Spending Habits
PayPal: IMRG Capgemini Sales Index for January 2009
Commenting on IMRG Capgemini Sales Index for January 2009, Mark Hodson, UK Marketing Director at PayPal, the world's largest online payment service said: "Today's figures from IMRG demonstrate how the deepening recession is shifting consumers from the high street to the internet.
Elderly still face inflation of more than 5%
This month's official inflation report has shown a small decline in headline inflation to a rate of 3.0%, but Alliance Trust's ongoing monthly study of age related inflation reveals that the over 75 year olds face an inflation rate which is far higher than the official rate, at 5.4%.
Valentine's spending is sweet
British shoppers are still willing to splash the cash on their loved ones at Valentine's, according to data released by Barclaycard Payment Acceptance.
Nearly one in three Brits expect income cut
Almost one in three people in Great Britain expects a drop in disposable income this year either through salary cuts or increased costs as the effects of the recession take hold, according to research from Virgin Money.
UK inflation falls to 3%
Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual inflation – the Government's target measure – was 3.0 per cent in January, down from 3.1 per cent in December, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Cash-strapped cupids cut back this Valentine's
Romance has emerged as the latest casualty of the credit crunch, with more than 10 million Britons planning to spend less on loved ones this Valentine's Day, new research from Abbey Banking has revealed.
Not tonight darling ... I've got a recession
The recession is bringing back a more clichéd Valentine's Day with men splashing out on their partners, but the fairer sex cutting back on their spend.
Consumers' financial wellbeing hits record low
A 12-year financial reality study by Alliance Trust has found that UK consumers face the worst all-round financial situation yet, caused by a sharp fall in economic growth, soaring unemployment and a continuing drop in the value of their net wealth.
Consumers plan for higher interest rates
Despite the current record low interest rates and speculation they may drop further, consumers are already planning for rates to rise in the year ahead, according to the latest Consumer Barometer from Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets.
11 million look to take advantage of free services
11 million Brits agree that the best things in life are free. That's according to new research from Abbey Savings which has discovered a growing number of people on the look out for free goods and services.
Energy bills leave cash strapped Brits in the cold
Brits struggling to pay for their gas and electricity are being forced to take drastic action according to research from moneysupermarket.com.
Prepare for more doom and gloom
David Kuo of financial website The Motley Fool - Fool.co.uk says: "Consumer confidence continues to hover at near record lows. The Gfk NOP Consumer Confidence Index fell four points in January to minus 37. At these beaten-down levels there is a risk of total and complete collapse in consumer confidence unless the Government acts swiftly.
Eating at home and ‘al desko' back in vogue
British dining habits are being dramatically affected by the changing economic climate, with over half (56 per cent) of Britons cutting back on eating out, new research from Abbey Credit Cards has revealed.
Favourite shops give first-class service
High street shops might be slashing prices to beat the recession, but offering a great customer experience is the key to keeping shoppers happy, according to the UK's biggest survey of high street shops, published by Which?
Calorie counting helps penny pinching
Brits are using diet plan techniques to manage their finances in 2009, AA Personal Loans reveals.