inflation-proof your finances

Is deflation a blessing or curse?

Rebecca Atkinson — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:59:25 +0000

It is likely that 2008 will go down as one of the most financially turbulent in history. For British households, there have been plummeting house prices, failing banks and a pending recession to contend with. In addition, the increasing cost of living - specifically the rising cost of petrol, energy bill hikes and higher food prices - has put pressure on many people's budgets.

Survive the recession

Rebecca Atkinson — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:35:03 +0100

The news that the British economy has shrunk for the first time since 1992 in the third quarter of this year means a recession is now more or less unavoidable.

The Office for National Statistics has revealed GDP – the official measure of an economy’s health – fell by 0.5% in the three months to September, following 0% growth in the previous quarter.

How you can cut the cost of childcare

Chris Thomas — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:00:16 +0100

Everyone expects having children to involve financial compromises, but no one told me I would have to decide between childcare and grocery shopping. Yet when I discovered the cost of my first choice of nursery in west London, that’s precisely the choice I faced.

How to keep your food bills looking trim

Chris Thomas — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:39:05 +0100

You’re not wrong if you’ve been thinking your trips to the supermarket are getting considerably more expensive; the average family is now spending 20% more on the weekly food shop than it was 12 months ago, according to shopping comparison website mysupermarket.co.uk.

Should I opt for an inflation-linked annuity?

Rebecca Atkinson — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:01:43 +0100

Pensioners have been urged not to consider taking out inflation-linked annuities as the cost of living finally starts to fall.

Protect your savings from rising inflation

Rebecca Atkinson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:05:57 +0100

Inflation hit 5.2% in September - its highest rate since 1992 - meaning savers face seeing the value of their nest eggs eroded.

Inflation-proof your pension

Rebecca Atkinson — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:28:17 +0100

Soaring inflation could be eating into your retirement income unless you take steps to increase your pension contributions.

The official measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), hit 5.2% in September, its highest rate since 1992. The Retail Price Index - which includes mortgage repayments - currently stands at 5%.

Burst your inflation bubble

Rebecca Atkinson — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:56:00 +0100

Chances are you’ve noticed prices creeping up in most areas of your life lately, from your weekly grocery shop and council tax, to travel costs and fuel bills. Despite wages rising by an average £44 a month this year, families are facing an increase of £148 a month in essential living costs, according to a survey by uSwitch.com.

Beat the energy price hikes

Chris Thomas — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:42:53 +0000

According to charity Save the Children, nearly one in five families with children are now unable to afford to heat their homes. To avoid falling into this trap, follow these simple steps to ensure you're not paying more than you need to.

1 Check your meter

Are you pouring your money away over water?

Chris Thomas — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:47:05 +0000

It's not an expense we often think about - but since the privatisation of water in 1989, the price we pay to have our morning shower, give the garden a drink and get our clothes washed has risen by 40%, according to the water regulator, Ofwat. And last year prices rose by a typical 7% in England and Wales, bringing the average bill to £312 a year.