Britain's economy sees strongest growth since 2007 as France sinks deeper into the mire

Boom time: As the UK celebrated its strongest growth since 2007, France sank deeper into the red

Gross domestic product in the UK rose by 1.9 per cent in 2013, the strongest pace of expansion since 2007, according to research group Markit. It said private companies took on another 150,000 staff in the final three months of the year as the recovery picked up pace. The report also showed France was the only major economy in Europe to see its private sector shrink in December – suggesting the country has tipped back into recession.

New car sales in Britain hit six year high as Europe lags - and Ford Fiesta remains nation's favourite motor

New car sales in 2013 - Ford Fiesta remains most popular

Britain had another year of strong new car sales with a total of 2,264,737 motors registered in 2013 according to official figures. This is a 10.8% surge compared to 2012.

London overtakes New York as world's best city for property investment

London received the highest score from global real estate investors (Source: Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate)

For the first time since 2009, the UK capital came top of the list, beating New York at number two and representing the only non-US city in the top five.

Has your home been damaged in the floods? Our guide to making a successful insurance claim

Severe. Weather warnings are still in place across the UK

Large regions of the UK remain at risk from floods, warns the Environment Agency. 107 flood warnings are live at the time of writing, including one severe flood warning which means there is a 'significant risk to life'.

George Osborne: Britain needs £25bn in spending cuts and young will bear the burden with housing benefit for under-25s facing the axe

Plans: George Osbourne has proposed plans to make cuts and tackle the huge deficit

The Chancellor, George Osborne outlined his plan to cut more than £12billion-a-year-from welfare, but hinted he will not do it by raising taxes or cutting public services.

Energy firms STILL won't pass on £50 cut in bills: Only two of 'Big Six' firms have said they will pass on full reduction

Scottish Power said yesterday that its variable-tariff customers will receive a 3.3 per cent cut from January 12

Five weeks ago, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor announced a change to green levies which they claimed would save bill payers £50.

Economy blow as growth in Britain’s services sector slowed in December - but business confidence for 2014 still strong

Beds down: The weakest services sub-sectors were hotels and restaurants, Markit said. though these still saw 'decent growth'

The monthly services purchasing managers' index compiled by Markit, fell to a six-month low of 58.8 in December.

City watchdogs to probe former bosses who took Co-op Bank to brink

in the spotlight.jpg

Former Co-op Group chief executive Peter Marks, former Co-op Bank chairman Paul Flowers and former bank chief executive Neville Richardson are among those likely to come under the spotlight.

DEALS OF THE WEEK

company logo
    1st Account
     £100 sign-up bonus
company logo
    Sainsbury's loan
    £7.5k to £15k at 4.6%
compan logo
    Savings deal
    2.61% 3 year fixed rate
company logo
0% 30 month BT
Longest 0% interest deal

Premium Bonds winners

January 2014
Prize value Winning bond No. Area
£1,000,000 191TL445024 Suffolk
£100,000 56RJ266380 Sheffield
£100,000 172EK394115 Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot
£100,000 187PG613485 Cornwall
£50,000 24VV973581 Bromley
£50,000 190TJ630416 Kent
£50,000 214FZ777985 Oxfordshire
£50,000 208SB658393 Harrow
£50,000 156MF391175 Bradford
£50,000 60FY064698 Cardiff
More Premium Bonds winners

FTSE LIVE: Markets buoyed by vote for Yellen as next US Fed boss; M&S; posts gains

New boss: Janet Yellen was confirmed as new chairman of the US Federal Reserve, the most powerful central bank in the world

The confirmation of 'dovish' Janet Yellen as the next Fed chairman has boosted market sentiment, according to City commentators. Marks & Spencer is among the risers as investors start to hope its Christmas trading performance was not as weak as feared. But Sainsbury's shares are down amid concern its festive takings will undershoot hopes.

Mixed fortunes for retailers as investors await key Christmas trading updates from M&S; and Sainsbury's this week

Mixed fortunes: Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer shares went in opposite directions today as investors wait trading updates from both

The fluctuating performance of the retailers’ shares came as the FTSE 100 Index continued its lacklustre start to the year with a rise of just 17 points to 6,747.

SMALL CAP FOCUS: MoPowered offering blue-chip businesses a way to boost mobile and tablet sales

Shop with ease: MoPowered's service helps websites provide customers with goods online via their mobile devices

Business owner Dominic Keen said the recent Hummingbird algorithm by Google has recognised this shift, and opened the door to his business - MoPowered.

Former British Gas boss Phil Bentley out of the cold with Cable & Wireless Communications job

Privileges: Phil Bentley became chief executive of CWC at the start of January

The former head of British Gas has started work at his new firm – with almost £5million in shares and an office just ten minutes from the sandy Florida beaches.

RUTH SUNDERLAND: Trouble ahead for 'ethical bank' as Co-op former bosses face investigation

Ruth Sunderland

Niall Booker and Richard Pym, the new chief executive and chairman, should be braced for another tough 12 months.

Land Securities eyes O2 Arena project as it plans to open new designer outlet village

Projects: The O2 Arena in Greenwich, London

The FTSE 100 property giant, Britain’s largest developer, is in talks with O2 owner AEG Europe, one of the world’s largest concert promoters.

Blue Mundy: Top contrarian fund manager reveals why he is staying defensive in 2014 despite better news on growth

Contrary: Alastair Mundy is staying defensive in 2014

Despite mainly positive economic outlooks for 2014, Alastair Mundy, manager of the Investec Cautious Managed Fund, says he is sticking with cash, gold and inflation linked bonds for now. He explains what he thinks the big investing themes will be for 2014 from a contrarian point of view.

Scottish Power cuts prices by £54 as rising energy bills force one in ten pensioners to stay in bed to keep warm

Worries: Two-fifths of pensioners will struggle with energy bills this winter, according to a survey by Saga

The tariff cut will only partly reverse increases of 8.5 per cent and 9 per cent for gas and electricity respectively that Scottish Power hit customers with a month ago.

Santander launches new market beating purchase credit card that gives you 0% for 18 months

Spending spree: Those making a large purchase could save £100s in interest with a purchase credit card.

Santander has launched a new market-leading purchase credit card lasting 18 months but should you be lured in by attractive introductory offer?

Industry warns that allowing people to switch annuities could lead to a worse deal for pensioners

Proposal: Should people be allowed to switch annuities part-way through?

The call to allow annuity switching has not been welcomed by all in the industry, with some arguing it would be an expensive venture for both insurers and pensioners. Pensions minister Steve Webb yesterday called on insurers to allow people to change their products in the same way people can change mortgage providers, rather than having to lock into them for life

'I paid £49 extra to renew my daughter's passport': 'Copycat' websites that charge up to £1,000 for services you can get free must be stopped

Furious: Ondine Barry thought she had used an official website to renew daughter Evia's passport

Online companies set up to mimic Government websites continue to trick consumers into paying hefty fees. Ondine Barry was duped by passportdirect.org.uk.

Osborne and Carney under pressure to give women top Bank of England jobs

bank of england

The nine-strong Monetary Policy Committee – which sets interest rates in the UK – has not included a woman since Kate Barker left in May 2010.

Osborne confirms pledge to keep 'triple lock' rise in state pension beyond 2015 - but winter fuel and TV licence hand-outs still in balance

Pledge: The Conservatives have pledged to keep the triple lock rise in state pensions.

David Cameron confirmed that if his party wins the next General Election, the basic state pension would continue to rise annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings over 2.5 per cent.

JEFF PRESTRIDGE: How a banker curdled my breakfast milk

jeff prestridge

I nearly jumped off my fourth-floor balcony in despair as I woke to hear that Antony Jenkins, chief executive of Barclays, was guest editing of BBC Radio 4 Today programme. This is a bank that has committed a multitude of sins – everything from endemic payment protection insurance mis-selling through to the rigging of the London inter-banking rate, known as Libor.

MIDAS SHARE TIPS: Be a dragon in China Chaintek United for chance of hot profit

China's growth concerns: But Chaintek focuses on second and third-tier cities, where economists believe there is plenty of potential for growth over the next decade

China Chaintek United is a logistics business that expects to expand five-fold over the next five years.

SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SHARE TIPS: NewRiver Retail, Bonmarche, Topps Tiles, Asos and housebuilders

Tips: SSE and Premier Oil feature in this Sunday's newspapers.

We round up the Sunday newspaper share tips. This week: NewRiver Retail, Bonmarche, Topps Tiles, Asos and housebuilders.

JPM Strategic Bond Fund: Contrarian manager stays positive despite end of bond bull run

Fund Focus

Nick Gartside, who joined the management of the fund in 2011, two years after its launch, says returns could be better in 2014.

Zapp it, Pingit or snap it... the new ways to pay: Millions of shoppers use mobile phones for everything as technology drives a spending revolution

Speedy: James Smith likes the convenience of a 'wave and pay' contactless debit card

Soon you will be able to pay cheques into your bank account by sending a picture, shop without taking a wallet out of your pocket and give cash to anyone by using their mobile phone number. Whether you Zapp it, tap it, Pingit or snap it, the way we use money is changing.

'Remortgaging was easy and took just a month': Move fast for a new mortgage... or pay the price for years

Less stress: Kevin Hayden, with son Oliver, says remortgaging was easy

Soon lenders may no longer have enough cash to offer rock bottom interest rates to homeowners. Kevin Hayden remortgaged and found it easier than in the past.

It's time Britain made mining giants reveal their hidden profits and owners to help end this $160billion tax rip-off of poor countries

Immoral. Multi-national energy companies are avoiding billions in taxes, says Christian Aid

Having given evidence to MPs on tax evasion, Joseph Stead provides a case for reforming the way extractives companies declare their profits and tax payments.

First-time buyer numbers increased by 22% last year to make up the largest percentage of mortgage borrowers

Picking up: Last year saw the highest level of first-time buyers since 2007 according to the Halifax figures

Last year, 265,000 people managed to step onto the property ladder for the first time compared to 218,000 in 2012. In 2008 this figure had slipped to just 192,300.

Great British retail retreat: Shoppers desert the high street as dismal sales figures reveal a 2.2% drop for retailers at Christmas

Staying in: Consumers avoided the awful weather and shopped from home over the festive period

Figures released by accountancy firm BDO showed retail sales - excluding online trading – dropped by as much as 6.7 per cent in the week to December 22.

'I was told NO ONE wants satchels - thank heavens I took no notice!': Julie Deane's The Cambridge Satchel Company sells in 120 countries and has 300 imitators

Successful: Julie Deane's coloured satchels are a multi-million pound hit worldwide

In the past 12 months she has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the firm’s success in exporting, as well as being named Entrepreneur of the Year at the European Business Awards in Istanbul in June. Deane has become ambassador for the International Festival for Business being held in July this year in Liverpool. A sign of quite how big Deane’s name has become is that other ambassadors include former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy.

'I enjoy loyalty card discounts but forget to spend the points': Free latte or points - what will earn your loyalty at supermarkets?

Gimmick: Nicole Sharman isn't tempted by a free coffee

A new battle for supermarket customers is being fought using loyalty cards. Nicole Sharman says she often fails to spend the points she collects.

Forward guidance faces shake-up as sharp drop in unemployment could force BoE to change threshold for considering interest rate hike

BoE chief: Mark Carney has already sought to play down fears of an early rate hike

Governor Mark Carney has pledged a rate hike will not be considered until unemployment falls to 7 per cent - something the Bank did not expect until 2016.

Olympic brothers fans of 'bike floss' give financial backing to supplier Purple Harry

Last place: Jonathan, left, and Alistair Brownlee were the final Purple Harry backers

Purple Harry, has raised £83,250 to fund expansion through 161 investors on crowdfunding site Crowdcube. Olympic triathletes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee were the last backers, on December 30. The friends targeted cycling fans to invest in return for a discount on products.

Cheers! Craft ale and spirit fans get a cyber shop with eebria.com

Sales boom: Website eebria.com founder David Jackson

Thirty independent producers across the UK now sell through eebria.com, including several micro-breweries, wine and cider brandy producers and several small gin and vodka companies. Sales are growing by more than 80 per cent month on month, with Christmas providing a healthy boost. David Jackson, 27, was working for online ticket marketplace Viagogo as the marketing director when he first had the idea for EeBria.

Suffering from a festive financial hangover? Follow our four-week plan to start getting out of debt

Debt plan: Figuring out what you owe and by when should be your first job.

While your belly may be bloated with festive excess, you may find your bank balance was empty as a pulled cracker come January 1.This is Money has once again compiled its annual four-year plan that can set you on the road to getting out of debt by the end of January.

Can I carry make use of unused annual allowances so I can pay £100,000 into my pension this year?

Pension planning: How can you make a £100,000 pension contribution and still get tax relief?

Can I carry forward unused pension allowances from previous years so I can make a £100,000 contribution to my pension scheme this year and still qualify for tax relief?

Banks in battle with watchdog over stress checks designed to prevent another crash

Capital cushion: The industry will also push for only limited disclosure of the stress test results

The industry disagrees with using a measure of how much capital they hold compared with how much they are owed – the leverage ratio – for the tests.

House prices rising at fastest pace in nearly four years as UK property soars 8.4% in 2013

Nationwide HPI

The average house price of £175,826 is at its highest point since April 2008 and £14,000 up on a year ago, according to the Nationwide Building Society.

There are more million pound homes than ever, so what could you get for your money?

Million pound mansions: What can you get for your money?

There has been a huge boom in seven-figure homes , Zoopla claims there are now 8,230 UK streets which have at least one house or apartment worth a million or more.

ADAM UREN: Engineering work meant my train journey took three times longer, so why was I still paying full price?

Disruptions: Nobody likes a rail replacement bus service, so why do we still pay full fares for them?

My journey back from Gatwick Airport to North London took at least two hours longer than it usually would, so why on earth was I being charged the full fare? Even a small cut to fares on days when disruption is known well in advance would go a long way to building back the goodwill lost when people's delays run into hours.

'Beware of investing tips and forecasts: you could end up with a random museum of yesterday's short term ideas'

Good for growth: Japan and Europe may prove to be the most interesting equity markets this year according to BestInvest

It is that time of year when investment commentators set out their stall on which markets will be the best ones to back in 2014 and plug some funds or stocks for the year ahead. But while many have plenty to say on such themes, investors should start with an early spring clean, says expert Jason Hollands.

Rise in the number of over-50s taking out lifetime mortgages to help their kids get on the housing ladder

Helping hand: Pensioner parents are helping their children get on the housing ladder through equity release.

A study by equity release provider Stonehaven found that giving children and grandchildren a financial boost is now the third most popular reason for releasing equity, after a survey of financial advisers. With many young workers still finding it difficult to save the money they need for a mortgage deposit, the over-50s are unlocking cash in their own properties to give them a helping hand.

Play your cards right: The best credit cards for spending, holidays, rewards or clearing your debts

Play your cards right: We pick the best credit cards for spending, rewards, travel and clearing debt.

We have scoured the market and picked out what we believe are the best credit card deals to help you make the most of your money.

Picture of a two-sided recovery: Mortgage approvals shoot to five-year high – but lending to businesses sinks again

Approvals of loans for house purchase rose throughout last year (Source: Bank of England)

Loans worth £11.1billion were approved for house purchase in November – a total of 70,758, which is the highest level seen since January 2008.

RACHEL RICKARD STRAUS: Is cooking in bed the answer to lowering energy bills?

For the perfect pudding: Covered in the blankets and duvet, the pot will stay warm for a few hours

Instead of leaving a soup or pudding on the stove for hours, you wrap the pot in blankets and duvets and pop it to bed for a few hours. Then you're not paying for all that gas or electricity - and the result - I can vouch - is delicious.

NatWest and RBS customers have their credit cards frozen in technical glitch at Tesco petrol stations

Payment block: An RBS spokesman said the fault was with Tesco - not its own systems

From yesterday, drivers using NatWest and RBS credit cards found their payments blocked and repeated attempts to enter their PIN resulted in cards being frozen.

Sainsbury's Bank hits back at Tesco as it launches special offer on personal loans at record low rate of 4.6%

Loan offer: Sainsbury's Bank has slashed its prices on its personal loans until the end of January.

The offer has been launched today and will run until the end of the month. It mimics an eight-day 4.6 per cent offer run by Santander in November and December.

What does 2014 hold for investors in Europe, the US, Japan and emerging markets? We reveal the stock markets that still look cheap

US boost: World's biggest economy has strengthen sufficiently for Fed to start dismantling its stimulus programme

For investors 2014 could mark the beginning of a return to normality. We reveal which markets look cheap and expensive using the Cape ratio and round up investing experts' predictions of how Europe, the US, Japan and emerging markets are likely to fare in 2014.

Thousands jump on the property ladder with Help to Buy - but could you get a better low-deposit mortgage outside the scheme?

Boost: Help to Buy has helped thousands to buy homes

More than 6,000 people have put in applications for Help to Buy guarantee mortgages with RBS, Natwest and Halifax in the scheme's first three months.

MIDAS SHARE TIPS: Shopping centre giant NewRiver set for consumer boom

Thriving: NewRiver owns 26 shopping centres, including Regent Court Shopping in Leamington Spa

Midas tips for 2014 include one generous dividend stock and one emerging market play, which should deliver strong gains for shareholders.

Will 2014 be the year you finally fix your finances? Five New Year money resolutions

New Year: Could 2014 be a good year for your money?

New Year’s resolutions are often all but forgotten by February, but even taking small steps to fix your finances could give you a more prosperous 2014. There are plenty of ways to make more of your money, from tax allowances to free money tools. We asked two experts to outline their tips for 2014 financial resolutions.

Barclays simplifies overdraft fees as battle for current account customers heats up

Simpler fees: Barclays Bank has announced it will simplify overdraft charges on its current accounts in the coming weeks as competition for customers heats up

Banks are working to improve their deals after the introduction of one week switching for current account holders, which has heated up competition. Barclays claims the new simpler fees will save its current account customers up to £14million in 2014.

Will you trust them now? Energy firms forced to simplify energy tariffs to help rebuild customer confidence

Bamboozling: The days of confusing tariffs are over as Ofgem introduces new regulation today

Each supplier will only be able to offer four core tariffs per customer for both gas and electricity. They will also have to spell out price rises in pounds and pence.

British manufacturers are the strongest in Europe as the economic recovery gathers pace

The average reading for UK manufacturers in the fourth quarter of 2013 was 57.2, the highest since the first three months of 2011

The resurgence in British factories eased fears the UK’s turnaround is being driven by household spending, debt and the property market.

Suffolk man becomes latest Premium Bond millionaire while NS&I; reveals there are a million prizes still unclaimed

Big winner: The man from Suffolk is the 288th Premium Bond millionaire

The man, who has holdings worth £30,000, has won the top prize of £1million after his Bond number was selected by NS&I;’s random generator, ERNIE.

This is what the worst Isa paid out on £1,000 in 2013 ... and here are the 30 rotten accounts you should ditch today

This is what the worst Isa paid out on £1,000 in 2013 ... and here are the 30 rotten accounts you should ditch today

Britain's biggest banks have paid as little as £1 interest on every £1,000 saved in the worst cash Isas of last year. Money Mail research reveals that Barclays, Halifax and Santander had the three worst-paying accounts over the past 12 months. Each gave just 0.1% to loyal customers. Incredibly, state-backed Halifax and Lloyds have eight rotten Isas in our list of the 'dog' accounts which you should ditch today.

Is it time for a dry January? How a month-long break from the booze can boost pension fund by £20k

Pension boost: Ditching the booze in the New Year can add £1k a year more in pension payouts

Drinkers who make taking a month-long break from the booze their New Year’s resolution will end up with a slimmer waist - and £1k a year more in pension payouts. The money saved by a dry January could boost your pension fund at retirement by up to £20k according to figures from pensions consultant JLT Employee Benefits.

Investors offered inflation-linked solar panel crowdfunding that could pay an average 7.35% for 20 years

Green energy: British investors picked renewable investments as their second favourite, after property

Investors can put in as little as £5 and get returns linked to the Retail Price Index for 20 years from a solar panels project.

Train firms barely make a profit, minister complains as 3% New Year fare hike takes some season tickets to more than £5,000

Hike: Regulated rail fares have risen by 3.1 per cent today, much higher than average pay rises of just 1 per cent

Stephen Hammond denied operators were using the railways as a 'cash cow', as passengers hit out at prices rising three times faster than wages.

Are you a secret silver spender? Two-thirds of pensioners overspent at Christmas

Splurge: Many grandparents admit to spending too much at Christmas.

Even though more than three-quarters of pensioners said they had struggled financially in 2013, it didn't stop them from splurging on their grandchildren at Christmas.

The top 20 stories of 2013...and why This is Money's wish for the New Year is that we don't have to fight your corner so much

Interesting year: This is Money rounds up the top guides, calculators and stories from an action-packed 2013

2013 was another year of record-breaking traffic for This is Money. It turned out to be a decent one for the economy too, yet among the improving economic news has come the usual catalogue of blunders, ill treatment and shoddy service that drives readers to us for help. We reveal the top stories of the year and our wish for 2014.

What economic recovery? Only one in 50 people believe things are better for them - and just a fifth think 2014 spells good news

Stressed out: People are not convinced that things are getting better

According to the TUC only one in five expect the gains of an economic recovery to benefit them in the year ahead, with just 2 per cent feeling it now. The news will come as a blow for the Government which has been busy assuring voters that as the economy improves in 2013 and 2014 it will slowly be felt by everyone.

MARKET REPORT: Bid buzz sends recruitment specialist Hays to a high

Hays shares have been buoyed by the big fall in the UK unemployment to 7.4 per cent

Up 63 per cent from a June 2013 low, the shares have been buoyed by the big fall in the UK unemployment to 7.4 per cent, its lowest since April 2009. Analysts have waxed lyrical about its recovery potential at home, while advising investors that the group has opportunities in other major markets such as Germany and Australia.

Autonomy faces claims of 'sales scam' as first details from accounting fraud probe start to emerge

Investigation: Autonomy was bought by HP for £7.1billion in 2011, but was subsequently accused of inflating its value before the deal

The British software giant was bought by computer maker HP for £7.1billion in 2011, but was subsequently accused of inflating its value before the deal.

Could you profit from a takeover target? Sainsbury's and Burberry among British companies tipped for a buyout in 2014

Predicted for takeover: Sainsbury's could be one of a number of British brands to be taken over in 2014

Household names are among the British companies predicted to be the subject of international takeovers in the next year, according to investment bank UBS.

German Aldi and Lidl crush British 'big four' supermarkets at the checkouts over Christmas

Lidl

The pair are believed to have increased combined sales by about 20% in the festive quarter, taking total turnover to an estimated £8bn according to industry sources.

I'm 61 and my husband is 52. If we get divorced will I get half his work pension when he retires early at 55?

Who gets the dog...and the pension: January blues: The start of the year is traditionally the busiest period for divorce lawyers

If my husband and I get divorced would I still be entitled to half his pension? I am 61 and he is 52, he will be 53 in February 2014. He will start receiving his pension in two years time when he will be 55. Our experts take a look at what happens to the pensions of silver splitters.

Should you invest in the best of British? A magnificent seven UK shares that could bolster your portfolio in 2014

Top stocks: Where should you invest in 2014?

Investors in UK shares have enjoyed a bumper year but how will they fare in 2014? No one knows how the year ahead will turn out but in the investing world quality usually shines through. Broker Killik predicts 2014 will be another good year for equities and has highlighted seven UK stocks that should do well.

Top share tips for 2014: Daily Mail City reporters look back on how 2013 picks fared and single out stocks to watch next year

Daily Mail share tips 2013/2014

Six out of ten of our stock picks were winners this year, but the Daily Mail portfolio manage to post a loss. Will our 2014 picks fare any better?

Where should you invest next year? Six fund ideas for 2014 whether you are cautious, contrarian, or adventurous

Rising sun: 2014 may be a good year for investing in Japan

Investment management firm Psigma predicts 2014 could be the year for Asian equity, particularly in Japan and China.

CARDS OF THE WEEK

tesco card
NEW: 0% on purchases
Tesco Bank Clubcard
little houses
Longest 0% transfer
Barclaycard Platinum
Halifax card
Low-fee transfers
Halifax All in One
BT broadband
Up to 5% cashback
Amex Platinum

50 ways to save money: Simple steps to cut what you spend that could clear your debts or seriously boost your savings

50 ways to save money: How to cut what you spend and put more in your savings

To clear the average national household debt of £13,000 at 6% interest with a monthly repayment of £100 will take around 17 years. There are, however, plenty of simple ways to make significant savings on your regular spending that could clear your debt - or boost your savings - in less than a year. This is Money's top 50 – updated – money-saving tips may appear light-hearted but are deadly serious.

Our savings picks: This is Money's five favourite best buy cash Isas for 2014

number 5

You can stick up to £5,760 in a cash Isa this tax year. We pick our five favourite cash Isas for savers, don't miss this essential Isa reading that is kept up-to-date throughout the year.

Top 20 most reliable investment trusts: Strongest over ten years

Top of the league: AIC analysed investment trusts to find the 20 most reliable and strongly-performing contenders of the last decade

The Association of Investment Companies has analysed all investment trusts to find the 20 strongest and most consistent performers of the last decade.

Ten first class dividend shares to boost your income investing

First class shares: Broker Killik picks its ten top dividend payers to rival Royal Mail shares.

Royal Mail investors were attracted by the lure of a bumper dividend of 6 per cent or higher. But there are lots of household names with a good dividend yield.

Five of the best income funds and investment trusts to build your wealth

End of an era: Neil Woodford is leaving Invesco Perpetual to set up his own firm

Neil Woodford is stepping down from his funds where he is Britain's favourite manager. We pick five alternative income funds and trusts worth a look.

When will interest rates rise? Unemployment drops to 7.4% but Carney sends out a low rates for longer message

Interest rates: Mark Carney has sent out another low rates for longer message.

The bank rate is at a rock bottom 0.5%, and one day it must rise. The big question is when? We explain the factors that will decide when interest rates rise and how quickly, including the latest forecasts from markets and economists. Unemployment has continued to fall faster than expected putting the D-Day for considering a rate rise closer, but the Bank is sending our low rates messages.

Ten tips for buy-to-let: the essential advice for property investors and pick of the top mortgage rates

Hand holding model house to let

For many buy-to-let looks an attractive income investment in a time of low rates and stock market volatility. Read our top ten buy-to-let tips

The props for record low home loans are being removed, so should you fix now? What next for mortgage rates?

In luck: Borrowers have seen the best fixed rates fall to new record lows - but they should beware big fees.

The Bank of England will dramatically scale back the Funding for Lending scheme, but lenders still have some astonishingly low rates on offer.

What next for house prices: Property tipped to rise 25% over the next five years, but what will happen near you?

Forecast: Savills has released its five-year house price outlook, tipping average values to go up 25%.

As house price inflation picks up, Savills has released its forecast for areas across Britain. We analyse the latest figures and the prediction for where you live.

Compare your pay to the national average in your job: League table of official UK salaries across 400 trades and professions

Best paid jobs: Where would the hard workers of Call the Midwife sit in the pay league?

Midwives in the UK get paid on average £29,248: so where does your salary fit into the national league table, and how does it compare to the average in your profession? Our table lists hundreds of Britain's jobs from company executives and doctors to van drivers, waiters and textile machine operators.

Like
MailOnline

Follow
@MailOnline

Premium Bond Match Calculator

   

MOST READ ON MONEY THIS WEEK

ONLINE FORUM: Please do not follow links to websites, particularly ex-display kitchens. They are being posted by professional spammers.

Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Your monthly payment

Enter how much you plan to borrow and find out your monthly bill. Assumes interest calculated annually.

Result
Your total mortgage

Enter the amount you can afford to pay monthly (eg. your current rent) to find out how much you can borrow...

Result
Are you over-stretching

How much of your income goes on your mortgage?

Result

Stamp Duty Calculator

House purchase
Result

Tourist rates

Currency Rate Buy now
Updated 07 Jan 2014.
Euro 1.185 Buy Now
US Dollar 1.615 Buy Now
Australian Dollar 1.776 Buy Now
Canadian Dollar 1.7018 Buy Now
Chinese Yuan 9.5215 Buy Now
Croatian Kuna 8.8588 Buy Now
Czech Koruna 31.853 Buy Now
Danish Kroner 8.667 Buy Now
Egyptian Pound 10.777 Buy Now
Euro 1.185 Buy Now
Hong Kong Dollar 12.336 Buy Now
Hungarian Forint 344.16 Buy Now
Japanese Yen 166.99 Buy Now
Malaysian Ringgit 5.1675 Buy Now
New Turkish Lire 3.4646 Buy Now
New Zealand Dollar 1.9331 Buy Now
Norwegian Kroner 9.7766 Buy Now
Polish Zloty 4.8076 Buy Now
Singapore Dollar 2.0215 Buy Now
South African Rand 16.863 Buy Now
Sterling 1.0 Buy Now
Swedish Kroner 10.297 Buy Now
Swiss Franc 1.4485 Buy Now
Thai Baht 51.823 Buy Now
UAE Dirham 5.8545 Buy Now

Long-term savings

Monthly savings plan

Find out how much a regular monthly savings scheme could make.

Results
Or lump sum investments

Calculate how much a lump sum investment could be worth.

Result

Broadband

Cheapest broadband

Search for the best providers in your area

Insurance

Cheapest insurance

Compare thousands of policies

Energy bills

Energy bills

You could save £££s on your energy bills. Find out in seconds

Credit check

What does your credit rating reveal?

Get a FREE trial credit check today to see what the financial services industry can see about you

GO

Warranties

Extended warranties

Get cheaper cover on

Car insurance

Cheaper car insurance

Compare more than 100 insurers in less than five minutes

GO

Mortgages

Best mortgages

See today's latest mortgage rates and get a free consultation with an adviser

GO

Home insurance

Cheaper home insurance

Compare home insurance quotes from 75+ companies

GO