Households are facing energy bills averaging at around £1,300 a year, meaning that it is all the more important to save as much as you can, where you can. With research alerting us to the cost of faulty energy meters and no discount on the horizon, now is the time to act to maximise savings for the … Continue reading
Despite talk of a return to economic stability, wages continue to fall behind the rising cost of living, which means that we are all on the lookout for a saving here or price cut there. Although there are some genuine bargains around, there are other ways to save as supermarkets and stores offer loyalty cards, … Continue reading
The unprecedented monopolisation of grocery shopping by big stores and international names over the past 20 years has changed our shopping habits and the way we spend our weekends. Whether you are the type of shopper who follows a list, compares prices between stores or just throw things in a basket and hopes for the best, … Continue reading
Scams are on the up. From lo-tech to online, the statistics say that fraud offences have increased by 183% since 2008, and 34% since 2012. Scammers are using any means possible to convince you to part with your money, but it is not always easy to tell who you should believe and who should be … Continue reading
Recent news stories have reported that parents have been fined for taking their children out of school and away on holidays when prices are more affordable. But holiday price hikes during school holiday periods mean that sticking to the rules is more expensive than ever. Since 1 September 2013, changes to the 1996 Education Act … Continue reading
Anyone who has driven a car, cycled or walked in the streets around Britain will think that there are more potholes than not. The recent storms and freezing temperatures have only gone to exacerbate the problem. Apart from patching up the roads and pavements yourself, what can you do to smooth over the cracks and … Continue reading
Britain’s bad weather caused misery for thousands of families and households over the Christmas period and into 2014. With the weather forecast to become even more extreme in the coming months and years, there are some things that everyone should be aware of, before the storms come and after. Already this winter, over 2,000 homes … Continue reading
I won’t be too upset if you haven’t seen me already, but I have recently become a bit of a TV star. Well, ‘star’ is perhaps pushing it slightly: I’ve been on The Alan Titchmarsh Show. Yes, he’s the gardener who sells apples for Waitrose. I didn’t realise he had a daytime show either -don’t … Continue reading
According to Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA), fraud losses on UK cards totalled £388 million during 2012, showing a 14% increase on the previous year. Such stark statistics are understandably causing consumers some concern, especially in the run up to Christmas when credit cards are hit the hardest. FFA also found that this rise in card … Continue reading
At the start of National Consumer week and with Christmas around the corner, The Alan Titchmarsh Show consumer ‘Dream Team’ turned its attention to the multi-billion pound industry in counterfeit goods. We take a look at how you can avoid being caught out and how to seek redress if you are. Fake Ugg boots, copycat … Continue reading
Kevin Poulter 