Having blogged on what happened when I went to meet the FSA consumer panel (see FSA consumer panel blog), I thought you may find it interesting (if you’re a little bit sad over these things like I am) to contrast the official minutes of the meeting with my recollections after leaving. Obviously, as official records, theirs are...

In recent weeks a number of mid & even large sized mortgage brokers have gone bust. Chase de Vere Mortgages, Hamptons and Cobalt have all shut their doors and across the country many brokerages are struggling. Decent mortgage brokers are a consumer good; with many thousands of mortgage products each with their own peccadilloes, most people need...

Pizza restaurants seem to form the largest single group in the restaurant vouchers guide; so I started mulling why this happens. Here’s my theory – I’d love your thoughts. Pizza is dirt cheap to make. It’s mainly dough, then small amounts of cheeses, tomato, and bits of meat or vegetables. All in all the goods cost is...

On ITV1 Tonight this evening (8pm) we’re doing a secret double downshift. Literally dropping two supermarket brand levels on a family’s shopping without the Dad and one brother knowing (see supermarket shopping for more on the downshift challenge). While it’s secret, there were no hidden cameras, just a special weapon. The elder brother in the family, twelve...