Mature Times - News

Inflation still hitting older people hardest

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:56:06 +0000

A monthly study of age related inflation has found that the over 75 year olds continue to be hit the hardest by rising inflation. Even though headline inflation has dropped to 4.5%, this age group saw their inflation rate decline from 7.8% to 7.1% in October.

Over 60s "not prepared to sacrifice holidays - despite credit crunch"

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:31:33 +0000

Not all older people are cutting back on holidays despite the credit crunch according to a new study out today. According to a poll by Intune, the financial products and services provider set up and owned by Help the Aged, 80% of respondents aged over 60 are still taking at least two foreign holidays a year, while nearly one in six enjoy more than four trips abroad.

Over one million older people "have received incorrect benefits"

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:51:00 +0000

Figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) wrong pension credit payments last year - and 84% of mistakes were caused by official errors rather than fraud or customer error.

Need help or advice? Here's your FirstStop

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:35:58 +0100

Need advice or help? FirstStop is a new information and advice service for older people, their families and carers is provided jointly by Help the Aged, The Elderly Accommodation Counsel, and Counsel and Care and supported by a commercial partner NHFA Care Fees Advice.

Consumer champion asks why consumers are left waiting to see energy bills fall

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:13:28 +0100

Consumer Focus, the new independent champion for consumers, has called on energy suppliers to cut domestic energy prices in light of falling oil prices.

Turn the tide on rising water costs

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:47:05 +0100

With some water companies announcing that they would like to raise prices well above inflation, there may be ways to reduce what seem to be ever growing household costs, says water independent watchdog, the Consumer Council for Water.

If you're splashing cash abroad, keep your credit card in your pocket

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:22:54 +0100

Taking cash out abroad is never going to be cheap. But the high interest rates applied means that it's advisable never withdraw cash on a credit card either at home or abroad unless it is an absolute emergency, says MT's Debt Doctor Russell Cavanagh.

Millions forking out £80 a year for insurance they don't need

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:02:56 +0100

Older people could be forking out over £80 a year for mobile phone insurance when their phones could already be covered under their home and contents insurance policy.

Inflation surges for older people

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:51:43 +0100

The headline inflation rate of 4.5 may be causing concern in the City and in Downing Street - but millions of older people would willingly accept that instead of the 6.3% that many of them are suffering.

Why should licence fee payers pay for BBC mistakes?

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:38:30 +0100

The news that Ofcom has fined the BBC £400,000 for deceiving listeners and viewers in a string of radio and television programmes is nonsensical and wrong, says Voice of the Listener & Viewer.

British Gas pile on the pain with 35% price hike

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:50:26 +0100

Consumers have been dealt another hammer blow today as British Gas, Britain’s biggest energy supplier, announces its second price increase in six months. The increase – 35% for gas and for electricity - comes into effect today. The price hikes could trigger more rises from other suppliers and push millions more households into fuel poverty.

The hidden cost of using your cards abroad

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:04:16 +0100

Going abroad? Then be careful how much you use your debit and credit cards - as the cost of splashing the cash can vary by as much as 250% for credit cards and even more for debit cards.

Inflation threat to older people

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:09:17 +0100

Older people are facing spiralling inflation on basic goods and services - fast outstripping any increases in their wages or pension. By Mature Times editor Tony Watts.

Cashing in on foreign exchange

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:47:21 +0100

How you choose to transfer money overseas can make a big difference to your bank balance. Mark O’Sullivan, director dealing at foreign exchange specialist Currencies Direct offers advice to retirement-age Brits planning a move abroad.

You're right: pensioners face mountain of debt

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:55:13 +0100

The National Pensioners' Convention interpretation of the Scottish Widows survey that "one in three can't afford to save for retirement" will surely become more apparent as the credit crunch continues. Your article elsewhere about those "closer to retirement" being deeper in mortgage debt is also alarming.