Author

Dan Base photo

Dan Base

Financial Content Writer

About the Author

Dan Base worked spent 8 years working for Coventry Building Society before joining money.co.uk as a content writer.

During his time here he put his expertise to good use, covering banking, consumer rights, mortgages and investing.

Dan left money.co.uk in 2019.

How to get health insurance when you are older

You can still get health insurance as you get older, but it can be more expensive and difficult to find. Here is where to find it and how to cut the cost.

Read More
Concerned couple with advisor

How to rescue your finances if you've been refused a bank account

It's hard to imagine life without a current account, but this is the stark reality for thousands of Brits. We look at what alternatives are out there if you can't get a bank account.

Read More
man-looking-puzzled-at-laptop

Is Now A Terrible Time To Buy A House? | money.co.uk

Picking the right time to buy your first home helps you check it's affordable and get a good deal. But is now a good time to buy or are you better off waiting?

Read More
Couple looking into a cardboard packing box

How To Get A Mortgage With No Deposit | money.co.uk

Here is how to get on the property ladder as soon as possible with a 100% LTV mortgage, or how to get a no deposit mortgage. There are several schemes and mortgages that can help, whether you are saving for your first home or have owned one before.

Read More
How much does it cost to buy a home?

How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Home In 2024? | money.co.uk

Your home could be the most expensive purchase you ever make. Here is how much you might spend and how to make sure you can afford a mortgage and all of the other costs.

Read More
Happy couple with advisor

How To Get Your First Mortgage | money.co.uk

Getting on the property ladder is much easier if you know what help is available, where to find a mortgage and how to apply for a mortgage. Here is everything you need to know about how to get a mortgage and buy your first home.

Read More
Couple Hands Holding Housing Model

How do joint mortgages work?

You could get a larger mortgage if you buy a home with someone else. Here is everything you need to know about joint mortgages whether you want to buy with your partner, another person or a group.

Read More
Young couple among packing boxes holding coffee mugs

Should You Rent Or Buy A Home? | money.co.uk

With average house prices and rents both rising, choosing between buying and renting can be a challenge. Renting can offer flexibility but often costs more, while buying your own home is a long-term commitment. Find out which is the best, most affordable option for you.

Read More
couple discussing paperwork with financial advisor

Should You Get An Interest Only Or Repayment Mortgage? | money.co.uk

The two main ways to pay off your mortgage balance are interest only and repayment. Here is how to work out which best suits your finances.

Read More
Should I overpay on my mortgage

Should I Overpay On My Mortgage? | money.co.uk

If you have extra money to spare, you could make overpayments on your mortgage. This can reduce the amount you pay and shorten your mortgage term, but is it right for you?

Read More
woman-on-laptop-with-credit-card

Is debit card protection the same as for credit cards?

Purchases made on your credit card offer you some protection, but the rules for debit cards are different. Here is how the Chargeback scheme provides protection for your debit card.

Read More

I think I've been scammed, what do I do?

Don't panic. If you think you've been a victim of fraud, these simple steps can help you protect yourself and stop fraudsters in their tracks.

Read More
Couple paying bill in a restaurant with card.

How do travel prepaid cards work?

The right prepaid card could be the cheapest way to spend money or withdraw cash in another country. Here is everything you need to know about them and how to choose the right one.

Read More

How to complain about your internet, phone or TV provider

If your mobile phone, internet, landline or digital TV provider doesn't give you the service you expect, you'll want to get things sorted as soon as possible. Here's how to escalate things if they won't help.

Read More
Man on park bench using laptop

How to heal your credit file after an IVA

When your individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) finally ends you're well and truly free and clear and your money is your own again. A happy day indeed!

Read More

Is it safe to buy from ticket resale sites?

If you are not able to buy tickets direct from the venue, you need to be extremely careful you do not get ripped off. Here is what you need to know.

Read More
woman-at-desk-with-laptop-and-paperwork

What is a packaged current account?

You can get rewards with some bank accounts for a monthly fee. The benefits can be cost effective and convenient, but only if it is the cheapest option. Here is how to check.

Read More
Woman and young girl looking at laptop

Do you really need an emergency fund?

Saving for a rainy day means you can cover unexpected costs without getting into debt. Here is how to save and how else you can cover emergency costs.

Read More
Woman making notes at a table with a coffee and laptop

7 questions you must ask before you invest

The thrills and spills of the stock market can be exciting and lucrative, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start with investments. Ask yourself these 7 questions to work out how and where to invest your money.

Read more about questions to ask before investing
Man in wheelchair smiling

Grants and funding for disabled students

Higher education opens up many opportunities, but also brings with it added financial worries; this is especially the case if you have a disability. We explain the help available to relieve the strain of being a student.

Read More
black family surrounded by moving boxes enjoying time together in new home

A Complete Guide To Mortgages In 2024 | money.co.uk

Choosing the right mortgage will help you buy a home and could save you thousands of pounds. Here is everything you need to know to find the right one for you.

Read More
Asian couple signing mortgage documents

Should You Get A Long Or Short Term Mortgage? | money.co.uk

When you get a mortgage you have to decide how long you need to pay it all off. Here is how to work out which is cheapest and how to make sure you can afford the term you choose.

Read More
Smiling hired female company employee unpacking box with personal belongings

Will Changing Jobs Stop You Getting A Mortgage? | money.co.uk

Starting a new job could make getting accepted for a mortgage more difficult - even if you'll earn more. Here's why and what you can do about it.

Read More

How does private health insurance work?

Private health insurance can pay out for a range of treatments for illnesses and injuries. Here is how it works and what types you can get.

Read More

How to choose health insurance

The right health insurance policy can give you fast access to private treatment if you are unwell or suffer an injury. Here is how to find health insurance that covers everything you need.

Read More
Financial adviser with young couple

Will I Ever Be Able To Afford A House? | money.co.uk

You might be ready to buy your first home sooner than you think, but if you need a leg up onto the property ladder there are lots of ways you can find help. Here is how to get started before you buy and how to check you can afford it. 6

Read More
Person ordering online using a laptop and a credit card

What are rewards credit cards?

You can get rewards like shopping vouchers for just spending on some credit cards. Here is how they work and how to choose a card with the rewards you want.

Read More
woman-handing-over-credit-card

What is a charge card?

Charge cards let you manage your personal or business spending differently to credit or debit cards. Here is how they work and everything else you need to know about them.

Read More
A person holding a cashback credit card in their hand and using this for payment

How to use cashback credit cards

If you pay off your credit card every month you could make a profit on your spending with a cashback card. Here is how to pick a card and maximise what you earn.

Read More

How to reclaim your credit card charges

You do not need to accept all credit card charges and could get hundreds of pounds back. Here are the fees you could get back and how to get a refund.

Read More
Family shopping and paying with a card

How to use a prepaid card

Once you have your new prepaid card, you can start using it to buy things and pay bills. Here is how to use and manage your account.

Read More
Your student loan may be a burden you want to clear as soon as possible, even if you might never have to pay it all back. Here's how to decide if it's worth paying off your student loan early.

Should I pay off my student loan early?

Your student loan may be a burden you want to clear as soon as possible, even if you might never have to pay it all back. Here's how to decide if it's worth paying off your student loan early.

Read More

How to check your credit card application will be accepted

Find out which credit cards could accept you with our eligibility checker

Read More
Woman holding a credit card while using a laptop

What are prepaid cards?

You can use a prepaid card to buy things online or in person, and you could get one without a credit check. Here is how they work and how to get one.

Read More
Young man shopping online

Should you get a prepaid card?

Prepaid cards come with several pros and cons, but they could be the best way of spending for you. Here is how to work out if you should get a prepaid card.

Read More
stress woman

How does credit scoring work?

Your credit score affects any application you make for credit from loans to mortgages to credit cards - but how exactly is your score worked out? We take a look at who decides your credit score and what you can do about it.

Read More

How to get free debt help

Getting debt advice could help you pay off what you owe quickly and avoid making your problems worse. Here is how to find the best places to get help with your debts.

Read More
Which royal family’s tiara collection would cost the most to insure?

Which Royal Family’s tiara collection would cost the most to insure?

The insurance experts at money.co.uk studied the policy costs for tiaras worn by royals all over the globe to estimate which royal is paying the most to keep their jewels safe.

Read More
Worried man on laptop

What should I do if I can't pay my mortgage?

If you find yourself in a position where you can't meet your monthly mortgage payments, it is important not to bury your head in the sand. Help is at hand and there are things you can do to get back on track.

Read More
Row of restored elegant Victorian houses

How to get your home valued for free

With a bit of detective work it is possible to get a good idea of your home's worth for free, thanks to information now available online.

Read More
Mature couple looking at laptop

What Type Of Mortgage Is Right For You? | money.co.uk

Here is how to choose a mortgage whether you are buying your first home, moving house or remortgaging to get a better deal on your property.

Read More
Graphic with jewellery around the edge with a title which reads: Kingdom of jewels; how much would gemstones fit for a princess really cost?

Kingdom of jewels: How much would gemstones fit for a princess really cost?

Working in collaboration with Purely Diamonds, the home insurance experts at money.co.uk studied the official and unofficial Disney Princesses to estimate how much their jewellery would cost in the real world.

Read More
Close up of Amazon logo and Smile symbol at one of their corporate offices.

Is Amazon Prime worth it?

Amazon Prime costs £79 a year in the UK and offers one-day delivery, music and instant video streaming and more. But what exactly are the benefits, and are they good value for money?

Read more on Amazon Prime
Couple with real estate agent in new home

Can you sell a house without an estate agent?

Hiring an estate agent can be a costly business, but it is possible to sell your house without one. Here are all the things you need to think about when trying to sell house your without an estate agent.

Read More
Man sitting with feet on the table and watching Netflix on the TV

Coronavirus: How to spend a "socially distanced" rainy day

If the UK has managed to get one thing right this summer, it's the weather. But as Britain's trademark drizzle comes back into view, it's time to adapt our plans for a socially distanced weekend.

Read More
icon representing Money’s news article

Money.co.uk: Financial guidance on retirement

COVID-19 has created turmoil in global financial markets, hitting many people’s pension pots. Money.co.uk comments on this concern and gives guidance for those thinking about retirement

Read More
Image of two people gardening in green overalls, one person spraying house, the other person holding a chair

How to manage your hay fever and plan a low-allergen garden

As parks reopen and people continue to take full advantage of their garden, money.co.uk has put together a guide to creating a low allergen garden and help hay fever suffers to manage allergy flare ups while enjoying the warm weather.

Read More
icon representing Money’s news article

Coronavirus crisis in jobs market: available vacancies are the lowest in six years

The impact of coronavirus on the employment market has dealt a devastating blow to job hunters with vacancies plummeting to the lowest levels since March 2014. Money.co.uk comments on this further.

Read More
A complete guide to buying a home

A Complete Guide To Buying A Home & Buying A Home For The First Time | money.co.uk

The process of buying a house can take months, but knowing what to do and where to get help could make it quicker and easier. Here is what to do when you buy a home.

Buy a home
bride dancing

The wedding music formula for the perfect dance floor filler

A new study from money.co.uk has revealed the number one hit guaranteed to get guests on the dance floor, according to science. Find out more here.

Read More
icon representing Money’s news article

Money saving tips on a reduced salary

Workers across the country have found their pockets hit by the coronavirus crisis. Money.co.uk has provided tips on how you can save money and manage your budget with less cash coming in.

Read More

10 things to do before you travel abroad with an allergy

Travelling overseas with an allergy can be a worry, but you can still enjoy a stress and reaction-free holiday. Here's what you can do to keep yourself safe and healthy abroad.

Read More

Don't pass on your personal data when you dispose of your old computer

You don't know where your old PC might end up after you get rid of it. Here's how to dispose of old laptop computers to ensure your personal data doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

Read More
silhouettes-of-concert-crowd

How to do festivals on the cheap

You can have more fun at festivals if you can afford to do everything you want to. Here's how to plan ahead and cut your costs.

Read More

The ultimate student finance guide for freshers

If you are heading to university this autumn, here is how to make sure you can afford to have fun rather than worrying about the pennies.

Read More

Working from home: how to make your millions in your PJs

Extra comfort, no commute and your boss a safe distance away - working from home sounds great. But do the financial advantages outweigh the drawbacks? We look at if it's right for you.

Read More

How to avoid Europe's biggest travel rip-offs

Whether you go on holiday to top up your tan or broaden your horizons, make sure that money worries do not get in the way of your trip. We spoke to over 2,000 British travellers to find out the biggest rip-offs so you can avoid them and focus on having a great time.

Read More
Depressed man on bench

The financial impact of depression and grief

Depression and grief affect many areas of your life and this includes your finances. We take a look at how to make sure your money situation doesn't add to your worries when you're going through such a difficult time.

Read More

Get more from high street loyalty schemes

Here's what you need to know to make the points you earn from the top 6 high street loyalty schemes go further

Read More

How Section 21 and eviction work

Around 7 in every 10 notices served under Section 21 are rejected in court due to mistakes or improper conduct. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.

Read More
hand-signing-contract

How to protect yourself from the tenants from hell

With over 20% of the UK population renting from private landlords, the chances are you will find a tenant keen to look after your property well. However, buy-to-let purchases represent a significant investment which you would be wise to protect. Here's how.

Read More

FCA payday loan caps: Your FAQs answered

What's the worst payday loan horror story you've ever heard? New FCA rules will limit what they cost, hopefully putting an end to the worst cases. We examine the plans and what they'll mean if you need to borrow.

Read More

Who supplies my water?

"Who supplies my water?" is an important question to ask if you have just moved into a new house. Here is how to find out your water supplier and set up your account.

Read More

Should I use my savings to pay off my debts?

Building up your savings can be rewarding, but you could be damaging your finances if you have outstanding debts. Here's how to work out whether you should use your savings to clear money you owe instead.

Read More

Should you haggle with your mobile phone provider?

If you're looking to upgrade your phone or your contract, haggling with your mobile phone provider can help make sure you get the best deal. We look at how to give yourself the best chance of bagging a bargain.

Read More

How much do festivals cost and what should you take?

Packing everything you need can really cut the cost of a music festival. Here is how much spending money you need and a checklist of what to bring.

Read More

5 graduate careers that will earn you most money after uni

Finding a job after university can be tougher than some of your exams! Here are the postgraduate careers that pay the best wages, which are recruiting the most graduates and what you will need to get those jobs.

Read More

Cure the debt hangover from your student days

When you are a student, money tends to be the last thing on your mind. But as the heady days of student-hood become consigned to the realm of nostalgia, it is time to pick up the tab.

Read More
Young couple lying among packing boxes

How does the Rent to Buy scheme work?

If you want to buy a house but can't afford a deposit, there are several schemes that could help you own your own home, including the Rent to Buy scheme. So how does Rent to Buy work and how can it help you?

Read More

How should you pay your rental deposit?

Rent, deposits and letting agent fees are rising in price. Here's how to pay your deposit and whether you should consider borrowing the money or using a credit card.

Read More
two people looking at property plans

Do you have what it takes to go into property development?

TV shows make property development look ridiculously easy and a sure-fire way to make money, but what does it really involve and is it for you?

Read More

How to sell your house

We share step-by-step advice on what you need to do if you're considering selling your house.

Read More
Young couple using laptop

How To Manage Your Mortgage 2024 | money.co.uk

Keeping track of your mortgage can help you keep up with repayments, save money in fees, get you the best deal and run it smoothly. Here is how to manage your mortgage account.

Read More
Man writing notes on notepad

11 massive mortgage application mistakes you need to avoid | money.co.uk

You've saved a deposit, found the perfect house, and now need a mortgage: what could go wrong? Don't make these 11 mistakes that could ruin your plans.

Read More
Couple doing bills

What to do if your debt management company goes bust

If your debt management company stops trading, you need to make sure you keep up with repaying your debts. Here is what you need to do and where you can get help.

Read More

How to claim on your health insurance

Your health insurance could pay out if you need private medical treatment or an appointment. Here is how to claim and how much it costs.

Read More