Getting a foothold on the property ladder is not easy – particularly these days with property prices above the amount most people's salaries can cover. Reports from the property market show that the age of first time buyers has increased in recent yea...

Would you like to do something worthwhile with those cash back and reward points that you're earning on your rebate credit cards? Many major non-profit organizations would be delighted to help you do that. By making an affinity credit card your major cred...

So you've thought about getting a credit card, but all you've heard about from parents, friends, co-workers, and the like is that they are just trouble. Horror stories of over limit charges, finance charges, late fees, mysterious charges, telemarketers, a...

For people with a spotty credit card history or bad credit, it can be difficult to get approved for a regular credit card. There are a number of credit card options that are aimed specifically at people who have bad credit and are trying to rebuilt it. Th...

Bank managers are probably the most risk-averse individuals you are likely to meet – without proof of a regular salary and sound financial track record you may presume a frosty reception when you ask about borrowing. However, there are options available f...

Nothing is ever certain in the world of finances, and there's no way of predicting how the market will change in the future. However, if you want to be able to plan your budget precisely, then a fixed rate mortgage might be the right option. The repayment...

How well do you know the money market? A tracker rate mortgage has a variable rate, usually a set percentage above or below the Bank of England's base rate. The arrangement is for a specified period of time, generally the first few years of your mortgage....

Interest only mortgages have become more and more popular in the past few years – probably as a result of the rise in house prices. With this type of loan, you pay off only the interest, so that your monthly repayments are lower than they would be with a ...

The boom in online banking and the success of some of the bigger online banks looks likely to revolutionise the way we manage our finances. Mortgages are no exception – now that virtually all lenders have an online presence and many will allow you to acce...

Only a few years ago the concept of online banking seemed like a dubious one – concerns about security and computer glitches were enough to put most people off. But with the continuing success of flagship companies like Cahoot, Egg and Smile, more and mor...

Being in control of your finances means not only managing your current account wisely, but planning ahead too. Although we are used to thinking we will have the welfare state to fall back on, the support offered by state benefits is far from generous - mo...

Credit cards always seem like a good idea at first. Even if you've been burned in the past, when money gets tight, the shiny plastic rectangles seem like the perfect quick fix for any situation. Whether it's over-the-top finance charges, unheard of rates,...

If you've recently divorced or are going through a divorce, one of the important issues that you should settle is how any joint debts are to be handled. This includes mortgages on a jointly owned home and any joint credit cards that you have. You also nee...

So, you've filled out the application and are waiting for your brand new, shiny credit card to arrive in the mail. But when the letter finally arrives, you're not greeted with a new credit card, but a denial letter instead. What to do? Read the fact below...

You apply for a credit card that has an advertised 10% APR. The card is approved and you spend money on it. Some months later you notice that the interest rate cannot possibly be 10% APR but is nearer 30% APR. You immediately claim you have been cheated; ...