Spending Habits
‘Ten Rules of Christmas Commerce'
Last Christmas it was estimated that four out of five people had received unwanted presents worth a whopping total of £78bn. During Trading Standards Institute's (TSI) National Consumer Week, Citizens Advice outlines its ‘Ten Rules of Christmas Commerce' so that people know their rights when it comes to taking back unwanted gifts.
Women fearful about finances while men remain unconcerned
Women are significantly more worried than men about their finances, according to a recession survey by consumer finance website moneywise.co.uk.
Over three million commuters start cycling to keep costs down
As a result of the current economic climate, many people are looking to save money by using bicycles to get to work as opposed to cars or public transport.
New rules for online shoppers
From next month, internet shoppers will no longer have to pay customs duty on non-EU purchases worth up to £105.
ASDA's low cost / low price strategy delivers market out-performance
ASDA has announced it had delivered its tenth successive quarter of outperforming the market with comp sales (like-for-like), excluding petrol, increasing 6.9% (up from 6% in Q2 and 5% in Q1).
Brits seek ways to fund festive season
As the UK braces itself for Christmas in the wake of the credit crunch, more than 18 million (39 per cent) UK adults intend to recycle old presents, like unwanted CDs and toiletries, given to them in previous years.
Eleven-year study confirms - we've never had it so bad
With Britain's economy almost definitely in recession, Alliance Trust's ‘Financial Reality Index' shows that the third quarter of 2008 has seen the UK's household finances deteriorate to a record low.
Brits putting themselves at financial risk
Brits are putting themselves at financial risk by cutting back on essential insurance, a new survey from Fairinvestment.co.uk has revealed.
Brits will be partying on a budget this Christmas
Over three quarters (79%) of Brits won't be hosting a house party this Christmas, according to research from Yorkshire Bank.
Hard-up Brits ditch traditional honeymoon for 'mini-moons'
The 'mini-moon' - a short break for a couple of days after the big day while saving up for a proper holiday months later - emerged in a study into how the credit crunch has affected young couples who have just tied the knot or are about to.
Stop splashing out on bottled water
Most people think that restaurants overcharge for bottled water, so don't be embarrassed to ask for tap, says The Good Food Guide - particularly in these cost-conscious times.
Disposable income down nearly 30%
As many as one in 10 of us are spending 90 per cent of our salary on "essentials" such as rent and bills according to research by Abbey Credit Cards, leaving on average just £382.21 per month of disposable income.
UK consumer confidence buoyed by Government action
This month consumers felt brighter for the first time since December 2007. Despite the increasingly gloomy economic news, the Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index recorded an 8% increase in the month, bringing the index to 55 up from 51 in September.
Sweeping changes planned as economic downturn hits home
93% of Brits are making major financial cutbacks in the home to survive the economic turmoil according to new research from Legal & General.
Men spend 55% more than women 'on the side'
Despite the fact that household budgets are being stretched further, men and women across the UK are spending in secret from their partners, new research from Fairinvestment.co.uk has found; and men are the worst culprits.