Debt levels high; confidence levels low

9 December 2008
The latest figures from Nationwide show that consumer confidence fell in November.... read more »

30% of adults concerned about ability to manage debt

5 December 2008
Almost a third of adult Britons are concerned about their ability to manage debt, MoneyExpert has stated.... read more »

Online shopping to rise 10%

3 December 2008
New research suggests that total online spending this year will be 10% higher than last year’s levels, despite the current uncertainty in the economy.... read more »

Debt: cost of running a household rises to £459 per week

1 December 2008
The Family Spending Survey shows that the weekly cost of running a household for the average family rose from £406.20 to £459.20 – 13% – in just five years.... read more »

Consumers need to rely on loans less, expert warns

7 November 2008
In order to return to a more stable financial situation, the UK needs to reach a situation where consumers are saving more money and are less reliant on loans and credit, it has been suggested.... read more »

Debt causing stress among consumers, report says

28 October 2008
A new report has found that increasing numbers of Britons are seeking medical help as a result of stress they are experiencing due to debt.... read more »

What types of debt help are there?

28 November 2008

For people looking for a way out of debt, there are a number of debt solutions to suit different circumstances. The range of options can be confusing – so it helps to have a good knowledge of the various types of debt help available.

Here we look at the range of debt help and solutions that could help you become debt-free once again.

No disposable income for quarter of families in 2009

6 January 2009
A new survey has suggested that increasing numbers of British families will be left with no disposable income in 2009, as unemployment rises and the burden of paying bills and repaying debts continues to grow.... read more »

2008 car sales down 11.3%

8 January 2009
New figures have shown that the number of new cars sold in 2008 fell by 11.3% compared with 2007 – a sign of shifting consumer attitudes as the economy continues to struggle and consumers look to avoid getting into debt.... read more »

Debt management at the Open University

13 January 2009
A free online course on debt management is being provided by the Open University, to help people cope with the effects of the recession.... read more »

London retail sales fall for fourth consecutive month

20 January 2009
A new report has shown the fourth consecutive month of falling retail sales figures for central London, with retailers reporting the worst Christmas figures since 2004.... read more »

Sharp rise in food inflation in 2008

21 January 2009
New figures show that growth in food prices rose well above the overall rate of inflation in 2008.... read more »

Debt consolidation loans: £3 billion by Easter

26 January 2009
The first three months of 2009 could see 250,000 debt consolidation loans taken out, with a total value of almost £2.93 billion, it has been has estimated.... read more »

Insurance company reports falling sales

28 January 2009
Insurance group Friends Provident has reported a significant fall in sales over the past year, as a result of the problems in the economy and the financial markets.... read more »

Christmas debt to linger

29 January 2009
Last November, a poll by Sainsbury’s Finance revealed that almost half of the people questioned expected to take more than a month to pay off their Christmas debt.... read more »

Education ‘key’ to combating debt problems

30 January 2009
A new study has suggested that financial education could play a key part in combating rising debt and insolvency levels in the UK.... read more »

Debt in Scotland: LILA cases ‘may top 10,000 in first year’

4 February 2009
Last year, the Government introduced legislation allowing Low Income, Low Asset (LILA) borrowers in Scotland to petition for bankruptcy themselves.... read more »

Debt collection: what are my rights?

3 July 2008

If you have one or more unpaid debts and you have received more than one letter from your creditor demanding repayment, it’s likely that you will be contacted by a debt collection agency, who will aim to get the money back on behalf of your creditors.

Being caught up in the debt collection process is often distressing. If you can’t afford to repay your debts, the best course of action is to contact an expert debt adviser, who will be able to talk you through a range of options to see which one is most suitable for you.

But if it does get to the stage where debt collectors are calling, it’s important to know your rights to ensure you are fairly treated.

Some credit cards raise interest on existing debt

9 March 2009
Some credit card providers are raising the interest rate they charge existing customers on the debt they`ve already run up.... read more »

Debt repayment levels `highest since records began`

1 April 2009
New figures from the Bank of England have shown the biggest net repayment of consumer debts since records began in 1993.... read more »