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Rebecca Atkinson


  • Cut the cost of international phone calls
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.02.10
    International calls can cost a bomb. But whether you're calling home from holiday or want to keep in touch with friends and family living overseas, there are ways to cut the cost.
  • House prices rise in January
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.02.10
    House prices increased by 0.6% during January, bringing the value of an average property to £169,777, according to the latest figures from Halifax.
  • This week's best savings rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.02.10
    Make saving one of your priorities in 2010. Rebecca Atkinson reviews all the best savings accounts on the market.
  • Record year for investment fund sales
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.02.10
    Private investors poured £25.8 billion into funds last year, the highest on record, new figures from the Investment Management Association have revealed.
  • House price rises could hit double digits
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.01.10
    House price rises could move into double-digit territory next month, according to figures from Nationwide, following a strong start to the year.
  • Calls for fairer deal for savers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    28.01.10
    Savers should be protected from falling interest rates, according to a new action group campaigning for fairer treatment and political recognition of the "silent majority".
  • First fall in unemployment for 18 months
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.01.10
    The number of people out of work has fallen for the first time in 18 months, official figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal today.
  • Standard Life fined for misleading savers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.01.10
    Pension provider Standard Life has been fined £2.45 million by the Financial Services Authority for misleading pension customers about underlying investment risks.
  • Virgin to become high street bank
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.01.10
    Virgin Money has taken the first step in reinventing itself as a retail bank by buying a small regional bank.
  • House prices rise again in December
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.01.10
    House prices increased for the sixth consecutive month in December and have now shot up by 9.4% since reaching a low in April 2009.
  • Bank charge battle dropped
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.12.09
    The Office of Fair Trading is dropping its legal battle over overdraft charges, but is exploring other ways to make current accounts more transparent.
  • Darling: Recovery on course for 2010
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.12.09
    Alistair Darling has forecast that the British economy will recover next year - despite admitting public borrowing would exceed forecasts.
  • House prices climb but challenges remain
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.12.09
    House prices are now 2.7% higher than this time last year following a 0.5% increase in values during November, but experts warn that challenges lie ahead.
  • Nationwide hit by savers exodus
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.11.09
    Building society Nationwide has seen an exodus of savers over much of 2009, as low interest rates take their toll on customer numbers.
  • Inflation rises for first time in eight months
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.11.09
    The interest rate is likely to remain on hold throughout 2010 despite the fact that inflation increased in October for the first time in eight months - with further rises expected in the coming months.
  • Christmas to halt house price recovery
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.11.09
    Recent house price gains are expected to unravel over the next three months as people focus on Christmas rather than the home-buying process.
  • House prices will keep rising
    Rebecca Atkinson
    10.11.09
    House prices will keep rising, despite claims that the recovery in values is unsustainable, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has said.
  • Free credit cards could be scrapped
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.11.09
    Paying an annual fee for a credit card could become the norm, as bad debts, regulation and funding constraints put unsustainable pressure on lenders, a new report has warned.
  • Northern Rock still on rocky ground
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.11.09
    Northern Rock says its financial performance is improving thanks to
    'encouraging' economic trends, but has warned that the number of mortgage borrowers falling behind with repayments is rising.
  • Bailed out banks to be broken up
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.11.09
    Three new high street banks could be created over the next four years following government plans to divide up the bailed out banks.
  • House price recovery falters
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.10.09
    Latest figures from Nationwide suggest the recovery in the housing market has faltered, with just a slight increase in property prices in October.
  • Bypass estate agents and sell your home yourself
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.10.09
    Estate agents fees can be as much as 2.5% plus VAT - no wonder many people would prefer to sell their homes themselves. Rebecca Atkinson explains how to bypass estate agents and still sell your home.
  • Ditch your current account for a better deal
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.10.09
    Not only do many current accounts pay 0% interest, but others have seen overdraft fees rise - meaning now is a good time to review your bank account and switch to a better deal.
  • How to make a successful car insurance claim
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.10.09
    With car insurance premiums on the up, it's important you make sure you know exactly how to make a successful claim should something go wrong. Read Moneywise's top tips.
  • The soaring cost of insurance
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.10.09
    Car and home insurance premiums have rocketed in cost over the past year, as insurers try to mitigate their losses from fraud and bad weather.
  • UK GDP suffers surprise fall
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.10.09
    The UK remains in a recession following a surprise 0.4% contraction in the economy between June and September.
  • Mobile phone users losing out
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.10.09
    Consumers are losing out when it comes to mobile phone deals because there are too many tariffs available, an investigation has found.
  • Anger over plans to scrap childcare vouchers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.10.09
    Nearly 50,000 people have signed a petition on the Prime Minister's website urging the government not to scrap tax breaks on childcare voucher scheme.
  • How will the mortgage reform affect you?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.10.09
    All mortgage borrowers will have to undertake affordability tests, meaning the end of so-called self-certification mortgages, under new plans announced this week.
  • Stamp duty holiday boosts house prices
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.10.09
    October saw the highest rise in asking prices for six years as homeowners looked to take advantage of the final months of the stamp duty exemption.
  • Don't make these classic pension mistakes
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.10.09
    Make a mistake with your pension, and you could end up paying for it the rest of your life. Moneywise reveals the most common mistakes and explains how to avoid them.
  • State pension to rise by £2.40
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.10.09
    Pensioners will see their state pensions increase by £2.40 next year, half the rise seen in April this year.
  • 10 myths about credit reports
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.10.09
    Can the previous tenants of your house 'ruin' your credit rating? Will just one missed payment harm your chances of getting credit? Moneywise looks at the 10 most common credit report myths.
  • Protect your post from fraudsters
    Rebecca Atkinson
    12.10.09
    Fraudsters continue to intercept post in order to steal their victims' identities. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your post.
  • Energy bill rises on the horizon
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.10.09
    Consumers are likely to end up footing the bill for £200 billion of investment to secure energy supplies and meet environmental targets over the next 10 years.
  • Don't be beaten by the postal strike
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.10.09
    The nationwide postal strike is set to cause havoc - and potentially financial problems for thousands of households - so take action now to beat the strikes.
  • Refunds for mortgage insurance customers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.10.09
    Around one million homeowners who were mis-sold payment protection insurance on their mortgages could claim refunds over around £60 million under new measures unveiled by the watchdog.
  • Tories to 'scrap' child trust funds
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.10.09
    Child trust funds would be effectively scrapped under a Conservative government, with two thirds of children deemed ineligible to benefit from the savings initiative.
  • House price rises "will reverse"
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.10.09
    House prices gained a further 1.6% in September but some economists warn recent gains will soon be reversed.
  • The art of insuring a classic car
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.10.09
    Insuring a classic or vintage car isn't as black and white as insuring a more standard vehicle. Rebecca Atkinson finds out what's involved and explains what restrictions to watch out for.
  • Top ISA tips from the experts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    05.10.09
    The new ISA rules have caused confusion for savers and investors. To help you, Moneywise asked the experts what they would do with the increased ISA allowance this tax year.
  • House prices back to 2008 levels
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.10.09
    House prices are now at the same level as September last year, after the fifth consecutive month of increasing values.
  • Car scrappage scheme extended
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.09.09
    The car scrappage scheme is to be extended, with an additional £100 million cash injection to enable a further 100,000 drivers to swap their old bangers for a discounted new vehicle.
  • Victory for consumer rights
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.09.09
    Controversial plans to force consumers to take more personal responsibility when picking financial products have been ditched by the financial watchdog.
  • Rate squeeze on first-time buyers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.09.09
    First-time buyers and borrowers with small deposits are being squeezed by mortgage lenders despite a fall in the cost of lending.
  • House prices propped up by short supply
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.09.09
    House prices are being supported by a shortage of property for sale, with Rightmove reporting the lowest stock levels for 18 months.
  • Pension quality mark launched
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.09.09
    BG Group and Marks & Spencer are among seven companies to be lauded for their work in improving people's confidence and understanding of workplace pensions.
  • Swap your gold for cash
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.09.09
    With gold hitting an 18-month high this week, it might be a good time to sell your unwanted gold jewellery or watches. But will you actually get a fair price for your bling?
  • Crackdown on uninsured drivers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.09.09
    Drivers who keep uninsured cars face being fined under new measures that should also reduce insurance premiums for all motorists.
  • Your consumer rights explained
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.09.09
    What are your rights as a consumer when things go wrong? Find out in Moneywise's five-minute guide to consumer rights.
  • Can landlords evict their tenants?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.09.09
    What rights do landlords have if their tenants stop paying the rent? Janet Waine, a legal expert, and Moneywise offer some advice.
  • Protect yourself from mobile mis-selling
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.09.09
    New rules to protect consumers from dishonest mobile phone retailers come into play today, following a huge rise in complaints against mis-selling and cashback schemes.
  • Banks back down over overdraft fees
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.09.09
    NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland have broken ranks with their banking peers by cutting the charges levied on customers who go overdrawn without permission.
  • Barclays fights PPI ban
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.09.09
    Barclays' legal challenge against the banning of controversial payment protection insurance will be heard this week.
  • Act now if your bonus is about to run out
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.09.09
    If you've seen the bonus rate on your savings account or ISA run out - or it's due to in the weeks ahead - then now is the time to find a new home for your nest-egg.
  • Complaints against finance firms rocket
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.09.09
    Nearly nine million complaints were made against financial services firms between 2006 and 2008, driven by grievances against current accounts and mis-sold mortgage endowments.
  • Should you pay for debt advice?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.09.09
    Charities offer free debt advice, but the credit crunch means there might well be a waiting list. Is it then worth paying for help to manage your debt?
  • easyJet to cut flights from Luton
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.09.09
    Budget airline easyJet has announced it will cut flights from Luton and close its East Midlands base, but says it remains on target to grow by 7.5% over the next year.
  • Expats in pension challenge
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.09.09
    Brits who retire abroad could have their pensions increased each year as part of a landmark legal challenge being heard by a European court.
  • Beat the fuel duty price hike
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.09.09
    The latest fuel duty rise will cost drivers £36 million. Find out how you can beat the hike.
  • Join a car club
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.09.09
    Rising petrol prices and fuel duty hikes have pushed up the cost of running a car, meaning motorists are really feeling the pain of the credit crunch.
  • £250 top-up for child trust funds
    Rebecca Atkinson
    28.08.09
    Children who turn seven this September will be the first to receive a second voucher for £250 from the government under the child trust fund scheme.
  • Five ways to beat online fraud
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.08.09
    Students have a higher risk of falling victim to online fraud because they are most likely to dismiss the dangers. Find out how students - and everyone else - can stay safe online.
  • Cut the cost of train tickets
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.08.09
    Travelling by train can cost a small fortune - meaning it's often cheaper to drive. But by following Moneywise's top tips you could easily cut the cost.
  • Exchange your old TV for a new set
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.08.09
    If you own an old Sony television you could trade it in and receive a discount of up to £150 off a brand new set.
  • Lloyds reviews C&G decision
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.08.09
    Cheltenham & Gloucester may live to see another day on the high street after Lloyds Banking Group said it was rethinking plans to close the 164-strong branch network.
  • Enhance your pension income by 40%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.08.09
    Pension pots have been hit hard by the impact of the credit crunch, but thousands of retirees could boost their retirement income by as much as 40%.
  • Lloyds named largest lender
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.08.09
    Lloyds Banking Group has been named the UK's biggest mortgage lender, closely followed by Santander and Nationwide.
  • Five ways to benefit from low inflation
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.08.09
    A key measure of the cost of living remained at just 1.8% in July, and some economists believe it will fall below 1% in the coming months. Find out five ways you can benefit from low inflation.
  • Inflation remains flat during July
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.08.09
    A key measure of the cost of living remained stable in July, despite expectations that the rate of inflation would fall during the month.
  • Confidence improves, but house prices still fall
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.08.09
    Three quarters of homeowners think house prices will not fall further over the next year, as sentiment about the outlook for the property market improves during the summer.
  • Make money with loyalty schemes
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.08.09
    Tesco has doubled the number of points its Clubcard shoppers can earn - find out how you can benefit and boost the points you collect.
  • Ryanair ditches more routes
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.08.09
    Ryanair has announced it is ditching the majority of its flights from Manchester Airport, blaming a dispute over landing charges.
  • Will falling inflation leave you out of pocket?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.08.09
    The cost of living in the UK is at its lowest level since records began in 1948. Sounds like a good thing? Read on, because experts say there will be deflationary losers, as well as winners.
  • Five savings accounts catches to watch out for
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.08.09
    Comparison websites are great to find the best rates, but what about all the information they don't tell you? Rebecca Atkinson reveals five catches to watch out for when searching for a savings account.
  • Wise up to supermarket tricks
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.08.09
    Supermarkets are skilled in using cunning tricks to get you to spend more. Rebecca Atkinson guides you round the aisles explaining how you can beat them at their own game.
  • Beat the postcode lottery
    Rebecca Atkinson
    28.07.09
    Postcodes, which turn 50 this year, are increasingly affecting insurance premiums and pension income. So, what does your postcode say about you and what can you do to beat the lottery?
  • A worrying new savings trend
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.07.09
    Banks are increasingly offering high interest rates to new savers only, with their existing customers barred from opening best-buy accounts.
  • Greater protection for savers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.07.09
    Savers' money will no longer be used to offset any debt held with the same institution should the banking crisis lead to the collapse of more firms, under new rules just announced.
  • Swine flu advice for holidaymakers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.07.09
    As the severity of swine flu continues to grow across the world, people heading off on holiday or a work trip abroad are urged to take extra care to protect their health.
  • Beat rogue ticket touts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.07.09
    A crackdown on fraudster ticket touts has been announced, with more protection offered to people who have been mis-sold tickets to concerts, theatres and other events.
  • Don't fall for tax rebate scam
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.07.09
    Fraudsters are targeting thousands of taxpayers with scam emails asking for their bank details in order for them to claim tax rebates.
  • Is your home underinsured?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.07.09
    People could be at risk of leaving themselves underinsured because their policy doesn't cover their valuable possessions. Rebecca Atkinson looks at how specialist insurance could help.
  • Should you help your kids onto the ladder?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.07.09
    More first-time buyers are turning to the Bank of Mum and Dad to help them get onto the ladder. But what should parents bear in mind before digging deep?
  • Why have my life insurance premiums gone up?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.07.09
    A Moneywise reader wants to know why his life and critical illness insurance premiums have increased by 69%. IFA Francis Klonowski looks at whether this is highway robbery.
  • Can you afford to retire?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.07.09
    Increasing numbers of people are having to delay their retirement plans because of the credit crunch. Rebecca Atkinson looks at what you can do now to achieve your retirement ambitions.
  • Can you afford to retire?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.07.09
    Increasing numbers of people are having to delay their retirement plans because of the credit crunch. Rebecca Atkinson looks at what you can do now to achieve your retirement ambitions.
  • FTSE 100 pension deficit exceeds £300bn
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.07.09
    Pension deficits have risen to the highest levels ever seen, with schemes run by FTSE 100-listed companies estimated to be short by more than £300 billion.
  • Compulsory retirement could be scrapped
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.07.09
    A Government review into potentially scrapping state retirement age has been brought forward by a year in response to the number of people working beyond the age of 65.
  • Pay £20,000 to fund healthcare
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.07.09
    People could be forced to stump up as much as £20,000 when they retire in order to help fund the social care and support system in the UK.
  • Nationwide offers 125% mortgage
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.07.09
    Nationwide has launched a new scheme that allows customers to borrow up to 125% of a property's value.
  • Health warning on mortgages and pensions
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.07.09
    Mortgages, pensions and other financial products could be issued with traffic-light ratings in a similar way to food, as part of government plans to improve transparency for customers.
  • The pros and cons of currency cards
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.07.09
    It costs to use your plastic abroad and taking cash is risky. Pre-paid currency cards offer an alternative way to pay. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the advantages and disadvantages of this payment method.
  • Credit card cheques banned
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.07.09
    The Government has proposed an outright ban on unsolicited credit card cheques under new plans to tackle the high levels of personal debt in the UK.
  • Pension complaints jump 10%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.07.09
    Complaints relating to pensions have jumped by 10% since March 2008, with nearly 8,000 disputes referred to The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) over the 12 month period.
  • Today's best saving rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.06.09
    The Bank of England's May rate freeze has prompted a rally on fixed-rate savings deals. Rebecca Atkinson reviews all the best savings accounts on the market.
  • Fraud victims refused reimbursement
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.06.09
    One in five victims of identity theft fails to get all of their lost money back from their bank - find out how you can protect yourself from falling foul of fraudsters.
  • Lenders accused of debt intimidation
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.06.09
    Citizens Advice has accused lenders of intimidating borrowers by threatening to make them sell their homes even where the debt was not secured against the property.
  • How to make your holiday money go further
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.06.09
    The pound is much weaker than a year ago, and that means an overseas holiday is likely to cost you more this summer. But it is possible to make your holiday money go further, says Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Make the most of falling prices
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.06.09
    Many households have seen their disposable income increase over the past year, thanks to low interest rates and cheaper household bills. But don't look a gift horse in the mouth - make sure you use these savings wisely, says Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Overdraft charges battle goes to the Lords
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.06.09
    Victims of bank charges may find out if they can claim back their money this week, as the long-running test case into overdraft charges is heard by the House of Lords.
  • The best instant access savings accounts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.06.09
    Instant access savings accounts are coming into their own now that the base rate is unlikely to fall any further. Rebecca Atkinson reviews the best accounts.
  • Capital One sells savers to Skipton
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.06.09
    Capital One is to sell its savings business to Skipton Building Society, prompting concerns that savers could end up losing their protection under the compensation scheme.
  • Four buyers for every property
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.06.09
    Demand for housing is now outstripping supply - with four house hunters for every property - but a fall in mortgage lending in May means this demand may not translate into sales.
  • Write-off debt claims 'misleading'
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.06.09
    An advert by a claims management company that purported it was able to write-off borrowers' debt has been banned by the advertising watchdog for being misleading.
  • Unemployment hits 2.26 million
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.06.09
    The number of people out of work rose to 2.261 million between February and April, from 2.22 million during the previous quarter.
  • Cost of living slows in May
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.06.09
    Falling food inflation led to another drop in the cost of living in May, official figures today reveal.
  • How to buy a property at auction
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.06.09
    The slow housing market and an increase in repossessions have led to more buyers turning to auction houses. But while you may be able to pick up a discount, there are risks involved. Rebecca Atkinson explains how to buy a repossessed home at auction.
  • CBI forecasts recovery in early 2010
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.06.09
    The UK's economy may be stabilising, but people shouldn't expect a recovery until the beginning of next year, the country's leading business organisation has claimed.
  • Don't fall victim to takeover fraud
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.06.09
    The difficulty in obtaining credit has seen fraudsters increasingly resorting to taking over victims' bank accounts. Find out how to stay safe.
  • Great Father's Day savings
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.06.09
    It doesn't have to be a rigmarole to find a gift for Father's Day. Rebecca Atkinson offers her tips to finding the right present.
  • Nationwide hikes mortgage rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    11.06.09
    Mortgage borrowers have been dealt a blow after Nationwide announced interest rate hikes across its fixed-rate mortgage range.
  • Huge rise in redundancy and debt concerns
    Rebecca Atkinson
    10.06.09
    Citizens Advice has reported a sharp rise in the number of people contacting it with debt and employment concerns over the past 12 months.
  • House prices yet to hit 'floor'
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.06.09
    The 'floor' for house prices has not yet been reached despite evidence that the housing market is stabilising, economists have warned.
  • Abbey launches 6% current account
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.06.09
    Abbey and Alliance & Leicester have increased the interest rates on their current account offerings to 6% AER.
  • 10 tips when buying travel insurance
    Rebecca Atkinson
    05.06.09
    Taking out travel insurance is vital unless you fancy forking out if something goes wrong. Rebecca Atkinson offers 10 top tips on cutting the cost of cover and getting the right policy for you.
  • Know your debt rights
    Rebecca Atkinson
    05.06.09
    Whether you're concerned about repossession, the bailiffs calling or your loved ones inheriting your debt, struggling to cope with debt can be a terrible experience. So make sure you know your rights.
  • Should you fix your mortgage?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.06.09
    Deciding whether to opt for a tracker or fixed-rate mortgage is a touch call at the moment. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the pros and cons.
  • Barclays slashes ISA rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.06.09
    Barclays has ditched the 1% bonus on its popular Golden cash ISA and cut the rates on other ISA accounts.
  • Tax deadline approaches
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.06.09
    If you haven't yet renewed your tax credits claim then time is ticking for you to do so. You must renew your claim by 31 July or your payments will stop.
  • What next for house prices?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.05.09
    Does the house price increase seen in May suggest the beginning of the end, or could changes to supply and demand actually result in bigger falls down the line?
  • Santander to re-brand British banks
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.05.09
    Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley will soon disappear from the high street under a major re-brand by their owner Santander.
  • Warning over car scam
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.05.09
    Thousands of people are falling victim to a car-matching scam that costs consumers nearly £3 million each year.
  • Hang-up on cold-calling companies
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.05.09
    The downturn has seen a rise in debt management companies making misleading calls to consumers. But you can hang up on cold-callers for good.
  • Inflation drops sharply
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.05.09
    The official measure of the cost of living fell sharply in April, mainly as a result of cheaper energy bills and food prices.
  • Should mortgages be restricted by income?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.05.09
    A recent report suggested that mortgages could be restricted by a borrower's income, rather than their overall ability to afford a loan. But is this fair on low earners?
  • What impact will deflation have on your finances?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.05.09
    The cost of living in the UK is at its lowest level since records began in 1948. Sounds like a good thing? Read on, because experts say there will be deflationary losers, as well as winners.
  • Should you trade in your old car?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.05.09
    The Government's new car scrappage scheme has now launched, amid criticism that the £2,000 discount is worth little in the face of new car depreciation.
  • Mortgages at five-year low
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.05.09
    Mortgages are now at their cheapest level since 2004 - for borrowers able to put down deposits of 25% of more.
  • Parents face fines for term-time holidays
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.05.09
    Parents are prepared to face fines for taking their children out of school to go on holiday because of the crippling cost of summer breaks outside of term time.
  • BoE points to slow recovery
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.05.09
    The Bank of England says the economic downturn in the UK has started to moderate, but warns the timing of a full recovery is still uncertain.
  • Spring buoys house sales and high street
    Rebecca Atkinson
    12.05.09
    April's sunny weather gave a boost to both the housing market and the high street, two areas particularly hard hit by the economic downturn.
  • Protect yourself from bike theft
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.05.09
    Experts are warning that this summer will see a spike in cycle theft as the warm weather prompts more people to take their expensive bikes out for a ride.
  • British Gas cuts electricity bills
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.05.09
    British Gas has announced a surprise 10% electricity price cut, making it the cheapest supplier in the market.
  • Downturn worse than 1930s
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.05.09
    A leading think-tank has warned the UK is facing the worse recession since the 1930s with the economy expected to shrink by 4.3% this year.
  • House price falls not over yet
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.05.09
    One of the UK's biggest mortgage lenders has warned that house price falls are far from over.
  • Confidence is key to housing recovery
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.04.09
    The housing market cannot recover until consumer confidence does, with house prices likely to continue falling for the rest of 2009 and beyond, experts have warned.
  • Halifax offers to pay stamp duty
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.04.09
    First-time buyers have been warned against being seduced by a new mortgage from Halifax that promises to pay their stamp duty.
  • How will the Equality Bill affect your finances?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    28.04.09
    The new Equality Bill, which is set to become law in 2010, wants to see an end to age and gender bias - including when it comes to the sale of financial products. So, how might the changes affect you and your money?
  • "Upbeat" message from the BoE
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.04.09
    The Bank of England has indicated that the interest rate is unlikely to fall any further amid positive evidence of a slight recovery in the mortgage market.
  • Help for homeowners?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.04.09
    Commentators are unimpressed by the three-month stamp duty holiday extension announced in the Budget.
  • House sales up 40% in March
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.04.09
    House sales jumped by 40% during March, but remain well compared to the same month last year and at the height of the housing market boom in 2007.
  • Could you defer your mortgage payments?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.04.09
    Homeowners struggling to meet their mortgage debt could be offered lower monthly repayments as part of a new Government and banking initiative.
  • How will deflation affect your finances?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.04.09
    The cost of living in the UK has turned negative for the first time since 1960. And experts say there will be deflationary losers, as well as winners.
  • Savers' priority shifts to debt
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.04.09
    Confidence in saving has plunged to a record low and savers are increasingly shifting their priority to repaying debt.
  • 900,000 in negative equity
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.04.09
    Around 900,000 homeowners are now in negative equity as a result of falling house prices, with some people owing up to £37,000 more than their home is worth.
  • Savers warned of bonus rate bite
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.04.09
    Savers should beware short-term bonuses on their savings accounts after evidence that some providers rely on introductory rates to boost their returns.
  • What does the Budget have in store for you?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.04.09
    Alistair Darling is due to deliver his Budget on 22 April. Moneywise takes a look at what measures he could introduce and what they mean for you.
  • Middle-classes rush to downsize
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.04.09
    Record numbers of middle-class homeowners with £500,000 plus properties are desperate to offload their homes as the economic slump hits 'white collar' workers hard.
  • Where next for interest rates?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.04.09
    The BoE has ended its six-month long base rate onslaught, with the official interest rate frozen in April at 0.5%. But what next for rates - will stay frozen, fall further or rise?
  • Protect yourself from pension shortfalls
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.04.09
    New research reveals the average woman's pension is worth £6,642 less than the average man's. Find out how you can beat the gender gap and prepare yourself for retirement.
  • The best savings accounts for homebuyers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.04.09
    Buying a home is still very much dependent on the size of your deposit - finding the best home to boost your savings is therefore key.
  • Consumers receiving "dismal" treatment
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.04.09
    The number of people suffering dismal treatment by financial businesses is growing, with credit-crunched firms increasingly brushing off customer complaints.
  • G20 to inject $1.1tr into global economy
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.04.09
    Leaders from the world's largest economies have pledged a $1.1 trillion cash injection to restore lending, economic growth and jobs.
  • Are five-year savings deals worth it?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.04.09
    A number of competitive fixed-rate savings account of recently been launched but their long terms mean savers could end up missing out down the line.
  • Are your savings safe?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    31.03.09
    It's been almost 18 months since the demise of Northern Rock had savers panicking, but what has changed and are your savings safe?
  • Beware sneaky best-buy catches
    Rebecca Atkinson
    31.03.09
    There's a sting in the tail of some deals topping the best buy tables at present - make sure your bank isn't stopping you from accessing your money.
  • Bigger deposits get better rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    31.03.09
    Savers with up to £30,000 deposit could missing out on the best rates. We find the top rates for you...
  • More protection for savers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    31.03.09
    The FSA is looking into extending the compensation scheme for people with savings exceeding £50,000 if a UK bank collapses.
  • What next for Dunfermline customers?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.03.09
    The news that Nationwide is to take over the Dunfermline Building Society won't be a massive shock for Scotland's largest mutual's customers.
  • Could you slash your mortgage costs?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.03.09
    Some borrowers could be better off redeeming their mortgage early and paying a fee to take advantage of lower rates currently on offer.
  • Does your energy company owe you money?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.03.09
    Energy suppliers have been rapped by their regulator for increasing customers' direct debit payments without explaining why and making it hard for people to get their money back.
  • Beware April's price hikes
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.03.09
    April sees a host of price hikes come into force, from medical prescriptions to petrol and even stamps. But you could avoid these additional costs by taking action early.
  • Pensioners hit by falling inflation
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.03.09
    Pensioners with certain annuity products could see their income frozen or even decrease as a result of falling inflation.
  • Deflation - will you win or lose out?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.03.09
    The UK is on the verge of entering a period of deflation, where prices fall rather than rise. Sounds like a good thing? Read on, because experts say there will be deflationary losers, as well as winners.
  • Inflation hits zero
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.03.09
    Inflation, or the cost of living, fell to 0% in February, potentially paving the way for the UK to enter a period of deflation, where prices actually fall rather than rise.
  • Fairer energy bill rules under-fire
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.03.09
    "Unjustified" energy bill pricing is to be banned, under a new set of rules designed to give households more power.
  • Unemployment hits two million
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.03.09
    The number of people out of work has exceeded the two million mark for the first time since 1997.
  • Escape the negative equity trap
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.03.09
    House prices could plummet by a further 55% - pushing up to six million homeowners into negative equity. But there are ways to escape the negative equity trap.
  • ISA allowance set to increase
    Rebecca Atkinson
    11.03.09
    Gordon Brown has hinted that the ISA allowance could be increased in this year's Budget, offering hope for those hit by historically low interest rates.
  • Pensioners squeezed by bail-out plans
    Rebecca Atkinson
    11.03.09
    The Bank of England's plan to create more money to get banks lending again could have a devastating impact on pensioners, experts have warned.
  • Lloyds shares get back on track
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.03.09
    Shares in Lloyds pulled back from an early 15% slump on Monday after investors vented their disappointment over the price tag Lloyds is paying to insure £260bn worth of assets.
  • Today's best savings rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.03.09
    The BoE base rate is now just 0.5% - meaning the interest you earn on your savings may not be looking as good as it once did. Rebecca Atkinson reviews the best savings accounts on the market.
  • Is printing more money the answer?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.03.09
    With the interest rate rapidly approaching zero, the chancellor is this week expected to give the Bank of England permission to print more money in an effort to revive the economy.
  • Five top fixed-rate savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.03.09
    With savings providers on the verge of pulling their top fixed-rate deals ahead of the anticipated Bank of England base rate cut, fixing now could be a smart move.
  • Banks lose appeal against OFT
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.02.09
    The attempt by banks to overturn a previous High Court ruling on bank charges has been quashed.
  • Why are taxpayers footing the bill for banks' losses?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.02.09
    The Treasury is to help banks weather the financial crisis by insuring them against future losses caused by toxic debt. But what benefit will taxpayers receive for footing the bill for banks' losses?
  • Beat council tax rises
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.02.09
    Council tax bills are set to jump by 3% this year - but there are ways you can reduce your bill.
  • Economic decline unrevised
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.02.09
    The latest British economy healthcheck has revealed that the 1.5% decline in economic output in the final three months of 2008 does not have to be revised downwards.
  • Get a mobile phone contract for under £10
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.02.09
    It is now possible to get a mobile phone contract for less than £10 a month, as Virgin Mobile becomes the latest provider to offer the tariff.
  • Renters benefiting from crunch
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.02.09
    The credit crunch may be preventing thousands of people from getting on the property ladder, but research suggests that renters are rarely had it so good.
  • Can Northern Rock rescue the mortgage market?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.02.09
    The Government has confirmed that Northern Rock is to ramp up its mortgage lending to £14 billion by 2011, but experts are divided on whether this will help kick-start the mortgage market.
  • Don't shop, swap
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.02.09
    If you're looking to cut-back or be a little more eco-friendly, then swapping unwanted items with other people is a great way to indulge without having to spend any money.
  • Inflation hits kids' cash savings
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.02.09
    Children's savings are being eroded because Child Trust Fund (CTF) vouchers fail to keep up with inflation, parents have been warned.
  • The secret sale on the high street
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.02.09
    The credit crunch might have forced you to tighten your purse-strings; but rather than go without, why not take advantage of special offers and go in hunt of discounts instead?
  • Savers abandon cash ISAs
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.02.09
    An estimated 4.3 million savers plan to withdraw their tax-free savings from their ISAs this year, potentially gifting the taxman £39 million in extra revenue as a result.
  • E.ON refuses to budge on gas bills
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.02.09
    E.ON has become the latest energy provider to cut electricity bills, with more than four million people due to receive a 9% reduction from the end of March.
  • Is now a good time to change energy provider?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    11.02.09
    EDF Energy has announced it is cutting the cost of its fixed-rate energy tariff by an average of £65 a year, making it the latest provider to pass on cheaper crude oil costs to customers.
  • House prices must fall further
    Rebecca Atkinson
    10.02.09
    House prices need to fall further before the housing market can begin to recover, experts have warned.
  • Aviva backtracks on bonus payouts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.02.09
    Aviva has backtracked on plans to distribute £1 billion to Norwich Union with-profit policyholders this summer.
  • Get a consistent savings rate
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.01.09
    Building societies have offered savers the most consistent rates over the past 12 and 36 months, new research reveals.
  • Is a housing market recovery in sight?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.01.09
    Falling house prices are starting to tempt buyers back into the market and, this week, Woolwich launched the cheapest mortgage deal in its 160-year history. So, is a housing market recovery in sight?
  • Banks in PPI ban
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.01.09
    Banks are likely to be forbidden from selling PPI alongside loans and credit cards, following an investigation by the Competition Commission.
  • House prices fall further in January
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.01.09
    House prices dropped further in January, with a further 1.3% fall in values during the month, with little sign of improvement on the horizon.
  • Should you swap your pension for an ISA?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.01.09
    A leading pensions commentator says basic-rate taxpayers might be better off ditching their pensions and switching to saving in an ISA instead.
  • Don't get stung buying a used car
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.01.09
    Dodgy second-hand car dealers continue to top the complaints list at Consumer Direct. So what do you need to know before buying a used car?
  • Is this the end of the road for PPI?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.01.09
    Six of Britain's biggest banks have announced they will stop selling controversial payment protection insurance alongside loans following a spate of large mis-selling fines.
  • Lending at eight-year low
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.01.09
    December saw the lowest level of mortgage lending for nearly eight years with approvals on home loans plummeting 47% since the same month in 2007.
  • Will the bail-out help your finances?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.01.09
    The Government has introduced a package of measures designed to get banks lending to you again. But what impact will the second bail-out have on borrowers and savers?
  • Drive down the cost of car insurance
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.01.09
    Car insurance has never been more expensive and is set to jump a further 20% this year. Rebecca Atkinson offers tips to keep the costs down.
  • Compensation for some Equitable Life victims
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.01.09
    The Government has unveiled plans to compensate some Equitable Life policyholders who had been hit by its near-collapse, but warned the recompense would be limited.
  • Today's best savings rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.01.09
    Average interest rates on savings accounts are now under 1% but there are still several deals paying 4% or more. Rebecca Atkinson reviews the best accounts out there.
  • Bank accounts fall victim to rate cuts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.01.09
    Banks and building societies are hitting current account customers by reducing interest rates while increasing overdraft charges.
  • Can investors have a conscience?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.01.09
    Ethical investing has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to put their money into the stockmarkets, but can investors have a conscience?
  • UK at risk of prolonged recession
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.01.09
    The economic outlook experienced "frightening" deterioration in the final three months of 2008, business leaders have warned.
  • Is your child's CTF working hard enough?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    12.01.09
    Over four million children have benefited from CTFs since the scheme was introduced, but the investment they receive when they hit 18 could vary greatly.
  • Beat falling house prices
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.01.09
    With house prices continuing to fall and showing no signs of slowing, people looking to remortgage this year could find they no longer qualify for the better deals as the equity in their homes gets eaten into.
  • Rate cut good news for holidaymakers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.01.09
    This week's interest rate cut has been welcomed as good news for holidaymakers following the pound rallying against the euro and the US dollar.
  • Interest rates hit all-time low
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.01.09
    The Bank of England cut interest rates to the lowest level seen in its 315-year history, as it looked to kick-start the British economy.
  • Compensation shake-up on the cards
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.01.09
    Savers should be paid compensation if a bank collapses regardless of their level of debt with the same firm, the financial watchdog has proposed.
  • House prices down by 16% in 2008
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.01.09
    House prices fell by 16% in 2008 bringing the average property value to 2004 levels, according to figures from Nationwide.
  • Find a 0% balance transfer credit card
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.01.09
    If you put Christmas on credit then you could save serious money by finding a 0% deal now. But beware a catch called negative payment hierarchy.
  • Five New Year money resolutions
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.01.09
    Make the most of your good intentions this January and get your finances ready for the year ahead.
  • Have your savings been crunched?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.12.08
    Saving banks have slashed rates by as much as 4% on over 150 products since interest rates started to fall in October.
  • State pension to increase next April
    Rebecca Atkinson
    12.12.08
    The Government has confirmed that the state pension will increase by 5% from next April to take into account the higher cost of living.
  • Energy firms urged to cut bills
    Rebecca Atkinson
    10.12.08
    The Government is considering taking action to force energy companies to cut bills and pass on the benefits of cheaper crude oil costs to customers.
  • Estate agents to be probed
    Rebecca Atkinson
    10.12.08
    Estate agents are to be investigated by the Office of Fair Trading amid concerns that there is little price competition between firms and consumers' interests are not being fully protected.
  • Boost to womens' pensions
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.12.08
    Women will soon be able to boost their pension pots as a result of proposed changes to the Pensions Bill currently going through Parliament.
  • Are building societies safer than banks?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.12.08
    As savers increasingly look for the safest home for their cash, some experts are recommending building societies over banks. Rebecca Atkinson asks: are mutuals really safer than banks?
  • Savers rescued as another bank flops
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.12.08
    Around 10,000 London Scottish Bank savers have been promised 100% of their money back even on balances over £50,000 after the Manchester-based bank was placed in administration.
  • Bag a bargain this weekend
    Rebecca Atkinson
    28.11.08
    VAT will decrease to 15% from 1 December but people planning to hit the shops this weekend could still be able to find a bargain or two thanks to a price war breaking out between the major retailers.
  • Mutual savers offered extra deposit protection
    Rebecca Atkinson
    28.11.08
    Building society savers have been offered additional deposit protection by the financial watchdog with new rules that take into account the number of mergers across the mutual sector
  • Pre-Budget "cheated" pensioners
    Rebecca Atkinson
    28.11.08
    The pre-Budget report will make it harder for pensioners to buy missing national insurance contributions, according to pensions experts.
  • Watchdog calls time on commission bias
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.11.08
    People who seek professional investment advice could soon be told exactly how their adviser is paid by providers, as part of a proposal for reform from the financial watchdog.
  • Is deflation a blessing or a curse?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.11.08
    For the past 60 years, the UK has experienced positive inflation with the cost of living increasing year-on-year. But economists are now warning that in 2009 we could see the opposite happen, with prices actually falling. Is that such a bad thing? Rebecca Atkinson investigates.
  • What can we expect in the pre-Budget report?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.11.08
    The pre-Budget report 2008 is set to be an interesting one, potentially containing measures to ease the recession and help households weather the downturn, but what can we expect?
  • More help needed for homebuyers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.11.08
    Alistair Darling has been urged to do more to help mortgage banks lend to home buyers, as figures reveal a 44% fall in the number of approved home loans since 2007.
  • Survive the recession
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.11.08
    A recession now seems inevitable, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your finances, says Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Cost of living starts to slow
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.11.08
    Inflation appears to have peaked with the cost of living standing at 4.5% during October, down from 5.2% in September.
  • Savings banks protect own interests
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.11.08
    Banks and building societies have been accused of acting to protect their own interests by drastically cutting rates on saving accounts by up to 2.55% following the Bank of England's rate cut.
  • Lenders pull tracker mortgages
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.11.08
    Several lenders, including Nationwide and Alliance and Leicester, have withdrawn their tracker mortgages as interest rates continue to fall.
  • Bank of England cuts rates by 1.5%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.11.08
    The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has shocked the City with a surprise 1.5% cut in interest rates, taking it from 4.50% to 3%.
  • The great interest rate swindle
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.11.08
    Interest rates may have been slashed, but thousands of mortgage borrowers may not benefit from cuts, as lenders are unlikely to pass the full savings on.
  • Bailed out banks to be monitored
    Rebecca Atkinson
    05.11.08
    Chancellor Alistair Darling has unveiled plans to launch a new body to oversee taxpayers' shares in the three banks his Government was forced to bail-out last month.
  • Banks may refuse to cut mortgage rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.11.08
    Borrowers have been warned not to expect mortgage rates to come down despite signs that interbank lending is getting cheaper.
  • Are your savings protected?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.10.08
    The Government has increased the amount of savers' money that is protected should a bank go bust. It says the move will increase consumer confidence in the UK banking system - but do we have a reason to worry?
  • How low could interest rates go?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.10.08
    Interest rates have been cut in the US to just 1%, and some experts believe the Bank of England could follow suit within the next few months.
  • Banks back in court
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.10.08
    Britain's biggest banks are back in court to challenge an earlier ruling that gave the OFT the right to decide whether overdraft charges are fair or not.
  • Energy bills need to come down
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.10.08
    Energy companies are coming under increased pressure to slash bills inline with cheaper crude oil.
  • Your banking crisis questions answered
    Rebecca Atkinson
    17.10.08
    With the banking crisis changing by the day, confusion about what exactly has happened and how it will impact customers, savers, borrowers and taxpayers is rife.
  • M&S to start selling energy
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.10.08
    Marks & Spencer is to launch into the energy market through a partnership deal with Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE).
  • Supermarkets slash petrol prices
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.10.08
    ASDA and Morrisons have both slashed the price of petrol to less than £1 per litre, the lowest price since last December.
  • New ruling on unfair bank charges
    Rebecca Atkinson
    10.10.08
    Bank charge victims have been dealt a blow after the High Court judge hearing the high profile case said most banks' terms and conditions were fair.
  • What next for Icelandic bank savers?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    10.10.08
    News that three UK savings banks - all owned by Icelandic companies - have been shut down has caused many savers sleepless nights. Rebecca Atkinson explains what will happen.
  • Brown unveils 'solution' to bank crisis
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.10.08
    Gordon Brown has unveiled a plan to 'rescue' the British banking sector that includes pumping around £50 billion of taxpayers money into the biggest names on the high street.
  • ING acquires Icelandic saving accounts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.10.08
    Savings bank ING Direct is to buy more than £3 billion of British cash deposits held in Icelandic-owned banks Heritable Bank and Kaupting Edge.
  • Icesave blocks customers withdrawals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.10.08
    Icesave has put a block on all cash withdrawals from its savings accounts following its Icelandic owner being taken into public ownership.
  • Offshore savers could be at risk
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.10.08
    Billions of pounds of British savers' money in offshore accounts is potentially at risk if a bank goes under as no deposit protection schemes exists in Channel Islands Jersey and Guernsey.
  • Should I move my money into an Irish bank?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.10.08
    The Irish Government's pledge to guarantee 100% of savers' money, begs the question as to whether your money is better off in an Irish bank.
  • How will bail-out rejection affect you?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.09.08
    News that US Congress has rejected the $700 billion plans to bail-out Wall Street could have long-lasting global repercussions.
  • B&B deal: What does it mean for you?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.09.08
    Rebecca Atkinson explains how the Bradford & Bingley nationalisation will affect you, whether you're a saver, borrower, shareholder or taxpayer.
  • Government nationalises B&B
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.09.08
    The Government has confirmed that it has taken Bradford and Bingley into public ownership and sold-on its savings business and branch base to Spanish bank Santander.
  • Housing slowdown not over yet
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.09.08
    Mortgage lending hit record lows in August official figures show today, suggesting the market slowdown still has some way to go.
  • Mortgage lender fined £1.12 million
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.09.08
    Subprime mortgage lender GE Money Home Lending has been fined a whopping £1.12 million by the financial regulator for leaving nearly 700 borrowers at a financial loss.
  • Blow to forced retirement challenge
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.09.08
    Brits who wish to work beyond the age of 65 have been delivered a blow by a European court adviser, who has rejected a challenge to current employer retirement rules.
  • Five savings account catches to be aware of
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.09.08
    Comparison websites are great to find the best rates, but what about all the information they don't tell you? Rebecca Atkinson reveals five catches to watch out for.
  • How do Post Office savings shape up?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.09.08
    Post Office saving accounts are now protected for up to nearly £80,000 - more than double other UK accounts. But how do its products shape up compared to others on the market?
  • Cash in on supermarket price cuts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.09.08
    Households are set to benefit from Britain's two biggest supermarkets slashing their prices in an effort to stop customers defecting to budget alternatives.
  • Morrisons cuts petrol prices
    Rebecca Atkinson
    19.09.08
    Morrisons supermarket has taken the lead in expected petrol price cuts by slashing the cost of fuel at its forecourts by 3p.
  • Are British banks at risk of going bust?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.09.08
    The collapse of Lehamn Brothers has sent stockmarkets into turmoil, with shares in British banks taking a particular battering. Is this a sign that British banks are also in danger of collapse?
  • Cost of living continues to climb
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.09.08
    The rate of inflation hit 4.7% in August as a result of the summer's energy price hikes and rising food costs. But experts say an interest rate cut is still on the cards.
  • Savers' money still at risk
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.09.08
    There is still a risk that savers could lose their money should a bank fail, despite the Government's protection scheme, a Parliamentary committee has warned.
  • Barclaycard unveils Goldfish deal
    Rebecca Atkinson
    12.09.08
    Barclaycard has ramped up its credit card rewards scheme as part of the migration of 1.7 million Goldfish credit card customers.
  • High prices here to stay
    Rebecca Atkinson
    11.09.08
    Households shouldn't expect any let up in high prices, with inflation continuing to rocket upwards for some time.
  • Another month, another house price fall
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.09.08
    The latest house price index from Halifax shows values fell 1.8% in August, bringing the prices to more than 10% lower than where they were last year.
  • BoE keeps rates frozen at 5%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.09.08
    The Bank of England has, as expected, maintained interest rates at 5% for the fifth month in a row today.
  • Credit card round-up
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.09.08
    Research reveals holidaymakers are still relying on credit cards. Find the best cards for foreign and UK usage with Rebecca Atkinson's round-up.
  • Saving deals hot up as A&L ups rate
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.09.08
    Savers look set to benefit from heightened competition in the savings market, following Alliance & Leicester decision to up the rate on its instant access deal.
  • Oil heads back toward $100 mark
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.09.08
    Households and drivers could start to see some respite from higher fuel and petrol bills after the cost of crude oil fell back towards the $100 mark this morning.
  • Tax rebate for 22 million people
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.09.08
    Around 22 million workers are set to receive an extra £60 in their pay packets for September, as new tax measures come into force this month.
  • Stamp duty exemption finally unveiled
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.09.08
    Properties under £175,000 are to be exempt from stamp duty for one year from 3 September, the Government has confirmed today.
  • Today's best cash ISAs
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.08.08
    Getting a great rate of interest is important for your ISA, but when shopping for an ISA there are other factors you should also consider. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the market.
  • Two more energy firms put up prices
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.08.08
    npower and Scottish Power have today both announced massive energy bill hikes, with the latter increasing gas bills by 34%.
  • British economy faces rocky ride
    Rebecca Atkinson
    28.08.08
    A leading economic forecasting group has warned that the British economy will shrink by 0.25% during 2009, the first full-year contraction since 1991.
  • Buyers must find £40k for best mortgages
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.08.08
    Homebuyers now need at least £40,000 spare cash to put down as a deposit if they want to secure one of the more competitive mortgage deals.
  • MPs back calls to tax energy companies
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.08.08
    Energy companies may be forced to pay a one-off tax to help families in the UK meet the rising cost of heating their homes.
  • British economy grinds to a halt
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.08.08
    The British economy has ground to a halt with no growth during the second quarter of the year, official figures today reveal.
  • More lenders slash rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.08.08
    More lenders are cutting mortgage rates but banks continue to squeeze borrowers unable to put down large deposits.
  • November interest rate cut on the cards
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.08.08
    Interest rates could be cut as early as November as the group of economists responsible for setting rates grows ever more concerned about the economic downturn.
  • London house prices hit hardest in July
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.08.08
    Londoners are suffering the worst impact of the housing market downturn with asking prices falling by £21,000 over the past month.
  • Students unable to manage finances
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.08.08
    Today's students are set to graduate with £20,000-worth of debt, as too many head to university unable to manage their own finances.
  • Gloomy outlook for UK economy
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.08.08
    Consumers should expect rising prices to lead to a squeeze on their take-home pay for the foreseeable future, the BoE has warned, as high inflation shows no sign of abating.
  • Cost of supermarket shop up £1,404
    Rebecca Atkinson
    12.08.08
    The cost of food has increased by nearly 30% in the past 12 months with households spending an extra £1,404 a year on their groceries.
  • Inflation soars to 4.4%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    12.08.08
    Inflation soared to an alarming 4.4% in July - up from 3.8% the previous month, reflecting the rising cost of food and petrol.
  • Water bills set to soar
    Rebecca Atkinson
    11.08.08
    Water bills are set to soar over the next five years as utility companies unveil measures to invest in improving quality.
  • British Gas bills to rise by 35%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.07.08
    British Gas customers face paying up to 35% more for the energy bills this winter after the utility giant confirmed prices are going up.
  • Online saving rates get boost
    Rebecca Atkinson
    30.07.08
    As fixed rates start to look a little less attractive, the spotlight is on the instant access market. Rebecca Atkinson takes a look.
  • Tesco considers current account offering
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.07.08
    RBS is to pull its 50% stake in Tesco Personal Finance, as the supermarket unveils plans to expand its savings range and potentially offer current accounts for the first time.
  • Homes hit with further energy price hikes
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.07.08
    EDF Energy has announced that it is putting up the cost of its gas and electricity, following Scottish and Southern Energy's warning of higher energy bills going forward.
  • Energy supplier warns of price rises
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.07.08
    Scottish and Southern Energy have warned that their customers may face higher energy bills going forward as the high oil costs continue to hit energy suppliers' revenue potential.
  • Shoppers tighten their belts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.07.08
    The onslaught of the credit crunch has finally hit shoppers' wallets with retail sales falling at record levels during June. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Supermarkets cut petrol prices
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.07.08
    Three leading supermarkets have confirmed they will cut the price of their petrol in light of the slight fall in crude oil costs. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • HBOS rights issue flops
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.07.08
    Shareholders in HBOS have snubbed the banking giant's offer of buying new shares in the firm. How have investors reacted on our discussion boards?
  • Energy bills to hit £1,000 a year
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.07.08
    Households should invest in warm clothing as energy bills look set to rise by 60%, British Gas has warned. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Current account market failing consumers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.07.08
    A damning new report has found that current accounts are failing customers and leaving many exposed to high charges and dismal rates of interest.
  • What is the outlook for interest rates?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    15.07.08
    Escalating food prices have pushed inflation up to an alarming 3.8% in June. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the effect this will have on interest rates.
  • Plans from Brussels could see VAT slashed
    Rebecca Atkinson
    09.07.08
    The cost of eating out, converting your loft or hiring a childminder could be reduced under plans tabled by Brussels to cut VAT, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Is Britain on the brink of a recession?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.07.08
    The UK is hovering on the brink of recession as the credit crunch hits businesses across the country. Rebecca Atkinson reports on the worrying outlook.
  • Is Britain on the brink of a recession?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.07.08
    The UK is hovering on the brink of recession as the credit crunch hits businesses across the country. Rebecca Atkinson reports on the worrying outlook.
  • Today's best cash ISAs
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.07.08
    Getting a great rate of interest is important for your ISA, but when shopping for an ISA there are other factors you should also consider. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the market.
  • Tories call for fuel duty to offset petrol hikes
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.07.08
    The Conservative Party has proposed a plan to soften the blow of rising fuel prices on families by offsetting expensive petrol with lower fuel duty, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Tories call for fuel duty to offset petrol hikes
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.07.08
    The Conservative Party has proposed a plan to soften the blow of rising fuel prices on families by offsetting expensive petrol with lower fuel duty, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Bradford & Bingley increases cash call
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.07.08
    Bradford and Bingley has increased its forthcoming rights issue to £400 million after the American investor it had lined up got cold feet, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Credit card round-up
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.07.08
    Research reveals holidaymakers are still relying on credit cards. Find the best cards for foreign and UK usage with Rebecca Atkinson's round-up.
  • Car insurance cheats up 70%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.07.08
    Car insurance cheats made fraudulent claims worth £260 million last year, with the number of dishonest drivers up 70% over the past three years, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Car insurance cheats up 70%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.07.08
    Car insurance cheats made fraudulent claims worth £260 million last year, with the number of dishonest drivers up 70% over the past three years, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Savers' money could receive extra protection
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.07.08
    Savers may be protected for up to £50,000 if their bank or building society collapses, says Rebecca Atkinson - if new proposals to improve financial stability are adopted.
  • Credit card round-up
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.06.08
    Credit card customers on 0% balance transfer deals face being hit by massive rate rises. Rebecca Atkinson asks: is it time you started looking for a new deal?
  • Mortgage fees under the spotlight
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.06.08
    Alistair Darling has warned mortgage lenders not to take advantage of borrowers by charging unfair arrangement fees. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Record number of properties for sale
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.06.08
    Record numbers of properties for sale mean house sellers are increasingly lowering their asking prices by an average of £3,000. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Shoppers refuse to end love affair with plastic
    Rebecca Atkinson
    24.06.08
    A surge in retail spending may have provided some relief from the impact of the credit crunch, but new figures show shoppers are increasingly putting their purchases on plastic. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Protect your savings from rising inflation
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.06.08
    Inflation has surpassed expectations to hit 3.8% in June and savers face seeing the value of their nest eggs eroded. Rebecca Atkinson looks at ways to beat inflation and protect your savings.
  • Are interest rate rises on the horizon?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.06.08
    An interest rate rise was narrowly avoided last month, the minutes from June's base rate vote reveal. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Barclays confirms rights issue
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.06.08
    Barclays has confirmed it is looking at carrying out a rights issue that will see it raise £4 billion from existing shareholders, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Households feel the pinch as inflation soars
    Rebecca Atkinson
    12.06.08
    According to research from the Bank of England, households in the UK are struggling with an average personal inflation of nearly 5%, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Today's best savings rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    12.06.08
    Interest rates on saving accounts are going through the roof, with Halifax launching a regular savings product that pays 10%, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Consumers grossly overcharged for PPI
    Rebecca Atkinson
    05.06.08
    Banks are overcharging borrowers taking out payment protection insurance (PPI) by over £1.4 billion each year, an investigation has found. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Interest rates frozen at 5%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    05.06.08
    The Bank of England has voted to keep interest rates at 5% for June, despite figures showing the continued downturn of the housing market. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Are annuities being mis-sold?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.06.08
    Annuities could be the next pension mis-selling scandal because insurance companies are not fully highlighting the customers' right to shop around, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Banks raided in price-fixing investigation
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.06.08
    Barclays and RBS have had their offices raided by the Office of Fair Trading as part of an investigation into pricing fixing in the professional loans market.
  • Bradford & Bingley's shares plunge
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.06.08
    Bradford & Bingley, the UK's biggest buy-to-let mortgage lender, has seen its share price dive this morning following its announcement of a 50% fall in profit.
  • Today's best savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.05.08
    Banks and building societies are becoming increasingly keen to attract new business. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the best deals on offer.
  • Faster banking payment system goes live
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.05.08
    A new system to speed up banking payments has gone live this week, spelling the beginning of the end for the three-day clearing system. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • House prices to fall 7%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.05.08
    House prices will fall by 7% in 2008 as restricted mortgage lending continues to freeze the housing market, mortgage lenders have predicted.
  • First Direct reopens doors to new customers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.05.08
    Following its decision to close its doors in April due to a backlog, First Direct has started selling mortgages to new customers again, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.05.08
    Rebecca Atkinson takes a look at what the savings market has to offer those looking to make the most of their money.
  • Hopes for rate cuts dashed by soaring inflation
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.05.08
    The BoE has hinted that there'll be no more cut interest rates this year as the risk of rising inflation continues to dog efforts to bolster the slowing economy. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Thousands facing higher rate of income tax
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.05.08
    Moves to compensate people hit by the axed 10p tax rate will push thousands more people onto a higher rate of income tax, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Today's best savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    14.05.08
    Rising inflation may have dashed hopes for an interest rate cut in June, but Rebecca Atkinson looks at the best deals on the savings market.
  • Inflation soars to 3%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.05.08
    Hopes of interest rate cuts over the next few months appear dashed after official figures revealed inflation soared to 3% in April, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Surge in tracker funds investment
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.05.08
    A resurgence in sales of tracker funds in the first quarter of 2008 could indicate a return in investor confidence, says Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Interest rates held at 5%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.05.08
    The Bank of England has voted to hold interest rates at 5% for May, most likely in response to fears of rising inflation, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Today's best savings rates
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.05.08
    The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5% for May but with future cuts likely many savers are considering fixed rate accounts, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Every cloud has a silver lining
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.05.08
    It is hard to look on the bright side of life when in the midst of a credit crunch. But as Rebecca Atkinson discovers, every cloud has a silver lining.
  • House prices down 1% from last year
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.05.08
    New figures from Nationwide reveal house prices are now 1% lower than this time last year, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.05.08
    The fixed rate savings market has become more competitive and the start of the tax year brings new ISA opportunities, writes Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.04.08
    The credit crunch may be causing havoc for borrowers, but according to independent researcher Defaqto, savers have never had it so good.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.04.08
    For people on variable rate saving products last week's cut means you will be earning less interest on your money.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    11.04.08
    The interest rate cut may have been welcomed by mortgage borrowers, but it's not such good news for savers.
  • Bank of England cuts interest rates to 5%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    10.04.08
    The Bank of England has taken action to ease pressures on the economy by cutting interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point to 5%.
  • New tax year changes at a glance
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.04.08
    The new tax year has brought in a host of tax reforms. Here's Rebecca Atkinson with a guide to the changes.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.04.08
    The deadline to use this year's ISA allowance is creeping ever nearer, and Rebecca Atkinson rounds up the best ISA and savings deals for last-minute savers.
  • Pick of the cash ISA deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    26.03.08
    Time is fast running out for you to utilise this year's £3,000 tax-free allowance. Rebecca Atkinson highlights the best deals currently on offer.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.03.08
    It's less than a month to go to the ISA deadline for this tax year - have your utilised your allowance? If not, Rebecca Atkinson has checked the market for the best deals.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.03.08
    ISA deadline day is creeping nearer and Rebecca Atkinson has taken a look at the best deals currently out there for savers.
  • Government promises free financial advice
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.03.08
    Free financial advice could soon be available on the high street offering guidance on everything from saving for a mortgage deposit to coping with debt, writes Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    28.02.08
    There is good news for ISA savers, reports Rebecca Atkinson. While the rest of the savings market also has plenty to offer.
  • More shocks to come for global economy
    Rebecca Atkinson
    27.02.08
    The deputy governor of the BoE believes the global economy is currently in the midst of the worst financial and banking crisis for nearly 70 years.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    22.02.08
    Rebecca Atkinson takes a look at where savers - with different kinds of objectives - should be putting their money.
  • MPs back Rock nationalisation
    Rebecca Atkinson
    20.02.08
    MPs have backed a new law that will allow the Government to take Northern Rock into temporary public ownership, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Borrowers missing the best deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.02.08
    Consumers are not shopping around for credit cards because providers make it too hard for them to compare different products, the Office of Fair Trading has warned. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.02.08
    Seeking somewhere to put your savings? Rebecca Atkinson takes a look at where the best rates are for your money.
  • How interest rate cut affects you
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.02.08
    The Bank of England has voted to cut interest rates to 5.25%. Whether you're a borrower or saver, this will affect you. Rebecca Atkinson finds out how.
  • Latest savings deals
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.02.08
    Rebecca Atkinson takes a look at the pick of the deals on the savings market.
  • NU with-profit holders in windfall
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.02.08
    Norwich Union is to pay 1.1 million with-profits policyholders a £2.1 billion bonus in a move that could encourage a vote for the redistribution of its surplus funds. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Latest savings accounts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    01.02.08
    Rebecca Atkinson takes a look at the best offers out there for savers to put their hard-earned cash.
  • Darling reveals CGT concession
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.01.08
    Chancellor Alistair Darling confirmed plans first announced in last year's pre-Budget that an 18% flat-rate of capital gains tax will be introduced from 6 April 2008, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Latest savings accounts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    25.01.08
    Fixed rates are changeable at the moment, while Northern Rock tries to lure customers with a market-leading savings account, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Energy bills on the up again
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.01.08
    After price hikes by npower and EDF Energy, British Gas has now followed suit after it announced gas and electricity prices would rise by 15%. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Prime time for savers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    18.01.08
    At a time when the Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates, many savers are attracted to the increased security of fixed-rate accounts, says Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Savers welcome rate freeze
    Rebecca Atkinson
    11.01.08
    The Bank of England's decision not to cut interest rates in January offers savers an opportunity to fix now and avoid any future cuts, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Top savings accounts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    08.01.08
    If you're yet to utilise your ISA allowance, time is running out to find a good home for your savings. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the best rates for savers.
  • How to grow your savings in 2008
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.01.08
    January is a great time to make New Year resolutions such as setting aside some money for a rainy day or giving your current savings plan a boost.
  • Move to a lower-interest credit card now
    Rebecca Atkinson
    02.01.08
    It's common to use a credit card to finance your Christmas spending but many people rack up more debt by staying on high-interest credit cards.
  • Top savings accounts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    13.12.07
    Despite the BoE voting to cut interest rates, fixed rates remain highly competitive as banks and building societies compete for your money, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • Top savings accounts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.12.07
    The BoE's interest rate cut and the ongoing credit crisis mean fixed savings rates are looking increasingly attractive, says Rebecca Atkinson.