Richard Green

What are the main types of mortgages that are available?

These days there are hundreds of different types of mortgages: fixed, variable, capped, discount, base rate tracker, offset, repayment only, interest only, and these can also include a variety of options such as the ability to take payment holidays, or av... Read >

Mortgage boom or bust in the UK

Recent talk within the housing market of a possible slow down, marking an end to the mini boom which has been gradually pushing house prices up across the country, seem to have been premature. The latest figures from the British Bankers' Association (BAA... Read >

Internet shoppers failing to get a fair deal

The massive growth and development of the online retail sector in recent years has afforded a degree of choice and convenience to consumers that have never been possible before. But as more and more consumers look to the web to make their purchases – a tr... Read >

Hanover hit by influx of World Cup fans

The World Cup in Germany this summer will bring with it an additional 3-4 million visitors to Germany this June. The twelve host cities have been preparing in earnest for the event since the announcement of the host country in 2000. Each host city has see... Read >

Kaiserslautern's population explodes as World Cup fans flock to city

As the 12 host cities put the finishing touches to their preparation to the FIFA World Cup 2006, they await the descent of an estimated 3-4 million fans marking the culmination of some 6 years of preparation, organisation and investment. Whilst internatio... Read >

Leipzig welcomes fans for the World Cup 2006

12 German cities will be showcasing themselves to the world this summer as the host cities to the FIFA World Cup 2006. For the cities themselves it means a share in an anticipated influx of some 3-4 million fans from around the world and, for some of thos... Read >

Mothers' wardrobes suffer as they spend on tots

It seems the trend for well dressed and stylish mums could be drawing to a close with the news that many mothers' wardrobes are seriously depleted as they spend all their funds decking out their tots in expensive clobber. Research from financial services... Read >

UK Theme Parks Provide All the Family with Super Break Destinations for the Summer Holidays

The days have long gone when going for an exciting day out with the family consisted of a visit to a steam fair, or a trip to South End for the amusements and paddling, or a stay at a holiday camp like Butlins, while the children dreamt of going to Americ... Read >

UK personal finance for the future not a priority for the UK's youth

While the population of England tipped over 50 million recently, a recent survey suggest that around two million households are living on the edge of financial difficulty, and a further half-million are already in difficulty. The survey, from the Financi... Read >

Mortgages: the biggest investment there is, and you can reap the rewards too with an equity release

Generating equity from your property is becoming more popular amongst homeowners in the UK, Bank of England figures released this month show. The final quarter of 2005 showed a sharp increase on the previous quarter, as £11.8 billion was released compared... Read >

How to Choose Wedding Day Jewellery

However quickly your wedding day might flash past, your memories of it (not to mention the photos) will last forever. You will want to remember it as the perfect day, and you will want to look your very best. Preparations often seem to focus around the... Read >

Will the new Microsoft mini PC take over from MP3 players and mobile phones?

The new mini PC from Microsoft, which currently has the concept name "origami", was shown off at a technology trade show in Germany at the beginning of March. The end-product name for the computer has not yet been finalised, as "origami" is only a nicknam... Read >

Is the UK obsession with loans out of control or are personal debt levels "comfortable"?

Since the 1990s, when the average homeowner owed around £31,000, levels of personal debt have nearly trebled to £84,000. However, according to the Alliance & Leicester, UK personal borrowing levels are at present "comfortable". At a time when personal ... Read >

Personal Loans, and How Cash Flows Like Information in 2006

We take a dynamic approach to our lives, but it's rare that this dynamism extends to our personal finances. Perhaps it's the nature of the beast but, at least in the UK, personal finance is a topic that is off limits in conversation and pushed to the back... Read >

Credit Card Cheques branded a "rip-off" by financial protection agencies.

The Office of Fair Trading has issued a demand for a change in the law restricting the use of credit card cheques. These cheques have been around for about 10 years and are designed to allow people to transfer funds into another of the cardholder's accou... Read >