Men in 20s earn £12,500 less than generation before; and how to beat broadband price rise

The wage gap between millennials and Generation X is partly down to men taking on low-paid jobs, according to the Resolution Foundation. Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo

Hello and welcome to this week’s Money Talks – a roundup of the week’s biggest stories and some things you may have missed.

Money news

Universities minister announces sale of student loan book

UK supreme court backs woman’s right to receive late partner’s pension

Ruling marks significant extension of unmarried cohabitees’ rights and could affect millions of families. Photograph: John Aston/PA

Men earn £12,500 less in 20s than generation before, research shows

Sharp rise in county court judgments against consumers

Introduction of 30 hours free childcare could mean shortage of places

Lack of transparency over green energy subsidies ‘shambolic’, say MPs

Feature

Are you a serious buyer? Estate agents can now ask you to pay up to prove it

Geoffrey Taylor and his partner, Gemma Swistak, were asked for a £900 fee after they put in an offer on a property. Photograph: Alicia Canter for the Guardian

In pictures

Homes near airports

A three-bedroom house for sale in Derbyshire near East Midlands airport.

In the spotlight

The big telecoms companies hike prices twice a year, knowing we can’t live without the internet. What to do? Switch to a small provider, and haggle, says Miles Brignall

Fair pay? Sky and BT have spent a fortune on acquiring Premier League TV rights – leaving viewers to pick up a hefty bill. Photograph: Andy Hall for the Observer

Consumer champions

Shattered when the roof of my Hyundai fell in on me

Glass rained down on me while I was driving but I can’t claim under my warranty. Photograph: Simon Stuart-Miller

Nationwide blocked my cards when I tried to buy European train tickets

Left out in the cold over housebuilder’s reservation fee

Funds still missing after our house move from hell

Skoda ‘writes off’ my six-year-old £20,000 car when it suffers a common fault

Money deals

Our 10% discount on Guardian travel insurance, provided by Voyager, has been extended until 28 February. Use promo code WIN10 to claim your discount.

You could save on international money transfers with free online transfers and competitive exchange rates from Guardian International Money Transfers, provided by Moneycorp.