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Rebecca Atkinson

Rebecca is news editor of Moneywise.co.uk

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Articles by Rebecca Atkinson

Is it time to review your current account?

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

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
house and keys

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

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

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

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
City workers

Thousands now facing a higher rate of income tax

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

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

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

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

Sort out your remortgage

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

Land of Leather fined over PPI sales

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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%

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

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

Lender accused of encouraging frivolous spending

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

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

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

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

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

Rising costs increase pressure on debtors

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

Millions of women missing out on pension income

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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)

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

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%

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%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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%

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April Fools' for Scottish and Southern Energy customers

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Federal Reserve slashes interest rates

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

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

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%

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

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

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

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

Schools failing kids when it comes to finance

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

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

Petrol prices lead to calls for tax rethink

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

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?

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

Bank of England votes no to interest rate cut

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

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

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
Golden Eggs

Your ISA questions answered

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
Notes falling

Investors waste £133 million in tax benefits

Nearly four million investors waste millions of pounds every year by investing in equities outside of an ISA. Read more

HSBC predicts £300 million refund for overdraft fees

HSBC might have to pay over £300 million in customer refunds if the High Court rules that overdraft charges are unfair. Read more

Investors rush for global growth

Despite volatility across the equity markets spooking investors, global growth funds overtook cautious managed as the best selling sector in January. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the sector and asks what's next for global growth. Read more

Government pledges free financial advice

Free financial advice could soon be available on the high street offering guidance on everything from saving for a mortgage deposit to coping with debt. Read more

Your pension questions answered

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our live pensions web chat. Here is a selection of the best questions and answers. Read more
Row of houses

House prices fall in February

Property prices fell by 0.5% in February bringing house price inflation to its lowest level since November 2005, according to figures from Nationwide. Read more
Green piggy bank

Green ISAs to offer significant tax breaks

Savers could receive significant tax breaks for investing their money in environmentally conscious companies under plans unveiled by the Conservative Party. Read more

Are you covered for earthquake damage?

Home owners hit by yesterday’s earthquake have been urged to contact their insurer as soon as possible to ensure their policy covers any damage. Read more
Chip & PIN machine

Chip & PIN not safe from fraud

Chip and PIN machines do not adequately protect shoppers' account details leaving millions at risk of fraud, a new report claims. Read more

More shocks to come for economy

The global economy is currently in the midst of the worst financial and banking crisis ever seen in peacetime and there are more shocks to come, according to the deputy governor of the Bank of England. Read more

Nationwide to penalise borrowers without 25% deposits

Borrowers with Nationwide will now have to save up for a 25% deposit on their home in order to get the best rate of interest from the lender. Read more
Water tap

Water bills set to rise

Water bills are set to increase by as much as £29 in 2008/09 bringing the average annual cost to around £330. Read more
Foxtons logo

Foxtons taken to court over unfair contracts

Foxtons estate agents is being taken to court by the Office of Fair Trading following complaints about its contract terms for landlords. Read more
Woman on the phone

Phone customers targeted by "slammers"

Rogue phone companies are still “slamming” thousands of consumers despite treats of fines from the industry watchdog. Read more
An airplane

How to reclaim illegal fuel surcharges

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have been ordered to pay over £100 million to eight million passengers who were victims of its fuel surcharge cartel. Read more

Buy-to-let landlords facing tax crackdown

The taxman is believed to be planning a major crackdown on buy-to-let landlords who have failed to declare their rental income. Rebecca Atkinson examines the current tax obligations on property. Read more
Keyboard with pound sign

Broadband customers pay £70 million for technical support

Broadband customers are being charged as much as 50p a minute for seeking technical support - costing them around £70 million a year. Read more
House

Borrowers being pushed onto fixed rate mortgages

Mortgage borrowers are being pushed onto fixed rate products by the big banks despite another interest rate cut forecast in the coming month Read more
Dominoes falling

With-profit returns hit by stockmarket woes

The turbulence of stockmarkets in 2007 has hit Legal &amp; General and LV= with-profit policyholders, with both firms revealing a slump in performance during the year. Read more
A mortgage file

Mortgage drought spells more woe for buyers

Borrowers struggling to get a mortgage should not expect things to improve anytime soon, despite figures showing mortgage lending increased during January. Read more

Lenders pull deposit-free mortgages

Five top mortgage lenders are to stop selling deposit-free mortgages as concern about the housing market deepens. Read more

Is another bank run on the cards?

Concern is mounting that the nationalisation of Northern Rock could lead to customers withdrawing their savings from other banks. Read more
Piggy bank

35% of users missing out on tax breaks

A worrying 35% of Moneywise.co.uk users have not put any money into an ISA this tax year. Read more
The run on Northern Rock

How will Rock's nationalisation affect you?

The government has announced that Northern Rock is to be nationalised. But what does this mean for its shareholders, savers, borrowers and employees? Read more

Northern Rock nationalisation bill becomes law

The bill to nationalise Northern Rock has been approved by parliament and the Queen and will now pass into law. Read more
Alistair Darling

Please reform inheritance tax, Darling

Inheritance tax has come out top in a survey of the most hated taxes that Brits would like to see reformed in this year’s Budget. Read more
Iceland scenery

Is my money safe with an Icelandic bank?

Press reports have suggested that savers with Icelandic banks could be at risk of losing their nest eggs. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the risks and asks whether savers should be worried. Read more

Asia tipped as most promising investment region in 2008

A Moneywise poll reveals Asia is the most promising investment region in 2008. But fund managers and IFAs disagree. Rebecca Atkinson takes a global look at investment. Read more
House of cards

Scottish Widows' endowments might not pay off mortgages

Scottish Widows has warned that 88% of its mortgage endowment with-profit policies might be in shortfall when they mature. Read more

Retirees forced out of jobs by ageist employers

Research shows that people who have been forced into retirement could be due £45 million in compensation. Rebecca Atkinson looks at workers' legal rights when it comes to retirement. Read more

Borrowers fail to shop around for credit cards

Nearly 70% of consumers don't shop around for credit cards because they find it hard to compare products. Rebecca Atkinson looks at the different types of cards and the most competitive deals available. Read more
Lightbulb

E.ON raises energy prices

E.ON has become the latest major energy supplier to raise the cost of its gas and electricity. Read more
Bank of England

How will the interest rate cut affect you?

The Bank of England has voted to cut interest rates to 5.25%. Whether you're a borrower or saver, find out how this will affect you. Read more

NU with-profit policyholders due £2 billion windfall

Norwich Union is to pay 1.1 million with-profits policyholders a £2.1 billion bonus in a move that could encourage a vote for the redistribution of its surplus funds. Read more
Women on hold on the phone

Utility companies failing customers

Energy and telecom companies are failing their customers by offering dismal customer services and the worst call-centre performance in the UK. Read more
Houses

February rate cut needed to support housing market

The UK's largest mortgage lender has warned than an interest rate cut is needed to prevent house prices from falling in 2008. Read more
The run on Northern Rock

Northern Rock board proposes plan to keep lender independent

The board of Northern Rock has asked the government to provide funding for it to restructure the lender without the business being sold. Read more
Keyboard with pound sign

How to improve your credit rating

Whether you have been turned down for credit, are concerned about ID theft or are about to make a major purchase, then it’s a good idea to check your credit profile. Rebecca Atkinson explains how knowing your rating is key to improving it. Read more
New build property

New-build properties at risk of negative equity

Buyers of new build properties may have paid more than the true value and could be at risk of negative equity, lenders have warned. Read more
Gas hob

ScottishPower customers facing higher bills

ScottishPower customers are facing energy price hikes of up to 15% from this weekend. Read more
Egg credit card

Egg to withdraw credit cards from 161,000 customers

Egg is to withdraw credit cards from 161,000 customers who have missed a payment or exceeded their credit limit over the past year. Read more
Looking at bills

Insolvencies set to rocket despite dip in 2007

The number of people declaring themselves insolvent fell in the last three months of 2007 but experts warn that bankruptcies and IVAs will rocket in 2008. Read more
Man opens front door

Scams cost Brits £3.5 billion a year

Scams cost the British public £3.5 billion every year. Rebecca Atkinson looks at popular scams and offers some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim. Read more
Overdue bill

Personal debt hits £1.4 trillion mark

Personal debt in the UK has hit the £1.4 trillion mark with consumers expected to borrow an additional £327 million today alone. Read more
Tesco store

Tesco to scrap cheque payments

Tesco is to stop accepting personal cheques from shoppers despite concerns that this may disadvantage older customers. Read more
Hand with house on

More pain for first-time buyers

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has warned that affordability problems are close to record levels. Read more