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Get all the latest news and expert advice on the money matters that matter to you. Rent, mortgages, bills, benefits and more.

A woman doing her Christmas shopping online

managing your money

Avoid getting scammed this Christmas

Ways to be scam smart when doing your Christmas shopping online.

An animation of a man using a rope to try and pull the gauge on his credit rating score from poor to good

managing your money

Credit rating system to be improved to better reflect people’s financial situation

Plans have been announced to improve the credit rating system so that the information held by credit reference agencies better reflects people's true financial circumstances.

A person wearing a big jumper and fingerless mittens warms themselves over an electric heater

bills

‘Shameful decision to scrap energy efficiency plans makes situation for renters increasingly bleak’

The London Mayor has criticised the decision to scrap plans to force landlords to improve the energy efficiency of rental properties, saying it will increase bills for tenants living in sub-standard housing in the capital by over £300 a year on average.

Electricity pylons in a misty valley at night

bills

Who asked Santa for half-price electricity this Christmas?

The UK’s biggest energy supplier is offering customers 50% off electricity on Christmas Day. Find out how to bag the deal.

An energy smart meter in front on a kettle

bills

Exact time today you need to cut your electricity use to get paid

Energy suppliers have announced they’ll pay customers to cut their electricity use at peak times this winter. The next event takes place today. Find out the exact time, how to sign up and the best ways to cut your energy usage.

managing your money

Labour to bring banking services back to the high street

Labour has pledged to ensure communities have access to high street banking services if it wins the general election. In the meantime, find out where to do your banking if your local branch has closed.

A hand on a tax dial with minimum and maximum settings

money saver

When to expect the cut in national insurance

The House of Commons is debating today (30 November) the bill that will see workers national insurance contributions cut. Find out what it will mean for you, including when it will come into force.

Two young children baking Christmas cookies

money saver

What to do if you can’t afford Christmas?

Ideas on keeping costs low and spirits high.

A jar of coins with the word 'Xmas' written on it, a bow on the top and some pine cones scattered on the table next to it

money booster

Could you get a Christmas grant?

Find out how you might be able to boost your income ahead of Christmas.

A worried elderly renter goes through her bills

housing

Social housing shortage affecting older renters ‘in devastating ways’

New research has revealed two in five private renters over the age of 55 are regularly struggling to afford basics such as food and heating.

Three young children on a playmat with a childminder at nursery

money saver

Date to apply for free childcare announced

The government has announced the date eligible working parents of two year olds will be able to apply for 15 hours of free childcare a week.

A woman holding a protest banner about climate change that says 'Act now'

bills

Climate change and energy crisis see food bills soar by £605

A new report has revealed the impact climate change and the energy crisis have had on food prices in Great Britain.

A homeless man sits on the street outside a shop with a Merry Christmas sign in the window

housing

Homeless households to be told there is ‘no room at the inn’ this Christmas

The Salvation Army is calling for a change in homelessness laws so that no one is forced to sleep on the streets, after carrying out research that estimates 5,500 households will be turned away by their local council in the run up to Christmas.

A little boy hugging a Christmas present to his chest

money saver

Which shops are the cheapest for Christmas toys?

Find out where to buy the cheapest toys this Christmas.

A woman sits on the stairs with her head in her hands

debts

5.5 million women suffered economic abuse in the past year

One in five women in the UK have suffered economic abuse at the hands of a current or former partner in the last 12 months. Find out where to get help.