In recent comments, James Falla, managing director of the group, urged lenders to establish how much debtors could afford to repay before approving credit. Furthermore, responding to instances in which consumers have made falsehoods in their application in order to improve their chances of getting a new credit agreement, Mr Falla warned that people may just compound their existing levels of debt by taking on a financial responsibility that they cannot realistically meet.

“That’s not a new thing – that’s been going on for a long time, because many people we meet in our line of work are in that very position. They’ve got to the point where they can’t afford to pay monthly bills and so the first thing they do is apply for a new credit card which gives them extra facilities from which they can draw upon to pay the other credit off,” he commented.

For those who are looking for an effective way to regain control of their financial situation, taking out a debt consolidation loan may prove useful in getting their finances back on track and put an end to spiralling debt levels.

With money markets tightening, Mr Falla insisted that many consumers may increasingly find themselves in a position where creditors are looking to secure lending against the value of their property in an effort to minimise the risk of debt not being repaid.

He noted that in the past, instances in which creditors had been unable to retrieve debt there was very little they could do. However, he suggested that while credit cards are generally unsecured forms of lending, many creditors who are experiencing difficulty getting consumers to meet repayments are now turning to the courts in order to have the debt secured against their home.

“What that will then mean is that people in debt difficulties may start seeing increased pressure in situations where they’re looking at repossessions and that kind of thing,” he concluded.

Mr Falla’s comments came in response to a recent study conducted by uSwitch which indicated that 84 per cent of successful credit card applicants were not asked for a proof of income last year. The report also found that 14 per cent of respondents were not asked about their salary or monthly outgoings during their application, while only eight per cent were called upon to provide proof of income.

Concluding, he urged credit card providers to improve their approval practices to make sure that consumers could actually afford to repay the arrangements they entered into.

Earlier this year, financial advisory service Callcredit also identified that many people are resting on unstable savings, with 40 per cent of people said to be unable to meet living costs for more than a month if their income dried up.

1 stop finance shop providing you with breaking debt consolidation loans news.

According to Halifax, there is a risk that the presents lavished upon newlyweds will add significantly to the value of their home contents. As such, it urges those who have recently tied the knot or who are planning on doing so during the summer wedding season to make sure that their insurance provider is able to cover the full value of their home. The financial services provider also explained that expensive items such as wedding rings may need to be insured separately and urged happy couples not to neglect doing so.

For those who are planning their dream wedding but are finding it difficult to find the funds to make the day perfect may be interested in taking out a personal loan. In doing so, people may be able to make sure that rings are just right and after-ceremony celebrations get their marriage off to a flying start.

Senior technical claims manager for Halifax Home Insurance Vicky Emmott commented: “Those looking forward to their big day are likely to have a house stacked full of wedding goodies including presents, bride and bridesmaid dresses, new suits and wedding rings. All these items can add up to a princely sum and with all the planning that goes into arranging a wedding, ensuring that home contents insurance is adequate may not be top of everyone’s list.”

The group noted that most insurance providers offer sum-insured policies that only secure contents up to a particular point. If new items of considerable value are brought into the home, then it is the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure that insurers are made aware. Failing to do so could result in newlyweds finding they are left without the protection necessary to replace new gifts if they are burgled. In such an instance, turning to a low-rate loan may prove an effective way to replace items quickly.

Halifax also reminded those heading off on their honeymoon to make sure they did not forget to make sure their property was secure before leaving. The group suggested that a house that appears empty for a long period of time would prove an attractive target for thieves.

The risk of fire and flooding was also used to exemplify the importance of protecting the home to its full value to avoid being left short at an already difficult time.

Concluding, Ms Emmott noted that while there is plenty to consider when planning for a wedding, it is vital to make sure that checking the level of cover afforded by a home insurer is not neglected as the big day draws near.

“Organising a wedding can be great fun, but also very stressful. The last thing people need is to discover they are not adequately insured when it matters most,” she said.

Britain’s willingness to splash the cash for their loved ones was noted earlier this year by PayPal, which suggested that the average UK consumer spent more than 71 pounds on their partner on Valentine’s Day.

1 Stop Finance Shop providing you with breaking personal loans news.

The supermarket giant has indicated that as many as 39 million UK residents - 83 per cent of the population - already recycle household waste in order to improve their overall green credentials. Meanwhile, two-thirds (66 per cent) of respondents to the study said they turn appliances off at the wall to limit the amount of wasted electricity their household uses. A further 76 per cent said they had installed energy-saving lightbulbs around the home. However, more than six out of ten (61 per cent) said they felt they could do more to help the environment while one in five (20 per cent) said doing so was too expensive.

For those looking an effective way to fund large-scale energy-saving projects such as loft insulation or double glazing installation, taking out a home improvement loan may allow them to fund the renovations effectively and reduce their overall energy expenditure more quickly to make savings in the longer term.

Taking out this type of loan may be of interest to the 800,000 people recognised in the Tesco study who said they had made no effort at all to improve their environmental credentials. While doing so may be costly for many Britons, the firm explained that there are a number of ways to reduce electricity usage without significant investment. It reported that nearly half (47 per cent) of all UK consumers are missing out on the opportunity to save money by washing clothes at a lower heat. In addition, almost a third (32 per cent) said they were still taking baths rather than showers, while more than a quarter (28 per cent) were wasting money making a brew by overfilling the kettle.

Commenting on the statistics, Paul Baxter at Tescocompare, said: “Going green takes a little bit of effort but can reap huge rewards in the long and short term. The cost of living and household bills are creeping up and up, but there are lots of things that cost next to nothing, which we can all do on a day-to-day basis to reduce our carbon footprint and energy bills. Simply turning gadgets off at the mains when you’re not using them is a sure-fire way to save the planet and the pound in your pocket.”

statistics from the group show that many Britons are happy to make the commitment to energy saving, with four out of five (80 per cent) respondents saying they prided themselves on being above average when it comes to their green credentials. For more than half of the population, pursuing energy-efficient household habits may become more than a point of pride in the coming months, with 54 per cent of people saying that soaring energy and food costs were a principal driving force behind their desire to go green.

Those who are in search of capital to fund major environmental improvements to their home may find that taking out a secured loan proves an attractive option. Doing so may also be advisable for the growing number of Britons looking to buy more environmentally-friendly vehicles. A recent study by Experian showed that during the course of 2007, sales of electric vehicles increased by 473.5 per cent.

1 Stop Finance Shop providing you with breaking homeowner loans news.

Financial services firm Zurich has suggested that almost one in ten people who have visited UK festivals have had their belongings stolen. Commenting on the statistics, the group indicated that the cost of theft can become quite substantial, with the average tent said to house possessions worth more than 260 pounds. Common valuables kept inside tents included mobile phones - which 82 per cent of those interviewed took with them - and cameras, which 63 per cent of people packed. Meanwhile, for 16 per cent of consumers iPods and other mp3 players were essential items.

Zurich suggested that despite the elevated risk of sharing personal space with hundreds of thousands of strangers, three-quarters (75 per cent) of people said they had given no thought to how safe their belongings were and had not taken out any sort of insurance policy to provide cover in the event of theft or damage. The firm noted that first-timers at such events may be particularly vulnerable to theft due to their inexperience of keeping belongings safe. As many as 500,000 people planning to attend a festival this summer had never been before, a contingent which accounted for around six per cent of all festival-goers.

For those who have failed to take out a policy, it is possible that the costs of replacing expensive items will have to be met with savings or personal loans.

Mike Quinton, managing director for direct & partnerships at Zurich said: “One in four British adults said they were planning on attending a festival this summer and it would be all too easy to get swept up in the summer spirit and forget to take even the simplest of precautions with their belongings. Our research shows that many music lovers are taking unnecessary risks by storing expensive goods in tents, carrying pricey items on them and failing to consider protecting themselves from theft. We urge all festival-goers this summer to plan ahead, only take what they need to as well as checking their cover before they go.”

In an effort to reduce the risk of items being pinched, Zurich urged consumers to use security lock-ups for valuable items and passports, which are often available for 24-hour periods. Furthermore, revellers were urged to refrain from padlocking their tents as this was said to simply advertise the fact that valuables were stored inside. To limit the impact of theft, people were also urged not to take any items that they felt they could not afford to lose. Taking out additional cover for expensive items was also identified as a top priority. For those unfortunate to have items stolen, Zurich reminded people of the need to report the theft to police in order to obtain a crime reference number for insurance purposes.

Failing to do so may result in consumers being forced to purchase new items using personal loans or money from their own pockets. Taking out adequate cover may also be of use to those who make their own music after Halifax earlier this year reminded musicians of the need to make sure that their own instruments were adequately protected against loss, damage and theft.

1 Stop Finance Shop providing you with breaking personal loans news.

Published by insurance services provider More Than, the Lifesworth study aimed to show how the worth of personal items fluctuates among different ages as time passes and individual circumstances change. It noted that despite having the highest value possessions, those in their 40s often failed to realise how much their personal property is worth. The firm found that although most people in this age bracket said they thought their belongings were worth 28,917 pounds on average, the true figure was actually 40,125 pounds, meaning that consumers were underestimating the value of their home’s contents by more than 11,000 pounds.

As such, More Than advised homeowners of the need to make sure their home insurance policy would cover their possessions in the event of theft, loss or damage. In its findings, the company found that consumers spend an average of 13,000 pounds on personal items every five years, a figure which it said demonstrated the need to make sure cover was updated on a regular basis to avoid the risk of being underinsured. For those who have found themselves without adequate cover when making a claim, it may be necessary to pay for replacements using savings or personal loans.

Of those interviewed in the study, more than half (56 per cent) said they had no idea how much their personal belongings were worth, while approximately a fifth have never given thought to the value of such items. Making sure that home insurance cover is up to date and representative of the worth of items stored in the home may be of particular importance to those in their late 20s. The firm revealed that of those people under the age of 40, 28-year-olds with few financial commitments had possessions of the highest value, averaging 33,166 pounds.

In an effort to assist people in evaluating the value of the contents of their homes, More Than has launched a Lifesworth Calculator which gives current monetary valuations for many household items.

Commenting on the findings of the report, said: “Brits work hard enough to buy things but by not keeping track of what they own, they run the risk of being underinsured. The report shows that on average, people spend 13,000 pounds every five years on things they keep in their home so home contents policies need to be checked and updated regularly as a result. If people are in any doubt as to whether their current level of home contents insurance covers them, I would encourage them to log on to the Lifesworth calculator to clarify the total value of their belongings. At More Than we are keen to do more by helping householders keep up with the rising cost of their home possessions.”

For those looking for an effective way to fund new purchases and meet the additional costs of taking out full home insurance, taking out a personal loan may prove an effective option. Being selective when considering insurance provider may also be advisable after a recent report by Chelsea Building Society showed that many Britons are in the dark about the level of cover they are afforded by their various policies.

1 Stop Finance Shop providing you with breaking personal loans news.

According to the group, average annual household carbon emissions exceed the fumes created by a car over the same period. The group has noted that by opting for appliances that consume less electricity, homeowners can make a substantial positive difference to the environment. Furthermore, with utility costs expected to rise still further in the coming months, opting for energy efficient models could prove a prudential financial decision as well.

Commenting recently, Adrian Arnold, head of trade marketing at the non-profit body said if everyone in the UK switched to the most environmentally friendly models for all home appliances, a collective saving of more than one billion pounds could be made on domestic energy bills. This equates to a carbon emissions reduction totalling 4.5 million tonnes; enough to fill 24 million double-decker buses.

Furthermore, if everyone with gas central heating switched to a new condensing boiler, carbon emissions could be reduced by as much as 12 million tonnes, equating to the annual amount produced by more than two million homes.

He informed consumers that low-energy alternatives are now available for almost all household appliances and the majority can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of energy that is used.

Those looking to invest in the future by upgrading home appliances such as washing machines, boilers and dishwashers, taking out a secured loan may enable people to meet the upgrade costs quickly and allow them to start cutting back on their energy expenditure before the winter weather takes hold.

Mr Arnold explained: “An energy efficient dishwasher uses around 40 per cent less energy than an old, inefficient model and an energy efficient washing machine uses a third less energy than an old, inefficient model and cuts water consumption considerably … When purchasing new products for their home, consumers should definitely look for the most energy efficient in class. To pick out energy efficient products from the pack, look out for the Energy Saving Recommended logo. The distinctive blue logo can be found on anything from fridges to tumble dryers, to dishwashers and light bulbs.”

He concluded by stating that in order for an appliance to carry the label, the strictest energy efficiency criteria must be met. As such, he suggested that in buying a product endorsed by the EST, consumers can rest assured that the product is guaranteed to deliver lower energy consumption levels. The testing standards are placed under annual review and are assessed by an independent panel to ensure that only the greenest appliances can be sold with the EST recommendation.

Choosing greener products may become an increasingly attractive option for consumers in the coming months, with widespread reports of future energy price hikes scheduled for the future. BBC business correspondent Nils Blythe has suggested that announcements of hikes of up to 40 per cent are likely to come in August, when energy expenditure will not be at the forefront of people’s minds.

In an effort to reduce the effect that energy bills have on household budgets, the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs at the end of last month announced a new set of policies to deliver fuel concessions for those struggling with the spiralling costs.

1 Stop Finance Shop providing you with breaking secured loans news.

Such is the assertion of Halifax Home Insurance, which reports that as today (June 23rd) sees the start of Wimbledon, thousands of spectators are to converge on SW19 to witness the sport’s top athletes in action, with millions across the globe also to watch the event on their television screens. However, it appears that a significant number of Britons are looking to do more than just watch their heroes do battle on the grass courts, with the firm reporting many are eager to “get outside and display their racquet skills, expert or otherwise”.

For budding Andy Murrays and Ana Ivanovics wishing to purchase top of the range sporting gear to help them sharpen up on the tennis courts, taking out a loan may be recommended.

And in their keenness to get their racquets out, Halifax reports that some consumers may end up smashing more than just their tennis balls. It was indicated that in the run-up to Wimbledon, June 2007 saw an 18 per cent rise in home insurance claims for broken windows and other accidental breakages of glass in comparison to the start of the year.

Research from the financial services firm also indicated that those from one part of the West Midlands are most likely to see something broken over the course of the summer. According to Halifax, residents in south-east Birmingham and Solihull made the most claims for damaged glass and windows during the same time last year, followed by people in Harrow, Uxbridge, Wembley and High Wycombe. Consumers living in the Isle of Wight, Nottingham, Norwich, Romford, Chester and north Wales were also indicated as incurring high levels of damage to windows during Wimbledon season.

However, those who have too smashing a time while getting to grips with their forecourt volley and lack a comprehensive insurance policy may find that they have to dip into their own pockets in order to meet the cost of repairing a broken window. In turn this could have an impact on their capacity to manage other demands on their spending such as loans, household bills and credit and store cards.

Commenting on the figures, David Rochester, head of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, said: “During the summer months we often notice an increase in claims for broken windows and other accidental breakages. We’d advise any budding Murrays and Sharapovas to take care when playing ball sports close to home and check they are insured for accidental damage should a mishap occur.”

For amateur tennis players looking for an effective way in which to repair their property after a breakage, applying for a homeowner loan might be an effective way in which to meet such costs. The additional monetary assistance a loan brings could also help consumers to purchase adequate home insurance policy. A loan for use by sports fans could also be advised for supporters of newly-promoted Premiership sides Hull City, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City. In a recent study by Virgin Money, it was indicated that fans of these clubs are to pay an extra 300 million pounds to watch their heroes play in football’s top flight.

1 Stop Finance Shop providing you with breaking homeowner loans.