Spending Habits
Inflation expectations hit 5 per cent
Inflation expectations for the year ahead continued to rise in August, despite the recent falls in oil prices and mortgage rates, according to the latest Consumer Barometer from Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets.
UK households £2,500 worse off this year than 2007
A new report by uSwitch.com into the nation's disposable income shows the extent of Britons' rapidly declining spending power in the last 12 months since the start of the credit crunch and the Northern Rock crisis.
Brits holiday despite credit crunch
Despite pessimistic reports that the travel industry faces tougher times ahead as the credit crunch bites deeper and fuel surcharges push up flight costs, the latest Post Office Holiday Money Monitor of foreign currency purchases confirms what successive consumer surveys suggest: that holidays are proving one of the last ‘luxuries' to be jettisoned.
It's crunch time
As the current economic climate faces further uncertainty, 46 per cent of Which? members surveyed reveal that they will be reducing spending in the coming year.
Inflation pushes student grocery bill up £127
Students heading to university this year will have to find £127.40 more than they did last year for their first year grocery shopping bill, according to research from Abbey Banking.
Kitting your kids out for school will cost you dear
Parents will be feeling the pinch as ‘Back to School' fever sets in this week because kitting out a child for the start of the new term in September could cost a massive £1623, according to Sheilas' Wheels home insurance.
Parents forecast ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ will last for decades
Lumbered with their children’s debts and the prospect of housing their offspring well into their 30s are amongst the top fears keeping parents across the UK awake at night, according to a new report from long-term investment provider Skandia.
Soaring bills could hit Brits with annual retail inflation of almost 7%
Headline grabbing rises in gas and electric bills, supermarket shopping, petrol and rent could push Mr and Mrs Average's annual retail inflation for goods and services to almost 7% warns Chelsea Building Society.
Youth suffer from bank-breaking image envy
Many of the nation's teenagers and young workers are fighting social as well as financial pressures with one quarter (24%) of 16-21 year olds claiming they're under strain to splash the cash just to keep up with their mates, just in time to impress at this year's V Festival on 16th and 17th August.
UK consumers paying less but getting more
People in the UK are spending more time using communications services than ever before - but paying less for them, according to Ofcom's latest annual report into the UK's £51 billion communications industry.
Top tips for students
Before all the fun and games of Fresher's week start, Defaqto have offered some essential tips to help students stay on track throughout the year.
Money worries causing secrets and lies
The pervasive effects of the credit crunch are leading an alarming number of people into concealing their financial woes from their loved ones, a Moneynet.co.uk survey has revealed.
Elderly suffering a rate of inflation well above 6%
Alliance Trust's independent study of age related inflation has found that the over 75 year olds continue to be hit the hardest by surging inflation, and the pain is getting worse.
The Wedding Stinger
The wedding season is not just an expensive time for brides and grooms; it's costly for all involved - with one in 12 (8%) guests spending a whopping £1,000 or more to see their loved ones get wed.
Inflation hits 4.4 per cent
Consumer prices index (CPI) annual inflation rose to 4.4 per cent in July, up from 3.8 per cent in June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).