However, People Feel Inflation Through The Shrinking Pound In Their Pockets

Category: Finance, Personal Finance.

Britons are increasingly struggling with inflationary pressures, new research shows. On the other hand, just seven per cent of people think that living costs rises are in reality somewhere around the headline rate.

In a study carried out by Fool it was revealed that more than nine out of ten( 93 per cent) consumers strongly disagree with official figures which put inflation at 2 per cent. Research from the personal finance publication showed that the real rate of inflation felt by Britons stands at an average of 1 per cent. The current level is also 7 per cent higher than this time last year. Such a figure could well represent a surge in monetary difficulties for many consumers, as the same study carried out six months ago put inflation at 3 per cent. Meanwhile, more than half( 53 per cent) of people surveyed think that living cost rises at present stand somewhere between seven and 12 per cent. Following on from such perceived financial pressures, it is possible that many consumers could be experiencing difficulties in meeting various demands on their spending.

However, five per cent of respondents believe that inflation is currently more than 15 per cent. Such areas may well include personal loan repayments, credit and store cards, utility bills and mortgage or rent costs. On the other hand, people from Northern Ireland appear to be the least affected, claiming inflation for them is at 8 per cent. Monetary difficulties could be particularly pronounced for those living in the West Midlands, where they believe they face a rate of 8 per cent, the highest figure recorded throughout the country. However, in September 2007 consumers in the principality reported that they faced living cost rises of 1 per cent. However, people feel inflation through the shrinking pound in their pockets. David Kuo, head of personal finance for Fool, said: "The government can boast as much as it wants about its success over controlling inflation.

They don t experience it through a theoretical government shopping basket. This, would see consumers, it was suggested having to go to" preposterous" lengths and waste high amounts of money. For most consumers, the true rate of inflation is much higher, which means that their pockets are being methodically picked through meaningless government figures. " Mr Kuo went on to state that if Britons were actually to follow the headline rate of inflation they would need to buy the exact same items as is in the government s consumer basket, regardless if they actually needed the product. The Fool chief stated: "Instead, consumers should revisit their budgets regularly. But the alternative may be much less palatable. It may mean taking drastic action to ensure that household income comfortably exceeds expenditure. It could mean stockpiling Brussels sprouts just because the government says they are cheaper. " For those consumers who are concerned about their capacity to manage their money, a debt consolidation loan may be of help.

Earlier this year Cheshire Building Society advised of the need for consumers to take steps in sorting out their finances, particularly for those who are struggling with debts after the festive period. By taking out this type of cheap loan, borrowers can merge numerous demands on their spending into a single affordable monthly repayment. The money lender recommended that people keep a diary of their spending to help identify areas where they can reduce expenditure.

Read more...

In Fact, The Three Most Likely Areas In Which Residents Experience Such Crime Are All Within Greater London - Finance and Personal Finance Articles:

Car owners in London would be well advised to ensure that their vehicles are secure at night following the latest crime statistics released by Admiral Insurance.

You Have Many Options To Use Signature Loans For People With Bad Credit

Category: Finance, Personal Finance.

Signature loans are the loans that are provided by a signature only. Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit is made for the bad credit history borrowers.

But as the people with bad credit are increasing in number, therefore lenders have come up with an idea and that is Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit. If your credit record is not good then you can apply for Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit. Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit is one which doesn t require the borrower to offer any collateral to the lender for approval. Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit is becoming more and more popular among the borrowers who have bad credit record. It is so called signature loan as only the signature of the borrower is required to secure the loan. In other words, People who can apply for a Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit consists of defaulters, CCJ s and IVA s, arrears and other such people with a bad credit score. Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit is for a fixed term and is based upon borrower s promise to repay the loan amount.

It is very essential to have knowledge of your credit score before applying for Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit. For Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit you are to search over internet, and select the right lender according to your requirements but before applying read the terms and the conditions of the selected lender carefully. To get your credit report and credit score, you can compare these reports and report back to agencies if you find any error in reports. You are to apply online by filling an online application form and few details. For Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit your age must be more than 18 years. The advantage of the Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit is that there is no requirement of so- signer or collateral. You must be an active checking account at least 6 months old and your income or salary must be more than$ 1000 monthly.

You have many options to use Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit. If all these requirements are in your pocket then Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit will be in your account with in few hours or the next business day. If you are planning to decorate your home for the next coming festival or any other occasion then Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit is the best option for you. Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit ranges from$ 1000 to$ 20, 00The repayment process of the Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit is long term it may be from 1 year to 10 years. Other uses of Signature Loans for People with Bad Credit is debt consolidation, invest the money in the share market, pay the medial or electric bills, take your some one dear on your dream vacation, car or bike repairing or want to buy and so on. Rate of interest is not so much high.

You Guessed It, GROCERY COUPONS

Category: Finance, Personal Finance.

How I saved$ 989 last week.

In reassessing my financial state, I noticed that one of my greatest expenses was in the area of grocery. With the rising cost of gas and personal dwindling savings, I have found it even more imperative to find ways to cut cost and save. A hundred dollars a week in groceries can easily add up to over$ 500 a month! So what is the solution since everyone needs to eat and groceries need to be bought? Yes, this is one of those necessary expenses we have that tend to reach deep into our pockets and leave behind only a few pieces of chump change after all is said and done. I have found that what worked well in the past still works well today. I used to clip coupons at one point but took a hiatus because I stopped receiving the Sunday newspaper which housed the coupons.

You guessed it, GROCERY COUPONS! Recently, I have started printing free coupons and clipping them again and am carefully watching my savings grow. Balance$ 476. Let me give you a concrete example of a grocery receipt that I had recently: Total Cost$ 1465. Total number is items sold= 29. My purchases at Ralphs Grocery store totaled$ 146I used free printable coupons and regular coupons which saved me a total of$ 4However, I ended up only paying$ 476 with a verified total savings of$ 98 How did I do that?

VERIFIED TOTAL SAVINGS$ 989. I saved more than the coupon value because of double coupons. For example, if the grocery coupon was good for$ 00 off, you would end up saving$ 00 because of double coupons, imagine if you had printed a coupon that was$ 00 off! Double coupons are coupons that are scanned twice to save the customer double the amount. This is an automatic savings feature at the grocery store. As of today, only Ralphs doubles, in my area all their coupons automatically. But note that not all grocery stores are the same!

It used to be that both Ralphs and Vons doubled their coupons but Vons Grocery Store had discontinued their program. Using this method, I ended up paying. * $00 for laundry detergents* $50 for jumbo size Pull- up diapers* $00 for jumbo size Huggies& Pamper diapers* $00 for a large container of baby wipes* $00( free) for a 64 oz bottle of Juicy Juice. and so forth. Couple the double coupon savings at Ralphs with their Ralphs Club program( a program with free membership that allows additional savings) and you can save up to triple the coupon amount. What is the work involved in clipping coupons, free printable coupons and using them to their maximum capacity? Second, check the grocery advertisements that are mailed out each week. First, print your free printable coupons. Look for items on sale and use the coupon then.

Sometimes other grocery store( which does not have the double coupon program) may have an item on sale that Ralphs does not. Third, make sure you use the coupons at Ralphs Grocery Store( or any other grocery stores with double coupon offer) if they are having sales on the item in which you have the coupon. In this case, using the grocery coupons at the other grocery stores may end up giving you a greater savings. If you pay$ 100 in groceries with a cash back credit card, you can get$ 5 or$ 6 cash back. Furthermore, you can save even more when you purchase your groceries with a credit card that give 5% or 6% cash back( please refer to my credit card article) . Since doing all these steps, I have found that my grocery costs have dropped down to a third or half of what it used to cost. For those with children on a low income budget, consider government assisted programs such as WIC.

I am able to save money as well as buy more quantity and higher quality foods for my family because of this and I get to try new foods that I would not otherwise buy! WIC stands for Women, and Children, Infants. For more information, go to the WIC Program This program helps families with children to buy the necessary foods without cost.

Read more...

You Have To Really Question Why Your Spending The Money - Finance and Personal Finance Articles:

Most of the time, you may be motivated to save money but there are times when temptations come your way and before you know it, you have already spent the amount that was supposed to be use to pay off your debt!

The Haves Generally Have Good Employer Pensions, Often Based On Their Final Salary And Can Retire At Or Before State Pension Age With Good Incomes - Finance and Personal Finance Articles:

More than a million Britons over the age of 55 could be set for financial hardship in later life, the results of a new study have suggested.

A Debt Settlement Service Will Not Settle IRS Debt/ Taxes, Utility Bills Or Any Lawsuits - Tanisha Bonilla's Finance and Personal Finance blog:

Debt consolidation and debt settlement services are diverse options to reduce your debt burden. While debt consolidation combines all loans to one single payment, debt settlement services work towards negotiating with creditors and reducing repayment amounts and working out convenient repayment schedules for these loans.

There Is No Requirement Of The Fax Machine For The Faxless No Teletrack Payday Loans

Category: Finance, Personal Finance.

Faxless No Teletrack Cash Payday Loans are the way of getting the hassle free cash for the sudden arise financial problems. IT age has changed all the methods of getting the loan and every one wants to finish the process online.

Moreover, No one wants to submit the documents and fill the documental formalities. For the borrowers who do not want any documental formalities, faxless no teletrack payday loans are the best. If you have no faxing machine and you want to get fast cash then faxless no teletrack payday loans are the best option for you. Faxless no teletrack payday loans are the loans that are becoming more and more famous among the borrowers because there is no requirement of faxing the document. For faxless no teletrack payday loans, you are to search online and select the right lenders according to your terms and read the terms and the conditions of the selected lender carefully. If your credit history is not good then you can apply for the faxless no teletrack payday loans.

There is no requirement of the fax machine for the faxless no teletrack payday loans. Lenders of the Faxless No Teletrack Payday Loans do not check the credit record of the borrower. The rate of the interest is higher than other type of the cash loans but faxless no teletrack payday loans are good. Faxless no teletrack payday loans are the short- term loans that are provided for 5 days to 18 days. Different lenders have different interest rate and the interest rates are changed at times. you can get$ 50 to$ 1000 within few hours after apply. You have much option to use the faxless no teletrack payday loans. if you are planning for dream vacation but have no ready cash then don t cancel your plan, get faxless no teletrack payday loans and make your dream vacations full of joy. However, before getting the faxless no teletrack payday loans, always read the terms and the conditions of the selected lender carefully because the cash that you are going to get have to be repaid by you.

Salary finished in the middle of the month but you are to pay the electric bills or medical bills, faxless no teletrack payday loans are the best option for you. If you want to improve your credit score then faxless no teletrack payday loans are the best option for you.

Read more...

Most Of The Personal Security Loans Are Offered At 7- 8% APR - Finance and Personal Finance:

A personal security loan is another option that is available to consolidate your loans.

But That Is Not The Case When The Real Data Is Still Unfinished - Heidi Carley's Finance and Personal Finance blog:

When a trader finds a new strategy using a new indicator, what does he do with it?

Inflation Is Sometimes Called The Hidden Risk Because It Quietly Chips Away At The Buying Power Of The Pound In Our Pockets - Darcy Norberg's Finance and Personal Finance blog:

Earlier this week the publication of a new study suggested that the British public is experiencing much greater financial pressure than the government figures indicate.

Your Best Choice Is A Student Credit Card With No Annual Fee

Category: Finance, Personal Finance.

When it comes to college life, we all agree that studying is the most important part of it.

Expense control during college years is something that we should always keep a close eye on and part of this is to pick the right credit card for your needs. But there is also another aspect to consider, the financial one. Even before you start to earn any college credits, you get bombarded with offers of financial credit. Of course, credit also helps you trick out your dorm room from that awful, institutionalized look to something that resembles your personal style. When you re away from home, having credit is very important for basic expenses as well as traveling from home to campus, depending on how far away you move. Getting the credit you want starts with completing a student credit card application. Some offer food( Can you believe that? ), some give away magazine subscriptions, and others toss trendy tee shirts at you if you sign on the dotted line.

You will find banks and credit card companies vying for your business all over campus. But none of those so- called gifts are the reason you should choose a credit card. This is too serious to base your decision on a cheap freebie. Every college student likes freebies, but this decision has a far- reaching, long- term impact on your life. Don t rush to complete the first student credit card application that s thrust into your hands. Or better yet, where there is, shop online no pressure from anyone to apply, and compare benefits.

Get at least three applications and compare the deals offered to you. These financial companies are all willing to give you credit, perhaps the same initial amount of credit. First, you need to know what the credit card will cost you( or mom and dad if they re footing the bill) . So what features matter most? One cost is the annual fee and the other is the interest rate on your balance. Why pay this when you don t have to? Your best choice is a student credit card with no annual fee.

Taking time to shop around for a good deal will turn up a no fee card. The term APR refers to annual percentage rates. Typical interest rates range from 12% to 18% on your balance. There are more features that can attract you to a specific credit card company. Other groups also have affinity cards- including political, environmental or social causes. You may be able to get an affinity card, which is a student credit card with your college or university logo.

Some credit cards offer points that can even be used for travel or gift rewards. If you frequently shop at stores, restaurants or travel sites that offer reward points, then you can get more for your money with this type of credit card. You earn these points by paying your minimum balance on the due date and keeping within your credit limit. Other cards offer cash back- based on eligible items purchased from grocery stores, convenience stores or, drugstores discount stores. Just remember that some of these companies hire students who only know a few sales lines and don t really have all the answers that you need to make an informed decision. It s okay to eat the snacks and listen to the pitch from the on- campus credit card presentation. As you can see, when it comes to select the right credit card for your college years, there are many options to choose from.

Take the time to shop around, listen to the offers, go online and compare and select the one that better suits your needs as it will be time well spend.

Read more...

One Checking Account - Finance and Personal Finance Articles:

My Dad and father- in- law were at both ends of the spectrum when it came to managing their checking accounts. It drove him bonkers when his checkbook didn t balance to the penny with the account statement.

What Exactly Is A Payday Loan Anyway - Finance and Personal Finance Blog:

Anyone who has taken even the briefest look on the financial pages on the Internet would recognise the term" payday loan. " If you try browsing through web sites featuring money matters, you would see offers and articles about payday loans left and right. It is a short term loan that is meant to cater to urgent financial needs of people who can pay it off within the next few paydays.

The Price Of Gas Is Way Too High - Finance and Personal Finance Articles:

When people talk to me about their financial problems, there is one thing they always mention to me that they feel is a great stumbling block that has been place in front of them, keeping them from getting down the path to success. "The price of gas is killing me, " they say. "We got to do something about the evil oil companies ripping off the hard working people. " I ve heard it so many times I ve got it memorized perfectly. The price of gas is way too high!

According To Mr Milliner, Thieves Are More Likely To Target Homes If They Can Spot Expensive Items, Such As High- Value Electrical Goods

Category: Finance, Personal Finance.

In failing to take adequate security precautions, many homeowners leave themselves open to financial strain, new figures show.

And with the festive season approaching, the insurance company reported that having costly presents and decorations visible may mean that they are at higher risk of being a victim of crime. According to a study conducted by LV= , leaving expensive items on display through the windows of their homes could see some 15 million consumers making themselves an easy target for thieves. Consequently should the worst happen, many could find that their ability to manage their finances as they look to make payments on utility bills and loans- in addition to replacing stolen items- is hampered. More than three- quarters of people from the region admit to displaying their valuables for all to see. However, money management difficulties through a lax attitude to security could become even more pronounced for those living in the West Midlands. Research from the firm also showed that the typical home has more than 25, 000 pounds worth of contents. Overall, televisions are the most likely item to be on display, as some 59 per cent of homes have such a product viewable from the outside of their property- a total value of 9 billion pounds.

However, with a tenth of homeowners claiming that it would cost between 6, 000 pounds and 12, 000 pounds to replace the items visible in their homes from outside, a cheap personal loan could be one way to meet the cost of purchasing such goods. Meanwhile, 44 per cent of consumers have computers and games consoles at an estimated worth of 8 million pounds on display. However we would urge homeowners to take preventative measures especially in December by closing curtains or blinds to hide their belongings. "Simple things, such as putting valuables and jewellery boxes out of sight from the street and breaking up boxes so it s not obvious when you have bought new expensive items can make your home less attractive to burglars. Commenting on the study, spokesperson for LV, Martin Milliner= , said: "There is a temptation to leave curtains open in December to show off Christmas trees and decorations. Burglaries cost householders millions of pounds each year in damage to property and the cost of replacing lost items, not to mention the significant upset and stress of coming home and finding your house has been ransacked. " He added that burglaries are often carried out by" opportunist criminals who see a quick way of making a fast buck" . Consequently, consumers looking to replace such products may find that a low cost personal loan can help them to get back on to their feet.

According to Mr Milliner, thieves are more likely to target homes if they can spot expensive items, such as high- value electrical goods. As a result, those concerned about the security of their property may not only wish to move items such as televisions and computers away from the prying eyes of outsiders, but also to have locks and alarms fitted. One in five state they are prepared to have door and window bars installed, while 68 per cent claim that they are considering buying a high- tech alarm system. Research carried out by Alliance& Leicester Personal Loans earlier this week indicated that the average homeowner is willing to invest a total of 8, 500 pounds into making their home safe. Consequently, applying for a personal loan could be one way in which to help meet the expense of having such work done.

Read more...

So You Have Decided That You Want To Get A Credit Card Only You May Have Credit That Is Not So Hot Or Even No Credit History What So Ever - Finance and Personal Finance Blog:

So you have decided that you want to get a credit card only you may have credit that is not so hot or even no credit history what so ever.

Following The July Rise, Personal Finance Expert, Mike Naylor For USwitch, Claimed That Secured Loan Repayments Have Surged By 677 Pounds Since The Start Of The Year - Finance and Personal Finance Articles:

The Bank of England could be set to increase the base rate next week, it has been suggested. As a result, a number of financial analysts claim the Bank could choose to push up rates to at least six per cent within the next few months, in a move that while intended to curb the growing manufacturing industry could also see more consumers struggle further with their day- to- day finances and making repayments on secured loans.

The High Gold Prices Are Good For The Mining Company, Because They Now Get More For Their Raw Gold - Finance and Personal Finance Articles:

"Cultural Creatives" are people who care intensely about the environment and our role in it. We tend to look for cooperative solutions to problems.

The Most Popular Tool Is The Debt Consolidation Loan

Category: Finance, Personal Finance.

Financial planning and financial management are essential arts for you to enjoy life to the fullest.

But of course, they also need to repay them and sometimes we see multiple loans being repaid at the same time. Borrowing money has become the order of the day. So it is essential to have in place a sensible debt management system. Not just do you need to responsibly repay all your dues, you also need to be able to afford your daily expenses. Such a system would go a long way in helping the debtor manage his finances. The main aim of such a debt management system should be to reduce the amount repayable.

Earlier on, people tried to solve these issues on their own. This can be done only on the interest paid on a loan. But you are not alone and professional help is available. Being unable to repay one s loans may be a major headache. If you have already borrowed considerable money, you will have difficulty raising new credit. It can cause a person many sleepless nights. Companies that provide debt help are a major blessing at such times.

Thus, it is best to take the help of experts rather than end up defaulting on the loans. There are many ways in which a person can be assisted with their debt. These loans take into account the person s current financial standing and help cancel out the debts in the long run. The most popular tool is the debt consolidation loan. However, it is important to realize that these companies can only help provide a solution. A complete debt help package where there are professionals to guide you in managing your finances and counselors to help you control impulsive spending are very popular in the world of today.

They cannot remove the loans or debts that have to be repaid. In essence, these people will induce discipline as well as make your loans more manageable. At such times they start thinking about retirement planning. As if credit related worries were not enough, we find that people are also increasingly worried about retirement planning. Thinking ahead for the future is a good thing. One must understand that one will need a certain amount of money to run the household and pay fixed expenses. One must remember that expenses are not likely to reduce just because one stops working.

And for some it becomes a question of being able to continue the same lifestyle post retirement as well. The pension amount should also be taken into consideration while doing these calculations. Along with calculating the costs of running a household, one should begin to put away a small amount regularly and create a savings nest for the future. Also, any gratuity that may be received from the employer must be taken into consideration. For instance you could have significantly increased medical expenses. It is also astute to remember that your expenses after retirement will not be identical to the ones you have today.

One should probably be like the ant who saved for a rainy day, and not be like the grasshopper who played all through summer and then starved in winter.

Read more...

This Is Something The Whole Family Can Do Together - Finance and Personal Finance Blog:

For many families the household budget can be an intense source of familial conflict.

It Will Give Your Family A Solid Financial Future Which Will Benefit All Members - Juliette Nishida's Finance and Personal Finance blog:

The first step to any kind of family financial peace is the creation of the family budget. Too many families get into financial messes simply because they do not have any idea where their money is going until it is gone.

How Many Times Do You Pay For The Service - Finance and Personal Finance Articles:

One of the most successful business models in the corporate world is also something you should look for to cut your monthly expenses. Recurring revenues are a wonderful way to make money if you own a business.

According To NatWest Figures, School Leavers Are Set To Make A Combined 212 Million Pounds In The 12 Months Before Heading To University

Category: Finance, Personal Finance.

Young people leaving school and heading off to university or on a gap year often do not know the best way to make use of money, according to the Personal Finance Education Group( pfeg) , something that can result in them having numerous debts from loans and credit cards in the future.

According to the charity, the decision about whether to go to university should be part of financial education taught in secondary school. The educational charity has said that young people realise that going to university is going to be a costly process and that they will probably emerge with debts in the form of loans, leading to them taking a year out to save and try to reduce the impact. "There s no doubt that young people now recognise that they re going to be incurring considerable financial expenditure in the years immediately after they turn 18, " said Alastair Mathews, director of policy at pfeg. A classroom debate between the benefits of going straight to university after high school or of taking a gap year could be useful, allowing issues about, pfeg suggests finance and borrowing- whether that be through personal loans, online loans or other means- to be considered. Part of that financial education could be to look at these very questions: "What is the best way to spend these years between 18 and 21? " Mr Mathews said. Some are taking a year off after university to financially prepare themselves, which could mean, Mr Mathews suggested there is less need for them to take out debt consolidation loans in the years after they graduate to control their debt levels. "Young people need to be better prepared for the future by having more financial education while at school" . The pfeg director of policy added that going to university brings with it a number of stresses and strains on individuals when it comes to financial management, with experience of the so- called real world being picked up through being solely responsible for money for the first time. According to NatWest figures, school leavers are set to make a combined 212 million pounds in the 12 months before heading to university.

Considering the long- term financial situation is part of this, according to Mr Mathews: "At university they ve got to live independently as well and make all sorts of decisions about buying, spending and saving for future needs as well as present ones. " Recent research by NatWest highlighted the trend to consider a gap year to finance university life, with 54 per cent of those pondering whether to take a year away from studying to save some money. At the beginning of October, Abbey noted that nearly a third of students starting university in 2007 were doing so without any kind of insurance in place to protect their belongings. The financial services provider found that the average student takes 3, 300 pounds of belongings and equipment with them to university, suggesting the cost of replacing such items which are not covered by insurance could be very high and even result in the need for a quick loan.

Read more...

An Inheritance Is The Precious Fruit Of Years Of Labor - Althea Nastasi about Finance and Personal Finance:

An inheritance is the precious fruit of years of labor.

We Use One Credit Card To Make Pay The Outstanding On Another Card - Finance and Personal Finance Articles:

Sometimes we forget to balance our expenditure with the amount of money we earn and land up spending more than what we can actually afford to spend.

Huge Debt Burdens, Mishandling Of Finance Leads To Poor Credit Situations - Finance and Personal Finance Blog:

Free debt consolidation is great tool if you are really desperate to get your debts consolidated.

According To The Company This Is Due To Property Developers Turning To Independent Gas Transporters( IGT) To Lay Pipes

Category: Finance, Personal Finance.

Those moving into new homes are coming under increased financial pressure to the tune of millions of pounds every year, new figures show.

According to the company this is due to property developers turning to independent gas transporters( IGT) to lay pipes. In findings released by SimplySwitch, consumers entering newly built accommodation are unknowingly paying out some 15 million pounds per annum as a result of receiving their gas through privatised pipelines. While such a move reduces initial connection charges for property firms, this in turn increases costs for homeowners which could consequently impact upon their ability to make utility bills and secured loan repayments. Meanwhile, 96 per cent were not informed that they would be on such a set- up upon making the initial decision on whether to rent or purchase a property, "leaving them with no alternative but to pick up the additional costs long- term" . Research from the company also showed that the majority( 56 per cent) of those moving into a brand- new home are unaware of the higher costs that an IGT network can bring. Karen Darby, founder of the price comparison website, said: "Three out of the big six suppliers are currently charging their customers more for receiving their gas through an IGT network. As a result, she stated that homeowners are" effectively picking up the tab for the developer year- on- year" with the money the property developer initially saved by opting for an IGT" unlikely" to be passed on to them via reductions in rent rates or property prices.

These charges are often hidden, resulting in a higher unit rate and/ or a yearly supplemental charge. " Ms Darby also pointed to further findings from SimplySwitch showing that more than half( 54 per cent) are unaware as to what main gas network they are on and often do not realise this until they switch utility supplier. The SimplySwitch founder added that this could impact upon consumers attempts at money management as" at present we are facing a situation whereby consumers on the same street may be paying much higher rates for their gas because of where they live" . She asserted that this number could rise even further given prime minister Gordon Brown s pledge to build three million new homes by 202" In addition, some suppliers have started to exclude IGT customers from certain new tariffs coming on to the market such as capped, fixed or online and the choice of payment methods is limited. In addition, Ms Darby stated that more people may face more pressure on their capacity to pay utility bills and personal loans, as energy regulatory Ofgem predicted that more than one million homes and businesses will be connected to an IGT network by next year. In an era of soaring energy prices it seems unfair that an increasing number of people are paying over the odds and are not receiving the same benefits of competition and choice, " Ms Darby reported. Earlier this year, research by moneysupermarket showed that 17 million Britons have opted for a personal loan to aid reducing their debts into one low- rate monthly repayment. As a result, those worried about how they will be able to handle their finances due to rising utility costs and other areas of costs should perhaps consider taking out a debt consolidation loan as a solution to monetary difficulties.

However, the price comparison website warned borrowers against getting into further debts, as two- thirds of people applying for such a loan will go on to get deeper in the red once more.