Rebecca Atkinson

Rebecca is news editor of Moneywise.co.uk

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Articles by Rebecca Atkinson
Blog entries by Rebecca Atkinson

Articles by Rebecca Atkinson

Is it time to review your current account?

Update: Fri, 16/05/2008 - 09:29

The cost of banking is creeping up, as banks attempt to claw back profit lost from overdraft fees and the credit crunch. Is it time for you to review your current account? Read more

Mortgage broker fined £900,000 for sub-prime sales

Thu, 15/05/2008 - 11:06

A large financial adviser has been fined £900,000 by the financial regulator for the way it sold sub-prime mortgages to its customers. Read more

Government offers a £300 million helping hand to first-time buyers

Update: Wed, 14/05/2008 - 16:26

The government has pledged £300 million to help first-time buyers onto the housing ladder through shared ownership schemes. Read more

Consumer watchdog to investigate sale and rent back schemes

Update: Wed, 14/05/2008 - 16:22

Sale and rent back schemes are to be investigated by the Office of Fair Trading amid concerns that they can leave vulnerable homeowners out of pocket and even homeless. Read more

Mortgage market could be on the road to recovery

Update: Fri, 16/05/2008 - 08:42

The mortgage market could be on the road to recovery as Abbey becomes the latest lender to reduce interest rates on its mortgages. Read more

Thousands now facing a higher rate of income tax

Update: Wed, 14/05/2008 - 13:43

Moves to compensate people hit by the axed 10p tax rate will push thousands more people onto a higher rate of income tax, experts have warned. Read more

Darling announces plan to compensate 10p tax victims

Update: Wed, 14/05/2008 - 09:11

Basic rate taxpayers will see their personal allowances increase by £600 this year, under measures announced by chancellor Alistair Darling to compensate those hit by the 10p tax rate axing. Read more

Hopes for rate cuts dashed as inflation soars

Update: Wed, 14/05/2008 - 11:39

The Bank of England has hinted that it will not cut interest rates again this year as the risk of rising inflation continues to dog efforts to bolster the slowing economy. Read more

Facebook users warned over misleading loan adverts

Update: Tue, 13/05/2008 - 08:48

Credit firms using websites like Facebook to advertise cheap loans have been accused of breaking advertising rules. Read more

Sort out your remortgage

Update: Mon, 12/05/2008 - 15:50

Higher mortgage rates mean it's never been more important to get a good on a new mortgage. Rebecca Atkinson explains why grabbing a remortgage deal now could save you plenty. Read more

Today's best cash ISAs

By Rebecca Atkinson Update: Fri, 16/05/2008 - 09:22

A cash ISA should be the first home for your savings. Getting a great rate of interest is important, but when shopping for an ISA there are other factors you should also consider. Read more

Land of Leather fined over PPI sales

Update: Mon, 12/05/2008 - 11:20

Furniture retailer Land of Leather has been fined £210,000 for failing to ensure Payment Protection Insurance was sold fairly to customers taking out loans. Read more

Legal action over Farepak scandal still up in the air

Update: Mon, 12/05/2008 - 10:32

The government has completed its investigation into the collapse of Farepak but victims of the scandal are still waiting to hear whether any legal action will be taken against the firm's directors. Read more

British Gas customers facing another price rise

Update: Mon, 12/05/2008 - 13:03

British Gas customers may see their bills increase again this year after the supplier warned its profits are being hit by the rising cost of wholesale gas. Read more

Halifax tightens its mortgage belt

Update: Mon, 12/05/2008 - 11:11

Halifax is expected to put up prices on its direct mortgage range this week – and is also believed to be planning to scrap the sale of two-year fixed products through its branches. Read more

Government delays full home pack rollout

Update: Fri, 09/05/2008 - 10:20

The full rollout of Home Information Packs (HIPs) has been delayed until the end of the year, prompting calls for the government to abandon the initiative. Read more

Rising number of borrowers at risk of repossession

Update: Fri, 09/05/2008 - 14:56

The government has pledged £10 billion to help struggling homeowners as figures reveal the number of borrowers at risk of having their homes repossessed has soared in the past year. <br /> Read more

A third of people ripped off by online airplane tickets

Update: Fri, 09/05/2008 - 16:47

A third of people who buy airline tickets online are being ripped off by unfair practices, the European Union has warned. Read more

Travel insurance falls to cheapest ever levels

Update: Thu, 08/05/2008 - 15:10

The cost of travel insurance has dropped to record lows, yet one in seven holidaymakers still ventures abroad without any cover, new research reveals. Read more

Interest rates held at 5%

Update: Thu, 08/05/2008 - 13:56

The Bank of England has voted to hold interest rates at 5% for May. Read more

Surge in tracker fund sales suggests return of investor confidence

Update: Thu, 08/05/2008 - 15:22

A resurgence in sales of tracker funds in the first quarter of 2008 could indicate a return in investor confidence. Read more

Lender accused of encouraging frivolous spending

Update: Wed, 07/05/2008 - 10:48

A personal loans company has been forced to withdraw an advertising campaign after it was accused of encouraging frivolous spending on credit. Read more

Rents on the rise as buy-to-let mortgages disappear

Update: Wed, 07/05/2008 - 10:43

The cost of renting a home is set to increase as the credit crunch hits buy-to-let landlords. Read more

New mortgage offers borrowers chance to earn airmiles

Update: Tue, 06/05/2008 - 16:31

Lloyds TSB is offering mortgage borrowers the chance to earn 7,800 airmiles with its new range of fixed mortgages. Read more

Every cloud has a silver lining

Update: Tue, 06/05/2008 - 15:15

Every cloud has a silver lining - even if that cloud happens to be the credit crunch. We all know who is losing from the credit crunch, but is anyone out there winning? Read more

0870 numbers to get cheaper

Fri, 02/05/2008 - 16:38

Calls to 0870 numbers are set to get cheaper under proposals published by Ofcom. Read more

Today's best saving rates

By Rebecca Atkinson Update: Fri, 16/05/2008 - 09:31

Rising inflation may have dashed hopes for an interest rate cut in June, but fixed rate saving accounts continue to look attractive. Read more

Rising costs increase pressure on debtors

Fri, 02/05/2008 - 09:46

The number of people going bankrupt or taking out an IVA has fallen by 13% in the last year but the ongoing credit crunch could reverse this trend going forward, experts warn. Read more

Guide to shopping for a personal loan

By Rebecca Atkinson Update: Tue, 06/05/2008 - 16:48

When it comes to shopping for a personal loan, rate might be at the forefront of your mind. But there are several other important factors you should also consider. Read more

Guide to home, health and car insurance

By Rebecca Atkinson Update: Tue, 06/05/2008 - 16:45

With so many different types of home, health and car insurance on the market, shopping around for the right policy for you is essential. Rebecca Atkinson takes a look at what you need to think about when shopping for insurance. Read more

Millions of women missing out on pension income

Update: Wed, 30/04/2008 - 15:55

Nearly two million women could be losing out on potential pension income because of confusion over eligibility, according to research from HSBC. Read more

Norwich Union brand to be scrapped

Update: Wed, 30/04/2008 - 14:41

The Norwich Union logo is set to disappear from the high street over the next two years as part of a drive by owner Aviva to introduce global branding. Read more

Spinster sisters lose inheritance tax appeal

Update: Thu, 01/05/2008 - 15:21

Two elderly sisters who have lived together for 30 years have had their appeal against inheritance tax rejected by the European Court of Human Rights. Read more

House price falls will not hit double digits, says Halifax

Update: Fri, 02/05/2008 - 10:50

Halifax, the UK’s biggest mortgage lender, says house price falls will not hit double digits in 2008 despite the continuing housing market slowdown. Read more

Lenders told to help struggling borrowers

Update: Fri, 25/04/2008 - 08:32

Banks could be forced to improve the way they support borrowers who can't pay their mortgage following a meeting with chancellor Alistair Darling. Read more

Motorists braced for further petrol price hikes

Update: Thu, 01/05/2008 - 09:52

Motorists should brace themselves for petrol price hikes in light of record oil prices and the threat of strike action. But there are way to save on the cost of filling up a car. Read more

Are mortgages about to get cheaper?

Update: Tue, 22/04/2008 - 10:57

The Bank of England has injected £50 billion into the banking system and the chancellor has asked banks to lower their mortgage rates. So will we see cheaper mortgages anytime soon? Read more

RBS considering sale of Direct Line and Churchill

Update: Tue, 22/04/2008 - 09:27

The Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed that it will call on shareholders to help it raise £12 billion and that it is considering the sale of its insurance firms Churchill and Direct Line. Read more

Women discriminated against in job interviews

Update: Thu, 01/05/2008 - 09:42

Women face potential discrimination in job interviews because over 50% bosses weigh up their chances of pregnancy when considering them for a role. Read more

Are credit card companies taking advantage of the credit crunch?

Update: Tue, 22/04/2008 - 13:35

It’s been hard to miss the impact of the credit crunch on mortgage borrowing – but the effect on credit cards has been subtler. However, that's not to say providers aren't finding ways to claw back margins. Read more

The hidden catch to instant access accounts

Update: Mon, 21/04/2008 - 11:50

No notice savings account are popular among savers but with almost 25% penalising you for making withdrawals, having instant access often comes at a price. Read more

How Moneywise have you been this week? (w/e 18/04/08)

Fri, 18/04/2008 - 16:20

It's been another week of sobering housing market stats - but what else has been making the headlines? Take the Moneywise quiz to find out. Read more

Mortgage lending down 17% this spring

Update: Fri, 18/04/2008 - 09:35

Mortgage lending has fallen by 17% since last year and is expected to fall further throughout 2008, new figures reveal. Read more

Cost of buying a first home up 200%

Update: Thu, 17/04/2008 - 13:12

The cost of buying a first home in England is 200% more expensive than 10 years ago, according to charity Shelter. Read more

Phishing scams up 200%

Wed, 16/04/2008 - 09:07

The number of people falling victim to phishing scams has risen 200% in the first three months of 2008 as fraudsters find increasingly sophisticated ways to trick their way into your bank account. Read more

Inflation unchanged in March

Update: Tue, 15/04/2008 - 10:34

Inflation remained steady in March despite concerns that February’s interest rate cut could prompt a sharp rise. Read more

Falling house prices hit record level

Tue, 15/04/2008 - 09:13

House price falls have hit a historical level exceeding the falls seen in 1990 when prices crashed, according to a new report. Read more

How to overcome the homeownership hurdle

Update: Tue, 15/04/2008 - 10:00

For some time first-time buyers have struggled to get on the property ladder, and the credit crunch has only made things harder. Putting down a deposit is now essential, but saving enough cash is easier said than done. Read more

Bank of England unveils plan to crack the credit crunch

Update: Mon, 21/04/2008 - 13:28

The Bank of England has confirmed plans to pump £50 billion into the British banking system to allow lenders to temporarily swap mortgage-assets for government bonds. Read more

Households to receive £225m to pay energy bills

Fri, 11/04/2008 - 09:52

Up to 100,000 households could receive assistance paying their energy bills after the UK’s six biggest energy companies promised an extra £225 million to help end fuel poverty. Read more

Tax returns given a makeover

Fri, 11/04/2008 - 09:11

Tax returns are due to hit doormats of 9.3 million self-assessment taxpayers from this week. And a redesign means they should be simpler and quicker to complete. Read more

Weak pound to cost eurozone holidaymakers and home buyers

Update: Fri, 11/04/2008 - 10:04

The devalued pound will hurt the wallets of Brits planning a European break or thinking about buying in the eurozone. But there are ways to reduce the pain of a weak pound. Read more

Bank of England cuts interest rates to 5%

Update: Thu, 10/04/2008 - 14:18

The Bank of England has taken action to ease pressures on the housing market by cutting interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point to 5%. Read more

HSBC offers to match existing mortgage deals

Update: Wed, 09/04/2008 - 16:23

HSBC has promised to help homeowners suffering payment shock by offering them a new mortgage matching their existing rate. But is it too good to be true? Read more

Finding your way through the mortgage maze

Update: Wed, 09/04/2008 - 08:53

With mortgage deals flying off the shelves and house prices on the wane, here is the Moneywise guide to getting a good deal wherever you are on the housing ladder. Read more

Property prices down £5,000 in March

Update: Tue, 08/04/2008 - 14:46

The average homeowner saw nearly £5,000 wiped off the value of their home in March as the property market slowdown continued. Read more

HSBC loses data on 370,000 customers

Mon, 07/04/2008 - 14:49

HSBC has admitted losing a computer disc containing the personal details of 370,000 customers but says the risk of fraud is limited. Read more

Tax changes at a glance

Mon, 07/04/2008 - 14:13

The new tax year has brought in a host of tax reforms. Here is the Moneywise guide to the changes impacting your personal finances this tax year. Read more

Budget may have underestimated risk to economy

Mon, 07/04/2008 - 11:16

Alistair Darling may have underestimated the risks facing the UK’s economy in his 2008 Budget, a report by the Treasury Select Committee has warned. Read more

Halifax demands deposits as house prices fall

Update: Fri, 04/04/2008 - 15:55

Borrowers hoping for a Halifax mortgage will now have to save for a 25% deposit or pay a premium. Read more

More penalties for credit card customers

Update: Fri, 04/04/2008 - 11:20

Credit card customers who have a balance of just 1p face being charged interest of 10,000% in a further sign that banks are penalising good borrowing habits. Read more

New ISAs for the new tax year

Update: Mon, 14/04/2008 - 10:48

The new tax year is here, and with it the new ISA allowances. Here is the Moneywise round-up of the best new cash ISAs for the new tax year. Read more

Rising energy bills prompt five million to switch

Wed, 02/04/2008 - 10:50

The switching rate for gas and electricity customers has reached a five-year high with five million contracts switched in 2007. Read more

Lenders close doors to new mortgage customers

Update: Thu, 03/04/2008 - 09:12

The Co-operative Bank is to pull its popular two-year mortgage range, just days after First Direct and Lehman Brothers suspend lending. Read more

Moneywise challenges chancellor to take teen money test

Update: Tue, 01/04/2008 - 10:20

Moneywise is challenging Alistair Darling and several other public figures to test their money skills as part of our Kids and Cash campaign to get personal finance into the classroom. Read more

Get your state pension forecast

Update: Mon, 31/03/2008 - 13:57

Finding out your state pension forecast can help you plan for retirement. And if you have taken time out of work to care for others then getting a forecast is essential as you may have gaps that need plugging. Read more

Boarding school fees soar 86%

Update: Mon, 31/03/2008 - 10:55

The cost of private education for boarders has soared by 86% in the past decade with average boarding school fees now equal to 73% of the average annual income. Read more

Northern Rock to ditch 60% of mortgage customers

Update: Mon, 31/03/2008 - 13:42

A massive 60% of Northern Rock mortgage customers will be left out in the cold after their mortgage periods finish under new plans to restructure the national bank. Read more

Mortgage rates on the up

Update: Fri, 28/03/2008 - 17:33

Mortgage lenders are increasing the cost of borrowing as the credit crunch forces them to tighten their belts. Read more

BA offers refunds amid terminal 5 chaos

Update: Fri, 28/03/2008 - 14:21

British Airways says that customers whose flights are cancelled between 27 and 30 March can rebook their flight for free or receive a full refund. If you have been affected, then it's important to know your rights. Read more

Slowing housing market points to UK recession

Update: Fri, 28/03/2008 - 10:57

The UK now faces a 35% chance of a recession as the housing market continues to slow. Read more

Investors urged to claim up to £48,000 compensation

Update: Wed, 02/04/2008 - 13:31

Investors who have lost money as a result of dealing with a now disqualified investment firm could claim up to £48,000 in compensation. Read more

Don’t let the credit crunch eat into your pension

Update: Thu, 27/03/2008 - 14:18

The stockmarket rollercoaster has eaten into some pension pots by up to 20%. Whether you are due to retire this year or have another 15 years to go, maximising the value of your pension savings should be a priority. Read more

Cash and equity ISA round-up

Update: Wed, 26/03/2008 - 12:58

The deadline for using your ISA allowance is nearly here, yet over 50% of Moneywise.co.uk users haven’t yet fully invested into an ISA. Read more

Expats' salaries 43% higher than in UK

Update: Tue, 25/03/2008 - 17:04

People living abroad could benefit from a hike in their wages with the average salary for expats working in the UAE currently £79,000 compared to the UK average of £47,000. Read more

Injured face three year wait for compensation

Tue, 25/03/2008 - 15:25

The compensation system is failing people as figures show the average workplace injury takes up to three years to be resolved. Read more

Young people offered help for money worries

Tue, 25/03/2008 - 14:08

A charity has launched a new project to help young people manage their money. Read more

April Fools' for Scottish and Southern Energy customers

Thu, 20/03/2008 - 16:36

Customers of Scottish and Southern Energy, the second-biggest energy company in the UK, will see their energy bills increase by up to 15.8% from 1 April. Read more

Mortgage market drying up, warn lenders

Update: Thu, 20/03/2008 - 10:08

More people could find themselves refused a mortgage unless the Bank of England takes action to help lenders find funding, experts have warned. Read more

Time running out to take advantage of tax breaks

Update: Tue, 25/03/2008 - 09:11

The new tax year is nearly here, but it isn’t too late to take advantage of today's tax regime before 6 April. Read more

Can investors have a conscience?

Update: Wed, 26/03/2008 - 09:30

Is it possible to have a conscience and still benefit from investment? Rebecca Atkinson takes a look at the world of socially responsible investment. Read more

Deadline looms for winter fuel payment

Wed, 19/03/2008 - 14:14

People aged 60 and over could face higher energy bills if they fail to meet the looming deadline to claim their winter fuel payment. Read more

Money worries haunt consumers

Update: Wed, 19/03/2008 - 14:35

The rising cost of living and global financial turmoil have hit consumer confidence hard with 30% fearing they won’t be able to cope financially for much longer. Read more

Parents prioritise teaching kids about money

Wed, 19/03/2008 - 10:24

Over 80% of parents say they talk to their children about debt and money in order to prepare them for the realities of adult life. Read more

Interest rate cuts unlikely as inflation rises

Update: Tue, 18/03/2008 - 18:36

Interest rate cuts in the UK could be out of the window after figures revealed inflation climbed to 2.5% in February. Read more

Northern Rock to axe staff and focus on savings

Update: Tue, 18/03/2008 - 16:30

Northern Rock is to make around 2,000 employees redundant as the now national bank attempts to morph itself into a smaller, savings focused operation. Read more

Credit crunch fallout continues to bite

Update: Wed, 26/03/2008 - 09:49

The collapse of Bear Stearns has sent stockmarkets into turmoil. But is there worse to come? Read more

Federal Reserve slashes interest rates

Update: Wed, 19/03/2008 - 11:00

The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates in the US to 2.25% in a bid to restore confidence in the financial markets. Read more

Cut your tax bill with charitable giving

Update: Fri, 14/03/2008 - 16:32

Charities will now be exempt from the 2% cut in income tax this April, meaning they can still claim gift aid on donations. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the most tax-efficient ways to give to charity. Read more

Darling scraps VAT on venture capital trusts

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:53

Management fees on venture capital trusts and investment trusts will be exempt from VAT, Alistair Darling’s Budget has confirmed. Read more

Council tax rates to increase by over 5%

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:54

Council tax bills are likely to increase by 5.1% in 2008/09 despite the government urging councils to keep increases substantially below this level. Read more

Government does u-turn on trust tax

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:55

Alistair Darling has extended the deadline for interest in possession trusts to avoid inheritance tax. Read more

Darling fails to take action over slowing housing market

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 11:57

Alistair Darling’s Budget has failed to offer any immediate support to struggling home owners or first-time buyers despite the faltering property market and threat of negative equity. Read more

Budget round-up

Update: Mon, 17/03/2008 - 12:03

Chancellor Alistair Darling has delivered an underwhelming first Budget with a revised forecast for economic growth and a handful of green measures. Read more

Could you pass a teen money exam? (part two)

By Rebecca Atkinson Update: Fri, 16/05/2008 - 10:17

We've already tested your money skills in our first teen money test. Second time round the questions are harder - how will you do? Read more

Schools failing kids when it comes to finance

Update: Wed, 19/03/2008 - 10:07

A government body has warned that the “incoherent” way personal finance is currently taught in schools is leaving pupil ill-equipped to manage their money. Read more

Working mums in pay penalty

Update: Thu, 01/05/2008 - 09:39

Motherhood is having a direct impact on women’s salaries with the gender pay divide rising sharply when they hit their 30s. Read more

Just for laughs Budget quiz

By Rebecca Atkinson Update: Mon, 10/03/2008 - 11:07

The Budget is the only time that the chancellor is allowed to drink in the Chambers. But do you know whose tipple of choice was sherry and an egg? Test your knowledge of Budget facts and quirks with our Budget quiz. Read more

Petrol prices lead to calls for tax rethink

Update: Fri, 07/03/2008 - 14:24

Petrol price rises have hit record levels leading to calls for Alistair Darling to scrap fuel duty hikes in his 2008 Budget. Read more

Boiler room victims reunited with cash

Update: Thu, 06/03/2008 - 16:17

Over £1 million has been recovered for victims of an illegal boiler room scam. Find out if you could be entitled to a refund. Read more

Will identity cards cut fraud?

Update: Thu, 06/03/2008 - 14:51

The government has unveiled plans to phase in compulsory identity cards with the full rollout penciled in for 2017. But will they help prevent ID fraud - or make it worse? Read more

Bank of England votes no to interest rate cut

Update: Thu, 06/03/2008 - 12:32

The Bank of England has voted to keep interest rates at 5.25% in a bid to offset the anticipated surge in inflation. Read more

Minimum wage to rise by 21p

Update: Thu, 06/03/2008 - 10:21

Low paid workers will see their salaries increase by 21p an hour this October as the minimum wage rises to £5.73. Read more

Parents disappointed by school selection process

Update: Thu, 06/03/2008 - 14:53

One in five 11-year olds is likely to have missed out on their first choice of school this year despite government promises to give parents more choice for secondary education. Read more

Your ISA questions answered

Update: Fri, 07/03/2008 - 10:08

ISAs can protect your money from the taxman but new rules coming into force this April have left many people confused. To help you understand the new rules, Moneywise has compiled a selection of the best questions and answers from our recent web chat with Scottish Widows. Read more

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Articles by Rebecca Atkinson