Household Bills
Millions facing financial meltdown
A quarter of the population is facing financial meltdown with many of the effects of the credit crunch to blame, according to research from AXA's My Budget Day campaign.
Consumers set to spend less on food this Christmas
Over 29 million consumers will be cutting back on the amount of money they spend on food and almost 7 million will be shopping at a cheaper supermarket than usual this Christmas, according to the latest uSwitch.com Consumer Opinion Panel.
A cut-back Christmas but still one in five to put it on credit
As another festive season approaches, UK shoppers are tightening their belts according to research by Abbey Credit Cards. Father Christmas' sack will be lighter this year, with more than half (52 per cent) of Brits planning to spend less on Christmas presents.
Quick guide to managing your Christmas spending hangover
With Christmas nearly upon us, Unbiased.co.uk, the online Find an IFA Search, has put together a few quick tips on managing your Christmas spending:
OFT warns don't get scammed this Christmas
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is urging vulnerable groups, including older people, single parents and families on low incomes, to beware of scammers this Christmas.
Savvy shoppers spread the cost of the festive season
Shoppers are reacting to the credit crunch by spreading the cost of Christmas and taking advantage of early high street sales, according to research from Sainsbury's Finance.
Get energy efficient, says Confused.com
With the credit crunch in full throttle, people are searching for ways to cut household costs. Gareth Kloet, head of energy for Confused.com, offers tips on how to save money on domestic energy bills.
Cut down on Christmas shopping with a festive freebie
With people keeping a tighter hold on their purse strings this Christmas, moneysupermarket.com looks at what freebies are available for the savvy shopper.
Brits splash cash on technology that gathers dust
With less than three weeks left until Christmas, many of us are scouring the shops frantically to tick another gift off our shopping list. And at a time when every penny counts, research from Halifax Home Insurance shows Brits are wasting almost £120 a year each on gadgets likely to sit gathering dust on a shelf.
Save over £150? You can with a Canon
The cheapest shopping websites can save hundreds of pounds on Christmas gifts this year, reveals Which? Compare, the price comparison service from the consumer organisation.
Christmas danger from fake games consoles
Fake games consoles and adaptors are potentially putting Christmas consumers' lives in danger, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) warned today.
More needs to be done to improve experience of broadband
Michael Phillips, Product Director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk, comments on the new Code of Practice announced by Ofcom which takes effect on 5 December 2009: "We welcome the Code of Practice announced by Ofcom as we believe it is essential that customers are provided with as much information and clarity as possible on the likely speed of their broadband service.
I'm dreaming of a 'tight' Christmas
Millions of households will be celebrating Christmas this year, but many families will be wondering how on earth they can begin to pay for even half of what they enjoyed last year.
Brits seek home comforts this Christmas
The traditional family Christmas is set for a comeback this year, with more than one in four (28 per cent) British adults intending to spend Christmas day at parents', in-laws' or relatives' homes.
British Gas emergency direct debit helpline
Commenting on the launch of British Gas' emergency direct debit helpline, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "Following a spate of complaints from direct debit paying customers shocked by an increase to their monthly bill, it is encouraging to see British Gas making an attempt to help its customers.