Louise Bastock

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Articles

1 in 8 Brits Turned to BNPL for the First Time Last Year Despite Delay in Regulations Until 2026

Feb 4, 2025 | ffnews.com | Lauren Hinton |Louise Bastock

The popularity of buy now, pay later (BNPL) in the UK shows no signs of slowing down, as 1 in 8 Brits (13%) used BNPL services for the first time in 2024 – an estimated 6.8 million people – according to new research from personal finance site Finder. It continues to attract new users despite the continuing lack of regulations in the sector during this period, with proposed regulatory changes finally announced in October 2024, but only set to come into force in 2026.
Digital Banking Numbers Surge for 2nd Year in a Row, with Better Interest Rates Leading the Charge

Jan 14, 2025 | ffnews.com | Lauren Hinton |Louise Bastock

Digital-only banking use has grown for the second year in a row, according to new research from personal finance comparison site Finder, with superior interest rates as the biggest factor driving adoption. As shown in this chart, 2 in 5 UK adults (40%) have now opened a digital-only bank account, up from just over a third of Brits (36%) this time last year.
Disposable income in UK cities rises by as much as 30% in 2024 - see how your city compares

Aug 7, 2024 | finder.com | Louise Bastock

The average monthly disposable income for Brits in 2024 was £939, a 4% increase from 2023. Plymouth residents have the least disposable income, at just £591 a month, 37% less than the UK average. Meanwhile, those in Colchester have the most disposable income at £1,392 a month, 48% more than the UK average. Londoners have seen almost a 13% increase in disposable income since 2023, gaining £1,050 a year.
The ‘cost of being single’ crisis: Millions face difficulty saving

Aug 2, 2024 | nationalworld.com | Louise Bastock

Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276Visit Shots! nowThe costs of essential outgoings are £611 lower on average for those in a relationship than for those who are single. This comes as recent estimates from the ONS suggest that over 8 million people live alone in the UK. Factoring in the cost of rent, council tax, essential bills and groceries, the average single person can expect to shell out £1,426 per month in the UK.
Study shows UK disposable income on the rise in 2024

Jul 26, 2024 | nationalworld.com | Louise Bastock

Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276Visit Shots! nowNew research shows that UK cities saw an average 4% increase over the last year in disposable income, with some seeing as much as a 30% gain. The analysis compared the average salaries of each city against rent costs and other standard monthly outgoings for 41 UK cities to find who has the most, and least, disposable income.
The ‘single tax’ revealed: What’s the true cost of being single?

Jul 17, 2024 | finder.com | Sophie Barber |Louise Bastock

It’s no big surprise that being single can end up being more of a strain on your bank account than if you’re in a couple. If you live alone, you may well find yourself shelling out more money on bills, groceries and rent – sometimes referred to as a ‘single tax’. Recent estimates suggest that over 8 million people live alone in the UK, so we’ve crunched the numbers to see what the cost of being single is in 2024.
Your survival guide to bank account switching deals

Jun 14, 2024 | finder.com | Louise Bastock

Gone are the days of the basic bank switching deal, where you could simply switch accounts and bag yourself £200. These days, not only are the cash offers typically lower, but banks have added a whole bunch of extra eligibility criteria – from x-amount of card transactions, direct debits or cash deposits per month to giving up your first-born child.
First-Time Buyers: Do You Need a Mortgage Broker?

May 31, 2024 | mediafeed.org | Louise Bastock

Whether it’s your partner, your mum or your bestie, it’s helpful to have a support system to lean on throughout the home buying process – especially if it’s your first time. And a mortgage broker could be a useful addition to the squad. A mortgage broker trawls through available deals to link you up with the right mortgage lender for you. It’s not compulsory to use a mortgage broker, and there are many ways you can lock down the right mortgage for you.
First-time buyers: Do you need a mortgage broker?

May 24, 2024 | finder.com | Louise Bastock

Whether it’s your partner, your mum or your bestie, it’s helpful to have a support system to lean on throughout the home buying process – especially if it’s your first time. And a mortgage broker could be a useful addition to the squad. A mortgage broker helps link you up with the right mortgage lender for you. It’s not compulsory to use a mortgage broker, and there are many ways you can lock down the right mortgage for you.
First-Time Buyers: Who to Speak to About What

May 15, 2024 | mediafeed.org | Louise Bastock

House prices are on their way up (they rose 1.1% annually this April, according to the latest Halifax house price index) and the base rate could be on its way down in the next few months. As a result, we may be looking at lower mortgage rates and a return in confidence to the UK housing market later this year. Even with a more positive outlook on the horizon, the home-buying process can still be lengthy and complex.