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Would you want to share your car with a stranger?

Almost half (47 per cent) of the population are considering it, according to new figures from the AA.

Reduced petrol costs were identified as the most popular reason to share a motor, with 60 per cent of people giving it as their primary motivation for doing so.

The most common reasons for people sharing vehicles include going to and from work (34 per cent) and social occasions, such going to the pub (54 per cent).

Those keen to keep themselves to themselves when it comes to car journeys could try taking out a loan to cover the cost of petrol.

Do you plan on retiring into a life of enjoyment and relaxation? Thought so.

However, according to research by Scottish Widows, this could be increasingly difficult.

The company states that among current retirees, 17 per cent of those who received a tax-free lump sum when they gave up work used it to pay off a mortgage, rather than using it for a trip to the French Riviera or a round-the-world cruise.

People eager to make the most of their golden years and visit some far-flung locations may be advised to take out secured loans to fund their globetrotting activities.

Are you feeling a bit car sick? Even when your motor’s not moving?

It could be because vehicles are a breeding ground for bacteria, according to research from insurance.co.uk and Aston University.

According to the company, the inside of a typical car has 283 different types of bacteria in every square centimetre.

In some cases, E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter were found.

Perhaps a loan to help pay for a professional valet service would help?

If you’re a bit tight for cash, it might be better to take out a secured loan instead of asking for a hand-out from your parents.

That’s because new research from Liverpool Victoria has found that UK parents spend a whopping £233 billion supporting their grown-up children. And that’s a lot of money.

The survey also revealed 2.3 million grandparents are contributing money to two generations - their kids and their grandchildren. With the current economic climate being as it is, nobody needs to be doing that.

So give the old folks a break and have a look into taking out a loan instead.

Adult children might want to consider taking out secured loans rather than asking for hand-outs from their parents.

Research from LV= has found parents in the UK spend £233 billion financially supporting their grown-up children.

The survey also revealed 2.3 million grandparents are contributing money to two generations – their children and their grandchildren.

And in the current economic climate this means belts are being pulled tighter and tighter.

Nigel Snell from LV= said: "Parents are the hardest hit."

Grown-up kids who have their own house may be surprised at the competitive rates that are available on secured loans if they are willing to shop around.

People keen to propel themselves into the limelight could pay for singing or acting lessons with secured loans.

It would seem that the majority of people at the start of their careers no longer want to be vets or nurses.

Some 14 per cent of 16 to 21-year-olds want to be famous, according to research from Alliance & Leicester.

However, getting your foot on the first rung of the celebrity ladder can be expensive.

Homeowners who refuse to give up on their dreams to become rich and famous, or parents who want to give their kids a helping hand, may find secured loans can help pay for valuable training.

If you want to be the next Nicole Kidman or Brad Pitt, it seems that a secured loan could help pay for singing or acting lessons.

No longer do youngsters want to be vets, nurses or train drivers but, instead, some 14 per cent of 16 to 21-year-olds want to be famous, according to research from Alliance & Leicester.

However, getting your foot on the first rung of the celebrity ladder can be expensive.

Homeowners who refuse to give up on their dreams to become rich and famous, or parents who want to give their kids a helping hand, may just find secured loans can help pay for valuable training.