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
UK house prices rose by almost 8% in 2014
Big six energy firms slammed for not passing on price cuts
Retail ombudsman receives 300 complaints in first weekend
Charter Savings Bank to join challenger banks with spring launch
Barclays launches lowest ever 10-year fixed-rate mortgage
New consumer debt reaches seven-year high in UK
First-time home buyers at seven-year high
Feature
What are loyalty-card schemes really worth?
Work advice
Career cares? Work woes? Out of love with the office? Our expert is on hand to help. Put your questions to Jeremy, and help other readers with their worries.
Consumer champions
John Lewis fails to deliver on its customer service
No one will say why I failed the referencing for a rental flat
Boots suggested I shop my neighbour when delivery didn’t arrive
In pictures
In the spotlight
2015 will bring major changes to the way savers can manage their pensions. Patrick Collinson has a 10-point guide to making the most of the reforms – no matter how far from retirement you are – and lays to rest some myths.
Money deals
• Save 20% on Guardian Travel Insurance before 31 January 2015. The saving is valid on annual and single trip policies – quote JAN20 to claim your discount.
• Visit the Guardian offices in central London for a free mortgage event from the Guardian Mortgage Service at 6.30pm on 29 January 2015. We’ll be covering the new mortgage rules, buy-to-let and more. Register now to secure your free place.
