Experian Reports Rich Getting Poorer
Released on: August 16, 2011, 5:20 pm
Author:
Experian
Industry: Financial
Experian has reported a massive 100% increase in the level of
borrowing amongst high income families in their 30s and 40s over the
past three years, with many citing the rising cost of living as the
main cause.
Over a third (33%) of high income families are now reliant on overdrafts of over£1,000 to keep the family finances ticking over between pay-days, compared to just
15% in 2008. This is according to the results of a three-year survey commissioned by
Experian, the global information services company and the largest credit reference
agency in the UK.
The report reveals a high proportion of these families (52%) are regularly borrowing
money against their overdrafts resulting in expensive repayments because of the high
rates of interest charged on overdrafts compared to other credit products.
47% of UK adults have applied for additional credit in the past two years, with some
borrowing from sources which charge relatively high interest rates, potentially
adding to their financial pressures and risking missed repayments and a chequered
credit history.
Despite this, nearly two-thirds of high income families are actually optimistic
about their financial future, with 61% believing their financial situation will
improve in the next 12 months, despite dipping in to their savings and relying on
their overdrafts to make ends meet.
When many are borrowing to make ends meet, Experian highlights that many people are
missing out on the best rates because they're unaware of the benefits of managing
their credit report with a
service such as Credit Expert.
Brits are getting better at accessing and managing their personal information that
lenders see which is inevitably resulting in them securing better borrowing rates.
Making the right decisions where borrowing is concerned is vital, and getting a good
credit rating is one of the ways
you can give yourself the best chance of finding the deals you want.
Peter Turner, Managing Director at Experian Interactive said: "UK families often
rely on their overdraft to get by, but that is not always the best option. Many of
us choose to borrow, but it’s where you borrow from that makes all the difference.
The current financial climate is tougher than ever and seeing your credit report
could help families manage their credit better, as well as helping them plan for
their financial futures."
Credit Expert from Experian shows customers what a lender sees in their name. Every
time someone applies for credit or a loan, that request is recorded. Multiple
requests on borrower's credit history can look as if you are over-extending
yourself or a fraud is being committed. For those looking for a good credit deal or
mortgage, Credit Expert allows them to check their
report instantly online to ensure that it accurately reflects their position, and
then as often as they want after that. Credit Expert members can also match their
credit report to credit offers they are more likely to be accepted for using
Experian's Lower My Bills service.
- Ends -
About Experian
Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and
analytical tools to clients in more than 80 countries. The company helps businesses
to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision
making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit
score, and protect against identity theft.
Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of
the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2011 was US$4.2
billion. Experian employs approximately 15,000 people in 41 countries and has its
corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in
Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.
For more information, visit www.experianplc.com.
PR Contact:
Lucy Davies
Experian Interactive
Cardinal Place
6th Floor
80 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 5JL
07759 635919
www.experianplc.com
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