Personal Finance

Thermostat wars are raging across the country as families argue over the perfect temperature for central heating

Revealed: The ideal thermostat temperature to keep your home warm through winter

Banks will pay customers to switch their current accounts

Banks will pay customers to switch their current accounts

The banks that'll give you up to £200 to switch this Christmas

Pension Credit increases will help over a million pensioners keep up with the cost of living

Pension Credit increases will help over a million pensioners keep up with the cost of living

Department for Work and Pensions

Pension Credit increase for 1.4 million people - how much will you get

The state pension increases in line with whichever is the highest of earnings growth, CPI inflation in September of the previous year, or 2.5%

The state pension increases in line with whichever is the highest of earnings growth, CPI inflation in September of the previous year, or 2.5%

How much state pensions are set to rise in April as Government 'face £100m bill'

More than 10,000 people have boosted their state pensions by a combined £12.5 million in the last six months

More than 10,000 people have boosted their state pensions by a combined £12.5 million in the last six months

HMRC pension warning as deadline to boost your State Pension approaches

The 20p piece is a “mule” coin dating from 2008 and was minted without a date

The 20p piece is a “mule” coin dating from 2008 and was minted without a date

Check your change as rare 20p coin sells for 390 times face value - how to spot

When speed is of the essence, choose full fibre broadband with Zen

When speed is of the essence, choose full fibre broadband with Zen

When speed is of the essence, choose full fibre broadband with Zen

According to the reports, pension payments could rise by more than £400 a year from April

According to the reports, pension payments could rise by more than £400 a year from April

How much will your state pension increase by next year?

According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), around 1.4 million older people are already in receipt of pension credits.

According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), around 1.4 million older people are already in receipt of pension credits.

DWP urges almost 1 million pensioners to make urgent Winter Fuel Payment check

From this winter only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will get Winter Fuel Payments from the DWP

From this winter only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will get Winter Fuel Payments from the DWP

Cost of living crisis

Winter Fuel Payments latest as petition against change approaches new milestone

Benefit from access to Zen’s contract price promise

Benefit from access to Zen’s contract price promise

Homes across Norwich can now access full fibre broadband with Zen

Financial expert Peter Sharkey says equity release is a great way to afford bucket list items during retirement

Financial expert Peter Sharkey says equity release is a great way to afford bucket list items during retirement

OPINION: Using equity release to achieve life goals

Equity Release offers a potential route back to normality, argues Peter Sharkey

Equity Release offers a potential route back to normality, argues Peter Sharkey

OPINION: Decimated pension? There’s a possible solution

Renegogiating monthly subscriptions and switching off energy-consuming devices could help you save money, says financial expert Peter Sharkey

Renegogiating monthly subscriptions and switching off energy-consuming devices could help you save money, says financial expert Peter Sharkey

OPINION: Switching on to switching off

Second-hand car prices have risen dramatically since the pandemic due to microchip shortages

Second-hand car prices have risen dramatically since the pandemic due to microchip shortages

OPINION: How to save money as used car values surge

Financial expert Peter Sharkey looks at rising energy bills including how much it will now cost to run a fridge-freezer

Financial expert Peter Sharkey looks at rising energy bills including how much it will now cost to run a fridge-freezer

OPINION: Look after the pennies...

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains how you can pay off credit card in debt with equity release from smartER

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains how you can pay off credit card in debt with equity release from smartER

OPINION: Consolidating debt? Consider the 'smartER' option

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains how you could save on your car insurance

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains how you could save on your car insurance

OPINION: How motorists can save £300+ on car insurance

Equity release has become a popular method for property owners aged 55+ to release tax-free funds from their property and effectively reduce future Inheritance Tax liability for their children

Equity release has become a popular method for property owners aged 55+ to release tax-free funds from their property and effectively reduce future Inheritance Tax liability for their children

How to avoid a 40pc tax on your home

Financial expert Peter Sharkey examines if it is worth investing in dividends from a number of high-performing companies

Financial expert Peter Sharkey examines if it is worth investing in dividends from a number of high-performing companies

OPINION: Are average dividend returns of 7pc worth pursuing?

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues nuclear reactors could ensure the UK becomes self-sufficient in energy production by 2035

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues nuclear reactors could ensure the UK becomes self-sufficient in energy production by 2035

OPINION: Dramatic action needed on UK fuel security

Not searching for alternative car and home insurance options is costing people hundreds of pounds a year

Not searching for alternative car and home insurance options is costing people hundreds of pounds a year

OPINION: Car insurance savings could reach £319

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that getting active about your finances can save you thousands

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that getting active about your finances can save you thousands

OPINION: Jettison inertia and save money

Financial expert Peter Sharkey says there are options for those wishing to get the most out of their home without draining their savings

Financial expert Peter Sharkey says there are options for those wishing to get the most out of their home without draining their savings

OPINION: Using equity release for home improvements

Financial expert Peter Sharkey discusses why a broker's advice can be invaluable for saving on mortgages and car insurance

Financial expert Peter Sharkey discusses why a broker's advice can be invaluable for saving on mortgages and car insurance

OPINION: Broker’s advice remains invaluable

St Bene't's Church is the oldest building in Cambridge

St Bene't's Church is the oldest building in Cambridge

OPINION: Cost of insuring Victorian homes surges by almost 12pc

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that newly-constructed properties offer opportunities for an immediate uplift in value.

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that newly-constructed properties offer opportunities for an immediate uplift in value.

OPINION: Property investment has never been an easy option

The Institute for Economic Affairs called the demographic changes highlighted in the census “an economic time bomb

The Institute for Economic Affairs called the demographic changes highlighted in the census “an economic time bomb

OPINION: Defusing the economic time bomb

Financial expert Peter Sharkey says you should make sure your home insurance policy covers accidental damage

Financial expert Peter Sharkey says you should make sure your home insurance policy covers accidental damage

OPINION: New wave of DIY expected as property values stall

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains why your home might be at risk of under-insurance

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains why your home might be at risk of under-insurance

OPINION: Homeowners risk being under-insured

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explores how motorists can save cash with Moneymapp.com

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explores how motorists can save cash with Moneymapp.com

OPINION: How 'under the cosh' motorists can save cash

Financial expert Peter Sharkey offers an easy way to save on your car insurance

Financial expert Peter Sharkey offers an easy way to save on your car insurance

OPINION: How to save £290 on your car insurance

The knowledge that your family will be looked after should something untoward happen is undoubtedly comforting, says financial expert Peter Sharkey

The knowledge that your family will be looked after should something untoward happen is undoubtedly comforting, says financial expert Peter Sharkey

OPINION: The price of happiness and contentment

Those living on fixed incomes, including pensioners, are facing a cost of living squeeze, says financial expert Peter Sharkey

Those living on fixed incomes, including pensioners, are facing a cost of living squeeze, says financial expert Peter Sharkey

OPINION: Inflationary pressure mounts

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that sorting out a self-invested personal pension could be an excellent Bank Holiday project to save you money

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that sorting out a self-invested personal pension could be an excellent Bank Holiday project to save you money

OPINION: A potentially profitable Bank Holiday plan

Increases in life expectancy will have implications for state-funded pension schemes, argues financial expert Peter Sharkey

Increases in life expectancy will have implications for state-funded pension schemes, argues financial expert Peter Sharkey

OPINION: Increased life expectancy requires better state pensions

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that a second property offers the opportunity for peaceful staycations rather than travel disruption

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that a second property offers the opportunity for peaceful staycations rather than travel disruption

OPINION: How staycations help you avoid travel bedlam

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains why a simple domestic task like building a fence exposes global shortages and the cost of living

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains why a simple domestic task like building a fence exposes global shortages and the cost of living

OPINION: Fence building highlights impact of global shortages

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explores why people have re-evaluated their attitude towards wealth during the past two years

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explores why people have re-evaluated their attitude towards wealth during the past two years

OPINION: Our post-pandemic attitude towards wealth

Financial expert Peter Sharkey outlines the six different types of pension savers and their investment priorities

Financial expert Peter Sharkey outlines the six different types of pension savers and their investment priorities

OPINION: The six types of investor

Older investors should be mindful of risk in their investment strategy and future planning, argues financial expert Peter Sharkey.

Older investors should be mindful of risk in their investment strategy and future planning, argues financial expert Peter Sharkey.

Three steps to avoid excess financial risk

With interest rates on the rise, financial expert Peter Sharkey says it is important to secure a low-cost mortgage while it is still possible

With interest rates on the rise, financial expert Peter Sharkey says it is important to secure a low-cost mortgage while it is still possible

OPINION: Secure a low-cost mortgage while you can

Increased life expectancy is something to be factored in when planning your retirement, argues financial expert Peter Sharkey

Increased life expectancy is something to be factored in when planning your retirement, argues financial expert Peter Sharkey

OPINION: Another conundrum for the middle aged

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains why a proper pension plan is essential

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explains why a proper pension plan is essential

OPINION: Considering a good retirement

Make sure you are making the right comparisons for equity release, says financial expert Peter Sharkey

Make sure you are making the right comparisons for equity release, says financial expert Peter Sharkey

OPINION: How to save £3,800 a year

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explores how financial planning can help you achieve your life goals

Financial expert Peter Sharkey explores how financial planning can help you achieve your life goals

OPINION: Financial planning can help you achieve life goals

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that if property values plateau this year, we could see more private landlords

Financial expert Peter Sharkey argues that if property values plateau this year, we could see more private landlords

OPINION: Do the numbers still stack up for private landlords?

A new partnership between Lowell and the Centre for Social Justice aims to improve financial literacy

A new partnership between Lowell and the Centre for Social Justice aims to improve financial literacy

OPINION: Improving levels of financial literacy is essential

Financial expert Peter Sharkey discusses resolutions that might ensure next year's Blue Monday isn't quite so blue

Financial expert Peter Sharkey discusses resolutions that might ensure next year's Blue Monday isn't quite so blue

OPINION: How to maintain New Year's resolutions

Finance expert Peter Sharkey discusses the effects of inflation on retirement savings

Finance expert Peter Sharkey discusses the effects of inflation on retirement savings

OPINION: Do not underestimate inflation’s insidious effects

Finance expert Peter Sharkey explains how you can avoid Orwellian equity release scams

Finance expert Peter Sharkey explains how you can avoid Orwellian equity release scams

How to avoid Orwellian equity release scams

A report prepared by Blacktower Financial Management Group shows which areas have saved most for retirement, with Norwich in fifth place

A report prepared by Blacktower Financial Management Group shows which areas have saved most for retirement, with Norwich in fifth place

Opinion: Uncomfortable home truths about being retirement ready

Financial expert Peter Sharkey claims that it is necessary for younger people to start thinking about their retirement income now due to increasing life expectancy

Financial expert Peter Sharkey claims that it is necessary for younger people to start thinking about their retirement income now due to increasing life expectancy

Opinion: Shock tactics needed for retirement saving

Jon Warne, president of Norwich Credit Union on Pottergate.

Jon Warne, president of Norwich Credit Union on Pottergate.

Loans boss hails people's 'prudent' spending in lockdown