http://www.moneysupermarket.com Money News from Moneysupermarket.com 15 en-us /newsandcommunity/img/news/ms-logo.gif http://www.moneysupermarket.com <![CDATA[Interest rates were held at 0.5% again this week, and with no sign of things changing any time soon, longer term fixed rate mortgages are looking increasingly appealing.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-leading-fee-free-five-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0013537/ Thu, 09, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-leading-fee-free-five-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0013537.aspx <![CDATA[The tax year ends in less than two months' time,&nbsp;but nearly half of us (44%) have yet to&nbsp;use our full individual savings account (ISA) allowance, according to a MoneySupermarket poll - and are therefore missing out on valuable tax-free returns.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/isa-rates-on-the-up/0013539/ Thu, 09, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/isa-rates-on-the-up_0013539.aspx <![CDATA[Credit cards can be a fantastic way to manage your finances and control your spending - but only if they are used in the right way.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-ten-credit-card-commandments/0013536/ Wed, 08, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-ten-credit-card-commandments_0013536.aspx <![CDATA[According to research from Halifax, one in five of us spend half the month worrying that we won't have enough money to see us through until our next payday. And by the time we are a week away from our next wage packet this becomes a concern for half the population.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/make-your-salary-go-further/0013533/ Wed, 08, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/make-your-salary-go-further_0013533.aspx <![CDATA[The easy access savings account market is dominated by accounts which offer a bonus, usually only for the first year. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-allied-irish-banks-easy-access-reward-account/0013535/ Wed, 08, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-allied-irish-banks-easy-access-reward-account_0013535.aspx <![CDATA[More than one in six Britons - or about 8million people - missed a bill payment of some kind in the last 12 months, according to research from MoneySupermarket. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-effect-of-missing-payment-dates/0013530/ Tue, 07, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-effect-of-missing-payment-dates_0013530.aspx <![CDATA[Recent weeks may have been full of depressing financial news but American Express (Amex) has bought some cheer by doubling the cashback paid on its Platinum Cashback card to 5%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-amex-doubles-cashback-rate-to-5-per-cent/0013493/ Thu, 02, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-amex-doubles-cashback-rate-to-5-per-cent_0013493.aspx <![CDATA[If you are looking to open an easy access savings account, it's a no-brainer to head for the one that pays the most handsome returns. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-best-savings-account-for-your-deposit/0013492/ Thu, 02, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-best-savings-account-for-your-deposit_0013492.aspx <![CDATA[If you are in the process of rebuilding your credit score, increased competition between 'credit builder' credit card providers looks as though it's made things cheaper. But you don't want to be paying any interest in the first place. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/repair-your-credit-score-for-free/0013486/ Wed, 01, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/repair-your-credit-score-for-free_0013486.aspx <![CDATA[If you want to make money by switching current accounts, you will have to act fast. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/last-chance-to-cash-in-on-switching-your-current-account/0013488/ Wed, 01, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/last-chance-to-cash-in-on-switching-your-current-account_0013488.aspx <![CDATA[First-time buyers keen to take advantage of 0% stamp duty should act now - as from March 24, the land tax will become payable again on all homes costing more than &pound;125,000.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/first-time-buyers-should-act-now-to-avoid-stamp-duty/0013467/ Thu, 26, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/first-time-buyers-should-act-now-to-avoid-stamp-duty_0013467.aspx <![CDATA[Last year, we all tightened our belts and crossed our fingers that the economy would improve. But it's 2012 and, despite negligible falls in inflation and energy prices, times are just as tough.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/making-your-cash-go-further-in-twenty-twelve/0013454/ Wed, 25, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/making-your-cash-go-further-in-twenty-twelve_0013454.aspx <![CDATA[A healthy credit score is the best passport to any kind of borrowing, so making an effort to improve yours can really pay dividends.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/five-ways-to-boost-your-credit-score/0013459/ Wed, 25, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/five-ways-to-boost-your-credit-score_0013459.aspx <![CDATA[There's a whole host of reasons why you might be looking to borrow.&nbsp; It could be that you need to make a large purchase, fund an emergency repair or even consolidate various existing debt into one lump on which you pay a lower interest rate. In any of these cases, your first instinct may well be to take out a loan. But, in some instances, borrowing on a credit card can be a more cost effective option.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-take-a-card-or-a-loan/0013457/ Wed, 25, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-take-a-card-or-a-loan_0013457.aspx <![CDATA[Money worries are keeping millions of us awake at night as we fret about how we will cover steep utility bills, as well as food and petrol costs.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-tackle-your-financial-fears/0013458/ Wed, 25, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-tackle-your-financial-fears_0013458.aspx <![CDATA[The government has unveiled plans to make the welfare system fairer by introducing a &pound;26,000-a-year cap on benefits paid to non-working households. Although the proposals suffered a hitch this week when they were defeated in the House of Lords, they are still likely to go ahead.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/will-welfare-reform-plans-affect-you/0013453/ Wed, 25, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/will-welfare-reform-plans-affect-you_0013453.aspx <![CDATA[Mortgage lenders are quick to boast about helping first-time buyers with smaller deposits - but the truth is most of the effort will have to come from you.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/getting-a-mortgage-with-a-small-deposit/0010826/ Wed, 26, Jan 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/getting-a-mortgage-with-a-small-deposit_0010826.aspx <![CDATA[With interest rates low and inflation high, it's more important than ever for savers to earn as much as possible on their savings and ISAs offer a great way of doing this because returns are tax-free.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-is-a-cash-ISA/0013452/ Tue, 24, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-is-a-cash-ISA_0013452.aspx <![CDATA[If you want to get your hands on the Barclaycard Platinum with Longest Balance Transfer credit card, which offers a market-leading two-year 0% interest on balance transfers, you'll need to act fast. Barclaycard has announced it is withdrawing the card on Wednesday February 1 and, with no equivalent on the market, this could be your last chance to take advantage. <p>But what do you need to know? <br /></p> <p></p>]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-last-chance-to-a-two-year-balance-transfer-credit-card/0013450/ Tue, 24, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-last-chance-to-a-two-year-balance-transfer-credit-card_0013450.aspx <![CDATA[Credit cards that offer 0% on purchases and balance transfers are a great way to spread the cost of a big purchase or to pay down existing credit card debt as you&nbsp;are not charged&nbsp;interest for the duration of the 0% offer.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-purchase-credit-card-zero-per-cent-for-eighteen-months/0013367/ Thu, 19, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-purchase-credit-card-zero-per-cent-for-eighteen-months_0013367.aspx <![CDATA[Santander is increasing the cost of going into the red for its Preferred and Everyday&nbsp;current account customers by raising its daily overdraft fees with effect from March 16.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/santander-to-raise-overdraft-charges/0013308/ Thu, 19, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/santander-to-raise-overdraft-charges_0013308.aspx <![CDATA[Borrowers can avoid paying interest on their debts for up to two years if they choose the right credit card - but remember to factor in balance transfer fees.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/find-the-right-balance-transfer-credit-card/0013280/ Wed, 18, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/find-the-right-balance-transfer-credit-card_0013280.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England base rate could stay at 0.50% until 2016 which is the last thing savers want to hear as it has already been at this historically low level since March 2009.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-west-brom-direct-bonus-account-three/0013279/ Wed, 18, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-west-brom-direct-bonus-account-three_0013279.aspx <![CDATA[January's base rate freeze came as no surprise after nearly three years of no change. In fact, some experts are now forecasting that interest rates will remain frozen at 0.5% until as late as 2016. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-go-for-a-fixed-or-variable-rate-mortgage/0013305/ Wed, 18, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-go-for-a-fixed-or-variable-rate-mortgage_0013305.aspx <![CDATA[Inflation dropped last month, providing a glimmer of hope to savers who have suffered months of soaring living costs eroding the value of their hard-earned cash.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/relief-for-savers-as-inflation-falls/0013306/ Wed, 18, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/relief-for-savers-as-inflation-falls_0013306.aspx <![CDATA[Every day in the UK, 331 people are declared insolvent or bankrupt, according to new figures from charity Credit Action. However, bankruptcy is still regarded as an extreme measure to get out of debt. Here we look at steps you can take to help avoid this outcome.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/deal-with-debt-now/0013255/ Tue, 17, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/deal-with-debt-now_0013255.aspx <![CDATA[There are some fantastic credit card deals available at the moment. The benefits on offer vary widely though, so it is vital to find the right one for your needs.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-credit-cards-for-two-thousand-and-twelve/0013199/ Wed, 11, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-credit-cards-for-two-thousand-and-twelve_0013199.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England base rate was held at 0.50% for the 35<SUP>th</SUP> month in a row today, but it's not all bad news for savers as savings rates continue to tick upwards.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/savings-rates-higher-than-a-year-ago/0013205/ Thu, 12, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/savings-rates-higher-than-a-year-ago_0013205.aspx <![CDATA[It is cheaper to own a home than it has been for a decade, yet many people continue to pay over the odds for their mortgages.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/mortgages-most-affordable-for-ten-years/0013198/ Wed, 11, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/mortgages-most-affordable-for-ten-years_0013198.aspx <![CDATA[With the dust settled on Virgin's acquisition of Northern Rock, the newest-formed bank on the high street, Virgin Money, is offering an easy access savings account paying 2.85%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-virgins-new-easy-access-account-paying-two-point-eight-five-per-cent/0013188/ Wed, 11, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-virgins-new-easy-access-account-paying-two-point-eight-five-per-cent_0013188.aspx <![CDATA[If you're thinking of taking out a personal loan, your own bank might be a natural first port of call - but it won't necessarily be the cheapest. Depending on how much you want to borrow, it could cost you more than if you were to shop around for a better rate.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/dont-pay-over-the-odds-for-your-loan/0013190/ Wed, 11, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-pay-over-the-odds-for-your-loan_0013190.aspx <![CDATA[If you're feeling the effects of overspending at Christmas, then reducing the amount of interest you're paying on existing credit card debts could help you get your finances back under control.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-natwest-platinum-credit-card/0013187/ Tue, 10, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-natwest-platinum-credit-card_0013187.aspx <![CDATA[Today marks the completion of Virgin's takeover of Northern Rock, the ailing bank which was taken into public ownership in 2008. Rebranded as Virgin Money bank, this week the brand launches two new 'straight-forward' savings accounts.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/northern-rock-acquisition-brings-new-savings-accounts/0012995/ Mon, 09, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/northern-rock-acquisition-brings-new-savings-accounts_0012995.aspx <![CDATA[If you're looking to sort out your finances this year, there are some key dates in 2012 which can help you get organised.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/financial-diary-dates-for-two-thousand-and-twelve/0012944/ Mon, 09, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/financial-diary-dates-for-two-thousand-and-twelve_0012944.aspx <![CDATA[Times were tight for most of us in 2011, and with little sign of things improving any time soon it's more important than ever to make your money work as hard as possible for you.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-you-can-save-more-than-one-thousand-pounds-in-two-thousand-and-twelve/0012734/ Thu, 05, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-you-can-save-more-than-one-thousand-pounds-in-two-thousand-and-twelve_0012734.aspx <![CDATA[Borrowers received some New Year cheer this week after loan rates dropped to as low as 6.0%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/loan-rates-fall-to-six-per-cent/0012862/ Thu, 05, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/loan-rates-fall-to-six-per-cent_0012862.aspx <![CDATA[Anyone who has made saving more one of their New Year's resolutions may want to consider the new West Bromwich WeBSave ISA 4.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-cash-isa-paying-three-point-zero-seven-per-cent-tax-free/0012722/ Wed, 04, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-cash-isa-paying-three-point-zero-seven-per-cent-tax-free_0012722.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of people will have run up credit card debts and overdrafts to help pay for Christmas and must now count the cost of their borrowing.<br />]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/best-ways-to-clear-christmas-debts/0012727/ Wed, 04, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/best-ways-to-clear-christmas-debts_0012727.aspx <![CDATA[Competition in the current account market has been hotting up in recent days, with several banks launching tempting incentives in an attempt to make us switch.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/new-year-current-account-offers/0012725/ Wed, 04, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/new-year-current-account-offers_0012725.aspx <![CDATA[The New Year is the perfect time to set yourself a savings goal - whether it's trying to build up some cash to pay for your summer break, putting money away for a property deposit or even saving up for Christmas next year.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/set-your-two-thousand-and-twelve-savings-goal/0012717/ Tue, 03, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/set-your-two-thousand-and-twelve-savings-goal_0012717.aspx <![CDATA[Thousands of young people struggling with debts are being forced to take drastic action because their money problems have spiralled out of control.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-escape-the-debt-trap/0012716/ Tue, 03, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-escape-the-debt-trap_0012716.aspx <![CDATA[The property market has proved remarkably resilient in recent months, despite the increasingly gloomy economic backdrop. House prices rose by 1% nationally in 2011according to Nationwide Building Society with London seeing the strongest growth at 5.5%. However, the picture was very different in Northern Ireland where property values dropped by 8.9%. But&nbsp;what does 2012 hold in store for homeowners and buyers?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-will-happen-to-house-prices-in-two-thousand-and-twelve/0012711/ Wed, 28, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-will-happen-to-house-prices-in-two-thousand-and-twelve_0012711.aspx <![CDATA[Once the Christmas and New Year party season comes to an end, many of us come back down to earth with a bump - especially if we have overspent on our festivities.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/new-year-financial-resolutions/0012710/ Wed, 28, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/new-year-financial-resolutions_0012710.aspx <![CDATA[Many of us will have racked up debts over Christmas, but the good news is that Barclaycard has just introduced a fantastic balance transfer card offering an introductory 0% period for two whole years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-24-month-0-percent-b-t-card/0012699/ Fri, 23, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-24-month-0-percent-b-t-card_0012699.aspx <![CDATA[Most of us are used to our banks paying paltry rates of interest on any money held in our current accounts, but HSBC has bucked this trend by offering a massive 6% to people switching their accounts.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-current-account-paying-6-percent-in-credit-interest/0012659/ Thu, 22, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-current-account-paying-6-percent-in-credit-interest_0012659.aspx <![CDATA[At this time of year, many of us will stop to think about those less fortunate than ourselves, yet often our gifts to charity only extend to dropping a few coins in collecting tins.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/best-ways-to-give-to-charity/0012654/ Thu, 22, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/best-ways-to-give-to-charity_0012654.aspx <![CDATA[With inflation still high and the Bank of England base rate showing no sign of rising any time soon, many savers are looking outside conventional savings accounts to generate returns.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/alternative-options-for-savers/0012646/ Wed, 21, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/alternative-options-for-savers_0012646.aspx <![CDATA[After what has been a pretty miserable year financially, most of us will be hoping that 2012 gets off to a better start.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/take-control-of-your-finances/0012644/ Wed, 21, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/take-control-of-your-finances_0012644.aspx <![CDATA[If you're one of the many who have found financing Christmas this year painful, then you can avoid money misery next year by starting&nbsp;to save&nbsp;now for Christmas 2012.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/save-ahead-for-christmas-two-thousand-and-twelve/0012633/ Thu, 15, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/save-ahead-for-christmas-two-thousand-and-twelve_0012633.aspx <![CDATA[The<strong> AA </strong>has thrown down the gauntlet to its savings account rivals with the launch of a new easy-access account paying a headline interest rate of 3.20% on &pound;1 or more.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-aa-launches-leading-savings-account/0012630/ Wed, 14, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-aa-launches-leading-savings-account_0012630.aspx <![CDATA[With 2011 nearly at an end, now's the time to start getting your finances in shape for 2012. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-barclaycard-platinum-with-extended-balance-transfer/0012629/ Wed, 14, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-barclaycard-platinum-with-extended-balance-transfer_0012629.aspx <![CDATA[Almost 10 million UK consumers will take on debt to cover the cost Christmas, according to new research by MoneySupermarket.com.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-keep-christmas-debt-in-check/0012628/ Wed, 14, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-keep-christmas-debt-in-check_0012628.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of us rely on plastic to help make ends meet, but as with any form of borrowing, you need to be careful, or you could end up paying back much more than you planned.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/Beat-your-credit-card-gripes/0012622/ Thu, 08, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Beat-your-credit-card-gripes_0012622.aspx <![CDATA[Most savers won't be sorry to see the back of 2011, with interest rates seemingly stuck at 0.5%, inflation running at more than double the government's 2% target and the continuing eurozone crisis.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/Savers-silver-lining/0012623/ Thu, 08, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Savers-silver-lining_0012623.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of people are turning to payday loans to help them cover the cost of Christmas in these difficult times. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/dont-lose-control-of-debts/0012618/ Thu, 08, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-lose-control-of-debts_0012618.aspx <![CDATA[In these difficult times, Chelsea Building Society's new 2.89% fixed rate mortgage can provide homeowners with peace of mind that their payments won't change for three more festive seasons to come.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-two-point-eight-nine-per-cent-three-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/0012611/ Wed, 07, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-two-point-eight-nine-per-cent-three-year-fixed-rate-mortgage_0012611.aspx <![CDATA[The loan war continues to rage, with peer-to-peer lender Zopa introducing a new market-leading deal for those looking to borrow &pound;7,500 over three years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-loan/12608/ Tue, 06, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-loan_12608.aspx <![CDATA[Anyone who has to file a tax return for the year ending April 5, 2011 has just over a month left to submit their forms - or risk being hit with a &pound;100 fine.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-complete-a-tax-return/0012615/ Wed, 07, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-complete-a-tax-return_0012615.aspx <![CDATA['Tis the season to be jolly' and here at MoneySupermarket we've got a sack load of treats on offer for anyone looking to save cash or scoop some fantastic prizes this Christmas.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/MoneySupermarket's-twelve-deals-of-Christmas/0012566/ Thu, 01, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/MoneySupermarket's-twelve-deals-of-Christmas_0012566.aspx <![CDATA[The January sales in 2012 will be even more anticipated than usual as UK households feel the pinch of rising winter bills and start to buffer against the prospect of a double-dip recession]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-get-even-more-cash-back-on-shopping-this-january0012573.aspx Thu, 01, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-get-even-more-cash-back-on-shopping-this-january0012573.aspx <![CDATA[High inflation and low interest rates have given savers little reason to celebrate recently, but <strong>Northern Rock </strong>provided some good news this week with the introduction of a new market-leading easy access account.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-three-point-one-six-per-cent-easy-access-account/0012556/ Wed, 30, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-three-point-one-six-per-cent-easy-access-account_0012556.aspx <![CDATA[With so many of us feeling the pinch this year, cash Christmas presents are likely to be more popular than ever - but make sure any money you receive earns as much interest as possible.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/best-homes-for-cash-christmas-presents/0012564/ Thu, 01, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/best-homes-for-cash-christmas-presents_0012564.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of us will shun the high street this year in favour of doing our Christmas shopping online]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/shoppers-flock-online/0012554/ Wed, 30, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/shoppers-flock-online_0012554.aspx <![CDATA[Christmas is less than a month away, but for many people the festive season can be a financially fraught time.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Avoid-a-festive-debt-hangover-0012548.aspx Wed, 30, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Avoid-a-festive-debt-hangover-0012548.aspx <![CDATA[The Autumn Statement was never going to be filled with festive cheer given current difficult economic conditions, but there were a few measures announced which will help those struggling to meet living costs.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-the-autumn-statement-means-for-you/0012530/ Tue, 29, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-the-autumn-statement-means-for-you_0012530.aspx <![CDATA[The loan war continues to rage, with rates on borrowing over &pound;7,500 the lowest they have been for four years. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/loan-rates-hit-four-year-low/0012499/ Fri, 25, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/loan-rates-hit-four-year-low_0012499.aspx <![CDATA[Halifax has thrown down the gauntlet to other credit card providers by launching the longest ever combined balance transfer and purchase card.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-longest-ever-balance-transfer-and-purchase-credit-card/0012488/ Thu, 24, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-longest-ever-balance-transfer-and-purchase-credit-card_0012488.aspx <![CDATA[New improvements are set to make banking fairer for millions of current account holders who are regularly stung by complicated and expensive fees on unauthorised overdraft borrowing.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/current-accounts-made-fairer-for-all/0012489/ Thu, 24, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/current-accounts-made-fairer-for-all_0012489.aspx <![CDATA[With the Bank of England expected to hold interest rates at 0.50% for at least another year many homebuyers and those remortgaging are looking to lock into a fixed rate mortgage for at least five years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/fix-your-mortgage-at-four-point-nine-nine-percent-for-ten-years/0012490/ Thu, 24, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/fix-your-mortgage-at-four-point-nine-nine-percent-for-ten-years_0012490.aspx <![CDATA[Hundreds of thousands of savers could be missing out on valuable returns because they have lost track of money in bank accounts that now pay little or no interest. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/could-you-have-a-forgotten-fortune/0012487/ Thu, 24, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/could-you-have-a-forgotten-fortune_0012487.aspx <![CDATA[First-time buyers struggling to get on the property ladder finally received some good news this week, after the government announced plans for a new affordable housing strategy.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/new-affordable-housing-plan-will-it-help-you/0012456/ Tue, 22, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/new-affordable-housing-plan-will-it-help-you_0012456.aspx <![CDATA[MANY of us will rely on plastic to help us cover all our Christmas costs, but if you do plan to pay this way, finding a credit card with a lengthy 0% introductory rate on spending should be a priority.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/buy-now-pay-nothing-for-eighteen-months/0012432/ Fri, 18, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/buy-now-pay-nothing-for-eighteen-months_0012432.aspx <![CDATA[We have a new high street bank. On Thursday Virgin Money finally succeeded in taking over Northern Rock, which means we'll have a new banking presence on the high street.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/new-bank-on-the-high-street/0012433/ Fri, 18, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/new-bank-on-the-high-street_0012433.aspx <![CDATA[Savers can earn up to 3.10% tax free and get instant access to their money following the launch of the latest issue of Nationwide's Online ISA.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-isa-rate/0012430/ Thu, 17, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-isa-rate_0012430.aspx <![CDATA[With one of the most expensive times of the year fast approaching, the last thing any of us want is for existing credit card debts to add to the already steep cost of Christmas.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-creation-launches-20-month-zero-per-cent-credit-card/0012431/ Thu, 17, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-creation-launches-20-month-zero-per-cent-credit-card_0012431.aspx <![CDATA[The festive season is fast-approaching, but many of us will be wondering exactly how we are going to cover all those Christmas costs.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/money-saving-christmas-tips/0012426/ Wed, 16, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/money-saving-christmas-tips_0012426.aspx <![CDATA[Inflation fell last month, providing a glimmer of hope to those struggling to cope with steep living costs, but offering little comfort for savers.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/has-inflation-peaked/0012429/ Wed, 16, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/has-inflation-peaked_0012429.aspx <![CDATA[UK interest rates might still be stuck at 0.5%, but the economic crisis in Europe is pushing up the cost of our mortgages with the best deals disappearing fast.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/act-now-to-snap-up-the-cheapest-mortgages/0012414/ Thu, 10, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/act-now-to-snap-up-the-cheapest-mortgages_0012414.aspx <![CDATA[There are plenty of cards which offer a great deal either on balance transfers or on purchases, but if you don't want the hassle of having two cards, you may want to consider one which combines both.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/best-credit-cards-for-purchases-and-balance-transfers/0012413/ Thu, 10, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/best-credit-cards-for-purchases-and-balance-transfers_0012413.aspx <![CDATA[Current economic uncertainty means it's more important than ever to have a savings cushion in place to protect yourself in the event that you lose your job.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-you-can't-afford-not-to-save/0012418/ Thu, 10, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-you-can't-afford-not-to-save_0012418.aspx <![CDATA[Savers who tie up their cash in fixed rate bonds will be used to receiving their interest when their accounts mature, but Santander has shaken things up with the launch of a bond which pays interest upfront.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-bond-that-pays-interest-upfront/0012409/ Wed, 09, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-bond-that-pays-interest-upfront_0012409.aspx <![CDATA[More than half of us have never got round to writing a will, despite the fact that dying without one could cause major stress for loved ones. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-you-should-write-a-will/0012412/ Wed, 09, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-you-should-write-a-will_0012412.aspx <![CDATA[You may have bought a poppy this year, but now you can do more for charity and earn a market-leading rate on your savings with a new account from Coventry Building Society.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/save-and-give-to-charity/0012402/ Fri, 04, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/save-and-give-to-charity_0012402.aspx <![CDATA[If you're a frequent flyer a credit card that rewards you with 'miles' each time you spend on it can be a hugely valuable and useful benefit. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/Best-airline-credit-cards/0012400/ Thu, 03, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Best-airline-credit-cards_0012400.aspx <![CDATA[With the Bank of England Base Rate stuck in 'freeze frame' at 0.5% and inflation hitting a record 5.2% in September, Britain's savers are feeling increasingly hard done by as they battle against low returns and high inflation.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-is-an-offset-mortgage/0012401/ Thu, 03, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-is-an-offset-mortgage_0012401.aspx <![CDATA[Having a poor credit rating can make life extremely difficult, but help may be at hand with the re-launch of Capital One's Classic Credit Card designed to help people improve their credit score.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-credit-card-that-helps-improve-your-credit-score/0012399/ Wed, 02, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-credit-card-that-helps-improve-your-credit-score_0012399.aspx <![CDATA[ONE in five of us now has a packaged bank account that we pay a monthly fee for, but many people don't - or can't - make the most of the benefits on offer.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/packaged-accounts-the-next-mis-selling-scandal/0012398/ Wed, 02, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/packaged-accounts-the-next-mis-selling-scandal_0012398.aspx <![CDATA[The loan war took off again on Friday after Sainsbury's slashed its loan rate to just 6.1% - the lowest rate we've seen since 2007. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-lowest-loan-rates-for-four-years/0012378/ Fri, 28, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-lowest-loan-rates-for-four-years_0012378.aspx <![CDATA[With Christmas fast approaching, many people will be looking for a credit card which offers them cashback on all their festive spending.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-get-ten-pounds-cashback-boost-with-a-capital-one-credit-card/0012374/ Thu, 27, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-get-ten-pounds-cashback-boost-with-a-capital-one-credit-card_0012374.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of us are struggling financially at the moment and will need to cover the cost of Christmas with a credit card.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-avoid-a-christmas-credit-card-hangover/0012370/ Wed, 26, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-avoid-a-christmas-credit-card-hangover_0012370.aspx <![CDATA[November 1 sees the launch of Junior individual savings accounts (ISAs) which will enable parents, grandparents, relatives and friends to build up a tax-free lump sum for their children.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/junior-isas-explained/0012371/ Wed, 26, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/junior-isas-explained_0012371.aspx <![CDATA[Times may be tough, but that isn't deterring savvy savers from making the most of their annual tax-free allowances.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/give-your-savings-a-tax-free-boost/0012372/ Wed, 26, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/give-your-savings-a-tax-free-boost_0012372.aspx <![CDATA[Rising unemployment is prompting increasing numbers of people to go it alone and set up their own businesses.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-for-setting-up-your-own-business/0012363/ Thu, 20, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-for-setting-up-your-own-business_0012363.aspx <![CDATA[The country has gone coupon crazy. Discount vouchers, codes, special offers, freebies - many of us won't go shopping these days unless we can also bag a bargain. And when did you last go out for a meal and pay full price?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-I-am-now-a-discount-queen/0012364/ Thu, 20, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-I-am-now-a-discount-queen_0012364.aspx <![CDATA[Soaring living costs combined with the looming expense of Christmas mean that many of us will have to rely on plastic to help us through the next few months.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-pick-the-right-credit-card/0012354/ Thu, 13, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-pick-the-right-credit-card_0012354.aspx <![CDATA[Banks and building societies are bending over backwards to tempt customers to switch their current accounts, with the <strong>Co-operative Bank </strong>the latest to offer a cash incentive.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-switch-current-account-and-get-two-hundred-pounds/0012360/ Wed, 19, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-switch-current-account-and-get-two-hundred-pounds_0012360.aspx <![CDATA[West Bromwich has launched a new Regular Saver account for adults paying a fixed rate of 4.10%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-earn-four-point-one-zero-per-cent-on-your-savings/0012353/ Wed, 12, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-earn-four-point-one-zero-per-cent-on-your-savings_0012353.aspx <![CDATA[Credit cards which charge 0% on balance transfers for the first few months are a great way to avoid paying interest on your debts - but remember to keep a note of when the 0% period ends.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-your-zero-per-cent-credit-card-offer-about-to-end/0012349/ Wed, 12, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-your-zero-per-cent-credit-card-offer-about-to-end_0012349.aspx <![CDATA[In the face of fresh economic uncertainty and rising living costs, it's little wonder that near three-quarters of us are worried about our current financial situation - but there are things you can do to help ease your money worries.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/ten-tips-to-beat-financial-woes/0012346/ Tue, 11, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/ten-tips-to-beat-financial-woes_0012346.aspx <![CDATA[With inflation continuing to soar, and interest rates still at record lows, savers face a real struggle to generate any sort of real returns. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-protect-your-savings-from-inflation/0012347/ Tue, 11, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-protect-your-savings-from-inflation_0012347.aspx <![CDATA[Like it or not, Christmas is just a few weeks away, and if you want to avoid the usual expensive last minute buying frenzy you should start preparing as soon as possible.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/countdown-to-christmas/0012345/ Tue, 11, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/countdown-to-christmas_0012345.aspx <![CDATA[With the world in the grip of another financial crisis, the Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King has warned it could be the worst ever.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-safe-is-your-bank/0003043/ Wed, 22, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-safe-is-your-bank_0003043.aspx <![CDATA[The loan war continues to rage, with HSBC announcing that it is slashing the representative APR on personal loans of between &pound;7,000 and &pound;15,000 from 6.9% to 6.4%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-hsbc-personal-loans/0012335/ Thu, 06, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-hsbc-personal-loans_0012335.aspx <![CDATA[Despite the economy having grown by just 0.1% in the second quarter of the year, the Bank of England has chosen to keep the base rate on hold at 0.5% again.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-is-quantitative-easing/0012342/ Thu, 06, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-is-quantitative-easing_0012342.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England base rate may have been held at 0.5% for the 25th consecutive month this week, but there was some good news for savers this week following the launch of a new market-leading individual savings account (ISA).]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-cash-ISA-paying-three-point-zero-seven-per-cent/0012339/ Thu, 06, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-cash-ISA-paying-three-point-zero-seven-per-cent_0012339.aspx <![CDATA[Financial pressures mean that increasing numbers of people are struggling to save every month, and risk leaving themselves with a savings time bomb later on in life.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/beware-the-savings-time-bomb/0012325/ Wed, 05, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/beware-the-savings-time-bomb_0012325.aspx <![CDATA[Thousands of savers with fixed rate bonds could lose out on hundreds of pounds in interest if they fail to act when their accounts expire. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/savings-returns-about-to-plummet/0012332/ Wed, 05, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/savings-returns-about-to-plummet_0012332.aspx <![CDATA[The cost of fixing your mortgage for two years has fallen to an all time low and Leeds Building Society is offering the chance to fix your mortgage payments at en eye-wateringly low rate of just 1.99%. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-fix-your-mortgage-at-one-point-nine-nine-per-cent/0012326/ Wed, 05, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-fix-your-mortgage-at-one-point-nine-nine-per-cent_0012326.aspx <![CDATA[Just when savers though things couldn't get any worse, recent days have seen a number of the leading fixed rate bonds pulled from the market and replaced with new deals offering lower rates of interest.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/theres-bad-and-good-news-for-savers/0012317/ Thu, 29, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/theres-bad-and-good-news-for-savers_0012317.aspx <![CDATA[There may still be three months to go before Christmas, but savvy shoppers are already thinking about buying presents.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/get-your-Christmas-credit-card/0012316/ Wed, 28, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/get-your-Christmas-credit-card_0012316.aspx <![CDATA[Ever-increasing financial pressures mean that one in four of us are now scared about opening our monthly bills, according to MoneySupermarket research. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/do-you-suffer-from-bill-phobia/0012313/ Wed, 28, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/do-you-suffer-from-bill-phobia_0012313.aspx <![CDATA[AFTER months of lenders only offering competitive deals to those with deposits of at least 25% to put down, is the tide finally starting to turn for first-time buyers?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/more-mortgage-choice-for-first-time-buyers/0012314/ Wed, 28, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/more-mortgage-choice-for-first-time-buyers_0012314.aspx <![CDATA[Billions of pounds have been wiped off the values of shares after stock markets suffered their biggest falls since the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers in September 2008, last week.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/q-and-a-what-is-happening-to-stock-markets/0012309/ Thu, 22, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/q-and-a-what-is-happening-to-stock-markets_0012309.aspx <![CDATA[There has been plenty of activity in the balance transfer credit card market recently, but relatively little movement when it comes to cards which offer consistently low standard rates - until now that is.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-sainsburys-new-low-rate-credit-card/0012308/ Thu, 22, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-sainsburys-new-low-rate-credit-card_0012308.aspx <![CDATA[One in four British workers spend a massive 40% or more of their wages repaying unsecured debts such as those held on credit cards and loans, according to new MoneySupermarket research.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tips-if-you-are-trying-to-clear-debt/0012303/ Thu, 22, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tips-if-you-are-trying-to-clear-debt_0012303.aspx <![CDATA[Halifax is launching a monthly prize draw giving savers the chance to win prizes of up to &pound;100,000. With savers suffering the effects of two-and-a-half years of low interest rates this is likely to be very attractive to people - look how popular Premium Bonds are.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/halifax-gives-savers-chance-to-win-500-000-a-month/0012310/ Thu, 22, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/halifax-gives-savers-chance-to-win-500-000-a-month_0012310.aspx <![CDATA[Banks and building societies do their upmost to tempt us with competitive headline rates of interest, but read the small print and you might find that your savings account comes with a catch.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/five-savings-catches-to-watch-out-for/0012298/ Wed, 21, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/five-savings-catches-to-watch-out-for_0012298.aspx <![CDATA[The idea of switching current accounts can seem like a lot of unnecessary hassle, but banks are offering increasingly tempting incentives to persuade us to move.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-three-hundred-pounds-for-switching-current-account/0012279/ Thu, 15, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-three-hundred-pounds-for-switching-current-account_0012279.aspx <![CDATA[Hundreds of thousands of savers risk missing out on the potential to earn higher returns elsewhere if they fail to keep a close eye on how much interest they are earning.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/which-is-the-best-savings-account-for-you/0012276/ Wed, 14, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/which-is-the-best-savings-account-for-you_0012276.aspx <![CDATA[Credit cards can be hugely useful when it comes to spreading the cost of large purchases; they can also help you to make big savings if you take advantage of the many cashback and rewards schemes on offer.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/ten-credit-card-tips/0012277/ Wed, 14, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/ten-credit-card-tips_0012277.aspx <![CDATA[The British banking system is facing a huge shake-up. The Independent Commission on Banking (ICB) has today published a long-awaited report that makes recommendations about radical changes to the structure of our high street banks.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-will-the-banking-reforms-mean-for-you/0012269/ Mon, 12, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-will-the-banking-reforms-mean-for-you_0012269.aspx <![CDATA[If you are looking for a credit card to spend on as well as to move a debt over from another card onto, then Virgin's two new credit cards that have an introductory offer on balance transfers and purchases could be worth a look.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-low-fee-balance-transfer-cards/0012263/ Thu, 08, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-low-fee-balance-transfer-cards_0012263.aspx <![CDATA[Earlier this year Capital One proved itself to be a serious contender in the cashback field when it re-launched its World MasterCard, abandoning its annual fee and offering a generous 5% cashback for the first 3 months.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-exclusive-new-0-per-cent-cashback-card/0012264/ Fri, 09, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-exclusive-new-0-per-cent-cashback-card_0012264.aspx <![CDATA[Petrol prices are sky-high and train fares are set to rocket next year, but there are ways to keep travel costs down.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/ten-ways-to-cut-transport-costs/0012253/ Wed, 07, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/ten-ways-to-cut-transport-costs_0012253.aspx <![CDATA[Banks are bending over backwards to tempt new customers, with Santander offering as much as &pound;300 if you switch your main current account to them.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/switch-current-account-and-earn-up-to-300/0012261/ Thu, 08, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/switch-current-account-and-earn-up-to-300_0012261.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee held the base rate at 0.50% again this month, marking two and a half years since it first dropped to this level.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/base-rate-held-again-but-savings-rates-rise/0012260/ Thu, 08, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/base-rate-held-again-but-savings-rates-rise_0012260.aspx <![CDATA[Recent days have seen a flurry of activity in the easy access account market, and rates are now more competitive than they have been for months.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-easy-access-account/0012256/ Thu, 08, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-easy-access-account_0012256.aspx <![CDATA[FIXED mortgage rates are cheaper than ever before, making it tempting to lock in for homebuyers and those looking to remortgage to lock in for as long as they possibly can.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-a-long-term-fixed-rate-mortgage-for-you/0012252/ Wed, 07, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-a-long-term-fixed-rate-mortgage-for-you_0012252.aspx <![CDATA[With many people feeling the pinch and struggling to cope with rising bills it's great when there are ways to offset some of the effect of spiralling prices. A new credit card from Santander could therefore prove popular.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-cashback-card-earn-3-per-cent-on-fuel/0012184/ Thu, 01, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-cashback-card-earn-3-per-cent-on-fuel_0012184.aspx <![CDATA[Higher energy bills, steeper food prices and soaring motoring costs have hit millions of us hard, so it's little wonder that many people are finding it a struggle to put money away every month.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-give-your-savings-a-boost/0012187/ Thu, 01, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-give-your-savings-a-boost_0012187.aspx <![CDATA[Renting rather than buying property could become the norm in the next few years unless more affordable housing is created, according to a new report from the National Housing Federation (NHF).]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/talking-point-buy-or-rent/0012183/ Wed, 31, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/talking-point-buy-or-rent_0012183.aspx <![CDATA[The summer holidays are finally over, but millions of families will soon be receiving credit card and bank statements reminding them exactly how much they have spent over the past few weeks.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/counting-the-cost-of-the-summer/0012178/ Wed, 31, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/counting-the-cost-of-the-summer_0012178.aspx <![CDATA[Rising mortgage arrangement fees were one of the main factors which pushed inflation up last month.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-choose-the-best-mortgage-for-you/0012163/ Thu, 25, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-choose-the-best-mortgage-for-you_0012163.aspx <![CDATA[Recent stock market turmoil has been perpetuated by mounting fears that the economy could slip back into recession.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/are-we-heading-back-to-recession/0012162/ Thu, 25, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/are-we-heading-back-to-recession_0012162.aspx <![CDATA[Most of us are saving up for something,&nbsp;whether it's a wedding, a deposit on a property, children's university fees or even retirement, but finding the best homes for your money to help you achieve your goal isn't always easy.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-achieve-your-savings-goal/0012159/ Thu, 25, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-achieve-your-savings-goal_0012159.aspx <![CDATA[The summer holidays are nearly over, but now parents face the cost of kitting their kids out for school.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/where-to-find-back-to-school-bargains/0012153/ Wed, 24, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/where-to-find-back-to-school-bargains_0012153.aspx <![CDATA[Interest rates could stay put at 0.5% until as late as 2013, according to latest forecasts, meaning that a tracker mortgage - which moves in line with interest rates - may be well worth considering. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-five-year-mortgage-from-chelsea/0012150/ Wed, 24, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-five-year-mortgage-from-chelsea_0012150.aspx <![CDATA[Just when it seemed loans couldn't get any cheaper, they have.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-m-and-s-launches-six-point-four-percent-loan/0012149/ Wed, 24, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-m-and-s-launches-six-point-four-percent-loan_0012149.aspx <![CDATA[The last summer Bank Holiday weekend is nearly upon us, and, if you haven't already made plans, then there are plenty of things you can do to make the most of the extra day off.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/best-bank-holiday-offers/0012114/ Thu, 18, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/best-bank-holiday-offers_0012114.aspx <![CDATA[American Express has long been known for its credit and charge cards that offer attractive reward and cashback schemes.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-amex-revamps-its-leading-cashback-card/0012112/ Thu, 18, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-amex-revamps-its-leading-cashback-card_0012112.aspx <![CDATA[Inflation rose again in July, providing yet more bad news for millions of people already struggling to cope with soaring living costs.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/whos-inflation-hitting-the-hardest/0012110/ Wed, 17, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/whos-inflation-hitting-the-hardest_0012110.aspx <![CDATA[House prices are falling further within the reach of first-time buyer affordability, according to new figures. But finding a mortgage to take advantage of this fact is still a tricky business...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-buy-cheap-property/0012108/ Wed, 17, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-buy-cheap-property_0012108.aspx <![CDATA[Thousands of students will take a gap year before starting university, but plenty of forward planning is vital if you don't want to run out of cash half way through your trip.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/money-tips-for-gap-year-travellers/0012106/ Tue, 16, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/money-tips-for-gap-year-travellers_0012106.aspx <![CDATA[With many economists now forecasting that the Bank of England base rate could remain static until 2013, seeking out the very best returns on your savings has never been more important. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-leading-two-year-fixed-rate-bond/0012104/ Fri, 12, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-leading-two-year-fixed-rate-bond_0012104.aspx <![CDATA[Banks are bending over backwards to encourage us to switch current accounts, with Santander offering a &pound;25 Amazon voucher AND &pound;100 if you use their switching service.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-exclusive-current-account-offer/0012103/ Thu, 11, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-exclusive-current-account-offer_0012103.aspx <![CDATA[Most of us are already struggling to make ends meet due to soaring living costs, but things are likely to get even worse before they get better. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tips-to-beat-inflation/0012102/ Thu, 11, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tips-to-beat-inflation_0012102.aspx <![CDATA[Stock market turmoil has left millions of people with pensions and investments wondering which way to turn.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-survive-stockmarket-turmoil/0012098/ Wed, 10, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-survive-stockmarket-turmoil_0012098.aspx <![CDATA[Credit rating agency Standard &amp; Poor's decision to downgrade the US government's rating from AAA to AA+ for the first time in history has sent global stock markets into shock.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-do-credit-ratings-mean/0012094/ Tue, 09, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-do-credit-ratings-mean_0012094.aspx <![CDATA[Summer can be an expensive time of year with holidays and family days out eating into your finances.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-best-credit-cards-for-spending/0012082/ Mon, 08, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-best-credit-cards-for-spending_0012082.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England may have held interest rates at 0.5% for the 29th consecutive month this week, but the cost of fixed rate mortgages is falling.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/lowest-ever-fixed-rate-mortgages/0012070/ Thu, 04, Aug 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/lowest-ever-fixed-rate-mortgages_0012070.aspx