Basic Bank Accounts Provide Financial Confidence

With many of us feeling the pinch and struggling to make ends meet it may be good news that we can now get a simpler bank account to help with our finances. The Basic Bank Account is easy to use and is designed for people who want to ensure that they cannot overdraw their account or who might not meet the banks' criter...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Same-Sex Couples Affected By New Tax Rules

Before December 2005 same sex couples were categorised as individuals for benefit purposes. After this date, however, with the introduction of the Civil Partnership Act those living together as a couple would be seen as such for tax credits and benefits. Despite this being a victory for homophiles it could make them wo...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Students 'Conned' By Free Gifts From Banks

Every year thousands of fresh faced young people arrive at university with a sense of achievement, nerves and excitement. For many it is often the first time they have been away from home for more than a couple of weeks and it can be daunting to think you are now your own keeper. The years of preparation to get here ha...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Home Insurance Vital To Home-Workers

For some of us it is the ideal situation, working from home. It can help save money on travelling costs and childcare. Working from home can give benefits as simple as being able to take deliveries during the day without having to slog down to the post office after work. Or being able to take the dog out for a walk in ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Soft Commodity Costs 'Have Gone Up'

Most of us have noticed that the cost of our shopping has been steadily rising over the last few years. This is due to the price of so called ‘Soft Commodities’. These are everyday things such as wheat, sugar or even orange juice. According to recent research over the past few years the prices of these com...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Firms 'Turning Blind Eye To Sickness'

Many finance companies are not putting in place procedures to cut down on staff sickness, it has been reported. According to a leading health plan provider, nearly 50 per cent of firms in the industry have not taken measures to put in place a strategy in order to reduce employee absence. It added that this comes as c...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Children Given Financial Education

The reality as of the early 21st century is that in the UK (and probably elsewhere) the current young generation risks being in the unenviable position of growing up poorer than the previous generation. This is a bitter pill to swallow and could mean relying on parents for support for longer and a bleak retirement. Pa...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

One In Three Worried About Debt

We are all feeling the strain of the credit crunch and keeping a close eye on the purse strings. However, it seems that a third of us are seriously worried. Debt is said to be a concern for one in three people in the UK, new research reveals. According to a well known online financial services company, 33 per cent of...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Quit Smoking And Start Saving.

Despite the government’s ban on smoking indoors many of us are still lighting up, even in the coldest of weather. However, not a few people took the ban as an opportunity to give up. We have all heard the stories of chronic health failure for those who smoke. Smoking related diseases range from lung cancer, hear...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

UK Consumers Stretched To The Limit Financially

Many of us fear the financial crisis will never end. More of us are having to cope with bigger bills and smaller incomes. Fuel prices are mounting both for our cars and our homes due to the increasing price of a barrel of oil. Insurance premiums are rising due to higher crime rates and adverse weather conditions. The c...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Young People Saving For The Future

Rather than expecting it all to come to them it seems that young people are now taking their future into their own hands. It has been claimed that young people in Britain are looking to avoid accruing debt by entering higher education (HE) in the future and saving now. Research from the Children's Mutual has shown tha...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Families Help Each Other Out Financially

None of us want to see our relatives in financial trouble. We often want to help with small gifts of money to an elderly parent who needs a new kitchen appliance or help with the heating bill. That is what family is all about. However, it seems more of us are doing more than the occasional handout. Some 3.3 million fa...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Struggling Homeowners Need To Talk To Banks

Many people are having difficulty making ends meet and one of the biggest monthly expenses of any household is the mortgage. However, this is probably one of the most important expenses to keep paying as if you don't it could mean not having anywhere to live. People who are struggling with mortgage repayments need to ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Cutting Back Can Cut You Off

We are well into the credit crunch and some people may be finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. However, consumers should be aware of the dangers in cutting back on essential purchases during the economic slowdown. A representative from the British Insurance Brokers' Association has maintained the importan...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

People Should Live Within Their Means

It seems we are cutting back sensibly due to the credit crunch. Many of us are living without those little luxuries and excesses which we used to have. During the financial crisis people need to tighten their belts and keep hold of their expenses. This has been confirmed by a spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Couns...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Personal Accounts 'Will Be A Disaster'

The government's plans to introduce personal accounts in the 2012 pension reforms have been branded a disaster in the making by an industry expert. At a round table conference this week, an independent financial advisor said: "They will make pension provision worse not better." He added: "I wish the in...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Society Of Will Writers Offers Advice On Inheritance Tax

Many of us know that when a close relative passes away we may be entitled to some of their estate. For example if a parent should leave their house to the children they all get a share of the proceeds of the sale of the house. However, the tax man also gets a share. This is called Inheritance Tax; it can also be called...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Payday Lenders Are A Growing Phenomenon

The credit crunch is prompting more people to go to payday lenders, according to an advice organisation. A spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), described these kinds of loans as a "growing phenomenon" as consumers - particularly those who are less well off - are finding it more di...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Quiet Retirement For Most Britains

Everyone has the dream of finally finish work at 65 and then setting off on the round the world cruise, or visiting the grandchildren in Australia, or even buying a place abroad maybe in Spain or France and living the high life. We deserve it, we have worked long and hard for our pension and this is our reward. However...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

HSBC 'Delighted' To Win Banking Award

We all hope for the best from our providers; especially those that deal with our hard earned cash. So it is good news for those who have accounts with HSBC as they have been voted the top bank for customer service in a recent report. A well known brand and innovation strategy firm ranked the company top of a list of t...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010