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In failing to take adequate security precautions, many homeowners leave themselves open to financial strain, new figures show.

According to a study conducted by LV=, leaving expensive items on display through the windows of their homes could see some 15 million consumers making themselves an easy target for thieves. And with the festive season approaching, the insurance company reported that having costly presents and decorations visible may mean that they are at higher risk of being a victim of crime. Consequently should the worst happen, many could find that their ability to manage their finances as they look to make payments on utility bills and loans - in addition to replacing stolen items - is hampered.

People are increasingly using the internet to help them make financial decisions, new research indicates.

According to a study conducted by Birmingham Midshires, some 94 per cent of Britons are going online to get advice on a wide variety of areas, instead of seeking out a traditional face-to-face appointment. Research from the firm indicated that just under half (43 per cent) of people looking for online advice will research into savings accounts. In comparison, some 23 per cent will seek out guidance on mortgages. The study also showed that 21 and 20 per cent of people will spend at least three hours looking for advice on savings and mortgages respectively.

Anyone with access to your credit card information can process charges against your account. However, you are not defenseless against this type of theft. There are Federal statutes that lay out specific guidelines for both the company that prepares your credit card statement, and for how you go about contesting invalid or incorrect charges. The process is not automatic. You have to (1) identify invalid or incorrect charges and then (2) contest the bogus charges in writing within a specific timeframe.

More work needs to be done to help consumers get to grips with making loan repayments and other aspects of their money management, an industry expert has declared.

Speaking at Helping People Make the Most of their Money - the inaugural money conference held by Citizens Advice - Teresa Perchard, director of public policy for the advisory service, stated that both businesses and regulatory bodies should help those borrowers who are struggling with their finances. Ms Perchard reported that financial services providers need to be more responsible when issuing personal loans and other types of credit, so making sure that consumers will successfully be able to meet demands for repayments.