Good news and bad news for the money in your pocket – and the best of this week’s Money blog
The biggest news of the week in Money broke late this afternoon – the Supreme Court’s car finance ruling which could affect millions of car owners.
We covered it live here in the blog, but if you want a succinct catch-up, read this post here.
Economic abuse
Elsewhere, our most essential post was this powerful long read by Money feature writer Brad Young on economic abuse ahead of the publication of a new government strategy.
Survivor Amy – not her real name – tells him how her husband told her she’d die in a car crash and made her eat cheaper food than him…
Good and bad news for your money
Regarding your personal finances, there was good and bad news.
The good news… The cost of completing some popular home renovations appears to be falling as materials become cheaper.
The Checkatrade Home Improvement Index shows prices for bathroom fittings have dropped significantly – falling in consecutive quarters to £5,525, down from £6,062 in the final quarter of 2024.
Kitchen costs have seen similar falls, while painting and decorating, window and door fitting, and plastering have also become cheaper this year, the analysis indicates.
The bad news… BT, Plusnet and EE are increasing their broadband mid-contract price rises from £3 to £4 a month.
Some mobile customers also face mid-contract increases of £2.50 a month, up from £1.
Read our breakdown of the price changes that come into force on 31 March 2026 here.
Interest rate cut next week?
The prospects for a Bank of England interest rate cut next Thursday are looking good.
Most economists and the vast majority of financial markets are betting on a quarter-point cut to 4%. LSEG data shows there’s an 81% chance of a rate drop.
The rate’s downward trajectory – albeit “cautious” and “gradual” – has continued despite inflation remaining way above the 2% target at 3.6%.
Over-50s savings account
Insurance firm Saga recently announced it was preparing to launch a range of over-50s savings products with NatWest. Savings expert Anna Bowes gave her review in the Money blog here…
Here are some of the other posts readers enjoyed this week…