http://www.moneysupermarket.com News from Moneysupermarket.com 15 en-us /newsandcommunity/img/news/ms-logo.gif http://www.moneysupermarket.com <![CDATA[A whole raft of savings providers have edged their rates downward in recent weeks, but it's certainly not all bad news for savers. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-post-office-launches-new-market-leading-easy-access-account/0014108/ Fri, 25, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-post-office-launches-new-market-leading-easy-access-account_0014108.aspx <![CDATA[Jubilee celebrations to mark 60 years of the Queen's reign are in full swing, providing welcome relief from all the economic doom and gloom of late.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/reign-over-your-finances/0014109/ Fri, 25, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/reign-over-your-finances_0014109.aspx <![CDATA[If you are making a necessary major purchase any time soon and would benefit from spreading the cost, there's some good news in store. The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and its sister bank, NatWest have launched two brand new credit cards, both of which offer a market leading 18 months 0% on purchases - and that's not even where the perks end. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-now-you-can-get-zero-percent-for-eighteen-months-on-purchases/0014104/ Thu, 24, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-now-you-can-get-zero-percent-for-eighteen-months-on-purchases_0014104.aspx <![CDATA['Passport, tickets, money... Passport, tickets, money...' That's been the memory-jogging mantra of holidaymakers for generations. Now we have to extend it to include 'mobile' because, for most of us, to head abroad without our phone would be unthinkable.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-use-your-smartphone-abroad/0014105/ Thu, 24, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-use-your-smartphone-abroad_0014105.aspx <![CDATA[It seems that summer has finally arrived and with the extended Jubilee Bank Holiday around the corner, it's all about barbecues, picnics, street parties and general fun.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/stock-up-for-summer/0014100/ Wed, 23, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/stock-up-for-summer_0014100.aspx <![CDATA[The escalating crisis in the eurozone has resulted in the pound going from strength to strength, with it recently hitting a three and a half year high against the euro.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-you-buy-your-euros-now/0014106/ Thu, 24, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-you-buy-your-euros-now_0014106.aspx <![CDATA[Savers looking to earn top rates of interest on their hard-earned cash can't afford to hang around as the best returns are disappearing fast.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-now-is-the-time-to-open-a-savings-account/0014099/ Wed, 23, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-now-is-the-time-to-open-a-savings-account_0014099.aspx <![CDATA[If your car has ever broken down you'll know just how stressful it can be to stand by your stricken vehicle waiting for the breakdown recovery service to arrive. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/dont-let-a-breakdown-drive-you-to-breaking-point/0014097/ Wed, 23, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-let-a-breakdown-drive-you-to-breaking-point_0014097.aspx <![CDATA[<em>'Neither a borrower nor a lender be,'</em> as Polonius famously advised his son Laertes in Shakespeare's Hamlet, written in 1602. And for nearly 400 years - right up until my grandparents' generation - the same mantra has largely applied. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-rise-of-the-greyday-loan/0014094/ Tue, 22, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-rise-of-the-greyday-loan_0014094.aspx <![CDATA[Traffic jams on roads to the coast, cremated barbecue food and shirtless supermarket-goers - just some of the things that annoy me about British summers. But at least we can get outside in the garden and enjoy a bit of sun.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/dont-drop-your-guard-in-the-summer-burglary-season/0014092/ Tue, 22, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-drop-your-guard-in-the-summer-burglary-season_0014092.aspx <![CDATA[Credit card companies offer all sorts of perks to get our business, such as cards that reward us for spending with cashback schemes or reward points.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/whats-best-cashback-or-rewards-credit-cards/0014093/ Tue, 22, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/whats-best-cashback-or-rewards-credit-cards_0014093.aspx <![CDATA[We normally write about extremes of weather as winter approaches.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-your-house-safe-from-weather-extremes/0014047/ Thu, 17, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-your-house-safe-from-weather-extremes_0014047.aspx <![CDATA[If you are fed up with the service or offerings from your existing current account provider, telephone and internet bank First Direct is offering an eye-catching &pound;125 incentive to switch to its 1st account - a deal which is exclusive to MoneySupermarket.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-switch-to-first-direct-and-pocket-one-hundred-and-twenty-five-pounds/0014046/ Thu, 17, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-switch-to-first-direct-and-pocket-one-hundred-and-twenty-five-pounds_0014046.aspx <![CDATA[Many of us fall short on cash when we are approaching payday. But exactly how you choose to plug the gap can make a world of difference to your pocket.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/should-a-credit-card-or-overdraft-tide-you-over/0014048/ Thu, 17, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/should-a-credit-card-or-overdraft-tide-you-over_0014048.aspx <![CDATA[We're all feeling the effects of having to tighten our purse strings and cut our spending.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-ten-money-mistakes/0014042/ Wed, 16, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-ten-money-mistakes_0014042.aspx <![CDATA[Economic turmoil in Europe has caused stock markets to plummet, the pound to strengthen against the euro and widespread alarm for those with savings, investments and overseas property holdings.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-does-the-euro-crisis-affect-you/0014038/ Wed, 16, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-does-the-euro-crisis-affect-you_0014038.aspx <![CDATA[In these difficult times, many of us simply aren't in a position to clear our credit card debts quickly.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-could-a-low-rate-credit-card-be-better-than-a-zero-percent-deal/0014043/ Wed, 16, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-could-a-low-rate-credit-card-be-better-than-a-zero-percent-deal_0014043.aspx <![CDATA[Energy firm SSE has been fined &pound;1.25million for misleading door-to-door sales practices. Doorstep selling is less common these days - most of the big energy firms have stopped doing it - but consumers could still be missing out on better deals because of the hard sell.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/have-you-lost-out-to-doorstep-energy-sellers/0014037/ Wed, 16, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/have-you-lost-out-to-doorstep-energy-sellers_0014037.aspx <![CDATA[Setting up a direct debit is the best way of making sure you save regularly, according to First Direct. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-saving-monthly-will-make-you-a-winner/0014045/ Wed, 16, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-saving-monthly-will-make-you-a-winner_0014045.aspx <![CDATA[We use Facebook to share photos with friends, Twitter to tell people what's on our mind and FourSquare to 'check in' to our favourite places, but are we sharing too much information via social networking sites? ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/stay-safe-in-a world-of-apps-and-social-networks/0014044/ Wed, 16, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/stay-safe-in-a world-of-apps-and-social-networks_0014044.aspx <![CDATA[Unless you're a pet owner or animal lover you may think I'm a bit mad, but my cat Queenie means the absolute world to me. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-pet-insurance-saved-me-over-one-thousand-pounds/0014035/ Tue, 15, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-pet-insurance-saved-me-over-one-thousand-pounds_0014035.aspx <![CDATA[While the number of uninsured drivers on Britain's roads has soared in recent years, most drivers would not get behind the wheel without the proper cover in place.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/are-you-really-insured-to-drive/0014036/ Tue, 15, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/are-you-really-insured-to-drive_0014036.aspx <![CDATA[Credit cards with perks such as cashback and rewards have traditionally been the preserve of those with excellent credit ratings. But things are changing. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-earn-nought-point-five-percent-cashback-despite-bad-credit/0013970/ Thu, 10, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-earn-nought-point-five-percent-cashback-despite-bad-credit_0013970.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England base rate stayed put this week at 0.50% but this is unremarkable news. Interest rates, which are agreed by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) every month, have not budged since March 2009. And many experts are forecasting no change for at least a further two years. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/dont-let-low-interest-rates-pass-you-by/0013972/ Thu, 10, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-let-low-interest-rates-pass-you-by_0013972.aspx <![CDATA[Sales of new and secondhand cars are rocketing, despite the economic gloom that is cloaking so much of the country.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/buying-a-car-get-the-best-insurance-deal/0013969/ Thu, 10, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/buying-a-car-get-the-best-insurance-deal_0013969.aspx <![CDATA[We're just over a month into the new tax year, and if you've yet to decide where to invest your 2012/13 allowance, the good news is there are plenty of competitive accounts to choose from.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-long-bonus-on-easy-access-isa/0013968/ Thu, 10, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-long-bonus-on-easy-access-isa_0013968.aspx <![CDATA[More than a third (37%) of Britons are more concerned about their financial situation as a result of the double-dip recession, according to a poll we carried out at MoneySupermarket.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tackle-the-recession-without-impacting-your-life/0013973/ Thu, 10, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tackle-the-recession-without-impacting-your-life_0013973.aspx <![CDATA[History tells us that energy firms tinkering with their tariffs often signals incoming price hikes, so with both Scottish Power and Npower each making changes to their tariffs, is now a good time to fix your energy prices?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/fix-your-energy-before-price-rises/0013967/ Wed, 09, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/fix-your-energy-before-price-rises_0013967.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of Britons are putting their homes and possessions at risk by failing to take out adequate home contents and buildings insurance, according to new research from MoneySupermarket.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/inadequate-home-cover-puts-millions-at-risk/0013964/ Wed, 09, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/inadequate-home-cover-puts-millions-at-risk_0013964.aspx <![CDATA[There are hundreds of different credit cards to choose from, which can make tracking down the right one to suit your needs seem like a daunting process.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/sift-out-the-best-credit-card-for-you/0013965/ Wed, 09, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/sift-out-the-best-credit-card-for-you_0013965.aspx <![CDATA[You might think a low interest rate environment is good for borrowers, but this isn't necessarily the case.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/whats-happening-to-mortgages/0013963/ Wed, 09, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/whats-happening-to-mortgages_0013963.aspx <![CDATA[With Euro 2012, the Olympic Games and a clutch of other sporting highlights, we're in for a cracking summer of sport this year. If you really want to do it justice, though, you'll need a telly which puts you right in the action.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tasty-tvs-in-time-for-a-summer-of-sport/0013959/ Tue, 08, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tasty-tvs-in-time-for-a-summer-of-sport_0013959.aspx <![CDATA[Radical government action has been announced to tackle the huge problem of fake or exaggerated whiplash claims submitted by drivers and passengers following car accidents. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/government-cracks-down-on-whiplash-cheats/0013955/ Thu, 03, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/government-cracks-down-on-whiplash-cheats_0013955.aspx <![CDATA[The Bank of England is widely expected to hold interest rates at 0.50% again next Thursday, but there is some good news for savers as rates on one-year fixed term bonds continue to tick up.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-fix-your-savings-at-three-point-five-percent-for-a-year/0013953/ Thu, 03, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-fix-your-savings-at-three-point-five-percent-for-a-year_0013953.aspx <![CDATA[Many consumers have no idea what a Continuous Payment Authority (CPA) is - but plenty have unwittingly signed up for one and are discovering that getting out again is both difficult and confusing.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/know-your-rights-about-continuous-payments/0013954/ Thu, 03, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/know-your-rights-about-continuous-payments_0013954.aspx <![CDATA[Discounts offered at the checkout in exchange for signing-up for the store's own-brand credit card can be tempting, but such cards are one of the most expensive forms of credit out there.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/dont-get-caught-in-the-store-card-trap/0013945/ Wed, 02, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-get-caught-in-the-store-card-trap_0013945.aspx <![CDATA[Have you booked a break to make the most of the long Jubilee weekend or the June half term next month? Are you starting to get excited about your long summer holiday? If so, buying sun cream and loading new books onto your Kindle may be top of your to-do list, but don't forget about travel insurance.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-travel-insurance-saved-us/0013951/ Wed, 02, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-travel-insurance-saved-us_0013951.aspx <![CDATA[The pound has hit a 22-month high against the Euro so now is a great time to get your travel money if you're planning to kick start the summer with some guaranteed overseas sunshine this June Bank Holiday.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/apply-for-your-holiday-credit-card-now/013947/ Wed, 02, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/apply-for-your-holiday-credit-card-now_013947.aspx <![CDATA[From the start of May, Barclaycard hiked up the interest-free term on its Platinum Balance Transfer card with Low Fee. Previously offering 16 months at a rate of 0% on all balances transferred to the card from a different provider, it will now offer 17 months. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-leading-low-cost-balance-transfer-card/0013948/ Wed, 02, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-leading-low-cost-balance-transfer-card_0013948.aspx <![CDATA[Saving should be even more of a priority now that we have slipped back into recession again.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/use-the-recession-to-kick-start-your-savings/0013952/ Wed, 02, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/use-the-recession-to-kick-start-your-savings_0013952.aspx <![CDATA[Accuracy is essential when buying home insurance. It is vital to give insurers spot-on information about your own circumstances and about the buildings and contents to be covered.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/get-your-facts-right-to-avoid-home-cover-headaches/0013946/ Wed, 02, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/get-your-facts-right-to-avoid-home-cover-headaches_0013946.aspx <![CDATA[With the dismal 'spring' weather making itself felt and the promise of worse to come, what better way to cheer ourselves up then with a bit of retail therapy? ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/revamp-your-summer-wardrobe-on-the-cheap/0013942/ Tue, 01, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/revamp-your-summer-wardrobe-on-the-cheap_0013942.aspx <![CDATA[Samsung reveals its much-hyped Galaxy S3 this week,&nbsp;looking to prove&nbsp;there's more to the smartphone market than just the iPhone.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/whats-the-best-smartphone/0013939/ Tue, 01, May 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/whats-the-best-smartphone_0013939.aspx <![CDATA[If you're immortal, you can skip this article. Same applies if you can 100% guarantee that you are never going to fall seriously ill.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-much-is-your-life-worth/0013934/ Thu, 26, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-much-is-your-life-worth_0013934.aspx <![CDATA[Amidst all the gloomy financial news this week, there were at least some glad tidings for anyone looking to take out a loan, after rates reached their lowest level for nearly five years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/loan-rates-fall-to-a-near-five-year-low/0013936/ Thu, 26, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/loan-rates-fall-to-a-near-five-year-low_0013936.aspx <![CDATA[Buying a home is as difficult as it's ever been.&nbsp; According to our research at MoneySupermarket, the average age young people expect to get on the property ladder is 37 - a clear sign of the tough economic climate taking its toll.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/ten-top-tips-for-buying-a-home/0013938/ Thu, 26, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/ten-top-tips-for-buying-a-home_0013938.aspx <![CDATA[Savvy savers want to earn as much interest as possible - but many don't have the time or the inclination to keep moving accounts in search of the best returns.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-best-savings-accounts-without-short-term-bonuses/0013933/ Wed, 25, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-best-savings-accounts-without-short-term-bonuses_0013933.aspx <![CDATA[If you were one of the thousands of people who were mis-sold payment protection insurance, you may be tempted to use a claims management company to help you recoup your losses.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-i-got-a-thirteen-hundred-ppi-refund/0013925/ Wed, 25, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-i-got-a-thirteen-hundred-ppi-refund_0013925.aspx <![CDATA[Keeping down the cost of your annual car insurance premium by agreeing to a pay a bigger amount towards any claim - something known as your voluntary excess - is very understandable. After all, in the past two years alone, car insurance premiums have risen by 8.8%, according to our figures at MoneySupermarket.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-perfect-your-motor-excess-balancing-act/0013924/ Wed, 25, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-perfect-your-motor-excess-balancing-act_0013924.aspx <![CDATA[United National Bank's one-year fixed rate deposit account is now paying a new-and-improved return of 3.45% AER (Annual Equivalent Rate). But why is this news? ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-fix-your-savings-at-three-point-four-five-per-cent-for-one-year/0013932/ Wed, 25, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-fix-your-savings-at-three-point-four-five-per-cent-for-one-year_0013932.aspx <![CDATA[MBNA's hike to the cost of some of its credit card fees at the end of April, might only affect a minority of its customers, but it serves as a timely reminder of just how expensive your flexible friend can be.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-sidestep-credit-card-fees/0013926/ Wed, 25, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-sidestep-credit-card-fees_0013926.aspx <![CDATA[The UK has returned to recession after the economy shrank by 0.2% over the first three months of the year.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/double-dip-recession-what-does-it-mean-for-me/0013927/ Wed, 25, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/double-dip-recession-what-does-it-mean-for-me_0013927.aspx <![CDATA[Apple is to face a lawsuit in the United States from angry parents who have seen their children rack up huge bills by downloading so-called 'bait-apps' from iTunes. And this is something I have first-hand experience of as my six-year-old ran up a bill of nearly &pound;200 on my iTunes account by doing exactly that.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/beware-of-apple-bait-apps/0013868/ Tue, 24, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/beware-of-apple-bait-apps_0013868.aspx <![CDATA[As Barclaycard makes further moves into contactless payment with its new sticky 'PayTag' technology, it certainly seems that contactless payments are here to stay.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/where-next-for-contactless-purchasing/0013915/ Tue, 24, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/where-next-for-contactless-purchasing_0013915.aspx <![CDATA[Car insurance groups play a huge part in determining the size of your motor premium. But do you know which group your vehicle falls into - and why it's in one and not another? And how much difference would it make to the cost of your premium if you switched to driving a car in a different group? ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/getting-to-grips-with-car-insurance-groups/0013840/ Fri, 20, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/getting-to-grips-with-car-insurance-groups_0013840.aspx <![CDATA[The price of property is a subject close to the nation's heart. After all, if you are a homeowner or want to be one at any point in the future, the state of the property market will directly affect you. So what's happening now and what is the outlook? We step back and take a measured look.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/whats-in-store-for-house-prices/0013841/ Fri, 20, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/whats-in-store-for-house-prices_0013841.aspx <![CDATA[Last month's rise in inflation shows that savers can't afford to take their eye off the ball.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-maximise-savings-returns-with-a-two-year-fixed-rate-isa/0013837/ Thu, 19, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-maximise-savings-returns-with-a-two-year-fixed-rate-isa_0013837.aspx <![CDATA[The total cost for one adult to attend a football match is now a staggering &pound;112.87 once ticket travel and other expenses have been taken into account, according to a recent study by Virgin Money. And it's not just football fans that are being squeezed as a weekend ticket to the Leeds or Reading festival will set you back a whopping &pound;197.50.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/are-you-being-priced-out-of-entertainment/0013839/ Thu, 19, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/are-you-being-priced-out-of-entertainment_0013839.aspx <![CDATA[There's good news in store for credit card holders who have existing debt languishing on their plastic. MBNA is returning to the market from Monday, April 23 with its Balance Transfer credit card having pulled the deal temporarily in September last year. The card offers a rate of 0% for a generous 20 months on debt transferred from another card. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-mbna-makes-20-month-balance-transfer-comeback/0013838/ Thu, 19, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-mbna-makes-20-month-balance-transfer-comeback_0013838.aspx <![CDATA[If you're building a conservatory, extending your home or knocking through a wall to combine two rooms, did you know you could accidentally invalidate your home insurance in the process?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/dont-let-home-improvements-damage-your-insurance/0013831/ Wed, 18, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-let-home-improvements-damage-your-insurance_0013831.aspx <![CDATA[A 64GB smartphone or mp3 player can hold around 14,000 songs and a Kindle e-reader stores up to 3,500 books - but what happens to all those albums and novels if you lose your device or destroy it beyond all repair?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/are-your-digital-downloads-insured/0013836/ Wed, 18, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/are-your-digital-downloads-insured_0013836.aspx <![CDATA[Whether you're out shopping, paying your bills or booking a holiday, chances are you rely on your current account on a daily basis.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-switch-to-a-better-current-account/0013832/ Wed, 18, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-switch-to-a-better-current-account_0013832.aspx <![CDATA[Credit cards can be a great financial tool. Not only do they allow you to spread the cost of purchases, they also offer rewards for spending and increased protection against fraud.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-peril-of-misusing-your-credit-card/0013830/ Wed, 18, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-peril-of-misusing-your-credit-card_0013830.aspx <![CDATA[Just when savers thought they could breathe a sigh of relief that inflation is falling, the cost of living has nudged up again. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-savers-can-tackle-inflation/0013829/ Wed, 18, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-savers-can-tackle-inflation_0013829.aspx <![CDATA[Smart meters are new energy meters designed to help reduce our household energy consumption and cut our bills by enabling us to us to monitor, in real time, exactly how much gas and electricity we're using.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/time-to-get-smart-about-smart-meters/0013833/ Wed, 18, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/time-to-get-smart-about-smart-meters_0013833.aspx <![CDATA[If you pay your credit card off in full each month a card that rewards you for your spending is well worth taking advantage of. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-capital-one-launches-new-range-of-cashback-cards/0013828/ Fri, 13, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-capital-one-launches-new-range-of-cashback-cards_0013828.aspx <![CDATA[Homeowners have spent more than three years basking in the glory of the cheapest mortgage rates on record - but the climate is changing.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/act-now-to-beat-rising-mortgage-rates/0013826/ Thu, 12, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/act-now-to-beat-rising-mortgage-rates_0013826.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of British drivers are breaking the law, or would consider doing so, by 'fronting' a car insurance policy.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/millions-break-the-law-to-get-cheaper-car-cover/0013822/ Wed, 11, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/millions-break-the-law-to-get-cheaper-car-cover_0013822.aspx <![CDATA[The new tax year has begun, and with a range of new tempting ISAs up for grabs it's definitely a case of the early bird catches the worm.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/get-yourself-an-early-bird-ISA/0013821/ Wed, 11, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/get-yourself-an-early-bird-ISA_0013821.aspx <![CDATA[Virgin's new Collections offering, which starts at &pound;20 a month, is designed to bring superfast broadband to the masses while its TiVo service is being promoted as the first 'truly connected' TV package. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/virgin-ups-its-game-on-tv-and-broadband/0013823/ Wed, 11, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/virgin-ups-its-game-on-tv-and-broadband_0013823.aspx <![CDATA[From the start of the new tax year on April 6, savers are permitted to stash a new and improved &pound;5,640 into a cash ISA, without paying a penny of tax on the interest they earn.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-santanders-three-point-five-percent-one-year-fixed-rate-ISA/0013825/ Wed, 11, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-santanders-three-point-five-percent-one-year-fixed-rate-ISA_0013825.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of people are paying more than they need to&nbsp;for their gas and electricity because they have been on the same price plan for years even though there are cheaper deals available. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-switching-energy-deal-set-to-get-easier/0013821/ Wed, 11, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-switching-energy-deal-set-to-get-easier_0013821.aspx <![CDATA[Cash-strapped consumers are struggling to make ends meet as they battle with rising prices, particularly food and fuel bills. The latest figures show that the Consumer Price Indices measure of inflation is now at 3.4%. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-true-cost-of-raising-a-child/0013820/ Tue, 10, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-true-cost-of-raising-a-child_0013820.aspx <![CDATA[Ask someone what they think of credit cards and they'll probably tell you one of two things. They'll either recommend credit cards as an indispensable, convenient way to pay for things or they'll tell you to steer well clear.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-dos-and-donts-of-using-a-credit-card/0013819/ Tue, 10, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-dos-and-donts-of-using-a-credit-card_0013819.aspx <![CDATA[Cashback deals on financial products are in vogue following the huge promotional push behind the Santander 123 current account earlier this year. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-barclaycard-offers-three-percent-cashback-for-small-businesses/0013809/ Wed, 04, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-barclaycard-offers-three-percent-cashback-for-small-businesses_0013809.aspx <![CDATA[The Post Office has announced that its new Premier Cash ISA will offer a tax-free variable interest rate of 3.01% AER and will be available from the start of the new tax year on April 6.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-the-post-offices-premier-cash-isa/0013808/ Wed, 04, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-the-post-offices-premier-cash-isa_0013808.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of us will spend time sprucing up our homes with a spot of DIY over the Easter break, but don't neglect the more boring maintenance jobs, or you could risk hefty repair bills later on.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/give-your-home-an-mot/0013810/ Wed, 04, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/give-your-home-an-mot_0013810.aspx <![CDATA[The arrival of the warmer weather has banished thoughts of Christmas far from our minds. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/still-paying-for-christmas/0013803/ Tue, 03, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/still-paying-for-christmas_0013803.aspx <![CDATA[The start of the new tax year (2012/2013) arrived on April 6, which makes it an ideal time to get your personal finances in order.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/happy-new-tax-year/0013805/ Tue, 03, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/happy-new-tax-year_0013805.aspx <![CDATA[The Easter break is the perfect time to start thinking about building a savings nest egg.&nbsp;With most of us still feeling the pinch thanks to steep living costs and government spending cuts, it's vital that everyone has some savings in place, but it can be difficult finding time to hunt out the best accounts.<br />]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/kick-start-your-savings-with-an-easter-nest-egg/0013807/ Tue, 03, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/kick-start-your-savings-with-an-easter-nest-egg_0013807.aspx <![CDATA[Rising fuel costs and gridlocked city centres can make motorbikes an appealing option for anyone wanting to get around town.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/revving-up-for-summer-with-cheap-bike-cover/0013802/ Tue, 03, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/revving-up-for-summer-with-cheap-bike-cover_0013802.aspx <![CDATA[Under European Union (EU) law, energy efficiency labels are mandatory for new appliances such as TVs, washing machines, tumble dryers, fridges, freezers and dishwashers. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/save-money-and-power-with-efficient-appliances/0013799/ Mon, 02, Apr 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/save-money-and-power-with-efficient-appliances_0013799.aspx <![CDATA[Blue skies, warm sun, gentle breezes... Britain has basked in unseasonably warm weather of late, allowing drivers of convertibles to put the roof down at last. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-for-summer-driving/0013794/ Fri, 30, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-for-summer-driving_0013794.aspx <![CDATA[If you are in the process of buying your first home, it might feel something of a wrench that you have just missed the government's Stamp Duty concession which expired on March 24. For two years up until that date, first-time buyers were able to avoid the 1% property tax on homes priced between &pound;125,000 and &pound;250,000, leaving them a potential &pound;2,500 better off. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-claw-back-up-to-two-thousand-five-hundred-pounds-lost-in-stamp-duty/0013793/ Fri, 30, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-claw-back-up-to-two-thousand-five-hundred-pounds-lost-in-stamp-duty_0013793.aspx <![CDATA[If you're not going away over the Easter holidays, you may be struggling to think of ways to keep the kids entertained. But you don't need to get on a plane to have fun; there are plenty of options on our doorstep that will keep both you and the children amused.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-ten-easter-days-out-that-wont-break-the-bank/0013795/ Fri, 30, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-ten-easter-days-out-that-wont-break-the-bank_0013795.aspx <![CDATA[EDF Energy has thrown down the gauntlet to the other Big Six suppliers by launching a new tariff that, according to the company, will focus firmly on the needs of both the consumer and the environment.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/edf-shakes-up-a-beleaguered-energy-market/0013796/ Fri, 30, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/edf-shakes-up-a-beleaguered-energy-market_0013796.aspx <![CDATA[Capital One is offering an exclusive credit card deal through MoneySupermarket, which gives customers looking to build up their credit score the kind of interest break typically reserved for those with best credit scores. We take a look at the small print to see if the card could work for you... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-exclusive-0-percent-on-purchases-with-capital-one/0013792/ Thu, 29, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-exclusive-0-percent-on-purchases-with-capital-one_0013792.aspx <![CDATA[Savers with a large lump sum to invest who have already used this year's ISA allowance may want to consider Cahoot's new one-year fixed rate bond paying a generous 3.65%.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-one-year-bond-paying-three-point-six-five-percent/0013789/ Wed, 28, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-new-market-leading-one-year-bond-paying-three-point-six-five-percent_0013789.aspx <![CDATA[If you've ever bought any sort of insurance product, you'll know that insurers clamber to offer all sorts of optional extras - at a price. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/are-bells-and-whistles-on-your-home-insurance-policy-worth-the-cost/0013782/ Wed, 28, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/are-bells-and-whistles-on-your-home-insurance-policy-worth-the-cost_0013782.aspx <![CDATA[A staggering 65% of Britons are putting their lives on hold as a direct result of the financial climate, according to new figures from MoneySupermarket.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-your-life-in-limbo-because-you-are-strapped-for-cash/0013781/ Wed, 28, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-your-life-in-limbo-because-you-are-strapped-for-cash_0013781.aspx <![CDATA[There are just a few days to go before the end of the tax year, so if you haven't used this year's allowance you'll need to hurry if you want to beat the April 5 deadline.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/isa-allowance-use-it-now-or-lose-it/0013785/ Wed, 28, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/isa-allowance-use-it-now-or-lose-it_0013785.aspx <![CDATA[Men may be from Mars and women from Venus, but do the planets align where our spending habits are concerned?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/credit-cards-and-the-great-gender-divide/0013788/ Wed, 28, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/credit-cards-and-the-great-gender-divide_0013788.aspx <![CDATA[Easter's a great time to get out on the road and visit somewhere new, and many of us rely on a trusty sat nav to get where we need to go - but how do you pick one which won't direct you into a river or oncoming traffic?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/get-where-youre-going-this-easter-with-the-right-sat-nav/0013784/ Wed, 28, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/get-where-youre-going-this-easter-with-the-right-sat-nav_0013784.aspx <![CDATA[The number of complaints about Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) mis-selling has rocketed, according to the latest complaints report from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) - up by a whopping 85% in the second half of 2011 to 977,000.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/have-you-been-mis-sold-PPI-heres-how-to-claim/0013783/ Wed, 28, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/have-you-been-mis-sold-PPI-heres-how-to-claim_0013783.aspx <![CDATA[The clocks have gone forward, the flowers are in bloom and the year's spring home-moving season is now upon us too. But if you are looking at swapping your home for a new one and want to pack your mortgage in your case too, it might not be as easy as you think. Here, we take a look at the potential pitfalls you could encounter and how to prepare for them in advance.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/moving-home-moving-mortgage/0013753/ Fri, 23, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/moving-home-moving-mortgage_0013753.aspx <![CDATA[One of the more positive announcements in this year's Budget was the launch of a scheme aimed at giving the nation's small businesses a boost by offering them cheaper loans - but not all firms will be eligible.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/give-your-business-a-boost/0013748/ Thu, 22, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/give-your-business-a-boost_0013748.aspx <![CDATA[Transferring the balance from your current credit card to take advantage of a 0% balance transfer offer from another provider could be a big part of your financial spring clean. However, if your application is rejected,&nbsp; this&nbsp; will leave a 'footprint' on your credit report, which can have a negative effect upon your credit score and leave you with a nasty financial headache.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-be-accepted-for-a-credit-card/0013751/ Thu, 22, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-be-accepted-for-a-credit-card_0013751.aspx <![CDATA[As expected, there was little in the way of giveaways by the Chancellor in this year's Budget.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/be-your-familys-own-chancellor/0013750/ Thu, 22, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/be-your-familys-own-chancellor_0013750.aspx <![CDATA[The freedom that comes with driving is something many of us take for granted. For elderly motorists, it can be a real lifeline, providing mobility they wouldn't otherwise enjoy. However, according to a report from RIAS, the over 50s motor insurance provider, one in four Brits believe motorists should hang up their keys at age 75, 70, or even younger. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-older-drivers-should-shop-around-for-cover/0013746/ Thu, 22, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-older-drivers-should-shop-around-for-cover_0013746.aspx <![CDATA[The end of the tax year is almost upon us and, in a last gasp attempt to get us to invest, interest rates on cash ISAs are getting more competitive.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/focus-on-cheshires-improved-easy-access-isa-now-paying-three-point-five-percent/0013749/ Thu, 22, Mar 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/focus-on-cheshires-improved-easy-access-isa-now-paying-three-point-five-percent_0013749.aspx