News Centre
Latest financial news - market news, credit card news, mortgage news.
News Archive - 11/2009
Drivers 'taking safety risks by ignoring breakdown cover'
20-November 2009
A new study has highlighted the risks some motorists may be taking with their vehicles and personal safety. Research conducted by esure indicates that more than half of all drivers without breakdown cover
Female drivers 'would like women-only garages' 19-November 2009
Most women would prefer to take their motor vehicles to female-only garages, according to a new poll. Research conducted by insurance specialist Diamond indicated that 52 per cent of women drivers feel
Foreign usage charge threat for credit card holders 19-November 2009
Credit card users should be aware of foreign usage charges, it has been claimed. According to Moneyfacts analyst Michelle Slade, such fees can be as high as 2.99 per cent for both purchases and cash transactions. She
Credit card rates 'set to rise' 19-November 2009
The need for consumers to seek the best credit card deals may be set to increase, following the findings of a recent study into UK charges. According to research conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers PwC,
Reckless driving 'stems from showing off' 18-November 2009
Reckless or dangerous driving is not caused by the age of drivers, but the novelty of having a new car and trying to impress peers, it has been claimed. According to Andrew Howard, head of road safety
Good financial habits 'improve credit record' 18-November 2009
Stability is the key to ensuring a good credit record, according to one industry expert. Writing for the Times, James Jones of credit reference agency Experian explained what is necessary for consumers
Card hopefuls 'should check credit history' 18-November 2009
Consumers seeking the best credit card deals this Christmas should exercise caution, it has been claimed. According to David Black of Defaqto, applying for every single deal – especially those which
Costs of motoring 'on the rise' 17-November 2009
The annual cost of running a vehicle has increased yet again during 2009, Sainsbury's Finance has reported. According to the firm, the costs of motoring have risen by 2.68 per cent on last year, excluding
UK Cards Association runs credit safety campaign 17-November 2009
The UK Cards Association is again running its online safety campaign - Be Card Smart Online - helping to protect consumers against the risk of credit fraud. It claims that more than 32 million consumers
Nationwide to offer Visa customers World Cup chance 16-November 2009
Existing Nationwide customers are being offered the chance to win one of two VIP trips for two to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Credit card customers who make more than eight Nationwide Visa credit
Motorhome insurance: 'More help needed' for young drivers 16-November 2009
Insurance companies need to do more to look after their young drivers, it has been claimed. Nigel Lacy, from cover specialist Young Marmalade, said that too many claims are being made by people who have
Careful driving 'essential for motorhome owners during winter' 13-November 2009
Motorhome owners should take great care on the roads during the autumn and winter, it has been claimed. According to RoadSafe director Adrian Walsh, it is essential to allow longer for journeys as the
All firms 'must accept credit card payments' 13-November 2009
The popularity of debit and credit cards mean that small businesses must allow their customers to pay using them, it has been claimed. According to Merchant Accounts, many smaller enterprises such as restaurants,
Innovation 'may drive credit industry onwards' 12-November 2009
Innovation may be one way of improving the credit card business model, it has been claimed. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' PwC Precious Plastic report, the industry is currently unsustainable,
Consumer credit card habits 'must improve' 12-November 2009
A rise in personal insolvency rates will be seen if fixed fees and higher annual percentage rates become a feature of credit provision, it has been claimed. David Rodgers, managing director of Debt Advice
Many parents 'have no savings to fall back on' 11-November 2009
Lenders should be more sympathetic when it comes to managing consumer debt, it has been claimed. David Rodgers, managing director of the Debt Advice Foundation, said solutions which aim to return some
Lenders 'should compromise on some consumer debts' 11-November 2009
Lenders should be more sympathetic when it comes to managing consumer debt, it has been claimed. David Rodgers, managing director of the Debt Advice Foundation, said solutions which aim to return some
Brits 'spending thousands servicing debt' 11-November 2009
Households in Britain will spend an average of £5,000 over the coming year, simply paying off the interest on loans, it has been reported. According to the Precious Plastic report, published by professional
Savers 'continue to have account options' 10-November 2009
Consumers who have used up their cash ISA allowance for the year but wish to continue saving have a number of options, it has been claimed. Writing for the BBC, Bestinvest financial adviser Adrian Lowcock
Credit 'has been too easy to access' 10-November 2009
It is no wonder more people are seeking help with debt, as credit has been too readily available in the past, it has been claimed. Insolvency practitioner Nick O'Reilly, a director at Vantis business recovery,
Switching accounts 'helps access best savings rates' 09-November 2009
Consumers should consider switching accounts as they bid to access the best interest rates on savings, it has been claimed. According to James Daley, money editor at consumer group Which?, the Bank of
Early action 'essential' for people in debt 09-November 2009
People should be seeking help with debt problems as quickly as possible, according to one finance expert. Jessica Bown, of Talk About Debt, said it is "essential" for people to get the right
Q3 sees rise in individual insolvencies 09-November 2009
A new study has highlighted a 28.2 per cent like-for-like rise in individual insolvencies during the third quarter of the year. According to research conducted by free debt advice service Talk About Debt,
Car scrappage scheme 'increases cost of personal loans' 06-November 2009
People must take steps to avoid running into problem debt when they take a major loan out, it has been suggested. Steven Baillie, head of loans at Sainsbury's Finance, made the comment after his firm estimated
New Principality bond offers 4.25 per cent 06-November 2009
Principality Building Society has introduced a new two-year fixed rate bond offering a guaranteed 4.25 per cent AER. The firm says the bond makes "a great home" for people's capital if they are
Nationwide launches new Stepped Rate Bond 06-November 2009
Nationwide Building Society has announced details of a new four-year Stepped Rate Bond, which offers fixed annual or monthly interest options. The annual option pays 3.75 per cent gross AER in year one,
Government urges better financial management in 2010 05-November 2009
Consumers should celebrate the New Year when it arrives, but then get down to the business of improving their personal finances, it has been claimed. According to Directgov, the government's public services
Child Trust Funds 'proving most sucessful' 05-November 2009
The Child Trust Fund CTF is the most successful savings scheme in the UK, according to one provider. Families are far more engaged with this product than other long-term savings alternatives, The Children's
Consumer group backs debt management review 05-November 2009
Consumer group Which? has backed the Office of Fair Trading's OFT decision to launch a review of UK debt management practices. The review – the OFT's first into the industry since 2003 - will look
Debt advice 'sensible for those struggling with credit cards' 04-November 2009
Consumers who can only afford to make minimum monthly repayments on credit cards may have debt problems, it has been suggested. Writing for lovemoney.com, Rachel Ronson said these are set at "ridiculously
Stock Watch, 2 Nov 09 04-November 2009
Your summary will appear as 2/3 lines underneath the news title, on moneyextra.com/news/. This will also be the meta description of the page
Savings expert calls for reversion to traditional habits 04-November 2009
Consumers should be getting the most out of savings rather than speculating on short-term capital gains, it has been claimed. Independent pensions expert Stewart Ritchie was commenting after an Aegon study
Scottish households 'not saving enough' 04-November 2009
A new study has identified worryingly low levels of short-term saving among Scottish consumers. Research conducted by independent pensions expert Stewart Ritchie, on behalf of Aegon, indicates that 42
Cheshire Building Society launches new account 03-November 2009
Cheshire Building Society has unveiled a new 30 Day Postal Saver Account offering a bonus rate of three per cent gross/AER. The account offers a variable conditional bonus on a minimum deposit of £1,000
Debt 'still increasing' in the UK 03-November 2009
A home is being repossessed every 11 and a half minutes in the UK, it has been reported. Latest figures from Credit Action show that the recession is starting to affect more households, with an increase
Axa: Too few UK workers saving for retirement 03-November 2009
More and more people are looking to rely on the state pension when they retire, it has been reported. According to research conducted by Axa, 64 per cent of UK employees are not saving into any scheme
Credit Action: Running up debts now more difficult 02-November 2009
It is now more difficult for consumers to run up huge plastic card debts unchecked, according to Credit Action. Chris Tapp, director of the money education charity, said it is harder now to get a credit
Government 'must encourage long-term savings' 02-November 2009
The government must make every effort to deliver a clear message about the benefits of long-term saving, it has been claimed. Richard Saunders, chief executive of the Investment Management Association,
Consumers 'still reliant upon credit cards' 02-November 2009
Many consumers are still as reliant upon credit cards and borrowing money as they have been in the past, it has been claimed. Commenting after the Bank of England reported that lending to consumers increased
A new study has highlighted the risks some motorists may be taking with their vehicles and personal safety. Research conducted by esure indicates that more than half of all drivers without breakdown cover
Female drivers 'would like women-only garages' 19-November 2009
Most women would prefer to take their motor vehicles to female-only garages, according to a new poll. Research conducted by insurance specialist Diamond indicated that 52 per cent of women drivers feel
Foreign usage charge threat for credit card holders 19-November 2009
Credit card users should be aware of foreign usage charges, it has been claimed. According to Moneyfacts analyst Michelle Slade, such fees can be as high as 2.99 per cent for both purchases and cash transactions. She
Credit card rates 'set to rise' 19-November 2009
The need for consumers to seek the best credit card deals may be set to increase, following the findings of a recent study into UK charges. According to research conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers PwC,
Reckless driving 'stems from showing off' 18-November 2009
Reckless or dangerous driving is not caused by the age of drivers, but the novelty of having a new car and trying to impress peers, it has been claimed. According to Andrew Howard, head of road safety
Good financial habits 'improve credit record' 18-November 2009
Stability is the key to ensuring a good credit record, according to one industry expert. Writing for the Times, James Jones of credit reference agency Experian explained what is necessary for consumers
Card hopefuls 'should check credit history' 18-November 2009
Consumers seeking the best credit card deals this Christmas should exercise caution, it has been claimed. According to David Black of Defaqto, applying for every single deal – especially those which
Costs of motoring 'on the rise' 17-November 2009
The annual cost of running a vehicle has increased yet again during 2009, Sainsbury's Finance has reported. According to the firm, the costs of motoring have risen by 2.68 per cent on last year, excluding
UK Cards Association runs credit safety campaign 17-November 2009
The UK Cards Association is again running its online safety campaign - Be Card Smart Online - helping to protect consumers against the risk of credit fraud. It claims that more than 32 million consumers
Nationwide to offer Visa customers World Cup chance 16-November 2009
Existing Nationwide customers are being offered the chance to win one of two VIP trips for two to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Credit card customers who make more than eight Nationwide Visa credit
Motorhome insurance: 'More help needed' for young drivers 16-November 2009
Insurance companies need to do more to look after their young drivers, it has been claimed. Nigel Lacy, from cover specialist Young Marmalade, said that too many claims are being made by people who have
Careful driving 'essential for motorhome owners during winter' 13-November 2009
Motorhome owners should take great care on the roads during the autumn and winter, it has been claimed. According to RoadSafe director Adrian Walsh, it is essential to allow longer for journeys as the
All firms 'must accept credit card payments' 13-November 2009
The popularity of debit and credit cards mean that small businesses must allow their customers to pay using them, it has been claimed. According to Merchant Accounts, many smaller enterprises such as restaurants,
Innovation 'may drive credit industry onwards' 12-November 2009
Innovation may be one way of improving the credit card business model, it has been claimed. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' PwC Precious Plastic report, the industry is currently unsustainable,
Consumer credit card habits 'must improve' 12-November 2009
A rise in personal insolvency rates will be seen if fixed fees and higher annual percentage rates become a feature of credit provision, it has been claimed. David Rodgers, managing director of Debt Advice
Many parents 'have no savings to fall back on' 11-November 2009
Lenders should be more sympathetic when it comes to managing consumer debt, it has been claimed. David Rodgers, managing director of the Debt Advice Foundation, said solutions which aim to return some
Lenders 'should compromise on some consumer debts' 11-November 2009
Lenders should be more sympathetic when it comes to managing consumer debt, it has been claimed. David Rodgers, managing director of the Debt Advice Foundation, said solutions which aim to return some
Brits 'spending thousands servicing debt' 11-November 2009
Households in Britain will spend an average of £5,000 over the coming year, simply paying off the interest on loans, it has been reported. According to the Precious Plastic report, published by professional
Savers 'continue to have account options' 10-November 2009
Consumers who have used up their cash ISA allowance for the year but wish to continue saving have a number of options, it has been claimed. Writing for the BBC, Bestinvest financial adviser Adrian Lowcock
Credit 'has been too easy to access' 10-November 2009
It is no wonder more people are seeking help with debt, as credit has been too readily available in the past, it has been claimed. Insolvency practitioner Nick O'Reilly, a director at Vantis business recovery,
Switching accounts 'helps access best savings rates' 09-November 2009
Consumers should consider switching accounts as they bid to access the best interest rates on savings, it has been claimed. According to James Daley, money editor at consumer group Which?, the Bank of
Early action 'essential' for people in debt 09-November 2009
People should be seeking help with debt problems as quickly as possible, according to one finance expert. Jessica Bown, of Talk About Debt, said it is "essential" for people to get the right
Q3 sees rise in individual insolvencies 09-November 2009
A new study has highlighted a 28.2 per cent like-for-like rise in individual insolvencies during the third quarter of the year. According to research conducted by free debt advice service Talk About Debt,
Car scrappage scheme 'increases cost of personal loans' 06-November 2009
People must take steps to avoid running into problem debt when they take a major loan out, it has been suggested. Steven Baillie, head of loans at Sainsbury's Finance, made the comment after his firm estimated
New Principality bond offers 4.25 per cent 06-November 2009
Principality Building Society has introduced a new two-year fixed rate bond offering a guaranteed 4.25 per cent AER. The firm says the bond makes "a great home" for people's capital if they are
Nationwide launches new Stepped Rate Bond 06-November 2009
Nationwide Building Society has announced details of a new four-year Stepped Rate Bond, which offers fixed annual or monthly interest options. The annual option pays 3.75 per cent gross AER in year one,
Government urges better financial management in 2010 05-November 2009
Consumers should celebrate the New Year when it arrives, but then get down to the business of improving their personal finances, it has been claimed. According to Directgov, the government's public services
Child Trust Funds 'proving most sucessful' 05-November 2009
The Child Trust Fund CTF is the most successful savings scheme in the UK, according to one provider. Families are far more engaged with this product than other long-term savings alternatives, The Children's
Consumer group backs debt management review 05-November 2009
Consumer group Which? has backed the Office of Fair Trading's OFT decision to launch a review of UK debt management practices. The review – the OFT's first into the industry since 2003 - will look
Debt advice 'sensible for those struggling with credit cards' 04-November 2009
Consumers who can only afford to make minimum monthly repayments on credit cards may have debt problems, it has been suggested. Writing for lovemoney.com, Rachel Ronson said these are set at "ridiculously
Stock Watch, 2 Nov 09 04-November 2009
Your summary will appear as 2/3 lines underneath the news title, on moneyextra.com/news/. This will also be the meta description of the page
Savings expert calls for reversion to traditional habits 04-November 2009
Consumers should be getting the most out of savings rather than speculating on short-term capital gains, it has been claimed. Independent pensions expert Stewart Ritchie was commenting after an Aegon study
Scottish households 'not saving enough' 04-November 2009
A new study has identified worryingly low levels of short-term saving among Scottish consumers. Research conducted by independent pensions expert Stewart Ritchie, on behalf of Aegon, indicates that 42
Cheshire Building Society launches new account 03-November 2009
Cheshire Building Society has unveiled a new 30 Day Postal Saver Account offering a bonus rate of three per cent gross/AER. The account offers a variable conditional bonus on a minimum deposit of £1,000
Debt 'still increasing' in the UK 03-November 2009
A home is being repossessed every 11 and a half minutes in the UK, it has been reported. Latest figures from Credit Action show that the recession is starting to affect more households, with an increase
Axa: Too few UK workers saving for retirement 03-November 2009
More and more people are looking to rely on the state pension when they retire, it has been reported. According to research conducted by Axa, 64 per cent of UK employees are not saving into any scheme
Credit Action: Running up debts now more difficult 02-November 2009
It is now more difficult for consumers to run up huge plastic card debts unchecked, according to Credit Action. Chris Tapp, director of the money education charity, said it is harder now to get a credit
Government 'must encourage long-term savings' 02-November 2009
The government must make every effort to deliver a clear message about the benefits of long-term saving, it has been claimed. Richard Saunders, chief executive of the Investment Management Association,
Consumers 'still reliant upon credit cards' 02-November 2009
Many consumers are still as reliant upon credit cards and borrowing money as they have been in the past, it has been claimed. Commenting after the Bank of England reported that lending to consumers increased
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Treating Customers Fairly
Dictionary
- Fee Based Independent Financial Advisors IFAs
- Approved Pension Schemes
- Taxation of Dividend Income
- Non-Contributory Pension
- State Earning Related Pension Scheme SERPS
- Funded unapproved pension schemes FURBS
- Personal Allowance
- Pay-As-You-Earn PAYE
- Consumer Price Index CPI
- Market maker