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James Andrews

Author

James Andrews

Senior Editor, Personal Finance

About the Author

James has spent the past 15 years writing and editing personal finance news, specialising in consumer rights, pensions, insurance, property and investments - picking up a series of awards for his journalism along the way.

His past roles include money editor for Mirror Online, editor of Yahoo Finance UK and content editor at MSN Money and he has been a regular contributor to national radio shows including TalkRadio and the BBC World Service on money matters.

London's most historic boroughs

London welcomes millions of people every year to take in its landmarks, attractions and immerse themselves in the history of the city. But where offers the best historic prospect if you are looking for a longer stay?

Consumer confidence plummets: How to make plans to secure your future income

Consumer confidence has fallen to the lowest level since records began almost 50 years ago, as the cost of living crisis continues to pile pressure on household finances. The GfK Consumer Confidence Index revealed confidence is now even lower than it was following the financial crisis in 2008.

Young beautiful blond guy is behind a window of luxury jewellery shop. Boyfriend in love is searching a present for his love, expensive gold ring with diamond is perfect gift for anniversary celebration

How much should you spend on an engagement ring?

It can be difficult to know how much an engagement ring should cost. Our guide will help you decide how much you can spend and where to choose your engagement ring. Discover how much you can afford to spend on an engagement ring with our new calculator

Meta image for weddings trends page. Image shows 2 wedding rings next to text 'Wedding trends report 2022.

We have delved into Google search volumes to reveal the top wedding trends for the season ahead.

The biggest Wedding Trends predicted by Google. 1= Pet at wedding; 1= Multi-coloured wedding; 1= In-season wedding flowers 4. Rent bridesmaid dresses 5. Daisy Bouquet

World Housing Market Index:

The most expensive property markets in the world

Luxury on a budget

Travelling in the lap of luxury may be a pipedream for many of us. However, if you do want to treat yourself to the trip of a lifetime, which destinations are the most affordable to do so?

Workers with more than one job could now miss out on state pension entitlement

Part time workers up and down the country could be stripped of their state pension entitlement under new plans laid out by the Department for Business Education and Skills (BEIS).

Universal credit changes: Here's what you need to know

The government has been slowly moving households who receive Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit and similar benefits to Universal Credit through a mandatory migration process.

Mental Health Awareness Week: How to manage financial stress

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and with the UK in the midst of a cost of living crisis, it’s never been more important to learn how to manage financial stress.

Bank of England rolls the dice as UK struggles to afford bills

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has just raised the cost of borrowing for the fourth time in a row - seeing the base rate soar from 0.1% in November to 1% today.

Education premiums

We all want the best for our children, but how much does living close to one of the country’s best schools add to house prices?

Credit Cards | Compare Our Best Credit Cards Deals May 2022

Credit cards comparison of over 180 cards from 70 providers. Fast and free compare the cards best for interest free spending, interest free balance transfers, money transfers to put cash in your bank or credit card for rewards & cashback. Check your eligibility before you apply.

The ultimate cheap city break

Our travel finance experts have created the ultimate city break index, revealing the cheapest city breaks in Europe. Top ten includes: Istanbul, Thessaloniki, Berlin, Porto, Naples, Athens, Valencia, Bologna, Lisbon, Antwerp.

Moving for Work

Whether you’ve been offered an opportunity in a new city, or simply want a change of scenery, there are lots of reasons you might choose to relocate for work. But which major cities offer the greatest job opportunities and salary potential?

Exclusive Revolut offer: Get £10 cash top up and one month of Revolut Premium for free

Leading price comparison site money.co.uk has today announced an exclusive offer when you sign up to digital banking app Revolut.

The 2022 Spring Statement has been delivered by Chancellor Rishi Sunak

Review

What Rishi Sunak announced in the 2022 Spring Statement and what it all means for your money

Rishi Sunak has delivered his 2022 Spring Statement - outlining his plans to help people and businesses survive the cost of living crisis as inflation soars and finances are stretched. This is what he said and what it all means for you.

Highest-rated destinations according to travellers

We all have our own travel bucket lists that we’ve been adding to over the years. Planning and saving up for the But which are the highest-rated destinations according to travellers?

The men and women driving 40% further for the same amount of petrol

With petrol and diesel prices hitting all time highs in the UK, we’ve tracked down some of the people who are managing to almost double the distance they can drive on a full tank to share their secrets.

Biggest income squeeze in 50 years: How to navigate the choppy financial waters

UK families are facing the biggest drop to their incomes in nearly 50 years. According to The Resolution Foundation, the typical household income is set to fall by around £1,000 this year, the steepest decline since the mid-1970s.

Picture - perfect places

Moving abroad to start a new life in the sun is a dream for many people, but where are the world’s most photogenic places?

Most LGBTQ+ accepting cities

It’s important to feel comfortable being yourself in the place you live or even go on holiday. We’ve compiled a list of the most accepting cities for those in the LGBTQ+ community.

The least prejudiced places to visit

Global event effect

Renting out property on a platform such as Airbnb can be a very shrewd source of income, but lots of factors affect just how much money can be made.

What bad financial habits should you be giving up this lent?

Lent this year begins on the 2nd of March and lasts until the 14th of April. Although traditionally a Christian holiday, anyone can take part - with thousands giving up treats like chocolate, wine or takeaways.

Weekly shop index

The bare food essentials such as fruit, vegetables and dairy are part of our weekly grocery shopping lists right around the world, but how does the cost of these necessary items vary from one country to another?

Train cancellations: How to claim a refund

Commuters are facing major setbacks this week on rail travel after Storm Dudley wreaked havoc across the UK, causing severe delays and cancellations to rail services. All rail services in Scotland were suspended yesterday due to high winds, power disruptions and fallen trees.

Inflation rises at record rate: Why has this happened and how does it affect you?

Inflation surged 5.5% in January to its highest rate in 30 years, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed today. The shocking figure is even higher than the previous record of 5.4%, which was set just the previous month.

Most accessible cities

It’s increasingly important for cities to try to cater to visitors with disabilities, but which cities are the most accessible? Money.co.uk has analysed disabled parking spaces, wheelchair facilities at airports, restaurants and more at the 20 most visited cities in the world to find out which are the most accessible.

Real wages fall as inflation outpaces pay increases: Is it time to ask for a pay rise?

Real wages fell by 1.2% at the end of 2021 as shop prices rose faster than salaries, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Petrol prices rocket to record high: Is it time to go electric?

Petrol prices have hit a record high after soaring to a whopping 148.02p a litre over the weekend - eclipsing the previous high set in November last year.

The price of love

Whether it’s dating app subscriptions or the cost of the dates themselves, love doesn’t always come free, so our personal finance experts looked at how much a singleton can expect to pay in the search for that special someone.

UK economy rebounds 7.5%: what does this mean in real terms?

The UK economy grew at its fastest rate since the Second World War last year after GDP surged by 7.5%, official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed. The resurgence comes after a devastating 9.4% collapse in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every country’s favourite architect

From Alvar Aalto to Zaha Hadid, our mortgage experts have looked at the world’s most searched architects.

Image of keyboard and padlocks to symoblise data/cyber security.

2021 Fraud Report

As a result of the pandemic, we’ve seen an evolution in fraud attacks over the past two years, as criminals explore new and sophisticated ways to target potential victims. Our personal finance experts have dug into the latest police figures to reveal the full impact of fraud and cybercrime in 2021.

House price hike: top tips and tricks to save for a mortgage

House prices have grown at their fastest annual rate since June 2021 due to high demand and low supply, according to Nationwide building society. The lender today revealed that prices have rocketed by 11.2% year-on-year in January, while Lloyds Bank has launched its cheapest ever 10 year mortgage this week.

How much does it cost to pop the question?

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and many lovestruck Brits are gearing up to propose on the most romantic day of the year. As much as this can be exciting, it’s easy to get stressed by the financial implications of the whole process.

Universal credit: Are you missing out on payments of up to £7,300 a year?

More than 1.3 million people could be missing out on Universal Credit payments of up to £7,300 a year, according to data from the New Economics Foundation. The number of Brits eligible for the benefit has skyrocketed thanks to a rule change in the Autumn Budget.

The Beauty Index 2022

When it comes to skincare or cosmetics there is a wealth of options available, from household names to boutique style start-ups but what products are our favourites?

Tech-savvy cities

Technological innovation is at the heart of most modern cities, it’s also fast becoming one of the biggest employers around the world too.

Brits urged not to delay in submitting tax returns despite HMRC extension

This year HMRC has waived the penalty for missing the self assessment tax deadline (January 31st), effectively meaning that individuals have until February 28th to file their tax returns

Sporting capitals

Sport is a huge part of any area’s identity and local sporting teams are often the first thing people associate with certain locations around the world.

Inflation surges to 5.4% - its highest rate in 30 years

Inflation has climbed to its highest rate in 30 years, 5.4%. That’s the fastest rise in prices since 1992. Following levels of personal debt rising and cost of living changes our personal finance experts urge that it’s more important than ever to keep costs down in the face of price rises across the board.

The world’s healthiest places to live in 2022

On a new year health kick? Discover the healthiest cities and countries around the world, factoring in food, safety, healthcare and much more.

Hottest celebrity brands

From Yeezy to Kylie Cosmetics, what are the most in-demand celebrity brands?

Header image of the best and worst football stadiums

The best (and worst) football stadiums in Europe

Which are the best-reviewed football stadiums by the fans that visit them? By compiling reviews of 140 major stadiums across Europe, money.co.uk has been able to discover the best football stadiums in Europe.

The most beautiful five-star hotels around the world

Discover the most beautiful luxury hotels around the world to give you inspiration for your future getaways.

Thousands submit tax returns on christmas day

While the rest of us were unwrapping presents, 2,828 Brits were filing their tax returns on the 25th of December. Our personal finance experts have put together some handy tips to guide you through the process.

One month to go until the self assessment deadline

Why it’s a good idea to have your tax return paid through PAYE

Image of map of uk with debt weight on top

The Debt Index

The personal finance experts at money.co.uk survey the nation to discover how much household debt we will be in at the start of the new year.

Europe's noisiest cities

Where are the loudest and most chaotic places to live in the Europe? To find out our experts have compared 23 major cities around Europe to find out where is noisiest.

Best cities for film lovers

Movies offer us an escape to new and exciting lands without having to leave the comfort of our sofas, but if you’re a true film buff, where in the world can bring that movie magic to life?

Step into a film set in these cities

Last minute christmas shopping tips

With just over a week to go, here is a handy guide to help you with your last minute preparations

Global education countries

Where in the world is has the best global education status? Our mortgage experts analysed academic performance, government funding, and enrolment rates to find out.

Picture of Christmas presents and a teddy bear by a Christmas tree

Top Christmas toys by year

Our personal finance experts uncover how the price for the Christmas must-have toys has evolved over the last decade.

Brunch capitals of the world

Find out which city is the best to live in if you’re a big fan of brunch, bottomless or otherwise.

Amazon to stop accepting Visa credit cards in UK

Retail giant Amazon announces its ban of Visa Credit Card payments in the UK from 19 January. Money.co.uk comments on the change

Relocation Report

Where is the best place to relocate in the world? By taking into consideration a number of important factors our mortgage experts have been able to reveal the most attractive cities to move to.

Should you get a Reward Card for Black Friday?

With only two weeks until Black Friday, everyone wants to make sure they can bag the biggest bargains and make the most of their money. If you’re considering picking up a rewards card to make the most of your money this Black Friday this is what you need to know.

Wooden table with blue plate presenting mince pies

Revealed: Best value mince pies

Christmas is just around the corner and the supermarkets are ready for the festive season. With this in mind, we have analysed the price and ingredients of mince pies across large UK supermarkets, to reveal the best value mince pies of 2021.

Key measures from Rishi Sunak's 2021 Autumn Budget speech

Key points from Chancellor Rishi Sunak's 2021 Autumn Budget speech to the house of commons - and what it all means for your money.

The Quarterly Fraud and Cyber Crime Report | July - September 2021

Money.co.uk have reviewed the latest figures from Action Fraud, to uncover fraud and cyber crime activity in the UK.

Photographic of a man making a transaction through contactless payment

Contactless security myths debunked

Our personal finance experts show the history of contactless payments and sieve through the fiction and facts to debunk seven common myths around contactless payments.

Hospitality workers accuse bosses of keeping tips for themselves

More than half of hospitality workers in the UK say their bosses lie about tips, according to new research by leading price comparison site money.co.uk.

How to plan for half term without breaking the bank

For those in full time work, the cost of childcare alone can be a massive financial strain, and that’s not even counting half term activities. If you’re looking for fun and free ways to keep your kids busy this half-term, you should check out what services your council provides.

Ultimate fresher finance guide

Our personal finance experts share several tips and tricks you can use to ensure you have fun during Freshers, while also maintaining a healthy bank balance and preparing for any potential disruption.

How to stop your ex ruining your credit score

Breakups can be difficult when finances are involved and often money is one of the most contentious of issues between you and your ex-partner. Money.co.uk share several simple steps to ease the process of financial separation and keep yourself protected.

Local Council Support: What you can get from your local authority for free

Money.co.uk highlights what you can receive from your local authority for free such as a variety of different services, support schemes and freebies.

Why cash ISAs are small but perfectly formed

New data from HMRC reveals that cash ISAs attracted 1.2m more savers in 2019-20, as an increasing number of people ignored low rates to put money away. Money.co.uk highlight the rewarding benefits of cash ISAs.

Shop Now, Stress Later; revealing the cost of Buy Now, Pay Later schemes

Almost a year on from the first ‘Shop Now, Stress Later Report’ the personal finance experts at money.co.uk have crunched the numbers to find out if the British public is still spending now, and worrying about the consequences later.

Celebrity engagement ring rich list

The credit cards team at money.co.uk have partnered with Zack Stone, an Engagement Ring Specialist at Jewellers Steven Stone, to reveal some of the most iconic and valuable celebrity engagement rings of all time.

Influential Investors

Profiting from stocks and shares has been around for hundreds of years. But some people get their inspiration for financial decisions from key figures, even celebrities. Money.co.uk investigate which celebrities have influenced stock prices the most, from just a single Tweet.