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2007 starts with 15% more debt problems than 2006
National charity Citizens Advice says a survey of bureaux has revealed they were approached for help with 15% more debt problems in January 2007 than in January 2006. The number includes debt problems relating to everyday living expenses such as fuel and council tax, which have increased more sharply.
Online shopping to account for 40% of retail sales by 2020
It took a while coming, but Britain is at last riding high on the wave of the broadband revolution, with hundreds of consumers signing up to faster speeds and lower prices every day. Inspired by the new capabilities of the internet, broadband has become a way of life for over 13 million people and online sales reached £3.7bn in the four weeks up to Christmas, a 50% increase on 2005.
Virgin Media takes on competitors with new TV sports offer
For just £26 a month, Virgin Media is offering sports fans Sky Sports 1, 2, 3 and Xtra, together with 39 other digital TV channels including E4, CBeebies and ITV2.
Retail sales growth slows in January
Underlying growth in retail sales volume slowed in January as sales fell back after a strong December, but remained robust when compared with the long-run average, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Consumers set to benefit from Powergen’s ‘we’ll beat British Gas' guarantee
Powergen has today launched the latest salvo in the energy price war with three products guaranteeing to beat British Gas’ standard prices. It is also adding heat to the online market by introducing new online discounts, making it the cheapest online provider in 8 energy regions.
Powergen fires first volley in regional energy price war
Following Powergen’s announcement last week of price drops for its online electricity and dual fuel tariffs, the energy supplier which has over nine million gas and electricity accounts nationwide today made the unprecedented move of offering varied discounts across UK energy regions.
Who gets what when love turns sour?
Nine out of ten (87%) people make major purchases with their partner but only 4% have agreed what happens if they split, research from Alliance & Leicester Personal Loans.
Consumers could claim up to £48k in compensation after FSCS steps in
Consumers can claim compensation of up to £48,000 if they have lost money as a result of their dealings with any one of 28 firms that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has recently declared in default.
Society’s two most vulnerable groups hit hardest by inflation
As everyday costs for the UK’s over-75s stay disproportionately high, new study spotlights poorest families facing biggest inflation rises.
Inflation slows in January to 2.7%
CPI annual inflation – the Government's target measure – was 2.7 per cent in January, down from 3.0 per cent in December.
Maverick, Sceptic or Perfectionist – what’s your financial type?
Scottish Widows launches psychological tool in bid to help UK with its financial behaviour.
Parents ill prepared for half term holiday spending spree
Millions of British families heading off on holiday for half term this week could find themselves out of pocket, because of poor budgeting and lax security, according to a new report from Lloyds TSB.
Pets replace partners in our affections
Romance fans expecting a card from a secret admirer may be disappointed as Cupid’s arrow has singled out our pets over our partners as the object of Brits’ affections this Valentine’s Day.
Low-cost texts for life with 3
From this weekend, 3 customers will be able to take advantage of a new text-focused price plan, as 3’s Direct Text 675 launches.
BT profits up – but most loyal customers to pay the price
In a week that sees its third-quarter profits rise by 13% and shares reach a five year high, BT reveals new ‘stealth’ charges for phone customers, to be introduced in May.