Most people are aware of credit reports, but what exactly does yours say about you? Barney McCarthy finds out
Never mind the MI5, someone far less sinister has a file on you. If you have a credit card, a mortgage, a bank account – practically any financial services product, then a credit reference agency is likely […]

The annual no-smoking day on 12 March will give smokers the opportunity to kick the habit and save themselves thousands of pounds on their insurance in the meantime, according to Lifesearch.
Insurance companies consider ex-smokers to be ‘non-smokers’ a year after they have given up. Being classed as a non-smoker means that, for many types of […]

Ofcom has revealed proposals to curb unfair additional charges levied by communications providers on consumers’ bills.
The proposals are designed to ensure that extra charges are fair and that landline, broadband, mobile and pay-TV providers clearly market the true cost of their services.
Increasing competition has driven down headline prices and offered consumers more choice. However, falling […]

Time is running out for those wishing to make the most of their ISA allowance with TD Waterhouse reminding consumers that there is less than 40 days to go before tax-year end.
Luckily for investors, heavy competition in the retail investment sector has resulted in a downward trend in ISA charges this year, helped by TD […]

Despite growing awareness over global warming, research from Direct Line Car Insurance reveals that 1.2 million motorists who intend to buy a car over the course of the next year will purchase either a people carrier or a 4X4.
In fact, motorists are four times more likely to buy a less fuel efficient vehicle than the […]

Foreign workers in the UK contribute hugely to the economy and already pay income tax on their UK earnings, the British Bankers’ Association (BBA) has said.
In the BBA’s response to the Government’s consultation on non-domiciled workers, chief executive Angela Knight pointed out it was vital for the continued success of UK financial services that the […]

Secured loans have taken a bit of a beating in recent years – but in the wake of the credit squeeze, are they getting more of a look in? Kate O’Raghallaigh finds out
Traditionally seen as nothing more than a last resort for struggling homeowners and tainted further by questionable TV advertising, secured loans have rarely […]

UK parents collectively pay out more than £27bn to help their children buy their first homes, according to Abbey Mortgages.
Research from the bank found that one-in-seven first-time buyers receive financial assistance from their parents and a further one-in-16 first-time buyers borrow money from their parents in order to buy property. The average loan currently […]