http://www.independent.co.uk/money/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/twoyear-fixedrate-mortgage-costs-drop-below-5-1826237.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/twoyear-fixedrate-mortgage-costs-drop-below-5-1826237.html <p> The average cost of a two-year fixed-rate mortgage has fallen below 5 per cent for the first time in five months, research showed today. </p> Mortgages Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:33:52 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/customers-in-line-for-bank-charge-windfall-worth-billions-1825924.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/customers-in-line-for-bank-charge-windfall-worth-billions-1825924.html <p>A landmark court ruling against high street banks this week could hand eight million bank customers windfalls worth billions of pounds.</p> Spend & Save Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/julian-knight-in-the-name-of-charity-get-rid-of-chuggers-1825228.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/julian-knight-in-the-name-of-charity-get-rid-of-chuggers-1825228.html <p> You do see some sights in Hammersmith, where I live. Just yards from my front door this morning was someone dressed as Pudsey Bear, holding a big bucket. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/banks-face-dday-over-unfair-charges-1825263.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/banks-face-dday-over-unfair-charges-1825263.html <p>The conclusion of the legal battle over bank charges on customers for going into overdraft has been a long time coming. The epic fight between the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Abbey, Barclays, Clydesdale, HBOS, HSBC, Lloyds, Nationwide BS and RBS/NatWest will finally come to a head on Wednesday. The newly formed UK Supreme Court will decide then on the appeal brought by the bankers against earlier rulings that their overdraft charges can be assessed by the OFT for fairness. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/cash-flows-into-europe-as-economies-bounce-back-1825266.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/cash-flows-into-europe-as-economies-bounce-back-1825266.html ]]> <p> One credit crunch later and the economic order in Europe changed dramatically. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/virtual-way-to-beat-jobless-blues-1825267.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/virtual-way-to-beat-jobless-blues-1825267.html <p>Unemployment is casting a shadow over Britain with good jobs hard to come by. Working for yourself is becoming the only option for many former professionals, as a growing number choosing to work as a virtual assistant to an individual or business. Put simply, virtual assistants offer administrative support from the comfort of their own home and earn from £15 to £30 per hour for their trouble. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/the-curse-of-down-valuation-emerges-1825271.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/the-curse-of-down-valuation-emerges-1825271.html ]]> <p>The mood of people in the property market as the year draws to a close can be best described as nervy. No one is quite sure if the uptick in prices seen in the past few months will continue into 2010. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/fewer-buyers-than-expected-helped-by-stamp-duty-holiday-1825270.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/fewer-buyers-than-expected-helped-by-stamp-duty-holiday-1825270.html <p>The Government's stamp-duty holiday on properties sold for less than £175,000 has not helped nearly as many homeowners as first predicted.</p> Spend & Save Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consumer-rights-bling-cover-dilemma-for-broke-graduate-1825269.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consumer-rights-bling-cover-dilemma-for-broke-graduate-1825269.html ]]> <p> <b>I have just moved into a flat with a friend. We're graduates and haven't got jobs yet. I've got quite a lot of jewellery and my mother wants me to have it insured but I'm not sure how much to insure it for and I can't afford to spend much on a policy. </b></p> <p> <b><i>HM</i> </b></p> <p> <b><i>Kent </i></b> </p> Spend & Save Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/insurance/as-the-water-rises-its-time-to-check-your-cover-1825268.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/insurance/as-the-water-rises-its-time-to-check-your-cover-1825268.html ]]> <p> The Cumbrian town of Cockermouth has been the biggest victim of floods so far this autumn with its high street turning into a raging river after torrential rain hit last week. </p> Insurance Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/santander-takes-pole-position-in-charges-battle-1824609.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/santander-takes-pole-position-in-charges-battle-1824609.html ]]> <p> Current accounts are set to get much more competitive. Santander – owner of Abbey and Alliance & Leicester – this week announced plans to launch a fee-free account in January. Meanwhile the Supreme Court will announce its decision on the long-running bank charges case next Wednesday and is expected to support the Office of Fair Trading's right to challenge expensive charges.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/make-the-most-of-your-gift-to-charity-1824610.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/make-the-most-of-your-gift-to-charity-1824610.html ]]> <p> Charity cards are as much a part of Christmas as turkey and presents, but not all retailers extend the festive spirit to good causes. The worst hand over a miserly 6 per cent of their sale price, according to research from Which?</p> Spend & Save Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/simon-read-everyone-should-be-able-to-keep-warm-1824611.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/simon-read-everyone-should-be-able-to-keep-warm-1824611.html <p>Fuel povery is not a condition that anyone should face. Yet some 6.6 million households in the UK simply won't be able to afford to turn up the heating this winter. The rest of us probably take for granted that we can keep our homes as warm as we need, but millions will be forced to wear extra jumpers or blankets simply to keep the worst of the chill off. </p> Spend & Save Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/ben-yearsley-mitons-spot-on-for-the-riskaverse-1824613.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/ben-yearsley-mitons-spot-on-for-the-riskaverse-1824613.html ]]> <p>When selecting funds, investors have several clear choices to make. Index-tracking or active management? Developed or emerging markets? What often gets overlooked is the choice between a fund that will stay fully invested and one that is more proactive with asset allocation.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/aliceazania-jarvis-i-try-to-avoid-shops-at-this-time-of-year-1824616.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/aliceazania-jarvis-i-try-to-avoid-shops-at-this-time-of-year-1824616.html <p>You know how I said I'd developed immunity from premature Christmas rage? And how I doubted it would last? Well, I was wrong. And right. Wrong in that I hadn't, in fact, succeeded in ignoring the horrifying eagerness with which shops deck themselves out in the run-up to Christmas. And right in assuming that it wouldn't last.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consuming-issuse-the-phoney-supermarket-price-war-1824615.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consuming-issuse-the-phoney-supermarket-price-war-1824615.html <p>Tesco and Asda are said to be locked in a festive price war, handing hard-up customers some festive cheer in the recession. Before cracking open the bubbly, it's worth remembering that Father Christmas visits only once a year and the last time he descended my chimney he wasn't wearing the liveried uniform of a supermarket chain.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/derek-pain-printingcom-is-riding-out-the-recession-in-style-1824614.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/derek-pain-printingcom-is-riding-out-the-recession-in-style-1824614.html <p> In these days of exceptionally low interest rates, the shares of Printing. com must look enticingly attractive to any income-seeking investor. </p> Spend & Save Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/money-insider-rising-inflation-hits-savers-1824612.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/money-insider-rising-inflation-hits-savers-1824612.html ]]> <p>The sharp rise in the rate of inflation announced this week spells potentially bad news for millions of savers.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/questions-of-cash-im-not-getting-anywhere-with-my-carphone-warehouse-complaint-1824617.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/questions-of-cash-im-not-getting-anywhere-with-my-carphone-warehouse-complaint-1824617.html <p><b>Q. I have been in contact with Carphone Warehouse (CW) since July regarding problems with my new mobile phone. I raised this as an official complain on 9 September, but I have hit a brick wall. CW says it can't resolve my complaint because of the Data Protection Act. It has asked for personal information from me that I am not willing to divulge as I do not believe its email system is secure. To make matters worse, emails to CW are either returned as undelivered, or go into a long queue. I have been without a phone for six weeks while the company tries to repair it, during which time I have paid for a phone that I do not have and which has not been in proper working order for four months. I purchased a Samsung I8510 on an 18-month contract in December 2008. NS, Edinburgh.</b> </p> Spend & Save Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/mortgage-lending-picks-up-after-quiet-summer-1823429.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/mortgage-lending-picks-up-after-quiet-summer-1823429.html <p> Mortgage lending rose by 5 per cent during October as the market continued to recover from its traditional summer dip, figures showed today. </p> Mortgages Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:28:38 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/interest-rates-slashed-on-lloyds-mortgages-1822176.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/interest-rates-slashed-on-lloyds-mortgages-1822176.html <p> Lloyds Banking Group slashed interest rates on a number of its mortgages today and launched a new best buy deal. </p> Mortgages Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:20:38 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/ready-for-a-rainy-day-time-to-get-a-financial-umbrella-1820830.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/ready-for-a-rainy-day-time-to-get-a-financial-umbrella-1820830.html <p> More than a quarter of British families have no savings or investments to fall back on in times of emergency, according to new research from Abbey. With unemployment nearing 2.5 million and set to go higher, being one wage packet away from the breadline is a sobering thought. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:52 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/wealth-check-is-my-deposit-enough-to-buy-my-first-home-1820833.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/wealth-check-is-my-deposit-enough-to-buy-my-first-home-1820833.html ]]> <p> <b>The patient</b> </p> <p> Caroline Bann, 30, wants to maximise her savings in preparation for stepping on to the property ladder in a year's time. "I plan to buy with my boyfriend," says the public relations executive for the Association of Accounting Technicians, who earns £24,000 a year. "So I've been building up cash for a deposit for this – and want to make the most of it." </p> Mortgages Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:51 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/a-lost-legacy-lucky-you-ndash-but-watch-out-for-greedy-heirhunters-fees-1820829.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/a-lost-legacy-lucky-you-ndash-but-watch-out-for-greedy-heirhunters-fees-1820829.html ]]> <p> A knock at the door announcing a welcome inheritance from a distant relative may sound like the stuff of dreams, but in reality this process can be far more sinister than you might expect. Some heir locators charged with tracking down missing beneficiaries and reuniting them with their lost inheritances are using hard-sell techniques to grab a large proportion, sometimes nearly a third, of the estates. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/competition-returns-to-home-loan-market-1820832.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/competition-returns-to-home-loan-market-1820832.html <p> The past few weeks have seen a number of new mortgages and rate cuts, suggesting a loosening in the market and a welcome sign that competition is returning, but what are the real implications for homeowners? </p> Mortgages Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:21 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/mark-dampier-your-best-defence-against-inflation-1820493.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/mark-dampier-your-best-defence-against-inflation-1820493.html <p>While the controversy around bankers' bonuses is dominating the financial news, a far more important question is in danger of being overlooked. Should we be worried about inflation or deflation?</p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consuming-issues-booking-fees--a-sly-topup-to-prices-1820494.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consuming-issues-booking-fees--a-sly-topup-to-prices-1820494.html <p>OK, I admit it, when I wrote last week that I would boycott the Odeon because of its booking fee, I was being hasty. There are plenty of films I want to see in the next few weeks and I don't want to cut off my nose to spite my face.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/beginners-guide-to-gift-aid-1820496.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/beginners-guide-to-gift-aid-1820496.html <p>If you've made a charitable donation in the last nine years, the chances are you've been invited to tick a box that says "Gift Aid". The organisation receiving your contribution will probably explain that this can boost your donation by an impressive 28 per cent, but do you know why?</p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/credit-card-squeeze-has-borrowing-on-plastic-had-its-day-1820495.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/credit-card-squeeze-has-borrowing-on-plastic-had-its-day-1820495.html <p>Borrowing on plastic could soon be a distant memory. The days of interest-free credit cards could soon be over as we move to a world of higher charges and monthly or annual fees. Meanwhile more and more borrowers are facing being turned down by mainstream credit cards, forcing them to turn to expensive alternatives.</p> Loans & Credit Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/aliceazania-jarvis-ive-noticed-a-sudden-need-to-switch-things-on-at-every-opportunity-1820498.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/aliceazania-jarvis-ive-noticed-a-sudden-need-to-switch-things-on-at-every-opportunity-1820498.html <p>Have you noticed it yet? No, not the sudden drop in temperature – though that too – I mean the sudden rise in your fuel bill. Actually, I have to say I haven't – though that may have to do less to do with a sudden conservation drive, and more to do with the fact that it's not yet time for my quarterly energy breakdown to pop through the letterbox. What I have noticed is my sudden need to switch things on at every opportunity: the stove (goodbye salad, hello soup), the kettle, the hot water and, of course, the heating. It's that time of year again. </p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/derek-pain-aim-faces-a-hard-slog-to-recapture-past-glories-1820500.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/derek-pain-aim-faces-a-hard-slog-to-recapture-past-glories-1820500.html <p>The upper echelons of the London Stock Exchange may be enjoying a surprisingly rewarding time, but the junior end of the investment site continues to look rather desolate.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/questions-of-cash-minimum-payments-may-not-cut-credit-card-balance-1820502.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/questions-of-cash-minimum-payments-may-not-cut-credit-card-balance-1820502.html <p> <b>Q. I've not used my Barclaycard for over a year and paid the minimum repayment monthly by direct debit. Yet I am regularly charged £12 for being "Over Credit Limit" and had to pay £100 in July to put my account on an "even keel". Even then, I was charged £12 in August for being over my credit limit. Barclaycard is now recommending that I pay £39.04 in addition to the minimum payment. HA, London.</b> </p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/spotlight-mortgages-1820504.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/spotlight-mortgages-1820504.html <p>Abbey has launched a market-leading, fee-free three-year fixed mortgage at 5.99 per cent for existing current account customers who have only a 10 per cent deposit. To qualify, you must have had an Abbey or Alliance & Leicester current account for at least six months. But if you are eligible and are looking for a new mortgage, and need to borrow up to 90 per cent, then Abbey's three-year fix is worth considering.</p> Mortgages Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/wealth-check-i-want-my-theatre-company-to-prosper-1820505.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/wealth-check-i-want-my-theatre-company-to-prosper-1820505.html ]]> <p>Ellie Simpson, 21, from Oxford, graduated this summer from Queen Mary in London with a First in English and Drama. She is currently living back at home and has a job supervising a bar at her local theatre with the view to pay off her overdraft.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/simon-read-do-so-many-people-need-to-lose-homes-1820503.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/simon-read-do-so-many-people-need-to-lose-homes-1820503.html <p>The number of people facing the misery of repossession is falling, which is great news. The Council of Mortgage Lenders this week slashed its repossession predictions for the year to 48,000. Earlier in the year, it predicted some 75,000 people could lose their homes in 2009. Is this a sign that the recession really is over for home owners and the good times are back?</p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/pensions/are-you-missing-out-your-pension-tax-relief-1820501.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/pensions/are-you-missing-out-your-pension-tax-relief-1820501.html ]]> <p>People saving in company pension schemes are losing thousands of pounds each year because they are only getting half the tax relief they are due.</p> Pensions Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/wealth-of-young-talent-upandcoming-managers-are-catching-the-eye-of-investment-houses-1820499.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/wealth-of-young-talent-upandcoming-managers-are-catching-the-eye-of-investment-houses-1820499.html ]]> <p> Investment houses are grooming the next generation of fund managers that they hope will deliver bumper double-digit returns over the next few years and help to restore the public's faith in the industry. Succession planning has always been seen as the key to success in a ferociously competitive environment, and this is growing in importance, with a number of current star managers now approaching their mid-fifties.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/money-insider-fixed-rate-bonds-on-the-up-but-young-savers-are-getting-raw-deal-1820497.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/money-insider-fixed-rate-bonds-on-the-up-but-young-savers-are-getting-raw-deal-1820497.html <p>The mutual sector kept up the pressure on the fixed rate savings market this week with improved two- and three-year fixed rates courtesy of Principality Building Society and Yorkshire Building Society's Barnsley brand respectively.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/number-of-mortgage-approvals-resumes-upward-trend-1818538.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/number-of-mortgage-approvals-resumes-upward-trend-1818538.html <p> The number of mortgages approved for people buying a home resumed its upward trend during September, following a seasonal dip in August, figures showed today. </p> Mortgages Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:55:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/going-ethical-may-salve-your-conscience--ndash-but-will-it-help-you-to-turn-a-profit-1816795.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/going-ethical-may-salve-your-conscience--ndash-but-will-it-help-you-to-turn-a-profit-1816795.html <p>Public attitudes to ethical investment are changing. These days, many investors are as concerned about investments that sit comfortably with their environmental and social principles as they are about securing healthy returns. As a result, ethical investment has come a long way from the launch of the first, the F&C Stewardship Income Fund, back in 1987. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/simple-steps-to-beat-the-card-fraud-menace-1816798.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/simple-steps-to-beat-the-card-fraud-menace-1816798.html ]]> <p>With Christmas next month, consumers will be hitting the plastic hard getting presents and enjoying the festivities. This may be the season to be jolly, but it is also a time to be cautious as card fraudsters see easy pickings.</p> Spend & Save Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consumer-rights-holiday-insurers-small-print-left-my-sister-out-of-pocket-1816800.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consumer-rights-holiday-insurers-small-print-left-my-sister-out-of-pocket-1816800.html <p>Q. My sister paid £74.79 for travel insurance for a trip around Europe. After leaving Budapest, all her travel documents (InterRail ticket, passport, health card etc), as well as cards, money, and photo cards were stolen and she was stranded. Her travelling companion lent her money to get back to Budapest to get a report from the police and to go to the consulate about her passport. She stayed there until a new passport was issued. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/dont-let-your-heat-waft-your-money-away-via-windows-and-walls-1816801.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/dont-let-your-heat-waft-your-money-away-via-windows-and-walls-1816801.html <p>Oil prices are rising; natural gas is becoming harder and more expensive to transport and our already hefty energy bills are only going to get more expensive. The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) says one in four households in the UK are facing fuel poverty, where more than 10 per cent of their annual income is spent heating their homes. Yet homes across the country are inadequately insulated, meaning many of us are paying to heat the streets. Getting the proper insulation installed may seem like a costly hassle, but shelling out now will lead to savings in the future. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/note-to-savers-beat-the-banks-at-their-own-game-as-rates-tumble-1816799.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/note-to-savers-beat-the-banks-at-their-own-game-as-rates-tumble-1816799.html <p>Bank of England base rates were left on hold again on Thursday and it's likely there will be no change this year. But when it comes to savings rates, the situation is more in flux. Banks are throwing attractive bonus-rate accounts at savers to draw in their business and are reaping free advertising from best-buy tables, but for every account that has its rate bumped up, two have their rates reduced. With one in 10 accounts cutting its return, savers need to keep on their toes to ensure their cash is working hard. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/insurance/beginners-guide-to-winter-sports-insurance-1816630.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/insurance/beginners-guide-to-winter-sports-insurance-1816630.html <p>With the ski season just around the corner, it's the time to start thinking about your travel insurance if you'll be hitting the slopes this winter. Yet most policies don't include cover for winter sports as standard so it's essential to make sure you will be insured for whatever snow-based activity you'll be partaking in.</p> Insurance Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/kids-will-get-cash-boost-from-lessons-1816634.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/kids-will-get-cash-boost-from-lessons-1816634.html <p> Ed Balls' announcement on Thursday that personal finance lessons will become compulsory for kids from 2011 should raise a cheer in homes across the country. The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families said personal finance will be taught as part of the PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) programme in secondary schools, currently optional. "All young people should learn about financial education," Balls said. </p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consuming-issues-how-safe-are-fairground-rides-1816635.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/consuming-issues-how-safe-are-fairground-rides-1816635.html <p>Fairground rides are designed to thrill, twisting, twirling, thrusting and gyrating paying passengers in a sensory whirl enhanced by flashing lights and booming music. This weekend, two days after Bonfire Night, millions of Britons will enjoy the range of rides found in theme parks and funfairs, from a sedate trip on an antique merry-go-round to the full-throttle thrill of the 80mph Stealth at Thorpe Park, Surrey.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/mark-dampier-a-fund-manager-for-tough-times-1816636.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/mark-dampier-a-fund-manager-for-tough-times-1816636.html <p>As I write this, stock markets have recently fallen back by around 6 per cent. Is this just a brief correction and the chance to buy cheaply that many people have been waiting for? Or the start of a more prolonged slump?</p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/derek-pain-creditors-and-shareholders-still-out-in-cold-1816646.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/derek-pain-creditors-and-shareholders-still-out-in-cold-1816646.html <p>It may be just my imagination but companies, many of them well known, seem to be falling like ninepins these days. Failure statistics do not look too bad but when the likes of Regent Inns and Threshers crash within a few days of each other it highlights the difficulties many groups are experiencing.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/simon-read-no-more-chances-for-dodgy-debt-advisers-1816649.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/simon-read-no-more-chances-for-dodgy-debt-advisers-1816649.html <p>Debt management firms are facing a new crackdown by the Office of Fair Trading. Explaining the review which will examine the advertising and business practices of the firms Ray Watson, OFT director of consumer credit, said: "A recent increase in formal OFT enforcement action, rising complaints and new problems emerging in the market suggest that some businesses are still not meeting minimum standards."</p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/wealth-check-i-want-to-buy-a-home-and-take-a-year-out-1816652.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/wealth-check-i-want-to-buy-a-home-and-take-a-year-out-1816652.html <p> Fiona Fulton, 22, from South London, is already on the property ladder having invested in a house with her sister using money from an inheritance. She wants to buy a house of her own in the next few years, but is worried that the pressures of repaying a mortgage will make her ambition of taking a year out to go travelling impossible. Fiona says "as my goal is to invest in property I am not sure if it is viable to take time out to go travelling." </p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-loans-1816650.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-loans-1816650.html <p>Loan providers have received much criticism recently as personal loan rates have been rising, even though the Bank of England base rate is at a record low of 0.5 per cent. Marks & Spencer Money's decision to cut its loan rate is therefore welcome news. </p> Loans & Credit Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/questions-of-cash-why-is-it-still-possible-to-use-a-cloned-bank-card-1816648.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/questions-of-cash-why-is-it-still-possible-to-use-a-cloned-bank-card-1816648.html <p> <b>Q. In 'Questions of Cash' on 24 October, you reported that it is possible for a bank to tell from its records whether an original card or a cloned card has been used to make a withdrawal from a cash machine. If this is true, why is the payment allowed to proceed in the first place? Refusing to authorise payment from a cloned card would immediately reduce the amount of credit card fraud. PH, by email.</b> </p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/do-morals-or-money-rule-investments-1816643.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/do-morals-or-money-rule-investments-1816643.html ]]> <p>Two-thirds of investors are unknowingly ethical, the Co-operative claims. Its new survey of investors, published today, reveals that that there is much more interest in the concept of saving the planet while investing than current evidence suggests. </p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/aliceazania-jarvis-i-suffer-from-a-new-disorder-now-i-need-some-self-control-1816642.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/aliceazania-jarvis-i-suffer-from-a-new-disorder-now-i-need-some-self-control-1816642.html <p>In reaching my conclusion last week that I needn't bother with packed lunches because my favourite Marks & Spencer prawn cocktail salad costs only 2.20 I may, I admit, have been a little hasty. Not because I'd be better off bringing into work my own home-made sandwiches (more on those later) but because I had failed to take into account my own habit of Always Finding Something Else To Buy. </p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/money-insider-the-banking-sector-needs-some-fresh-blood-1816641.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/money-insider-the-banking-sector-needs-some-fresh-blood-1816641.html <p>New banks, a breath of fresh air or more of the same? Financial news has this week been dominated by the EU-enforced break-up of Lloyds TSB and Royal Bank of Scotland, which sees these banking heavyweights having to dispose of hundreds of branches.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/ten-tips-to-avoid-crafty-credit-card-tricks-1814669.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/ten-tips-to-avoid-crafty-credit-card-tricks-1814669.html ]]> <p> This month, the government unveiled plans to crackdown on credit card companies and help give consumers a fairer deal. But what can you do to protect your pocket in the meantime? </p> Loans & Credit Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:21:07 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/if-you-want-to-dip-into-your-pension-be-quick-1812616.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/if-you-want-to-dip-into-your-pension-be-quick-1812616.html ]]> <p>Early retirement is a dream close to the hearts of millions of Britons. But a key way to reach this dream – through collecting personal and company pension benefits early – is about to get more difficult. From 6 April 2010 the age at which people will be allowed to collect their pension will rise to 50 from 55. Any saver wanting to take their pension benefits early will have to act fast.</p> Spend & Save Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/city-watchdog-bares-teeth-to-fine-gmac-and-swinton-1812640.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/city-watchdog-bares-teeth-to-fine-gmac-and-swinton-1812640.html <p>Tens of thousands of mortgage and insurance customers will be entitled to compensation after the City regulator's investigations regarding unfair practices. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/are-fund-managers-serving-a-dogs-dinner-1812641.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/are-fund-managers-serving-a-dogs-dinner-1812641.html <p>The reputation of the fund-management industry has been at a low ebb for the past few years. Stock-market turbulence combined with chronic underperformance and the widely reported problems at some management groups, such as New Star, have led many investors to simply give up on the cult of the big-name fund manager.</p> Spend & Save Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/julian-knight-lets-recognise-the-specialness-of-the-livein-partner-1812643.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/julian-knight-lets-recognise-the-specialness-of-the-livein-partner-1812643.html <p>It's a difficult one Should people who are cohabiting have the right to claim the estates of their loved ones when they die in the same way bereaved spouses or civil partners do? The UK Law Commission says yes. But others say that if the cohabitees had meant their partners to have a share of their wealth they would have either got married or written a will. Dig deeper and the argument becomes one about protecting the "specialness" of marriage. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/beware-ndash-there-are-still--sharks-swimming-in-the-saleandrentback-pool-1812646.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/beware-ndash-there-are-still--sharks-swimming-in-the-saleandrentback-pool-1812646.html ]]> <p>Against many analysts' expectations, Britain remains deeply entrenched in recession, with all the woe that brings for job prospects and family incomes. Lenders may have promised to be sympathetic to those behind with their mortgage payments, but there are still thousands of homeowners up and down the country facing the possibility of losing their homes. Where do they turn? </p> Mortgages Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/wealth-check-help-me-break-from-bank-of-mum-and-dad-1812645.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/wealth-check-help-me-break-from-bank-of-mum-and-dad-1812645.html <p> <b>The patient</b> </p> <p> Full-time student Ed Gibbs, 19, looks forward to supporting himself once he starts an apprenticeship in the new year. But with little cash now, and a quiet winter on the cards, he is concerned that his hopes of self-sufficiency may be out of reach. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/solicitors-offer-bargain-wills-in-charity-drive-1812644.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/solicitors-offer-bargain-wills-in-charity-drive-1812644.html <p>As part of Will Aid month, starting today, solicitors all over the country are offering to draw up basic wills in exchange for charitable donations. </p> Spend & Save Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/big-creditcard-shakeup-could-hit-you-in-the-pocket-1812642.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/big-creditcard-shakeup-could-hit-you-in-the-pocket-1812642.html ]]> <p>The world of credit and store cards is heading for a massive shake-up. The Government wants to call time on much-criticised practices such as lenders raising credit limits without being asked by customers; taking only tiny minimum monthly repayments; and arranging it so that the most expensive debt gets paid off last. These seem like much overdue reforms and a win-win situation for consumers – but is this really the case?</p> Loans & Credit Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/mark-dampier-insynergys-at-the-top-of-its-league-1812407.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/mark-dampier-insynergys-at-the-top-of-its-league-1812407.html <p>One theme I return to time and time again in my column is the quality of fund managers. Whilst there are thousands of funds available to investors, I'm afraid many are average, and simply make up the numbers. </p> Spend & Save Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/beginners-guide-to-credit-card-order-of-payments-1812408.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/beginners-guide-to-credit-card-order-of-payments-1812408.html <p>The government has announced a new consultation into credit cards, proposing a raft of measures designed to "clean up the industry" and bring an end to practices it deems unfair. </p> Loans & Credit Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/money-insider-nsi-lays-down-the-gauntlet-in-best-buy-tables-1812410.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/money-insider-nsi-lays-down-the-gauntlet-in-best-buy-tables-1812410.html <p>Since the credit crunch took hold it has been fixed-rate bonds that have been the most hotly contested part of the savings market, and this week proved no exception.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/are-your-savings-suffering-in-a-dog-fund-1812409.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/are-your-savings-suffering-in-a-dog-fund-1812409.html <p>If you don't check your investments regularly, you're in danger of losing thousands. That's the warning spelled out in a report published last week that highlights the worst-performing funds in the UK.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/aliceazania-jarvis-what-to-eat-for-lunch--a-marmite-sandwich-or-a-salad-from-ms-1812411.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/aliceazania-jarvis-what-to-eat-for-lunch--a-marmite-sandwich-or-a-salad-from-ms-1812411.html <p>Good news. I'm able to start running again. After one back injury and a bout of flu, I no longer have to worry about the cost of doing exercise because, once again. I can do it for free. And I no longer feel quite so concerned about my marathon training because, for now at least, I'm making progress. Now, the bad news. I've got a fresh new financial problem (surprise, surprise).</p> Spend & Save Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/derek-pain-the-stock-market-is-not-in-the-clear-yet-1812413.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/derek-pain-the-stock-market-is-not-in-the-clear-yet-1812413.html <p>The stock market is an intriguing creation. If it always ran true to form almost every investor in sight would be a winner. But it has a nasty habit of wrong-footing even its multitude of alleged experts.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/questions-of-cash-should-natwest-have-charged-me-360-for-a-5-error-1812415.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/questions-of-cash-should-natwest-have-charged-me-360-for-a-5-error-1812415.html <p> <b>Q. I had a bank account with NatWest for six years. In that time, I accidentally went overdrawn a couple of times but by no more than 5. Each time I was charged 28. On the last occasion, I complained and NatWest said it would review matters and contact me afterwards which has not happened. A year and a half ago I relocated to the US. Before moving away, I went 4 overdrawn by mistake. I paid this as soon as I noticed my error. But now I have received several threatening letters stating that I owe NatWest 332.59 in interest and charges. Can I do something against such disproportionate charges? HC, United States.</b> </p> Spend & Save Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/rent-schemes-are-leaving-people-homeless-1812417.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/rent-schemes-are-leaving-people-homeless-1812417.html <p> Unregulated firms offering sale-and-rent -back deals which exploit vulnerable homeowners are operating illegally, the housing charity Shelter has warned. </p> Spend & Save Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-aa-credit-card-1812418.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-aa-credit-card-1812418.html <p>It's not only cards with 0 per cent offers on purchases that are popular in the run-up to Christmas. Cards that reward you for spending are a great option for those who pay off their credit card bill each month. And The AA has joined the reward card club.</p> Loans & Credit Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/simon-read-lenders-fine-wont-help-its-victims-1812416.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/simon-read-lenders-fine-wont-help-its-victims-1812416.html <p> A former top 10 lender was fined a massive £2.8m by the Financial Services Authority this week and is being forced to hand back £7.7m plus interest that it overcharged customers. The fine was for failing to treat 46,000 of its customers fairly. The lender? GMAC-RFC. If you haven't heard of them, that's hardly surprising as they heavily targeted the sub-prime and self-certified market. But the fine wasn't for encouraging struggling families to take on debts they couldn't afford, as you may have presumed. No, GMAC's crime was far worse. </p> Mortgages Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/pensions/pension-black-hole-could-leave-millions-facing-misery-1812414.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/pensions/pension-black-hole-could-leave-millions-facing-misery-1812414.html <p>The UK's state pension provision is the worst of all the G7 countries, leaving millions of British workers facing penury in retirement.</p> Pensions Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/rejuvenated-lego-is-back-on-the-block-1812412.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/rejuvenated-lego-is-back-on-the-block-1812412.html <p>Chances are that Lego will find its way back into children's stockings this Christmas, along with other old-fashioned toys that the internet age had threatened to confine to history.</p> Spend & Save Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/mortgage-borrowing-increases-1811392.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/mortgage-borrowing-increases-1811392.html <p> Homeowners' mortgage borrowing increased in September while the number of loans approved for house purchase also grew, figures showed today. </p> Mortgages Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:05:25 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/mortgage-firm-gmac-fined-pound28m-over-unfair-charges-1811389.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/mortgage-firm-gmac-fined-pound28m-over-unfair-charges-1811389.html <p> Mortgage provider GMAC was today fined £2.8m and told to repay more than £8m following the unfair treatment of customers in arrears. </p> Mortgages Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:54:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-demand-inquiry-into-great-energy-swindle-1809415.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-demand-inquiry-into-great-energy-swindle-1809415.html <p>An investigation into claims the "big six" energy suppliers are swindling millions of customers through manipulation of household fuel bills will be demanded by politicians today.</p> UK Politics Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000