The latest news about managing your finances, loans, credit cards and mortgages delivered to you by itsMYmoney:
December 08
Mortgage finance supply is 'a serious issue'
The lack of mortgage funding available to buyers is "a very serious problem", according to the Liberal Democrats.
December 08
Mortgage support to benefit more people
People of working age who are eligible for help with their mortgage interest payments will benefit from new rules which have been introduced.
December 08
Paying family threatened with repossession
A family from Sussex has been threatened with repossession by Natwest despite being up to date with their mortgage repayments.
December 08
Consumer responsibility 'should not be pursued by FSA'
Consumer responsibility should not be pursued by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) during the protracted economic downturn, according to the Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP).
December 08
Natwest announces free impartial advice service
High street bank Natwest has announced it is to offer free impartial financial advice to everyone.
December 08
Nationwide launches new savings account
Nationwide building society has launched a new online savings account with an interest rate of 3.75 per cent.
December 08
Internet 'most popular for savings information'
Consumers searching for information and advice on savings accounts are turning to the internet, according to new research by Alliance & Leicester.
December 08
Money saving tips from CAB
Money saving hints and tips are being offered to shoppers on the run up to Christmas by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
December 08
More than half to reduce Christmas spending
More than half of consumers are planning to reduce the amount they spend this Christmas, according to new research.
December 08
Zero per cent savings rates at some lenders
Savings rates on some current accounts have plummeted to zero per cent in the wake of the Bank of England's base rate cut.
November 08
Unfair credit card charges scrutinised
The UK's secretary of state for business Peter Mandelson and consumer affairs minister Gareth Thomas will meet credit card companies to discuss unfair charges.
November 08
Rates reduced at Woolwich
Many of Woolwich's fixed-rate mortgage deals have been reduced in price.
November 08
'Half fail to save enough for retirement'
Almost half of the working population are not saving enough or are not saving at all for their retirement, new research shows.
November 08
Pension fund values 'declined with the market'
The value of pension funds has fallen with declines in the market, an expert has stated.
November 08
Newcastle Building Society tops prepaid card list
Newcastle Building Society has won an accolade in the Leading Prepaid Organisation category at the first ever Prepaid Awards.
November 08
Christmas gifts missed by 15m card holders
More than half of credit card holders do not have a card that rewards them for spending, it has been claimed.
November 08
People 'still saving for retirement'
The majority of people looking ahead to their retirement are putting aside some cash, despite the economic downturn.
November 08
Economic uncertainty 'won't spoil Christmas appetite'
Money may be tight, but consumers are not prepared to let financial constraints stand in the way of a good Christmas lunch, new research shows.
November 08
Natwest and RBS launch reduced mortgages
Mortgage lenders Natwest and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) have announced the launch of a number of new mortgage products aimed at new customers.
November 08
Standard rate dropped at HSBC
High street mortgage lender HSBC has cut its standard interest rate by 0.79 per cent – from 6.25 to 5.44 per cent.
November 08
Skipton launches Christmas saver
Skipton Building Society has launched a new Christmas Saver Account for next year.
October 08
Building societies increase lending
British building societies increased net mortgage lending to £314 million in September, according to new research.
October 08
Talking up repossession 'undermines confidence'
The Intermediary Mortgages Lenders Association (IMLA) has warned of the dangers of exacerbating the threat of repossessions by 'talking up' the risks.
October 08
New bank accounts from Abbey
Abbey is introducing two bank accounts as part of its first foray into the packaged accounts market.
October 08
CAB and Nationwide join forces
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Nationwide have joined forces to provide free financial advice to those struggling with debt.
October 08
US lending 'more lax than in UK'
Lending in the US is of a much lower standard than in the UK, according to the Intermediary Mortgages Lenders Association (IMLA).
October 08
Skipton maintains SVR
Skipton Building Society announced it is maintaining its standard variable rate (SVR) to 6.45 per cent.
October 08
Search marketing drives up supermarket hits
UK supermarkets are benefitting from search engine marketing as people are redirected to their websites, it has been reported.
October 08
Nottingham introduces new saver account
A new savings account has been introduced by the Nottingham Building Society.
October 08
Finance education could help restore confidence
Education can restore confidence in the financial services sector, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies' (ifs) School of Finance.
October 08
Lender boosts rates despite bailout
Lloyds TSB has announced it is increasing the cost of its fixed-rate mortgage deals for first-time buyers, it has been reported.
October 08
Savers switching for security
More than two million people have already moved their savings to a financial services provider they deem to be in good health, according to Abbey.
October 08
Over a million baby boomers 'have 10 years left on mortgages'
More than one million baby boomers have over a decade left on their mortgage, it has been claimed.
October 08
Bank cuts base rate
The Bank of England's announcement that it has cut the base interest rate by 0.5 per cent may come as a relief to borrowers.
October 08
Potholes are 'a national disgrace'
The country's potholed roads are a national disgrace that put lives at risk, according to one campaign group.
October 08
Savers 'turn to Irish banks'
Cautious savers have been moving their money into Irish bank accounts as the government keeps changes to its guarantee policies hidden, it has been claimed.
October 08
Compensation extension welcomed by the BSA
The government's decision to extend compensation for savers has been welcomed by the Building Societies Association (BSA).
September 08
Nationwide to launch loyalty scheme
Mortgage lender Nationwide will cut the reservation fee on its mortgage products for existing customers from October 3rd.
September 08
Co-op offers more options
The Co-operative Bank (Co-op) has introduced a selection of current accounts that allow customers to pick and choose the options that most suit them.
September 08
Shoppers opt for secure shopping
More than 25 million debit and credit cards in the UK have been registered with MasterCard and Visa secure online payment systems, according to Apacs.
September 08
Grandparents subsidising two generations
More than half of grandparents in the UK have found themselves subsidising two generations of family in the last six months, according to new research.
September 08
Consider the incentives before opting for paid-for account
Incentives on added value bank accounts vary wildly and should be considered carefully before signing up to a deal, according to new research.
September 08
Nationwide to educate the nation
Mortgage lender Nationwide is set to team up with the government to provide financial education to primary school pupils.
September 08
HSBC to find dormant savers
HSBC is attempting to make contact with customers who have not used their bank account in more than 15 years.
September 08
'30 years of debt on the cards'
Credit card customers repaying the minimum amount each month on their credit card could be lumbered with 31 years of debt, according to new research.
September 08
US government bails out mortgage companies
America's two biggest mortgage companies have been bailed out by the government in a multi-billion dollar deal.
September 08
'Quarter-of-a-million leave university in debt'
More than 230,000 graduates left university in debt this summer, according to new research.
August 08
A fifth use inheritance for home ownership
Prospective buyers in the property market would use their inheritance to fund a property purchase, according to new research by Saga.
August 08
Alliance & Leicester mobile
Alliance & Leicester has expanded its internet banking operation to give customers access to their finances through their mobile phone.
August 08
Average adult values themselves at £350K
The average UK adult values themselves at £350,000, according to new research by the Post Office.
August 08
Fair FX launches mobile holiday-finance service
Foreign currency firm Fair FX has launched a mobile exchange service allowing Brits to access their finances and buy foreign currency while abroad via their mobile phone.
July 08
Unsecured loan customers warned about lenders recouping debts
Although people taking out unsecured loans have not secured the debt against their property or possessions, one expert has warned some lenders may look to recoup their losses through the courts.
July 08
Debt consolidation loans 'can address poor credit rating'
People experiencing difficulty repaying credit card and other borrowing could risk having a poor credit history, according to one expert.
July 08
Households defy credit crunch to go on holiday
Despite current economic conditions and rising levels of debt, many people continue to take holidays, it has been claimed.
July 08
New card launched to keep holidaymakers' money secure
People planning their holidays may be interested to learn that a new chip and pin card is being launched to protect consumers against fraud and theft.
July 08
Financial terminology 'is a problem'
Jargon used by financial companies can be confusing for consumers, according to one expert.
July 08
Fixed-rate mortgages come down in price
Although mortgage costs have been rising in recent months, a new report shows the rates for two-year fixed loans have started to come down.
July 08
Abbey reduces mortgage rates
Borrowers seeking certainty during the credit crisis are being offered reduced rates on Abbey's two and three-year fixed-rate mortgages.
July 08
Remortgaging in decline
There has been a steep fall in the number of people remortgaging, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).
July 08
Developers to supplement mortgages
Construction firms are starting to offer long-term loans to supplement mortgages that fail to cover 100 per cent of a property purchase.
July 08
Mortgage rate cuts at Abbey
Leading lender Abbey has reduced the cost of its tracker and fixed-rate mortgage deals by an average of 0.15 per cent.
June 08
Shoppers spend £354 billion on plastic
Despite the economic slow-down, consumers spent £354 billion on their credit and debit cards in the UK in 2007, according to a leading trade association.
June 08
Retired couples are sat on £270,000
Couples in the UK at retirement age have average assets and savings worth £269,479, according to prudential.
June 08
Online banking 'is more popular than social networking'
People spend more time banking online than they do on social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.
June 08
Brits are avoiding financial advice
More than half of Brits have avoided seeking financial advice from an independent professional advisor, according to a study by Zurich.
June 08
Money under the mattress for debt ridden Brits
A fifth of debt laden Brits would rather keep their money under the mattress as the credit crunch bites, according to a new survey.
June 08
ID fraud is "easy and economical for criminals"
ID fraud is an easy way for criminals to steal money, according to a leading credit report agency.
June 08
Banks reduce high-end mortgage lending
The high-end mortgage market is virtually extinct, with most lenders not willing to go one pound over a £1 million mortgage, according to a leading financial adviser.
June 08
People in debt should 'share their experiences'
Citizens Advice has said that a large proportion of people in debt try to manage negotiations with creditors on their own, but they should be seeking advice.
June 08
10% of Brits in dark about debt
One person in every ten admitted to having no idea how much debt they're in, according to a new study by Credit Expert.
June 08
Credit card rates on the up
New research has revealed that the cost of credit cards has risen significantly this year, with a number of providers raising their rates.
May 08
Ignoring mortgage problems not recommended
People who are worried that they will not be able to meet their next mortgage payment should flag up their concerns as soon as possible.
May 08
Popularity of remortgaging on the up
The number of people choosing to remortgage their homes is steadily rising as a proportion of overall mortgage market activity, new figures have revealed.
May 08
Loft conversion 'adds most to property's value'
For those homeowners looking to increase the value of their property, the addition of a loft conversion is the best improvement that they could carry out.
May 08
Home sellers 'need to be more realistic'
Those looking to sell their property are going against the current slowdown in the market by scaling up their asking prices, it has been revealed.
May 08
Property market 'unlikely to crash'
Homeowners concerned about finding themselves in negative equity have been assured that house prices are likely to go up again, although this may take "two or three years".
May 08
Slowing house price falls 'reflect more steady market'
The decrease in property values currently being observed in the UK does not mean that it is all doom and gloom for the housing market.
May 08
Consumers 'should seek debt relief as soon as possible'
Consumers who are struggling with their finances in the wake of the credit crunch should tackle their problems as soon as possible.
May 08
BoE's latest interest rates decision 'is disappointing'
The Bank of England announced today (Thursday, May 8th) that it will not reduce interest rates this month.
May 08
Garden 'increases property's value'
Homeowners looking to increase the value of their property should pay attention to the maintenance of their green spaces.
April 08
Young people 'are getting into debt competing with friends'
A new report has suggested that some young people in the UK could need to consolidate debt in the future because they are spending more than they can afford on luxury goods.
April 08
Interior space increases appeal of property
Homeowners who are looking to increase the appeal of their property can use tricks to make rooms appear bigger than they are.
April 08
Homeowners 'can save money' by going green
Homeowners looking to reduce their monthly energy bills could benefit from making their house more environmentally-friendly.
April 08
Downturn in market encourages saving
Consumers are "much more" likely to consider their savings when the country's economic outlook is particularly grim or there has been a downturn in the market.
April 08
Increase in chartered surveyors reporting house prices falls in March
UK house prices fell last month, reflecting the continuing slowdown in the property market.
April 08
British homeowners spending more and more on gardens
The typical UK garden is now home to contents totaling a value of £1,237, as homeowners fill their backyards with items such as luxury furniture and hi-tech tools.
April 08
House prices fall but it's 'not all doom and gloom'
It has been revealed by the latest Halifax House Price Index, published on Tuesday (April 8th), that UK house prices continued to fall last month.
April 08
Some home improvements 'are more profitable than others'
In general, home improvements can serve to increase the value of a property, although "some are more profitable than others".
April 08
Many people buy insurance 'on price alone'
Many UK consumers use price as their sole guide when buying insurance, which often results in them not having fully comprehensive cover.
April 08
Consumers advised to live within their budgets
Consumers should pay close attention to their budgets in order to reduce the risk of falling into debt.
March 08
A new lick of paint can make a property more attractive to buyers
By making small improvements, homeowners can significantly increase the appeal of a property for potential buyers.
March 08
People should not 'skip on long-term savings'
Consumers who have difficulty in saving have been advised to "really sit down and look at their income and their outgoings" and to examine their expenditure more closely.
March 08
Loft conversion can add to value of home
Property owners can increase the value of their home by adding a loft conversion, it has been claimed.
March 08
Energy bill varies depending on location
The cost of gas and electricity bills for homeowners can be determined by where they live, it has been revealed.
March 08
Non-smokers can make 'significant' savings on life insurance
As well the obvious health benefits, giving up smoking can also carry certain financial incentives.
March 08
High-earning young people keep much of their assets in cash
Young people who are earning good wages tend to keep too much of their money in cash, it has been claimed.
March 08
People in the UK start saving for retirement early
British workers start making financial preparations for their retirement earlier than people in many other countries.
February 08
Having a simple garden can add to the value of a property
Homeowners who are considering selling their property in the future should avoid implementing "strong themes" in their garden design.
February 08
2008 starts off well for UK housing market
The onset of the new year has seen increased confidence in the UK housing market, it has been claimed.
February 08
It is 'crucial' to research new car purchases
Consumers should do their research before making a new car purchase.
February 08
Consumers will be thrifty in 2008
This year will see UK consumers handling their finances more cautiously, owing to the current economic climate.
February 08
Opening up space adds value to your property
Expanding the space available in your home is a good way to add value to the property.
February 08
Falling house prices revealed by recent survey
Property prices in the UK are continuing to fall, according to a housing market survey published today (Wednesday, February 13th) by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).
February 08
People shouldn't cover up debt problems
People should not make a secret of taking out a personal loan to help deal with debt.
February 08
Men take charge of finances when moving
When it comes to moving house, men are more likely to take charge of the finances than their partner or spouse.
February 08
Interest rates predicted to fall by end of 2008
Interest rates could drop to 4.5 per cent by the end of this year.
January 08
Consumers can improve 'financial fitness' by shopping around
Consumers can make a big difference to their annual spending if they review their personal finances, it has been claimed.
January 08
Home improvements increase property value
Home improvements can help make your property more desirable when it comes to selling up.
January 08
Personal loans can ease the cost of holidays
Holidays can prove a costly affair, but a low-rate loan can help prudent travellers fund their trips abroad more easily.
January 08
UK house price increase cools off
UK house prices increased by 5.2 per cent in 2007, it has been revealed.
January 08
Fall in house prices is "good news" for buyers
The recent cooling in the UK property market spells good news for buyers, an independent financial website claimed today.
January 08
Interest rates maintained at 5.5 per cent
The Bank of England announced yesterday (January 10th) that it will hold interest rates, despite calls for a quarter-point cut.
January 08
'Right loan' important for debt consolidation
Consumers in the UK should make sure they do their research and choose the right kind of loan or balance transfer to consolidate their debts.
January 08
Lending to individuals up in November
Total net lending to individuals rose during November 2007 to £8.9 billion, according to new figures.
January 08
Consolidation loans 'could save billions'
People in the UK could save billions of pounds in interest by taking out new year debt consolidation loans, a new report has revealed.
December 07
Brits set to spend millions on Christmas Eve
People in the UK are set to splurge millions of pounds on last-minute purchases as they head to the shops to finish stocking up on Christmas Eve.
December 07
January increase in loan applications expected
Lenders are likely to see an increase in loan applications in January as a result of shoppers looking to consolidate their debts from 2007.
December 07
New year time for new loans
January could prove to be a good time to shop around for new loans and other financial products as people look to repay Christmas debts.
December 07
Borrowers 'should avoid' unregulated lenders
People seeking ways of covering debts and managing repayments should make sure they avoid turning to unregulated lenders.
December 07
Consumers focusing on food and booze this Christmas
Shoppers in the UK are making festive food and drinks their priority when it comes to spending, according to a new study.
December 07
Most Britons 'overweight' financially
The majority of people in the UK are 'financially overweight', according to a new study, because they fail to save or shop around for the best deal on loans and other products.
December 07
Britons still paying off last Christmas
A significant number of people in Britain are still trying to pay off loans taken out to cover the cost of last Christmas.
December 07
Britons prioritising home loans over Christmas
People in Britain are willing to give up some of their usual Christmas treats to ensure they can afford to meet their loan repayments.
November 07
Scots 'spend the most' at Christmas
People in Scotland could be the most in need of loans this Christmas, as they are set to blow more on gifts, food and decorations over the festive period than those in any other area.
November 07
Energy improvements could cost loans
Making energy efficient improvements to a property could require the use of a loan, as the cost of becoming more carbon neutral can run to thousands of pounds.
November 07
Loans causing worry for one in ten
Loans and other forms of debt are causing one in ten indebted people in the UK to be 'very concerned' about their ability to repay, a new study has revealed.
November 07
Consumers 'still likely to spend' on Christmas
People in the UK are still likely to spend a significant amount on Christmas this year, despite fears that the global credit crunch may cause festive belt tightening.
November 07
Britons 'lie about loans'
People in Britain lie to their partners about loans and other financial matters, according to a new report, rather than admit their money situation.
November 07
Kids scoop billions in pocket money bonanza
British children are becoming increasingly wealthy, with the amount of pocket money shelled out by parents every year topping £29 billion, new research has revealed.
November 07
Britons seeking loans advice online
People in Britain are increasingly turning to the internet for guidance on their finances, according to a new report.
November 07
Christmas cheer to be financed by credit
A large proportion of people in the UK are planning on covering the cost of Christmas using loans and credit cards, a new report has found.
November 07
Loans to finance second-hand cars
Some 18 per cent of people planning to buy a second-hand car in the next six months will use a loan to finance the purchase.
November 07
Christmas expenses to boost loan borrowing
People in the UK are set to spend the same amount of more on Christmas this year as they did last year, with many looking to loans to cover the costs.
November 07
'Not a bad thing' to use debt consolidation loans
Using personal loans or debt consolidation products to pay off outstanding debts is not always a bad thing as it helps people get their finances back on track.
October 07
Loans could leave savings intact
Many people in the UK dip into their savings regularly in order to treat themselves instead of managing purchases with loans.
October 07
Home loans could help prepare for winter
Many people in the UK will be looking into home loans and other financial measures to prepare for the onset of winter.
October 07
Homeowners 'unaware' of loan rates
Homeowners in the UK do not have an adequate understanding of interest rates and how increases may affect their loan repayments.
October 07
Britons 'dumping millions' at the airport
People from the UK are spending millions of pounds in airport departure lounges in order to get rid of left over holiday currency.
October 07
Cutting DIY corners 'can cost more'
Homeowners thinking about carrying out improvements could consider a loan to pay for a professional, because attempting the work themselves could end in financial disaster.
October 07
Britons taking loans for their looks
A large number of people in the UK are willing to borrow thousands of pounds in order to improve their physical appearance.
October 07
Homeowner loan could drive living space and profit up
Homeowners thinking about enhancing their property should consider carrying out a loft conversion, as any investment is likely to be returned in increased value.
October 07
Consolidation loans could ease credit card burden
Credit cardholders could find it difficult to clear their plastic debt because of the 'order of payments' system operated by many card providers.
October 07
Money can buy love for 5.9m
Millions of people in the UK think that their partner does not splash enough cash on them, according to new research.
October 07
Parents consider personal loans for student kids
A large proportion of parents in the UK admit that their children will need to take out a student loan in order to go to university or receive parental help.
October 07
Hips 'could encourage' home loan spend on green improvements
Homeowners in the UK could consider using a home loan to make environmentally-friendly improvements that will be reflected in their home information pack (Hip).
September 07
Loans could turn passion into profession
One in four British workers (25 per cent) have dreams of leaving their current job and starting a new business based on their passions or hobbies in life, and a low interest personal loan could make this dream come true for many.
September 07
Loans education needed
Young people taking out loans do not receive enough education about debt and how it can be avoided, national finance education charity Credit Action has claimed today.
September 07
Gazumping adds to homeowner loan pressures
A new study from independent personal finance website Fool.co.uk is highlighting the toll that gazumping is having on property buyers and home loan-holders in the UK.
September 07
Parents 'repaying kids' loans'
Parents in the UK are often finding themselves having to bail out their adult offspring, when children are unable to repay loans and other debts.
September 07
Debt consolidation 'alternative to IVAs'
Managing multiple debts can be tough, but opting for an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) over debt consolidation could have long-lasting consequences for small businesses.
September 07
Consumers may nee