finances

Trading Standards warn of loan sharks as households borrow to meet rising costs

More than a quarter of people are resorting to using credit cards to buy food, and a fifth have borrowed money in order to pay for rising prices, it’s reported .

A poll by Ipsos, carried out for Sky News, shows that 18 per cent of respondees have borrowed money in the last year to pay for rising costs of living.

“Borrowing from reputable sources is one thing, but people, who...

Free support for South West businesses to boost resilience

As the cost of living crisis continues to impact the prices of energy, fuel and commodities, local businesses across Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay are being urged to make the most of available support to boost their resilience.

The Heart of the South West Growth Hub offers free, impartial, expert business advice, and has a range of programmes and grants available to help...

Spring-clean your finances with these seven simple steps

We can all become complacent with our finances, but as with any bad habits, the first step is admitting something needs to change – and spring is an ideal time to give your money habits a deep clean and refresh.

But, once you’ve decided to improve your money habits, where do you start?

Here are some ideas from TopCashback.co.uk UK director Adam Bullock, for spring cleaning...

Finance in the South West event announced

Francis Clark’s annual Finance in the South West event, now in its 4th year running, will be taking place on Tuesday 23rd February from 08:00 to 14:00 at Exeter Racecourse. The

Seminar brings together specialists representing funding and business support available to businesses in the Heart of the South West LEP area.

This year the keynote speaker will be Radio 4 business and...

One in six of us hide housing woes

New research reveals that that one in six people in Britain have kept secrets from their loved ones by hiding or lying about rent or mortgage troubles.

Research from Shelter and YouGov paints a picture of a nation of ‘secret strugglers’ who are keeping housing worries from their partners and families. People reported secretly taking out loans, selling items such as jewellery, and even...

One in nine people fear missing rent or mortgage payments

Thousands of rent or mortgage payers across the South West might be facing a not-so-happy new year, as new research reveals one in nine are worried they will be unable to make payments this January.

Research from Shelter and YouGov paints a bleak picture for many this winter, with 65% of rent or mortgage payers in the South West revealing they are already struggling to keep up with...

Around a quarter of residents in the South West now put splurges ‘on the card’

With the rise in interest-free credit cards and more South West residents looking to build their credit rating, it seems many are now looking to put purchases ‘on the card’.

A study by TopCashback.co.uk, released today, found that around half of South West residents believe that having a credit card has allowed them to live beyond their means, whilst 86 per cent say that it’s helped...

Shelter research reveals household budgets ‘at breaking point’

One in eight people in the South West fear they won’t be able to afford to pay the rent or mortgage at the end of this month, according to new research from Shelter released today.

The research, based on a YouGov survey of over 4,000 British adults, suggests that millions of us across the country will be starting the New Year worried about whether we’ll be able to keep their home....