L drivers and the high cost of learning to drive

May 30, 2008 – 10:17 am Learning to drive isn't easy - and it's not cheap either. The cost of getting on the road can drive you round the bend as license fees, lessons and test fees all add up. Experts say Brits each spend more than £1,337 learning to drive which includes the cost of a provisional license, driving lessons and test fees.

Paying for your white wedding

May 29, 2008 – 11:06 am Fathers worried about footing the bill for their daughter's big day; can breathe a sigh of relief - the tradition is fast becoming a thing of the past. These days, around 80% of couples pay for their own wedding, easing the financial burden on parents but heaping it on for newlyweds. But while money cant buy you love, it certainly helps when it comes to splashing out on your big day. The average cost of a wedding is now an eye watering £19,500, leaving many couples big day memorable for all the wrong reasons.


Fired with enthusiasm - “The Apprentice” - creating new entrepreneurs

May 28, 2008 – 9:17 am The hit BBC television show "The Apprentice" could be responsible for a whole new generation of wannabe entrepreneurs, according to new research from Direct Line for Business.Despite being a competition to earn an apprenticeship under Sir Alan Sugar, over a million viewers say the show made them consider their own entrepreneurial ideas.

Survey shows consumers are tightening their belts

May 27, 2008 – 3:51 pm Consumers are tightening their belts as they battle the credit crunch, according to a CBI survey published today. Service c


Beware loans that could make you pay and pay

May 23, 2008 – 10:06 am A charity has made a complaint to the Office of Fair Trading about debt-ridden twenty and thirty-somethings being targeted by internet ads from loan companies lending money at APRs of up to 1,355%. Credit Action has complained about adverts displayed on social networking website Facebook for "payday loans" which are basically cash advances on the salary borrowers are expecting at the end of the month.

Middle class debt stretching agencies to limit

May 19, 2008 – 12:19 pm As the cost of credit rises, and fixed rate mortgage deals end, middle class people who took out loans when money was cheap are turning to advice agencies who used to see mainly benefit claimants and social housing tenants.