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The latest news from the world of personal finance

The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.

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Money Box: 14/01/2012

14/01/2012

BBC Radio 4 - Money Box, 14/01/2012

Paul Lewis with the latest news from the world of personal finance.

Presented by Paul Lewis. Energy price cuts - too small and too late? Plus, how to safely pay off a family member's debt.

Four of the big six power companies have now announced small and limited cuts in energy prices. Two of the seven smaller ones had already made cuts. The others are likely to follow. But why are the cuts so limited - 5 percent or less typically on just gas or electricity - when last year's rises were so large - up to 19 percent in the autumn alone? And why not all utility customers stand to benefit from the headline price cuts anyway? Joe Malinowski of the comparison site, The Energyshop.com, joins the programme. 


A well-known payday loan company changes its procedures after taking continuing amounts from the debit card of a borrower's mother who had simply tried to pay off just one of her son's debts but found she was liable for his future debts as well. We look at payday loans and how parents can safely help with debt. Bob Howard reports. The programme also hears from freelance debt expert, Nick Lord.


The AA charges one customer 243.14 pounds for her breakdown cover if she pays by cheque but says she can have the same cover for 106.36 pounds if she gives them a direct debit authority. This premium of more than 136 pounds to pay by cheque could be a record! The AA says it's a special one-off deal for certain customers. James Daley from Which? Money joins the programme.


Last week we looked at absolute return investment funds most of which gave investors absolutely nothing or less. This week we look at tracker funds which don't track the movements of the FTSE index as closely as investors hope. Tom Stevenson investment director at Fidelity speaks to the programme.

If you are one of the nine million people in the self-assessment system and you have not yet filed your online return you have until January 31st to do so or face a series of new penalties which will reach at least 1,600 pounds in fines if you delay filing for a year. John Whiting of the Chartered Institute of Taxation explains the new rules.

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14/01/2012

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