Household Bills
BT reveals locations leading super-fast broadband race
BT has announced the UK’s current front-runners in its “race” for super-fast broadband.
ScottishPower increases gas and electricity prices
ScottishPower has announced increases in its standard domestic gas and electricity prices effective from 25th November 2010. Prices for gas customers will increase by an average of 2% and electricity bills by an average of 8.9%. The increase will affect 2.5 million households.
Poor and proud: keeping up with the Jones’ a battle of austerity
Brits still love to keep up with the Jones', but instead of competing over having the biggest and best belongings, they're now more likely to talk about bagging the biggest and best bargains, according to new research from uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.
Beat the ‘flood from within’ this winter
esure home insurance is urging homeowners to take a simple precaution if they go away from home during a cold snap to prevent major burst pipe incidents that can cause over £60,000 of damage per claim.
How to avoid burst pipe misery this winter
M&S Money is urging householders to take steps to prevent burst pipes this winter to avoid a repeat of the damage caused when low temperatures hit much of the UK last year.
Virgin Media demands ISPs stop the broadband con
Virgin Media has urged consumers to demand an end to misleading broadband advertising. With many internet service providers (ISPs) advertising speeds of “up to” 20Mb or 24Mb but delivering an average speed of just 6.5Mb, stopthebroadbandcon.org is enabling frustrated web users to make their voice heard and support calls for all broadband providers to publish the real speeds they deliver to customers.
Christmas shopping top tips
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) wants shoppers to remember their consumer rights when buying Christmas presents this year.
21% of Britain’s spending goes on credit cards
People are putting a significant fraction of their monthly outgoings on credit cards, according to research from Sainsbury's Finance. Its study found that on average, people are spending over a fifth (21.2%) of their monthly outgoings (excluding rent or mortgage payments) on their cards. Yet almost half (46%) of credit card users receive no loyalty points for their spending.
Not many happy returns for Brits
Christmas shoppers need to check returns policies and keep receipts when buying presents, as more than seven million Brits have experienced problems returning unwanted gifts, finds new research from consumer champion Which? Legal Service.
How to instill good financial habits in your teens
While many parents are working to educate their children, new research from M&S Money on over 3,000 under 18s suggests that some teens (14 - 18 years old) are not being given basic help on money matters by their parents.
Inflation rises to 3.2% in October
CPI annual inflation – the Government’s target measure – was 3.2 per cent in October, up from 3.1 per cent in September.
Insurance for your smart phones and gadgets
The rise of smart phones and smart gadgets continued last week with the launch of the new Apple iPad competitor, the Samsung Galaxy; with sales of smart gadgets predicted to soar this Christmas, leading independent broker Hastings Direct is advising householders to check their away from home cover.
Broadband switching process still not simple enough
New research from Broadbandchoices.co.uk highlights the difficulties consumers still face when it comes to switching to a better broadband deal.
Confused.com reminds people how to keep warm this winter
Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst at Confused.com says: "Pensioners are one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to cold weather, over 36700 pensioners died of cold related illnesses last winter.
Impulsive Brits overspend by not planning ahead
Cash rich, time poor Britons are throwing away £2,256 each year by failing to plan ahead on their purchases reveals a study by direct bank first direct. The tendency towards last minute spending on everyday items can add up to a staggering £43 per week.