Money matters

According to a MoneySupermarket web poll, more than one in six people will be looking to consolidate their debts or take out new loans or credit cards this month. Here are the comparison site's top ten tips to improve your credit-worthiness.

People's Lawyer, Dean Dunham, explains your rights when things go wrong at an ATM.

Friday 7 December is free delivery Friday with over 50 UK retailers signed up so far. Guaranteed delivery before Christmas.

According to a recent survey, the average UK adult will spend around £526 on celebrating Christmas  – with lots of our hard-earned cash splashed out on gifts for family and friends. But what are our your legal rights if you need to return goods? asks People's Lawyer, Dean Dunham.

Earlier this year the current government announced that it was going to tackle the problem of overly complicated tariffs and that this would result in lower energy bills for everyone. Their proposals have now been published but will they work, asks People's Lawyer, Dean Dunham.

As with energy supplies there is always a better mortgage deal on the market which can save you money long-term as well as lowering your monthly costs. However, if you have had the same mortgage for some time you may be surprised how difficult it has become to re-mortgage, writes Dean Dunham, the People's Lawyer.

The People's Lawyer, Dean Dunham, explains the key facts about energy prices rises and what consumers can do. A topical subject this week due to the government's announcement about the Energy Bill, which we are told is designed to lower the cost of energy for consumers. 

More and more people are struggling financially as the UK economy continues to be in meltdown. With this being the case an increasing amount of people seem to be considering whether they should simply go bankrupt. Dean Dunham, the People’s Lawyer, considers the options.

New research from MoneySavingExpert.com proves haggling can be effective in UK high streets. Discounts come to those who ask, says Martin Lewis.

With unwanted phone calls and text messages on the increase, the People's Lawyer, Dean Dunham, explains what action you can take.

Have the banks and building societies now mis-sold another financial product in the form or "packaged back accounts"? asks the People's Lawyer, Dean Dunham

Doorstep selling is when a salesperson sells you goods or services in your home or on your doorstep. If you spend more than £35 with a trader on your doorstep you gain certain legal rights which are important for you to know. These rights apply even if you invite someone into your home, writes People's Lawyer, Dean Dunham

You have no doubt heard all of the bad press about Barclays and indeed some of the other high street banks surrounding the fixing of"‘libor" rates. We have also now seen top executives from Barclays, including the Chairman and Chief Executive, resign – a sure sign that that the bank has simply done wrong, but how does this affect you? Dean Dunham, the People's Lawyer, explains.

If you have been affected by the RBS/Natwest/Ulster Bank, Dean Dunham, the People's Lawyer,  explains the banks' liability and what you should do.

Dean Dunham, the People's Lawyer, advises what to do when a mobile phone breaks after the guarantee has run out.

One of the most common questions that consumers ask is "what are my rights when returning goods?"  This is also one of the most common complaints against retailers.  So what are your rights? Dean Dunham gives the answers.

Dean Dunham is the senior partner at Debello Law, a law firm based in London which advises on commercial matters, and offers legal advice in media and entertainment, consumer law, family law, employment law, property law and litigation. Dean wrties a regular fortnightly article for Parenting Without Tears.

Parenting Without Tears is delighted to announce that Dean Dunham, the People's Lawyer, will be writing regular articles about your consumer rights. In this first article he explains the cooling off period to return goods or cancel services.