Brits spend £40.6bn on lockdown entertainment
According to Barclaycard Payments1, the UK population spent £40.6bn, or a staggering £771.34 each, on dispensable items to alleviate lockdown boredom. The ordinary… Popular purchases included takeaways (24%), summer clothes (19%) and garden plants and flowers (16%) – but not everybody was so conventional. And the bizarre Topping the list of the weirdest items purchased […]
In the news
Granny and Grandad lend a hand Nearly half (48%) of grandparents have stepped in to shore up their financially-struggling grandchildren during the pandemic1. This help has come in the form of cash (32%), childcare (8%) and assistance with rent and mortgage payments (6%). FCA announces new mortgage support Borrowers struggling to make their mortgage repayments […]
Renovation nation gets stuck in
It seems the months spent at home have been put to good use as the nation reflected on their living space and chose to spend an average of just over £4,000 each on renovating their homes, since lockdown commenced in March. A study1 has highlighted that the key area for improvement has been upgrades to […]
In the news
Are you on the ball? ScamSmart campaign targets football fans In the last three years, over £30m has been lost to pension scammers, with losses ranging from under £1,000 to £500,000, with some rare cases topping the £1m marker. A new ScamSmart campaign is aimed at football fans, after discovering they are highly likely to […]
Have you saved during lockdown?
If so, you’re part of 37% of the UK population who managed to put away more money during lockdown, as daily expenditure on commuting and leisure activities dramatically decreased. What’s more, it looks like Britain’s growing army of savers are here to stay, with 36% stating they aim to keep cutting costs post-lockdown1. Could savings […]
Are you mortgage-ready?
Your first port of call should be getting your finances in good shape before lenders review them and assess your ability to make repayments on your loan. Some top tips for standing yourself in good stead include: Save – To improve the chances of being offered a mortgage on favourable terms, save as much as […]
ISA – 21 not out
When the Individual Savings Account (ISA) was launched in 1999, the allowance was £3,000 for a cash ISA or £7,000 for a stocks and shares ISA each tax year. Now at the grand old age of 21, the overall allowance has risen to a generous £20,000. In the early days, choice was limited to either […]
Small island living – rediscovering what we already have
In recent weeks, there has been an 800% rise in Brits searching for ‘Staycation UK’, as the uncertainty surrounding international travel during the pandemic continues to prevail1. Appreciating what you already have… Destinations such as Plymouth, the Isle of Wight and Exeter are expected to recover quickly due to the staycation tourism boost, according to […]
Getting financially fit for a new way of life
With millions of people having been affected financially by the pandemic, it’s possible that your finances no longer match your lifestyle and needs, so take some time to review your situation to keep on track. Budget and debt planning – Regularly review your income and outgoings, particularly if your circumstances have changed; also make sure […]
Famous last words…
However complex or divisive a character Winston Churchill may have been, there’s no doubt he had a way with words. While the former Prime Minister is perhaps most famous for his powerful speeches during the Second World War, he also had a surprising amount to say about the importance of life insurance. He stated: “If […]