Personal finance advice
Don’t bank on these cosy low interest rates lasting
Published 26 June 2009
The banking sector has rarely been out of the news in the last nine months or so, hitting the headlines again this month with stark warnings of interest rate rises ahead.
B&Bs all set for a healthy season
Published 26 June 2009
There has been much press speculation as to whether the recession and exchange rate will lead to a bumper season for the domestic tourist industry.
The ups and downs of the pound
Published 19 June 2009
With the summer holidays fast approaching, thoughts turn to how many euro, dollars, etc one can get for a pound.
Look out that old account
Published 19 June 2009
A £5 note in a pair of trousers you haven’t worn for a while, or an heirloom that’s been in the loft for years – finding something you’d forgotten about is always a pleasant surprise.
Finding a deposit is just the start
Published 12 June 2009
With property prices having down slightly in recent months and with the decrease in interest rates – making some mortgages as cheap as they have ever been – there should be more properties within the reach of first-timers.
Tough choices when you may be at your weakest
Published 12 June 2009
For many people, one major uncertainty in older life is whether or not it will be necessary to enter a residential or nursing home.
Could your family manage alone?
Published 5 June 2009
It’s almost impossible to turn on the TV these days without seeing talking dogs, red telephones on wheels or annoying film directors telling us what great deals there are on insurance.
The Costa del credit card
Published 5 June 2009
With travellers cheques becoming less popular, more of us are opting for the convenience of using our plastic when we head off on our trips overseas.
Flipping homes: the rules
Published 29 May 2009
The subject of Capital Gains Tax on second homes has been a topical one of late. Many will have wondered how it is possible for MPs to have one main residence for expenses purposes and another for Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
Check out your savings umbrella
Published 29 May 2009
If you are thinking about saving for a rainy day there are a number of options available.
The smarter way to sell
Published 22 May 2009
Although there have been recent indications of an improving housing market and “green shoot” signs of recovery, we are still some way off a return to normal conditions.
Don’t leave a troublesome legacy
Published 22 May 2009
Are you old enough to vote, to get married and to drink alcohol – but not responsible enough to make a will?
Low interest rates, less costs, more sites – what better time to self-build?
Published 17 May 2009
When property speculation looks like a risky investment, self-build will always hold its own. But getting the finances right is the key to any successful building project.
Makeover time for your money
Published 17 May 2009
Spring brings with it a new financial and tax year. So while you may be thinking of giving the house a good clean, it could also a good time to get your finances in order with these tips.
Can’t move house? Use your loft
Published 8 May 2009
Given the current climate in the property market more and more people are looking at how they can improve on what they already have instead of moving to achieve more space.
A gift of a new deal!
Published 8 May 2009
Remortgaging is probably not one of things you will choose to do this weekend. In fact, it may not be one of things you choose to do at all.
That troubling mortgage dilemma
Published 6 May 2009
Interest rates are now at their lowest levels since records began. That may not be good news for savers, but for those looking for a mortgage some of the cheapest-ever deals are currently available on the market.
Can we still trust trusts?
Published 6 May 2009
The Budget is now becoming a distant memory although the economic issues raised will be with us for some time yet.
Tentative stirrings of new life on the housing front
Published 24 April 2009
The impact of the credit crunch and the resulting turmoil in the UK housing market has been widely reported over the last 18 months.
Easing the squeeze on first-timers
Published 24 April 2009
For the last eight months or so first-time buyers have effectively been squeezed out of the property market due to loan-to-value lending restrictions, lack of available credit in the markets and lenders being unwilling to lend on what they perceive as a high risk area.
More Money Matters
Video choice
- Revamp plan for Carlisle city centre landmark
- Plans to chop down woodland near Brampton dropped
- Demolition of Carlisle's St Aidan's School starts
- Carlisle man second in world moustache championships
- Cumbria police launch drink-drive campaign with warning for motorists
- Singing in the bath video earns Cumbria council boss big YouTube audience
Have your say
- Carlisle does not have any civic pride - art professor
- Former Carlisle girl named Miss Universe GB
- Sainsbury’s submits £40 million store scheme for Carlisle
- Primark targets site for Carlisle city centre store
- So teachers have it easy?
- Staff rethink could signal bright future for Carlisle textiles factory
- Wigton footpath plea after safety fears raised
- Election results bode well for Tories hoping to win Carlisle seat
- Health and safety clampdown moves Brampton hospital’s garden fete
- Cumbrian mum hits back at teen beauty contest critics
More advice from the experts
- Don’t bank on these cosy low interest rates lasting
- B&Bs all set for a healthy season
- The ups and downs of the pound
- Look out that old account
- Tough choices when you may be at your weakest
- Finding a deposit is just the start
- The Costa del credit card
- Could your family manage alone?
- Check out your savings umbrella
- Flipping homes: the rules
