I’ve trawled the news and highlighted some of the headlines that could affect your finances. Click on a headline to be taken to the full story.
Site to protect against rogue traders launches
Under the scheme from Bondpay, consumers pay the money which is kept in trust until work is complete.
Beat the massive car and home insurance price hikes
The cost of car insurance rose at record rates with home cover premiums also soaring, according to the latest AA figures.
Risk assets struggle on rate rise prospects
Markets are finishing a difficult week on a downbeat note as investors remain perturbed that monetary policy responses to burgeoning inflation could crimp global growth.
Gold forecast to reach $1,600 level
GFMS’s bi-annual ‘gold survey says fundamentals, mean there is strong case for arguing that the price glass is, at least, ‘half full’.
50p top tax rate may be scrapped in 2013
The 50p tax band could be scrapped within two years as part of plans to attract and retain high earners to the UK.
How the government's plans could affect you.
Surprise drop in unemployment figures
UK unemployment has fallen for the first time since September with number of people looking for work declining by 17,000 to 2.48 million in the three months to the end of February.
Is financial planning the key to happiness?
New social movement Action for Happiness has set out 10 secrets to happiness and financial planning fits right in.
- March CPI is 4%, down from February's 4.4%
- Pressure eases on Bank of England for immediate rate rise
- Cheaper food and drink behind fall in inflation
- RPI, used for pay bargaining, falls to 5.3% from 5.5%
Older people hit by rising cost of living
Age UK says a fifth of pensioners are cutting back on essential items, while only 22% claim their full benefits entitlement.
Npower's new online deal up to 9% more expensive
Npower's new online energy plan - Sign Online 22 - says it could bring you cheaper gas and electricity prices, but we suggest you shop around for a better deal.
Tesco rapped for 'misleading' Asda price ad
Tesco has faced another dressing down from advertising watchdogs after a TV advert slamming Asda's price guarantee was ruled misleading.
