Featured
The HBOS crisis – what was it all about?
Just before the Easter break there was chaos in the stock markets in the UK, with HBOS dominating the headlines following rumours that it was on the brink of collapse. However, it emerged that what had actually happened was an alarming scam involving rumours started by unscrupulous stock brokers determine to make a profit on the stock market no matter what it takes.
Popularity: 26% [?]
Judge has not yet delivered ruling on bank charges
Over the past couple of years the rows and controversy over the charges that banks apply to the accounts of customer’s have been getting more pronounced. The charges referred to are those for exceeding the credit limit, and for bounced cheques and returned direct debits. Campaigners claimed that dealing with these things only cost the banks between £2 and £5 yet the banks were applying fees of around £30-£40 per charge to the customer.
Popularity: 51% [?]
Do you need a basic bank account or a current account?
An increasing number of banks have started to offer basic bank accounts over recent years, and these basic accounts are often known by different names depending on which bank you go through. A basic bank account, as the name suggests, is a more basic version of a current account, and let you run your day to day finances but with certain restrictions in place.
Popularity: 66% [?]
What does the bank charge High Court test case mean for consumers?
Earlier this week the eagerly awaited High Court test case relating to bank charges in the UK began. Bank charges have been at the centre of controversy for a couple of years now, ever since campaigners and regulators pointed out that banks were charging consumers far more than it was actually costing the banks for exceeding overdraft limits, for bounced cheques, and for returned direct debits. Some banks were charging consumers close to £40 per fee, whereas the actual cost to the bank is thought to be between £2 and £5.
Popularity: 63% [?]
Making use of price comparison sites
Price comparison websites have become extremely popular across the UK over the past couple of years, and these sites have made it easier and more convenience for consumers all across the nation to save a huge amount of money on a variety of services. These price comparison sites are one of the many services that have been made hugely popular as a result of the booming popularity of the Internet, and millions of people now access these sites in order to save money and increase convenience.
Popularity: 47% [?]
Things to avoid when selling your home
Selling your home can be a difficult task at the moment, with a combination of a slow housing market, lower first time buyer interest, falling house prices, and tight credit conditions all working against those wishing to sell up and move on.
Popularity: 39% [?]
Why your home is at greater risk over Christmas and New Year
We all know that there are certain times of year when your home is at greater risk from one disaster or another. When you go on holiday and forget to redirect post of cancel milk or paper potential burglars can quickly see that the home is most likely empty. During bad weather conditions, homes in certain areas are likely to be at far greater risk of severe damages. And during the Christmas period homes in all areas are at greater risk, not just from burglars but also from accidental damage that could prove very costly.
Popularity: 33% [?]
What does the interest rate cut mean for you?
In December the Bank of England announced the news that many homeowners and industry professionals had been waiting for - that the base interest rate was to be dropped by 0.25% following several months of sitting at 5.75%. In August 2006 the base rate had stood at 4.5% but a series of five interest rate rises between August 2006 and July 2007 saw the base rate shoot up by 1.25% to 5.75%. This left many people struggling with repayments on their mortgages, and saw the level of repossessions rise in the UK.
Popularity: 37% [?]
More about HIPs
Home Information Packs have caused a lot of controversy since they were introduced earlier this year. According to the government and officials involved in the implementation of HIPs these packs are designed to make life easier and make buying and selling property a simpler and smoother process. However, this is not how many homeowners and estate agents see it, and many have been up in arms about what they class as a needless process that costs money and time.
Popularity: 27% [?]
Increasing the value of your home
Your home is one of the most important purchases you will every make, and for most people is one of the largest investments they will ever make. This is why most homeowners are keen to keep their homes in good condition and adding to the value of their properties in order to make this major investment work for them. Property prices in the UK have rocketed over recent years, and those that purchased property when prices were lower have seen their investment value go through the roof.
Popularity: 25% [?]