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3.4% increase in funeral costs sees more people pushed into funeral debt
During 2019, the cost of dying increased by 3.4%, pushing more people than ever before into funeral debt. Last year saw funeral costs and funeral debt both rise to record highs, a trend that looks set to worsen in 2020. The ‘Cost of Dying’ report by SunLife found that during 2019 funeral costs continued to…
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‘Buy now, pay later’ credit options pushing consumers into high-cost debt
Buy now, pay later loans have been around for many years, but recent deals have been accused of pushing young consumers into unaffordable debt. Buy now, pay later credit allows consumers to acquire items without paying for them upfront, instead they spread the cost over a set period of time. Sometimes referred to as shop…
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How and why your business should consider tightening up its credit terms
Tightening up your business’ credit terms could help to save you time and money on chasing up late and non-paying customers. Businesses across the UK are facing serious financial consequences due to the late payment culture that is leaving them waiting months for the money owed to them. If you’re struggling to get your invoices…
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How to improve your business’ cashflow at Christmas
Use the tips and advice in this blog to help your business to maintain a healthy cashflow this Christmas. Most businesses will experience some level of seasonality over the Christmas period. For many retail and catering businesses it is their busiest time of year, but for businesses in other industries, sales can come to a…
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How is economic uncertainty in the UK affecting debt?
According to a recent study, bad debt write-offs have gone up from 1.5% to 2.5% year-on-year due, in part, to economic uncertainty. The Western Europe Payment Practices Barometer research report, carried out by trade credit insurer Atradius, examined how today’s economic uncertainty is affecting payment practices in the UK. Key findings from the study included:…
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What is the difference between bad debt and doubtful debt?
Knowing the difference between bad debt and doubtful debt can help to prevent financial loss to your business. Today’s uncertain economic climate is having a negative effect on UK business payment practices, with a recent study finding that 35% of invoices remain overdue on their due date. Late or non-payment of an invoice is an…
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What tax relief can be claimed on bad debts?
Write-off bad debt and claim bad debt relief to avoid paying tax on income that you have not received. Most businesses will eventually encounter a non-paying customer, especially during today’s difficult economic climate. Bad debts can be very damaging to businesses of all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to minimise your losses by claiming…