Personal Debt

Banks have money for debt relief

Finance minister Michael Noonan says the banks have funds to tackle mortgage defaults and proposals to tackle growing arrears will be ready by the end of September.

1 in 9 homeowners in mortgage difficulty

One in nine homeowners are in mortgage arrears or have gone to their bank to restructure their loans, new figures released by the Central Bank show.

Gold, silver and food - safe havens for savings?

Gold and the Swiss franc are hot targets for investors at the moment. Some warn gold is another bubble about to pop and the Swiss are worried about their currency. So where else are people investing savings?

At least 100 repossessions may be invalid

At least 100 orders for possession of homes sought by lenders since December 2009, could be struck out following a judgment by the High Court

Is it safe to save in euro?

Is it safe to keep your savings in euro? That’s a question many in Ireland are asking amid continued turbulence in Europe in relation to the prospect of a Greek default.

<p>MBNA fined for over-charging on interest</p>

Credit card firm MBNA has been fined €750,000 by the Central Bank for over-charging almost 400,000 customers interest charges amounting to €17m

<p>What happens if my credit union closes?</p>

People with savings accounts in credit unions will not lose their money even if the branch closes or merges with another in a neighbouring suburb or town.

<p>Demand for legal aid for debt problems up four-

The number of people looking for free legal assistance to sort out debt issues had increased four-fold in the last three years.

<p>Banks &#39;drive people to suicide&#39;</p>

The Master of the High Court has strongly criticised banks and other credit institutions for the relentless pursuit of those unable to pay their debts.

More than 115,000 in gas arrears

Bord Gáis is to help customers struggling to pay their bills as it reveals more than 115,000 customers are in arrears of two months - three times more than a year ago

<p>The debt secret: why we don&#39;t ask family to help</

One in two people struggling with personal debt are too embarrassed to ask family or friends to help out, a survey has found.

<p>Payment protection insurance - is it worth it?</p>

Payment protection insurance should guard your personal finances in the event of unemployment or reduced earnings. But is it worth it? The Daily Show investigates

<p>We handed back keys and still owe &euro;100,000</p>

Mick and Kate Kelly thought fleeing to England was the answer to their problems. Read this harrowing tale and find out why handing back the keys will not rid you of debt

<p>One in five only have &euro;70 left over after bills</

One in five people have just €70 disposable income each month after monthly bills are paid, a survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions has found.

<p>Is it worth me keeping my savings on deposit?</p>

Is it worth keeping my money on deposit in Ireland and where are the best savings deals? Business reporter Conor Brophy talks Drivetime listeners through the options

<p>One in four &#39;dipping into savings&#39;</p>

One in four are dipping into savings to cover every day bills, according to a new survey. And men are saving more than women.

<p>Mortgage arrears on the rise</p>

Almost 45,000 householders are now in arrears on their mortgages and the number of homes being repossessed is rising, according to official figures.

<p>Moneylenders &#39;complying&#39; with law</p>

An inspection carried out by the Central Bank has found that licensed moneylenders are generally complying with guidelines for the sector.

Clearing debts: What to do and what not to do

The new year is a good time to tackle your debt and come up with a strategy to blitz those bills. We talk to the experts.

<p>Don&#39;t jail people for debt, says law commission</p

Small businesses or individuals who struggle to pay off “modest” debts should not be brought to court or put in jail, under new rules proposed by the Law Reform Commission.

<p>Moneylenders: the law</p>

Moneylenders prey on those that have least money. If you are unfortunate enough to need their loans to get through tough times, make sure you know your rights

<p>Group advises against debt forgiveness</p>

The final report from the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt recommends against a formal debt-forgiveness scheme.

<p>Debt forgiveness - not the Irish way?</p>

In the US debt forgiveness for no-hope cases is policy. Will it ever become law in Ireland?

<p>Rule 5: Don&#39;t borrow more</p>

<p>Rule 1: Don&#39;t ignore your debt</p>