MONEY MORSELS

Claim D-day

TALKTALK customers have until tomorrow to claim a free upgrade following last year’s security breach.

The telecoms firm is not allowing people to cancel contracts but is offering a contract upgrade and 12 months’ free access to a credit report monitoring service.

Flood aid

SKIPTON Building Society is inviting people who want to help flood victims to donate at any of its branches. They can hand over cash or items such as blankets, brushes and mops, plus dried or tinned food.

Grand plans

BRITONS stand to waste up to £ 1,000 each on f ailed New Year’s resolutions.

Of those who attempt to improve their fitness and eating habits by splurging hundreds on juicers, gyms and slimming clubs, just 10 pc manage to stick to their promises by year end, according to figures from currency firm FairFX.

First-timer boom

ABOUT 31,300 first-time homebuyers c ompleted property purchases in November, 24 pc more than in 2014. The increase coincides with a 5 pc fall in the average purchase price. A typical first-time buyer’s deposit is now £24,598.

Loan star

FIRST Direct customers can get a loan of between £7,000 and £25,000, spread over one to seven years at a rate of 3.4pc, after the bank slashed its rates. Monthly repayments on a £25,000 loan spread over five years are £453. However, you must be an existing customer to apply.

Cashback offer

LLOYDS bank is offering £500 cashback on its first-time buyer and home-mover mortgage ranges. The deal, which is also available for remortgage services, will run until February 28.

Small change

HOMEBUYERS with small deposits have far more choice of mortgage, as the number of 95 pc loan-to-value deals has increased fivefold.

In October 2013, there were 56 deals available to those with a 5 pc deposit, says Moneyfacts — today there are 249.