Reuters Personal Finance Focus
House prices: how low can they go?
As the months pass, news filtering out from property and mortgage markets continues to paint a gloomy picture. Full Article
"Falling knife" stocks: folly or fortune?
Nervous investors might be shying away from equities amid market volatility, but some are seeking to profit from plummeting prices. Full Article
Investing in art
A growing band of people are turning their
attention to alternative investments such as art works. But those looking to cash in may just get their fingers burnt. Full Article
Insuring your smile... the options
As more and more dentists go private and the cost of treatment soars, a growing number of consumers are insuring their pearly whites. Full Article
SIPPs: sexy pensions or next mis-selling scandal?
It is not often that pensions are described as "sexy", but self-invested personal pensions -- SIPPs for short -- are, apparently, just that. Full Article
Wrap it up: the "Blackberry" of financial services?
Mention the phrase "wrap platform" and, chances are, you will either conjure up images of rap artist Jay-Z on stage or be met with a blank look, but interest in these new financial management tools is growing. Full Article
How to overcome the credit crunch
Inflation has hit a near six-year high, the economy is slowing and house price growth has slumped to its lowest in three decades so it is little surprise that repossession orders and bankruptcies are on the up. Full Article
Colour of investment money is... green
Fund management companies are increasingly moving into the "green" arena. Full Article
Boom in private banking for uber-rich
They have the mooring in St Tropez and the country house in the Cotswolds but there is one other thing that the wealthy elite cannot live without: a private banker. Full Article
Shoppers turn to net to bag bargains
Shopping online is nothing new, but a growing band of savvy consumers are tapping into a new breed of Internet services to get the best deals on everything from washing machines to lingerie. Full Article
Bargain homes under the hammer?
Noon on Kensington High Street: the shops bustle with lunchtime custom, workers flock to sandwich bars and outside the Royal Garden Hotel a scattering of people talk intently on mobile phones, glossy brochures under-arm. Full Article
New tax year: The winners and losers
It's the start of a new tax year with a string of sweeping changes -- to income tax, capital gains tax, individual savings accounts and tax on wealthy foreigners. Full Article
Get more bang for your buck abroad
Passengers at Britain's two busiest airports face fare rises over the next five years following a heavily criticised new price-control regime, which came into force this month. Full Article
Commodities: boom or bust?
Gold, oil, diamonds, metals: commodities have been booming. But as prices hit record highs, is the bubble about to burst? Full Article
Fighting the identity fraudsters
Fraud is at an all-time high: your identity is an increasingly valuable commodity. Proof of identity is needed to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, loans and mortgages or claim benefits, and criminals are making a growing sum from pretending to be their unwitting victims. Full Article
Budget 2008: Little respite for housing market
Chancellor Alistair Darling unveiled measures in his first budget designed to help those struggling to get onto the housing ladder and hard-pressed mortgage holders. Full Article
Where's the smart ISA money going?
Volatile stock markets might have turned this year's individual savings account (ISA) season into a damp squib, but those who fail to use their allowance by the end of the tax year will lose the tax break. Full Article
The fixed rate conundrum
It is a conundrum facing millions with a mortgage -- to fix or track? Some 1.4 million borrowers will see their existing fixed rates expire this year, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Full Article
Have you got the financial X-Factor?
Few of us -- sadly -- can boast the vocal chords of Leona Lewis, the success of Take That or the acting prowess of Daniel Day-Lewis and Julie Christie. But in a small way you can join in. Full Article
Taking the financial pain out of divorce
Valentine's Day might be upon us, but it is a sad reality that half of first marriages and around a third of all marriages end in divorce. Full Article
Plan to put pounds in pocket before tax-year end
A little foresight before the end of the tax year can help keep precious pounds out of the taxman's coffers, boost your investments and pave the way for a rosier financial future. Full Article
Market volatility - which way for investors?
Global equity markets have plummeted 15 percent since the start of the year -- leading many to conclude that the recent bull run is well and truly over. Full Article
With some careful planning higher-rate tax payers could save some or all of the extra tax levied -- and pave the way for a rosier retirement. Go to Blog
