Identity theft is the act of stealing a person’s personal information and in its most common forms, involves criminals taking documents from your rubbish or by posing as a representative of a legitimate organisation. If your identity is stolen, you could well find it difficult to get a loan, apply for a credit card or be approved for a mortgage. The effect of identity theft on your credit rating can be disastrous and often, this is the first sign that you have actually been the subject of this type of fraud. Essentially, someone will be building up significant levels debt in your name that you know nothing about.

Recent figures suggest that house prices in the UK have started to slowly rise again and with them, the mortgages granted to first-time buyers have followed the trend and shown a gradual increase over the past few months. Sadly though, the increase in house value has still left a great many families struggling with the burden of negative equity. Facing the threat of repossession, it can feel that you have nowhere left to turn. Severe debt problems can lead to the loss your home but there are steps that you can take to safeguard the roof over your family’s head.

Recent research has brought to light that over the past year alone, a potential one million UK households have gone into further debt on a credit card in order to service their mortgage payments or their rent. That’s about 6% of Britain’s homes and in addition to the proportion of households, the findings also suggested that it is those people who are considered to be in lower social groups that are most likely to rely on their credit cards to keep a roof over their head. Although this is the most at risk group, those considered to be middle class had also been affected by similar pressures. For these lower social groups, the number of people using their credit card to pay their household debt rose to 8% in the past year, while the number of those considered to be middle class reached 4%.

Recent research has brought to light that over the past year alone, a potential one million UK households have gone into further debt on a credit card in order to service their mortgage payments or their rent. That’s about 6% of Britain’s homes and in addition to the proportion of households, the findings also suggested that it is those people who are considered to be in lower social groups that are most likely to rely on their credit cards to keep a roof over their head. Although this is the most at risk group, those considered to be middle class had also been affected by similar pressures. For these lower social groups, the number of people using their credit card to pay their household debt rose to 8% in the past year, while the number of those considered to be middle class reached 4%.

Poker promises major highs and crushing lows to those who are brave enough to participate. High stakes promise big excitement so it’s not surprising that so many are willing to bet equally high amounts.

Casinos are making a comeback. While many are still laying low after taking a couple of knocks during the recession, some are posting decent results and others are taking the first steps into the gambling industry.

Pet insurance might not be something the average pet owner thinks about often. This type of insurance is normally affordable – except when your pets are old – and has been around since Claes Virgin, a Swede, created the first insurance policy in the late 19th century.