The latest news about managing your finances, loans, credit cards and mortgages delivered to you by itsMYmoney:
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 need to 'shop around for loans'
People in the UK may find they need to shop around more carefully for loans, as lenders have become "more particular" in the wake of recent credit issues.
September 07
CML reports loan fall
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has reported that the number of mortgages taken out fell during the month of July.
September 07
UK 'addicted' to saving
Despite concerns that people in the UK do not put enough money away for the future, a new survey has suggested that they are in fact saveaholics.
September 07
Home loan help for career change?
Around half of people in the UK would like to change their career direction, but many are put off by the financial consequences this could have.
September 07
Money the top worry for Britons
People in the UK worry about their financial situation more than anything else, according to a new study, but many still do nothing to sort out their money problems.
August 07
Friendship loans 'can lead to problems'
Borrowing and lending between friends might seem straightforward enough, but such loans can end up creating real problems in the relationship.
August 07
Debt consolidation 'an alternative' to last resort bankruptcy
Bankruptcy should be considered a last resort, according to one credit expert, and taken on after debt consolidation and other options have been exhausted.
August 07
Britons 'failing' on personal finance
People in the UK are not keeping up to date with personal finance issues, according to a new study, and would probably fail if they were tested on the subject.
August 07
Millions 'in need' of debt consolidation
A large proportion of people in the UK admit that they are "very concerned" about their level of debt and could benefit from debt consolidation.
August 07
Store cards 'more expensive' than loans
Store cards may be encouraging people to sign up for credit they can't afford or could be getting cheaper in the form of another financial product like a loan.
August 07
Consolidation loans could clear 'prestige' debt
People in the UK often spend more than they can afford try to 'keep up with the Joneses', buying new cars, flash clothes and pricey holidays.
August 07
Great outdoors 'improved' with loans
A large proportion of people admit they would spend more time out in the garden if only they could make their outside space a bit nicer.
August 07
Personal loans paying for summer breaks
A large proportion of people go into debt in order to finance their summer holiday - with credit cards and personal loans among the favoured credit options.
August 07
Consolidating debts can be a 'good thing'
Using a consolidation loan to pay off debts together can be liberating for people with multiple credit cards in the same way that making several different interest payments each month can feel restrictive, a leading industry expert has said.
August 07
Affordable loans 'not a bad thing'
Taking out credit isn't all doom and gloom as long as the borrower has done their research and knows they can repay it.
August 07
A loan for a happy life?
They say money can't buy you happiness, but it seems that people in the UK spend a considerable amount on enjoying themselves.
July 07
Short-term loans top for Britons
A significant proportion of people in the UK would not consider committing themselves to a 25-year fixed-rate mortgage, preferring the flexibility of short-terms instead.
July 07
Bankruptcy 'acceptable' over debt consolidation alternatives
Consumers and businesses in the UK are more willing to consider bankruptcy instead of debt consolidation or other financial alternatives.
July 07
Debt consolidation could clear pin 'overload'
People in the UK are suffering from 'pin code overload' as they struggle to remember the authorisation details for numerous credit and debit cards and accounts.
July 07
Secured loans help to strike out alone
Arranging a secured loan or other business finance to start a new business is daunting, but British entrepreneurs are driven by a desire to be their own boss.
July 07
Students stay home to save
A large proportion of people heading to university in the UK are choosing to live at home with their parents, as they look to save cash despite the loan options available to them.
July 07
Heavy-handed builders banished with homeowner loans
People in the UK are being urged to avoid a 'false economy' when it comes to choosing builders to carry out work on their home.
July 07
Consolidation loans could prevent missed payments
Millions of credit card repayments are being missed each month as people are unable to cover the cost of their debts.
July 07
Baby boudoir excess costing parents
People in the UK are spending a fortune on creating the perfect nursery for new babies, according to a new report.
July 07
Vacation costs could be covered with personal loan
People in the UK are so desperate to jet off for a well-deserved break each summer that they do not consider the financial implications of such trips.
July 07
Happy couples 'should shop around' for a loan
Brides and grooms to be should take care to ensure they get the best loan rate when working out how to finance their big day.
July 07
Consumers wince as interest rates rise again
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has today decided to increase interest rates to 5.75 per cent, piling further pressure on debt-ridden consumers.
July 07
Record amount spent on cards
The amount of money UK adults spend on debit and credit cards is continuing to grow rapidly, according to new figures, raising concerns about spending that may be helped by debt consolidation.
June 07
Personal loans for personal presents
It seems that people in the UK aren't aware of the saying that money can't buy you love, as they splash out hundreds of pounds each year on gifts for a loved one.
June 07
Mobility most popular for personal loans
People in the UK who choose to take out personal loans are most likely to spend the money on getting themselves on the road, according to a new study.
June 07
Savings as well as loans for Christmas
People in the UK are being urged to ensure they start putting money away for Christmas time, rather than relying solely on loans.
June 07
Personal loans could cover the cost of weddings
Everyone knows that weddings are an expensive business, but it seems even guests could have to opt for a personal loan in order to attend.
June 07
UK turns to loans to face unexpected
A large proportion of people in the UK have been surprised by an unexpected bill recently, forcing them to find loans or other financial means to pay them.
June 07
Debt consolidation 'could solve credit worries'
People in the UK who are struggling to repay credit card debt should consider ways of repaying their balance, like debt consolidation, rather than only paying minimum payments.
June 07
Debt consolidation a consideration for financial fitness
People in the UK are being encouraged to look after their financial health just as well as they take care of their physical health by assessing loan and debt consolidation needs.
June 07
Homeowner loans could help boost property by £5,000
People in the UK are looking to homeowner loans and other means of finance in order to carry out value-boosting improvements on their property.
June 07
'Savvy' consumers considering loan options
People in the UK are becoming increasingly aware of the most affordable ways to borrow, considering personal loans and other finance instead of credit cards.
June 07
Homeowner loans and improvements could boost value
People in the UK are being advised that certain home improvements are more likely to add value to a property than others.
May 07
Record court numbers for personal loan repayments
The number of people going to court over repayments on personal loans has hit a ten-year-high, according to new research.
May 07
Secured loans customers 'better at budgeting'
People who apply for secured personal loans tend to be better at budgeting than people who are seeking loans for debt consolidation, according to a new study.
May 07
Homeowner loans help holiday disasters
More than a million people from the UK return from a relaxing holiday each year to find some kind of damage to their home, meaning a homeowner loan or other means of financing repairs is needed.
May 07
Money means happiness for Britons
People in the UK rate money as more important than sex, food, work and the weather in determining happiness but complicated loan company jargon gets in the way of financial organisation.
May 07
Young people 'more likely' to opt for loans
Despite being encouraged to save for the future, young people in the UK are more likely to opt for loan products when organising their finances.
May 07
Greater debt consolidation, responsibility from cardholders
People in the UK are becoming more responsible when it comes to their credit card debt and are paying off outstanding balances, either through debt consolidation or simply being prudent.
May 07
Consumers urged to research secured loan affordability
People in the UK are being encouraged to ensure they calculate adequately just how much they can afford to borrow through products like secured loans.
May 07
BoE decision 'could impact' homeowner loans
People in the UK with homeowner loans could find themselves paying more each month after the Bank of England voted this morning to increase interest rates.
May 07
Contactless technology to revolutionise payments
From September 2007 people in the UK will be able to use contactless debit or credit cards for transactions under £10, the banking industry has announced.
May 07
Over-50s living the high life
The over-50 age group in the UK is enjoying a high level of personal wealth, which combined rivals the gross domestic product (GDP) of entire countries.
April 07
Best loan rate key as driving costs mount up
People in the UK are increasingly finding it important to arrange the best loan rate possible when buying a new car because the overall cost of driving is so high.
April 07
Women climbing wealth ladder
The number of wealthy women in the UK is increasing rapidly but banks and loan companies are yet to catch up by offering tailored loans and other financial products.
April 07
Parents acting like loan companies for kids
Britain's mums and dads are beginning to behave more like banks or loan companies and are asking for loans made to their children to be repaid.
April 07
'Friends' generation borrowing most
UK adults in their early 30s have the greatest amount of debt, new research has found.
April 07
Budget-less Britons could look to homeowner loans
Prospective homeowners do not adequately prepare themselves for all of the costs associated with getting on the property ladder leaving many in need of a homeowner loan to make ends meet.
April 07
Britons turn to online loan companies
Most people in the UK think that the best deals on secured loans and other financial products can be accessed through loan companies on the internet.
April 07
Britons splash out with bonuses
Less than half of the lucky workers who received an annual bonus last year put the cash into savings with a large proportion splashing out on treats such as electrical items and holidays.
April 07
Homeowner loans clean up subsidence mess
People who do not thoroughly check properties for subsidence before buying could find they need to arrange a homeowner loan to cover the cost of repairs.
April 07
Homeowner loans to 'free up wealth'
More than half of the British population's wealth is tied up in their homes, which could lead to increasing numbers of homeowner loans being arranged.
April 07
Young people 'unaware' of debt consolidation
Young people in the UK do not know enough about loans and debt consolidation, among other financial issues.
March 07
Card fraud leaves millions of shoppers at risk
Details of almost 50 million credit and debit cards could be at risk after retailer TJX revealed it had fallen victim to the world's worst breach of consumer security.
March 07
'No perks' for credit card holders
Half of all credit card holders use plastic that does not reward them with any perks or benefits, according to Goldfish.
March 07
Britons 'in the mood' for saving
People in the UK were more inclined to save during February of this year than in the same month in previous years, according to a new study.
March 07
DIY leads to disaster for homeowners
British homeowners waste billions every year through DIY damage to their own properties, according to a new study from Churchill.
March 07
Mother knows best when it comes to cash
When it comes to knowing how to manage finances, British people are most likely to look to their mothers for a good example.
March 07
Britons 'prefer cash' to plastic
The majority of daily financial transactions in the UK still involve cash despite the growing popularity of plastic, the UK payments association has reported.
March 07
Seek best loan rate to beat rate rises
Property owners looking to reduce their outgoings in the face of repeated interest rate rises are looking towards fixed-rate mortgages, according to new figures.
March 07
UK interest rates held
The Bank of England this week decided to hold the UK base rate at 5.25 per cent, a move likely to be welcomed by borrowers.
March 07
Britons urged to plan wills
Young people in the UK do not realise the importance of having an organised will, according to Scottish Widows.
March 07
Pensions before property for Britons
People in Britain start planning their retirement at a younger age than anywhere else in the world, according to new research.
March 07
AIFA: More Britons financial planning
Increasing numbers of people in the UK are taking the time to plan their finances, possibly as a result of having more debt to manage.
February 07
Britain's shopaholics are 'slaves to fashion'
There are currently 765,642 female shopaholics in the UK, all of whom are splashing out huge sums of money on shoes and clothes.
February 07
Older consumers catch-on to online savings
Increasing numbers of UK consumers are turning to price comparison websites to help them manage their money and select financial products like personal loans.
February 07
Britons pay out for 'bigger, better' weddings
People in the UK are willing to pay thousands of pounds in order to have a dream wedding like their favourite celebrities.
February 07
Apacs: Plastic paid for Christmas
A record number of people paid for their Christmas indulgences last year using credit and debit cards, according to new research.
February 07
UK savvy about saving
People in the UK are actually financially savvy when it comes to saving for the future and staying in control of financial commitments like loans.
January 07
Brits 'overpaying' on personal loans
People in Britain could be overpaying as much as £285 million on their personal loans, simply because they do not shop around for the best loan rate.
January 07
Price rises lead to longer loans
People in the UK are increasingly willing to organise longer-term loans in order to achieve the goal of owning their own home.