Spending Habits
UK consumer confidence falls further
The Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index fell to a new low in February. The index fell three points to 78 in February driven mainly by weakened confidence in the current economic situation.
Average cost of supporting Premiership club £1,331
The average regular fan of a Premiership football team forked out £1,331 supporting their side in 2007, according to new research from Virgin Money.
Women tightening the purse strings
Results from the latest Legal & General MoneyMood Survey show women seem to be feeling the pinch more than men, with the mood for spending amongst women down 18 percentage points since last month, and the lowest for over a year.
Money can buy you love
If you're a single man in London, you may well be twice as likely as any other Brit to be propositioned today, with women free to take a leap of love and pop the question.
Honeymoon habits
Extravagant newlyweds are shelling out more than £1,600 on their honeymoon - £1,000 more than just 20 years ago, according to new research.
Brits take a baby shower
American style baby showers have become de-rigueur in the UK, says an ongoing study by cahoot to track the proliferation of ideas imported into Britain from the U.S. The report found that 3.9 million British spent a colossal £102 million on baby shower presents over the past five years.
All the gear but no idea
Brits have amassed an estimated £23 billion worth of sports equipment in their homes, much of which is seldom used, according to new research from home insurer LV=.
New free directory enquiries service to save consumers money
Consumers will be able to save up to £272 million a year following the launch of the new 0800 100 100 free directory enquiries service, according to independent price comparison and switching service, uSwitch.com.
Brits living on a budget to curb credit crunch fears
Two thirds of UK adults (66%) – that’s more than 30 million people – are planning to tighten their belt financially this year because of the “credit crunch”, according to research from Friends Provident, the FTSE 100 life and pensions company.
OFT sends out fake 'scam' text messages to warn young consumers
The OFT has sent out thousands of fake scam text messages to 18-24 year-old mobile phone users to raise awareness about scams.
Where there’s a will there’s a way to scam you
Problem-solving charity Citizens Advice is warning people to be wary of adverts and cold calls promising cut-price wills that turn out to be anything but.
Women are not dazzled by big tippers
Eating out is no longer a luxury but almost a way of life for most people. And dining out with friends can often be an enjoyable way to spend your leisure time. However, according to findings by Fool.co.uk, your guests will judge you by the size of tip you leave at the end of the meal.
Consumer Direct launches new scams reporting function
Consumer Direct, the government advice service, has added a new reporting function to its website to help in the fight against mass marketed scams.
What's your Valentine's day secret?
Loved-up Brits who break the bank might be in danger of breaking hearts too if their partners find out what they have been up to.
Rush of romance as spending is set to rise this Valentine’s Day
Despite the fact that over half (53%) of people in the UK think Valentine’s Day has been over-commercialised, we are still set to spend over £1 billion on gifts for the occasion, according to research for Alliance & Leicester current accounts.