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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`

UK pours 4.25m in `free money` down the drain

04/04/2008

With personal finances coming under pressure from tighter lending conditions, it may have been likely that many Britons would be looking to maximise their income.

However, while debt problems are on the increase, some are neglecting to take advantage of credit card points, vouchers and other offers.

Research by MoneyExpert.com reveals that 57 per cent of the nation`s adult population has unredeemed credit card points, while 51 per cent have not cashed in on gift vouchers.

In London and the south-east, 63 per cent of people have untouched credit card points worth £50 - which could have been useful in helping to get out of debt.

"Our research shows that while these schemes are a clear incentive to buyers, we as customers do not fulfil our end of the bargain and spend our hard-earned rewards," said MoneyExpert.com`s Sean Gardner.

According to Sainsbury`s Bank, 716,000 British consumers switch £1.1 billion each month in order to avoid credit card debt.

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