- I hearby leave my mortgage to…
A new mortgage allowing homeowners to pass on their mortgage debt when they die and thereby cut the inheritance tax bill faced by their heirs was launched this week. - Savers frustrated by three-week delay
Many lenders have been quick to raise their standard variable rates on mortgages but many of the UK’s major banks have yet to declare what they are doing with their savings rates. - It’s time to consider your defence mechanisms
After years of being seen as a bit of a dowdy practice, defensive investing is in fashion again. - Surge in bad debts forces lenders to tighten criteria
Banks and loan companies have been tightening up their lending criteria for unsecured loans as they become concerned about rising bad debts. - Education in letting as landlords look for bargains
Students may have a reputation for being rowdy, disorganised and less than houseproud, but according to mortgage lenders, they can make for some of the most reliable and lucrative tenants. - Websites log on to the power of private sales
Large numbers of property sellers are abandoning the traditional services provided by estate agents and marketing their homes directly to house hunters via a growing number of private websites. - Advisers see demand for inventive schemes
New A-day rules have made it easier for those interested in winding down their working hours or changing careers in order to stave off a mid-life crisis to do so. - Insurers adopt a more understanding bedside manner
The rapid rise in the number of individuals suffering chronic conditions coupled with falling demand for expensive medical insurance means that some of the biggest insurers are not so quick to rule out individuals with illnesses. - FSA to distribute warnings to shareholders about boiler room scams
UK shareholders will receive warning leaflets in the post from next month as part of a targeted campaign to clamp down on bogus stockbroking firms pushing shares that are either worthless or non-existent. - Retailers now give customers a worse deal
Many electrical retailers have raised the premiums on extended warranty insurance, despite the introduction last year of much tougher rules on this form of cover. - NU hopes to end price war with hike in car premiums
Britain’s motorists are likely to see a sharp rise in the cost of their car insurance after Norwich Union, the market’s second-largest provider, raised its rates by as much as 40 per cent. - Message to save early and save often falls on deaf ears
Pension providers have long been lamenting the fact that individuals are not saving enough to support the lifestyles they want in retirement. But how many individuals – especially those in their 20s and 30s – are actually sitting up and taking notice? - All roads lead online if you keep it simple
Taxpayers have just three weeks to complete their tax returns by the September 30 deadline although they can delay until the end of January if they are prepared to go online. - Don’t miss the boat on this homebuying boom
Living on a river boat might seem the preserve of bohemians or nature lovers but a growing number of city dwellers are trading brick walls for barges. - Payment protection comes under FSA spotlight
Some companies offering payment protection insurance could have their rights to sell this cover revoked next month when the Financial Services Authority issues its update on the PPI market.