New hikes to the cost of student loans highlight major discrepancies between the charges inflicted on some, but not others

One man had been granted a payday loan despite suffering from depression and alcoholism, having no permanent address, being previously declared bankrupt and having only benefit income

Picking the right finance deal is important for keeping the costs in check, says Andrew Hagger

Credit card firms continue to try to direct customers towards interest-free deals, meaning that some of the more versatile cards are often overlooked

Many borrowers are not prepared for rate rises, with some not even aware that the cost of borrowing could rise this year

LendInvest is one of the fastest growing peer-to-peer property specialists and has lent more than £500m

This has been swiftly followed by Halifax upping its 0 per cent balance transfer term to 38 months, and Lloyds Bank pitching in with a 30-month card with just a 1 per cent balance transfer fee

Failing to keep tabs on your current account balance could mean you exceed your agreed overdraft limit and face hefty bank charges in the first few weeks of 2016

Norwich & Peterborough building society's research showed that 60 per cent of people don't realise they will incur additional charges

People in "persistent levels" of debt are loved by the plastic lenders as interest piles up regularly and profits soar

ClearScore.com will allow you to check exactly what information is registered against your name at the credit-reference agencies

ClearScore.com will allow you to check exactly what information is registered against your name at the credit-reference agencies

The rooms at Urbanest in King's Cross have under-floor heating, study space with 50mb broadband, and kitchens with first-class appliances

An interest-free loan far outweighs the value of any of the bank's incentives

Simon Read meets a woman who became trapped in a cycle of debt

More and more of the 'AB' classes are joining the vulnerable in playing the odds, as Neasa MacErlean reports

Exclusive: Report warns there are more than 3m in 'severe problem debt', and 18m are worried about making their income last until their next pay packet

The first of them, Zopa, has now lent nearly £750m

If you're in the red and can't find a way out, it's time to get some help. Neasa MacErlean hears that relationships will suffer unless you are open with your partner, but there are organisations that will put you on the right track and get you talking