A former burglar and the police reveal how to keep your house secure over the festive season. Lisa Salmon finds out more.
If you’re looking forward to Christmas, bear in mind that thieves are gleefully anticipating it too – last year, there was a substantial increase in insurance claims for burglaries in winter, particularly over the Christmas period.
From history to thrillers, celebrity tales and prize-winning novels, Hannah Stephenson leafs through some of the books you’ll want under the tree.
Whether you’re after history or humour, murder or memoir, there’s a book out there to give a loved one this Christmas – or just to keep for yourself to escape the festivities for a few hours.
When is the best time to investigate a house move or new mortgage deal? Statistics show that many people choose the Christmas holidays to get the ball rolling. Here, Michael Usher – owner of Michael Usher Mortgage Services – considers the seasonal trend...
As Christmas fast approaches, most people are frantically shopping for gifts rather than thinking about house moves, mortgages or...
Buying Christmas presents is something you either love or hate, but even the ultimate festive fan can struggle when it comes to those who are just plain difficult to buy for.
We all have them in our lives – the relative who seems to own everything already, the elderly aunt we buy the same thing for year after year, and the ones who are so picky that it's impossible to find anything...
Hoping to find yourself some Christmas treats? Slip away from the hustle and bustle of a town centre to one of these Christmas markets in special places cared for by the National Trust and shop safe in the knowledge that every penny you spend is helping to care for them. Plus there’s a chance for wintry walks and a festive treats in the cafés.
If ever there was a time to shine, it's Christmas – from the twinkly star on the top of the tree and the snowglobe on the side, to the celebratory bubbly waiting to kick-start the festivities and the crowd-pleasing feast.
But what if it's all down to you to put the fizz into the merrymaking, provide the crackers and keep your uncles from fighting? Hosting can be a tough gig,...
It may be way too early for many people to want to think about Christmas (unless you're one of those hyper-organised festive types who starts preparing almost a year in advance!).
But right now could be a golden opportunity to do some planning, which will help you stick to a budget when the festivities come around. Leaving preparations until the last minute can mean paying top dollar...
If you want to sell your home before Christmas, there's still time – just about, if you act fast. New analysis suggests those wanting to secure a buyer before Christmas need to get their property on the market by Monday, October 21.
This comes from estateagent4me – a free estate agent performance comparison tool available on the HomeOwners Alliance property advice website, hoa.org.uk...
The pre-Christmas sales are now in full swing and retailers are bombarding us with their so-called 'too good to miss' offers.
But now can also be a particularly dangerous time for people being tipped into debts by festive spending – which they could spend much of 2019 trying to pay off when bills thud onto doormats.
Previous research from the Money Advice Trust charity...
From cosy adverts to Christmas card tweeness, the festive season can feel like couples' central. And, well, it kind of often is. The season is geared up for twos – from the ice skating to the cheesy cards.
And when you're single that can lead you down a slippery slope towards emotional doom. Whether this is your first outing as a Christmas single, or it's been a few years, it's worth...
