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More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July Debts called in by parents Teenagers `scared of debt` Rising household costs could pressure people in debt Pensions debt may impact workers` retirement funds Welsh young adults `at highest risk of debt problems` Over 50s can`t afford to enjoy retirement because of debts Budget: tackling the nation`s debt Short-term debt: `no need for price control` The cost of clearing debt Education debt Tackling the national debt Number of mortgage deals on offer exceeds 3,000 Almost 5 million take on debt to pay household bills OECD: household debt more than 120% of disposable income Petrol price falls help people in debt Amount of mortgage debt taken on at lowest level in ten years Northern Ireland sees significant IVA rise Overdraft debt `becoming more expensive`

Card debt: February`s figures

01/04/2010

This February, we spent a fair bit more on our cards (credit and debit) than we did in the same month last year.

That`s according to the Barclaycard Retail Card Spending Index, which revealed that payments made with a credit or debit card were 7.1% higher this February than last.

January had also seen a year-on-year increase - of 3.6%.

"The numbers show that things are looking up for retailers this year," said Stuart Neal, Head of UK Payment Acceptance. "The small drop from last month is typical of what we see at this time of year and is caused by the residual effects of the January sales and households returning to a more regular spending pattern."

A spokesperson for Debt Advisers Direct commented on the figures: "Obviously, retailers will be relieved to see any indication that shoppers are feeling more confident - and consumer spending is an important part of the economy, so in a way this is good news for everyone.

"On the other hand, as recent research from uSwitch has highlighted, many people are spending money they can`t really afford, putting their own financial stability at risk.

"And it`s important to distinguish between credit card and debit card spending. Remember that a balance on a credit card is a debt, and no-one should take on a debt of any kind unless they`re confident about paying it off."

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Debt Advisers Direct offer free debt advice and a range of debt solutions, including debt management plans, debt consolidation loans and IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements).

More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant 16/12/2010 - According to R3`s quarterly personal debt tracker, more than 4 Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July 26/08/2010 - Consumers took on £2bn more mortgage debt than they repaid Debts called in by parents 26/08/2010 - According to research, `the bank of Mum and Dad` is Teenagers `scared of debt` 19/08/2010 - Nearly two thirds of teenagers are `scared` of debt, according