With the rise in interest-free credit cards and more South West residents looking to build their credit rating, it seems many are now looking to put purchases ‘on the card’.
A study by TopCashback.co.uk, released today, found that around half of South West residents believe that having a credit card has allowed them to live beyond their means, whilst 86 per cent say that it’s helped them to build a credit rating.
Around a quarter of South West residents are looking to credit cards as a way to spread the cost of spontaneous purchases and luxury goods.
As Christmas approaches, local charity Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau is helping people avoid a Christmas debt hangover by sharing their top ten tips for keeping festive finances in check.
Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau Chief Executive Steve Barriball, said:
“We all want to have the best possible Christmas. It's important to be savvy when shopping and to be aware of how spending pans out.”
The top tips are:
1. Plan early Be realistic and budget accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person– and stick to it. Manage expectations as to what...
There has been a dramatic upsurge in debt worries among people in the Exeter area, according to new figures released by StepChange Debt Charity. In the first six months of this year, 648 residents in the Exeter postcode area sought debt advice from the charity’s helpline compared to 580 in the same period last year, an increase of 12 per cent.
The figures point to a further strain on household budgets, with those contacting the charity from the Exeter area an average of £11 per month worse off than the same time last year. The average person in Exeter seeking the charity’s help was...
The average level of debt among clients of Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has risen by over £1,000 according to figures released by the local charity today.
The average clients’ debt now stands at £13,450 up by £1,091 on the previous year.
Some commentators have warned that high levels of personal debt in Britain may bring problems in later life with new research from Bristol University showing a strong link between financial problems and poor mental well-being in older people.
David Hayes, Research Associate at the Personal Finance Research Centre and author...
As 2015 gets underway attention moves to a new home for the new year, five star housebuilder Barratt, which has a number of developments in Exeter, is urging homebuyers to get mortgage fit now to secure the best mortgage deals available.
Changes brought in in 2014 under the Mortgage Market Review have caught some buyers unaware but by being proactive and following a series of simple practical steps, potential housebuyers can make themselves more attractive to mortgage providers and that means not only getting a mortgage but getting a cheaper rate as well.
