Household Bills
Christmas spending will leave a quarter in the red
With six in ten people (62%) struggling to pay for Christmas this year, Brits face a New Year blighted with debt according to new research from uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.
Festive frugality the top of consumers’ Christmas list this season
With energy prices soaring and a cold winter just around the corner, many people are preoccupied with finding ways to save energy and money this Christmas.
Consumers set to spend record £47 billion this Christmas
Despite household budgets being squeezed throughout 2011, shoppers are expected to loosen the purse-strings and splash out in favour of festive cheer this Christmas.
Avoid costly download dramas this Christmas
The Christmas break is weeks away and many Brits will be looking forward to great food, great company and great entertainment over the festive season. Despite the potential for fights to erupt over control of the TV remote or games console, the boom in online services now means that consumers are spoilt for choice in their home entertainment options.
Price rises put a dent in energy complaints league table
The most recent energy complaints information compiled by Consumer Focus shows an almost universal rise in complaints about energy suppliers in the last quarter, at the same time as energy price rises were announced and started to take effect.
Cash strapped consumers putting Christmas on hold
Over a quarter or Brits (26%) could wake up to nothing under the Christmas tree this year as families and loved ones resort to giving IOUs to save money, according to new research from uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.
Savvy shoppers save as they search for bargains this Christmas
With the Christmas shopping frenzy upon us, almost 60% of UK shoppers admit that they're more conscious of what they're spending, turning us into a nation of bargain hunters.
Last minute ‘top-up' gifts mean women blow the Christmas budget
Last minute ‘top-up' gifts are an expensive shopping habit for women at Christmas, with almost half (46%) going over their budget to add that little extra to their friends' and family's present pile, according to new data from NS&I.
Consumers back Ofgem reforms to simplify the energy market
Ofgem's tariff proposals include a no frills tariff with a single standing charge set by Ofgem and a simple unit price. Alongside this will be more innovative tariffs with protection against price rises for the duration of the deal.
Wireless subscribers drive broadband growth
Demand from new wireless broadband subscribers is driving growth in high-speed Internet in OECD countries but the latest data show a slowdown in fixed subscriptions in the first half of 2011.
Bite back at home phone hikes with UK's cheapest line rental
Primus deal offers savings of up to £80 from annual phone bill, available exclusively through Homephonechoices.co.uk.
Cut price Christmas for six in ten Brits this year
Cash-strapped consumers will be enjoying a cut price Christmas this year, according to new research from uSwitch.com.
Families need almost £25,000 just to break even
The average British family now needs to bring home a staggering £24,600 a year - just to break even, says research commissioned by Skipton Financial Services, the mutually-owned financial adviser.
Consumers save on energy bills by charging up at work instead
With energy prices having risen by £224 or 21% in the last year, consumers looking to save on their household energy bills are doing so at the expense of their employers according to new research from uSwitch.com.
A warmer home can cost less this winter
As the ‘household squeeze’ takes effect fuel poverty is a major concern for UK residents. With the threat of another severe winter, yet with fuel prices increasing, consumers are hesitant to switch on their heating. But, one savvy UK homeowner has discovered a solution to stay warm and save on his heating bills this winter.