March 11th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

A new study has estimated that 5.7 million Brits are struggling to keep up with their credit card repayments. Just over one in 10 (14%) credit card holders said they were finding it hard to meet their repayments, meaning millions could be grappling with debts across the country.

The research comes from Go.Compare, which used a combination of survey data and ONS figures to estimate how many credit card holders are struggling with their finances due to the cost of living crisis. In response to the results, the insurance comparison site is now sharing how those in financial difficulty can get support.

Young adults and parents were found to be among those struggling the most with this. Just over a fifth (21%) of credit card holders with kids said they are finding it hard to keep up, compared to only 12% of those not supporting a family.

Similarly, around a fifth (22%) of those aged 25 to 34 said they’ve been having difficulty meeting their repayments – the highest proportion of any age group. A similar percentage (19%) of 35 to 54s said the same thing, while only one in 10 others reported having this issue.

Some credit card holders are not struggling to keep on top of their bills completely, but have had to reduce their repayments. One-fifth (19%) reported that they have reduced their repayments because of the cost of living crisis, meaning it’s likely taking Brits a lot longer to pay off what they owe. It could also result in increased debt and a poorer credit score if they drop below the minimum repayments.

The analysis also revealed that card holders across all income levels have had to trim their repayments, not just those on low incomes. Just under a quarter (23%) of those on lower or middle incomes have had to make this reduction, only slightly more than those on a higher income – 18% of which have had to cut back.

Once again, parents were among those most likely to be doing this. Close to a third (30%) of those with kids have done so, in comparison to just 17% of those without kids.

Middle-aged credit card holders and those in their late 20s are also some of the most affected. Just under a quarter (24%) aged 25 to 64 have reduced their repayments, compared to roughly a fifth (19%) of under 25s and just 8% of over 64s. Those in their late 20s and early 30s have been especially affected, with 30% stating that they have cut back on their repayments.

Matt Sanders, credit card expert at Go.Compare, said: “Credit card debt can build up quickly, but there are plenty of things you can do to get back on top of it. So, as difficult as it may be, try not to panic. For instance, your provider could offer you an affordable ‘repayment plan’, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Just keep in mind that they may stop your card if you don’t agree to the plan.

“Your first port of call should be to see if you can get a balance transfer onto a card with a lower APR. They often offer 0% rates for an introductory period, so it’s a good opportunity to clear your debt if you can pay it off before this ends, although they also usually charge a fee for making the transfer. They might also offer to reduce, waive or cancel interest and charges, or pause your payments.

“This means it’ll take longer to pay off and can affect your ability to obtain credit in the future, but it could stop things from piling up. A debt consolidation loan could also help you pay off what you owe, as it can work out cheaper if the loan offers a lower interest rate than your cards. This can also involve up-front costs and could lead to more debt if you can’t pay it off.

“All of these options have their pros and cons, so you need to weigh up which one is best for you. If you’re worried about your credit card repayments, agencies like StepChange and the National Debt Helpline provide support with things like budget management plans. Citizens Advice can also help you find support if you are struggling with day-to-day living costs.”

More information on the cost of living crisis’ impact on credit card holders can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

March 10th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Multitrip.com, a specialist travel insurance provider, reveals travellers’ top five insurance claims  and how much they can cost, demonstrating what can go wrong when people are away from home. The most common reason is claiming for medical costs, with this accounting for almost a third (30%) of claims .

One in five claims are for cancellation (21%) usually because of illness or injury to the traveller or a travelling companion. This is closely followed by claims for travel delays (16%) often due to a customer not being able to use pre-booked accommodation or transport due to a flight delay.

One in ten claims are for lost baggage (10%) and one in twenty for curtailment (5%) which is when someone has to cut short their holiday. Typically, the highest value claims are for medical, cancellation and curtailment. For example, a fracture in Europe could cost over £27,000 , and over £87,000 in the USA.

Christian Bennett from Multitrip.com comments, “Unfortunately things can and do go wrong when we’re away from home. Travel insurance is there to provide financial protection if your holiday doesn’t go as planned.”

He continues, “It’s important to check that the policy you buy provides sufficient cover for your needs. Our Essential cover provides great protection as standard, with Premier and Premier Plus Cover offering extended benefits for those who want even more protection.”

Multitrip.com offers a range of policies to suit different needs and budgets. The Annual ‘Essential Cover’ policy, starting from just £19.99 , includes up to £1,000 per insured person for cancellation or curtailment and £1,600 for baggage or baggage delay.

For those looking for added reassurance, Premier and Premier Plus Cover provide additional benefits beyond the Essential Cover, offering greater flexibility and protection for your trip. ‘Premier Cover ‘ provides up to £3,000 per insured person for cancellation or curtailment and up to £2,000 for baggage. The ‘ Premier Plus Cover ‘ offers the most extensive protection, with up to £5,000 for cancellation or curtailment and up to £3,500 for baggage or baggage delay.

March 5th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

From wonky weekends and flying at anti-social times, to out of peak travel, nine in ten holidaymakers (89%) have taken steps to save money on their holiday, according to an Opinium survey* of 1,000 holidaymakers, by Multitrip.com, a specialist travel insurance provider.

The top ten money saving holiday hacks

1.    Travel out of peak holiday seasons (60%)
2.    Travel midweek (46%)
3.    Holiday during school termtime (32%)
4.    Go self-catering (32%)
5.    Fly at anti-social times (30%)
6.    A wonky weekend – e.g. Saturday to Tuesday (29%)
7.    Use loyalty points / programmes (29%)
8.    Book last-minute (28%)
9.    Choose holiday destination based only on the best flight and accommodation price (25%)
10.    Wait for flight sales (23%)

Another popular hack (20%) is booking a surprise trip where the destination is unknown when you book. Incredibly a third (32%) of 18–27-year-olds are planning to do this.  One in five (21%) are also planning to stay in cheaper accommodation than usual to get the destination they want.

Christian Bennett of Multitrip.com said: “Holidays remain a top priority for many and when budgets are tight there are some creative ways to cut the cost. However, it’s risky to cut corners and travel without sufficient cover in place’’.  He continues, “We also urge holidaymakers to arrange their travel insurance as soon as they book. This is to ensure your holiday is covered from the outset.” 

Annual Multitrip.com travel insurance policies start from £19.99**.

February 28th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Some of the UK’s favourite charities are working with local solicitors to allow people to write or update their Wills free of charge this March. The campaign is called Free Wills Month and it has run, with tremendous success, since 2005, and each year it raises £30 million in future income and now the campaign is running in Aberdeen, Barry, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Chichester, Coventry, Crawley, Darlington, Dundee, Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Essex, Fife, Glasgow, Harrogate, Hastings, Hertfordshire, Horsham, Inverness, Kent, Kilmarnock, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Mid Wales, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Wales, Northamptonshire, Norwich, Perth, Peterborough, Sheffield, Sunderland, Surrey, Swansea, Wirral, Wolverhampton and Worthing.

The Charities are paying for a limited number of Wills to encourage more people to leave charitable gifts in their Wills (legacies), although there is no obligation for people using the service to leave a gift to the charity.

The Free Wills Month charities are Age UK, Alzheimer’s Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Guide Dogs, Marie Curie, Mencap, NSPCC, Oxfam, The Royal British Legion, The Salvation Army, Stroke Association, Versus Arthritis, RNID, RNLI, Breast Cancer Now, Mind, PDSA, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, Dogs Trust and Help for Heroes. They all depend on legacies for a huge part of their income – which means their vital work is only made possible by the gifts left in Wills.

The beauty of leaving a legacy gift is that it costs nothing now. People are often surprised how far a gift in your Will can go, even a small percentage of your estate could make a big difference. Most people who use the service choose to leave a gift to one or more of the charities sponsoring the campaign.

The campaign is open to anyone aged 55 or over (in the case of a couple making mirror Wills it is sufficient if one has reached 55). All people have to do is call one of the participating solicitors shown in adverts in the local press or listed on our website www.freewillsmonth.org.uk before 5pm on Monday, 31st March.

Appointments are limited and can fill up quickly, so we recommend calling to book your Free Wills appointment sooner rather than later to avoid missing this opportunity to put your affairs in order while doing something good for charity.

Campaign runs from 3rd-31st March

Free solicitor written Will for anyone aged 55 and over

Visit www.freewillsmonth.org.uk for more information

February 27th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

The UK continues to experience financial pressure, with rising living costs and diminishing disposable income affecting many households. Recent search data indicates over 1.1 million monthly searches for ‘cost of living,’ signalling heightened financial anxiety across the country.

To understand where residents are coping best and where financial advice may be in higher demand, The Co-operative Bank analysed financial-related search volumes, employment rates, and median pay across 30 UK cities. This research highlights which cities demonstrate greater financial resilience and where demand for financial guidance is more pronounced.

Gloucester is the most financially resilient city, boasting the highest employment rate at 91%

Gloucester ranks first for financial resilience, driven by the highest employment rate of 90.8% among all cities studied. Residents in Gloucester conduct an average of 35 searches per 10,000 people each month for financial-worry-related terms, significantly lower than in cities where financial anxiety appears to be higher.

Other high-ranking cities for financial resilience include London and Oxford. London, ranking second, has a median weekly pay of £968, the highest in the UK, and a stable employment rate of 75.1%. Despite facing a higher cost of living, residents conduct 67 financial-worry-related searches per 10,000 people each month, reflecting moderate financial concern.

Oxford ranks third, reflecting relatively low financial concerns and positive economic indicators. Residents conducted 22 financial-worry-related searches per 10,000 people monthly, one of the lowest figures across the UK.

While these cities show signs of greater financial resilience, individuals and households across the UK continue to face financial challenges. This highlights the ongoing need for accessible financial support and guidance.

Newcastle residents are the most likely to seek financial advice, with 107 searches per 10k people monthly

Newcastle ranks first, with 107 financial-related searches per 10,000 people each month. Popular search topics include cost of living and interest rates, reflecting residents’ heightened financial concerns. With a weekly median pay of £600 and an employment rate of 69.4%, some residents may be seeking advice to help manage rising costs.

Birmingham follows closely, with 99 searches per 10,000 people each month. A notable search term is ‘food bank near me,’ indicating that residents may be actively seeking local support services. Birmingham’s median weekly pay is £629, slightly below the UK average, while its employment rate of 66.1% suggests challenges in job availability or stability.

Manchester, also with 99 monthly searches per 10,000 people, ranks third. Despite a weekly median pay of £679, above the UK average, the city’s employment rate of 65.9% may explain why financial concerns are prevalent. Many residents appear proactive in seeking financial advice.

Karen Davison, Head of Unsecured Arrears & Bereavement, shares key tips on how to cope with the cost of living rise:

“Effective financial management starts with planning. The 50/30/20 rule is a helpful guide: 50% of income goes to essentials, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. For example, if you earn £2,000 per month, that’s £1,000 for essentials, £600 for wants, and £400 for savings, adjusting as needed to fit your situation.

To cut energy costs, review bills for better rates and practice energy-saving habits like turning off unused appliances or cooking in batches. If needed, contact your supplier about support options such as payment breaks.

Smart shopping can also reduce expenses. Use loyalty cards, seek discounts, plan meals, and pack lunches to save money while reducing waste.”

February 25th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Up to £14.9 million could have been lost due to avoidable MOT failures in the 2023/24 financial year, according to new research. The figures say there were 7.5 million failed tests during this period, of which roughly 2.59 million could easily have been prevented with better preparation. Drivers are now being urged to perform a few simple checks before their vehicle’s MOT for the peak testing month.

The statistics come from Go.Compare car insurance, which used a combination of survey data and official DVSA testing figures to estimate how much is being needlessly lost at testing centres last year. Overall, there were 32.6 million MOTs for class three and four vehicles (cars, vans and passenger vehicles with up to 12 seats) in the last financial year, around a fifth (23%) of which were failed.

It states that just under 1.4 million failures were due to issues with lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, while roughly 710,000 were because of problems with the  vehicle’s tyres. Another 461,000 failures came under the visibility category (i.e. the windscreen and wipers). Yet, each of these parts can easily be checked and rectified ahead of the MOT itself.

The comparison site found around one in 10 motorists miss the window for a free retest when their car fails, meaning they have to pay for a second test. As the maximum cost of an MOT is £54.85, just under £15 million could have been lost due to avoidable MOT failures within a single year.

Despite being easy to check, the “lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment” was the most common defect category for MOT failures in the last year. A quarter of failures involved issues with these parts.

The second most common factor was issues with the vehicle’s suspension, which contributed to just under a fifth of all failures, while problems with brakes was a factor in 16%.

Other categories like tyres and visibility were also frequent factors, leading to 12% and 8% of failures respectively, even though they’re easy to check at home beforehand. This places them fourth and fifth on the list of most common causes.

Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, says: “Taking your car to get its MOT done can be a nerve-wracking experience, so it’s important that you prepare for it properly to avoid incurring any needless extra costs. Our research shows that millions are lost every year just because drivers fail to do a few simple checks before the test, so make sure you don’t make the same mistake.

“Check that all the bulbs are working properly and replace any that you need to, then measure the tyre pressure and take a look at the tread depth to see if it meets the minimum requirements. You should also look for damage to the car’s windscreen and wipers, before testing the washers. Remember to remove any parking stickers, like those from festivals, from the windscreen, too.

“Remember, your car won’t be road legal if it fails its MOT, meaning your insurance will become invalid as well. If it fails, you’ll need to get the issues rectified before you can drive it again.”

More information on preventing avoidable MOT failures can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

February 17th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Property size and location have the biggest impact on home insurance costs, according to a new study. The figures state that the median price paid for a policy varies by up to £243 depending on the number of bedrooms in the property. On average, this affects premiums by £121 – more than any other factor considered in the research.

The figures are based on internal data from Go.Compare home insurance, which looked at the effect of eight key variables on home insurance prices. Now, the insurance comparison site is advising residents on which factors have the biggest impact on costs, and how they can get the lowest premium possible.

After size, location was found to have the biggest effect. The region the property is situated in impacts home insurance prices by an average of £119, only £2 less than the number of bedrooms it has. Overall, the median policy price varied by up to £230 based on location.

Roof type was also a leading factor, with median prices varying by up to £163 depending on the material used – an average impact of £82.

The research advised that factors within homeowners’ control can also have a noticeable impact. The lock type can impact premiums by £43 on average, and up to £82 in some cases  – something to be kept in mind when buying security features.

Although property size had the biggest impact, it was found that property type had very little effect. The median price changed by an average of just £2.50 depending on whether the policyholder lived in a flat, house or bungalow. The time of day the home is occupied also had a relatively small impact, at an average difference of just £10.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “It’s well known that certain things can affect the price you’re given for your home insurance, but it’s really helpful to see which of these have the biggest impact and in what way they influence your premiums.

“Bigger properties have higher rebuild costs and usually more possessions, so the effect on your price is pretty significant. Meanwhile, some areas have higher house prices or see more claims due to crime and floods, which can also push up prices. On the other hand, using better locks and building materials can reduce the likelihood of a claim and bring premiums down.

“So, before moving or altering your home, it’s worth comparing policies to see how it might affect your premium and take any changes into account in your budget. This applies if you’re doing something like changing the type of lock on your front door. Look at which ones offer the biggest changes in your premiums before getting them fitted.”

More information on the factors that most impact home insurance premiums, including tips to bring down prices, can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

February 14th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

The new Amex Spending Spotlight research asked UK shoppers about their current spending habits and preferences as well as their intentions for the year ahead. s.

Experience-hungry Brits

Consumers’ love of experiences big and small, such as dining, day trips, wellness activities and festivals is set to continue into 2025, with almost six in 10 (59%) planning to spend the same amount or more on experiences this year, compared to last. About two in five (39%) say they like to try at least one new experience every year and a similar proportion said they prioritise spending on experiences over material items (38%).

Gen Z and Millennials were the largest cohort anticipating spending more on this category – over half (56%) intend to fill their free time enjoying more experiences during 2025, according to the research.

Savvy spending consumers

Brits will be taking an increasingly savvy approach to their spending, the research found. Half (50%) of all respondents say they will buy from alternative retailers if they feel they can get a better deal elsewhere, with a third (33%) stating they would be encouraged to do so by specific offers.

Shoppers plan to lean into ways of achieving greater value for money this year, compared to last; buying pre-loved items, maximising seasonal sales, and using payment cards that offer rewards and points on their purchases were among the top ranked tactics.

Furthermore, Gen Z and Millennial shoppers ranked as the most thorough when it comes to their research before spending, particularly if planning to purchase big ticket items like furniture. Almost three quarters (73%) of this age group said they either always or sometimes seek recommendations in advance.

Support for shopping small

The research showed that affection for the UK’s small businesses remains strong, with almost two-thirds (63%) of consumers believing it is important to support these businesses all year round, and not just during seasonal peaks, like Small Business Saturday, which in 2024 saw a collective £634m spent in-store and online.*

Consumers highlighted various reasons why they would continue shopping small, including how these businesses boost the appeal of their local high street (53%); the personalised experience they enjoy when shopping (50%); and a desire to support their local community (43%).

Dan Edelman, UK General Manager, Merchant Services at American Express, said: “The one guarantee with retail is that it never stands still, and it’s the retailers who best meet ever-evolving customer expectations that will succeed. Our research identifies some distinct priorities that are likely to influence consumer spending behaviour in the months ahead.

“For small businesses, it’s hugely positive to see continued recognition of, and affinity for, shopping small highlighted by the research. Small businesses pride themselves on the unique experiences and service they offer, something that clearly appeals to consumers.”

February 14th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

According to ONS statistics, September is the most popular birth month, with the most popular birthday being September 26^th.

Christie Cook, managing director of retail at Hodge Bank, offers expert advice on how to plan and save over the next nine months for your baby’s future and how to manage the costs of parenthood today.

“With so many immediate expenses, it’s easy to put off long-term planning; but the earlier you start saving, the stronger the financial foundation your child will have as they grow. It’s never too early to begin planning for their future.”

Christie has outlined five key tactics for first-time parents to start building a financial nest egg that prioritises their baby’s future without compromising their own financial wellbeing:

• Future Planning by Setting Up a Separate Savings Account

“Setting up a separate savings account specifically for your baby’s future is a great first step.

“Whether you use a high-interest savings account or a Cash ISA (Individual Savings Account), designating money solely for your child will help you stay focused on your long-term goals.

“Regularly contribute a set amount each month, even if it’s small, and watch it grow over time.

“As you’re starting early on, you don’t need to put hundreds of pounds in each month. Even by putting just £25 away a month will ensure that there’s £5400 by your child’s 18^th birthday, plus any interest you’ve managed to accumulate during that time.”

• Consider a Cash ISA for Tax-Free Growth

“A Cash ISA could be a smart option for long-term savings, allowing you to put money aside for your child’s education or other future expenses, free from tax.

“At Hodge, we offer competitive rates on Cash ISAs, which allow you to contribute up to £20,000 per year tax-free. By starting early, you can take advantage of compound interest and provide your child with a significant nest egg by the time they turn 18.”

• Consider Starting a Child Benefit Financial Plan

“For many parents, Child Benefit can be a helpful resource. However, rather than spending the monthly payment, you could put all or some of it, into a dedicated savings account.

“Regularly adding a partial amount or the whole amount of the benefit to your savings will quickly build a financial cushion for your child’s future needs, like higher education or a first car.”

• Budget for Baby, But Don’t Forget About Future Planning

“While it’s important to manage your day-to-day expenses as new parents, it’s equally crucial to budget for the future.

“Reviewing your spending will allow you to identify areas where you can cut back, such as subscription services or non-essential purchases.

“You could use any extra savings to build a financial foundation for your child’s future—whether it’s for their education, their first home, or helping them with future life milestones.”

• Review Your Life Insurance and Will

“The arrival of your baby, is an ideal time to review your life insurance coverage and update your will., ensuring your family is financially protected in case of the unexpected..

“By being proactive and starting early with financial planning, you can give your child the best possible start in life and by ensuring that all legal documents are up to date, you’re able to safeguard the financial measures you’ve taken to allow your child financial stability without sacrificing your financial security in the process.”

With the right approach, building a secure financial foundation for your family doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s all about making thoughtful, consistent decisions along the way.

February 13th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Santander is warning loved-up Brits to stay vigilant this Valentine’s Day, following new data from the bank showing that nearly £8 million was handed to romance scammers in 2024.1 In February alone, nearly £800,000 was sent to scammers, including £262,000 in one transaction. The average romance scam in 2024 totalled £5,009.

Social media continues to be the most common place for these scams to start, with nearly half (46%) of cases originating on platforms including Facebook (17%) WhatsApp (11%), Snapchat (4%) and TikTok (3%), with more than £1 million handed over in person or over the phone.

Younger men were some of the most likely to fall for romance scams, with 24% of all claims coming from 19–35-year-olds, and 77% of these victims being male. However, romance scammers don’t discriminate by age – the oldest victim was 96 years old.

Michelle Pilsworth, Head of Fraud and Customer Experience at Santander, said: “Romance scams are particularly cruel, as they exploit people’s emotions and trust. On Valentine’s Day, when many are looking for love, fraudsters are actively seeking to take advantage, building what feels like a genuine connection, before inventing reasons why they need financial help. If you’re speaking to someone online and they ask for money, it’s time to stop and think – no matter how convincing they seem.”

Where do romance scams begin?

Santander’s data highlights the top 10 places where romance scams are most commonly initiated in 2024:

Warning signs of a romance scam:

• Requests for money from someone you haven’t met in person

• Being encouraged to keep the relationship a secret or isolate from loved ones

• The person avoiding personal questions or giving inconsistent details

• Excuses for why they can’t meet in person or make video calls

• Moving the conversation off dating sites quickly to email or messaging apps

• Claims of being stuck in a difficult situation and needing financial help

Top tips on how to protect yourself and others:

• Verify their identity – pictures can be edited, and fake profiles can easily be made. Use a reverse image search to check if their photos are from another website or social media platform.

• Remove emotion from financial decisions – talk to someone you trust before sending money.

• Be honest with your bank if they question a payment – they’re trying to protect you.

• Don’t be embarrassed – if something feels wrong, stop and seek advice.

To find out more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones against romance or friendship scams, visit Santander’s website. From today, Santander customers can also access a new Romance Scams course on the Fraud Hub via the mobile app.