Spending Habits
Brits hide debt from loved ones
Sainsbury's Finance believes that the current economic downturn is fuelling the nation's growing fear and embarrassment over personal finance matters and has launched a new website sainsburysfinance.co.uk/moneymatters, which explores many of the financial concerns and questions people might have.
Are you getting good service?
Do you feel your service providers treat you with respect? Is your insurance company or bank looking after the bottom line at your expense rather than looking after you? New research shows that Brits who feel there is more ‘give’ than ‘take’ are starting to vote with their feet.
Shoppers need more protection
One in ten consumers are not receiving goods or services they pay for in advance, with less than half (48 per cent) getting their money back, says Consumer Focus, who are today calling for tough new measures to protect consumer prepayments.
Football fans go into extra time for the new season
The kick-off to a new football season means fans will be wondering where all their time has gone – and they’ll need an average of 15.3 hours a week, according to new research from Virgin Money.
Consumer confidence remains stable
Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index recorded a slight increase of one point in July. Overall, sentiment remained stable. While the Present Situation Index fell one point, this was countered by the Future Expectations Index which increased by one point.
Shoppers switch to supermarket brands
As food price increases start to slow down, it's not just the supermarkets that are busy battling the pricing war. New research from uSwitch.com reveals that 31 million (73%) shoppers are taking matters into their own hands by opting for supermarket own brand labels in a bid to save money on the weekly shop.
Homeowners spending power rises
UK homeowners with a mortgage have seen their spending power rise by a tenth over the past year, according to new research by Halifax. Between March 2008 and March 2009, the average monthly discretionary income of households with a mortgage rose from £892 to £989, an increase of 11% (£97).
45% of people ‘not qualified’ to understand energy bills
Almost three quarters of consumers (73%) think that a qualification in maths is needed to understand household energy bills, according to new research from uSwitch.com.
OFT announces clearer terms for ticket-buyers
Consumers buying tickets for concerts, theatres, events and attractions will receive fairer contract terms following the conclusion of discussions between the OFT and the body representing businesses selling or re-selling tickets.
Cautious consumers turn to in-store credit
Latest industry figures from the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumers are continuing to take a cautious approach to spending. Only the store instalment market is bucking the trend with an 8% increase in new business in the last three months.
Millions fewer carrier bags on England's high streets
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has welcomed the news that leading supermarkets and their customers in England are now using 346 million fewer single-use carrier bags every month than in 2006, according to new figures published today.
Recession takes its toll on parents
Almost half of the UK's parents (48 per cent) are experiencing physical signs of stress due to the recession, with two thirds (64 per cent) worrying about paying the weekly food bill, reveals new research from Post Office Insurance.
UK inflation falls below 2%
Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual inflation fell to 1.8 per cent in June, down from 2.2 per cent in May and the first time it has fallen below the Government's 2 per cent target since September 2007.
Bills, bills, bills
The average British family is destined to pay out almost £1 million on household bills over the course of a lifetime according to new research, with one in three still not shopping around to find the best deals.
Recession hits North West hardest
New research has revealed that those in the North West have been hardest hit by the recession in the UK.