With the FCA announcing changes to regulations around overdraft fees and charges, consumers should (in practice) be able to more easily compare the true costs of an overdraft. However, questions still remain regarding whether these changes will benefit consumers or cost them more in the long run. In April 2020 FCA regulations will tighten, meaning …
Overboard on Overdrafts: Changes for Consumers Coming Soon Read More »
Have you received a refund for a PPI settlement in the last 4 years? Many consumers who received a refund had tax automatically deducted from their total, and as such, will be entitled to a full or partial refund. Automatic deductions for tax could have been made from statutory interest that has been paid out …
As the old adage goes – ‘save the pennies and the pounds take care of themselves’. This maxim supports the notion that maintaining a savings account and investing leftover cash can push individuals into a much better financial standing over an extended period of time. Undoubtedly, this remains solid advice and any type of saving …
Demystifying Financial Products: A Short Guide to Pensions and ISAs Read More »
The UK consumer credit lending market demonstrated an increase in the amount of outstanding debt of approximately £9.9 billion over a two-year period between the end of 2017 and December 2019. To put this into context, this is just shy of two billion £5 notes. When you look at the repercussions of personal debt, 350 …
The Dread of Debt: Regaining Control of Your Finances Read More »
I did it! I finally made it past the induction and first stint on my own at the gym. The apprehension was awful. The walk to my first session was nerve-wracking, but nevertheless I did it! For the last two years, I’ve been trying to decide whether to commit to an annual membership or whether …
Gym Memberships & Not Overdoing It – Physically or Financially Read More »
We all do it. Well, I know I do. We make that list in the week between Christmas and New Year of all the things that we promise ourselves that we will do over the course of the next 12 months that will fix our lives, make us more financially stable and let us save …
First, we had Black Friday, then Cyber Monday and now Sunshine Saturday? If you’re anything like me, you’ll struggle to simply ascertain what day of the week it is over the festive period! While ‘Take-the-day-off Tuesdays’ has a certain ring to it (although I’m sure my boss would disagree), the next ‘double-barrelled day’ on the …
Sunshine Saturday: Making the Most of Your Rainy-Day Funds When Booking a Holiday Read More »
In 2018 it was estimated that on Boxing Day alone, UK consumers spent approximately £8.8 million a minute on sales which offered up to 90% off the regular ‘day-to-day’ prices. The enticement of the massive reduction in the regular price of items for consumers can mean that many make purchases that are not entirely necessary. …
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and unfortunately the most wasteful in terms of the amount of food that is bought, cooked and ultimately disposed of. Christmas is a costly time for the majority of consumers, with last year’s average spend on food, drink and festive treats stacking up to a gigantic estimate …
In our article covering counterfeit goods back in June (Available HERE), we looked at the impact of fake goods on the UK economy and the detrimental effect that such products can have upon consumers. Recent research from the Anti-Counterfeiting Forum estimates that the proliferation of counterfeit goods has resulted in a cost of £30bn (or the equivalent …
A Counterfeit Toy Story: Choking Hazards, Age Restrictions and Safety Read More »
