http://www.payplan.com/debt-news Debt News from Payplan: Debt News, Debt Advice and Debt Help from Payplan, the Free Debt Management Company Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:50:09 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en One in six of the adult population are shopaholics Four million British women and three million British men have become addicted to shopping, using credit cards, store cards and loans to supply their obsession. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) released a report showing that women tend to spend the most on high ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/09/06/shopaholic-epidemic-hits-britain/ 5 money saving tips to reduce childcare cost 1. Make sure you register for childcare vouchers If your employer offers childcare vouchers, make sure you're a member of the scheme they provide, so that you get the best value from your claim. These vouchers can be used on numerous types of care, including nursery, ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/08/30/5-ways-to-save-on-childcare-costs/ Childcare costs are rising Daycare Trust has published a report on the typical childcare costs for 2010. The findings show that: The Average cost for 25 hours a week childcare in England is £88; this is more than 50% of the average part time earnings which are £153 per week Parents in London ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/08/24/figures-on-childcare-costs-are-released/ This time it’s the cost of healthy living Although food generally only accounts for 12% of household spending, the increase in the price of vegetables and mineral water is going to put a strain on living healthily on a budget. This is in stark contrast from the market a year ago ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/08/23/further-costs-of-living-rising/ 5 tips to cut the costs of your fuel bill With fuel prices set to increase, why not follow Payplan's money saving tips to help reduce your petrol or diesel costs. 1. Find the cheapest petrol near you You can find the cheapest petrol and diesel prices nearest to where you live by visiting www.petrolprices.com. 2. Use a customer ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/08/23/5-ways-to-save-on-your-fuel-consumption/ Petrol prices will reach £1.26 a litre by 2011 Presently, it costs £7 more to fill up the tank of an average car than it did a year ago. This is yet another petrol price increase which will hit consumers, after the recent announcement that bread and gas prices will also increase. The ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/08/13/petrol-price-set-to-increase/ Holiday debt has become an increased problem The Association of Business Recovery Professionals (R3) has released new figures which state that holidaymakers will take seven months to pay back the average sum of over £1000 they borrowed to pay for their holiday. The research looked at how the economic recession has affected ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/08/10/holiday-debts-soaring-in-the-uk/ 5 ways to save if you live alone Although living alone can have its advantages, it can also lead to financial difficulties. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s research showed that it would cost a single person £14,400 a year to reach a basic standard of living. Follow Payplan’s 5 top money saving tips to ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/08/02/5-tips-to-cut-the-costs-of-living-alone/ Cut your summer holiday costs with these things to do for free at home The school holidays have arrived yet again, but with family day tickets to major attractions costing more than £100, it is prudent to check for alternatives. Here are some handy money saving tips from Payplan to cut the cost ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/07/29/money-saving-tips-5-free-things-to-do-at-home-with-the-children/ Tax System to be simplified The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne is preparing an Office for Tax Simplification to reduce the 11,000 page tax code; due to Britain having one of the most complex tax codes in the world. It is hoped that the tax code will become more readable and ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/07/27/the-uk-tax-system-is-to-be-simplified-to-attract-foreign-investment-and-decrease-the-burden-on-businesses/ The regulator's latest changes to the way lenders should treat customers in arrears – particularly the requirement for lenders to consider all options before starting action to repossess a property – are to be welcomed. In my experience, mortgage arrears need to be dealt with in the context of the overall ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/07/23/lenders-can-turn-new-arrears-rules-to-their-advantage/ New FSA proposals for mortgage borrowers The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has outlined new suggestions for mortgage borrowers to ensure that they can afford monthly mortgage payments. The FSA wants to ensure that mortgage customers are protected and that lenders only lend to those who can afford mortgage payments. Key proposals: Introducing affordability tests Verification ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/07/15/new-fsa-proposals-could-help-mortgage-customers/ New figures prove that personal insolvencies are highest in the North East The North-South divide in England is still continuing. Data from the Insolvency Service shows that in 2009, the North East of England had the highest number of bankruptcies and individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs), whereas London had the lowest level. This ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/07/13/new-insolvency-figures-released/ Increased living costs - It now costs £29,200 a year to keep a family research shows The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) publishes its annual update on ‘minimum income standard’. They review what people think is an essential living cost. Key Points A single person in the UK needs to earn at least £14,400 a year before ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/07/09/living-costs-have-reached-14400-for-a-single-person/ Things to do for free this summer holiday If you are on a tight budget and are struggling for things to do for free this summer, why not try one of the many free days out being offered throughout the UK? 1. Visit a museum Free day out in London Many of the museums ... http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2010/07/01/summer-holidays-5-free-things-to-do-in-britain/