2007 Archive

Payment myths exposed

Cash was still king in 2007, Apacs reports

The UK payments association Apacs has launched a new guide busting the myths about how Brits use cash, cheques and cards.

Thrifty Brits' £30 New Year's Eve

1 in 3 will spend most of their New Year's budget on drink

Thrifty Britons are saving their pennies and celebrating New Year's Eve at home, racking up an average spend of £30.48 each, new research reveals.

Credit crunch knocks consumer confidence

Consumers: feeling the tremors of the turbulent economy

Consumers are concerned about the economic climate and have suffered a loss in confidence in their personal finances, statistics out today reveal.

Which?: Cashback mobile phones a rip-off

Consumer watchdog Which? has attacked cashback mobile phone offers, branding them a "rip-off" and calling for the schemes to be banned.

Video podcast for tax return

Guide to filling in tax return online launched

If you have been tempted to swap the paperwork and photocopying and fill in your tax return online, but are not sure how to do it, help is at hand.

Rate cut was unanimous decision

The Bank of England's decision to cut interest rates earlier this month was a unanimous verdict by the monetary policy committee (MPC).

50% give cash for Christmas

If you are wondering what gift to spend your hard-earned money on this Christmas but are on the verge of giving up and handing over cash, you are not alone.

Christmas shopping up £2.7bn on 2006

Brits are planning to spend a massive £11.85 billion in the next seven days as the festive season reaches its climax.

Inflation static in November

Inflation remained static in November the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports today, in what will be a relief to borrowers worried about further short-term interest rate rises.

Online price rise for npower

New online customers signing up to npower face a 17 per cent price increase from today.

Panic buying to cost £594m this Christmas

A last minute Christmas dash could see shoppers spending more than they had planned on presents, according to Egg.com.

CBI: slower growth in 2008

As consumers feel the pinch of the credit crunch spending is expected to slow in 2008, but the CBI said the fundamentals of the economy "remain sound".

Energy prices set to rise in 2008

2008 could well see gas and electricity prices pushed up - after Centrica issued a trading statement pointing to future energy price hikes.

Energy firms 'keep best rates hidden'

Energy: Best gas and electricity rates hidden

UK energy firms are keeping their most competitive tariffs hidden and not telling customers how they could be saving, claims a new report.

Weak retail sales in November

UK retail sales fell one per cent in November, according to new figures from MasterCard.

Christmas buyer beware! £1bn of fake goods on offer

Shoppers are being warned to avoid fake items this Christmas as counterfeit items become increasingly commonplace.

Christmas shoppers: Think twice over extended warranties

Insurance: Shopping around for extended warranties

Shoppers are being urged to think twice before opting for an extended warranty on new electrical items this Christmas.

Broadband dissatisfaction rises

Dissatisfaction with broadband providers increased for the third year in a row - with customers being on hold for 17 minutes to speak to firms when complaining by phone.

'£195 prepayment penalty' for poorest Brits

Prepayment gas and electricity customers are paying on average £195 extra a year for their services, with some are paying up to £304 more, than energy firm's best online tariffs.

Twelve days of Christmas finances

This Christmas with high interest rates, the credit crunch, rising food prices and slow wage growth, money will be tighter than ever. With this in mind Myfinances.co.uk presents our very own 12 Days of Christmas guide to help you through the Yuletide minefield and not suffer a debt hangover.