debt

The number of mortgage approvals rose in May despite rising interest rates and house prices, according to the Bank of England.

Consumers consolidating debts into their monthly mortgage repayments could be making an "expensive mistake", according to personal finance data analyst Moneynet.co.uk.

One in six people rely on an inheritance windfall to fund their future, according to research from Lincoln Financial Group.

Proposals for a national financial advice service would boost all aspects of consumer savings, suggests a study published today.

Debt problems have increased by 15% in January, compared to a year ago, while 66% of people taking out consolidation loans use them as a "licence to go spending again".

Unsecured loans still offer the best interest rates for borrowers but a shift in the pricing of homeowner loans means some borrowers may now be able to get similar rates for loans of less than £25,000.

Interest rates would have to rise to 8.5% before borrowers start to feel the same level of financial strain as experienced in 1990, claims Alliance & Leicester.

Confidence in personal finances among mortgage holders is at a four-year low, says polling firm Ipsos MORI.

The government has announced a service that will be aimed at providing consumers, including those on low incomes, with "quick, easy and simple access" to good quality advice on financial products.

Evidence the UK economy is like a candle being burned at both ends is being firmly ignored, if figures published by industry research, consultancy and representative organisations.