Kicking off the Paris Fashion Week on 18th January, Mugler revealed their out of this world theme for men’s autumn/winter 2012-13 style. The new collection featured sharply tailored, heavily textured capes and layered suits. It focused on shades of maroon, navy blue and rich dark green, together with black, white and grey.

Fashion-conscious men should seek out navy blue and deep burgundy items to team with dark grey outfits, ready for the coming autumn season. You can find these colours on the high street for a slice of the designer price, such as this burgundy hoody http://www.bankfashion.co.uk/men/brand/jack-and-jones/ amongst other well-tailored yet wallet friendly men’s clothing at BANK Fashion.

In Mugler’s collection, organic materials and fabrics were given a plastic, rubber or lacquered coating for a glossy finish and most of the pieces had a metallic high shine, reflecting the outer space-inspired style, although this aspect of the clothing is a statement on the catwalk, it is unlikely to filter through to everyday wear.

Renowned as Lady Gaga’s stylist, Nicola Formichetti – creative director of the French fashion house – wanted to explore the idea of male heroes, using padding and tailoring giving the models a “superhuman” aspect in their appearance and proportions.

Formichetti explained: “It is that exaggerated, heroic silhouette, hyper-masculine and formal that we were interested in, and how it transforms men.”

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has carried out a wide-ranging survey on the state of tyres in UK fleets, including factors such as tread depth, under-inflation and the condition of the side wall. Fleet managers with Staveley Head Lorry Insurance may wish to take notice of the FTA’s findings, which could help them to avoid accidents and improve efficiency.

According to FTA analysis, tread depth, cuts and objects in the tread accounted for nearly 60 per cent of all defects found – and are easy problems to identify with regular checks and maintenance. “Tyre care plays a huge part in a vehicle’s road safety performance, for example underinflation will affect vehicle handling and braking performance while increasing fuel consumption and tyre wear,” said Alan Osborne, the organisation’s director of vehicle inspections.

He went on to say that tyre defects can go on to cause other potential costs, such as test failures, roadside checks and potentially greater targeting by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, all of which could prove a major headache for fleet managers looking to save money. The FTA advised drivers to be particularly mindful of their tread depth during the winter weather, as worn tyres lead to a higher rate of accidents through skidding.

Christmas may be a time for celebration, but it often incurs a heavy cost to families, and research has found that nearly ten million consumers in the UK will take on additional debt to cover expenses during the festive period. The study by Moneysupermarket.com found that just over half (57 per cent) of people have saved up enough money for Christmas this year, six per cent lower than in 2010.

The findings, which could encourage families struggling with mortgage payments to use buyers like Gateway Homes to downsize to a smaller house, revealed that seven in ten people expect to put their Christmas bills on a credit card this year. Meanwhile, one-fifth of those borrowing more said they planned to use their December wages to fund their spending, leaving them without the means to meet their existing debt repayments.

Tim Moss, head of loans and debt at Moneysupermarket.com, said: “This year has been incredibly tough for consumers, with the rising cost of living really hitting the nation’s wallets hard.

“So really, it comes as no shock that such a high number of people will be taking on debt this festive season, particularly as Christmas is a time when people generally increase their spending.”

New figures on the spending habits and financial position of Brits suggest that there may be evidence contrary to the old saying “money can’t buy you happiness”.

In Mintel’s flagship report British Lifestyles 2011, it was revealed that almost six in ten (58 per cent) Brits earning £50,000 and over report to be “satisfied” with their life, while just four in ten (43 per cent) of those earning under £15,000 said the same. However, with New Year just around the corner there has never been a better time to get your finances in order to enter 2012 with a fresh start.

Of course, the primary trick up the sleeves of frugal individuals is budgeting. There are basic current accounts out there, such as those available at Secure Trust Bank, to help you keep on top of your income and outgoings. Set yourself a realistic budget after assessing your monthly income and spending and resist from deviating away from this budget, no matter how tempting it may be over the festive period.

Head of Finance at Mintel Toby Clark said of the figures: “There have always been sections of society who do better than others, but when times are tough it becomes harder to gloss over those differences.”

It has long been thought that reading in insufficient light can be bad for your eyes, potentially contributing to the need for glasses or even laser eye treatment from http://www.ultralase.com. However, one academic begs to differ. In research-based magazine The Conversation, Harrison Weisinger, foundation director of optometry studies at Deakin University, said this is nothing more than an old wives’ tail – although it is possible to give yourself a sore head and eyes.

According to Mr Weisinger, reading in dim light is only possible when there is enough light around for the cones in the eyes to pick up a signal. We only really use the cones in the centre of our vision, and readers can test this for themselves by looking directly up at the stars on a clear night – they can only be seen by looking slightly to the side of them, as cones are designed for close-up vision only.

“Of course, eyestrain – the feeling of tired or aching eyes and headache – may indicate that you need glasses, or perhaps the glasses you’re wearing may need an update,” the expert went on to say.

“If you are concerned about the health of your eyes, see your optometrist for a check up.”

If you haven’t assembled your winter wardrobe yet, now’s definitely the time – and while you’re at it, think about adding a few new items in. Scarves, hats and boots aren’t just practical ways of keeping out the chill, they’re also a great way to diversify your choice of outfits for the winter without spending a lot. Places like Simply Be have a great range of women’s fashion, so take a look and start planning how you’ll look fabulous while staying snug this season!

Mufflers and scarves are the perfect example of practical accessories that can give dull winter clothes a funky or quirky edge, and all on the cheap. While plain black mufflers will go with anything, think about making these extras the focal point of your outfit: you can get them in a wide range of colours, from electric blue to shocking pink. Why not match up your gloves, mufflers and scarf?

Meanwhile, think about what you’re carrying around with you in your bag. Falling temperatures mean less moisture in the air, so your skin will dry out faster – a good chapstick and moisturiser are essential if you don’t want to crack up, and you can’t beat a pack of tissues to handle those unexpected sneezes.

In this financial climate, it seems more important than ever to have a unique and strong marketing initiative that is capable of delivering tangible results, making your company memorable to potential clients both big and small. With certain ideas in partnership with the likes of Ideas by Net, organisations will have fantastic marketing ideas at their fingertips.

Firstly, promotional items by Ideasbynet.com can give a constant companion to potential clients in the form of a pen, folder or even a cap or T-shirt. The best thing is that, particularly with the likes of pens, they act as a mobile billboard that can pass through the hands of dozens of people. So long as it’s a good quality choice, you can guarantee your brand will be in circulation for a long time.

If you plan to offer discounts to customers, don’t go overboard – be unpredictable. How great would it be for a customer if they called you up and you said that you would drop your prices by ten per cent for no reason? The buzz that could generate for this act of kindness is the sort of thing that would spread online and by word of mouth.

Finally, one of the most important things about having a brand is giving it the story it deserves. Consider how the rise to fame of Richard Branson and Alan Sugar has affected their businesses; by personifying a company, you get more of a response from clients because they prefer dealing with people over faceless organisations.

The popularity of rugger transcends borders beyond New Zealand and with the Rugby World Cup in the semi-final stages of the tournament, it is unsurprising that rugby tops are a top key trend for men’s fashion for Autumn/Winter 2011.

What’s more these rugby tops are now readily available and affordable in a range of larger sizes for taller and bigger-built men, such as those at Jacamo. Shopping online allows you to browse rugby tops at your own leisure all from the comfort of your own home and to compare product features and prices, which ensures that you gain access some of the best rugby tops deals around. Big Menswear at jacamo.co.uk, for example, comes in sizes up to 5XL.

Another great thing about shopping online is that some of the inconveniences of shopping on the high street are cut out. For example, there is no push sales staff or the uncomfortable experience of small and stuffy changing rooms. You can decide on your purchases at your own leisure try items on at home. If you aren’t happy with the product, you can then return it if you wish.

Finally, another great thing about rugby tops is that they are versatile – they can be worn both on and off the pitch – so it makes sense to invest in a good quality rugby top, which tend to last longer than their cheaper and poorer quality counterparts.

MYA.co.uk has launched a new feature on its website designed to offer support to cosmetic surgery patients or those considering ops to enhance their looks.

MYA Space offers a forum for individuals to share their stories and experiences and meet other individuals in the same position by joining a network. Perhaps one of the best things about MYA Space is that it’s free and adds another string to the bow of patient support both pre and post-surgery.

By joining an online ‘community’ members can discuss certain topics with each other and even share photos of their post-cosmetic surgery results. It offers members the chance to get interactive with live chats and the opportunity to have their cosmetic surgery questions answered by some of the top experts in the field, or to go to the ‘Ask an Expert’ section to pose a plastic surgery question to a panel of industry experts.

There is also an informative, easy-to-use summary section, which allows users to view a broken-down and simplified version of all the cosmetic surgery procedures offered by MYA. MYA are set to be adding more features to MYA Space over the next coming months so watch this space.

During these turbulent economic times, where Brits are increasingly driven to tighten their belts in a bid to tackle the rising cost of living, it makes financial sense to make the most out of any potentially profit-making assets. Renting out your property with a holiday home specialist such as Rent My Cottage can help you free up some much-needed cash and offer you some financial support.

There are a number of benefits to using a letting agency for this purpose in addition to financial ones. However, before making your decision it is important to consult a guide to the holiday home process to establish whether it is feasible, or in fact that you want to go ahead with renting out your property for this purpose. For example, owning a holiday home simultaneously makes you a landlord with responsibilities that you may have never had before.

If you are looking to sell your property but are struggling to do so given the economic climate, renting out your home as a holiday home may be a feasible option. Doing so can assist you with moving and renting a new property – perhaps that dream home you have always wanted – and generate you some cash until you find a suitable buyer.

Taking out pet insurance needn’t be an expensive or complicated process, especially now that many top insurers like Pets at Home Insurance offer policies tailored to suit the needs on particular animals. If you are a new pet owner, or simply want to save money on future vets bills, here’s how you can do it with pet insurance.

1)When taking out pet insurance always conduct plenty of research, covering both what is included in the policy as well as the price. You may find there are limits on the amount that can be awarded for certain ailments so take a note of these.

2)It’s a case of the sooner the better when it comes to putting a policy in place. Often pet insurance takes a few weeks to kick in. You don’t want your new puppy or kitten to become injured before this happens as it could be costly, so make sure you get on the case of research before they arrive.

3)Buying online, or for a few pets at once can net you savings, as can having your pet micro-chipped. If you can’t find any details from your potential insurers offering this, don’t be afraid to ask.

The insurance industry is facing a very challenging outlook, according to a recent report. Lloyd’s of London asserted that record claims from natural disasters have been registered in recent months and years, highlighting the importance of cover from companies such as http://www.autonetinsurance.co.uk/.

A run of catastrophes in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United States has led to a remarkable number of insurance pay-outs that run into billions of pounds. The first half of 2011 therefore became the costliest six-month period in the 323-year history of the insurance market, the Guardian reported; these have gone on to protect the livelihoods of business leaders and their employees alike – not to mention clients and customers.

Lloyd’s chief executive Richard Ward said 2011 could be the second-worst year on record for the insurance industry after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He continued: “If we see more catastrophes come through it could well be [the second worst year ever]. Things will get more and more challenging. We’re faced with a pretty dire economic environment. Everyone is talking about sovereign debt default and a double-dip recession. It doesn’t make happy reading. The economic environment is, of course, affecting all our clients.”

There are too many things to do when you go on holiday, it seems. After all, it’s your chance to have a dream getaway – who thought it would be that much stress to actually get yourself there in the end? Whatever you do, follow these tips so that you can book your holiday in comfort, and with the best rates, at the likes of Cheap.

While it may seem like an obvious point, it’s worth checking once more to see if you have a valid passport. Make sure you have a signed and valid passport and a visa if necessary. Also fill in the emergency information page, just in case things go awry.

Get yourself travel insurance, too. While you may like to think you’re invincible, accidents or illnesses can hit you at any time. While you’re at it, take precautions that will help you avoid infectious diseases. Wash your hands plenty of times with soap and warm water and practice communicable virus etiquette – cover your mouth and nose with your arm, not your hand, to stop spreading the flu or colds. Bear in mind that infectious diseases are transmitted via insects in many locations, and plan your jabs or tablets accordingly.

Finally, make copies of everything. This includes your passport, insurance policy, visas and credit card numbers. One copy should be carried away from your cards, while another should be left with someone at home.

If you plan on buying a car from Evans Halshaw in the coming months, there are a number of ways you can drop the cost of your investment if you play it cool. If you are truly frugally minded, you can drop the short-term cost of your motor, so long as you’re focused on the bottom line when you enter the showroom of your choice.

First of all, don’t let seller excuses get the better of you. In the past, dealers have been known to pull all manner of stunts to get you to pay more, and have been known to bust out some very silly excuses such as their requirement to get written permission from head office to offer a discount on a car. This is very much wrong, given that nearly all companies will give a discount or two to serious buyers.

Have a solid idea of the car, or type of car, you would like. Try to nail down the exact model you want before you shop around as this helps you compare deals. You must stay flexible, though, as you may be able to pick up a bargain from stock. So long as the car meets all your needs, you will be completely fine.

Last but not least, be sure to make your purchase at the right time. One thing thousands of buyers overlook is the fact that most carmakers offer bonuses to dealers based on quarterly sales; shop around at the end of quarters – late December or late March, for example – as dealers will want to meet targets even more.

Laser eye surgery is an increasingly popular prospect with all manner of people, whether they are providers such as Ultralase IE or other experts in the field. Fixing your eyes once and for all, laser eye surgery foregoes the need for people to rely on uncomfortable and expensive contact lenses. You too can overcome the usual routine of putting them in, taking them out, replacing them, cleaning them and all manner of problems that make contacts very annoying indeed.

Still, it must be stressed that contact lenses may be used to sell more eye products. The possibility of increased sales by opticians in Europe was recently identified in a recent survey discussed by the Academy of Eyecare Excellence, which asserted that contact lenses can build store loyalty for opticians because most contact lens wearers buy glasses from the same outlet where they get lenses.

The report continued: “They also visit the store up to three times as often as a solus spectacle wearer – this provides an ideal opportunity for informing them about the latest developments,” Opticians can yet grow their share of profits further, given that pharmacies continue to rival them by selling contact lenses too.

Just avoid the whole situation by getting laser eye surgery – you’ll lead a happier life free from these aids.

Setting up a consultancy business, when done properly, has massive profit-making potential. A huge number of UK businesses take consultants on board for short-term projects and use of their specialist skills and knowledge – and the consultancy industry is forever growing.

If you are thinking of setting up your own consultancy business, the first point-of-call should be to invest in consultancy insurance from an experienced and reputable provider such as Markel. As with any company, it is important that any business investments that you make are protected from the offset. Failure to take out a suitable insurance policy may result in significant financial loss to your business and reputational damage.

Before you start researching your insurance provider options, however, it is essential that you understand the ground rules of how to become a consultant. For example, you must have sufficient experience, skills, and knowledge in your chosen field of expertise. From here, you can base how you will advertise your level of expertise – this, of course, must be realistic. For some fields you may also need at least one advanced academic degree or certification before you can become a consultant.  Finally, you must be able to demonstrate your ability to recognise problems and create swift and effective solutions to these problems.

One of the most common financial mistakes made by consumers is to fail to conduct proper research when selecting a financial product. Too often consumers automatically sign up for the likes of accounts, mortgages and loans with their current account provider, without exploring the other options available. This means they can miss some of the best deals available from a burgeoning online market that includes the likes of Secure Trust Bank.

When it comes to selecting a savings account in particular, it pays to be shrewd and look for something that suits your needs. Although interest rates have risen slightly, they do remain low, so consider if you can tap into higher rates by selecting an account that does not allow you to instantly access your cash. This includes regular savings accounts, or fixed terms Isas where you are likely to be penalised for making withdrawals. With this in mind, your main consideration when saving should be whether you are saving toward a long term goal or whether you are saving towards a rainy day. Should you need to retrieve your funds quickly when a rainy day arrives, this may mean sacrificing a few percentage points when it comes to interest accumulated along the way.

Hearing loss has often been associated with old age, though it may be the case that an increasing number of younger people will be forced to get hearing solutions from experts at http://www.amplifon.co.uk/ in the near future. That’s because more scientists are becoming aware of advances in technology that may be making it a problem for younger generations.

While the world seems to be naturally getting louder, it is now estimated that over half of all hearing-impaired people are under age 65. According to audiologists speaking to the LeHigh Valley Express Times, hearing loss is due to the wide range of items in handbags and back pockets. iPods are now more popular than ever, while mobile phones have gone from accessory to necessity.

Speaking to the newspaper, Doris Rapisardi, a supervising clinical audiologist at Hunterdon Medical Center, said: “People are losing their hearing two-and-a-half times faster than their parents and grandparents, due largely to sustained overexposure to loud sound. There appears to have been a slight increase (in hearing loss) in adults and children who are using iPods, cell phones and MP3s improperly – at high levels for a period of hours.”

She added that many clients do not realise how hobbies could affect hearing, whether it’s a loud concert, sporting event or woodworking.

Many people do not realise how importance a good pair of football boots; it’s the most important piece of kit to get right as a player. When buying your kit from http://www.jdsports.co.uk, there are three things you must consider: your personal playing style and position; the playing surface; and a budget.

The choice of outsole has a very important effect on the ability of a player. This is because a good boot must give support, stability, grip and traction, otherwise skills will suffer and physical damage may occur.

Soft ground requires screw-in studs or blades. Firmer ground is better-suited to moulded studs or short blades. Hard ground football boots can work between natural and Astroturf surfaces and embrace low-profile rubber studs for durability, traction and stability.

Astroturf boots or trainers provide a durable rubber outsole and sometimes have tiny studs or patterns. They are also used as a back-up for hard surfaces, though can lack traction on natural pitches. Indoor football boots are basically a standard comfortable trainer, giving flat rubber outsoles and embracing a herringbone pattern.

Forwards and wingers who desire acceleration should go for blades with soft leather uppers, while central midfielders should choose a classic boot that provides accuracy for crossing and shooting from distance. Defenders and goalkeepers must prioritise grip, providing firmer stances and extra traction in big tackles or collisions.

Recent studies have revealed that house prices in the UK still have a long way to go before they reach pre-recession levels again. In addition, people looking to sell their home on the open property market may have difficulty achieving a swift sale due to the slow recovery of the economy. This poses a significant problem for people in debt who are looking to release their equity by selling their home. If you are looking to sell your property fast, you might choose to use a property buyer such as Gateway Homes instead.

People who are planning on selling their home will of course want the highest value possible on this asset therefore it is worth making some simple changes to your home which will help boost your house value. Here are our top five ways to push this value as high as possible, even on a budget:

An updated kitchen – As the hub of the home, an updated kitchen can be a huge attraction to buyers, especially those with a family. Ensure that all worktops, cabinets and flooring are up to scratch and appliances are in working order.

Modern bathrooms – A new, fresh-looking bathroom is extremely appealing to buyers. Why not go all out with a spa or whirlpool tub for that added wow-factor.

Natural materials – In this increasingly environmentally-conscious world, natural materials are incredibly popular, such as ceramic tiles, hardwood floors and granite.

Create curb appeal – You want to make a good impression as soon as the prospective buyer pulls up at your door so ensure that the exterior of your home is clean, redecorated where necessary and that your garden is in order.

Maximise space and storage – Space is the most important factor in a home for many buyers so be sure to declutter your home before you have it valued to create the illusion of more space and install space-saving “clever storage” where you can.

For more information on house prices visit http://www.ft.com/

We Brits are a nation of hoarders and one of the reasons we find our wardrobes and drawers packed with clothes we don’t wear is because of our haphazard approach to sale shopping. Buying clothes in the wrong size or in styles we wouldn’t usually choose just because they are cheap is a false economy.

The key to successful sale shopping is to choose items that will not go out of fashion, fit you well and ultimately will provide a function in your wardrobe. Basics are a great thing to buy in the sale because you know you are going to use them and you can then use the money you have saved to splash on other trend-driven items.  For men who are taller or larger than average sale shopping can often be unfruitful and in some cases may conclude in committing the number one sin of buying something which is ill-fitting just because it is cheap. With this in mind we have picked out three sale items from the High and Mighty sale which we think are good value and will transcend the seasons.

Chinos are a great summer staple; they can be dressed up with a shirt, or paired with a polo shirt or T Shirt for a trip to the pub. This light blue pair would work well with a check lumberjack shirt or a crisp white T-Shirt.

Buying a lightweight jacket such as this Henri Lloyd tall hooded jacket is a smart move in a sale. This one has a water repellent finish and fold-away hood making it perfect for any spring showers and its classic colour means it will stay in style year-after-year.

A suit jacket is a must-have for any man so if you can pick up a plain suit jacket in a sale you can make considerable savings on an item that you are likely to wear to special occasions over and over again. This simple single breasted style is a steal at £70.00 and will look equally as stylish with a good pair of jeans as it would the matching trousers.

Millions of people around the world at any one time try to stop smoking. While there are many complex and expensive ways to finally rid you of your habit – many costing more than a pack of cigarettes, in an often-annoying twist of irony – people naturally look for cheap ways to get themselves out of the habit.

One of the best ways to do it at a cheap price is to try over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies from http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/. These include skin patches or gum and release nicotine into your body at low levels. While prices vary based on brand, nicotine strength and buying in bulk, it is often worth spending a lot in order to coax yourself into committing to the lifestyle choice. Generally speaking, gum and patches are more wallet-friendly than an inhaler or pills.

Luckily, there are plenty of free support groups around the UK, while the NHS also operates a quit smoking helpline. On top of this, there is the option to take the free NHS Quit Kit. While it only a one-off option, it gives people a starter pack of nicotine replacement items alongside little treats to keep your mind off that all-encompassing desire for a cigarette.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, is perfect at combating cravings. A 2007 study published in journal Addiction says that five minutes of moderate exercise will reduce cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Look into walking, jogging and stair-climbing as great ways to help yourself out of a nicotine-desiring hole.

Finally, the cheapest option is to simply go cold turkey. Reduce the amount of cigarettes you smoke by one every day or just pick a day and stop smoking completely. Lots of water and juice will help cope with withdrawal symptoms, while toothpicks, straws and vegetable sticks are good to chew on to curb the need for tobacco.

Whichever way you choose, commit to it in a safe way. Never give up on giving up – the health benefits are phenomenal.

As a plus size lady, access to fashion can be mixed. While you may not find on trend items in your size in every store, there are many flattering clothes out there that won’t make you look frumpy and will instead offer definition and work to highlight a fuller figure. To help pick out outfits which will make you feel confident and feminine, follow the three top tips below.

Be shape aware. Pick out shirts and dresses with an A-Line pattern as these will accentuate your waist and can also help minimise a bustier cleavage. Look for shirts and dresses with an A-line pattern, there are some nice examples on http://www.bonmarche.co.uk/. When choosing trousers avoid extremes – baggy and super tight trousers will both draw attention to larger legs, so instead opt for tailored options which are well cut and hang so they do not cling to your leg.

Don’t enter a colour void. While colours like black and navy can be slimming, life can get a little boring when you dress dark all the time. Try autumn colours such as dark green or berry shades when it’s cold and experiment with shades of red or blue in the summer. If you are attached to black, why not introduce some colour through a subtle printed fabric?

We are often told that horizontal stripes make us appear larger and while this is not always the case it is a safe rule to avoid bulky horizontal stripes. Floral prints should be worn small rather than brassy and loud. Similarly other patterns or geometric designs should be of a medium size rather than dominating. Some people believe opting for larger patterns can make a plus-size lady seem more in proportion, but often the patterns look garish or simply draw attention to areas we are trying to conceal.

For more plus size dressing tips, see: http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/06/06/vogue-italia-cover-features-three-plus-size-models/

Given the competition between rental organisations and landlords in large towns across the country, it stands to reason that students can do quite a lot to find themselves a place with low bills. http://www.pickardproperties.co.uk/ understands this more than most, as an expert in the field, and is passing on a number of handy hints for people looking for their accommodation during their studies at universities and colleges up and down the nation.

Funding Education, experts in the field of cutting cost of learning, recently presented a guide at http://www.fundingeducation.co.uk/budget-accommodation-tips-university.html. It recommended that people look at online property websites, advertisements in local papers and use word of mouth to find little gems in their area. One of the best ways to find a place is to consult final-year students – perhaps friends who have done it all before – that have been happy with their landlord.

However, it is probably worth avoiding accommodation specifically marketed at students. While often good for people on a strict budget or travelling from overseas to study in the country, these organisations can sometimes only exclusively offer large blocks of flats or studio units at high prices. While this suits many foreign students, home students on a budget may struggle to pay for these offerings.

Another very important thing is to be flexible with expectations as an open mind can lead to life in a wonderful – yet perhaps unusual – offering through property management groups or landlords that put tenants in buildings such as disused offices, stately homes and even listed buildings.

Ultimately, when searching for student accommodation, be prepared to join a bigger group. By looking in higher numbers, the chances of finding affordable and attractive houses complete with space and plenty of facilities are higher. Four to six people work well if house hunting on a budget, due to the price of communal areas such as kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms being shared.

Many people always find themselves stuck for gifts around Father’s Day. While mothers are more traditionally easy to please when it comes to their special days throughout the year, dads are usually harder to target with the perfect present. Instead of socks, chocolate or a DVD of a miscellaneous sporting event, why not get them something they’ll really like?

Visiting a site like http://www.jacamo.co.uk/ will present all manner of ways to bring your father up to date with the latest fashions. No longer will he be the laughing stock of the family – getting rid of those t-shirts from 20 years ago in favour of a nice Sergio Tacchini polo shirt will have him matching the fashion of tennis world number one Novak Djokovic, while Nike will have daddy decked out like Rafael Nadal. With so many brands on offer, sporty clothing is not all – Ben Sherman, Timberland, Hamnett and Sonneti all provide fantastic smart fashions, whatever his size.

There are plenty of other frugal ways to approach Father’s Day, too. If your dad takes lunch to work every day, why not treat him to a week of special lunches? Baking up special desserts, making him the best sandwiches of his life and including notes are all great ways to perk up his day and remind him for long after the day that he’s a top bloke. Focus on healthy things, too – the NHS has a number of recommendations for young ones that can carry over to help daddikins stay fitter for longer at http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/childhealth6-15/Pages/Lighterlunchboxes.aspx.

A little bit of elbow grease doesn’t go amiss with dads, either. Why not grab a handful of supplies from around the house and get washing, polishing and vacuuming his car? On top of this, consider the luxury service treatment; it’s one day of the year, after all, so consider matching whims such as meal-making, washing the pots and letting him do what he likes. That’s what any hard-working father wants, and on this day they’re entitled to deserve it.

Most cases of hearing loss have gradually evolved over time and for this reason the problem is sometimes difficult to detect. For individuals with hearing difficulties, there usually comes a time when the realisation that their ears no longer do their job as well as they used to hits them. This recognition can be scary and sufferers can react in denial of the discovery and refuse to admit to having it. This is the worst reaction individuals can have as if left ignored the problem has the potential to advance significantly.

The primary reason for hearing loss is age, but other factors can cause it such as genetics and damage to ears through excessive noise. Hearing aids are particularly useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people who have difficulties that result from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, called hair cells (so-called “sensorineural hearing loss”).

A hearing aid works by magnifying sound vibrations entering the ear. Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are passed along to the brain. The greater the damage to a person’s hair cells, the more severe the hearing loss, and the greater the hearing aid amplification needed to make up the difference. If the damage is too substantial, hearing aids can be ineffective.

Those who think they may be suffering from hearing loss should visit their physician to find out if they can benefit from a hearing aid. In the UK, hearing aids can be obtained from the NHS and the private sector. The NHS offer free-of-charge hearing aids of a reasonable standard; however the technology is usually between two and three years behind what is available in the private sector, such as those offered by http://www.amplifon.co.uk/.

For more information visit: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/hearingaid.htm.

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement or IVA is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors that is designed to provide an alternative to bankruptcy. The arrangement usually lasts for a period of up to five years, after which you will be cleared of any debts included in your arrangement.

If you sign up to an IVA, you will be bound by the agreement and expected to contribute one affordable monthly payment towards your debt, which continues for the length of the IVA. At the end of the arrangement, any outstanding debts are written off – the amount written off will depend on your circumstances and can be as much as 60-70 per cent of the debt.

An IVA procedure is a formal version of a debt relief order or DRO and begins with a formal proposal to your creditors to pay part or all of your debts. Any interest or debt charges will be frozen and creditors will be prohibited from demanding additional payments. An added benefit is that any assets, such as your home and car, are usually protected.

Unlike bankruptcy, an IVA doesn’t affect your personal status, your employment status, or the ability to hold public office. An IVA is suitable if you have unsecured debts of at least £15,000 owed to two or more creditors. You will also need to be able to afford a monthly payment of a minimum of £200 and no further credit agreements may be entered into for the period of the agreement. It is worth bearing in mind that the IVA will be noted on your credit file for up to six years and you may have to declare it on any future mortgage or credit applications, even after it is no longer visible on your credit record.

If you are ever faced with the prospect of bankruptcy, be sure to explore all other alternatives of relieving your debts such as an IVA. To go through an IVA procedure you must apply to the court and be aided by an insolvency practitioner, and you must be prepared to give details about your situation and any unsecured debts you have.

For more information visit http://www.moneydebtandcredit.com/.

Bargain retailers are moving beyond the high street and into shopping malls, according to new figures.

A report from retail consultants Trevor Wood Associates shows that the likes of Poundland, Greggs, Card Factory and Peacocks are showing the fastest tenancy growth in the market since 2008.

The report monitors 500 shopping centres shows that discount retailers are spreading from high steet to shopping centres. According to the growth statistics Poundland is leading the way with 56 per cent growth in tenancies within shopping centres, they are followed by the world’s largest fastfood chain Subway. Bakers Greggs and cut price greetings specialists the Card Factory also make the top ten.

The experts claim that discount retailers in general are benefitting from the collapse of Woolworths in 2008, with many taking up tenancies in former Woolworths’ stores.

Trevor Wood, senior partner at Trevor Wood Associates told the Guardian:  ”Because of changes in the market in the last few years, opportunities presented themselves and [budget chains] grabbed them with both hands. A few years ago, it would have been more difficult to find a shop. If Woolworths was still around, would all these variety stores have risen so much?”

The growing popularity of discount stores in the UK is in no small part due to shoppers adopting some thriftier spending habits. A survey by budget homewares store Homesense, published in February, found that 82 per cent of people now regard themselves as thrifty shoppers.

Lenders are beginning to offer higher loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages and more first-time buyers are purchasing homes, according to new figures published this month.

E.surv found that the average LTV for all purchases was 61 per cent, and total mortgage approvals rose 1.8 per cent in April to 48,435 from 47,577 in March. 27 per cent of all mortgage approvals last month were for properties costing less than £125,000.

Richard Sexton, business development director of e.surv, said: “[First-time buyers] are realising that with renting so expensive homeownership is the more attractive option, especially with lenders now keener to offer fixed-rate deals.

“First-time buyers are the lifeblood of the market – their purchases unlock the rest of the property chain – so these signs of life at the bottom of the market will be welcomed by the higher echelons of the property ladder.”

However, Matt Griffith, founder of first-time buyer website PricedOut, pointed out that the 61 per cent LTV average was still very low in historical terms: “The vast bulk of the market remains focused on those with very substantial levels of equity, not first-time buyers.

“The increase in lower value properties on the market may be a general indication of a falling market, rather than first-time buyer activity. It also doesn’t indicate who is buying these properties – there have been recent signs that lenders are favouring buy-to-let over first-time buyers, who also have a high footprint in these lower segments in the market.”

It seems like the culture of the sickie is much bigger than previously thought, possibly shocking even more cynical people across the country. Compiling statistics about the trend, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) discovered that British workers pull double the number of sick days than counterparts in the US, therefore creating a bill of absence amounting to a whopping £32 billion a year. This figure is based on the average UK salary of £25,000.

According to PwC’s research, employees take an average of ten unscheduled days of absence every year. This compares to the much lower figures of 5.5 in the US and 4.5 in Asia. The UK average stands as slightly worse than Western Europe overall, which collectively recorded a typical figure of 9.7 days. Sick days are accountable for 80 per cent of absence from the workplace; jury service and compassionate leave combine to make up the remainder.

Richard Phelps, HR consulting partner at PwC, said absenteeism can switch from short-term spells of leave into lengthy periods, should employees or even their bosses handle the situation with poor foresight. He continued: “The line between ‘sickie’ and ‘sickness’ can be blurred, with disenchantment at work sometimes exacerbating medical conditions or preventing a speedy return. While sometimes absence from work is unavoidable, once people see colleagues frequently taking unscheduled leave, absence becomes less of a dilemma and more of a right. Breaking the cycle can be hard.”

Cats are extremely beautiful, affectionate animals each with a personality of their own. Compared to some other pets, such as canines, they are also much cheaper and easier to look after.

These lovable felines are a lifelong commitment and in the majority of cases they lead a very happy and long life (living 15 years and beyond), without too many problems. They usually end up becoming a significant and adored member of the family. A kitten is extremely playful and entertaining to watch and as it develops into an older cat it will tend to become extremely independent. Most don’t follow you around the home, waiting on your attention and getting under your feet.

Although cats need love and affection, they don’t require as much attention as some other pets. For example, you don’t have to walk a cat (which saves you time and money, as there is no need to purchase leads). As long as they are given sufficient food and water and regular worming/flea checks they will remain happy. However, compared to dogs, cats don’t require as many vet visits for routine shots, which can become quite expensive. Bear in mind that it is still worth investing in pet insurance to prevent any unexpected veterinary costs.

Cats are clean animals and tend to take care of themselves, spending a large amount of time grooming each day. They are also very bright animals so they will quickly pick up what they should and shouldn’t do, based on the praise you give them. Indoor cats will have to be trained to use a litter box but most of them learn very quickly so you won’t have to deal with cleaning up such messes around your home. After this, all you have to do is ensure that the cat litter is changed on a regular basis. Food and litter are very cheap to buy and because cats are relatively small animals they eat less food than some other pets, which makes it even cheaper.

For everything you could need to prepare your home for the arrival of your new cat, visit http://www.petsathome.com/. If you would like more information on felines and their upkeep, visit http://ezinearticles.com/?Cats-Make-Great-Pets-If-You-Understand-Them&id=63182.

With the current economic climate causing problems throughout the UK, people are watching their purses more carefully in fear of overspending. Therefore, the expense of joining a weight loss programme or starting a new diet is probably not viewed as a necessity to most people. However, for those who want to reach their weight loss goal, it can be the best option as it teaches portion control and eases you into lifestyle changes.

According to the free diet magazine www.justslimming.com, weight loss programmes like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, although endorsed by celebrities, require a monthly commitment both in cost and product loyalty. According to the Jenny Craig site, the full plan includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and your personal, one to one consultation for just £9.90/day equating to about £515 a year. While the programme encourages healthier eating by controlling portions, you are required to buy the food, making it difficult to stray for the regimen during the holiday season. Weight Watchers may be less in cost but the programme is also designed around eating their meals and snacks.

For the past seven years, the Atkins Diet has increased its popularity and credibility as the ”low carb” diet that delivers results. Although controversial in its methods, the Atkins Diet has proven to be one of the most effective ways of dieting, according to Weight Watchers on the NHS, but what about good old Doctor Atkins?, an article published in July on the Telegraph website. So how does it work?

The diet works by eliminating excess carbohydrates, which ”causes your body to burn some of the carbs for energy and stores the excess carbs as fat.” You are not counting calories, but are limited, in the first two weeks, to 20g of carbs a day. The plan encourages you to eat more protein and fat, like meat and fish. So it must be expensive, right?

Not necessarily. The Atkins UK website, http://uk.atkins.com/, has great information on how to get started, the products available at local retailers, and even recipes for those meals at home. As explained on the Atkins UK site, ”These four phases, induction, on-going weight loss, pre-maintenance, and lifetime maintenance, allow you to easily tailor your program based on your very individual goals.”

The main difference between the Atkins Diet and the other popular diets is you do not have to buy their products to follow the programme properly. All the Atkins Diet teaches you is to ”eat the right foods and change your body from a carb-burning to a fat-burning machine. Sticking to basic foods instead of using pre-packaged ones will certainly keep your food expenses more in line with what you might normally spend. Fresh vegetables and meats will generally cost less in the long run than packaged ones.’

Regardless of the negatives, the Atkins Diet has proven to be a success for the people who have tried it. You have nothing to lose except bad habits and pounds!

Everyone loves to find themselves a good bargain and the January sales have always been one of the best places to look.  However, this year consumers are expected to spend much more of their money in online sales.  A lot of people are already aware of how many great online buys are set to become available.  This is because they have read about it in places like sundaymercury.

Needless to say, a good many ladies are patiently waiting to get Christmas over and done with so they can begin their search for plus size clothing on the Net!  There are several very good reasons why internet shopping is on the increase…

• Value

We all know how much cheaper plus size clothes are online any of the time, so when these items have been reduced even further, it really is a win-win situation for shoppers!

You may find some bargains in the high street stores… however; you will find far more if you are shopping for your plus size clothes on the Net.

• Convenience

Let’s face it, even though we enjoy looking around for plus size clothing, it doesn’t always fit in with everyday life.  So many other things get in the way and there often just isn’t time to go bargain hunting around the big stores in the city centre.

However, shopping online for your plus size clothes is so much easier and you can do it all at a time that is convenient for you!

• Faster

How often have you been trying to find something in particular and you’ve had to trudge around numerous stores?  This is a really time-consuming business and it will frequently end in disappointment!

It’s so much easier to track down your items of plus size clothing online.  Most suppliers will have easy to navigate websites and your search will take a fraction of the time.

Suppliers such as http://www.simplybe.co.uk have a great selection of plus size clothes and they are famed for their everyday prices.  When you are looking for bargains in the January sales, this website should be one of the very first places you visit!

There are always plenty of bargains to be found if you only know where to look.  And when you are shopping around for a plus size jacket, the first thing you need to do is stick to online suppliers!  We all know what a poor selection of plus size clothing there is on the high street, so why waste your time trudging around lots of different shops???  In fact, many guys are now looking online for their plus size garments for exactly the same reason!

True, there may be thousands of different plus size clothing suppliers to choose from on the Net, but that does not mean you have to visit every site!  There are some really informative articles online that tell you exactly how to find the stylish plus size clothes you are after; and this applies both to men and women.

You are quite likely to find yourself a really nice plus size jacket for less than £50 if you are prepared to take your time….

• Try typing ‘Plus Size Women’s Jackets’ into the ‘Shopping Results’ page on Google.

• Have a look for plus size clothing suppliers who have a sale on…  You may find a plus size jacket in exactly the style you are after!

• Why not try using a price comparison website?  This could save you visiting lots of different suppliers.

• Have a look for money-off coupons for the company you are planning to buy from.  Use websites like ‘247 Malls’ or ‘MonkeyBargains’ because they have an alphabetical search bar.

• Try searching for a plus size women’s jacket on eBay.  But always make a point of checking a seller’s feedback rating before you buy…

• Some plus size clothing merchants will reward you with money-off vouchers when you buy from them.  These can be used for future purchases!

• Suppliers who sell on and offline may give you the option of picking up your items at one of their stores… and this will mean you do not have postage to pay for!

If you are looking for a plus size jacket, then why not try visiting http://www.Jacamo.co.uk?  They have a superb choice of garments for a seriously competitive price!

Even though most of us are now on the Net, ‘January Sales’ will normally bring high street stores to mind.  And yes, some of these will have the odd bargain, but the best buys of all will be waiting for us online!

The January sales are an ideal time for picking up certain items of clothing and party dresses are a fine example.  You can find yourself something for an absolute steal which you simply wouldn’t be able to afford at any other time of the year!

• Price Comparison Websites

If you are looking for a certain type of party dress, then try using a price comparison site.  These won’t always bring you the results you are after, but they are certainly worth a try.

Price comparison websites can also save a lot of time because you can get oodles of information on one single page!

• Coupons

Okay, so you have found yourself the perfect plus size party dress in the January sales and you are all ready to place your order.  But wait!  You may be able to get it for an even lower price…

Some online suppliers issue promotional money-off coupons and these can be used when you get to their checkout page.  Try going onto Google and typing in the trader’s name with the word ‘coupon’ after it.  You may just be surprised…

• Do Some Research

If you find the plus size dress you want on a website you have never heard of then do some checking up!  Most online suppliers are 100% genuine, but there are always the odd exceptions…  For example, what is this company’s customer service like?  And do they accept returns?

You will soon know if it is a supplier to avoid simply by reading about what other customers have to say.  If all you find are bad experiences then resume your search elsewhere!

There are some excellent suppliers of plus size clothes for women on the Net.  When you shop with someone like http://www.Plussize-dresses.com, you are sure to find plenty of bargains… and not just in the January sales either!!

Crime is a big concern for us all.  And let’s face it, everything we own is at risk; our homes, our possessions, our vehicles and ourselves.  But one of the greatest worries of all is that such a high percentage of crime is totally mindless.  You only have to pick up a newspaper to see how many people have been affected by acts of senseless vandalism or unprovoked violence.

However, there are certain things we can do to make our homes safer…

• Fitting more secure locks to our doors and windows is always a good idea.

• Many intruders will be deterred if we install exterior lighting around our home’s perimeter.

• A house alarm is a must and they are normally really simple to install.

But the wisest home security investment of all, for any homeowner, is a CCTV system!   Just think about how many crimes are solved in modern day society because of CCTV footage.  It is a well known fact that Closed Circuit Television systems help to bring numerous criminals to justice and any police officer will tell you that they also prevent crime!

Think of it this way; if you were a burglar and you were trying to decide which property to rob, then would you choose one which had video cameras on the wall???  CCTV systems will deter even the most determined of criminals simply because they are clearly visible!

Now, if you enquire about a CCTV system with a professional company, you are probably talking about a cost of £1,000!  However, don’t let this put you off…  suppliers like Maplin.co.uk have a great choice of CCTV systems for a fraction of this price and you don’t have to be a genius to fit them either.  The majority of these kits are suitable for anyone who has a basic knowledge of DIY, so that means no additional installation costs!

If you want to step-up your home security, then have a look at the CCTV systems at http://www.maplin.co.uk/.  Not only will they make your home safer, but they will also give you great peace of mind!

Fitting new handles to our doors can have a really big effect on the overall look of our home.  And if we are willing to spend a little bit more, then they will also last us for a lifetime!  It doesn’t matter what type of style we have in our properties either because there are door handles to suit any theme, decor or colour scheme. At a first-rate supplier like Door Chic, you will always have a fantastic choice.

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If you thought that door handles were limited to brass or stainless steel, then you obviously haven’t looked around very much!  There are some stunning designs out there are they are made from a myriad of materials.  Glass, wood, acrylic, alloy, porcelain; or sometimes a mish-mash of several different substances!

Certain things in life are worth paying a bit extra for and door handles are most certainly one of these.  When you stop and think just how many times our doors are opened and closed, you will realise exactly how must strain is placed on a handle.  This is why it is so important for it to be constructed from top quality materials.  You may be able to find a style of handle that you like for a far lower price, but just how well-made will it be?  And it isn’t just to do with its outer appearance either; the small components within a handle are what do the actual work!

Buying a slightly more expensive handle for a door is far more cost effective than fitting a ‘cheap and cheerful’ one every couple of years.  All in all, low price door handles are a great example of false economy!  Besides, why scrimp on quality?  The door handles in our homes do a huge amount of work and we should always make a point of fitting the best ones we can find.

And at a top supplier like http://www.doorchic.co.uk/ you will get exactly what you are looking for; quality, style and craftsmanship for a genuinely realistic price!

Working in a large built-up area like Bradford is often an essential part of modern life.  However, this does not mean that our home must be smack bang in the middle of a huge metropolis!  There are plenty of smaller places to live and many of these will still be only a short distance away from our place of work.

Here are just a few good reasons why places such as Brighouse are a better place to live -

• Less Crime

There is always a risk of crime, wherever you have a property. However, you are likely to see far less of it if you live in a small town like Brighouse.

And the great news is that you will find plenty of properties to choose from in this area when you visit a website like http://www.pickardproperties.co.uk/!

• Less Traffic, Less Pollution

Don’t you just hate breathing in all of those horrible exhaust fumes when you are walking along the street in Bradford?  There is far less traffic in Brighouse making it a much healthier place to live!

And there is also the safety aspect to consider; fewer cars on the street will mean less chance of accidents!

• Just as Many Facilities

Just because you decide to move away from a big city, it does not mean that you will have nowhere to shop!

Most small towns will have a great variety of stores and you will also get a far better standard of service as well…  Because the shops in Brighouse are less busy, shopkeepers will have more time to talk to their customers!

• A Greater Sense of Community

Living in a large city like Bradford will often feel pretty anonymous.  In fact, most people are lucky if you even know their next door neighbours these days!

However, towns like Brighouse will have quite a strong sense of community and this can make it a far nicer place to live.

If you are tired of big city problems, then why not take a look at some of the properties at http://www.pickardproperties.co.uk/brighouse-property.php?  This could be a very wise ‘move’ indeed!

There seems to be an enormous amount of pressure on us all to own our properties.  Well, it can be a good investment (if we are lucky with the interest rates and we can afford to pay an astronomical deposit), but is it really such a big deal?  After all, who are you actually going to impress when you proudly declare, ‘By the way, I’m buying my own flat’?

The truth is that a property is a very expense thing to maintain.  Few homes will go for very long before they require a certain amount of work and this is when you could begin wishing that you had a landlord to foot the bill!  Many homeowners will say that paying rent for a property is simply ‘dead money’, but that depends on how you look at it…

These same homeowners have probably never had an expensive repair job to contend with… as yet.  If they had, then they would be fully aware of the big financial merits attached to renting!  Leaky roofs, burst water pipes and faulty boilers are all common problems in properties and they are normally costly jobs to have put right. Most homeowners will be unable to carry out this type of repair work by themselves, so it will mean having to pay for expert services… and that is when it starts getting expensive!

This is why a growing number of people are renting flats in Leeds and other major cities.  Not only will these tenants have no worries about paying for routine repairs, but they will also be much closer to the office!  If anything ever does go wrong, then you will simply have to notify your letting agency.  There will be no workmen to contact and you won’t be sat around waiting for a big scary repair bill to drop through the letterbox.  In fact, the most expensive item that you will ever need to replace will be the occasional light bulb!

If you are looking for a property to rent, then http://www.cityliving.co.uk/ have a superb selection to choose from.  They have an excellent reputation and take a great deal of pride in offering their tenants the very best rented accommodation.

These days, many more people are opting to have Ultralase eye surgery.  It is a fast and simple procedure which will totally eliminate the need for glasses.  Obviously, there will be the cost of the treatment itself to consider, but when you think about how much we spend on frames for our spectacles, it soon makes this one-off price seem like blatant common sense!

Ultralase eye surgery can sometimes be found at a lower price abroad; however, it is important to be aware that not all clinics will use the same high standards of technology.  Some experts recommend patients to undergo their treatment in the UK as other countries can lack adequate knowledge or medical training that is required by law in the United Kingdom.

Anyone who does choose to go overseas for their Ultralase eye surgery should be aware that problems can still occur after the operation is complete; if all has not gone strictly to plan, then you may find yourself requiring a fair amount of aftercare.  This is why it is advisable to undergo the procedure in the UK…  If you do, and it is necessary to have any enhancement surgery after the operation, it will more than likely be covered by the aftercare costs!

Another factor to bear in mind is that the sunlight can be exceptionally bright in many foreign climates… and if you have just had Ultralase eye surgery then this can cause you a great deal of discomfort!  Sure, you can always invest in a pair of sunglasses, but won’t you already have enough to contend with?  Besides, the whole point of the procedure is not having to wear any glasses!!

So, even thought the initial procedure may be cheaper overseas, the follow-up treatment can actually end up making the whole business much more expensive (not to mention stressful)!  All in all, it is far easier and much more cost effective to have your Ultralase eye surgery in the UK.  Why go to all of the time and expense of travelling abroad for your surgery when there are well trained and well respected clinics such as http://www.ultralase.com/vites/treatment-choices right here in the UK?

Not all insurers will be as good to deal with as others; this is a simple fact of life.  And if you have some sort of mishap, then the last thing you will feel like is an insurance company who are unhelpful, slow and unhappy about paying out for your claim!  After all, the whole point of having insurance in place is having the peace of mind that it will be there if/when you need it.

So how can you tell which insurers are the best ones? A very good question!  And knowing the answer to this will result in you getting an optimal amount of protection for a realistic price…  So, as you can imagine, it is well worth doing a little research when you are taking out an insurance policy!  And this applies to any type of cover; for your home, pet, car or holiday!

Here are two ways of finding one of the better companies to deal with –

• Shop Online!!!

Not only will you find the lowest prices on the internet, but you will also find plenty of information.  A short space of time spent on the Net can be very rewarding indeed…

You will see exactly what level of cover each policy offers and you will be aware of any clauses or exclusions which will invalidate a claim.

• Ask Around!!!

Which insurance company do your friends and family use?  We may be living in a high-tech age, but word of mouth is still the best form of advertising!  And in the world of insurance, reputation means a great deal!

Perhaps someone you know has had to make a claim on their insurance in the past?  If so, they will be able to tell you exactly what type of service they received.

Talking to a few different people can give you a pretty good idea of which insurers to have a closer look at… or any to avoid!

One of the best insurers to deal with are http://www.autonetinsurance.co.uk.  They are well known for their low prices and they really do offer customers a level of service that is second to none!

It is now becoming far more commonplace for families to stay in the UK for their holidays.  Travelling overseas is no longer as cheap as it once was and a growing number of people are becoming aware of this.  And if you take this into consideration, you will see how lucrative it can be to let out your property to holidaymakers.

Renting your own ‘holiday cottage’ can provide you with a welcome extra income.  Although, exactly how much money it generates will be dependent on several factors…

• The Location of Your Property

Where your property is situated will have a huge bearing on the amount of rent you will be able to charge.

For example, a 2 bedroom home in North Wales is likely to bring in £6,000 every year, whilst a similar property in Yorkshire is likely to generate an annual income of £7,500.

• How Often You Rent Out Your Property

You will need to decide on exactly how many weeks of the year you are going to rent your property and how much of the time you want to keep it for your own use.

It may be more lucrative to rent it out as much as possible, but don’t forget that you will need time to carry out any routine maintenance.

• The Level of Comfort in Your Property

The more creature comforts you have fitted inside your property the better.  Holidaymakers will normally be prepared to pay a little extra if there are additional facilities to make their stay more enjoyable.

Consider installing some extra features that your visitors will find appealing such as a power shower, a spa bath or maybe even a four poster bed! And who knows, they may want to return another year!!

• The Size of Your Property

This is another really important factor that will have a big effect on how much profit you will make.  Obviously, the more people you are able to accommodate in your holiday property, the more money you going to get.

If your property has 2 bedrooms them it may earn you around £8,000 per annum.  However, if it were to have 4 bedrooms then this figure could be more within the region of £12,500!

Anyone who is interested in letting out their property should contact an agency such as http://www.rentmycottage.com.  They will provide you with all of the information you need and will advertise your holiday cottage in all of the best places!

When it comes to holidays, we have two main options to consider; travelling overseas or staying within the UK.  Over the years we have been encouraged to take advantage of low-cost package deals and to visit foreign climes.  However, things are now beginning to change and many people are starting to realise how much cheaper it is to have a holiday on home soil…

Prices are steadily increasing and it is becoming much more expensive to go abroad.  Airlines are now allowing their passengers to take far less luggage on a flight and there are also substantial charges for anyone carrying any extra weight.  Some companies are also introducing a fee for such facilities as toilets and there is even talk of ‘standing room only’ on certain flights!

It’s no wonder then, why so many holidaymakers are now choosing to take their break in the UK instead.  There will be no airport parking to pay for, no costly plane tickets to buy and you will not have the expense of renewing your passport!  Besides, there are so many different locations to consider visiting without even having to leave the country.

And when it comes to booking accommodation in the UK, more and more families are choosing to stay in holiday cottages.  These can be found in virtually any part of England, Wales or Scotland, and they are a far more cost effective way of having a holiday!

A lot of us will have forgotten just how many wonderful holiday destinations there are on our very own doorstep.  However, the fact is that you don’t need to go overseas to find stunning scenery, beautiful beaches or great family days out!  The UK has some fantastic areas to visit and there will certainly be no shortage of things to see or do.

So why pay through the nose to go abroad when you can have just as good a holiday in the UK instead?  And if you are saving your money by staying in a holiday cottage, you will have more to spend on luxuries during your time away!  Companies like http://www.easycottages.com have a great selection of properties to choose from and many of these are in some of the UK’s most sought-after locations!

People will actually go on holiday for a number of different reasons. They may be looking for fun, adventure or even romance.  Needless to say, there are certain areas that are more suitable than others for a particular type of holiday.  And if it is relaxation that you want, then Florida is a fantastic place to visit!

(Mind you, it’s also worth remembering that Florida is a fantastic place to visit whatever you are looking for…)

Now relaxation itself can take on many forms… and that is exactly what makes Florida the ideal location!  The bottom line is that ‘The Sunshine State’ can provide everything for everyone; however they like to relax.  This may mean wandering around one of the National Parks, stretching out on an idyllic beach or visiting the immense Universal Studios…

• The Florida Keys

Sit back, close your eyes and imagine this;

Palm trees swaying gently in a warm breeze, a beautiful clear blue ocean lapping across a wonderful golden beach and a delicious chilled fruit drink close to hand.

Got that?  If so, then you have a pretty good idea of what the Florida Keys are like to visit.  You can probably see why they are such a popular destination!

• Golf

If golf is your preferred way of relaxing, then Florida is a must!

There are courses for every standard of player in Florida and it is home to some of the most famous fairways in the world such as the Jim McLean Signature Course, Seminole, Black Diamond Ranch and the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

• The Everglades

The Everglades really is one of Florida’s most beautiful areas of all.  And visitors will find that it has so many relaxing activities to consider…

There are hiking trails to explore, fishing lakes to enjoy, boat trips to take and camping areas to stay in.

All in all, anyone looking for a relaxing holiday destination will find that Florida ticks every box.  And if you are booking your trip with someone like http://www.florida4less.co.uk, then it will not cost you the earth either.  They have a great choice of Florida holidays at a price to suit any pocket!

Using mosaic tiles in your home is increasing in popularity, although many people avoid using this technique because they believe it’s more difficult than it actually is. In fact, it’s probably quicker and easier than you think and it can help create a relaxing yet vibrant space in your home, not to mention a real talking point for guests!

The secret to successful mosaics is to make sure you use the right size and tile colour for the space you are working with. For example, if you’re tiling a shower or bathroom, natural tile colours and sizes that resemble stones in a waterfall can work really well, and you can enhance the look with complementary shower curtains, natural soaps and exotic plants.

Mosaics can work well on kitchen work surfaces as not only do they look great, they also provide a functional and easy to clean splashback for your cooker and sink. You can choose tiles that enhance the colours or designs of your kitchen cupboards, or for a more modern and expressive look, choose larger tiles to create a textural and visually impactful pattern on the wall.

Mosaic flooring is an ideal choice for a wide variety of rooms and the technique can really freshen up the space available without being overwhelming. Multiple colours can be used to create patterns that give the room texture, and another widely used technique is to continue the floor mosaic part way up the walls for an unusual yet striking effect.

But the real benefit of mosaic tiling is that it gives you an opportunity to really use your imagination when it comes to patterns, shapes, colours, and layouts and to create something daring, bold, and unique.

To learn more about how to use mosaic tiling in your home, visit http://www.thetiledepot.co.uk/

Christmases, birthdays, holidays, parties, girls nights out, boys nights in… the reasons to have a guest bedroom in your home are endless. However, setting up a guestroom doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and in some cases your room doesn’t even need to be a room in its own right!

There are a few important things to consider when setting up a guest bedroom, starting with the room itself. Are you converting an existing room to a bedroom? Are you turning a corner of your living room into a space that can double as a sleeping area? Are you building an extension just so you can have an extra bedroom? Either way, it’s important to get the colours, lighting, and mood of the room just right so that your guests can enjoy a good night’s sleep in a stylish and comfortable space. Remember that if you’re creating a dual purpose room, that any colours and furnishings you use work just as well during the day as they do at night.

But the most important piece of furniture in a guest bedroom is the bed itself, and this is where you need to weight up how often the room or space will be used against how much floor area you have to spare. For example, if the room or space will only be used occasionally, you can sacrifice some sleeping comfort for floor space by picking up a pull out bed that doubles as comfy seat. This type of bed can convert from a stylish armchair or sofa in seconds which is also ideal if you have unexpected overnight guests.

If you’re converting a room into a guest bedroom and you don’t need to worry about saving space or using the room for anything else, you can really push the boat out by purchasing either a double bed or two single beds, or even bunk beds depending on who is likely to use the room. And if the room is going to be a permanent bedroom, it also gives you the chance to really make the most of the decor, with matching bed linen, rugs, curtains and more!

To find our more about the kinds of beds available for guest bedrooms, visit http://www.storagebedsdirect.co.uk/

These days, with property prices at a high and fewer homes on the market, staying put is the new moving house. And if that’s what you’ve decided to do, it makes sense to invest the cash that you’d otherwise spend on estate agent and solicitor fees, surveys and stamp duty into your home with a view to increasing its value in the future.

One thing to remember is that it’s important to know what kind of improvements to invest in if you want to see the maximum return on your money. Get it wrong and you could end up reducing the value of your home, or worse, you could have a home that is really difficult to sell. With that in mind, improvements like swimming pools and lavishly landscaped gardens may improve your quality of life, but unless your home is in the right kind of neighbourhood, they won’t increase its worth.

Alternatively, you could consider a loft conversion, a new cellar, an extension or garage, a new bathroom, or something as simple as updating your double glazing or central heating. However, an almost guaranteed way to make your home more attractive to potential future buyers while improving your quality of life at the same time is to invest as much as you can afford in your kitchen – especially if you can only afford to give one room a makeover. Often the heart of the home, you should really consider a full professional redesign if your kitchen is especially outdated.

More affordable ways to improve your kitchen include fitting new cupboard doors and handles, installing tile splashbacks, replacing tired blinds and other furnishings, painting the walls, and laying a new floor. And if your budget stretches a little further, you could even go so far as to replace your appliances to get the modern, clean and co-ordinated look that buyers really go for.

To find out more about adding value to your home, visit http://www.sncollection.co.uk/

If you’ve got a baby at home or one on the way, it’s likely that you’ve given some thought to how you want to decorate his or her room, and it’s almost certain that the words blue, pink and neutral have passed your lips more than once. But as long as your baby has everything it needs in terms of milk, toys and a comfy bed, they won’t mind what colour their room is, which puts you firmly in charge of the decor!

You might not know it, but there are some definitely dos and donts when it comes to decorating a baby’s or toddler’s room and the most obvious is to not theme the room. Why? Because theming can become quite expensive if the theme stretches to bed linen, curtains and other soft furnishings, and as your baby grows they’ll eventually want something different. Another don’t is to let younger children make the final decision when it comes to decorating their rooms as they’re known for changing their minds at the drop of a hat. What you can do instead is listen to what they want and guide them to a decision that suits you both.

Definite dos include building as much storage into the room as possible to keep all those toys and clutter at bay, choosing furniture that can grow with your child, and making sure the room not only offers somewhere to play but that it also provides a comfy, safe and warm place to sleep.

Which brings us to our last point – safety must come first so window locks and electrical socket covers are essential, as is fixing heavy furniture to the walls and floor, and removing any trip hazards and other dangers. Your child will thank you for it!

To read more about decorating your child’s room, visit http://www.roller-blinds-direct.co.uk/

Wouldn’t it be great to hire an interior designer to revamp a room in your home? And wouldn’t it be even better to get that designer look without having to reach so far into your pockets? If you can apply a little bit of creative thinking, you could transform any space in your house so effectively that your friends and family will be asking for the number of your designer, without ever realising that you did it all yourself!

A great place to find inspiration are the pages of your favorite home décor magazines and websites, where their designers have already done the hard work. Hopefully, this will inspire your makeover and offer you an endless supply of the kind of ideas, tips and tricks that will help you achieve the look and feel you’re after.

The basics are the same, whatever room you’re transforming. In fact, any room can be given a fresh look with just a new coat of paint and some complementary decorative accents such as a patterned wallpaper or contrasting colour on one wall, some stylish window treatments such as bold coloured curtains on designer curtain poles, modern blinds, or even something as simple as some wooden trim around window frames and other structural edges.

Removing clutter is a quick and easy way to update a room and bring the focus away from the mess and back on to the décor. Although a carefully considered selection of thrifty accessories and other decorative items like candles, mirrors, wall art, fabric and photographs can help to create a designer look and feel, a particular mood, or a whole new living environment without the it being too hard on your wallet.

To find out more about creating a designer look on a low budget, visit http://www.polesdirect.com/

If you’re considering plastic surgery, you’ll already know that the cost of treatment means that it’s not just expensive – it can be a major investment. However, to some people, surgery is most definitely worth the money in terms of improving quality of life through their appearance and even in terms of saving money in the long run. To others, cosmetic surgery is a waste of money and should never be considered. Ultimately, it’s a highly personal decision and if you do decide to opt for treatment, it can make sense to try to find the best price first.

Arguments against spending money on surgery mainly revolve around the cost itself. It is a very expensive procedure which is not covered under health insurance, and most patients end up paying for more than one treatment – sometimes because of an addiction to improving their appearance, and sometimes to repair the damage done by the first. Another valid argument is that surgery isn’t really necessary – it’s essentially a luxury expense that most people can do without, and a lot of people believe that spending money on luxuries only leads to stress caused by debt, rather than happiness.

On the other hand, cosmetic surgery can also be cost-effective in some cases. For example, weight reduction surgery can help extremely obese people to lose weight, and therefore spend less on healthcare. Serious self esteem issues can often be resolved by surgery which can have financial benefits, and it has been suggested that looking younger and healthier can improve your chances in the job market!

But the real question is whether it’s possible to reduce the cost of plastic surgery once you’ve decided to go through with it? It’s certainly possible with a little bit of thought and a creative strategy, and solutions range from medical tourism that involves travel to countries where procedures are cheaper, to taking out a low or no interest plastic surgery loan instead of using a credit card or remortgaging your property. Shopping around is also important as some providers are cheaper than others, but the most effective way to lower the cost – and enjoy the results sooner – is to ensure you have the minimum amount of surgery you actually need!

To find out more about the costs of plastic surgery, visit http://www.mya.co.uk/

Like most people your kitchen is the heart of your home, but when it comes to style, function always seems to come before form especially if you have a tight decorating budget to stick to. So, for a room that you spend such a lot of time in, it makes sense to add a touch of class and here’s how you can do it without breaking the bank!

The chances are you don’t have one of those huge designer kitchens that you see in magazines, and you likely don’t have a glamorous studio kitchen that you see on TV either. You’re more likely to have one like this, which is why these practical suggestions for visual effects that can transform your kitchen will probably work best for you.

A great way to freshen up tired kitchen furniture is to simply replace door handles and cupboard handles with modern designer hardware that you can pick up from DIY stores on your high street, and even online. There are a huge range of styles and designs to choose from, and you will always find something to match and complement the look you are aiming for.

If you’d like to add a splash of colour to your kitchen, how about some tile mosaic splashbacks above your work surfaces? Cheap tableware, dishes and plates come in all kinds of colours and designs, too, and you can often find matching tablecloths, placemats, blinds and even flowers for a totally co-ordinated look.

If your budget can stretch a little further, picking up matching appliances that are all silver or all white can add to your kitchen’s modern clean lines, while mismatched appliances and a range of colours and brass or copper utentils and other items can create a more rustic and homely environment.

But whatever look your choose for your kitchen, finding great ideas that can help you to really make a meal of your budget is easier than you think.

To find out more classy kitchens on a budget, visit http://www.handleworld.co.uk/

Most people would love a visitor to their home to describe it as elegant, sophisticated and modern, but not everyone wants to spend the money they think they’ll need to achieve that kind of look. But what you might not know is that style, elegance and sophistication doesn’t need to cost the earth, and you can achieve an enviable look for your home for much less time, effort and cash than you think!

There are loads of techniques you can put to use in any room, with the most effective being a feature wall. If your room already has a neutral colour scheme a feature wall can introduce excitement , personality and a real focal point without overpowering the existing decor. It’s an opportunity to experiment with colour and moods, and if you’re the kind of person who likes to redecorate often, it’s a great way to completely define the look of a room with much less effort than decorating the entire space.

Accessories like artwork, mirrors, rugs and other soft furnishing, and even large flower displays can also provide much-needed focal points in a large space, and can also make a smaller room seem much bigger than it actually is. Glass and chrome furniture create modern, clean and minimalistic lines without sacrificing practicality, while sconces, pillar candles, vases and sculptures can create a more classic feel.

But one of the most overlooked methods of making a room look more elegant involves sprucing  up window furniture. Fabric shades and roman blinds offer privacy, light control and plenty of style without breaking the bank, and it’s easy to customise your window decorations with extra fabric, trim, or valances to complement and add to the mood that your room has already created.

To find out more about how window blinds can make any room seem more sophisticated, visit http://www.directblinds.co.uk/

If there’s one thing that’s stopped you from giving your home the period property look you’ve always wanted, it’s likely to be the cost. But what you might not know is that turning your home into an authentic-looking Victorian haven doesn’t have to come with the huge price tag you’re expecting!

How? Because with just a little bit of creativity, just the right amount of know-how, and our tips, tricks and suggestions, you can have a home like those featured at http://www.periodliving.co.uk/ for much less than you think.

The first thing people might notice – and touch – in your home are your door knobs, and you can make a great first impression by replacing your knobs with over designed reproduction or authentic glass ones – sources online, or from second hand or antique stores. Displaying a special set of collectables was also popular in Victorian times, and can also make a big first impact if you use an authentic-looking glass cabinet or intricately designed étagère full of pictures and treasures in your hallway or living area.

Other money-saving tips include patterned wallpaper or even stenciled paper for a similar but much cheaper effect, layered rugs under tables and in front of fireplaces, and tassels on door knobs, curtain tiebacks, chairs, and even lamps.

Decorative ironwork is also essential in recreating that sought-after period look, and one of the areas of your home where this look can work exceptionally well is your curtain poles. You can find authentic poles with a real Victorian feel to them at architectural salvage yards and antique shops. However if your budget is tight it’s often well worth looking online for cheap designer iron curtain poles and you’re almost guaranteed to find something stylish that not only suits your home, but your pocket too!

Find out more about creating a period look with iron curtain poles by visiting http://www.curtainpolesdirect.co.uk/

Not everyone can afford to hire an interior designer to revamp their homes, but almost anyone can apply a little bit of practicality and common sense to the decor in their living rooms to achieve the look and feel they really want. Better still, there are plenty of affordable things you can do which create results that look like you’ve spent much more than you actually have!

It doesn’t matter how big or how small your room is – there are plenty of tips and tricks online for using storage, colours, furniture and accessories that can make your lounge or living room look much bigger, more stylish, and a lot more pleasant to be in.

It’s a good idea to start off with the small things such as door handles. They’re cheap, simple and easy to replace and there are a huge range of styles and designs to choose from at high street DIY stores and even online. Soft furnishing accessories like slipcovers and cushions can update drab seating, and different lighting techniques and candles can create lots of different moods all in the same room.

Walls can be given a facelift by painting or papering with coloured and patterned wallpapers, or by hanging prints, photographs or even fabric to create a striking feature piece and an entire new look. A large mirror on one wall can also make a room look much bigger than it is. Give a similar treatment to windows with new blinds, curtains or window valances, and bring your flooring up to date with brightly coloured or funky patterned rugs.

Finally, the quickest, easiest and most definitely the cheapest way to freshen a living room is to remove clutter to restore the clean lines and visual harmony your room – and your eyes – deserve.

For more ways to improve your  lounge decor, visit http://www.handlesdirect.co.uk/

Most business owners and entrepreneurs have some view of what they want to do with their companies once they reach retirement. Options include disposing of the company via sale, handing ownership down to a family member, management buy-out and buy-ins, stock market floatation and even voluntary liquidation. This final goal is usually facilitated by some form of exit strategy.

These exit strategies should be planned early, arguably as part of the initial business plan. Consideration to the exit should be given not only because it may determine how the business is structured, but also because it helps understand that succession and exit planning is a tailored process that requires planning, periodic reassessment and is rarely a single event.

Knowing when to walk away from your business is one of the hardest issues to face. For many, the heart still rules the head when it should be the other way around. Often a successful exit strategy needs input form a source outside of the company.

Top tips for getting the right advice

1. Ask your bank manager, accountant or business colleagues to recommend corporate finance specialists with the appropriate expertise to suit your type and size of business.
2. Try to find advisers who are the right size for your deal. There is no point in hiring people who specialise in selling £20 million IT companies if yours is a £2 million automotive component business.
3. Invite 2 or 3 firms to pitch for your business. Ask them who they have advised and ensure that they have the right contacts in your sector.
4. Only hire them if you think you can work with them. You need to feel comfortable with the individual(s) as you could be working closely with them for a considerable period of time and may need their shoulder to lean on if the situation becomes difficult.
5. Make sure that you are speaking the same language. Many specialists are so focused on the technicalities of what they do that they forget that in this area you are essentially a layman. If they can’t communicate clearly with you so that you fully understand the process, don’t hire them.
6. Ensure that you fully understand and agree the basis of fees to be charged by corporate finance advisers. Fees will normally consist of an up-front retainer with a success related element payable on completion of the site.

With the correct corporate finance adviser on-board from the offset it should be able to maximise the benefits of your exit plan and minimise the tax issues and red tape, leading to a more financially secure retirement, a pain free hand over of the family business or the necessary capital to invest in your next entrepreneurial venture.

For more information on the corporate finance services provided by PKF please visit http://www.pkf.co.uk/pkf/services/corporate_finance/home

PKF Partner and expert in fraud risk management David Dearman discusses the effects of the current economic climate on fraud levels.

The current economic climate is bad news for most businesses – and the problems don’t stop at the difficulty of sourcing corporate finance. Historically it has been shown that, as growth falls, so is there a rise in the incidence of fraud.

The collapse of the sub-prime market in the US, and he resulting impact on the British banking industry, is notorious enough to have popularised a new phrase in he language: ‘credit crunch’. This crunch has slowed own or even reversed the rapid growth in house prices experienced by the UK in recent years, and mortgage enders have become increasingly cautious about whom they lend to, and how much. Added to this is the rise in global oil prices and diminishing confidence in the economy as a whole. As a result, inflation is increasing at a rate unlikely to be matched by wages. The Bank of England has cut interest rates, but these savings have not been passed on to borrowers by banks and building societies, who are trying to recoup their losses. Such torrid conditions, unfortunately, provide an ideal environment for the growth of fraud.

The big picture

The economic cycle in the UK has traditionally been one of boom and bust.

GDP in the UK grew rapidly in the late 1980s as house prices increased and consumer confidence was high. However this growth was unsustainable and in the early 1990s a major correction occurred in the housing market, leading to a fall in prices and leaving many home owners faced with negative equity. This led to a recession, with the GDP not growing again until 1993. During this period of recession a number of previously unrecognised frauds were uncovered: the collapse of BCCI and the plundering of pension funds by Robert Maxwell being the largest.

This resurgence of growth was impeded in 1995 by the fraudulent trading of Nick Leeson which resulted in the collapse of Barings Bank. Despite this, the economy did start a cautious recovery in the late 1990s, mainly due to the growth of the internet and dotcom companies. Yet, paradoxically, the huge influx of these companies onto the market led to investor confidence decreasing at the end of the millennium, with many of the dotcoms failing, resulting in another decline in the economy. Lo and behold, another round of corporate frauds emerged: Worldcom, Equitable Life and Enron, dragging its auditors Arthur Andersen down with it.

Such patterns can hardly be coincidence. It is often said that the recipe for fraud is threefold: personal and organisational pressures + opportunities + belief that the fraud will go undetected. When the economy is rosy, the first of these ingredients is less likely to be present. But when individuals in organisations come under pressure to perform against unreasonable odds – such as in an economic downturn – then the foundations are laid for potential fraud. It is also the case that fraud is more likely to be detected in such a downturn, as more attention is paid to internal controls and allocation of revenue is more closely monitored.

It remains to be seen whether the current ‘market correction’ will be as severe as the 1990s downturn. Still it is likely that, as belts begin to tighten, more large scale corporate frauds will emerge. This in turn will impact on the economy as consumer confidence decreases in their wake.

The impact

CIFAS, the UK’s fraud prevention service which compiles statistics from its member organisations, has shown the number of identified fraud cases is growing each year:

Amongst the largest categories of fraud identified by CIFAS are false identity and false impersonation, where personal data is obtained and then used by the fraudster to their own advantage. The main reason for the increase in this type of fraud is undoubtedly the rise of online shopping, where the purchaser is absent; but it is probable that the credit crunch will indirectly exacerbate this type of fraud, as more consumers buy online to take advantage of cost savings.

Although it is the large corporate scandals which hit the headlines, many smaller organisations also suffer fraud, and instances of this are likely to rise during times of economic pressure. Fraud is usually perpetrated by employees who find themselves in financial difficulty and have the opportunity to remove funds from their employer, believing that their actions will go undetected. With the potential increase in unserviceable debt caused by the credit crunch, there is a greater risk that hitherto honest employees, if provided with an opportunity, may feel under pressure to defraud their employer in order to meet their liabilities.

A climate for fraud to flourish A credit crunch is not a new phenomenon. It is, rather, a natural part of the economic cycle. During these periods of slowdown, large scale corporate frauds tend to emerge, shaking consumer confidence and weakening the markets further. As inflation rises faster than pay-scales, there is increased incentive for employees to defraud their employers in order to make ends meet. In the internet age, with more information publicly available, it is also easier for career fraudsters to ply their trade, thus leading to an overall increase in fraud across the board. How many of these frauds come to light depends on the vigilance of organisations, and their attitude to litigation will affect how such frauds are treated. Is an example to be made of the fraudster to act as a deterrent to others, or is it something to be investigated internally and kept quiet to avoid publicity? It is almost certain that fraud is on the increase, and the current economic environment only heightens the risks for all categories. Companies may find that their systems of internal controls are tested to their limits in the months and years to come.

To find our more about fraud risk management contact partner David Dearman: david.dearman@uk.pkf.com

At a time when financial restructuring has become the dominant focus, it is all too easy to ignore the underlying operational issues that made it necessary in the first place.

Although the Honourable East India Company, founded in 1600, is often recognised as the first modern business entity, it may have been the Ancient Egyptians who first created organisations that were recognisably similar to modern businesses. The building of the pyramids is perhaps the ultimate example of what can be achieved with operational structures and processes that are fit for purpose.

However, as businesses evolved into their modern forms, it became necessary to structure a company in a suitable manner not only operationally but financially, to take account of the many legal and financial reporting requirements. Throughout the twentieth century, different management schools of thought debated the best way to manage and structure a business operationally, while the financial structure of businesses remained relatively simple.

The concept of financial restructuring was generally only considered an occasional activity for major corporate bodies, until the M&A boom of the 1980s saw the widespread growth of ‘financial gimmickry’ to improve a business’s situation. Since then, and particularly in the last ten years, there has been extraordinary growth in the variety of complex and inventive debt and equity instruments available. Such instruments, combined with high levels of market liquidity, provided opportunities for all sizes of business to undergo regular financial restructurings, each one often resulting in a more complex balance sheet than the last.

Heads in the sand

The ease with which many businesses have been able to obtain new money to rectify difficulties in their balance sheets and cashflow has led to problems. Rarely did they, or the other parties involved, examine why the need for the financial restructuring had occurred. To use a building analogy, some businesses were re-plastering the walls to hide the subsidence cracks.

The need for financial restructuring is often just a symptom of wider problems that can stem from operational issues. Hence many businesses have found themselves doing it repeatedly, only to find themselves requiring more money. Suddenly, this money is less easy to get hold of. It is to be hoped that the shortage of easy money will now force such businesses to take their heads out of the sand and think operationally. Unfortunately, many are now finding that, although previous refinancings may have afforded them ample time and options for restructuring the operational side of the business, they now have far less room to manoeuvre.

A three-sided problem

Sadly, all parties – management, lenders, advisers – must share the blame for this predicament. Management have found it too easy to accept ready cash to fill a financial hole and continue spending on big expansion plans, some of which may have been entered into without ensuring the business was operationally sound. At the same time, lenders often set targets for their front line sales and customer relationship staff based primarily on selling new lending and other products. Problems arose from ever more relaxed lending criteria, with little incentive to monitor customers that were struggling to repay. Advisers, meanwhile, could earn substantial fees advising on balance sheet restructurings and refinancings, and were able to satisfy clients without pushing the much harder sell of examining and advising on the day-to-day running of the business.

Although financial restructurings and refinancings will continue to be necessary, it is essential that, as they occur, any underlying issues on the operational side of the business are also addressed.

Example: Roped together

Two associated companies share common ownership and management, but are not a part of the same corporate group. One company operates within the transport industry and has proved very profitable with a negligible amount of debt.

The second company is in construction, in particular the building of houses using pre-fabricated walls, roofs and floors. This company was not so successful and has invested heavily in new technology and products funded wholly through debt. Having already gone through a number of refinancings, this medium sized business was (like many companies at the present time) highly leveraged, with multiple levels of debt and all of its tangible assets financed.

The senior bank was becoming concerned that upcoming repayments would not be met as the company was failing to meet its forecasts. Another financial restructuring was needed – but this time no further debt could be raised and the equity was not an attractive proposition.

As a result, a plan was conceived for the associated company to borrow in order to lend to the construction company. This solved the immediate financial concerns, but clearly the construction company had underlying operational issues which had led to an unsustainable level of cash consumption. Like so many businesses that turnaround advisers come across, it was too turnover focused and had seemingly forgotten the need for profit and value creation. Management tried to justify this as a ‘development phase’.

A comprehensive review of the business led to the consolidation of two factory premises into one, management changes, the initial suspension of all R&D activity, and a comprehensive costing review which resulted in hard-nosed negotiations with both supplier and customers to improve both cashflow and profit margins.

Without such measures, particularly with a worsening outlook for the industry sector, the company would almost certainly have failed and dragged the associated company down with it. Such measures could have been implemented much earlier if any of the parties involved had recognised the need to address operational issues alongside implementing any financial restructuring. This would have avoided the need for the associated company to risk its own business by borrowing heavily to support the construction company.

Turnaround solutions

The process of operational restructuring and turnaround can be adapted to any given set of circumstances to focus on a specific area, or examine the business in its entirety. It often consists of four main stages:

• Emergency stabilisation
• Diagnostic
• Reporting and structuring
• Implementation and monitoring

Both the first and fourth phases are likely to involve financial restructuring.

Financial restructuring should be a tool used to fit the operational needs of a business, which should in turn be focused on profitability and value creation. It should not be used as a stand-alone remedy to mask the underlying causes of a business’s failure to operate efficiently and effectively. It only treats a financial symptom of such failure.

A financial restructuring can often be the first, essential step on the road to securing a business’s long-term future. But it can only be successful if it complements the operational side of the business that is itself structured to be fit for purpose. There is certainly no shame in seeking advice on operational issues within a business. If businesses are to survive hard times, it is up to all stakeholders, including lenders and advisers, to encourage a culture in which operational restructuring and turnaround can thrive as financial restructuring has done in the recent past.

For a confidential discussion of any corporate recovery and insolvency issues, please contact partner Philip Long, head of Corporate Recovery and Insolvency: philip.long@uk.pkf.com or tel 020 7065 0330.

Lloyds TSB announced today a new six per cent current account following increasing competition between leading banks.

Customers who open a Plus account before July 13th will receive six per cent AER (5.84 per cent gross variable) on balances as high as £2,500.

To qualify for the account customers need to deposit at least £1,000 a month and after 12 months the bank will offer a competitive four per cent AER.

Those without the £1,000 a month required to qualify will have to make do with a standard current account, which offers 0.1 per cent AER.

Catherine McGrath, director of current accounts, Lloyds TSB, said: “While many of our competitors are cutting the interest they pay to customers on their current accounts, were bucking the trend offering one of the best deals on the market.”

“By upping the interest we pay on our Plus accounts everyone will be able to make the most of their current account balance.”

Alliance & Leicesters Premier Direct current account and Abbeys Preferred In Credit Option account offer more interest than Lloyds new Plus account, but they both expect a minimum monthly deposit to qualify.

An expert has warned that not taking out life insurance with a mortgage is a “risky strategy”.

Plan Insure states that that due to the credit crunch fewer people are willing to part with the extra money it costs each month to have a life insurance plan in place.

“It doesnt surprise me that, because of the difficulties people are facing, this problem has become more severe. But it is a risky strategy, for all sorts of reasons,” Simon Firmin, life and pensions adviser for the company, says.

He adds that life cover is “vital” as without it people will struggle to cope with potential difficulties.

Mr Firmin continued to say that there is also an increasing number of borrowers opting for basic life cover rather than full protection.

Recent research from My Mortgage Direct found that only one in five borrowers are signing up for life assurance along with their new mortgage deal, with many citing financial difficulties as the reason they have not taken out cover.

In related news, the Times has reported that an increasing number of homeowners are opting to take mortgage holidays as they are having trouble making their repayments.

The Bank of England opted to freeze its base interest rate at five per cent yesterday.

Economists had not been expecting a cut, despite the need to boost the economy and stop the restrictions on mortgage lending, due to the recent jump in inflation.

Henk Potts, equity strategist at Barclays Stockbrokers, said: “The Monetary Policy Committee finds itself in the middle of a difficult balancing act, involving rising inflation on one side and slowing economic growth on the other.

“There is no doubt that UK economic growth is moderating.”

In a further blow to homeowners or those looking to take out a mortgage, the interest rate announcement came as Halifax revealed house prices have fallen by 2.4 per cent in May.

The average house price is now £184,111.

It was the second biggest fall on record, with house prices declining by 2.5 per cent in March this year.

Savvy consumers check their credit reports regularly, according to one expert.

James Jones, the consumer education manager at Experian, said that as loans are becoming increasingly difficult to get hold of, consumers need to take steps to maximise their chance of having an application accepted.

He added that lenders often rely on credit histories to help decide whether or not they accept somebodys application, which is why he advises that people should check their information is up-to-date.

Mr Jones added that lenders are also using credit histories to help determine what rates of interest they should charge people.

“Clever consumers are checking their credit reports to make sure that all the information is correct,” he concluded.

Recent research from CreditExpert.co.uk highlighted that many would-be borrowers are not confident that they would be given a loan.

Some 23 per cent of those polled said they would expect to be turned down for a loan of £1,000, while 42 per cent were unsure they could secure £10,000 worth of credit.

It is always worth comparing mortgage deals to find a more competitive rate, according to one expert.

Your Mortgage has stated that despite the tightening of the mortgage market in the past six months it is still worth hunting for a good deal.

Pauline McCallion, editor of the online resource, said that, as the cost of living is currently increasing, “it makes sense to try and cut costs where you can”.

However, she added that there are limitations on the market at the moment, with some lenders only accepting applications from certain types of customer and a number of building societies just lending to their members.

The British Bankers Association recently reported that the number of people switching mortgage deals increased by 24 per cent to 74,722 in April this year.

In related news, the Financial Services Authority claims that 1.4 million people are due to come off fixed-rate deals this year and could be searching for another mortgage.

One in ten Britons are unsure about their level of debt, according to new research.

A study by CreditExpert.co.uk has revealed that, although 96 per cent of respondents initially claimed to be familiar their finances, further probing proved that they were not.

It was also noted that only one in four people know how much they have left to pay back on their loans, while a fifth admit to only planning their finances every six months.

Jim Hodgkins, managing director for CreditExpert.co.uk, said that it was “alarming” people knew so little about the state of their finances, adding: “Keeping track of your commitments and planning for the future are always important.”

Other findings which emerged from the research included that people are not confident about applying for loans, with 23 per cent of those questioned expecting to be turned down for a loan of £1,000 and 42 per cent believing they would be refused £10,000.

In related news, MoneyExpert.com has revealed that some 38 per cent of people with debts are concerned about their ability to pay back their loans.

First-time buyers are being squeezed out of the housing market and are unable to afford homes in their local area, it has emerged.

A report from Hometrack asserts that 28.3 per cent of would-be homeowners are unable to afford a property in their locality.

First-time buyers in London and the south-west are in the worst position, with 41 per cent and 40 per cent respectively being unable to get on the ladder.

The company attributes these problems to growing house prices in previous years and rising costs in other areas such as food and utilities which have seen the average mortgage cost for first-time buyers grow by 12 per cent over the past year.

People who want to a buy a property are now spending an average of 34.5 per cent of their salaries on mortgage repayments.

Richard Donnell, director of research at Hometrack, said that while mortgage rates for first-time buyers have increased, changes to the availability of mortgages has had the greatest impact on their ability to buy.

In related news, the Bank of England has revealed that mortgage approvals for April fell to a 15-year low.

Homeowners are increasingly hoping to take a mortgage holiday to relieve their financial pressures, it has emerged.

The Times reports that a number of major lenders have noted a rise in borrowers taking such a break, which enables them to skip payments for up to a year.

Sue Anderson, of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, told the newspaper that this is a clear sign people are struggling with their day-to-day expenses.

Bradford and Bingley added that an increasing number of borrowers have fallen into arrears and are restructuring their finances to cope with this.

According to the publication, debt charities have also noted this emerging trend, with Chris Tapp of Credit Action saying that they expect it to continue over the coming months.

This follows news from Citigroup that 250,000 homeowners are in negative equity, with the figure forecast to reach one million by the end of 2009.

Credit is reportedly becoming more expensive, which could be bad news for anybody relying on their credit cards to pay for day-to-living costs.

Research conducted by Moneyfacts.co.uk highlights that since the beginning of the year there have been numerous increases to the rates and charges that people pay for using their credit cards.

It notes that in the past five months alone there have been 22 purchase rate increases, 15 cash rate increases and more than 30 increases to fees such as balance transfer fees and cash withdrawal fees.

The financial website asserts that credit card providers are tightening their criteria, making it difficult for anyone with a less than perfect credit rating to get a competitive deal.

“However, for those with an exemplary credit record there are still good deals to be had,” it adds.

The company advises that when looking to apply for new plastic consumers should think about how they use the card and opt for one which is suitable for their needs.

Recent research from the Fair Investment Company highlighted that people are increasingly opting for credit cards which offer financial incentives rather than ones which look attractive or make donations to charity.

A recent poll highlights that more than one in three Brits are concerned about their level of debt.

Moneyexpert.coms survey shows that 38 per cent of respondents are worried that they will not be able to pay their loans and credit card bills, a rise of five percent compared to three months ago.

It also emerged that eight per cent of those with debt are “very concerned” about their financial situation.

Of those questioned during the survey, 23 per cent admitted to taking on more debt in the past three months, to help them cope with rising fuel and food prices.

Speaking about the results, Sean Gardner, director of the financial website, said: “These latest figures add up to a collective cry for help as Britains enormous debt mountain looms larger than ever.”

He added that anybody struggling to repay their loans or bills should seek immediate help to avoid getting into more difficulty.

Meanwhile, the Financial Services Authority has advised people to stay on top of their mortgage payments and is launching a new campaign to help people stabilise their finances.

A financial expert has estimated that 250,000 homeowners are in negative equity and predicts that the figure will reach more than a million by the end of next year.

Citigroup adds that this would mean one in 12 homeowners with a mortgage would be affected.

The investment bank states that the problem can be attributed to declining house prices in the UK, which have fallen by seven per cent since autumn 2007, and are estimated to drop by some 15 per cent throughout this year.

Michael Saunders, UK chief economist for the organisation, said: “The signs are that the economys slowing very sharply but with inflation shifting up the Bank of England cannot cut rates.”

He adds that the economy is currently reeling from two big shocks; the credit crunch and the housing crash.

Meanwhile, according to Bank of England data, mortgage approvals have fallen to a 15-year low, with just 58,000 being granted in April.

Consumers are being warned that store cards do not offer a “quick fix” to their financial problems.

According to Credit Choices, increasing numbers of people are opting for store cards over credit cards.

The company quotes Debenhams chief executive Rob Templeman as saying that people are relying on store plastic as they are using their credit cards to pay for everyday bills.

It adds that over the past six months 1.8 million UK credit card holders have had their credit limit reduced, with thousands having their credit cards taken away from them completely.

However, Chris Eagle, commercial manager at Credit Choices, states that borrowing money on a store card is the most expensive way to do so, due to the high interest rates,

“Consider applying for and using an adverse credit card before relying on a store card,” he adds.

Meanwhile, according to a Fair Investment Company poll, zero balance transfers are the most popular credit card feature among consumers.

A watchdog has warned borrowers they must stay in control of their mortgages and loans.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is campaigning to help people stay on top of their mortgage payments and act to stabilise their finances before it is too late.

A £1.5 million press and radio advertising campaign will run for the next three weeks and urges people to think about how they could cope if their mortgage payments increased and make a detailed budget to help them see what is left when they have paid their outgoings.

“If people find that a change in circumstances has made it difficult for them to meet their mortgage repayments, they shouldnt panic but they should act immediately,” said Chris Pond, FSA director of financial capability.

“Lenders will be able to offer options and there are also free debt advice agencies available.”

This follows news from credit card company Egg that a quarter of Brits do not have sufficient savings to cope with a financial emergency.

New research has revealed that Brits become more extravagant with their money when they arrive on foreign shores.

A study conducted by America Express highlights that one in three people will spend left foreign currency for the sake of it, to save having to convert it back to sterling.

Despite the effects of the credit crunch being felt at home, 83 per cent of UK holidaymakers do not stick to their budget, while 20 per cent splash out on duty free items they cannot afford.

The research also shows that Brits are disorganised when it comes to withdrawing their cash abroad, with 25 per cent of respondents making several trips to the cash machine to draw out small amounts, which could see them being charged if they are using a credit card.

It was previously reported that fewer Brits are heading on holiday this year due to the economic uncertainty.

According to the Family Holiday Association, fewer families than last year will be able to afford to take a trip abroad due to other strains on their finances, such as food prices and utility bills.

The number of people taking holidays abroad is likely to fall due to the impact of the credit crunch, it has emerged.

According to the Family Holiday Association, fewer families than last year will be able to afford to take a trip abroad due to other strains on their finances, such as food prices and utility bills.

John McDonald, the director of the association, said that it was a shame that people would miss out on a summer break, adding: “I think holidays are really important for the wellbeing of both the children and the parents, the family unit and the local community and society in general.”

“Its a huge problem,” he concluded.

Recent research by Abbey Credit Cards highlighted that parents who planned to jet off a half-term holiday during the recent break were hit by premiums of up to 80 per cent.

This follows news from Alliance and Leicester that almost 35 million Brits have made a cutback in their spending to help them cope with inflated living costs.

Grocery prices have increased by 5.8 per cent in May compared with the same month last year.

British shoppers are now spending £514 million a month more on their shopping than in 2007, according to new research from Verdict.

The study also highlighted that groceries now account for 13p in every pound spent by UK shoppers.

“Food shopping is something most people do regularly, so they immediately notice increases in prices more than they do in other areas,” said Neil Saunders, consulting director at the company.

The cost of fresh fruit and vegetables has shown the most marked increase, with a rise of 15.9 per cent being noted.

Meat and fish prices increased by seven per cent, while dairy rose by 6.2 per cent.

The increase in wages during the same period was two per cent, according to the study.

Increased food bills could see some consumers resorting to using credit cards and loans to maintain their standard of living.

Meanwhile, credit card provider Egg claims that one in four Brits do not have a financial safety net to help them through an emergency.

Money website Fool.co.uk has advised homeowners to make overpayments on their mortgages to avoid not having access to good mortgage deals when their current loan ends.

The website stated that homeowners should take “immediate action” as lenders are continuing to restrict their best loans to borrowers who owe little in comparison to the value of their house.

It added that people attempting to borrow more than 90 per cent of their propertys value increasingly have to take standard variable rate mortgages.

David Kuo, head of personal finance at the website, said: “A modest fall in house prices means that small overpayments of £3 a day will be enough to reduce the loan-to value to 90 per cent. This is equivalent to giving up a store-bought cappuccino every day.”

He added that if prices fall by as much as 20 per cent, more extreme savings will be required.

According to a British Bankers Association report, the number of mortgage approvals granted in April declined by 40 per cent compared to the same month the previous year.

Consumers are being tempted into taking out loans they cannot afford in order to purchase cars and boost their image, it has emerged.

Research conducted by Experian highlights that a third of UK adults would get themselves into debt to give the impression that they are wealthy.

The poll shows that men are more likely to succumb to such measures than women, with one in five being tempted to take out a loan to buy a car compared to one in ten females.

It also notes that people residing in the east Midlands, west Midlands and East Anglia are the most likely in the UK to go over budget with a car to appear wealthy, with 16 per cent of respondents from these regions saying that they would take out a loan to make such a purchase.

Kirk Fletcher, managing director of Experians Automotive division, says: “The credit crunch is having a significant impact on consumer confidence across the UK, yet this survey highlights the fact that the consumers desire for a car that projects the right image remains as strong as ever.”

This follows news from Fool.co.uk that increasing numbers of brides and grooms are using loans to finance their big day.

An economist has predicted that the Bank of England will keep the base interest rate unchanged at five per cent next week.

Howard Archer, chief European and UK economist for Global Insight, states that the Bank will “tread extremely carefully on the interest rate path for the time being”, in a bid to keep inflation stable.

However, he added that rates could drop as low as four per cent in 2009, with cuts beginning this August “at the very earliest”.

“It will be a gradual process,” he continued.

The next interest rate announcement will be made on Thursday June 5th.

This news could come as a blow to mortgage buyers who will have been hoping that the bank and lenders would cut interest rates.

Since December last year, the Banks Monetary Policy Committee has cut the base interest rate three times, lowering it by three-quarters of a percentage point in total.

This follows news that the number of mortgage approvals for April fell by 40 per cent compared to last year, according to British Bankers Association figures.

Apacs, the British payments association, has emphasised the importance of credit card security.

A spokesperson for the association said that security measures are something “that people have become more aware of” but added that there are instances were consumers fail to keep their details as secure as they should.

“This goes back to being mindful of your cards”, she said, adding that people should shield their PIN number when making a purchase with their credit card and check their bank statements carefully.

She continued to say that people should make their PIN as complex as possible to outwit any would-be fraudsters.

“It is better not to use the same PIN number, and if you can, familiarise a sequence of codes; a number of a house that you know in combination with a good friends birthday,” she advised.

According to a Which? survey, one in three Brits have been victims of credit card fraud.

Research has suggested that zero per cent interest on balance transfer credit cards are still the most popular type of plastic.

A study conducted by the Fair Investment Company highlighted that 21 per cent of respondents listed zero per cent balance transfer as the most important feature in a credit card.

Competitive rates and no annual fee were joint second factors that people take into consideration when applying for a new card with 18 per cent of people ranking them as important.

Features which offer nothing to the consumer were deemed the least important, with just three per cent of respondents claiming that design played a role in selecting a card.

A number of people (11 per cent) said that a card which was free to use abroad would be their top choice.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported that Brits are finding it harder to switch financial products such as mortgages and credit cards, with MoneyExpert.com noting a 17 per cent drop in the number of people switching such products.

The number of mortgage approvals in the UK remains low, according to recent research.

A report by the British Bankers Association (BBA) has highlighted that the uncertainty regarding property values and few available attractive loans has reduced the demand for property ? making April the second weakest month on record for mortgage approvals.

The number of approvals rose to 38,704, a slight improvement from Marchs record low of 35,546, but 40 per cent lower than the same time last year.

Howard Archer, chief UK economist at Global Insight, told the Guardian: “Despite Aprils modest rise in mortgage approvals, the BBA data is still very weak and indicates that house buying remains under severe pressure from the damaging combination of stretched affordability and tight lending conditions.”

However, the report showed that there is an active re-mortgage market, with some 150,000 loans approved last month.

In related news, recent statistics from the Council of Mortgage Lenders show that mortgage lending in April fell by eight per cent compared with the same month last year.

Home buyers have an average of 11 days to decide whether a mortgage is right for them before it is taken off the market, it has emerged.

Research by Moneyfacts.co.uk highlights that this is a drop of 19 days from one year ago, meaning that mortgage buyers now have less time to make one of the most important decisions of their lives.

In April when the Bank of England base rate was lowered by 0.25 per cent some products were only available for six days, according to the sites Mortgage Metric.

The website also noted a fall in the number of products available on the mortgage market, with a drop from more than 15,000 12 months ago to 3,814 currently being recorded.

Stating that this was bad news for the 1.4 million individuals expected to come off fixed-rate mortages this year, a spokesperson for the website added: “Unfortunately, until the current market readjustment is complete, the ability to time the mortgage market has become more of a lottery than an art, with the majority of todays better deals expected to have disappeared by this time next week.”

This follows news from Abbey that most mortgage buyers would opt for a five-year fixed-rate deal.

One in four Brits do not have a financial safety net to help them through an emergency, it has emerged.

A recent poll by credit card company Egg also highlighted that a further 52 per cent dont have enough savings to see them through the four months on average it takes to find a job after redundancy.

Some 69 per cent of respondents admitted to needing a cash injection to help them deal with unforeseen circumstances such as car or home repairs or being out of work.

Tobias van der Meer, head of banking and investments at Egg, noted that families should have at least three months income in a savings account to help cope with an emergency.

“However, our research highlights that far from being a precaution, these savings are a necessity, with two thirds of people likely to need quick access to a lump sum as an emergency,” he added.

Meanwhile, in related news, research conducted by Alliance & Leicester Current Accounts has shown that some 35 million UK residents have made a financial cutback recently in an attempt to save money.

A new survey has found that British households are not switching financial products as the credit crunch has taken hold on their finances.

The poll, by MoneyExpert.com, has revealed a 17 per cent drop in the switching of products such as mortgages and credit cards.

Figures show that 32.2 million households switched their bills in the first quarter of 2008. This is compared with the 38.9 million switched in the same time period in 2007.

Sean Gardner, of MoneyExpert, told the website that the fall in numbers could be a result of the credit crunch, tougher lending criteria and a fall in mortgage lending.

“Other areas are feeling the chill of the credit crunch and general concerns about rising cost of living and inflation. Some people are staying put rather than seeking out the best possible deal,” added Mr Gardner.

Recent research by Sainsburys showed that 4.7 million people in the UK have no home insurance to cover the contents of their house from burglary, accident or catastrophe.

Brits are increasingly discussing their financial woes with their friends, it has emerged.

Research conducted by IVA.co.uk reveals that 27 per cent of people are now happy to discuss their loans and credit card debt with their pals.

Andy Davie, spokesperson for IVA.co.uk, said: “The stigma associated with debt is changing.

“As more and more Britons struggle with their finances, its becoming acceptable to say I have a problem with debt.”

Mr Davie added that many people have taken to being open about their finances in an attempt to garner information about possible solutions to their troubles.

He recommends that people concerned about the amount they owe on credit cards or loans should talk to a number of different organisations to work out the best solution.

The survey also highlighted that Londoners are the most likely to open up about their financial anxiety with 32 per cent turning to their friends, compared to 29 per cent in the north and 18 per cent in the Midlands.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported that brides and grooms are increasingly using credit cards and loans to fund their nuptials, according to Fool.co.uk research.

Brits are reducing their spending on fashion and luxury food items it has emerged.

Research conducted by Alliance and Leicester Current Accounts shows that almost 35 million Britons have made some form of financial cut back recently and one-third anticipate that their disposable income will decrease in the next six months due to the rising cost of living.

Fashion is the first indulgence that Brits are going without as they tighten their belts, with 39 per cent of respondents saying that they will not be hitting the high street.

A further 36 per cent will not be splashing their cash on socialising, while four-in-ten are reducing the amount they are spending on day-to-day living.

Emma Walkley, current account manager at Alliance and Leicester, said: “It seems many of us are feeling the pinch and looking for ways to cut back. The good news is that people are taking action now and looking at ways of making their money go further rather than burying their heads in the sand.”

This follows news from Moneysupermarket.com that increasing numbers of people are relying on payday loans to fund the cost of living, with the number of applicants for such loans rising by 55 per cent since September last year.

Mortgage-buyers are being urged to hunt around for the best deals, as it could save them thousands of pounds.

According to Moneyextra.com, the total annual saving made by opting for the best product on the market rather than the worst is up to £3,363.

However, this is less of a saving than people would have made earlier in the year, by £1,231.

The website attributes this to the high arrangement fees which are now being charged for competitive mortgage deals, but adds that by shopping around people can still make massive savings for themselves.

Robin Amlot of Moneyextra.com comments: “Mortgages arent cheap and lenders arent fighting for our custom in the way they used to but you could still save yourself almost £2,000 a year just by making the right mortgage choices.”

The website also claims that searching for the best deals concerning credit cards and personal loans can also pay financial dividends.

In related news, recent research by Abbey showed that five-year fixed-rate mortgage deals are proving popular with buyers.

Brides and grooms to be are increasingly relying on loans and credit cards to fund their big day, it has emerged.

Research from Fool.co.uk shows that one in ten people would take out a loan to pay for their nuptials or finance the full bash on their credit card, while a further three per cent of those questioned would re-mortgage or take out a second loan to cover the cost.

With the research highlighting that the average wedding costs some £4,968, people could find themselves getting into a lot of debt if they rely on such methods to finance their wedding.

“If you stick all the costs of your wedding on a credit card, you could find your big day is memorable for all the wrong reasons – because you end up paying for it for the rest of your life,” states Donna Werbner, financial expert at the money website.

“Theres no doubt weddings are becoming more expensive, but people seem to lose all sense of proportion when it comes to budgeting.”

Meanwhile, this follows news from Fool.co.uk that savers are being urged to take advantage of the high-interest savings accounts currently available.

Brits are leaving themselves vulnerable to credit card fraud by not practising good security, it has emerged.

Recent research by Which? shows that approximately half of respondents admit to using the same security number for more than one card, while one in two individuals do not check a website is secure before making an online purchase.

A further one in seven people surveyed admitted to writing down their PIN numbers.

Some 33 per cent of the 4,119 people questioned by the consumer watchdog revealed that they had been a victim of credit card fraud in the past.

Martyn Hocking, editor of Which? Money, said: “Theres a lot more people can do to prevent fraud occurring.

“Shredding documents and checking your bank statements are a good start, but people need to be wise to basic fraud risks such as using their mothers maiden name as a password, or shopping on websites that arent secure.”

This follows news that Brits are being warned by Apacs and the Association of British Travel Agents to be wary when using their credit card abroad this summer.

With people drawing out more cash abroad, according to figures from the National Office of Statistics, the two groups advise people to take precautions and not be caught off-guard because they are in a relaxed holiday mode.

Mortgage lending in April fell by eight per cent compared to the same month last year, according to new figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

The groups statistics show that lending also fell five per cent when compared to March, leaving the gross lending figure for the month at £25.3 billion.

For March and April combined, lending was down 16 per cent from the same period in 2007.

“In the wake of the credit crunch, 2008 will be remembered as a very weak year in the housing market,” said CML director general, Michael Coogan.

He added that the group forecasts some indirect benefits from the Bank of Englands special liquidity scheme will begin to be seen in the mortgage market later in the year.

“Over the next few months, lending volumes will get worse before they get better,” he concluded.

This news follows an announcement from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which predicts that house prices will fall by five per cent this year.

Five-year, fixed-rate mortgages are increasing in popularity, it has emerged.

Abbeys latest mortgage index shows that demand for fixed-rate deals has grown for the fifth consecutive month, with 30 per cent of buyers questioned saying they would opt for such a mortgage.

It has been anticipated that much of this demand comes from people who are coming off fixed-rate deals this year, with Financial Services Authority figures showing 1.4 million homeowners are due to complete fixed-rate deals in 2008.

The bank has attributed the enthusiasm for fixed mortgages to the financial certainty they provide, especially after the Bank of Englands decision to hold interest rates at five per cent in May.

Phil Cliff, Abbey mortgage director, added: “Opting for a longer-term fixed-rate mortgage will provide mortgage borrowers with financial security in uncertain economic times.”

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that self-build mortgages are still available, with homebuilding.co.uk claiming that this is because such homes tend to benefit up to 25-30 per cent in terms of equity.

Mortgages are still available for self-build homes despite the effects of the credit crunch being felt elsewhere in the market, it has emerged.

Jason Orme, editor of Homebuilding.co.uk, states that most self-built properties have “an inbuilt equity from scratch” of between 25 and 30 per cent greater than the cost of the mortgage ? making them attractive to lenders amid unstable house prices.

He adds that such developments are often regarded as a “safe bet” when applying for a mortgage.

“In terms of the actual market itself, I believe there are still lenders who are still offering 90 per cent mortgages, and quite possibly 95 per cent mortgages, in terms of loan-to-value,” continues Mr Orme.

According to Rightmoves May House Price Index, between April and May the average asking price for a newly-marketed property rose by 1.2 per cent and reached a record high of £242,500.

In April house prices fell overall by 0.1 per cent.

Individuals who are regularly relying on payday loans may have a serious underlying debt problem, according to one expert.

The National Debtline has stated borrowers regularly using short-term, high-interest loans are “over committed” and paying out more than they are earning.

Beccy Boden-Wilks, a spokesperson for the group, added: “If somebody feels the need to use a payday loan on a regular basis, its probably symptomatic of a serious underlying debt problem.”

Ms Boden-Wilks continued to say that individuals should try to get themselves out of this cycle by taking a good look at their budget and getting help from their creditors or mortgage lender to make sure it is more manageable.

This follows news that the number of people taking payday loans has more than doubled since last September.

According to Tim Moss, head of loans at Moneysupermarket.com, people are resorting to this type of borrowing to cope with the increasing costs of food, fuel and utilities.

A personal finance website has warned people going abroad of the additional charges they face when using credit cards there.

Moneyfacts claimed that most card providers apply a charge for using them for retail and cash transactions in foreign countries and that debit cards can also incur additional fees.

The site also advised against withdrawing cash on a credit card due to the high and immediate application of interest and suggested that travellers work out a financial plan of action before they leave the country.

“Most credit cards charge a foreign usage charge, some as much as three per cent for both purchases and cash transactions. This charge is applied each time the card is used and can soon mount up to a significant amount,” a spokesperson said.

Travellers are advised against making several small withdrawals as they will be charged for every transaction.

Moneyfacts is a price comparison site that allows consumers to analyse the costs of products such as mortgages and credit card interest rates.

Credit card fraud is likely to rise as a direct result of the credit crunch, an industry expert has claimed.

David Kuo, head of personal finance at Fool.co.uk, believes that tightening economic conditions will likely lead to an increase in people providing false information on credit card applications.

An increase in the cost of living coupled with high inflation rates have left many peoples finances stretched and looking for ways to plug the gap.

“What has happened at the moment is that people have found their personal finances being stretched in several directions. First of all they have bigger outgoings and?any increase in income that they have had has not been sufficient to cover outgoings,” he said.

Mr Kuo advised those considering lying to providers in order to secure credit that such a move would not be wise.

According to research by the UKs fraud prevention service CIFAS, the number of people telling untruths on credit applications increased by 13 per cent in the first three months of 2008.

New research has found that the average rates of interest on unsecured loans of £5,000 and £7,500 have risen by one per cent over the last six months.

According to MoneyExpert, the rate for a £5,000 sum is around 10.16 per cent compared with 9.4475 per cent in November last year.

The average for a loan of £7,500 has risen to 8.88 per cent from 7.97 per cent in the same time period.

Sean Gardner, founder of MoneyExpert.com, believes that the Bank of England faces a big challenge restoring confidence to the financial markets after lenders raised their rates despite the bank slashing interest rates three times.

“The unsecured loans market is almost mirroring the mortgage market where the issue is not so much rates but availability – whether or not lenders will let you have the cash,” he said.

Personal debt in the UK at the end of March was around £1.43 trillion.

Savers have been told to take advantage of the current climate in the financial markets as there are some attractive deals available to them.

David Kuo, head of personal finance at Fool.co.uk, said that the high levels of interest being offered on some savings accounts can be beneficial to consumers but did urge caution when considering which one to choose.

He stressed that while some of the rates may seem very good value, the deal could turn out to be a double-edged sword and that those who offer the best product tend to be the most high-risk, as a rule of thumb.

“The savings market has gone bananas, but its ripe for savers. They can now earn attractive rates of interest on a bunch of deposits. However, savers need to beware because if something looks too good to be true then there may be a catch,” Mr Kuo said.

According to research carried out by Nationwide, 84 per cent of people considered it important that they are not charged for withdrawing money from a savings account.

The number of payday loans being taken out by consumers has increased by 55 per cent since September last year, new research has found.

A survey by Moneysupermarket.com has found that the rise in cost of utility bills and food has seen payday loans become a more popular option for borrowers in need of short-term credit.

However, Tim Moss, head of the price comparison site, warned that such forms of credit are only beneficial if the loan is for a short period of time and advised consumers to borrow from family members if the money is needed over a longer period of time.

“As disposable income is being squeezed through increases in the cost of food, fuel, utilities and general living necessities, these loans are increasingly used to help those on a tight budget. They are a bit like a taxi – convenient for short-term journeys,” he said.

Payday loans are designed to cover a persons expenses until their next pay day.

The cost of monthly repayments on fixed-rate mortgage deals has increased by £300 over the last two years, new research has found.

Personal finance website MoneyFacts has revealed that the average interest rate on a two-year product is around 6.64 per cent.

In addition, the Council of Mortgage Lenders has shown that those looking to take out new mortgages or refinance their current home loan are facing the highest fixed-rate deal costs for over ten years.

Moneyfacts claims that borrowers with a property worth £150,000 will see their repayments rise by £206 per month to around £1,026, while those with a £100,000 mortgage will see their monthly charge increase to £684, a rise of £137.

It is believed that this year up to 1.4 million people will come off their current deals and face substantial increases on new products.

A fixed-rate mortgage is one which charges a set rate of interest throughout the life of the loan.

The cost of monthly repayments on fixed-rate mortgage deals has increased by £300 over the last two years, new research has found.

Personal finance website MoneyFacts has revealed that the average interest rate on a two-year product is around 6.64 per cent.

In addition, the Council of Mortgage Lenders has shown that those looking to take out new mortgages or refinance their current home loan are facing the highest fixed-rate deal costs for over ten years.

Moneyfacts claims that borrowers with a property worth £150,000 will see their repayments rise by £206 per month to around £1,026, while those with a £100,000 mortgage will see their monthly charge increase to £684, a rise of £137.

It is believed that this year up to 1.4 million people will come off their current deals and face substantial increases on new products.

A fixed-rate mortgage is one which charges a set rate of interest throughout the life of the loan.

Mortgage providers are unlikely to offer any perks or incentives in order to win business, an industry figure has claimed.

According to Darren Cook, head of mortgages at Moneyfacts, lenders have rarely offered add-ons to their mortgage products and are less likely to do so in the current financial environment.

He stressed that buyers should focus on how suitable the product on offer to them is, rather than considering a deal based on the additional benefits they could get.

“Within the mortgage market [perks] are few and far between. If you look at the mortgage in its entirety, you need to look at whether that product is suitable for the individual,” Mr Cook said.

He went on to add that the market situation had reversed over the last six months, with consumers now having to find a bank that is willing to lend to them whereas previously banks went out to look for business.

Last week, Lloyds TSB launched its Airmiles mortgage, a product which gives customers the ability to earn 6,000 airmiles up front and 50 for every monthly payment they make.

A debt charity has warned people not to become too dependent on credit to cover the cost of bills or other household necessities.

Credit Action director Chris Tapp said that the use of borrowed funds such as loans or credit cards makes sense in the short-term but continued use could see people fall into unmanageable levels of debt.

He used examples such as utility bills and food as areas where people may need extra funds to cover the rising costs, but urged caution in doing so.

“It may be a reasonable option in the short-term, but people have to be very careful they dont find themselves overly reliant on credit which is unsustainable in the long run and can lead to people getting in real difficulty,” he said.

Credit Action was established in 1994 and aims to help people manage their finances better, through a combination of advice and training.