions, it has been suggested. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/62230/Maintain-secured-loan-repayments-at-pre-cut-level.aspx2008-11-14T10:51:46Proposals to change the way payment protection insurance (PPI) is sold have been dismissed by bankers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/82442/Bankers-reject-unsecured-loans-insurance-proposal.aspx2008-11-14T10:45:52The London property market could be set to make a recovery, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/17484/Secured-loans-may-return-to-London-market.aspx2008-11-13T16:36:35Credit card companies are following the lead of mortgage lenders and factoring in greater risk, an expert has suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/53685/Credit-card-interest-rising-study-finds.aspx2008-11-13T16:35:17Lenders may be reluctant to pass on interest rate cuts to those with secured loans, it has been stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/46149/Secured-loans-rate-cuts-may-not-come.aspx2008-11-13T16:33:50Secured loans customers are increasingly being forced on to their lender's standard variable rate (SVR), it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38401/Secured-loans-holders-need-fair-rates.aspx2008-11-12T12:34:38Gordon Brown has expressed concern over the rising interest rates that credit card holders are facing.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/76168/Credit-card-companies-need-new-approach-says-prime-minister.aspx2008-11-12T12:33:43Those taking out unsecured loans for the purpose of buying a car have changed their priorities, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/67318/Credit-crunch-affecting-car-buying-decisions.aspx2008-11-12T12:32:20An inability to obtain secured loans has led to a drop in house sales, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/90311/House-sales-drop-as-secured-loans-are-limited-survey-finds.aspx2008-11-12T12:26:58Abbey has announced that it will re-introduce some of its tracker mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/97802/Abbey-brings-back-tracker-mortgages.aspx2008-11-12T12:25:18Interest rates in the UK could fall below one per cent, it has been suggestedhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/38049/More-interest-rate-cuts-to-come-says-expert.aspx2008-11-12T12:22:52Secured loans holders thinking of selling their home have been advised to make improvements.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/05097/Improvements-increase-chance-of-selling-for-secured-loans-holders.aspx2008-11-12T12:08:40Car owners have been advised that they can save money by shopping around for unsecured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/89938/Car-buyers-should-shop-around-for-unsecured-loans.aspx2008-11-12T11:49:36The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) responds to the decision of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee to reduce the Interest Rate to 3.0%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/89372/AMI-1-5-percent-interest-rate-cut-is-very-welcome.aspx2008-11-07T16:45:42Moneyfacts’ Darren Cook brings you up to speed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/Article/93385/Rate-cut-Q-and-A-How-it-Affects-You.aspx2008-11-07T16:35:20Many of us work long hours in stressful jobs and feel the need to treat ourselves after a hard day at the office but if you get a nasty shock every time you open a bank or credit card statement, you could be in the dark about how much you’re really spending.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/In-debt-and-can’t-understand-why-Find-out-here.aspx2008-11-03T17:05:54.970In these days of bank bail-outs, jittery stock markets and mortgage drought, it’d be easy to think that quick credit is a thing of the past. But you’d be wrong. Although credit is undoubtedly harder to come by than it used to be, there are still many ways that you can borrow in less than 24 hours.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Fast-credit–and-how-to-get-it.aspx2008-11-03T16:55:12.597If you’re turned down for credit, a loan or mortgage, don’t panic – you aren’t on a credit blacklist. In fact there’s no such thing. But to improve your chances of being accepted in the future you do need to know what process lenders follow when deciding whether to make you an offer, and the important role your credit report plays.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Exploding-the-credit-blacklist-myth.aspx2008-11-03T16:54:02.313Shepshed Building Society has returned to the mortgage market with a flourish.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Small-Can-Be-Beautiful.aspx2008-11-03T15:45:35.627Sainsbury’s Finance has done those of you looking for a personal loan a favour by cutting certain rates for internet applications.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Sainsburys-Lower-Loans.aspx2008-11-03T15:34:01.190Northern Rock’s new set of fixed rate cash ISAs are among the best in the market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Northern-Rock-Pays-6-percent.aspx2008-11-03T13:34:42.423Alliance & Leicester has decided to withdraw all its two year tracker products from its mortgage range as demand for this type of plan increased so much in recent days that they just couldn’t cope!http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/A-L-Pull-2-Year-Trackers.aspx2008-11-03T13:21:30.250Saffron Building Society has launched a market leading bond that links the interest you receive to changes in the rate of inflation.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Saffron-BS-Busting-Inflation.aspx2008-11-03T13:10:25Market Harborough Building Society has just launched a Bank of England Base Rate Tracker Bond offering an impressive rate of 6.25% gross/AER on its yearly account option.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Market-Harborough-Bond-Launch.aspx2008-11-03T10:47:32.297Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest Mortgage Services have jumped to the head of the mortgage class by reducing rates and fees on a number of their fixed rate mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/RBS-And-NatWest-Top-Of-The-Class.aspx2008-11-03T09:16:43.330Legal & General believes that mortgage networks must rapidly evolve, just as advisers are having to do, in order to adapt and survive the extreme market conditions.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/The-changing-role-of-mortgage-networks.aspx2008-10-31T14:54:49.547Chartered financial planner at Fairinvestment.co.uk, Sharon Bratley, comments on the recent announcements from Standard Life, Legal & General and Norwich Union that final bonuses will be cut on their with-profits products including endowments, pensions and savings.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Vicious-circle-for-investors-in-with-profits-funds-as-more-final-bonuses-cut.aspx2008-10-31T14:39:35.157Garrett Fish, manager of the JPMorgan American Investment Trust, says there is a good case in favour of investing in US equities.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Investment-opportunities-in-US-equities.aspx2008-10-31T14:34:49.767Skipton Building Society today announces the launch of a new issue of its Christmas Saver Account on 3 November 2008.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Start-saving-now-for-Christmas-2009.aspx2008-10-31T14:29:31.297This Christmas is set to be a far simpler affair for British families, as they rein in their spending. New research from Birmingham Midshires, a leading direct savings provider in the UK, reveals that 78 per cent of Britons are taking sensible steps to make Christmas more affordable this year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Savers-look-forward-to-a-simple-Christmas-as-festivities-get-frugal.aspx2008-10-31T14:22:51.470Leeds Building Society has seen healthy savings inflows throughout the year, with September and October further strong performances.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Savers-head-for-safe-havens-and-good-value-for-money-products.aspx2008-10-31T14:18:58Borrowers with secured loans that track the Bank of England's base rate are not fully benefiting from cuts, it has been stated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Base-rate-could-become-obsolete-for-secured-loans.aspx2008-10-30T15:46:06.190Those hoping to obtain their first secured loan may benefit from waiting to see if prices continue to fall, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Waiting-for-secured-loans-could-save-money-expert-suggests.aspx2008-10-29T10:59:23.657Consumers have been advised to ensure they can afford repayments before taking out unsecured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Unsecured-loans-can-be-a-risky-strategy.aspx2008-10-29T10:21:34.363Lenders are benefiting from the Bank of England's base rate cut by passing it on to savings customers, but not to holders of secured loans, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-holders-not-seeing-full-rate-cuts.aspx2008-10-29T10:17:56.173Further calls have been made for lenders to pass on interest rate reductions to secured loans holders.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Lenders-should-pass-rate-cuts-on-to-secured-loans-holders.aspx2008-10-27T11:48:08.613Many consumers are planning to use credit cards to fund their Christmas spending, a survey has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Credit-cards-to-help-fund-Christmas-spending.aspx2008-10-27T11:45:00.097Consumers have been urged to protect themselves by purchasing valuable goods with a credit card.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Consumers-advised-to-consider-credit-card-payments.aspx2008-10-27T10:44:12.330The availability of cheap credit has come to an end, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Cheap-credit-no-longer-available.aspx2008-10-27T10:38:19.533The value of secured loans approved by lenders rose last month, figures have shown.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-rising-but-still-low.aspx2008-10-27T10:31:02.410Young adults have been let down by the government and financial institutions, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Banks-out-of-touch-with-needs-of-young-adults.aspx2008-10-27T10:09:09.643Lenders should be passing on lower rates in order to make borrowing more affordable, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Rate-cut-should-be-passed-on-to-consumers.aspx2008-10-27T10:06:44.893Consumers can improve their chances of being approved for a secured loan or credit card by checking their credit file, a study has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Check-credit-file-to-lower-cost-of-secured-loans-consumers-advised.aspx2008-10-27T10:01:45.847The government's plan to help secured loans holders avoid having their homes repossessed has been welcomed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Repossession-protection-for-secured-loans-holders-welcomed.aspx2008-10-27T09:49:02.800A growing number of consumers are having to switch to their bank's standard variable rate for their secured loans, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Lenders-failing-to-pass-on-rate-cuts.aspx2008-10-24T09:21:45.830Consumers have been advised to carry out a credit card comparison in order to find the best value offers available.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Credit-card-comparison-more-important-than-ever.aspx2008-10-24T09:16:11.987Consumers are blaming banks for the current financial crisis, a survey has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Banks-blamed-for-financial-crisis.aspx2008-10-23T16:09:06.643An increasing number of homeowners are seeking secured loans with a fixed interest rate, research has found. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-holders-want-fixed-rate.aspx2008-10-23T15:57:29.847Secured loans holders have been urged to ensure their homes have adequate protection from the possibility of storm damage.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Storm-prevention-better-than-cure-for-secured-loans-holders.aspx2008-10-23T10:08:27.800Shoppers should consider using a reward credit card to cover the cost of their household payments, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Consumers-urged-to-pay-with-reward-credit-card.aspx2008-10-20T10:31:14.520Secured loans are continuing to be out of reach for first-time buyers, it has been observed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-with-low-deposit-needed-says-expert.aspx2008-10-20T10:23:17.723Britons' generosity towards friends and family is leaving millions out of pocket, a study has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Loans-to-friends-and-family-costing-dearly-research-finds.aspx2008-10-20T10:19:23.520Police have shut down a website believed to promote credit card fraud.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Police-target-credit-card-fraudsters.aspx2008-10-20T10:15:34.833People with secured loans should consider taking out insurance to protect themselves financially, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-holders-need-to-think-about-insurance.aspx2008-10-20T10:10:47.973Two directors of Abbey Mortgages have been fined after the Financial Services Authority (FSA) found fault with their sale of secured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/FSA-issues-fine-over-secured-loans.aspx2008-10-20T09:49:44.507Secured loans holders have been urged to prepare for the possibility of flooding.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Britons-should-prepare-for-flooding.aspx2008-10-20T09:44:15.113Those hoping to be granted a secured loan for a property in the countryside are set to find it difficult, a survey has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-in-the-countryside-becoming-an-impossible-dream.aspx2008-10-20T09:38:23.020Nationwide has announced that holders of its secured loans that track the Bank of England's base rate will see reductions next monthhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Nationwide-lowers-interest-on-secured-loans.aspx2008-10-20T09:34:16.350Students are more likely to pay off the balance of their credit cards than the general population, research has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Students-paying-off-balance-of-credit-cards-study-shows.aspx2008-10-20T09:25:34.850A campaign is being launched to advise credit card customers about the dangers of fraud.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Campaign-highlights-danger-of-credit-card-fraud.aspx2008-10-20T09:20:00.787The Bank of England's base rate cut has not yet brought the relief some secured loans holders were hoping for.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-holders-not-seeing-benefits-of-rate-cut.aspx2008-10-20T09:16:42.303The government has announced that it is investing £37 billion to help stabilise the UK's banks.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Governments-financial-bail-out-welcomed.aspx2008-10-20T09:11:30.660The sale of payment protection insurance (PPI) has come in for fresh criticism from the Competition Commission (CC).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Competition-Commission-criticises-sale-of-insurance-with-unsecured-loans.aspx2008-10-20T09:07:57.020Consumers in Scotland are attempting to reduce the amount they owe through unsecured loans and credit cards, research has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Scots-attempting-to-reduce-debt.aspx2008-10-20T09:04:13.147Britons seeking unsecured loans have found that interest rates are rising, Moneyfacts.co.uk has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Rates-rising-for-unsecured-loans-research-finds.aspx2008-10-20T08:56:14.490The number of people with debts on credit cards has fallen in the last year, it has been found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Credit-card-debt-falling.aspx2008-10-20T08:41:52.613Consumers have been advised to take control of their finances in order to avoid mounting debt from unsecured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Number-of-unsecured-loans-increasing-sharply.aspx2008-10-20T08:39:20.457The credit crunch has seen the options for those seeking secured loans significantly reduced, research has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Credit-crunch-reducing-options-for-secured-loans-seekers.aspx2008-10-20T08:33:51.647Those approaching retirement continue to have outstanding secured loans, research has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Over-55s-need-ten-more-years-to-pay-off-secured-loans-survey-finds.aspx2008-10-10T12:10:59.863Credit card customers have been advised to take extra care in order to avoid identity fraud.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Simple-steps-can-prevent-credit-card-fraud.aspx2008-10-10T12:08:42.113Those seeking secured loans should not be put off by the economic downturn, it has been claimed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-still-available-in-credit-crunch.aspx2008-10-10T12:06:20.223The Financial Services Authority's decision to fine Alliance & Leicester (A&L) over the sale of payment protection insurance (PPI) has been welcomed by Which?.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Campaigners-welcome-unsecured-loans-insurance-decision.aspx2008-10-10T12:02:36.613The government has announced a financial package to support the UK's banks.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Government-to-provide-support-to-banking-industry.aspx2008-10-10T11:57:57.160The Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) has cut the official base rate by 0.5 per cent.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Bank-of-England-announces-base-rate-cut.aspx2008-10-10T11:41:07.973Consumers have been advised that credit cards can offer protection against some of the effects of the credit crunch.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Credit-cards-offer-protection-that-cash-and-cheques-dont.aspx2008-10-09T16:06:29.110Credit card holders may be facing higher interest charges as a result of minimum payments, research has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Minimum-payments-create-higher-credit-card-interest-charges-research-suggests.aspx2008-10-09T15:08:41.377Cases of fraud in which a victim's debit or credit card details are obtained through scams have risen by nearly 60 per cent in the last year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Credit-card-fraud-on-the-rise.aspx2008-10-09T12:31:06.477Alliance & Leicester (A&L) has been fined following an investigation into the sale of insurance alongside unsecured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/FSA-issues-fine-following-sale-of-unsecured-loan-insurance.aspx2008-10-09T12:13:53.777Students beginning university this month have been advised to set budgets in order to maintain control of their finances.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Students-should-set-budgets-to-manage-unsecured-loans.aspx2008-10-07T09:22:21.693Those planning to take out secured loans may benefit from an interest rate cut this week, experts have suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Economists-predict-interest-rate-cut.aspx2008-10-07T09:17:00.193First-time buyers are benefiting from the opportunity to avoid paying a deposit for a home, it has emerged.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Deposit-relief-offered-for-those-seeking-secured-loans.aspx2008-10-07T08:52:49.003Consumers planning to apply for secured loans will find that they are increasingly difficult to come by, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-less-readily-available-survey-shows.aspx2008-10-06T13:52:26.783Rising debts as a result of unsecured loans are affecting those between the ages of 50 and 60 more than any other age group, research has found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Over-50s-facing-soaring-debts-from-unsecured-loans.aspx2008-10-06T13:49:34.987Brits planning to travel the world have been warned that credit cards are increasingly being cancelled abroad.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Rising-number-of-travellers-credit-cards-cancelled-abroad-says-expert.aspx2008-10-06T13:46:48.410Consumers seeking secured loans and other financial products have been advised to gather information before making a decision.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Comparisons-really-important-when-choosing-financial-products.aspx2008-10-03T12:05:07.763The introduction of chip and pin technology has reduced the level of fraud carried out on lost and stolen credit cards in the UK, figures have shown.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Chip-and-pin-reduces-some-forms-of-credit-card-fraud-figures-show.aspx2008-10-03T12:01:07.077Those hoping to get on to the property ladder may have to cut back on expenditure if they are to secure a mortgage, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Sacrifices-needed-for-a-secured-loan-to-be-in-reach.aspx2008-10-03T11:57:17.027Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced incentives for holders of its reward credit card.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Incentive-offered-for-reward-credit-card-holders.aspx2008-10-03T11:46:02.887The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has raised concerns over the sale of insurance alongside unsecured loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Action-to-be-taken-over-insurance-sales-for-unsecured-loans.aspx2008-10-03T11:42:46.827The potential merger of Lloyds TSB with HBOS could have negative effects for consumers, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Merger-could-be-bad-for-secured-loans-seekers.aspx2008-10-03T11:37:17.933Britons are failing to understand their financial spending, research has suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-holders-failing-to-look-after-finances.aspx2008-10-03T11:34:11.590The Conservative Party has revealed plans to cut down the number of unsecured loans granted to consumers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Tories-reveal-unsecured-loans-crackdown-plans.aspx2008-10-03T11:20:27.013The number of secured loans available to consumers dropped significantly yesterday, it has been revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-availability-seeing-sharp-decline.aspx2008-10-03T11:06:01.920Cash-strapped adults are considering holidaying with their parents in a bid to save money, it has emerged.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Family-holiday-helps-finances.aspx2008-09-29T19:13:46.250A weakening property market means that a reduction in the number of mortgage approvals last month is unsurprising, one expert has said.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Low-demand-for-secured-loans-is-unsurprising.aspx2008-09-29T19:07:57.783Cancer Research UK has celebrated the 20th anniversary of its charity credit card, noting that it has raised £12 million since its launch.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Charity-credit-card-celebrated.aspx2008-09-29T19:06:16.737House prices dropped by 4.6 per cent in the month of August, new figures have revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loan-holders-see-house-price-falls.aspx2008-09-29T19:00:47.407Unsecured loans and credit cards are being taken out by 27 per cent of parents to provide for their offspring, new figures have revealed.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Parents-consider-unsecured-loans-to-fund-childrens-lifestyles.aspx2008-09-29T18:57:11.797Britons heading off to the sun this winter are prepared to add an extra £195 to their credit card balance, the findings of a new survey suggest.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/balance-on-credit-cards-for-those-seeking-winter-sun.aspx2008-09-29T18:14:58.047First-time buyers could have to delay their homeownership plans for up to 15 years while they save for a deposit, it has been suggested.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loans-could-be-15-years-away-for-first-time-buyers.aspx2008-09-29T18:11:05.690An increasing number of people are turning to their credit cards to pay for luxuries as rising prices continue to impact on their disposable income, according to a personal finance expert.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Credit-cards-and-savings-pay-for-holidays-and-eating-out.aspx2008-09-29T18:08:22.407Over 1.5 million credit cards a month are registered with MasterCard SecureCode and Verified by Visa, Apacs, the UK's payments association, has announced.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Credit-card-users-keen-to-make-credit-cards-more-secure.aspx2008-09-29T18:06:21.797There has been a rise in the number of consumers seeking unsecured loans during the economic downturn, according to chief executive of the Association of British Credit Unions (Abcul) Mark Lyonette.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Abcul-Increase-in-unsecured-loans-demand-due-to-tight-lending-conditions.aspx2008-09-29T18:04:35.440Credit card users have been advised to that they have a card that is best suited to their needs.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Consumers-urged-to-make-credit-card-comparisons.aspx2008-09-29T18:02:55.347Credit Crunch - At a time when it is arguably more important than ever to make sure your finances are ship-shape, 21% of people would prefer to seek money advice from their parents or family members than from a financial adviser - according to a survey conducted by Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-crunch-mum-knows-best.aspx2008-09-23T12:19:50.330Credit Card Security - More than 25 million UK-issued debit and credit cards have now been registered with MasterCard SecureCode and Verified by Visa - online payment systems that make cards more secure when shopping on the internet. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-card-security-on-the-increase.aspx2008-09-23T11:20:17.707Are your savings safe? - Turmoil inthe financial markets; naturally makes consumers worry about the safety of their savings but unless they have more than £50K with a savings provider then there is no need to fret. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/hbos-lloyds-savings.aspx2008-09-18T09:39:25.143With Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy, all we have seen reported are bad news stories. However, there is some glimmer of hope in the personal finance world as in the last few days we have seen some positive moves by providers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/lehman-brothers-gloom.aspx2008-09-17T09:26:06.410After the first euphoria of graduation and the heavy partying is over, it is time for recent graduates to come back down to earth and think about the future, including getting their finances sorted.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/graduate-switch.aspx2008-09-16T12:29:39.270HSBC are writing to more than 12,000 customers as part of its campaign to reunite them with millions of pounds in forgotten current and savings accounts.The 12,000 customers have accounts that have not been used for more than 15 years. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/lost-money.aspx2008-09-16T12:06:50.457Earlier this year, fixed rate bonds were paying some of the highest rates ever seen, but as the pressure in the money markets eases, rates have started to decline.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-boom.aspx2008-09-16T10:37:08.050Before we even had time to speculate whether the markets and banking sector were beginning to turn the corner, the financial markets are hit by another financial blow as more than 25,000 Lehman Brothers employees now face unemployment. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/lehman-brothers-investments.aspx2008-09-16T09:35:00.207It is not just in America where the fallout from the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy will be felt: it will likely have an impact on the UK mortgage market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/lehman-brothers.aspx2008-09-16T09:14:27.160The latest survey by Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts has revealed that ethical investors looking to profit from their principles have been amongst those hardest hit by the volatile stock market conditions of the past 12 months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/ethical-investors-struggle.aspx2008-09-11T12:54:42.383Borrowers in the Midlands have wider access to a higher number of mortgage products than anyone else in the UK, with those living in the Leicestershire having the widest choice. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-lottery.aspx2008-09-10T09:23:56.960New research from Yorkshire Bank has found that homeowners think their garden is worth over £9,000 - with those currently without one willing to shell out over a third of their annual salary to add one to their property.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/property-trend.aspx2008-09-08T10:02:07.587In a desire to present their ‘perfect self' to insurers and keep their policy premiums low, more than one in 10 insured women have stretched the truth about their weight (11%), while over one in 20 have hidden any previous or current feelings of depression.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/life-insurance-perfect-self.aspx2008-09-04T10:04:53.023Average two-year fixed rate mortgages peaked at 7.08% at the beginning of July, since then numerous lenders have passed on cuts to their mortgage ranges. Today the average mortgage rate has dropped to 6.39%, which is around the same level seen just prior to the onset of the credit crunchhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Mortgage-Borrowers-News.aspx2008-09-02T15:04:47.430Lloyds TSB is looking to tempt such customers by launching an addition to existing current accounts known as ‘vantage’ which pays 4.89% gross (5% AER) on balances of between £5K and £7K. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Llyods-TSB-High-Credit.aspx2008-08-29T12:28:52.320Before opting for the convenience of forecourt finance, it’s worth checking out how this compares with other deals on the market. There are over 40 providers offering a range of unsecured loans and many offer different rates depending on if you apply online or over the telephone. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Loans-Comparison-Rates.aspx2008-08-29T11:09:42.930Last year the market for sub-prime was so competitive that some rates being offered were only fractionally higher than standard residential rates. Now, as lenders continue to factor in margins for higher risk, sub-prime customers are paying the price with rates up to 2.75% higher than the same time last year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/sub-prime-mortgages.aspx2008-08-29T10:16:48.557The British Bankers' Association, the Building Societies Association and the Tax Incentivised Savings Association today publish new guidelines to speed up the transfer of cash ISAs between providers and to improve the efficiency of the process.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/ISA-Transfer-Guidelines.aspx2008-08-28T11:07:03.570Current economic conditions have made millions of Britons re-evaluate their financial priorities.5.6 million Brits admit to changing spending attitudes in past 18 months. In particular attitudes towards saving versus spending have changed dramatically.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Savings-Attitude.aspx2008-08-28T10:34:01.18075% of new parents have opened a Child Trust Fund account for their children since their introduction in April 2005. About £242 million will be wasted by parents not taking advantage of the full tax breaks of their children's Child Trust Funds in 2008 http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Child-Trust-Fund-Accounts.aspx2008-08-28T10:10:06.977Britain is a nation of bargain hunters who spend over a year of their lives seeking out the best possible deal - that’s according to new research released today by T-Mobile.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/brits-bargain-hunting.aspx2008-08-27T14:43:55.587As the world marks the first anniversary of the credit crunch, a new survey has revealed that astonishingly, many people enjoy shopping even more now than they did a year ago.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-feel-good-factor.aspx2008-08-22T11:21:42.913This appears to be part of an increased trend towards Britons spending swathes of money on holidays. The research showed that while 46 per cent of Britons did not list saving for the future amongst their top three priorities, 33 per cent of Britons felt that going on expensive holidays was one of their top three priorities.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/britons-blow-savings-on-holidays.aspx2008-08-22T10:38:31.133With latest figures showing that UK inflation has jumped to 4.4%, more than double the Government’s 2% target, many consumers may not realise what a negative effect this is having on their savings accounts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Savinss-Accounts-Inflation.aspx2008-08-12T14:38:44.357As prices continue to rise, many more consumers are seeing their credit card bills increase. Even if you’re not one of the people who is having to use your credit card just to get by each month, the likelihood is that you have been hit by an increase of some sort from your card provider.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Balance-Transfer-Card.aspx2008-08-11T16:16:11.217Many people are loyal to their bank and go to them for everything from their current account to their mortgage and credit card. However, by doing so you could find yourself seriously out of pocket as the big named banks do not tend to have the best rates. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Switching-Banks.aspx2008-08-11T15:22:57.747Most of us have got bad habits - it's part of being human. But with the price of everything from crude oil to a loaf of bread rocketing skywards, poor money management shouldn't be one of them.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Financial-Habits.aspx2008-08-08T12:31:54.653In recent weeks many lenders have announced cuts in their mortgage rates, leading to many people predicting that we may have turned that corner. During the last month the average fee has increased by nearly £100http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Mortgage-rates-fees.aspx2008-08-07T10:53:21.310One year on from the start of the credit crunch and we are all feeling the pinch. Food and fuel bills have sky rocketed and mortgage rates have been at the some of the highest levels ever seen.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-crunch-charity.aspx2008-08-06T14:32:47.967Whether they are at the top of the Eiffel Tower or in the middle of the American Rockies, Brits can now stay in control of their holiday finances anywhere they can use their mobile phone.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Holiday-Finances.aspx2008-08-04T11:33:28.357As the credit crunch continues to bite, Brits are now being very careful with their money and assessing their finances every day, much like preparing for a marathon or long-distance run.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Assessing-Finances.aspx2008-08-01T13:05:46.700With just 8 days to go, athletes at this summers' Olympiad in Beijing will be aiming for gold but investors could be better off with silver, according to research by Skipton Building Society. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Olympic-gold.aspx2008-07-31T11:52:09.590If you're concerned about investing in 2008, think about the reasons that kept others from investing in years past. Although past performance is no guarantee of future success, hesitation can be a costly decision. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Stockmarket-Investment.aspx2008-07-31T11:16:40.670Family finances continue to be stretched, causing many to consider consolidating existing debts into one loan as a means of reducing monthly outgoings. Borrowers, however, will find that the reduction may not be as great as expected. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/loan-rate.aspx2008-07-31T10:29:22.903Zopa - the world's first person-to-person online lending exchange - has just launched its new ‘Young Markets' service to help those aged 20 to 25 obtain unsecured loans at very competitive rates.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/young-market -loans.aspx2008-07-30T15:41:35.107There is a faint glimmer of hope that the fixed rate mortgage market is returning to some sort of normality. New mortgage borrowers are now finally benefiting from this, as lenders pass on a string of welcome interest rate cuts on their popular fixed rate deals.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-mortgage-fall.aspx2008-07-29T16:57:20.950As institutions continue to try and out do each other in what has become a very competitive savings market in recent months, investors need to make sure they read the small print carefully. Many guarantee rates to be at least equal to Base Rate until a set date or indefinitely and savers can be sure that their rate will never drop below Base Ratehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-rates.aspx2008-07-28T15:56:21.977In total, 11 providers offer student banking, all offering interest free overdrafts. But don't be fooled into thinking that all student accounts are the same; this is definitely not the case.Here are the Moneyfacts.co.uk top 10 student finance tips: http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/student-finance.aspx2008-07-24T10:25:22.053Research from moneyfacts.co.uk has revealed the extent to which consumers have benefited from the price war that has engulfed the term assurance market in recent years and warns that some premiums may have bottomed out.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/life-insurance-cost.aspx2008-07-24T09:23:25.243As the credit crunch continues to make Britain's banks less competitive and less willing to lend, Zopa offers a better way to fund the special dayhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/zopa-loans.aspx2008-07-23T15:51:13.913British savers still suffer from a lack of knowledge about the effects of inflation and tax on their savings when choosing the right nest egg for their money, despite wide coverage of the credit crunch and its implications, according to research from NS&I (National Savings and Investments), the government-backed savings and investments organisation.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-infaltion-tax.aspx2008-07-23T10:44:00.680A quarter of British adults are shelving their holiday plans this year, with 43 per cent of them worried about the impact of the credit crunch on their finances according to a new study on holiday spending by CreditExpert.co.ukhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/summer-holidays.aspx2008-07-23T10:14:09.070Alliance & Leicester is once again raising the bar for current account switchers by giving £100 to customers who switch online to an Alliance & Leicester Premier Current Account. This new offer, is one of a range of incentives to encourage people to break free from their poor value current bank and switch to a better deal which suits their lifestyle and offers better value.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/current-account- switch.aspx2008-07-22T12:14:41.930Graduates will often remain loyal to their student account provider. However, as long as you have proof of qualification and have managed your account within your agreed overdraft limit, there is no reason why you shouldn't switch to a better deal.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Graduate-tips.aspx2008-07-22T11:40:47.553Mortgage borrowers have not had much to be happy about in the last few months as rates have continually soared. Just ten days ago the average fixed rate mortgage peaked at a rate of 7.08%, its highest in over a decadehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-mortgage-drop.aspx2008-07-22T11:01:23.210The big named banks have for a long time relied on brand and customer loyalty. As highlighted by the Office for Fair Trading (OFT), the result has been that many consumers find themselves in accounts paying little or no credit interest and/or being charged high fees when they have insufficient funds in their accounts. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/bank-account-interest.aspx2008-07-16T14:41:09.727Until recently the credit card market had seemed to continue along as it always has. Lenders extended introductory deal dates as they always have, some lenders amended their rates, while others increased charges. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-card-crunch.aspx2008-07-15T12:45:03.587Proposed merger of Abbey and Alliance & Leicester. The merger of these two high street names will likely briefly bring increased confidence to the industry. However, it will also bring further reduction in consumer choice, which is already under pressure and has seen significant reductions, particularly in the mortgage market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/proposed-merger.aspx2008-07-14T15:18:04.273First Plus has become the latest casualty of the credit crunch. The secured loan lender has announced that it would be closed to new applications from August. If the credit crunch can cause one of the biggest lenders in secured loans to throw in the towel, it will be interesting to see if the other providers can weather the storm. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Secured-loan-market.aspx2008-07-11T16:10:01.320Bank of England base rate changes. Subsequent to the base rate reducing to 5.00% in April, 38 lenders did not pass on the full 0.25% cut and 15 of these lenders did not reduce their Standard variable rates at all.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Bank-of-England-Base-Rate.aspx2008-07-09T10:48:22.387great news for savers that two of the top consistent savings accounts still continue to appear in the best buys today. Savers can be confident that if they opt for consistency they are still getting a rate just below those of current market leading deals.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-survey.aspx2008-07-07T14:16:34.857Soaring petrol prices good news for ethical investors. Rising fuel costs are driving commuters out of cars onto public transport and helping boost the performance of bus and train operatorshttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fuel-ethical-investors.aspx2008-07-07T12:39:07.810Mortgages fixed rates continue to increase as lenders fail to pass on the cut in swap rates. It is now three weeks since the peak in swap rates and we would expect to see the cost of fixed rate deals starting to fall, but this isn't the case. In fact the opposite is true, with rates continuing to rise.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-mortgage-increase.aspx2008-07-07T11:47:13.403Consumer borrowing soared by £22.4 billion in the first quarter of 2008. This is £13 billion higher than the same period in 2007. Research reveals the ratio of how much we are borrowing, not including mortgage debt.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Britons-savings.aspx2008-07-07T11:11:24.387Anyone looking for a personal loan can no longer find rates of less than 7%. Yourpersonalloan.co.uk, which is funded by The Co-operative Bank, has increased its rate from 6.9% to 7.3%. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/personal-loans-rates.aspx2008-07-03T15:38:46.653By becoming regular savers, reformed smokers could be feeling the benefits in their pockets aswell as the health benefits. The average smoker could put up to £250 in a regular saver account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/regular-savers-reformed-smokers.aspx2008-06-25T10:08:03.467Many families will be reaching for their credit cards to buy some luxuries over the summer as disposable incomes have been reduced. Whether it's a family holiday or days out, the credit card costs can soon mount up.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-card-wisely.aspx2008-06-25T09:14:22.793Fixed rate mortgages available on the market today breaks the 7% barrier and stands at 7.02%. Anyone looking for a fixed rate mortgage for five years is also paying the price as the average rate on offer now increased to 6.82%. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2008-06-24T16:54:29.687Football fans everywhere are starting to look forward to the start of the 2008/09 football season. Throughout the UK fans will be getting ready to support their team, either by buying this season's latest kit, shouting at the TV screen or singing on the terraces.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Finance-football.aspx2008-06-19T11:18:44.463Moneyfacts.co.uk shows that the average two year fixed rate mortgage stands at 6.75%, the highest rate we have seen in the last 10 years. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-10-year-high.aspx2008-06-18T09:53:21.167Credit cards charge a foreign usage charge, some as much as 3% for both purchases and cash transactions. This charge is applied each time the credit card is used and can soon mount up to a significant amount. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/using-credit-cards-debit-cards-abroad.aspx2008-06-11T12:20:59.200The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today launched a new website designed to be a one-stop-money-information-shop for young adults and forms part of the watchdog's National Strategy for Financial Capability.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/young-adults-can-do-money-website.aspx2008-06-04T23:22:31.087Friends Provident International (FPI) announced today the launch of its new web-based portfolio planning tool, Dynamic Portfolio Planner international (DPPi).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/New-Web-Based-Portfolio-Planning-Tool.aspx2008-06-04T22:05:34.727The Rate Matcher mortgage is available to all UK homeowners whose fixed-rate mortgage period matures before 31 August, subject to clear affordability criteria and a maximum loan-to-value of 80 per cent.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/HSBC-extends-Rate-Matcher-mortgage-offer.aspx2008-05-22T10:32:03.730The new account, by the Leeds Building Society, allows unlimited access of 50% of the initial amount invested at any time, without notice or penalty, for the first three years and instant access in years four and five.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/new-5-year-fixed-rate-escalator-bond.aspx2008-05-13T08:33:37.010With less than one in ten (8%) people in the country saying that they understand 'most' financial terminology, NS&I has today launched an independent website - You and your money (YouAndYourMoney.info) to provide straightforward, impartial information, helping people to make more informed financial decisions.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/nsi-battles-brits-money-muddles.aspx2008-05-13T08:24:42.590Egg, the online bank, is offering a fixed 12-month introductory rate of 6.05% gross pa/AER on its Egg Savings Account (Internet). The introductory rate is available for new money for both new and existing customers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/eggs-new-internet-savings-account.aspx2008-05-13T08:09:28.370There has been a tidal wave of bad news for anyone who relies on credit – and that means almost all of us.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/10-ways-to-get-it-right-when-credit-is-tight.aspx2008-05-06T19:45:43.650Lloyds TSB today announces the second stage of its AIRMILES partnership, with the launch of an AIRMILES mortgage.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/trips-and-mortar.aspx2008-05-06T19:39:02.073The Miles & More American Express® Credit Card from MBNA offers a competitive rate of interest plus the feature to more quickly earn Miles & More award miles, which can be redeemed for flight, upgrade and travel awards and for a wide range of non travel related goods and much more.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/New-Miles-More-American-Express-Credit-Card-from-MBNA.aspx2008-05-06T19:31:15.557Barclaycard today announced its plans to issue over one million contactless cards this year. Cards will be issued across the UK as the card issuer begins its plans to upgrade cards with contactless technology.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/barclaycard-leads-the-way-to-a-contactless-britain.aspx2008-05-06T19:25:54.760It’s not only mortgage rates that continue to increase, so too have the rates and monthly repayments on personal loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/more-personal-loan-pain-for-borrowers.aspx2008-05-06T19:11:13.747The current credit crunch has highlighted the need for people to build themselves a savings safety net to help them through the more difficult times or unexpected circumstances where their finances may become stretched.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Childrens-Savings-Just-Got-Easier.aspx2008-05-06T19:01:59.760Two weeks on from the base rate cut 38 mortgage lenders (38%) have announced that they will cut their mortgage standard variable rate. The majority of mortgage lenders have passed on the full 0.25% Bank of England base rate cut however five have cut their mortgage standard variable rates by less than 0.25%, including Northern Rock which has only passed on a 0.10% cut.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-facts.aspx2008-05-06T18:52:34.150The most popular savings account amongst savers are instant access and no notice. The majority of savers like the comfort of knowing that if they require immediate access to their money, they can get it. But with some savings accounts this comes at a price.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Are-Instant-Access-Savings-Accounts-Always-What-They-Seem.aspx2008-05-06T18:44:54.793April 2006 the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) declared that default charges on credit cards were too high and suggested capping these at £12. In the months that followed credit card lenders cut these charges to £12 but in an attempt to recoup lost revenue, they hiked rates and charges elsewhere. Two years on, how much have the rates and charges on credit cards increased?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/OFT-Credit-Card-Default-Charges-Two-Years-On.aspx2008-05-06T18:34:01.683Mortgage lender Newcastle Building Society has announced the launch of its new Day 1 bridging product which is designed to provide a fast bridging option for buy to let investors.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Buy-To-Let-Bridging-Mortgage.aspx2008-04-28T20:20:10.353Alliance Trust Research Centre's Financial Reality Index highlights the worsening financial reality facing households and points to household spending growth cooling over the year ahead.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/britain-reins-in-on-spending.aspx2008-04-28T20:14:46.680The protection market can be very complicated to even the most experienced customer and Income Protection (IP) is one of the more complex products out there. Due to the current financial turmoil more people are becoming concerned about protecting their debts and lifestyle, so payment protection specialists LifeSearch have put together their Top 10 tips on how to pick through all the options and choose the best policy for this important but undersold product.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/income-protection-plans-tips.aspx2008-04-28T20:07:17.617More than 80,000 UK households are now 3G families with three generations living together as financial pressures force adults with children to provide support to their elderly parents, according to new research from Prudential.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/parents-move-to-live-with-children.aspx2008-04-22T16:15:55.997The Co-operative Bank, voted number one on the high street for customer satisfaction levels in two recent consumer surveys from Watchdog and Which?, is today (Monday 21 April 2008) launching a new Current Account Plus with a linked savings account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/New-current-account-plus-from-the-co-operative.aspx2008-04-22T15:59:29.747With recent reports highlighting a rise in the cost of living, potential first-time buyers are finding it more difficult to save for their deposits.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/saving-for-deposits.aspx2008-04-22T15:42:03.073In just six months time, all credit card providers will be obliged to include on statements details of the order of payments they use. Nationwide Building Society urges these companies to act now, lose the "smoke and mirrors" and tell their customers clearly how they allocate their repayments, rather than be forced by regulation in six months time. Nationwide estimates that consumers will have paid up to £500 million in interest payments, in the 12 months since it was announced that providers will have to highlight the order of payments they use.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-card-customers-waste-500-million.aspx2008-04-14T18:34:03.590 Savings account provider The Cheshire Building Society has launched a new Premier Postal Savings Account offering a competitive 6.00% gross/5.88% AER including an introductory bonus of 0.75%, guaranteed until the 31st December 2008, subject to a minimum balance of £10,000 being maintained.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/market-leading-premier-postal-savings-account.aspx2008-04-14T18:11:32.917The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee today voted to reduce the official Bank Rate paid on commercial bank reserves by 0.25 percentage points to 5.0%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/base-rate-apr-08.aspx2008-04-10T12:44:47.293first direct is temporarily withdrawing its mortgages, including its two-year fixed rate offset mortgage (4.95%), from sale to non first direct customers with effect from 5pm on Tuesday 1 April.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/first-direct-to-withdraw-mortgage-sales.aspx2008-04-08T09:07:28.277This year's moneyfacts.co.uk cash ISA survey shows the projected value of £3,000 over the tax year 2007 to 2008. Assuming that the full investment of £3,000 was made on 6 April 2007, no withdrawals were made and all interest was compounded during the tax year, the survey has yielded some very interesting results.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mini-cash-isa-survey.aspx2008-04-03T16:10:09.387Amongst all the current uncertainty surrounding the personal finance industry, the Moneyfacts.co.uk consistent savings survey shows that not all good savings deals are here today, gone tomorrow.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/moneyfacts-consistent-survey.aspx2008-04-03T15:22:11.247Not only have personal loan rates increased by an average of 1.7% over the past year, lenders have also made some significant changes to the way that they offer personal loans. Product changes Unsurprisingly the personal loan market has not escaped the effects of the credit crunch. In 2008 alone we have seen 27 changes to personal loan products. In the majority of cases, these have been increases across the board, with personal loan lenders combining large one off rate increases with gradual small rises the overall effect does not favour consumers looking for extra borrowing. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-not-so-easy.aspx2008-03-28T12:53:30.980Fixed Rate Cash ISAs provider Cheshire Building Society is offering savers a new product ideal for investors looking to take advantage of this year’s tax-free savings allowance, before the end of the tax year on the 5th April 2008.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Fixed-Rate-Cash-ISA-for-Last-Minute-Investors.aspx2008-03-28T12:10:32.403Cash ISAs provider Bradford & Bingley is to launch a one-year fixed rate ISA and one-year fixed rate eISA, both at a market-leading rate of 6.25% tax-free p.a./AERhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Market-Leading-Fixed-Rate-ISAs-Hit-625.aspx2008-03-28T11:54:20.590Over the last few weeks we have seen more changes in the mortgage market time than ever before. It seems that there is no stopping it. Over the last two weeks, mortgage lenders have been even more ruthless in withdrawing mortgage products from the market and/or tightening their criteria.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/smaller-lenders-hit-by-crunch.aspx2008-03-26T15:46:05.027Men are facing a big financial hit from 21st century dating, according to the latest NS& I Quarterly Savings Survey, which reveals old-fashioned expectations among men and women. On average, men expect to pay 60% more on a date than their female counterparts and some are even prepared to go into debt to fund this. While spending to impress is making many wallets groan, encouragingly some sensible guys are planning ahead and saving in advance.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/great-dating-expectations-take-toll-on-men.aspx2008-03-25T10:03:51.450On Thursday 20 March, Coventry Building Society, the UK’s fourth largest building society, will be extending its highly successful Sixty-Plus Notice account to the over 50s.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/market-leading-50-plus-savings-account.aspx2008-03-20T16:02:25.107The savings market at the moment is a hotly contested arena. The credit crunch has seen institutions upping their game and launching savings products offering fantastic rates. The result being that some institutions now have in excess of 20 plus savings products to choose from.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/loyalty-pays.aspx2008-03-20T12:34:26.027The fallout from the credit crunch and predicted falling house prices have forced mortgage lenders to consider their positions in the market and reassess their attitude to risk based lending. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/biggest-not-always-best.aspx2008-03-20T12:22:22.683rom April 6th 2008, the rules governing ISAs will be changing: * There will no longer be a distinction between Mini ISAs and Maxi ISAs. There will be 2 types of ISAs: Cash ISAs and Stocks & Shares ISAs * The annual limit will be increased from £7,000 to £7,200 http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/isas-changes.aspx2008-03-14T08:49:40.870Budget 2008 - On 12 March, Alistair Darling stepped up to deliver his first Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer, of which he labelled a ‘responsible Budget to restore and sustain stability’. What does it mean for us?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/budget-2008.aspx2008-03-13T10:15:39.810Today's Budget is a missed opportunity to help home owners, and those aspiring to property ownership. We would have expected the Chancellor to address the challenging market conditions and revise stamp duty. Our research also shows that borrowers remain to be convinced by long-term fixed rate mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/budget-2008-fails-first-time-buyers.aspx2008-03-13T09:35:24.450“The current stamp duty threshold set at £125,000 is totally out of line with the housing market in 2008. An increase from £120,000 to £125,000 in 2006 was nothing more than a token gesture and will have done little to help the majority of first time buyehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/help-homebuyers.aspx2008-03-12T16:48:08.403Following the Budget announcement this afternoon, Andrew Hagger of Moneyfacts.co.uk comments on the topic of longer term fixed rate mortgages: Uncertainty is a key deterrent As well as uncertainty over the future direction of interest rates, there is another perceived downside of a longer term fixed rate mortgage which may deter some consumers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/budget-effect-on-mortgages.aspx2008-03-12T16:28:16.357Just two weeks ago the FSA suggested that the days of cheap credit were over. The latest exclusive Moneyfacts.co.uk research into the cost of unsecured personal loans underlines that this is certainly the case.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/loans-on-the-up.aspx2008-03-12T16:20:58.073Results from the Council of Mortgage Lenders this week have shown an increase in the number of mortgages taken by buy-to-let landlords in 2007. With first time buyers finding it increasingly difficult to get onto the property ladder, it might be expected that private landlords are having it easy.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/lanlords-feeling-pinch.aspx2008-03-06T09:11:50.480As we head towards spring, we see the return of many high profile charity events including Sport Relief and Race for Life. But giving to charity doesn’t have to be limited to sponsorship on an event once a year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/giving-to-charity.aspx2008-03-06T09:06:07.387This time last year Northern Rock was just another bank and the words ?credit crunch? had no significance. One year on and the mortgage world is a completely different place. Maximum loan to values The dust has finally settled on the surge of mortgage lenders reducing loan to values. Mortgage borrowers with a deposit of less than 10% have got a lot less choice of mortgage products than a few months ago.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/large-mortgage-deposit.aspx2008-03-06T08:55:56.043The rush for a slice of the tax-free market is really heating up now, with 42% of mini cash ISA products being amended since the beginning of February and 80% since the beginning of January.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/isa-heating-up.aspx2008-03-03T11:06:55.340The majority of the banks offer packaged current accounts, but are these accounts really worth the monthly fee and do any of these accounts offer a better deal than the standard current accounts? With us all currently waiting on the outcome of the Office of Fair Trading’s test case in the High Court with banks over charges and with speculation rife that free banking may be a thing of the past, packaged current accounts may become increasingly popular.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/packaged-current-accounts.aspx2008-02-26T14:07:25.170Parents whose children are born on 01 April 2008 can look forward to receiving £21,049 in weekly child benefit payments before their child turns sixteen.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/regular-saving-parents-provide-nest-egg.aspx2008-02-25T13:15:23.170Advice from brokers will be vital to help landlords maximise their returns in the Buy-to-Let market, according to research from Alliance & Leicester Mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/buy-to-let-returns-maximised-by-brokers.aspx2008-02-25T13:07:52.810Cash ISA rates reach a new heigh of 6.25% at Alliance & Leicester as they launch a new ‘best buy’ version of its popular Direct ISA account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/cash-isa-rates-reach-new-high.aspx2008-02-25T12:22:43.310By the close of play yesterday four of the six lenders that were offering 125% loan to value mortgages had announced that they were to withdraw these higher risk home loans. Alliance and Leicester, Coventry BS, Godiva Mortgages and Abbey are all set to pull these deals this week.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/125-mortgages.aspx2008-02-25T11:25:50.683Motorists everywhere are now searching across the country to find the best deal for the new 08 plate cars. Unfortunately the same effort is rarely put into sorting out the best car finance and car insurance deal and getting this wrong can be an extremely costly mistake.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/financing-your-next-car.aspx2008-02-20T09:15:11.043It was way back in 2004 when Credit Card balance transfer fees first started to raise their ugly heads on 0% credit card deals. However with increasing levels of personal debt, the market for transferring credit card balances has become more competitive, but for the consumer it has become harder to get these deals.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/balance-transfer-not.aspx2008-02-18T10:20:20.123As the year goes on, an increasing number of mortgage borrowers will be facing the dilemma of what to do once they come to the end of their fixed rate mortgage deals. Trackers without penalties If you think interest rates are going to drop further and want to hold out for lower rates, before committing to a new fixed rate mortgage deal, there is an alternative to simply reverting to your current lenders standard variable rate. A fee free tracker for term without a penalty could behttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate.aspx2008-02-18T10:10:22.873This time last year the base rate was at the same level as it is today (5.25%). Savings rates on the other hand, are far higher than 12 months ago Despite the latest cut in base rate, the second in the last three months, fierce competition within the savings market and particularly the battle for best buy recognition means that savers have the opportunity to grab some great deals at the moment.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-year-on.aspx2008-02-18T10:00:48.777Buy to Let mortgage provider, Birmingham Midshires, carries out a review of the 2007 Buy to Let market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/buy-to-let-returns-rise.aspx2008-02-18T09:45:26.887Credit card provider, Nationwide Building Society, is is awarded for its Most Responsible Credit Card Lending Practices.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-card-provider-voted-most-responsible.aspx2008-02-18T09:42:56.310Planned spending on cars has plummeted to its lowest point for two years and has dropped by an average of £976 within just six months, according to new figures from AA Personal Loans.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/record-low-on-car-buying-budgets.aspx2008-02-14T09:08:22.340Sainsbury’s Home Insurance is urging landlords to ensure that they have adequate home insurance as it estimates that the collective value of their rental properties has reached £641 billion.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/home-insurance-for-lanlords-essential-says-sainsburys.aspx2008-02-13T10:33:54.967New research from Abbey Mortgages has found that almost four times as many homeowners would opt for a fixed rate mortgage as a tracker if they had to renew their mortgage tomorrow.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-mortgages-prefered-says-abbey.aspx2008-02-13T10:32:21.887New research by Halifax Unsecured Personal Loans* shows that when it comes to sticking to our New Years' Resolutions, as far as personal finances are concerned, we're determined to stay on track.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/new-year-loans.aspx2008-02-13T10:29:01.167Nationwide estimates that, during the current tax year (2007-08), savers in the UK could be paying more than £230 million extra in tax by failing to take advantage of their yearly ISA allowance.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/isa-simplification-doesnt-go-far-enough-for-savers.aspx2008-02-13T10:25:46.073British small businesses have dug in their heels against a tide of market pessimism. Far from being defeatist, the industry remains confident about sales and profit growth for the year ahead, according to the second NatWest and RBS Small Business Monitor. Whilst the issue of CGT reforms have loomed over small businesses for months, research shows this clearly wasn’t their No1 concern.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/small-businesses-show-resilience.aspx2008-02-13T10:23:10.967Nationwide estimates that, during the current tax year (2007-08), savers in the UK could be paying more than £230 million extra in tax by failing to take advantage of their yearly ISA allowance.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/isas-could-generate-millions-for-taxman.aspx2008-02-13T10:21:36.620New research from Halifax Estate Agents reveals that when moving, men with a partner or spouse are more likely to be solely responsible for sorting the finances than women.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/women-let-men-sort-finances-when-moving.aspx2008-02-13T10:19:56.810Egg recently announced that it is to withdraw credit cards from 161,000 customers, who it believes are “high risk”, following a review after Egg was purchased by Citigroup last year. Egg isn’t demanding immediate repayment of balances, but customers won’t be able to spend on their cards anymore.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/egg-withdraw-credit card.aspx2008-02-11T16:15:27.730In response to feedback from our customers we are pleased to announce that Moneyfacts.co.uk now offers you an even wider choice when it comes to savings best buy tables. In 2007 we were first to bring you the option of viewing the most consistent savings accounts, but rather than rest on our laurels, we have expanded our range of best buy data even further by introducing the following new categories:http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-deals.aspx2008-02-11T16:10:36.763This year the battle for a slice of the Mini Cash ISA savings market has kicked off earlier than usual, with two of the current top three Mini Cash ISA Best Buys having been launched in the last month. Scarborough BS' Notice ISA offers 6.30% gross and Icesave's Easy Access ISA offers 6.10% gross.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mini-cash-isa-war.aspx2008-02-11T16:01:12.620Whether you are someone who runs your current account in credit or makes regular use of an overdraft limit, there are financial benefits to be had when switching your current account. Whilst switching a mortgage, credit card or savings account has become almost the norm as people have started to become more savvy about making the most of their money, there is a combination of reluctance and apathy when it comes to moving your current account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/current-accounts-switch.aspx2008-02-06T13:54:15.997As the end of another tax year fast approaches, savers should be looking to make the most of their tax free saving allowance with a Mini Cash ISA. Any allowance not used by the 5 April deadline will be lost forever.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/none.aspx2008-02-06T13:34:00.153With speculation rife that the Bank of England will cut the base rate again next week, mortgage lenders have been preparing for the potential increased demand by increasing margins offered on tracker rate mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-lenders-squeeze-rate.aspx2008-02-01T12:43:46.683As fixed rate savings continue to fall, Moneyfacts.co.uk looks at what this sector of the savings market still has to offer. Although we have seen a dramatic drop in some short term fixed rate savings over the last couple of weeks, with larger institutions such as Halifax dropping rates by up to 1%, there are still some really good fixed rate savings deals to be found.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/best-fixed-rate-savings.aspx2008-02-01T12:37:52.777Only five days after the bad news that Barclays had reduced its savings account rates again, today we will see the launch of a great new instant access savings account from West Bromwich BS.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/new-easy-access-savings-account.aspx2008-02-01T12:26:12.090Today sees news that selected Barclay's savings rates will be hit for the third time in as many months. Barclay's Savings Builder and Day to Day Savings Accounts face a 0.24% reduction on 1 February. Barclay's Day to Day savings account will pay 3.69%; Barclay's Savings Builder savings account will pay 4.17% at £10000, 4.31% at £25000, 4.41% at £50000, 4.55% at £100000 and 4.65% at £250000.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/more-savings-rate-drop.aspx2008-02-01T12:19:16.823On Friday 1st February Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) is launching a brand new range of savings accounts for families with dependent children* - offering some of the best ‘no strings attached’ rates in the market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/family-savings-get-a-helping-hand.aspx2008-01-28T13:05:24.417Today sees Icesave launch into the ISA market with yet another market leading product. The Icesave Easy Access ISA fits the same mould as their other savings accounts, it’s simple, straightforward and pays a very competitive return. Savers really do get what they see when it comes to Icesave products.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/icesave-scores-a-hat-trick.aspx2008-01-15T17:03:17.340High savings rates have been a by-product of the credit crunch, as providers source deposits as an alternative option to raising funds on the money markets. Competition is still alive, with savings account rates almost 1% more than Bank of England base rate in the variable rate savings account market, and as much as 1.35% within the fixed rate savings account market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-savings-tumble.aspx2008-01-15T16:59:12.073For most of 2007 we reported rising personal loan rates, with the demise of sub six percent personal loans and the market finally settling at the end of the year with the best personal loan deals around 6.5% to 7%. But as 2008 starts, there is good news for borrowers as personal loan rates begin to fall.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/personal-loans-rate-fall.aspx2008-01-15T11:53:06.293With expectations of a housing market slowdown this year, it seems that mortgage lenders have started to take a more cautious approach to ensure their fingers don’t get burnt. The latest market analysis from Moneyfacts.co.uk highlights the current trend for mortgage lenders to be reducing their maximum loan to values.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/lenders-tighten-their-belts.aspx2008-01-15T11:45:44.620Five weeks on from Decembers shock reduction in base rate, many experts are predicting yet another cut tomorrow. Despite the festive period we would have expected the dust to have settled by now, with most mortgage lenders having made a decision. But some mortgage providers are still undecided, with mortgage borrowers continuing to be charged at a potentially higher rate.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-rate-still-waiting.aspx2008-01-15T11:35:57.217Five weeks on from Decembers shock reduction in base rate, many experts are predicting yet another cut tomorrow. Despite the festive period we would have expected the dust to have settled by now, with most savings account providers having made a decision. But some savings account providers are still undecided, with some savers happily sitting on higher than expected return.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-rate-cut-wait.aspx2008-01-15T11:21:54.997For savers who are fed up with excessive savings rate cuts or too busy constantly to switch between short term deals. Recent events in the savings account market underline the importance of providing consumers with details of the most consistent savings accounts available.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/consistent-savings-account.aspx2008-01-11T10:10:20.637It’s the time of year when most people will be dreading the day their credit card bill hits the doormat, unveiling the true extent of their festive spend. If you do find yourself unable to repay your credit card in full, or are perhaps still carrying over a balance from 2007, there are still plenty of credit card balance transfer deals to be found. But getting one might not be a simple as you think.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/balance-transfer-deals.aspx2008-01-10T11:39:12.590UK savers are faced with a huge array of savings accounts to choose from, but how can they pick a savings account that hasn’t had its rate slashed to a derisory level or find a savings account that doesn’t include a short term bonus?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/big-rates-short-term.aspx2008-01-10T11:23:49.293With many predicting that the base rate may be cut again on Thursday we thought this might be worth keeping on your desk.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/base-rate-reckoner.aspx2008-01-09T16:57:11.043It’s the time of year when most people will be dreading the day their credit card bill hits the doormat, unveiling the true extent of their festive spend. If you do find yourself unable to repay this in full, or are perhaps still carrying over a balance from 2007, there are still plenty of balance transfer deals to be found. But getting one might not be a simple as you think.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/endless-credit-card-deals.aspx2008-01-08T15:48:33.607With still more than a fortnight until payday for most of us on monthly pay, are you sure you can get to the end of the month without a little financial assistance from your bank or building society? The overspend at Christmas will be starting to bite hard for many, especially with the dreaded credit card bills due to hit the doormat any day now.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/paying-your-ovedraft.aspx2008-01-08T15:26:22.277If your new year’s resolution is the tackle your debt by consolidation, tread carefully as you could be caught out by high interest rates and over priced insurance. Consolidating your debts onto one loan can prove an ideal solution. It could cut your monthly payments and see your interest bill lower. Also for those less disciplined, the fixed monthly repayment might offer the structure you need to commit to repay the debt within a given time.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/wrong-loan.aspx2008-01-08T15:14:51.997If you’ve been good this Christmas and spent within your means, congratulations! Now is the perfect time to start some serious saving, or possible boost a nest egg you may already have. When thinking about where to start, start by deciding on a target. Perhaps you want to maximise your Individual Savings Allowance (ISA), or lock away your funds for a set term. The best place to start is your ISA, because every penny you earn in interest is free from tax. You have until 1 April to use up your allowance, which is currently £3,000 but this is set to change to £3,600 for the next tax year. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/boost-your-savings-2008.aspx2008-01-08T14:35:43.357As Christmas 2007 fades into the distance, you may be too scared to check just how much you actually spent, and regret not having put a plan in place before you flexed your plastic. But just because it may have been too late to have prepared yourself financially for the festive season, doesn't mean you can't start preparing for Christmas 2008 today. Opening up a Christmas savings account really can be a great way to make sure your money is safe and secure until it's time to go shopping.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/saving-in-2008.aspx2008-01-08T13:44:50.560Christmas has come and gone and our bank accounts will certainly have felt the pinch over the past few weeks. Our mortgages were probably the last of our worries over the festive season, but given the lingering credit crunch engulfing money markets, if your mortgage is set to expire this year, then you should have a plan in place.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/new-mortgage-for-2008.aspx2008-01-08T13:29:48.043Pay day may seem like an eternity away, with your bank account put under extra pressure trying to cope with your post Christmas spend and regular household bills. But it is vital that you keep on top of your finances. Going into unauthorised overdraft, buying items without the funds to cover them or having items returned by your bank can be a costly mistake.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/unathoruised-overdraft.aspx2008-01-08T12:27:33.840Many of us will have lumbered ourselves with more debt than we should have done last year, and made a New Year’s resolution to sort out our finances this year. Moneyfacts can help you stay true to your word and help you get back in control of your finances and make morehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/sort-out debt-in-2008.aspx2008-01-08T12:10:49.340Many people are predicting that it is going to be a tough year in the personal finance world, so now is the time to get prepared for the rough ride ahead. Here's the Moneyfacts.co.uk guide to getting to grip with your finances and how to make better financial decisions in 2008.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/finance-2008.aspx2008-01-02T09:42:39.06044 savings account providers have announced savings rate cuts since the base rate cut. 24 savings account providers have reduced savings rates by the full 0.25%. These changes to savings account rates are more or less as expected. A few more smaller institutions have reduced their savings rates earlier, perhaps because they are coming to year end and wanting to have their books in order before the Christmas break. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-base-rate.aspx2007-12-21T09:47:38.793At long last there is scrap of good news for borrowers on variable rate mortgages linked to standard variable rates, with just over 50% of mortgage providers (53 lenders) having already signalled their intention to cut rates.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/base-rate-update.aspx2007-12-21T09:40:22.950Moneyfacts.co.uk comments on the changes so far in the mortgage and savings market following last week's surprise 0.25% reduction in base rate: Mortgages * 31 mortgage providers have announced changes to their standard variable rate (SVR) * Six mortgage providers have reduced their SVR by less than the 0.25% base rate reductionhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-crunch-on-base-rate.aspx2007-12-14T09:37:18.563With signs that variable rate mortgages are becoming back in vogue, it is important that mortgage borrowers realise the difference in how discounted or tracker mortgage rates can work. Trackers will follow the Bank of England base rate by a given margin, whereas discounted mortgages can be a discount off the mortgage lender's standard variable rate.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/changing-mortgage.aspx2007-12-13T15:33:12.860With only two weeks before Christmas, still frantically shopping for presents and preparing for the festivities most of us have probably realised that we should have prepared earlier for Christmas this year. With a significant strain put on our wallets, it may not be a festive time for our finances. So why not think ahead and get prepared for Christmas 2008, so at least next year your finances will be prepared even if you are not.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/saving-for-next-xmas.aspx2007-12-11T15:20:56.127It seems that some institutions had almost pre-empted the recommendations issued by the FSA on the 4th of December and are already assessing their funding and liquidity positions. As a result they are already attempting to bring in more funds through savings accounts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-liquidity-crisis.aspx2007-12-07T13:39:57.030Another two personal loans lenders bite the dust in the personal loan market this week, with the withdrawal of Hanley Economic BS and Northern Rock funded Eskimo Loans. They join GE Money, Leeds BS and LV= which withdrew earlier this month, marking an almost a 10% reduction in the number of unsecured personal loan providers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/personal-loans-shrink.aspx2007-12-06T12:22:49.377Despite the continuing tightening of lending criteria in the mortgage market, especially on riskier loans, five mortgage lenders are still offering the much talked about 125% mortgages. However 125% loan to values may not be quite what they seem. Mortgage lenders have put such tight restrictions on them that only in very specific circumstances can a mortgage borrower will get the full 125% loan.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/125-mortgage.aspx2007-12-06T12:17:28.983As the Northern Rock situation continues to dominate much of the media and with changes across a number of their products this week, we thought a brief update might be of some help.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savers-and-borrowers.aspx2007-12-06T11:40:00.733Choosing to switch current accounts is not a decision many of us take lightly, as even with the best current account switching service it takes time and effort. With the transfers of direct debit, salary and other payment instructions to be taken care of, it’s usually takes at least a few weeks before your new current account will be fully operational.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/current-accounts-long-term-relationships-won-with-short-term-deals.aspx2007-11-30T11:25:14.703Exclusive research from Moneyfacts.co.uk reveals the average mortgage arrangement fee has almost doubled during the last 2 years. Figures from November 2005 showed an average flat mortgage arrangement fee at £441, whereas today it stands at £827.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-fees-double-trouble.aspx2007-11-28T13:37:07.953With most other lending areas introducing stricter conditions, restricted availability and in some cases inflated interest rates, it's surprising to see the equity release sector beginning to broaden its horizons by lowering minimum ages and increasing maximum loan to values.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/eguity-release-widens-market.aspx2007-11-23T12:16:38.377The West Bromwich Building Society has raised the savings account bar with the launch of its instant access Premier Bonus Tracker 4 savings account, paying a market-leading savings rate of 6.6% from £1000.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/instant-access-account.aspx2007-11-22T14:44:27.750Today sees the launch of two new five-year fixed rate mortgage deals from the, with the unique feature of a three-year redemption charge. For first and second time buyers the mortgage rate is 5.99% fixed until 28.2.13, and for re-mortgage borrowers 6.09% to 28.2.13. Both charge a below average fee of £699 with early repayment charges of 4% to 28.2.09; 3% to 28.2.10; 2% to 28.2.11 http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/five-year-fixed-rate.aspx2007-11-22T14:35:28Today Standard Life Bank announced its standard variable mortgage rate would increase by 0.15% to 7.46% or 7.66% depending on the loan to value of the mortgage. It is very rare to see a mortgage lender increase its standard variable mortgage rate outside a Bank of England base rate change. It could very well be the first sign that the mainstream 'prime' mortgage is feeling the pinch of the credit crisis. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-rate-changes.aspx2007-11-19T09:40:04.453Halifax has announced today that it is reducing its core savings rates by up to 0.25%. Whilst we have seen the launch of some competitively priced savings products this week, Halifax has bucked the trend by cutting rates on its core range. It is uncommon to see a provider reduce their rates in a period of base rate stability.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-rate-change.aspx2007-11-19T09:33:40.797With Christmas only weeks away, you may be planning on splashing out on presents and the festivities. Whatever your purchase, remember that although a personal loan can be a useful way of funding such spending, they are a big responsibility - so you need to make sure you get the best personal loan to suit your circumstances and that you can afford to pay it back.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/personal-loans-for-xmas.aspx2007-11-19T09:21:43.483As far as Banks and Building Societies are concerned, current accounts are the gateway to cross-selling you other profitable accounts and services. Whilst some Banks and Building Societies take a very proactive approach to recruiting new customers by offering incentives and attractive terms, others will rely on customer apathy as a retention strategy and continue to offer very basic and uncompetitive deals.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/switching-account.aspx2007-11-16T15:48:58.187With Children in Need dominating our TV screens over the coming weekend, we may be considering the best ways to give to our chosen charity. By using one of the growing numbers of charity savings accounts or charity credit cards we can donate as part of our everyday banking.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/support-charity-save.aspx2007-11-15T11:32:48.547Northern Rock sees the first tightening of personal loan criteria, reducing its maximum term for personal loans from 10 years to seven years. Northern Rock are the first personal loans lender to make changes to the conditions of their personal loans deals. Northern Rock did stand out from the crowd offering a 10-year personal loan, so this latest move brings them back in line with the market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/northern-rock-tightens-loans.aspx2007-11-15T11:20:24.530The level of competitiveness for savings accounts shows no signs of slowing down. In the last couple of weeks we have seen the launch of many competitive new deals for internet savings accounts and the ever popular over 50s savings accounts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-bonanza.aspx2007-11-15T11:16:16.937This week sees the re-launch of the Co-operative Bank's 25 year fixed rate mortgage deal, which is available for up to 95% loan-to-value, has an arrangement fee of £599 and charges a fixed mortgage rate of 5.95%. It also offers a free valuation & legal fees for borrowers re-mortgaging.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/coop-relaunch-mortgage.aspx2007-11-15T11:04:13.500ASDA has entered into the savings accounts market with a bang, offering a competitively priced no notice internet savings account paying 6.35% with a minimum deposit of £100. The rate includes a 0.60% bonus for the first 12 months, and the underlying rate is guaranteed to be at least equal to Base Rate until 31.10.10.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/asda-savings.aspx2007-11-15T10:55:30.797Risk limitation is the key feature of many of today's mortgage changes. Sub-prime was the first casualty, with vastly tightened mortgage credit criteria and rate changes. Now it seems that the self-certification mortgage market, both for prime and sub-prime mortgage borrowers, is also beginning to feel the pinch.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-borrowers.aspx2007-11-08T09:57:16.313Competitive personal loan rates can still be found, especially if you are borrowing larger sums of money. But as rates continue to rise and lenders begin to withdraw from the personal loans market, it could look a very different picture in a few months' time. Leeds Building Society withdrew at the end of last week, with very competitive PPI charges and low rates on small personal loans, it left a hole at the top of some of the personal loan best buys. And this week GE Money followed suit, withdrawing its competitive rate of 6.9% on personal loans between £7.5K and £25K. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/personal-loans-back-out.aspx2007-11-08T09:48:58.343Abbey now pays 8% credit interest on current accounts to new customers up to £1000 and switcher customers £2500 on it credit option current account. This is a market leading current account deal, paying 1.5% (AER) higher than its closest current account competitor. However you do need to be aware that it is only paid on balances up to £1000, unless you switch your current account, when it is paid up to £2500.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/abbey-current-account.aspx2007-11-08T09:41:14.547Exclusive research by Moneyfacts.co.uk has revealed that in the last two months, no less than 125 fee and rate increases have hit the credit card market. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-card-caos.aspx2007-11-05T12:12:58.547An exclusive survey by Moneyfacts.co.uk reveals that Building Societies offer 70% of the top 250 mortgages available today and that those looking for a mortgage may well be better off going to a building society than to one of the larger banks or mortgage lenders.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-deals.aspx2007-10-31T10:37:56.017The last two months has seen a boom in the variable rate savings market, with rates rising and new savings accounts being launched to top the savings best buy charts. The savings market is booming, and with rates to be found at 0.75% above the Bank of England base rate, it’s a great time for savers to review their accounts. Fierce competition is driving savings accounts rates forward, but there has got to be a point at which it is....http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-rate-rise.aspx2007-10-31T10:35:47.327American Express has raised the bar in the credit card cashback market, offering an impressive offer to challenge the current market leaders Capital One. Credit card cashback is a hotly contested market, and with Christmas just around the corner it's an ideal time to make full use of these introductory credit card offers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/cashback-card-battle.aspx2007-10-31T10:26:21.843When it comes to their banking, new research suggests ethical consumers are not as green as they think. Well-meaning ethical consumers are failing to do the one thing that even they recognise could change the world most, according to a report released today from ethical banking specialists, Triodos. ‘How Green is Your Money?’,http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/how-green-is-your-money.aspx2007-10-31T10:10:06.280Alliance & Leicester have just launched a new Premier 50 Current Account, which is an impressive account all round and unrivalled in many of its features. Paying a market leading credit interest rate for the first year, and sustaining a competitive rate thereafter makes this a great account for the longer term too. 7% AER (up to £2.5K) is better than any standard variable savings rate in the market today. But for those who do slip into the red, the same market leading overdraft structure also applies.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Over_50s_current_ac.aspx2007-10-29T10:46:32.453Figures from Shelter revealed that over a million householders have used their credit card to make their mortgage payments or rent over the last twelve months. Moneyfacts.co.uk urges borrowers to think carefully before going down this road, as it’s one of the most expensive solutions you could choose. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Credit_cards_and_mortgages.aspx2007-10-26T13:14:41.937The &More MasterCard from Marks & Spencer Money continues to offer its competitive loyalty rewards scheme, but today its purchase rate increases by 1% to 18.9% and sadly its competitive life of balance deal, previously at 5.9%, now becomes 7.9% for only two years. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Mands_credit_card.aspx2007-10-26T13:05:40.813Today sees the launch of a new two year discounted tracker rate mortgage from the Co-operative Bank, taking the market by storm and shooting straight into the Moneyfacts.co.uk discounted variable rate mortgage best buys. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/coop_tracker_rate_mortgage.aspx2007-10-26T08:48:26.297While the rest of the savings accounts market seems to be booming with increasing rates and new best buy savings accounts being launched almost daily, this week Barclays Bank became the first provider to announce a reduction in rates on its savings accounts range. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings_rate.aspx2007-10-26T08:41:21Your child may be at university, enjoying their first year of student life. But you may already be considering buying a home for them to live in next year. If that sound's like you, you need to make sure you do your homework.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/student_accomodation.aspx2007-10-26T08:34:02.750Moneyfacts.co.uk urges people looking for life assurance to assess the full cost of cover over the term of the policy when selecting the best deal. The warning from Moneyfacts.co.uk follows the launch of a new life product from the Post Office, which offers a £100 cash back bonus to anyone taking out either a level or decreasing term assurance policy. The incentive of £100 looks generous, but you may be able to obtain cheaper cover elsewhere which outweigh the benefits of the cash back deal. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/cash_back_deals.aspx2007-10-25T16:34:08In the wake of the savings rate war, first in the fixed rate market and subsequently with variable rate products, the offshore savings market has stolen the march in the last week, offering market leading offshore savings rates. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/great_rates_are_you_safe.aspx2007-10-23T14:44:31.127The total number of buy-to-let and residential mortgage products available has fallen by a staggering 40% overall in the last three months. Most of this is due to bad credit (or "sub prime") mortgages being withdrawn from sale. In fact, 72% of bad credit buy-to-let mortgage products were withdrawn and 54% of bad credit residential mortgage products were withdrawn. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/bad_credit_mortgage.aspx2007-10-17T15:11:10.517The recent speculation of Gordon Brown calling an election brought the political parties' manifestos to the fore. However, although Mr Brown made a U-turn after losing an 11 point lead to the Conservatives, the electorate is a starting to be a bit clearer on who stands for what.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/moneyfacts_manifesto.aspx2007-10-17T13:54:30.627With a year of base rate rises and the shock impact of the credit crisis behind us, the mortgage market is in an unusual equilibrium whereby fixed and variable deals are being priced more or less the same. The mortgage market has moved back to the state we saw 18 months ago, whereby fixed rate deals no longer come at a premium, and can sometimes cost less than a discounted deal. With increases to variable rates of late, combined with a reduction in fixed rates, there's now little difference between the cost of a fixed rate or variable rate mortgage deal. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/identical_rates.aspx2007-10-16T14:41:52.093Believe it or not there are less than 9 weeks before Christmas, so why not make the most of the credit card deals available so you can profit from your Christmas spending! Abbey are offering 5% cashback, but that's limited to the first £1000 spent in a supermarket until 31.1.2008, so the most you can get back is £50. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/xmas_spending.aspx2007-10-16T10:58:19.127A recent survey by the Halifax has shown that nearly two thirds of parents would use their salary to put their children through university, to prevent them being saddled with debt on graduation.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/student_debt.aspx2007-10-16T10:52:51.140For over 50s savings accounts there are now some great deals to be had, with rates reaching 6.4% with no hidden catches. Over 50s savings accounts offer the same range of notice, no notice and fixed accounts but limit their availability to those aged over 50 and there are now over 50 providers exclusively competing to help you find a new home for your savings. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/over_50_savings.aspx2007-10-16T09:45:42.750The extensive Northern Rock residential and buy-to-let mortgage range has seen its number of products cut by over two thirds, in its first product change since seeking emergency funding from the Bank of England. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/northern_rock_Mortgages.aspx2007-10-15T11:38:11.923Buy-to-let mortgages are beginning to show signs reminiscent of the sub prime lending market over the last few weeks with tightening credit criteria, the withdrawal of buy-to-let mortgage products and rising fees. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/sub_prime_credit_crunch.aspx2007-10-15T11:32:52With overdraft charges in the spotlight, and undoubtedly a target for the Office of FairTrading (OTF) to intervene and impose reductions, Lloyds TSB has been the first off the mark to announce reductions to its overdraft fees. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/lloyds_tsb_changes.aspx2007-10-15T11:17:27.937Stephen Rumbelow, Head of Moneyfacts.co.uk - the leading independent financial comparison site, comments: "We have been constantly pushing for a code of practice to be introduced in our industry to ensure that consumers benefit from using best buy tables that search the whole market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/comparison-websites-code-of-practice-long-overdue.aspx2007-10-11T09:24:10.203If you don’t have the time or inclination to continuously chase the best rates by switching your savings from one best buy account to another, Moneyfacts.co.uk has the answer – we now provide details of savings accounts that have historically offered consistency in the form of a good rate of return.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/most-consistent-savings-accounts.aspx2007-10-11T08:45:59.923The Moneyfacts.co.uk consumer website has gone from strength to strength since Stephen Rumbelow joined the Norwich based leading independent financial comparison site earlier this year from Virgin Mobile.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/the-virgin-effect.aspx2007-10-09T09:40:44.250The rules surrounding Power of Attorney have been changed as of October 1st, which has wider concerns when it comes to Inheritance Tax (IHT). Prior to the date, it was the Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) which enabled relatives or trusted friends to take charge of your financial affairs should you no longer be able to. Under the Mental Capacity Act, this has now been changed to the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/power-of-attorney.aspx2007-10-05T11:01:25.140By the end of the year new and existing Halifax Websaver customers will see their accounts 'carbon labelled'. With green becoming the new black of financial services, providers are becoming increasingly innovative and creative in ways which they can wear the green badge. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/halifax-goes-green.aspx2007-10-04T15:43:42.547The Northern Rock crisis has resulted in some good news for savers – as from October 1st 2007, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has been expanded to protect even more money deposited in UK banks and building societies. Out with the old… http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/saving-even-safer.aspx2007-10-01T15:37:45.250Thousands of cars with shiny new '57 registration plates have started rolling off forecourts this month. However, new research has shown that car buyers are more likely to choose car forecourt finance deals rather than a personal loan - but this could prove to be a costly mistake. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/costly-car-finance.aspx2007-09-26T10:14:25.380More than 250,000 borrowers will see their two-year fixed rate loans come to an end before the end of the year. Fixed rates were much cheaper two years ago, with an average two-year fixed rate deal standing at around 4.5%. Current fixed rate deals could mean an increase in repayments of around £230 per month for a homeowner borrowing £120,000. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-or not-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2007-09-26T09:47:42.100Abbey's new cashback credit card allows customers to claim 5% cashback on their first £1,000 spent at large supermarkets across the UK until the end of January. Because Abbey estimates the average household monthly spend in supermarkets is around £190, cardholders should be covered for almost five months worth of shopping. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/maket-leading-cashback-card.aspx2007-09-26T09:05:53.553A war is currently being waged in the one year fixed rate bonds savings market, which is great news for savers as we'e witnessed fixed rate savings deals at levels not seen for over six years. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-savings-best-in-6-yrs.aspx2007-09-25T16:37:35.630The stories in the press this week have been surrounding the sudden increase of mortgage rates. Looking at the market is this just the press searching for the bad news and desperate to link the rising rates to the credit crunch in financial markets. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-fall.aspx2007-09-25T16:17:57.427A lot of our customers have been asking us if their savings are 100% safe and are worried about which Financial Institution owns which savings companies and what level of protection the Government gives to savers in the unlikely event that a Financial Institution goes under. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings_are_u_safe.aspx2007-09-24T15:49:14.350North American companies are lagging behind Europe, although a core of larger companies have started to adopt responsible business practices. The Eiris report shows that European companies tended to be more socially and environmentally awarehttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/ethical-standards.aspx2007-09-20T10:35:36.427Northern Rock Crisis - Northern Rock revealed last week that it had to ask the Bank of England for emergency funding to help with its balance sheet and keep its business ticking over.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/northern-rock-crisis.aspx2007-09-17T17:31:08.820Cash-based child trust funds (CTF) have delivered an average growth of just over 10% in the last two years. The average growth for equity based child trust funds however, is over three times as much over the same period. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/child-trust-funds-best-returns.aspx2007-09-14T14:40:47.867The current account war shows little sign of easing, with several banks battling it out to offer customers the best current account rates and deals. Moneyfacts experts have practised what they preach and earned an extra £125 in interest simply by switchinhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/earn-extra-on-current-accounts.aspx2007-09-13T16:52:27.693HSBC has re-launched its fee free mortgage deals, but have also increased the rates on most of these deals - a bit like robbing Peter to pay Paul! The fee free mortgage deals offered by HSBC are far from market leading and the same features can be found on more competitive mortgage deals. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/hsbc-fee-free-mortgage.aspx2007-09-13T15:33:32.083Saga has expanded its range of over 50s accounts with the launch of a new internet account Online Savings, paying a best buy rate of 6.20%. While this rate is very competitive, Northern Rock are paying 6.30%,http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Saga-new-inter-account.aspx2007-09-13T15:26:32.350Your Personal Loan.co.uk, a subsidiary of Co-operative Bank, has launched a new unsecured personal loan at a rate of 6.3% APR http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Your-Personal-Loans.aspx2007-09-13T15:18:48.833With peak holiday season fast approaching, many of us will be spending time searching for the most competitive travel package, insurance, flights or car parking. But one area we seem to neglect is our travel money, often choosing the convenience of our own bank or airport rather than shopping around to find the best travel money deal available. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/travel-money.aspx2007-09-13T14:47:00.333The report on climate change, by Sir Nicholas Stern, described climate change as the 'greatest market failure the world has ever seen' and certain groups criticised the Government for using it as a means to 'pave the way for a whole host of new green taxes'. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/stern-review.aspx2007-09-03T14:32:40.397HSBC recently announced plans to scrap its interest-free overdraft facility for graduate accounts, meaning that student account holders could face up to £140 interest charges each year for using their overdrafts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/switching_graduate_accouonts.aspx2007-08-30T17:24:27.677The latest survey by Moneyfacts.co.uk reveals that ethical investors are being rewarded for following their conscience, with ethical fund returns surging ahead of mainstream traditional funds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/ethical-investors.aspx2007-08-29T15:55:43.850In the case of mortgages, we have witnessed mortgage arrangement fees rising at an alarming rate. Five years ago we were seeing arrangement fees of around £399, but we’re now witnessing arrangement fees of three times this size or even more.. So the message is to do your homework and make sure that you look at all of the mortgage fees, as these fees might wipe out any benefit from what appears to be a very competitive headline interest rate.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-exit-fees-dont-get-cought-out.aspx2007-08-29T11:20:21.427http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/good-bad-ugly-200708.aspx2007-08-24T09:02:13.037National Savings and Investments have launched an advertising campaign to help people trace £435m worth of unclaimed money that’s been sitting dormant in savings accounts for years. Banks and Building Societies are also trying to help people trace lost accounts as well.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/unclaimed-money.aspx2007-08-21T16:00:34.427Student Bank Accounts - As you have probably found, getting to grips with funding university life can be a tricky and not to mention an expensive task. According to the National Union of Students, many of today’s students will have to find nearly £10,500 per academic year, and that is top of hefty top-up fees, which were introduced in 2006. As a result, NUS estimates that this year’s students face graduating with a total debt of over £20,000http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/student-bank-accounts.aspx2007-08-14T17:26:25.177It doesn’t seem five minutes since the last football season ended, yet here we are in the second week of August, ready for the big ‘kick off’ once more.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/football-credit-cards-and-savings-accounts.aspx2007-08-13T13:46:40.443Reclaim Mortgage Exit Fees - The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has urged borrowers who think they have been charged higher exit fees than the one originally set out in their mortgage contract to reclaim them. The controversial fees, charged by mortgage lenders to borrowers ending their current deal, range from £50 to around £300.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/reclaim-mortgage-exit-fees.aspx2007-08-03T08:25:25.007Savers in the UK today can take advantage of a wide range of high interest accounts, and the cream of the crop can be found right here on Moneyfacts.co.uk in our Best Buy tables. However, many of you have been contacting our savings department asking why we exclude ICICI’s HiSAVE account from our charts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/icici-moneyfacts-stance.aspx2007-07-27T15:09:39.943Energy efficient homes can end up costing you a small fortune in the short term. However, you’d be amazed at how many grants and special offers are available to help you make your homes more energy efficient. Even if you’re not over 60 or on benefits, you are still eligible for a wide range of grants and offers to help you tackle climate change from the comfort of your own home.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/energy-efficient-homes.aspx2007-07-10T18:32:07.600You may have already started to make great strides in turning your home green, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Every year, Britain’s businesses are responsible for 77 million tonnes of waste. By turning your workplace green, not only will your company save thousands of pounds each year, you’ll be making a real difference to not only the environment, but your local community too!http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/green-workplace.aspx2007-07-10T18:22:06.617According to the Fairtrade Foundation, Fairtrade is essentially about ensuring that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. Most of you have probably seen the Fairtrade mark, which is an independent consumer label that appears on products to guarantee that producers in the developing world are getting a fair deal. For a product to display the Fairtrade mark it must meet the international Fairtrade standards. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fairtrade.aspx2007-07-10T17:18:56.177There are several ways in which you can support a charity of your choice like Friends of the Earth, Oxfam or The World Wildlife Fund etc. Most charities need a reliable, regular and long-term supply of income to campaign effectively for a better world, which is why a regular monthly donation by direct debit is probably the best way for you to provide your support.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/charitable-giving.aspx2007-07-10T16:37:01.867The Government have recently announced plans that all new homes in England will have to be carbon neutral by 2016. With the UK’s housing stock responsible for nearly 30% of all CO2 emissions, the Government believes that these measures are critical to it meeting its targets of cutting CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/carbon-neutral-homes.aspx2007-07-10T16:27:30.773Going green around the house does not mean making life-altering changes; it’s the simple things that will have the greatest impact. By saving energy not only will you help to save the planet, you’ll save yourself a small fortune too. So let’s get started with Moneyfacts’ top 10 ways to slash those bills to help you start saving those pounds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/10-ways-to-save-money-going-green.aspx2007-07-10T16:23:55.380It seems that Gordon Brown is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to squeeze every last drop of tax out of savers and investors, with around 200,000 people having already been sent a letter from HM Revenue & Customs over unpaid taxes on their offshore savings account. Now however, buy-to-let investors are next up on Gordon Brown’s hit list as he tries to extract as much tax as possible to boost revenue for the Treasury.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/buy-to-let-tax.aspx2007-07-04T16:53:57.037Shared ownership mortgages are aimed at helping potential first time buyers to get on the property ladder, as this is increasingly becoming an almost impossible task for many. According to recent figures, only around 1 in 10 new buyers are currently first timers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/shared-ownwership-mortgages.aspx2007-07-04T08:27:56.100The average UK saver has accumulated just over £20,000 worth of savings and the difference between the best and worst paying savings accounts can be as much as £1,000 in lost interest every year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/earn-extra-1000-pounds.aspx2007-06-25T14:17:46.083We’re now into summer, and unlike the weather the world of personal finance is sizzling with activity. Here’s our monthly review of the latest developments for savers, investors and borrowers…http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/good-bad-ugly-200706.aspx2007-06-20T10:43:11.273At the end of this month Chancellor Gordon Brown will replace Tony Blair as Prime Minister, but before he takes over the reigns of the country he’ll leave a financially crippling legacy.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/gordon-browns-legacy.aspx2007-06-20T09:46:37.693Do you ever have that sinking feeling when it comes to your mortgage payments, finding it increasingly harder to meet them each and every month? The good news is that you really can pay off your mortgage early and stop worrying. For an average mortgage ofhttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/really-pay-off-your-mortgage-early.aspx2007-06-20T09:22:00.320It's unusual to come across a market leading interest rate that doesn't have any unpleasant baggage hidden within the small print. The increased rate of 6% on offer from Sainsbury's latest online savings account deal is not only welcome news for prospective new customers but, equally important, it is also being passed on to their existing customer base.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/online-savings-accounts.aspx2007-06-13T14:06:30.710Over the past month there’s been a surge of activity in the world of personal finance. Here’s our monthly review of the latest developments for savers, investors and borrowers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/good-bad-ugly-200705.aspx2007-05-22T16:51:41.687Take the Natwest challenge - You may have seen the recent adverts proudly broadcast by NatWest, encouraging borrowers to take their ‘mortgage challenge’ and get £1,000 if you can find a mortgage cheaper elsewhere. However...http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/nawest-challenge.aspx2007-05-15T11:13:16.377Every day it seems that we see the launch of yet another eco-friendly product claiming to help tackle climate change. But is there a high price to pay for being green and are companies merely trying to cash in on consumers' interest in green issues?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/green-money.aspx2007-05-11T15:21:03.657Most of us grow up wanting to own our own home, but with house prices increasing at an alarming rate in the last few years, unfortunately the reality for some is that getting that first important step on the property ladder is becoming much more of a challenge.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/first-time-buyer-mortgage.aspx2007-05-10T14:57:31.187With inflation on the rise it’s widely predicted that the Bank of England will raise interest rates soon. If you’re already on a tight budget this could mean you’re stretched to breaking point if you have a variable mortgage, as your monthly repayments will go up too.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fixed-rate-mortgages.aspx2007-05-10T14:02:04.140Despite store cards being a very expensive piece of plastic over 11 million people in the UK today own one, and it’s estimated they cost British shoppers at least £55 million a year in interest payments alone.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/store-cards-wealth-warning.aspx2007-05-02T11:48:17.220Over the last few years we’ve enjoyed a stable economic environment, with little fluctuation in interest rates. However, the recent increase in inflation to 3.1%, against the Government target of 2%, suggests that we may be moving towards a more volatile economic period.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-rate-uncertainty.aspx2007-05-01T09:53:38.547Mortgage lenders are prepared to lend first time buyers much higher amounts and offer lots of headline grabbing ‘freebies’ - free valuations, free legal fees, cashback, free insurance.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/first-time-buyers.aspx2007-04-26T08:21:47.593There have been plenty of changes to fees and rates across a range of personal finance products during the last few weeks and here’s our round up of the monthly news for savers, investors and borrowers alike...http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/good-bad-ugly-200704.aspx2007-04-17T13:39:41.687We all want our children to have the best start in life, and it’s never too early to start saving for when they are older. If you are one of the millions of parents in the UK today with a child under 5, have you taken advantage of the Child Trust Fund scheme?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/child-trust-funds-birthday.aspx2007-04-17T11:19:45.437Are you one of the millions of people across Britain who have been subjected to bank charges for unauthorised overdrafts, bounced cheques or failed direct debits, and have yet to join the ranks fighting back against bank charges? The good news is you still have time!http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/bank-charges-more-time.aspx2007-04-17T10:09:06.703Are you coming to the end of the contract with your current mortgage lender? Fed up with paying through the nose for those hefty monthly repayments? Perhaps you are looking for a large cash sum to fix that roof, add an extension, or fit a new kitchen or bathroom?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-lenders-switch.aspx2007-04-16T19:32:09.860The new Nationwide 25-year fixed rate mortgage is competitive when compared with other long-term fixed rates, particularly for those with a 10% deposit. It comes with a fee of £599 (and a £200 discount for existing members), which is not out of line, especially when you take into account some of the four figure or percentage based fees that we are now seeing for short term deals.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/25-year-fixed-rate-mortgage.aspx2007-03-29T15:44:37.720Top of the Moneyfacts ISA survey this year was Alliance & Leicester’s Direct ISA, returning £3,163.46. A no notice account, the product was launched on 9 January last year with a rate of 5.20%, but this included an introductory offer of a 0.70% bonus, which was swiftly withdrawn on 12 April.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/isa-survey-2007.aspx2007-03-27T16:48:44.780There have been plenty of changes to fees and rates across a range of personal finance products during the last few weeks and here’s our round up of the monthly news for savers, investors and borrowers alike…http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/good-bad-ugly-200703.aspx2007-03-23T08:54:45The 2007 budget day has been and gone and Gordon Brown has now delivered possibly his final Budget speech. With all the smoke and mirrors surrounding it, what will it mean for you?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/budget-2007.aspx2007-03-22T16:00:50.657Two weeks ago I mentioned the new ISA products launched by Abbey and Alliance & Leicester with headline grabbing rates, although they were not quite as straightforward as first appeared, with requirements for you to open additional accounts or take other products in order to obtain the rates of 8.1%.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/cash-isa-tax-beater.aspx2007-03-20T17:10:22.703With the news that First Direct has started charging its current account holders £10 a month for those who don’t deposit a minimum of £1,500 a month, it’s felt by some people across the industry that more banks may introduce similar charges and penalise their loyal customers. Halifax £100 incentive withdrawn 16 March 2007http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/bank-charges-fees.aspx2007-03-12T08:47:39.483In a few days the latest new car registration code of 07 will be out and a multitude of banks, building societies and car dealerships will be offering a vast array of unsecured car loans to tempt punters to splash out on a shiny new motor.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/car-loans.aspx2007-03-12T08:40:06.407The difference between the best paying cash ISA and a high street current account can be as much as £172 a year in interest for basic rate tax payers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/best-cash-isa.aspx2007-03-05T16:04:04.750The decision by the one-time kings of the savings market, ING direct, to not pass on the 0.25% base rate hike to their loyal customers for the second time in two months is a stark reminder of how things can change. In the summer of 2003, just a couple of months after launch, ING was paying 4.25%, which at the time was 0.75% above the Bank of England base rate of 3.50%. Now they are paying 4.75% AER, which is currently 0.50% below base rate – a downward swing of 1.25%. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/ING.aspx2007-02-08T10:39:02.703Hundreds of thousands of couples will tie the knot in 2007 (according to the Office for National Statistics), and on 14 February many more will propose and start to plan for their own wedding day.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/valentines-day-financial-planning.aspx2007-02-05T10:41:05.297Are you one of the millions of people in the UK who have remained loyal to the current account you opened with your high street bank when you first left school or started work?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/current-account-working-for-you.aspx2007-02-05T09:54:51.517The Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to increase base rate by a further 0.25 per cent on 11 January caught everybody on the hop, from financial commentators through to the banks and building societies themselves. The rate increases of August and November last year have so far failed to dampen demand in the housing market, but it was the increase in inflation that prompted The Bank of England to take action a month or two earlier than anticipated.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savers-new-year-surprise.aspx2007-02-05T09:31:10.907With base rate now at its highest level since the summer of 2001 and with further rises on the cards, according to many city analysts, it’s time to look at the increased repayment costs and the options and rates available post the latest rate hike.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgage-changes.aspx2007-02-05T08:51:02.483If you have a child born after 1 September 2002, you'll have been sent one of the Government's Child Trust Fund vouchers. The voucher (for £250) is sent out to all new babies in the UK. A further £250 voucher, will be sent when the child reaches the age of seven.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/child-trust-funds.aspx2007-01-11T17:06:54.687Many of us will have made new year’s resolutions to sort out our finances, so why not take a look at some of the regular savings accounts available which could prevent you having to rely so heavily on the plastic come next December?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/regular-savings-accounts.aspx2007-01-11T16:31:54.953During the last few months moneyfacts.co.uk best buy charts have again been dominated by 12 month 0% balance transfer deals, and as the new year begins, competition for the top spot hots up, with HSBC and Virgin Money increasing their longest 0% deals to 15 and 13 months respectively.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/0-balance-transfers.aspx2007-01-11T15:57:09.297Need to regain control of your finances? Our top tips will show you just how easy it is.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/top-tips-07.aspx2007-01-11T10:23:20.733With two interest rate rises at the back end of 2006, rates for savers now look much more appealing.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/new-savings-home.aspx2006-12-15T14:05:54.593A recent Business Moneyfacts survey highlighted that banks need to make a good first impression to potential new business customershttp://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/business-banking.aspx2006-12-15T11:48:00.173A number of high street lenders have been swift to increase the rates of interest on their overdrafts in response to recent rises in base rate.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/overdraft-rates.aspx2006-12-15T11:31:11.640Earlier this year it was reported that ISA contributions had reached an all time high, with Britons subscribing to over 16 million ISA accounts. With this in mind, the news that the Government proposes to continue ISA savings schemes is most welcome.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mini-cash-isa.aspx2006-12-04T16:45:43.720As tempting as it may seem to open a store card and save on your Christmas shopping, don’t fall into the trap of keeping a balance on one of these cards, as it could prove to be a very costly mistake.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/store-cards-christmas-2006.aspx2006-12-04T13:43:11.453On average we each spend around £600 at Christmas time on presents and festivities, so why not start saving as early as possible and save yourself from another financial headache in 12 months’ time.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/saving-for-christmas-2007.aspx2006-12-04T09:16:01.453The announcement by First Direct earlier this month, to introduce monthly fees to customers who don’t meet their revised account criteria, caused a real stir in the media. People in the UK have become used to not having to pay for their bank accounts and are wondering if this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to having to pay for their current accounts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/free-banking-end.aspx2006-12-04T09:07:24.483Today many first time buyers simply cannot afford to save large deposits for their first property, in fact many need to borrow 100% of the property value. In a buoyant and rising property market, it is not surprising that over 200 mortgage products provide a loan for 100% of the property price. But is allowing borrowing of 100% plus a step too far?http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/100-mortgages.aspx2006-11-06T14:01:38.487West Brom for Intermediaries has become to latest buy-to-let lender to announce a reduction in its rental cover requirement to 100%. The rental percentage is one measure of the lender's perceived risk when assessing the amount it is prepared to advance to a prospective buy-to-let landlord.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/buy-to-let-rental-cover.aspx2006-11-06T13:26:08.597National Giving week is upon us, and with Children in Need just around the corner consumers may be considering the best ways to give to their chosen charity. By using one of the growing numbers of charity savings accounts or credit cards consumers can donate every day as part of their everyday banking.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/giving-made-easy.aspx2006-11-06T12:41:40.440The number of mortgages approved rose to 120,000 in July, the highest since the start of 2006.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/Home-loan-demand-at-two-year-high.aspx2006-11-02T10:36:27.047With house prices at record levels many people are struggling to get onto the property ladder. Even those people who have sufficient income levels to get a mortgage are struggling to find a mortgage option that they can afford to repay.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/interest-only-mortgages.aspx2006-10-11T15:52:10.537Latest figures from the Major British Banking Groups for June indicated that total sterling lending to the UK private sector showed a net underlying increase of £13.8bn (+1.1%) to £1,228bn. This was higher than last month’s underlying rise of £12.6bn but lower than the average of £15.2bn over the previous six months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/economy-july-2006.aspx2006-10-11T15:46:07.380Savings accounts paying attractive rates of interest often seem too good to be true. Below the sky-high headline rates there are often conditions that can catch out the unsuspecting.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/choosing-savings-accounts.aspx2006-10-11T15:34:22.223Some mortgage lenders offer mortgages for people with credit problems. These are known as credit impaired mortgages or sub-prime mortgages. When applying for a mortgage the lender will check your credit history. If your credit history is judged to be poor some lenders may not offer you a mortgage. Other lenders may be willing to lend to you but often the rates for bad credit mortgages are higher than standard mortgages.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/bad-credit-mortgages.aspx2006-10-11T15:19:35.067Michelle Slade, personal finance analyst at moneyfacts.co.uk, takes a look at the dying breed of fee free balance transfer deals.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/balance-transfers-end.aspx2006-10-11T15:02:56.210Rachel Thrussell, Head of Savings at moneyfacts.co.uk comments on the growing trend, for providers to attach withdrawal terms and conditions to instant access savings accounts. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/instant-access-savings-accounts.aspx2006-10-11T14:53:47.083Many of us do not realise the costs involved when withdrawing cash on our credit card. The interest rate charged on cash advances is usually not the same as that charged for credit card purchases. This can really catch people out if they have a credit card with a low rate on purchases. They can be led to think that the same low rate will apply when withdrawing cash, yet many credit card providers charge over 20% APR on cash advances.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-cards-cash-withdrawals.aspx2006-10-11T14:41:47.303When taking out a personal loan it is important to take time comparing the rates and features on offer from different providers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/personal-loan.aspx2006-10-11T14:18:46.867According to a recent moneyfacts.co.uk user poll, around 19% of us have a packaged bank account. Packaged bank accounts are bank accounts that come with additional benefits. With most of these bank accounts there is a monthly fee. Although these benefits may seem attractive, it is a good idea to make sure you are not paying over the odds.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/packaged-bank-accounts.aspx2006-10-11T14:10:17.037Back in 2005 a number of banks and building societies launched savings accounts aimed specifically at people aged over 50 and above.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-accounts-over50s.aspx2006-10-11T13:51:19.413Buy to Let Mortgages - If you are thinking of becoming a landlord there are many things to consider. People choose to invest in property for a number of reasons. Perhaps utmost in the minds of most is the thought that letting out a property will provide a lucrative source of additional income. But if you are considering investing in property it is important to remember that it can be dangerous to your financial health if the property market falls.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/buy-to-let.aspx2006-10-11T13:38:01.333Credit cards may seem like a simple way of borrowing money, but when deciding which credit card to take out there are a few things to consider. Careful consideration now, and a little research could save you hundreds of pounds in interest and fees.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/best-credit-card.aspx2006-10-09T16:49:45.387When looking for a cheap personal loan it is important not just to go with the provider that has the attractive headline advertised rate. This rate will apply for a certain amount of borrowing and most lenders charge different interest rates depending on how much you want to borrow. These are known as tiered interest rates.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/tiered-interest-rates.aspx2006-10-09T16:40:17.450Basic bank accounts were set up through a Government scheme to help poorer families and those who have problems opening a normal bank account. The scheme is aimed at giving everyone access to banking facilities.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/basic-bank-account.aspx2006-10-09T16:31:15.137A recent moneyfacts.co.uk user poll revealed that only 51% of people are aware of child trust funds and how they work. CTFs can provide a useful financial start to children as they reach adulthood, so to ensure you are not missing out we have provided an overview of the main points.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/children-trust-fund.aspx2006-10-09T16:19:48.933With property prices at their current level, many first time buyers are struggling to get a foot on the property ladder. According to the Halifax the average price paid by first time buyers was £137,122 in 2005.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/guarantor-mortgage.aspx2006-10-09T15:38:36.480Credit card providers are seeing their profits being hit by rate tarts and rising bad debts. They are suffering from offering attractive 0% deals aimed at increasing their market share. Because people are become wiser to switching credit cards for a better deal, providers are losing out.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-card-balance-transfer.aspx2006-10-09T15:20:33.777Credit rating is used by companies to assess the risk involved in lending someone money. When borrowing money there will always be some form of application to complete. Lenders use the information you complete on the form, together with your credit record, to decide whether they will lend you money.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/credit-rating.aspx2006-10-09T14:52:31.653Many of us use an overdraft facility on our current account. Often it is to keep essential covered such as bills and food. However, some of us use overdraft facilities to cover non-essential spending. This may cost us a great amount.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/overdrafts.aspx2006-10-09T14:40:10.137By investing in a buy to let property for a university bound offspring, parent's can save their child money and hopefully reap a healthy reward. Business Moneyfacts Editor, Lee Tillcock suggests prospective parents may have a lot more to learn about the University option.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/buy-to-let-investment.aspx2006-10-08T11:24:58.163If you are thinking about opening a savings account, a high interest rate is probably the first thing to consider. This year has been a bumpy one for savers with over 40 savings account providers lowering their rates. However, if you are looking for an accounts offering fixed term saving, interest rates are increasing.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/high-interest-savings-accounts.aspx2006-10-05T09:50:30.450On leaving university, searching for the best graduate bank account may be the last thing on many graduates’ minds. But by taking the time to shop around they could find an account more suited to their circumstances, and possibly even save some money.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/graduate-banking.aspx2006-10-05T09:35:48.120Most of us have a bank account through which we run our everyday finances. Usually we will use the account for receipt of our wages or salary and then bills are paid and purchases are made from the bank account. If run smoothly there will usually not be any charges incurred on the account. However, if we go overdrawn or do not have enough money in the account for outgoing payments, the penalties can be high.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/bank-charges.aspx2006-10-04T15:53:12.417Many of us will take out a loan at some point of our life, whether it is for a new car, holiday, home improvements or debt consolidation. Unsecured loans are the most popular form of borrowing for relatively small amount over a short term, but for larger borrowing secured loans are an option.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/secured-loan-unsecured-loan.aspx2006-10-04T15:17:21.607Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) is an insurance policy that covers repayments on personal borrowing such as a mortgage, credit card or personal loan, if you are unable to work due to an accident, sickness or unemployment.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/payment-protection-insurance.aspx2006-10-04T15:08:24.700A mortgage is usually the biggest financial commitment any of us will make. Like any financial product, rates and offers vary and looking to remortgage may prove a worthwhile exercise.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/remortgage.aspx2006-10-04T14:59:09.043Students will soon be getting their exam grades, seeking places at university and will then be on the search for their new student accounts. Many banks provide specific accounts for students. Often these come with incentives for opening the accounts but it is important to consider other features when choosing your student bank account.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/student-accounts.aspx2006-10-04T14:45:59.230According to the Association of Investment Trust Companies (AITC), most potential students and parents seriously underestimate the costs involved with going to university. Parents expect their children to graduate with an average debt of £7,080, but actual figures show that the national average debt on graduation is £13,500.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/cost-univerisity.aspx2006-09-13T14:06:12.160With the new vehicle registration number in September, many of us may be thinking about purchasing a new car. For most people cash purchase is not an option and so we look at the car finance options available to us.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/car-loan.aspx2006-09-13T13:37:42.223Research from Paragon Mortgages and Mortgage Trust has revealed the make-up of a typical buy-to-let landlord in today’s market.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/landlord.aspx2006-08-23T12:05:13.727If you have borrowed to your limit on your mortgage and are on a variable rate deal the increase in base rate is bound to take its toll. Variable rate deals are not protected against increases in base rate, so you may find your mortgage rate increasing.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/bank-base-rate-effects-on-mortgages.aspx2006-08-10T14:23:06.617Now that the World Cup has finished, hundreds of thousands of football fans up and down the country will soon be getting ready to support their own team, donning club colours, going to games and singing their hearts out. There is however another way you can show their support for your chosen club.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/saving-afffity.aspx2006-08-10T13:33:29.320With this month’s rise in base rate, many people with savings may be expecting the interest rates on their accounts to also see an increase. However, looking back over the last two years, the savings market has delivered some sometimes unexpected and unwanted surprises.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/saving-interest-rate.aspx2006-08-10T12:40:12.600With more credit cards than people in the UK, and with each of us having on average 4 credit cards in our wallets, the balance transfer market has expanded at an incredible and possibly unsustainable rate.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/balance-transfer.aspx2006-08-10T11:41:48.537The Monetary Policy Committee meet on Thursday 4th May and is widely tipped to leave base rate at 4.5 per cent, the same level as the last nine months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/savings-mixed-news.aspx2006-08-10T10:45:44.477Savings news for customers over the course of 2006 has been somewhat depressing; hardly a week goes by without revelations that interest rates have been cut. However there is at last some brighter news for savers, if you are in a position to put your money away for a minimum of 12 months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/long-term-savings.aspx2006-08-10T10:30:55.337The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, has announced that the zero rate of corporation tax will be abolished only three years after it was first introduced.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/corporation-tax-changes.aspx2006-08-10T10:01:26.773Gordon Brown’s announcement that residential property will not be allowed as a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPPs) investment has come as a major surprise to the industry. After months of preparation the decision to scrap the project has come at the eleventh hour.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/sipps-uturn.aspx2006-08-10T09:50:20.663In the October edition Business Moneyfacts explored the murky world of bank charges. This month, in our biggest ever mystery shop, we look at the service a potential new business could expect to receive when shopping around for its business bank.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/bank-charge-misteries.aspx2006-08-10T09:04:26.553Standard Life has launched a pension term assurance (PTA) product which takes full advantage of the new rules applying to PTA payments, writes Richard Eagling. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/pension-term-assurance.aspx2006-08-10T08:34:56.193Norwich Union has launched Guaranteed Whole of Life, a product which offers a guaranteed cash lump sum upon death with no reliance on investment performance, writes Jane Baker.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/whole-life-insurance-unveiled.aspx2006-08-09T16:45:17.023Latest statistics from the Investment Management Association (IMA) reveal that total investment funds under management in March rose to £382 billion, 35% higher than March 2005, writes Suzanne Greener. ISA funds under management reached £48 billion, 25% higher than the previous year.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/isa-investment-growth.aspx2006-08-09T16:34:17.430A new initiative to improve Critical Illness cover (CIC) has been launched by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), writes Jane Baker. The ‘Statement of Best Practice for Critical Illness Cover’ will enable customers to understand exactly what CIC provides and what they can claim for.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/critical-illness-cover-standards.aspx2006-08-08T12:45:35.820With the peak holiday season soon upon us, Lisa Taylor from moneyfacts.co.uk takes a look at the foreign currency providers on the high street, highlighting the surprisingly large savings that can be made by shopping around, and discusses the difficulties in securing the ‘best deal’.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/foreign-currency-deals.aspx2006-08-08T11:51:30.537How would a bank base rate rise affect you? Could you maintain your current lifestyle? Lisa Taylor from moneyfacts.co.uk comments on the effects a base rate rise would have on many consumers, especially those who have borrowed to the max and don’t have the comfort of a fixed rate mortgage.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/bank-base-rate-increase-effects.aspx2006-08-08T10:13:07.897Late payment fees cap of £12 as suggested by the OFT triggers a reduction by some of the biggest players in the market, it will be interesting to see if the rest of the industry follow on their steps.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/late-payment-fees-capped.aspx2006-08-08T09:22:55.803Recent reports suggest that the housing market is currently stable and that we are unlikely to experience the ‘crash’ that some people had predicted. This added sense of stability fuels both consumer and lender confidence.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/housing-market-confidence.aspx2006-08-07T15:19:38.260Students are putting themselves needlessly at risk of identity theft, according to a new survey by financial information provider Moneyfacts in conjunction with the University of East Anglia.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/identity-theft-statistics.aspx2006-08-07T14:28:05.773Scottish Equitable Protect has quickly enhanced its life protection with tax relief (LPTR) policy with the introduction of an option to replace a current LPTR plan with a term assurance policy under certain circumstances, writes Richard Eagling.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/protect-enhances-pta.aspx2006-07-12T14:51:12Norwich Union has launched its Equity Release Cash Reserve Option, a lifetime mortgage that enables customers to unlock some of the value in their home by releasing an initial amount of money and keeping a reserve fund available that can be released at a later date. Access to the cash reserve is guaranteed for 10 years and there is no limit to the number of releases a customer can make. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/equity-release-cash.aspx2006-07-12T14:05:46The latest survey by Investment, Life & Pensions Moneyfacts suggests that with the recent stock market volatility likely to persist throughout the summer, cautious investors seeking stability may find distribution bonds an attractive option.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/distribution-bonds.aspx2006-07-12T12:23:24Recent moneyfacts.co.uk user polls have shown that 18% of us have moved mortgage provider due to bad customer service. 28% of us have avoided taking out a mortgage with a particular provider due to a friend’s bad experience.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/mortgagepolljune06.aspx2006-07-03T16:33:54.05052% of us have moved our savings because we were unhappy with customer service, according to the latest moneyfacts.co.uk user polls. 42% of us have avoided a particular account provider due to a friend’s bad experience.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/banksavepolljune.aspx2006-07-03T16:28:32.787The latest moneyfacts.co.uk user polls have revealed that 38% of us have changed credit card provider due to bad customer service. On top of this, 36% of us have avoided a particular provider because of a friend’s bad experience.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/cardloanpolljune06.aspx2006-07-03T16:15:51.847Most of us will face expenses in later life such as university, new car, wedding and first home. If you can afford to start saving for your children, a nest egg in later life can be a huge benefit. Saving just £30 a month for 18 years at an interest rate of 4.5% will amount to almost £10,000.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/saving-for-your-children.aspx2006-06-29T16:09:07The recent Government White Paper on pensions has not surprisingly encouraged a range of strong opinion. Whilst all welcome the move to finally address the pension issue, others have expressed concern over the effects on businesses.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/white-paper.aspx2006-06-28T10:53:42.320Business groups have expressed their exasperation with the Government after the launch of the EU waste Electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) Directive was delayed for a third time. The Directive is designed to ensure that all electrical and electronic equipment, from computers to toasters, is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Both the CBI and the FSB have spoken out about the possible damage to business caused by yet another delay. Although their members support the DTI’s decision to put proceedings on hold if it means the regulations are put in place properly, business groups claim that the uncertainty surrounding when the regulations will finally be introduced, and the questions about the final form the rules will take, is damaging to business.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/red-tape-delay.aspx2006-06-28T10:51:53.023The Department of Trade and Industry’s Small Business Service (SBS) has come in for some heavy criticism this month. Being labelled as overly complex and lacking influence, the service has been accused of having effectiveness that is difficult to measure.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/business-service-criticised.aspx2006-06-28T10:49:44.477The FSA has announced it will press ahead with streamlining its anti-money laundering requirements for firms, as part of its drive to simplify the FSA handbook and remove rules and guidance that is no longer needed. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/money-laundering.aspx2006-06-28T10:47:01.070A snapshot survey carried out by the Local Government Association has revealed half of small businesses across England are missing out on funds, vital to their future, in some cases making the difference between staying afloat and going bust.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/rate-relief-july.aspx2006-06-28T10:44:54.240This month has seen continuing signs of recovery and a returning confidence to the SME market. Three separate surveys have been released highlighting a more upbeat mood, with a cautious optimism growing across all sectors.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/sme-outlook.aspx2006-06-28T09:14:09.430The last month has seen the release of several reports and surveys discussing the current perceived barriers to SME growth. As SME’s continue to drive the economy the findings become ever more important.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/sme-concerns.aspx2006-06-28T09:11:51.803The Office of Fair Trading has announced that it is launching a review of the bank charges agreement made by business banks three years ago. The agreements were designed to clamp down on the banks’ excessive profits by making them offer free banking or pay interest on credit balances. The other key recommendation was to increase competition in the market by making it easier for businesses to switch accounts.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/business-banking-oft.aspx2006-06-28T09:09:15.350The Federation of Small Business, in association with The Credit Management Research Centre at Leeds University’s Business School and The Better Payment Practice Group, has announced that it has launched the 2006 Private Sector Payment Performance League Tables as an online database. The online tables, showing how the UK’s publicly quoted companies perform when it comes to paying invoices on time, will be updated on a daily basis. Despite encompassing over 5,000 companies, there were still 2,200 companies, including some of the UK’s largest names which failed to report the number of days they take to pay, in direct contravention or regulations. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/late-payment-fsb.aspx2006-06-28T09:07:05.053A survey among UK companies by Better Payment Practice Group (BPPG) has confirmed that three in ten have been to court in the last year to collect outstanding debts from business customers. Of the 292 respondents of the poll, 31% had been to court in the last 12 months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/late-payers.aspx2006-06-28T09:05:02.163The Federation of Small Businesses has presented its Budget submission to the Treasury. Whilst unsurprisingly calling on the Chancellor to assist in small firms' growth, it has also highlighted several areas of concern.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/fsb-budget.aspx2006-06-28T08:47:34.443Bank of Scotland Business Banking's quarterly UK-wide small business economic confidence survey has revealed optimism amongst entrepreneurs is running high for 2006. Almost nine out of ten (88%) of entrepreneurs believe the performance of their businesses will be better or stay the same in the next 12 months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/economic-optimism.aspx2006-06-28T08:43:18.680The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new campaign informing small businesses that they may only need to make simple adjustments to their premises and operations, in order to meet the needs of disabled people.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/small-changes.aspx2006-06-28T08:39:04.133The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that it is to spearhead a government-wide initiative to streamline business support. The news comes hot on the heels of the DTI’s own business support simplification.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/dti-less-is-more.aspx2006-06-28T08:36:41.773In the year to May, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 2.2%, up from 2.0% in April. The largest upward effect came from gas and electricity bills which continued to increase by more than a year ago, reflecting the phasing in of recent tariff increases from major suppliers.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/inflation-june-2006.aspx2006-06-28T08:30:22.037Latest figures from the Major British Banking Groups for May indicated that total sterling lending to the UK private sector showed a net underlying increase of £12.4bn (+0.9%) to £1,212bn. This was lower than both last month's underlying rise of £16.3bn and the average over the previous six months.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/lending-june-2006.aspx2006-06-28T08:28:01.693Cabinet Office Minister, Jim Murphy, has introduced a Bill to Parliament that should provide a swift and effective mechanism for delivering the Government's radical regulatory reform programme to cut red tape.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/cutting-red-tape.aspx2006-06-28T08:24:47.773Finally, after three reports from Lord Turner’s Pension Commission, countless newspaper column inches and immeasurable amounts of discussion, Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton has delivered the Government’s White Paper for pension reform. Echoing the search for the Holy Grail in The Da Vinci Code, the journey has been long and arduous and nobody really knows whether the answers that have been provided will prove to be correct or not. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/step-right-direction.aspx2006-06-27T16:55:24.257Just one in five parents has opened a cash-based Child Trust Fund (CTF) account for their child according to estimates from CTF provider, The Children’s Mutual, writes Richard Eagling.http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/ctf-vouchers.aspx2006-06-27T16:47:50.943One year on from the radical shake-up of the financial advice market unleashed by the FSA through depolarisation, new research from IFA Promotion has revealed worrying signs that 84% of UK adults still don’t understand the different types of advice now available, writes Richard Eagling. http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/article/consumer-confusion.aspx2006-06-27T16:45:20.710With Standard Life members voting firmly in favour of the demutualisation of the UK’s largest mutual insurer, new figures from The Association of Mutual Insurers (AMI) have revealed the high price that with profits policyholders could ultimately be paying,