July, 2008 news
First Rung: `Rent now, buy later` scheme may be good opportunity
The government`s proposed scheme to help first-time buyers onto the property ladder may be "a terrific opportunity" for those who qualify, an expert has said.... Read more »
Drivers urged to prepare to avoid holiday debt
An insurer has recommended motorists take care to avoid incurring car repair bills when travelling this summer. ... Read more »
Online banking customers warned about phishing
In the past seven years the number of online banking customers has risen to 21 million - an increase of 505 per cent, according to new figures. ... Read more »
Savers` knowledge of inflation "concerning"
One consumer in ten does not know what inflation is, a new study has revealed. ... Read more »
Market towns more expensive than neighbours
Those hoping to find an affordable mortgage may be interested in new figures indicating some of the most expensive property is to be found in market towns.... Read more »
Nearly 7m should expect fuel poverty
An additional 2.4 million people will face fuel poverty if predicted gas price increases are realised, uSwitch has warned. ... Read more »
Those struggling with mortgages "have to prepare a budget"
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has revealed a 21 per cent rise in the number of houses being repossessed, with figures hitting their highest since 1999. ... Read more »
Borrowers should be "cautious" of bridging loans, says expert
Most lenders offering bridging loans expect to know how the loan will be paid off, an expert has warned.... Read more »
RAC: Cost of motoring cheaper than in 1988
This year`s RAC Report on Motoring found the cost of motoring has fallen in the past two decades, despite the rising price of fuel.... Read more »
Savers urged to shop around for best account
Consumers looking to save money for the future have been urged to decide what kind of saver they are and shop around for the most suitable savings account.... Read more »
Fixed-rate mortgages `still in demand`
The cost of borrowing has hit a ten-year high but homeowners are still choosing fixed-rate mortgages, according to new research from Fairinvestment.... Read more »
Cater Allen: Younger women strive for financial self-sufficiency
More young women are striving to be financially self-sufficient, according to new research.... Read more »
Interest rates expected to remain stable
Experts have predicted the Bank of England`s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will keep interest rates at five per cent for the rest of the year.... Read more »
Mortgage holidays useful if done `the right way`
A mortgage expert has said taking a break from paying mortgage repayments should not be an option for those facing financial problems but can be useful in other situations. ... Read more »
Sainsbury`s Finance: conditions imposed on top savings accounts
A study of the top 50 "best buy" savings accounts found over half impose restrictions on their use.... Read more »
Car modifications "attract increased premiums"
An insurer has warned making modifications to your car may push up its insurance premium. ... Read more »
Credit crunch ends low rate loans
Low rate loans are now increasingly difficult to find, according to new research. ... Read more »