Wanted: IFAs to help the needy

Whilst current financial ‘hard times’ have forced people to become more money-savvy and having an independent financial adviser is not unusual, it seems that not everyone is able to make use of their services.

"My personal shopper says…"

I was interested to read recently that Insurers Aegon held a research day in London to look at how the financial services industry can better cater to the general consumer. The 50 volunteers split into five groups, each looking at one proposed model based upon the findings from Aegon Chief Executive Otto Thorensen’s report for the government.

Splurge vs Save

Us Brits just won’t quit our spending ways: one in four people admit to a weekly shopping ‘habit’ according to a survey from online bank Cahoot. This is despite the credit crunch induced belt–tightening that we should all apparently be adhering to.

Mary Poppins and the Fraudsters

I read recently that the average women’s handbag is worth £290. According to research from insurers Sheilas’ Wheels, women carry more than the bare essentials around with them, upping the cost of their bags' contents in the process.