All News Customers pay up to £300 a year, but just three in ten regularly use packaged account benefits Gross mortgage lending tumbled to an estimated £10.2bn in April, according to the Council of Mortgage lenders Scottish Widows says a growing number of people are not making provisions for retirement The cost of household energy has rocketed over five times faster than household income since 2004, according to research from uSwitch.com University debt, having a child and weddings are the most underestimated costs Just one in five planning to retire this year have made financial provision for ill-health in retirement Over half of all buildings insurance claims during Winter 2011 were the result of weather related incidents, a report shows Research from Halifax shows house prices in seaside towns have more than doubled in half of those surveyed in England and Wales since 2002 Over a third of UK households say electricity bills top the list of the most baffling bills as a fifth admit they don't read their bills if they are confusing The number of homes in the UK being repossessed in the first three months of this year was unchanged from the same period in 2011 Millions of UK homeowners do not have adequate home contents and buildings insurance, according to research from MoneySupermarket.com One in five Brits say they are eating less healthily due to the rising cost of food but an increased number are taking up running and walking Nearly 40 per cent are more concerned about their financial situation as UK returns to recession The annual cost of long term care in the UK is expected to rise from £26,000 to £33,000 per person by 2025 Around 40 percent of people planning to retire this year would be happy to work past 65 if they had the chance, research from Prudential shows. Over 8m adults in Britain intend to buy a car between March and August this year, up 17% in 12 months, a new survey finds Hotels in London plan to slap an average 54% premium on the price for families planning city breaks over the bank holiday weekend Three in ten parents plan to take their children out of school for a family holiday this year for a cheaper break Nearly two thirds of adults in the UK do not have life insurance amid increasing pressures on household budgets One in eight people are hoping to buy their first property in the next five years, according to research from the Post Office Nearly 24m Brits are planning a major holiday in 2012 despite caution about household spending and the economic outlook Poor tax inheritance planning could mean paying unnecessary tax, according to advice website unbiased.co.uk Four in 10 people say their winter energy bill is even higher than last year despite mildest winter in a decade Despite continued pressure on household budgets, longer working hours mean many don't have enough time in the day to get all their chores done, a new report shows Inflation for over 50s has risen more than 20% in less than five years, figures from insurance group Saga show One in three parents in the UK are using potential pension savings to pay for their adult children, new research shows Nearly half of 18-34 year olds cite saving for a deposit as the biggest barrier to buying a property Royal Mail attempts to stamp-out price rise panic, by limiting the amount of stock that retailers can buy The IMF says that workers should delay retirement to avoid adding £750bn to the UK national debt Nick Clegg hopes new deal with energy companies will save families £100 a year. Mortgage rates are on the rise despite the low Bank Rate, comparison website MoneySupermarket says. Several changes to the UK tax and benefit system are due to come into effect on Friday, affecting the disposable income of millions of people. While the cost of non-food items fell in March, food prices continues to rise Income protection insurance is one of the first places hard-pressed Britons are looking at when it comes where to cut back on outgoings. UK house prices rose month-on-month for the first time in 20 months, Hometrack has said. Many households are stuck with a 'ticking time bomb' interest only mortgage as increasingly squeezed incomes fail to save towards paying off their mortgage debt The number of home insurance claims for accidental damage in the first half of the year is expected to peak in March Over 30m Brits have put off life's big decisions due to the current economic climate The potential increase in property value following DIY has dipped, according to the latest survey by HSBC, as half of householders gear up for Bank Holiday home improvements Demand for rental properties increased further last year, with the average monthly rent climbing over £700 in 2011 from £682 the year before Seven in ten say the Budget has benefited high earners while just over a third think it has helped low and middle income families The government's latest review could mean people, currently in their 20s or 30s, may not receive the state pension until beyond 70 years old Official figures showed another fall in inflation however over 75-year old households still face the highest rate of inflation The RBS Ability to Buy Index improved by 1% in 2011, to its best level since 2009, but the size of improvement was hindered by higher inflation Around 66% of Brits expect this week's Budget to leave them feeling less confident about their finances, according to research from uSwitch.com Over two thirds prefer a fixed rate cash ISA while more than half look for a better return The cost of servicing a mortgage is still generally cheaper than renting a similar property in the UK The demand for debt advice increased in 2011, despite people owing less than they did the year before The challenging macro-economic environment could increase mortgage repayment difficulties this year, the FSA said Which? has called for the carbon floor price to be scrapped from the 2012 Budget as it will result in higher electricity bills for customers. One in 12 say they would cancel plans to retire so they can boost their retirement income, the latest report from Prudential shows Final salary pension funds are £90bn deeper into the red since the second wave of quantitative easing started last October, research shows Three in five people in the UK avoid spending what they don't have and steer clear of running up a debt on credit and store cards New research shows that the total amount of money family members are giving or lending to children has increased by almost a third in the last five years Scottish Provident paid out nearly £42m in life cover claims last year and half were made to policyholders under the age of 55 years old Research from Aviva finds expectant parents spend £1,370 ahead of the arrival of their first baby as more than half admit to wasting money After three years of a record low base rate, Moneysupermarket.com looks at who has won and who has lost out since interest rates were reduced to 0.5% Almost 40% have experienced a ‘costly mistake' because they weren't adequately insured, according Santander Insurance New figures show that over 7m drivers stay with their existing insurer at renewal time and each motorist wastes £375 a year on average by not switching British households will have to meet extra costs on energy bills after February's cold snap saw many struggling to cope with plunging temperatures and snow Around 850,000 penalties for late tax returns will be issued over the next fortnight, 550,000 fewer than the same time last year, says HM Revenue & Customs Home repairs or maintenance have been put on hold in the past year as household budgets come under increasing strain Taxpayers are effectively flinging away money by not taking full advantage of ISA allowances, research suggests Consumer spending power remains under pressure with discretionary spending power at the weakest in a year, research shows Figures from the ONS reveal that the retirement age for men has risen to nearly 65 while women on average are retiring at 62 years Research from Santander suggests first time buyers have saved an estimated £319m through stamp duty exemption which ends 24 March 2012 Over 10% of people who had planned to retire during 2012 are making alternative arrangements, research from Prudential shows First time buyers pushed up house sales in January, official figures show, as an increasing number try to get a foot on the housing ladder before the March deadline Half of all adults face uphill struggle to boost savings as spending pressures prevail The number of people saving what they can has risen slightly from 2010, despite 50% admitting they don't have much to save High pension charges and taking a low rate annuity can eat away at a saver's potential pension pot by nearly 25%, research reveals Nearly all workers under the age of 35 do not save for retirement as a third focus on saving up for a deposit for a home instead With many gearing up for their 2012 holiday getaways, the majority aren't in a rush to take out travel cover Nearly a third of Britons think that house prices will rise rather than fall in this year, as consumer confidence improves slightly, the latest Halifax report shows As Siberian winds and snow hit the UK and send temperatures below zero, a quarter of British people say they are worried about damage to their home because of adverse weather conditions The Institute for Fiscal Studies says the scale of spending cuts facing Britain is almost without precedent as it calls for tax cuts to avoid recession With students facing up to £50,000 worth of debt, research from the Chartered Insurance Institute reveals most teens lack even a basic knowledge of personal finance The AA says as many as 5.2m families living in flood-prone areas may find their homes difficult to insure from later this year Twice as many homeowners put money aside in a savings account rather than pay down their mortgage With first time buyers priced out of the market and homeowners unwilling to sell, only 12% of Britons plan to buy or sell in the first six months of 2012 The average amount of debt for people retiring in 2012 is £38,200 with half owing money on credit cards and mortgages, the Prudential says UK family debt levels have continued to rise despite an increase in average income, according to a new study. Research shows many drivers aren't aware what their "fully comprehensive" insurance policy covers them for Over a third have reduced spending on food to help cover their rent or mortgage, research shows Home insurance policies rose by 5.6% over 2011 while the cost of covering a car increased 15.3% First time buyers are starting to enjoy a wider choice of mortgages with a resurgence of 90% and 95% loans Research finds 17% of Brits have hit the slopes having only practiced on a games console and 23% went skiing while still drunk from the night before Small business confidence nose-dived last year as businesses battled against high inflation, rising utilities bills and reduced consumer spending power The average mortgage payment for a new borrower in the fourth quarter of 2011 was at its lowest as a proportion of disposable earnings for 14 years, new research shows. Regional differences for average policy costs are becoming increasingly evident across Britain with motorists in the north of England experiencing costs at three time the rate of inflation Global economic headwinds, the banking crisis and concerns over the euro zone have created a perfect storm for people in the run up to retirement, says Prudential. Following the recent drop in wholesale gas prices, EDF says it will cut customer gas bills by 5% from next month New research shows that 28% of UK households have less than £250 in accessible savings while 21% have no savings at all With the 31 January tax deadline fast approaching, consumers who do not follow the procedure correctly could face large penalties, a new report warns More than a third of credit card holders will rely on credit cards to fund everyday purchases in January, research shows High winds and heavy rain spark 200% increase in calls to claims lines as home and car owners suffer widespread damage Families with children will be the worst hit when tax and benefit changes come into full force as the government tries to reduce the deficit Less than half of Brits feel confident about 2012 while nearly 40% expect to be worse off The UK Cards Association and the British Bankers' Association announce measures to provide customers with clearer information about using credit and debit cards abroad A lack of supply in the market is likely to prevent any significant house price declines in 2012, figures from RICS show The Pensions Policy Institute warns of the price that could be paid for putting off joining the new national pension scheme. Britons rush to buy last minute gifts for Christmas with over a third admitting they splash out more on last minute presents If there is a repeat of last year's severe weather, 84% of businesses say it will have adverse effects on trading Research from insurer Aviva shows 8 out of 10 men take over driving duties when winter weather conditions set in, but women are the designated driver after Christmas parties Around 20% of British consumers expect to be pushed into debt or pressed even further into debt from Christmas spending, research reveals Figures from Saga show pensioner purchasing power has fallen by over a fifth since 2007 amid rising fuel and food prices The majority of consumers do not have a savings pot to cover the expense of the festive season, a new survey from the Co-operative Bank says A third plan to take out an average of £391 from their savings accounts to cover the cost of the festive season, research from Santander shows Many Christmas shoppers will be spending less on presents this year than in 2010 as consumers feel the full chill of economic headwinds Icy conditions are a major headache for drivers but, more worryingly, many are unsure of the right action to take when faced with a sliding car Last year, severe winter weather caused damage in over 7m households, leaving homeowners with a whopping £3.1bn repair bill Standard Life highlights a lack of understanding of the annuity market in the UK, despite its significance as an income source in retirement Almost 30% of parents never expect their children to be financially independent Britons are expecting to pocket a collective £1.2bn in Christmas gift money this year, research by First Direct reveals. Landlords plan to beef up investments in the private rental sector in next 12 months to meet increasing demand Freeze damage in 2010 topped insurance claims ahead of fire, theft and storm, insurer Hiscox warns, as it urges homeowners to protect themselves against potential damage Nearly 70% of consumers think aviation tax is too high as treasury prepares to increase it again in April 2012 Less than 30% are confident that contributing to pension plans is the best way to save for their retirement Energy giant British Gas will make energy tariffs easier to understand and provide a more transparent billing system HM Revenue & Customs' specialist unit will be able to access bank account data of UK tax evaders hiding their money abroad Britons need to improve budgeting skills and take a more serious approach towards managing their money, a new report says Three out of 10 plan to cut back spending on Christmas presents while the number of people planning to pay for the festive season with a credit card drops, Legal & General's MoneyMood Survey shows Nearly a third of motorists make weekly car journeys of under 0.5 miles, research from Santander reveals While most under 35s don’t have a pension, nearly half of those surveyed who do have a pension, don’t understand the financial products they have One in 10 keep secret stashes of money because they do not trust their partner's financial decision making, research from Prudential shows More than 350,000 homeowners are trapped in negative equity and are unable to take the next step up the property ladder, a report by HSBC shows Employees spend nearly 200 hours a year travelling to and from work, figures from the TUC show, with workers travelling into London having the longest commute Insurer Aviva calls on homeowners to follow some simple tips before the cold weather bites Around 100 more homes were repossessed in the last three months compared to the previous quarter while the number of people falling behind on mortgage repayments fell. Over one in three consumers who use Direct Debits to manage their bills, don't know exactly how much money is leaving their account each month While 92% of British consumers are currently trying to reduce their monthly outgoings, 58% of homeowners say they have never remortgaged outside of moving home Around 23m UK households will be switching off or turning down their heating this winter because of soaring gas and electricity prices The number of people being declared insolvent in the UK dropped slightly in the third quarter of this year while company insolvency increased, figures show Britons are getting into more debt at a younger age, a new study has shown The latest research from Sainsbury's Finance shows £245bn worth of mortgages are not protected by life insurance Age UK, a retirement services firm, calls for support to help people better prepare financially for retirement Energy regulator fines Npower for failing to deal with customer complaints properly Financial watchdog turns spotlight on banks and building societies over concern that they are mis-selling insurance cover Research shows credit card users making just minimum repayments on Christmas spending of £500 this year could take 12 years to repay debt Burglaries are expected to surge when the clocks go back this weekend, research from Aviva shows Over 29.5m Britons do not have a will despite the fact that one in five Brits expect to leave inheritance of over £10,000 Nurturing and encouraging medium-sized businesses is key to future UK growth, says CBI, as it calls on government to do more to help them Consumer credit remains subdued in August but Britons shun store cards, one of the most expensive forms of credit Some six million Britons are to get an average tax rebate of £400 this week, after the HM Revenue & Customs found miscalculations dating back to 2001 on its books After years of eye-watering rises, car insurance premiums have been falling, though only slightly British Airways has been voted Britain's best airline, according to Gocompare Despite the rising popularity of social media websites, new research shows that online banking is the main reason why we log on. The UK's big six energy firms are failing to give accurate information and advice to customers wanting to switch their gas and electricity deal The average annual cost of car insurance now stands at £843 while price hikes in parts of North England reach a scorching 27.9% year on year 60% of Britons are already worried about funding Christmas this year while a third expect to have to make severe cutbacks on spending The UK's stagnant housing market receives welcome boost with figures showing a pick up in the mortgage market Plummeting stock markets and ultra low interest rates have knocked a third off pension pots and pushed up annuity prices House prices crept forward in the last quarter but fell a further 0.5% in September from the previous month in a market that still lacks genuine direction, the latest report from the Halifax shows Household expenditure falls by 0.8% second quarter of 2011 as cash squeezed consumers continue to tighten their purse strings Fraudsters are returning to phone banking and cheque frauds as card and online banking scams dwindle New data suggest children face increasingly astronomical costs with inflation expected to double over the next 18 years Volatility in stocks markets creates sombre mood in sector as firms expect conditions to sour further A new report by HSBC reveals around £1.1 trillion will be left to beneficiaries by 2047, the peak of leaving an inheritance As much as 35% of pension scheme members have put pension contributions on hold as they can no longer afford it, research from Prudential warns August sees biggest squeeze on record as utility costs put pressure on disposable income New insurance industry initiative aimed at helping customers 'shop around' for best possible pension The average lifetime cost of owning a dog stands at around £16,900, while for a cat costs are around £17,200, the latest research from Sainsbury's Pet Insurance shows Consumer Focus issues a 'super-complaint' to the Office of Fair Trading about the hidden costs of exchanging money abroad One in four Brits spend more than 40% of their salary repaying non-mortgage debt, research shows Confidence in pensions has dropped significantly in the past year, with many worried they will not have enough money to get through their retirement Mortgage intermediaries are becoming more confident about the sector's prospects, with over a third forecasting an increase in business volume and half reporting improving market conditions The current system is inefficient, overly complex and frequently unfair, a review by IFS concludes, as it calls for wide sweeping reforms Rental prices keep on rising in the UK, with August seeing the fastest average monthly price increase in a year. Majority of public remain unaware of the real cost of long-term care and the need to make personal provisions Almost 15m workers say they don’t have private or company pensions, according to research by Prudential The telecommunications regulator has banned companies from providing contracts with repeated minimum contract periods Squeeze on household incomes is forecast to continue as 2011 finances return to 2003–04 levels The Government will ban the payment of referral fees in personal injury cases in a bid to cut back on a growing compensation culture The OFT announces that it will be examining the reasons behind the 40% increase in UK private motor insurance premiums National Savings pulls its popular index linked bond from general sale after selling 500,000 in the last four months Consumers still paying £265,000 a day in airline debit card surcharges, says Which? as it calls on government to take action Average bonuses for FTSE 350 company bosses rose by 187% since 2002, new research shows Brits' salaries are not up for discussion, especially with employers, according to research from Scottish Widows Half of people with a packaged current account don’t make full use of their benefits UK taxman to verify mortgage applications as part of a new scheme designed to prevent fraud The number of Brits delaying retirement has doubled in the last year as the cost of living continues to rise, research reveals British consumer are becoming a nation of bargain hunters with the help of discount codes, special offers and freebies, research shows Britain's taxman loses out on billions of unpaid taxes as the number of business failures soar Almost 40% of customers say they have no idea how much they pay for household energy bills each year Brits seeking to retire abroad list Spain as their number one choice, but the retirement dream abroad is becoming increasingly expensive and complicated, research from Standard Life warns Household finances are deteriorating faster than during the height of the UK recession in early 2009, research indicates Claims on travel insurance policies have risen three-fold in the last few years as a record number of people seek emergency medical treatment while abroad Regulator slaps fine on telecoms companies for incorrectly billing thousands of customers Government announces 11 new enterprise zones to boost local growth The elderly continue to experience falling levels of living standards and economic confidence, according to the latest report by Saga. House prices have fallen this month, according to property listings firm Rightmove. Worries over debt, particularly those accrued on credit cards, now affect 47% of the population. Mortgage market sees highest number of first-time buyers since August 2010, new research show Seven in ten people are worried about mortgage rates, while 14% are struggling with their repayments, according to new research by Which? Around 827,000 home-owners were in negative equity in the first quarter of 2011, still far off a peak of 1.6m in the early 1990s Directors at the UK's FTSE 100 companies expect to receive a pension worth £175,000, a new survey shows The average house price has increased again, an indication that prices may be stabilising after last year's decline, new research from Halifax shows The part nationalised lender reveals the impact on its results after it set aside a £3.2bn provision for the mis-selling of payment protection insurance In the latest snapshot of the UK jobs market, almost 60% of workers suffered a pay freeze while 6% faced a salary cut in 2011 There are twice as many credit cards giving 0% introductory purchase and balance transfer deals as credit card APRs increase by 2.6% since July 2006, research firm Defaqto says Urgent action is needed to improve the UK’s pensions system as figures show up to 9m workers face a bleak old age, an independent investigation has warned MPs have outlined plans to increase pension contributions by an average 3.2 percentage points for public sector workers from next April as part of plans to slash the government's pension bill Fake insurance claims rose almost 10% on previous year costing £18m every week Energy giant fined by watchdog Ofgem for failing to deal with customer complaints fairly Disruption caused by ash clouds, industrial action and political unrest since start of 2010 has cost UK holidaymakers over £2bn, research shows Energy companies who mis-sell must compensate consumers, MPs on the Energy and Climate Change Committee have demanded in a new report. The latest mortgage figures reveal an emerging buy to let boom as frustrated first time buyers struggle to get a foot on the property ladder Cost conscious consumers are increasingly cutting back on their food shopping with many switching to cheaper brands or discount stores Serious problems in the personal pensions market are leaving consumers at risk of bad advice and paying out for hidden commission Distracted drivers lighting up a cigarette or changing a CD can face additional car insurance costs of over £200, research finds The value of pensions take a hit as annuity rates fall again, a trend that is expected to continue, research warns Insurer pledges to help customers get same-day life cover, dramatically reducing the time needed for a life cover decision Rent levels in the UK are fast rising as demand for properties outstrips supply Research from the Prudential finds that one in 10 pensioners now question the wisdom of taking a lump sum and spending the money As the UK's economy slowly crawls back to health, lingering poor consumer confidence and shrinking disposable incomes are having a marked impact on the high street The vast majority of Britons are concerned about the impact of inflation on their finances while only 5% know what the current rate of inflation is British Gas customers are in for a shock as the firm announced a significant hike to domestic gas and electricity prices starting next month. Groups representing savers say keeping interest rates at just 0.5% is unfair, but the news is welcome to borrowers The annual rate of shop price inflation rose to 2.9% in June – and more price rises could be on the way. The amount parents need to earn to maintain acceptable standards of living has risen by a fifth over the past year, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Around 43% of retirees plan on using equity from their homes in order to pay for their long term care, but there is no assurance that equity-release will be sufficient, a new report claims. Lower rates for making and receiving mobile phone calls when travelling to other European countries have come into force The National Audit Office doubts the government's estimate of £7.3bn in net benefits from its programme to install "smart" meters. Nearly 5 million Britons can expect to receive a letter through the door from HM Revenue and Customs saying that they paid the wrong amount of tax in the last financial year. The OFT has told airlines to change the way they charge travellers for tickets online. More people are choosing to pay with cash or debit cards rather than credit cards, due to “unjustifiably-high” transaction fees, a new survey shows. Ofgem says rising energy prices and misleading offers reinforce the need for sweeping reforms to the retail gas and electricity markets Nearly half of homeowners are happy to stick with their mortgage product for the next couple of years while more than half are unaware of the rate increase impact on mortgage payments Consumer watchdog Which? warns of the alarmingly high price of petrol and other necessities when taking a break from the motorway Fraudsters are exploiting a rising number of Britons who are looking to save and make money in challenging economic conditions Compulsory car insurance rules come into effect today making it an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle even if it is not being used The British tax burden is one of the biggest for a major economy for both high and low earners, a new study claims UK is still five years away from its pre-recession employment rate and while recent jobs figures have been encouraging the state of the labour market is still 'extremely fragile', a new report shows HM Revenue & Customs could be looking at huge losses under the government's scheme to give businesses extra time to pay their tax bill The much hoped for spring recovery in the UK housing market did not occur as a drought of mortgages and uncertainty over the economy dried up demand House price optimism returns to the UK market with an increasing number of consumers expecting prices to rise over the next 12 months Up to 20m consumers are becoming increasingly frugal as financial confidence slumps Retirement planning dominates searches for independent financial advice in May 2011 as Britons increasingly question monetary health in later years HM Revenue & Customs turns tough on beneficiaries trying to undervalue inherited properties to avoid paying taxes Almost a quarter of Britons have never switched provider for the most common financial products despite rising household costs TUC warns of wage stagnation for middle and low-income earners in the last three decades as income gap widens The rising costs of running a car is having a noticeable effect on UK motorists with around half cutting back on driving while 17% have ignored a fault with their car due to the cost of repairs Private sector pay rises struggle to keep up with inflation while public sector pay remains unchanged as the UK government tries to reduce its debt One in 10 people will cancel plans to leave a financial legacy for their families in order to boost their own retirement income Most potential homebuyers believe they will not be able to get onto the housing market in post credit crunch Britain Securing a foothold on the property market increasingly requires a little help from Mum and Dad, research reveals. Nearly half of the so-called ‘Ostrich Generation’ expect to be worse off in retirement than their parents A fifth of Britons nearing retirement age have significantly reduced their pension contributions as economic headwinds continue Older consumers are discovering how turning 66 years old can make it difficult to find a willing travel insurance company or at best more than triple the annual cost Airlines and passengers are being warned that volcanic ash could hit Britain by Tuesday after Grímsvötn, Iceland’s most active volcano, blasts a 12-mile high ash plume into the sky The average age for buying a first property is now 38 years old, as getting a foot on property ladder becomes an increasingly tricky business UK consumers prefer to manage their money with the click of a button and a quarter check their account online every day Double whammy of low interest rates and high inflation weighs heavily on the well being of people among the age group Workforce in line for a dramatic shake-up as part of a consultation on flexi-time and parental leave Homeowners face the increasing cost of running a home as utility bills continue to soar, despite historically low interest rates The number of UK households remortgaging rises while the overall lending picture remains subdued Back by popular demand, the index-linked bond, is expected to fly off the shelf as savers seek inflation-beating products The prospect of a further squeeze on household incomes becomes ever more a reality after the latest inflation report from the Bank of England Ofcom urges consumers to report abnormally high mobile phone or internet bills, as the regulator considers whether more rules need to be put in place Millions of customers are in line for compensation for the mis-selling of PPI as the banking industry abandons appeal More UK companies were liquidated in the first three months of 2011 but personal insolvencies dropped, official figures show The part nationalised lender revealed a first quarter loss as it announced a surprise £3.2bn provision for the mis-selling of payment protection insurance More UK adults insure their pets and mobile phones than their income in case of ill health, research from Scottish Widows shows Inflationary pressures and a drop in the average income has put household budgets under considerable strain, experts warn Consumers are to be given advance notice of any price rises from energy firms as part of new rules announced by energy industry regulator Ofgem. With the warmer weather and lighter nights the latest poll shows that 16% of Brits will be spending money on home improvements over the two bank holiday weekends The pull of better weather, brighter job prospects and improved lifestyle sees another hike in the number of Britons contemplating a move abroad, according to new research. While official data reveals an already depressed UK housing market, new research suggests the outlook could be even gloomier Millions could receive compensation for the mis-selling of payment protection insurance as British banks lose judicial review of FSA guidelines. The CBI calls on Government to reduce bureaucratic regulation to help keep business opportunities and stop jobs moving elsewhere With savings accounts offering uninspiring rates, the latest research showing a sharp rise in dividend payments could provide some hope for investors Spain hits the top spot as bargain holiday destination with prices falling a whopping 37% since 2007, new research shows The UK's labour market is picking up but many are putting retirement plans on hold due to the financial strain Consumers are feeling the pinch as car insurance hits a record high while home insurance rises to their highest level Consumers should consider moving out of straight savings accounts and cash ISAs in search of better returns Commission recommends UK retail banking should be protected by its own capital cushion while other parts of the bank should be allowed to fail People who send in late tax returns face much higher penalties than before as a £10 a day fine comes into effect. Nearly 27% of households have been billed incorrectly by energy firms in the last two years, according to comparison website uSwitch.com. Consumer watchdog urges consumers to mark their calender for April 2012 and shop around for best ISA rates available. AXA Wealth pours cold water on Iain Duncan Smith's claim. Property sales have fallen sharply in the last three years in England and Wales, according to new research by Lloyds TSB UK banks reported that rising mortgage defaults are expected to continue, as a result of concerns of an increase in interest rates. The penalty for missing your tax return deadline could get a lot steeper as the government looks to enforce a new regime to encourage people to file returns and pay on time. The new default pension scheme for auto-enrolment has set cautious targets for returns to its members Real earnings fell for the first time in three decades last year and consumers fear worse to come Bonus payments could climb this year as company executives are hit with pay freezes and salary caps. The new default pension scheme for auto-enrolment has set cautious targets for returns to its members Soaring inflation means the return of National Savings’ RPI–linked products should be welcomed by savers. New rules to govern the issue of mortgages have been watered down after fierce complaints from mortgage lenders A new business jet tax will be introduced in tomorrow’s Budget, according to reports. UK households are now 6% worse off than they would have been had earnings risen in line with a typical three-year period, a new survey has found. People borrowing over 3.5 times their income are increasingly vulnerable to a hike in interest rates, the FSA says. People need to work longer in developed nations to avoid a pension crisis, according to the OECD Taxes may have to rise by ten of billions of pounds a year because baby boomers are costing the state a fortune Interest rates could be heading higher soon, a new survey of fund managers suggests Almost half of workers in the Square Mile are looking for a new job, according to reports MPs have slammed the car insurance industry over the receipt of referral fees from no-fee lawyers Government set to reject calls to remove 50% tax bracket for higher earners on 23 March Thousands of students have applied for corporate graduate schemes in an attempt to escape crippling graduate debts A majority of investors in stocks and shares ISAs check the performance less than three times a year, research has found A new report is expected to replace expensive private sector final salary pensions with a cheaper alternative More than a third of Britons are not saving as rising living costs and higher taxes take their toll on individual finances Hard-up Britons are being fleeced by unscrupulous firms who bombard them with offers of loans that rarely materialise One in ten UK adults are always in the red according to a new study A decision by judges in Luxembourg means women will pay around 25% more for their car insurance from December 2012 Bailed out bank Northern Rock is to offer a 90% mortgage, suggesting the home lending roadblock is clearing Soaring inflation has helped push the amount parents spend on each child near to £300,000 The major providers don’t have a clue about the rules governing transfers between Individual Saving Accounts (ISAs), claims consumer group Which? ‘Privileged’ benefits for pensioners such as heating allowances, free bus travel and tax perks should be removed argues think-tank, the IEA. Difficult economic conditions are making people nervous about their finances Hundreds of thousands of sacked state workers are not skilled enough for the private sector, a survey has found Travel companies are imposing huge mark-ups on holidays in half-term week A universal credit, changes to housing benefit, tax credits and a review of sickness absence are part of a proposals overhaul of the UK’s welfare system Quality of life for the over-fifties is being eroded by falling income, fear of unemployment and inflation, says Saga A rapid rise in the cost of living is eroding the spending power of Britain’s savers The UK’s biggest earners face a tax bill of over £41bn for earnings in 2011-12 Consumer group Which? wants the OFT to crack down on “excessive” credit and debit card surcharges House repossessions fell sharply last year, but observers expect an increase in 2011 December’s cold spell sent claims for burst pipes and car prangs soaring Lenders are hiking mortgage rates to cover a big increase in the cost of funding Vince Cable has promised an extra £222m a year to help get more school leavers into apprenticeships A record number of people declared themselves insolvent last year even after a decline in the last three months The government has announced the biggest shakeup of the ATOL travel protection scheme in a decade Lenders are asking for smaller deposits but getting a mortgage is still tough A longer working life rather than austerity measures will cure the economy argues NIESR The number of Britons paying higher rate tax is set to surge as the government shifts the tax burden onto the country’s middle class A new inflation–linked bond aims to tap into savers' growing fears over rising prices Thousands of this year’s retirees will still be heavily in debt and have little or no pension pot or savings A failure by the tax office to match national insurance contributions could affect huge numbers of pensions, MPs claim Insurance cut as costs mount Cities best able to ride out government spending cuts and public sector job losses have been identified in a new report Influential research body OECD wants stamp duty replaced by annual tax Identity fraud remains a big threat to people’s wealth, new figures suggest Almost half of Britons are either underestimating the value of their home contents, or choosing not to insure them at all Numbers of British young people unemployed have reached record levels UK households face a big income squeeze if interest rates rise sharply, says PWC. Almost 90% of savings accounts over six-years old pay annual interest of less than 0.5%, research from Which? has found Employers will no longer be able to force people to retire at 65 after April Thousands more Britons face a hefty bill for unpaid taxes as the Treasury continues to fix its new computer system New laws to be introduced in the Spring will make it an offence to own an uninsured car as well as drive one. House prices at end 2010 were 3.4% lower than December 2009, says the Halifax Lending rates are falling on personal loans, but only if you want to borrow £7,500 and have a good credit history. Any benefit from larger pay awards this year is expected to be wiped out by stubbornly high inflation Late or incorrectly filled-in self-assessment tax forms could mean £450m in fines and penalties this year. A new survey warns that employees must pay much more into their pensions if they’re to enjoy a “reasonable” income in old age Insurance frauds totalling £2.3m were uncovered each day last year 17% of the current UK population could hit 100 according to the latest government estimates Britons will have to work 149 days next year to pay off their tax bill, according to a leading think-tank New research highlights slowest and most expensive UK call centres Interest rates need to get back to a 'normal' level of about 5% says MPC member Paul Fisher Crooks are increasingly likely to steal heating oil from country homes as the bad weather causes prices to rocket Business leaders warn that interest rates will have to increase sharply over the next couple of years because of rising inflation Economic uncertainty will not stop people splashing out this Christmas Some ex-students are still being charged eleven months after paying off their student loan Mortgage lending won’t return to levels seen at the height of Britain’s housing boom ‘for many years to come’, warns the CML Britons are finding it hard to cope with debt as disposable incomes fall The CBI wants the decision to scrap the default retirement age of 65 postponed until April 2012 amid fears its introduction could create a legal minefield. Wealthy pensioners will no longer have to buy an annuity at age 75 under new government proposals A reduction in spending on flood defences could have dire consequences for houses at risk, experts have warned Bigger pay rises for women have got the gender pay gap down to a record low, figures show UK pensioners are losing huge amounts of income because of high fees, a new report claims The recruitment plans of many businesses could absorb the impact of public sector layoffs VAT goes up to 20% on 4 January, so consumers are spending now Mortgage availability is picking up but costs remain high for those without a decent-sized deposit. The credit crunch and subsequent recession have caused spending by UK families to drop for the first time within the last ten years. Recent price increases by retail electricity and gas suppliers are to be investigated by the industry regulator amid claims of profiteering The public sector risks a surge in the number of employees earning six-figure salaries unless pay controls are brought in Criticism of massive bonuses paid to City bankers has caused a big increase in basic salaries during 2010 People are living longer, adding billions to the cost of retirement The cost of living in the countryside can be 10-20% higher than for those in the city It is estimated that up to one million uninsured UK skiers could be charged hefty medical costs this winter Rents are going up and it now costs more to rent than to buy in most areas of the UK Boasting about how little you have has become the new fixation of Britons hit hard by the downturn Rises in inflation have hit savers hard with little respite in sight A rise in the number of self-employed and part-time workers has driven employment to a 19-month high Politicians have been told current monetary policy could make old age a struggle for millions of UK pensioners unless they act soon A sharp fall in mortgage costs has cut the cost of running a home over the past two years Demand for buy-to-let mortgages is up for the second quarter running A rising scale of penalties for the unemployed who refuse work has been proposed by the government A leading economic researcher wants a root-and-branch overhaul of the UK tax system, with big changes to VAT Expensive care home bills are leading thousands of pensioners to sell their houses Royal Mail is set to introduce inflation-busting price increases next year to pay for modernisation The number of people declared insolvent fell by 3.7% in the three months to September. The government is pressing ahead with its plan to make people work longer before getting a state pension Most high frequency credit card users are in better financial health and owe less, research shows Hard-up car insurance companies are being told to increase premiums if they want to make any money Employers are looking for more staff than at any time in the past eleven months, but competition is fierce and the wages are falling Footsie chiefs saw their pay jump 55% last year as incentive schemes paid off handsomely. Up to 8m workers will have to join a pension scheme in 2012 The government has unveiled a new tax-free saving scheme to replace Child Trust Funds Treasury coffers may receive a windfall if Switzerland agrees to a tax on accounts held there by UK residents The government has admitted putting together a “very radical” plan to simplify the state pension system People refuse to give up their favourite luxuries despite the economic downturn. A new default pension fund for the UK workforce is to go ahead The government has firmed up spending cuts to tackle the record budget deficit and bring Britain ‘back from the brink’ Small businesses are so worried about the precarious economic situation that 1 in 10 are axing staff Coalition urged to take fresh look at recent Equitable compensation report A big cut in the annual tax-free pension allowance will raise billions for the government Rates on new tracker mortgages are at levels not seen before Boy racers are paying the price for a sharp increase in car crash claims Despite the enormous progress made in addressing wage inequality in the workplace, progress is “grinding to a halt” Criminals are becoming less successful at stealing money from our credit cards, figures show Public sector employees may have to pay more and work longer to boost their pension pots Advertisements for positions in the Square Mile are at a three-year high, though evidence suggests it's tougher elsewhere Mortgage body warns over proposed regulations Higher rate taxpayers won't be able to claim child benefit in three years time due to government spending cuts Access to the web is crucial if you want to get the best return on your savings Insurance companies are charging customers for even the most routine detail changes Occupational pension schemes boost income for 4.6m OAPs Research shows that seaside towns have a greater number of bankrupts than anywhere else in Britain People are rushing to pay down debts as the economic outlook remains gloomy, a survey has discovered. Cash ISAs left behind as equity rally swells stocks and shares portfolios Money worries give parents of undergraduates a headache, survey finds HMRC won't chase unpaid tax back more than two years, according to report Britons must save more than any of their European cousins if they want a comfortable retirement Many Europeans don't have enough to pass on Debt agencies could quiz high earners Crime and errors lost the Treasury tens of billions of pounds in tax revenue last year. Contract and short-term staff boost employment numbers The coalition government has been warned of trouble ahead unless it changes the pensions system The fear of redundancy is forcing four out of ten men to beef up their savings Banks warn that higher reserves will mean costlier loans Pension numbers don’t add up says provider Insurance costs rising at fastest ever rate 180 websites over the past three months were sending out fake tax rebate emails A report says jobless Britons are struggling under a mountain of debt they cannot finance. Millions of workers plan to take an unpaid break from the office, or go back to school, a survey has found. Britons still count Spain as their preferred retirement hotspot outside the UK Around 40% of unemployed workers have been without work for more than a year Angry motorists are killing 800 people on Britain’s roads every year Most potential homebuyers need a 25% deposit to get a mortgage