News by: Michelle McGagh
Tutition fees increase will cost taxpayers £1 billion a year
New figures show that the government's plan to increase tuition fees to £9,000 a year will actually increase the cost to the taxpayer.
Rents rise again despite more tenants falling into the red
Nearly 10% of rent in England and Wales was unpaid in April, but rents still rose 0.5%.
Payday loans trap one in five in 'downward spiral of debt'
Which? calls for tighter regulation of payday loans after a survey reveals 20% of people cannot afford to pay back their loans.
Jubilee bank holiday: how much is it worth?
The extra day off for the jubilee will cost you £100, a survey reveals, but still 74% of people want the extra day to be made permanent.
400,000 more households to fall into fuel poverty this year
Consumer groups warn that the government is failing to tackle the increasing number of households falling into fuel poverty.
Inheritance tax guide: what is a trust and how does it work?
Following our guide on avoiding inheritance tax, we look at the trusts that can be set up and how they can benefit you and your family.
Can I give away my home to avoid inheritance tax?
In most cases the home makes up a large part of an estate for inheritance tax purposes, but you have to be careful if you try to give away your property to reduce the bill.
Only 20% of retirees able to fund cost of ill-health
Just one in five people retiring this year has made financial provision for the cost of ill-health in old age.
Don't get hooked by unregulated funds, warns FSA
The FSA is clamping down on unauthorised collective investment schemes (Ucis), saying investors should go for regulated funds instead.
Fixed-term annuities could leave pensioners in a fix, warns insurer
Legal & General has warned the City regulator about the risks of temporary 'fixed term annuities', which are growing in popularity due to low lifetime annuity rates.
How to avoid inheritance tax
There is nothing certain but death and taxes, and that HMRC will try to levy this death tax on your estate when you're gone. Make sure you limit the amount of tax your family has to pay.
Q&A: the truth about public sector pensions
More than 400,000 public sector employees are striking over changes to their pension scheme. But is the action justified?
Insider dealer told to pay up or face longer prison spell
Rupinder Sidhu has been told to pay £570,000 to the City regulator after he was found guilty of insider dealing and sentenced to two years in prison.
A million more households sink into debt
The number of households that class themselves as financially stable has fallen since the double-dip recession in September.
Why retiring at age 68 isn't too late
Public sector unions have launched a campaign against government plans to increase the state pension age to 68 but fail to take into account the burden faced by taxpayers.
Public sector mobilises for strikes over pensions
Around 400,000 public sector workers are due to strike on Thursday in protest against government changes to their pensions.
Ouch! Long-term care costs set to hit £33,000 a year
The annual cost of long-term care of the elderly is estimated to rise to £33,000 per person from 2025, but people aren't facing up to this huge financial burden.
Week in numbers: state coffers, compensation and car parking
We run through the 'need to know' numbers from this week's biggest stories.
How to boost your pension in retirement
As people live longer, many are finding their pension insufficient to meet their needs. Here are some ways you can supplement your income.
One in four middle-aged people care for elderly parents
People aged 45 to 60 are taking on more responsibilty for the care of their elderly parents but only 36% of people have had a conversation about long-term care with their parents.