Planning for the winter – mid week money sections

The money sections are looking ahead to future savings this week.  Mail readers are told  by Lauren Thompson to take advantage of deals now in anticipation of price hikes later, but warned about bad sales practices being used by energy companies.  Similarly, Tricia Phillips warns pensioners in the Mirror to insulate their homes now before both price rises and reduced winter fuel allowances hit home.  Harvey Jones for the Express considers the risks for those planning to retire to foreign countries where winter weather will just mean more sun, including hidden costs that may undermine a supposed cheaper cost of living.

Sylvia Morris for the Mail decries “punishing” low interest rates for High street savers, linking in to James Coney ‘s column criticizing banks’ profit margins and their “petulant” defence of payment protection insurance mis-selling cases. The Telegraph highlights that what good savings rates there are come with unpleasant small print surprises and strict conditions.  Low credit card rates, especially from new entries, mean the Mail and the Express both think they may be beating personal loans.  The Mail and the Express also predict soaring interest rates in the next two years, with breakdowns of the consequences for savers, borrowers, and retirees.

The rest of the scores on the board this week are as follows:

Charity                     0%

Credit cards           22%

Fraud/scams         7%

IFAs                          0%

Insurance               7%

Investment            14%

Mortgages              0%

Pensions                 0%

Regulation             0%

Savings                   21%

Tax                           7%

Utilities                  22%