March 2024

Nationwide has completed its takeover of Virgin Money, meaning the bank's savers and borrowers could become members of the building society in future. The Virgin Money brand will also be phased out eventually – though there's NO change for new or existing customers of either brand for now.

Santander has cut the rate on its popular easy-access savings account – which paid 5.2% at launch – to 4% from today (Tuesday 1 October). Yet you can easily beat this new rate by switching elsewhere – which you're allowed to do without penalty.

Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, which are all part of the Lloyds Banking Group, will shut at least 292 of their bank branches in 2024 and 2025, the Group has confirmed.

Fashion retailer Ted Baker will close all remaining stores this week, after falling into administration in March this year. Below we round up what you need to know – including how to try to get your money back if you've been left out of pocket.

NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Ulster Bank, which are all part of the NatWest Group, will shut at least 100 of their bank branches in 2024/25, after the Group announced a further 18 RBS closures.

The Energy Price Cap, which dictates the rates most people pay for energy, is now predicted to fall by less than expected over the next year, according to the latest data from analysts Cornwall Insight. It means you'd pay on average 15% less than the current Price Cap over the next year – but you could save more than this by fixing now. We take you through your options.

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has confirmed the Government will look for solutions to help people being chased for debts owed to defunct energy firms, who currently have no viable way to escalate complaints. It follows a letter sent by MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) founder Martin Lewis calling for urgent action on the issue. 

You've got less than a week left to stock up on Royal Mail postage stamps before prices rise by up to 13% on Tuesday 2 April. Below we explain the key changes and how to beat the hikes.

The Bank of England has held the base rate at 5.25% for the fifth time in a row. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.

If you need a new passport, you should apply for one now, as application fees are set to rise by around 7% on Thursday 11 April.