Case Studies...
Below are our articles on the subject of Case Studies. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
Advice About Small Business Loans
a look at small business loans and how to go about applying for one...
Applying for a Student Over Draft
An overdraft facility often accompanies student bank accounts. This article offers some basic answers to frequently asked questions about student overdrafts....
APR Explained
A look at APR, what it is, how it is calculated and how your credit report can help...
Are Business Accounts Protected if Banks get into Difficulty?
Do business accounts have the same protection as savings accounts should a bank get into difficulty?...
BACs Transfers and Processing Explained
The process of being paid and paying via BACS, what it means, how it works and whether or not it is safe...
Bank or Building Society?
taking a closer look at banks and building societies and comparing which one, if any, provides the best service to customers....
Banks Giving Existing Clients a Raw Deal: A Case Study
Are banks giving their customers a raw deal? In this case study we look at the story of Paul, and his problems dealing with a well-known high street bank, despite being a customer with them for more t...
Basic Bank Accounts Explained
a description of what a basic bank account is...
Borrowing from the Bank
a guide to the different types of borrowing available from the bank depending on what the money is needed for...
Can My Friend Pay His Cheque into My Account?
Can a cheque, made payable to one person, be paid into another person's account?...
Can we Open a Bank Account in the UK?
Opening a bank account in the UK ....
Career Development Loans Explained
taking you through career development loans, what they are, when to apply for them, the repayment details and how they will benefit you....
Changing Your Current Account
a look at the advantages and disadvantages of switching your current account and how to do it....
Checklist: Ways to Avoid Bank Account Identity Theft
Every year over 70,000 Britons have their identity stolen and are left seriously out of pocket. Follow this checklist to avoid becoming a victim of bank account identity theft....
Child trust funds explained
The Government's initiative for saving for children, we look closer at Child Trust Funds, how they work and their similarities to ISAs...
Children and Tax
Children have a personal tax allowance similar to that that adults have. This guide will take you through what savings vehicles will help you get the most from your money without worrying too much abo...
Choosing a Business Account
A quick guide to choosing a bank account for your business....
Choosing a Credit Card
a simple guide to choosing a credit card...
Choosing a Current Account
How to find the right current account to suit your financial needs....
Choosing a Savings Account
a quick look at the different options available for saving money....
Credit Card Charges
a closer look at the process involved in reclaiming unfair credit card charges, how it differs from bank charges and how to go about getting a refund from credit card providers...
Credit Card Protection
a guide to what credit card protection is, the products available , how much it costs and what it covers...
Cut Credit Card Debt Costs
a look into credit card and debit card costs and how to get around them to make the most of spending on plastic....
Debit or Credit Card?
a simple guide to the differences between credit cards and debit cards...
Does the Taxman's Latest Blunder Affect You?
Nothing can be certain except death and taxes, although recent errors by the UK's tax collection agency have demonstrated that this is no longer the case....
Getting the Best Deal on Your Holiday Money
With the pound recovering in value (it recently hit its highest level versus the euro for almost two years) now is a good time to convert your holiday money. If, however, you wish your money to go eve...
Getting the Most from Your Bank Account
Most of us would be lost without a bank account, but unlike with most other financial products, not many of us ever switch banks in order to find a more competitive and suitable deal. Here's what you ...
Getting the Right Personal Loan
A look at the different types of loans available, how they work and what the risks are...
High Street Savings Accounts: Are They Still Worth It?
With interest rates so low, and UK banks looking such a precarious and pointless place to keep your money, are high street savings accounts still worth it?...
Holding a Joint Account
a guide to joint current accounts, what they offer and how having joint finances might affect your credit report...
How Banks Are Squeezing Out Low Income Borrowers
Banks are facing growing accusations of squeezing out low income borrowers, ignoring thousands of requests for help from customers who are struggling with their finances....
How Credit Cards Work
A guide to how credit cards work...
How Higher Inflation is Robbing Savers of Their Nest Eggs
Inflation is fast becoming a worry for the UK's savers. Their hard-earned nest eggs are slowly being eaten away by rising inflation....
How Much Does the Average Briton Have in Their ISA?
Did you know that the amount saved in your ISA may vary depending on where you live? Recent financial surveys have revealed large fluctuations in the amounts saved by Britons in different parts of the...
How Safe Are Your Savings?
following the northern rock crisis savers are concerned about trusting banks and building societies with their hard-earned cash. This guide examines the levels of protection offered to consumers...
How To Choose Which Bank is Right for You
Choosing the right bank means choosing the bank that offers the most products with the best terms for your monetary situation. This article discusses investigating current accounts, savings accounts,...
Identity Theft: A Case Study
In this case study we look at how identify fraud has affected one person, and the steps she had to take to prevent having to pay for the cost of the theft herself....
Instant Saving Tracker Accounts Explained
Instant saving tracker accounts are a specific type of saving account. This article explains a little bit about instant saving tracker accounts as well as how to decide on a savings account, understa...
Introduction to Loans and Charging Orders
an introduction to loans and charging orders, what they are and what they mean for your personal finances...
Is it Time You Fixed Your Savings Rate?
Looking for a better interest rate on your savings? Whilst savings rates on instant access accounts are still in the doldrums, the good news is that the rates payable on longer term savings products a...
Is Metro Bank the Answer for Frustrated Customers?
Fed up with the shoddy treatment you receive from your bank? If so, then new start-up banking enterprise could be the answer you've been looking for. But what will make Metro Bank different from all t...
Just How Safe is Online Banking?
Online banking has made everyone’s life easier, enabling us to conduct our financial affairs, all within the comfort of our own home. However, online banking is not without its risks. We take a look a...
Make the Most of This Year's ISA Season
It is ISA season again - but following recent changes to ISAs how can savers make the most of this year’s ISA season?...
Offshore Bank Account: A Case Study
If you are planning to move or retire abroad, or if you are already living in another country, then you may find it useful to open up an offshore bank account. In this case study, find out how Jamie g...
Online Current Accounts
A simple guide to online banking and how to stay safe...
Opening a Student Account
a guide to choosing a student account and what to watch out for...
Opting for an Overdraft
a closer look at the options available to those who want to take out an overdraft, the charges involved and the current position on reclaiming unfair penalty charges....
Overdraft Rates Now at Record High
With interest rates for authorise overdrafts now at record levels, it seems that UK banks still have quite some way before winning back the confidence and trust of UK consumers....
Packaged Current Accounts Explained
A closer look at packaged current accounts and whether they are worth taking out in favour of a 'free' current account...
Payment Protection Insurance: Could You Claim Back Thousands?
Payment protection insurance (PPI) was missold to thousands of customers. If you have a PPI policy you might be able to reclaim your premiums....
Premium Bonds Explained
A look at the advantages and disadvantages of investing in Premium Bonds...
Protect Against Banking Fraud at Home and Online
Beware, fraudsters have worked out a number of different ways to steal your personal details and commit ID fraud. We reveal the most popular methods of ID theft - at home and online - and what you can...
Protecting Your Current Account
An insight into how fraudsters gain access to your current account and how to do your best to prevent it...
Protecting Yourself Against ID Fraud
how to protect yourself from ID theft when banking online...
Reclaiming Unfair Bank Charges
A guide to reclaiming unfair bank charges, the process to go through and what to expect....
Safeguard Your Bank Accounts Against ID Theft
Financial experts are warning consumers to be on high alert against identity theft in the run up to Christmas....
Saving for a New Family
a look at the different ways to save money when starting a new family...
Shattering the Banking Myths
Still clinging on to some of the well-worn myths regarding banking? You may be surprised that some of the notions of banking that used to be true now no longer apply. You may also be paying too much m...
Should I Cash My Personal Equity Plan?
A quick look at the options available to those with a Personal Equity Plan...
Sort Your Debt Problems
A simple guide to sorting out your debt problems by budgeting...
Stakeholder Saving
an insight into the government stakeholder scheme, how it works and the options available for consumers to invest their money....
Stop Inflation Destroying Your Savings
Inflation has returned, and it could start eating into your savings. So what can savers do to stop inflation destroying the value of their cash savings?...
Store Cards: Are they Worth it?
A closer look at store cards and whether they are worth taking out despite the introductory discount often offered to new customers who open an account in store....
Tax-Free Savings
A guide to tax-efficient savings vehicles to avoid letting the tax-man get hold of your hard-earned cash...
Tessa, PEP or ISA?
the differences between an ISA, PEP and TESSA for investors looking to save money tax-free...
Top Five Credit Cards for Christmas Shopping
Tis the season...to overspend. So what are the best credit card deals out there, to help us pay for Christmas?...
Understanding Bank Interest Rates
Don't know the difference between your APR and your EAR? Find out more about bank interest rates....
Unfair and Fair Charges
a simple guide to which bank charges are fair and which aren't to help you to determine the amount you can attempt to claim back....
Using Your Bank Overdraft Wisely
Most of us are dependent on an overdraft facility to help get by from month to month. However, overdrafts are one of the most expensive forms of borrowing. Find out how to use your overdraft more wise...
Using Your Cheque Book
Focusing on the cheque and its recent decline...
What is an ISA?
defining what ISAs are and how to invest your money in them, what benefits they have...
Why Are Cheques Being Phased Out?
After more than 350 years of usage, it seems that cheques might finally begin to be phased out. But what are the reasons behind the decision to consign cheques to history and what are the alternatives...
Why Banks Are Failing the Socially Disadvantaged
Are banks doing enough to help people on the lowest rung of the social ladder? With a staggering 7 million people denied access to basic financial products, calls are growing louder for banks to start...
Why You Should Avoid Using One Credit Card for Everything
Not all credit cards are the same. Different credit cards have several different uses, so it pays to make sure that those credit cards you use are the most appropriate for your needs....
Your Banking Questions Answered
Got a question about your bank account? Or are you unsure how your bank has been affected by the credit crunch? Here are answers to some of the most popular questions relating to bank accounts....
Your Credit Rating Explained
a guide to credit ratings, what they are and how they work...