Finance

Amazon is facing a £2.7 billion class action lawsuit in the UK amid allegations that it discriminates against third-party sellers while favoring its own retail offers on its e-commerce platform. The lawsuit, filed by Andreas Stephan, head of the law school at the University of East Anglia, accuses Amazon of abusing its dominant market position Continue reading

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a £10 Christmas Bonus for pensioners and certain benefit claimants this December. For those born between 1944 and 1958 who may have missed their Winter Fuel Payment of £200 or £300, this bonus offers a small but welcome relief during the holiday season. What is the Continue reading

Pensioners in the UK can look forward to an increase in their State Pension payments starting April 2025. Thanks to the Triple Lock mechanism, the New and Basic State Pensions will rise by 4.1%, while other components will see a modest 1.7% hike. However, this news comes with a caution about shrinking tax-free allowances and Continue reading

Paying off your mortgage early can be a great financial move, but what happens when early repayment charges (ERCs) come into play? For borrowers like you with a £41,000 mortgage balance and a generous offer of £20,000 to help clear the debt, the decision can be complex. Should you overpay, pay the fee, or consider Continue reading

Canada’s housing market saw renewed action this fall as temperatures cooled, thanks to a series of interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada since June. Home resales surged nearly 10% nationwide over October and November, signaling a stronger recovery after a slow two-year period. By late 2023, activity returned to levels last seen in Continue reading

Providing care to a loved one can be challenging, but Centrelink’s Carer Payment offers vital financial support. If you’re eligible, you could receive up to $1,144.40 per fortnight, depending on your circumstances. Here’s a complete guide to help you understand eligibility, payment rates, and rules. Who Can Get the Carer Payment? To qualify for Carer Continue reading

While the Bank of Canada (BoC) recently cut interest rates, the bond market tells a different story. Government of Canada (GoC) bond yields have reversed their course, surging upward and signaling higher costs for fixed-rate mortgages. For Canadian homebuyers, this is an important shift as fixed-rate mortgages—historically the most affordable option—could soon become more expensive. Continue reading

The Canadian federal government’s GST/HST holiday commenced on December 14, 2024, introducing a two-month exemption from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on a selection of items frequently purchased during the holiday season. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to consumers during a peak spending period. Scope of the Continue reading

The Canada Disability Benefits Act, enacted on June 22, 2023, introduces a groundbreaking federal disability benefit. Beginning in July 2025, this program aims to provide financial assistance to working-age Canadians with disabilities. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you could receive up to $2,400 annually, without affecting provincial disability benefits like BC’s PWD. Here’s an Continue reading