Spending Habits
Recession increases parents' struggle to fund university costs
The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) annual survey into attitudes towards student debt suggests that almost three quarters (74%) of parents think that the recession is making it harder to fund their children through university.
Retired see cost of living rise faster than national average
MGM Advantage, the retirement income specialist, warns that retired people are seeing their cost of living rising at a much higher rate than the national average.
Consumer confidence rises in June
Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index recorded an increase in June, moving up to 58 from 54 in May. This increase reflects that overall, consumers feel increasingly positive, as confidence levels are now very close to those recorded this time last year (59 in June 2008).
Parents prioritise children's dreams
Over 5.5 million young people in the UK are receiving financial help from their parents in order to realise their dreams and aspirations.
Company claims endanger market for green products
People in Britain cannot tell which products are better for the environment amid the array of companies' green advertising claims. Many think companies pretend to be green as an excuse to hike their prices, a major new study by Consumer Focus reveals today.
UK consumers set to more than double online spending
Online shopping in Britain is set to boom from £8.9 billion to as much as £21.3 billion in annual sales by the end of 2011, according to forecasts in a new report by online payment service PayPal.
Brits put TV before holidays and home improvements
Square-eyed Brits are more likely to cut back on holidays, eating out and home improvements than surrender their satellite TV subscriptions, according to Legal & General.
UK adults set to spend less on weddings this year
Cash strapped wedding guests are planning to dramatically reduce their spending on weddings this year, adding up to a total of £178 million less than before the recession kicked in, according to research by home and travel insurer LV=.
UK workers admit to being creative with expenses
As the UK's government comes under increased scrutiny in the ongoing expenses scandal, it seems this type of activity is also an issue outside of the Commons.
Inflation rate facing elderly drops to 3.6%
This month's official inflation report showed that the headline rate of inflation fell by less than expected, to a rate of 2.2%. Alliance Trust's monthly study of age related inflation rates also reveals a drop in the inflation rate facing all age groups, with the rate of inflation facing the elderly decreasing the most, by 0.3%.
UK inflation rate slows in May
Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual inflation - the Government's target measure - fell to 2.2 per cent in May, down from 2.3 per cent in April, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Holidaymakers fork out on essentials left at home
Forgetful British holidaymakers spend an astonishing £1 billion pounds replacing essential items that they've left at home, new research by Abbey Credit Cards has revealed.
Defying the credit crunch
It feels like the gloomiest economy ever, but savvy money managers stand to benefit in these tough times. As Brits face up to a bleak financial landscape, direct bank first direct has developed guidelines and tips designed to help them beat the credit crunch.
Consumer confidence continues to creep up in May
The Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index rose by two points in May, a more moderate change following the sharp increase in April. The Expectations and Spending indices also recorded increases during the month to 76 and 101 respectively. The Present Situation Index fell to 17 in May from 21 in April.
Brits splash out over £600 to attend a wedding
With the wedding season fast approaching, new research by Halifax Current Accounts reveals the true cost of attending a wedding, and shows, that even in uncertain times, guests are not cutting back in showing their loved ones how much they care.