2022

The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 2.25% to 3% – the largest single rise since 1989. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.

If you collect Avios and were planning to convert your rewards currency into Nectar points, you should do so before 16 November when the value of the conversion is set to plummet. Below we explain what's changing, and what you can do about it. 

If you're not paying tax on your savings interest, cash ISAs have no benefit – so many should ditch them for higher-paying standard accounts. That's the message from MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis in the third episode of the latest series of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.

Around 300,000 households are yet to claim their £150 council tax rebate, according to the latest Government figures. You've now got until 30 November to claim the payment from your local council, so make sure you don't miss out. Here's what you need to know. 

Customers of collapsed rent-to-own company BrightHouse, who may have been mis-sold high cost loans, will not get any money back after the firm's joint administrators said there wasn't enough cash to refund people. However, those still repaying BrightHouse loans must continue to do so as the debts have now been sold on. 

Thousands of people whose wills are being held by law firm April King Legal have now been told they'll have to pay for this service, which was previously free. How much you'll be charged depends on the option you pick, but it could be as much as £72 a year or a one-off £125 upon death.

First-time buyers planning to use a Help to Buy equity loan to fund a new-build property purchase have until Monday (31 October) to submit their application. Almost 10 years since its original launch, the Government's equity loan scheme will close for good in March 2023, but anyone who wants to take part must apply by the beginning of next week.

A new, greener type of unleaded petrol called E10 is being rolled out across forecourts in Northern Ireland by Tuesday 1 November, following its introduction across England, Scotland and Wales last year. But around 5% of cars, mainly older ones, aren't compatible with it, so will need to use pricier fuel. Plus, even if your vehicle can take it, you may have to fill up more often because it's less efficient.

If you're an Apple TV+ subscriber your next monthly bill will rise from £4.99 to £6.99 after the company said it is raising prices due to increasing licensing costs. But remember you can leave penalty free or, if you're an avid Apple user and have other subscriptions, such as Apple Music, it might be worth considering Apple One.

Aged between 45 and 70? You could be missing years off your state pension worth £1,000s, so check NOW. That's the warning from MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) founder Martin Lewis in the second episode of the latest series of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.