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The cheapest ways to fund your Christmas spending
Tips Christmas isn't cheap. In 2009 the average person spent £435. For many people, that will be borrowed money. But you shouldn't be paying through the nose for credit, says Merryn Somerset Webb. Here, she rounds up the cheapest ways to borrow, and warns of three forms of debt to avoid.
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Better ways to give than charity credit cards
Tips The idea of effortlessly donating to charity simply by spending on your credit card is an attractive one. But the amount charities receive is pitiful. There are much better ways of donating via credit cards.
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How to dodge credit card fees
Tips Credit cards offer convenience. But that convenience comes at a price. As well as high interest rates, customers are often charged a transaction fee when using their cards. And few industries are as enthusiastic about such fees as the travel industry. Ruth Jackson explains who the worst offenders are, and how to avoid their fees.
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The two credit card changes you need to know about
Features Despite rock-bottom base rates, the interest charged on credit card balances continues to rise. But new government rules could mean lower payments for some customers. Ruth Jackson explains what is going on, and picks the best cards to choose to ensure you're not paying over the odds.
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The cheapest way to borrow money in an emergency
Tips Payday lenders may be convenient, but the interest they charge can be extremely high. If you're not desperate for the money, it's an insane way to borrow, says Merryn Somerset Webb. Here, she explains how you can borrow just as conveniently for much less - or even nothing at all.
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The best credit card for you
Features Competition is hotting up in the market for credit cards. And with several decent balance-transfer deals out there, that's good news for anyone with small debts they want to pay off, says Ruth Jackson. Here, she looks at the best credit card deals around at the moment.
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How the new credit card rules affect you
Features At long last, the government is to introduce new guidelines to tackle some of the unfair practices used by credit card companies. Ruth Jackson explains the new rules, what they mean for you, and how you can gain more control over your credit.
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The best consumer loyalty reward schemes
Tips Barclaycard's new credit-card reward scheme will "revolutionise" the cashback market, say some campaigners. But does it offer the best deal? Ruth Jackson looks at how it compares to the rest of the market.
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Three ways to get free money
Tips It's long been said that there is no such thing as a free lunch. But there is such a thing as free money. By using cashback websites or a cashback credit card, or just switching your current account, you can make hundreds of pounds of extra cash. Ruth Jackson explains how.
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