Nearly two-thirds of Britons expect a rate increase according to a Bank of England poll, the highest level in over two years. Yet most people would prefer the rate to go down. In the same survey, 36 per cent said…

The Engage Mutual Assurance figures show that having a family is pushing many into debt as they struggle to pay education costs, clothing and other needs. “Meeting the changing needs of modern families means making major financial sacrifices which affect…

In the Alliance Trust’s retirement survey, 1.7 million people are resigned to a retirement of debt and scrimping compared to only 500,000 who think they will be comfortable. “It’s worrying to see that many in the prime of their working…

Philip Smith, 48, was once a registered IFA but had not renewed his registration for ten years, instead he conned scores of clients out of their credit cards, inheritance and investments. Detective constable John Ashington, of Stockport CID, said: “Philip…

Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at moneysupermarket.com, warned that a fall in house prices would make holders of such loans face the prospect of selling their home or even repossession. “Getting a 125 per cent mortgage comes with health warnings,”…

According to Defaqto, the average penalty for bounced cheques, unpaid standing orders or direct debits and other debts is now over £30 compared to around £27 in August 2003. David Black, Defaqto’s head of banking and author of the report,…

Nick White, head of personal finance at consumer website uSwitch.com, said that the DTI announcement was “disappointing” and could go further to stop people getting into debt with credit card cheques. “Today’s announcement by the DTI, following its investigation into…

According to Moneysupermarket, going into overdraft debt can cost £125 even before interest payments are made, leading to a UK total of £40 million. “When it comes to personal banking, apathy is expensive,” said Stuart Glendinning, managing director at Moneysupermarket.…