>
Authors>
Dom James

Author

Dom James

Financial Content Writer

About the Author

Dom James worked for Nationwide Building Society as a personal banking manager before becoming a journalist on financial matters. Since then he's covered financial matters for Money.co.uk, Zoopla, the AA and more as a writer and editor. Dom left Money.co.uk in 2017.

How to apply for a mortgage in principle

To be sure that you can borrow the amount of money you're likely to need to buy a property, you can apply for a mortgage in principle. We look at what you need to be prepared for to get your agreement in principle right first time.

What is an ISA? How do ISAs work? | Savings Accounts

An ISA lets you earn interest without paying any income tax, but you are limited to how much you can put in. Here is everything you need to know to get started.

What is a Junior ISA?

You can save on behalf of your child with a tax free Junior ISA and build up a pot of money ready for their 18th birthday. Here is what you need to know before you apply.

Beach lounge, 4 sun loungers at the edge of a pool and beach

What is an offshore savings account?

An offshore savings account lets you save your money overseas, but they are not the tax haven you might think. Here is how they work.

What is a savings account? How do savings accounts work?

A savings account will help you grow your money, whether you need access to your cash or not. Here is how they work and what options you have.

What your credit record really tells lenders

Your credit record gives a lender the information they use to help them decide if you can get credit with them or not. Using your previous borrowing history and current debts as evidence it will help them work out how reliable a borrower you are and whether you can afford to repay the money you want to borrow.

Couple with shopping bags walk on the street

What is the best way to spend abroad?

Spending money overseas can end up costing you a fortune in fees and charges, so find out what options you have and which is the cheapest for your trip.

Travel money: dealing with leftover currency

Being stuck with foreign cash after a trip overseas can leave you feeling short-changed. Here is how to get the most out of your unspent currency.

Should you use an international transfer?

You could save money by using an international money transfer, but it is not always about finding the lowest transfer fee. Here is what to consider when sending cash overseas.

What is an international money transfer?

Transferring your money from the UK to another country can be done in many ways, not just through your bank. Here is how international money transfers work.

Find out what international money transfers are

What is a credit record?

It is a record of your financial history, including details of when you have borrowed money and the repayments you have made. Here is what else it shows.

Older lady at kitchen table drinking tea

How to choose an annuity

If you want your pension fund to pay you a regular income when you retire then an annuity could be for you. Here is how each type of annuity works and what options you have.

Find out more on how to choose an annuity

How to set up your workplace pension

If you do not have a workplace pension in place for your employees by your staging date you could face a hefty fine. Here is how to set up a pension suitable for your entire workforce.

Close up of male employee looking at colleague

Which of your employees qualify for a workplace pension?

Before your staging date you need to work out which of your workers qualify for enrolment in a workplace pension. Here is how to approach each type of worker in your business.

Man looking at the stock market on multiple screens

Should you invest in a unit trust?

Unit trusts let you invest your money alongside other investors and offer the chance of making big profits, but are they worth the risk? Here is how they can work for you as easily as they could work against you.

Investing in property abroad: pros & cons

Have you had enough of staring at poor weather and the low savings rates available in the UK, buying a property abroad could not only improve your view but your wallet too! We look at the pros and cons of investing in property overseas.

The pros & cons of investing in property abroad

What's the difference between income and accumulation funds?

This is how income and accumulation funds work.

What is a fixed bond?

You can usually find a better interest rate if you lock your money away in a fixed bond. Here is what you need to know before you apply.

How to manage your savings

Whether you have a savings account or an ISA, you need to manage them correctly or you could lose out on interest. Here is how each account works and how they can help your money grow.

How does savings interest and tax work?

Here is how interest works on your savings and how tax can affect what you get as a return.

Why hoarding cash at home is bad for your financial health

Just as some of us prefer a hand-written letter to an email, there are people who would rather hide their cash in their mattress than put it in a savings account. We show you how hoarding your cash could mean you are losing out.

Older woman, sitting on the floor using a tablet

Should you get a Lifetime ISA?

The Lifetime ISA lets you earn a 25% bonus on savings up to ¬£4,000 a year. Here is how they work.

How to withdraw your pension

Here is how to find out what age you can withdraw from each type of pension and what you need to do to claim them.

Which savings account should you choose?

Choosing a savings account is not as simple as picking the one with the highest interest rate. Here is how you can get the best account to match your savings needs.

A grandad and grandson playing on the floor

How to invest in a SIPP

Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP) let you plan for your retirement without the need for a workplace pension. Here is how they work and what you should look out for.

How to manage your pension fund

After you begin paying into your pension fund there are still things you can do to help it grow. Here is how to manage your pension and what you should do with it when you retire.

How can you actually invest your ISA?

While cash ISAs continue to offer poor interest rates, you could consider using your allowance in a stocks and shares ISA instead. Here's how to get started.

Can you still get a decent return on your savings?

It is tougher than ever to make money from your savings, but you could get a better return if you expand your search for interest. Here are your options.

How council tax works

If you live in the UK, you normally have to pay council tax, but the cost differs depending on where you live. Here is everything you need to know about council tax.

Business savings accounts explained | Savings Accounts

You could be making interest on your business's spare cash by moving it into a business savings account. Here is how they work and how to open one.

5 steps to finding an IFA you can trust

Finding the right independent financial adviser can help you get control of your cash and save money. Here's how to find an IFA you can trust.

7 hard questions you need to ask before going self-employed

Starting a business can be an exciting and stressful adventure, so planning ahead is essential to achieving your business dreams. Here are seven questions you should ask yourself before you begin.

How is your pension taxed?

When you retire you could end up paying tax on any money you withdraw from your pension. Here is how tax will affect your pension.

Find out more on how your pension is taxed

Are ISAs still worth it?

Whether you have a cash ISA or are thinking of getting one, you should consider if it's still a good place for your money. Here is how to work out if ISAs are still worth saving into.

workspace with exposed brick walls, steel beams and arch ceilings

How to manage auto enrolment after your staging date

Once your workplace pension scheme is up and running the work does not stop there. Here is how to manage your pension after your staging date has passed.

Older man, sitting on sofa working on laptop

What is an annuity?

When you retire and get your hands on your pension, it is difficult to know how to use your money. Here is how an annuity can turn your pension funds into a guaranteed income for life.

Zero hour contracts: The pros and cons

If you have a zero hour contract or are about to start one, you should weigh up the pros and cons and work out if it's worth it. Here's what you need to know.

Which life insurance policy is right for you?

Choosing the right policy depends on how long you need cover for, the payout amount and how you want it paid. Here is how to get the best life insurance policy for your needs.

What is term life insurance?

If you want to pay off a large debt when you die, a term life insurance policy could be for you. Here is what term life insurance is and how it works.

5 things you need to know before you buy critical illness cover

Critical illness cover can give you the peace of mind that you will receive a payout if you unexpectedly fall ill. Here is how to find the right critical illness policy for your needs.

What is over 50s life insurance?

You may find it harder to get life insurance as you get older, but there are still policies available that could give you peace of mind. Here are your options if you are over 50.

What is a whole of life insurance policy?

If you take out a whole of life insurance policy, you are almost guaranteed to get a payout when you die. Here is how it works and what types you can choose from.

How to cut the cost of your life insurance

You could save money on your life insurance by making sure you have the right policy and level of cover. Here is how to get the right cover for the best price.

How to claim on a life insurance policy

Losing someone is heart breaking, but a life insurance policy lessen any financial burdon the loss places on dependent family members. Here is how to deal with their life insurance claim.

The most important insurance you probably don't have

You may be used to sorting out cover for your car, home, pet, gadgets and more, but have you forgotten to sort out the most important insurance?

Couple clinking champagne glasses sitting by fireplace

What insurance do you need when buying a house?

Your mortgage is likely to be the biggest expense you will face in life, but what happens if you can no longer pay it? Many people ask themselves the question: what insurance do you need for a mortgagein the UK? Here are the types of insurance that can help you pay your mortgage.

Why you should compare travel credit cards

If you want to find the cheapest travel credit card to use on holiday this year, it is important to compare as many as possible to find the best one.

What is a balance transfer credit card?

Balance transfer credit cards allow you to move debt from one card to another. The new card may have 0% interest rate, so you can clear your debt quicker.

What is a money transfer credit card?

If you want a new credit card, here is exactly what you need to do to apply for it.

A picture of a man holding a credit card next to a laptop and phone

How to get accepted for a credit card

Here is how to improve your chances of getting accepted for a credit card.

How do credit card limits work?

Here is everything you need to know about credit card limits.

credit card on the beach by shells, coral and a hat

Can you use a credit card abroad?

You can use credit cards abroad, but it's not as simple or as cheap as using them in the UK. Here is what you need to know before using your credit card overseas.

How to improve your credit score

You can take these steps to improve your credit score and increase your chances of getting accepted for credit in the future.

What's the best way to cash-in spare change?

Whether you have recently unearthed a mine of coppers from the back of your sofa or have been saving loose change for years, cashing it in can give your wallet a welcome boost. Find out the best way to switch your pennies for pounds.

Hand of older man taking notes in a book with a tablet to the side

Can you transfer your pension?

You can move your pension but there could be unexpected costs for doing so. Here is how to transfer your pension and what you should think about before you do.

What is life insurance?

If you want to be able to give financial security to your loved ones when you die, a life insurance policy could help. Here is how life insurance works.

How do ISA transfers work?

If you move your ISA to another provider incorrectly you could end up losing your savings' tax free status. Here is how to transfer your ISA and continue building up your tax free savings.

What is a Help to Buy ISA?

The Help to Buy ISA scheme ended on 30th November 2019. You will no longer be able to open a Help to Buy ISA, but If you already have a Help to Buy ISA you will still get the 25% bonus when you withdraw the money to buy your first property.

Shoppers could face cashier carnage from the 5th October

Forgetful shoppers could face a bill of £100 million between now and Christmas if they don't 'bring a bag'.

£50 fine will not stop one in five drivers smoking in their vehicle

61% of drivers admit they smoke with passengers on board, this affects over 300,000 children under four.

money.co.uk comments: Treasury confirms new Innovative Finance ISA

Hannah Maundrell, Editor in Chief at money.co.uk, comments on the 2015 Summer Budget announcement that a new Innovative Finance ISA will be introduced in April 2016.

Measly interest rates lead consumers to fritter away £73 million of savings a month

One in five savers admits to saving less, or not at all, in the last 12 months — largely due to minimal returns.

How many credit applications is too many?

There is no limit to the number of credit applications you can make, but not all of them will get accepted. Here is what you need to know before making multiple applications.

What should I do if my credit application is declined

Here is how to deal with a declined credit application, and what you can do to improve your chances next time.

Most insurers let you add critical illness cover to a life insurance policy. This would pay out if you die or get diagnosed with a serious condition during the policy's term.

Should you get critical illness cover?

Taking out a critical illness policy can be expensive but could be worth it should you get seriously ill. Here is how to decide if you need it and what level of cover to choose.

What is income protection insurance?

If you were unable to work due to an accident, sickness or redundancy, how long would your savings cover your living costs? Here is how income protection could support you.

How to get all your tenancy deposit back

Packing up and moving is stressful and expensive enough without losing your deposit too. Here is what you can do to try and get your deposit back in full.

The ultimate student budget planner

Being a student is fun, enriching and very expensive. On top of hefty tuition fees there are countless other costs you'll need to prepare yourself for, here's a full list of what else you'll have to pay for.

Should you get income protection?

If you couldn't work due to an accident, sickness or redundancy, you may need to support yourself financially for a long period of time. Here is how income protection could help.

What is a family income benefit policy?

If you want to leave your family an income to live off when you die, rather than a lump sum of money, a family income benefit could be for you. Here is how it works.

How to claim on income protection

If you have to stop working due to an accident, illness or redundancy, you should start your income protection claim as soon as possible. Here is what you need to do.

3 holiday essentials for your travel wallet

Now that your holiday is booked, it is time to sort out your finances to make sure your trip abroad is as enjoyable as possible. Here is what to prepare before you jet off.

Student renting: how to protect your deposit

Moving into a privately rented property can be exciting but you need to be careful not to lose out from day one. Here is how to protect your deposit from avoidable deductions.

How to spend less on entertainment

We show you how to spend less on the things you enjoy doing most, as a hobby, with friends or on your own.

Car tax discs: are you about to throw away £1,000?

With just one month until we say goodbye to the car tax disc, could their demise present a golden opportunity? Keeping your old tax discs safe could prove to be an investment for the future!

10 profit draining landlord costs you won't see coming

Being a landlord could make you a tidy profit, but it's easy to get carried away being a mini-entrepreneur and overlook some of the costs. Here are 10 unexpected expenses you need to plan for.

How to prepare your finances for death

It's never easy to think of how your assets will be dealt with after you die, but planning now can help reduce the chance of any complications. Here's where to start.

Make money by renting out your drive

Renting out an unused garage or driveway can be a great way to make some extra cash. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out how you go about it and avoid any potential pot-holes.

Help to Work scheme: 2 minute guide

Could the Help to Work scheme help you out of long-term unemployment, or do you have other options? Here's what you need to know.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme: are you missing out on £140?

You could benefit from the expansion on the Warm Home Discount Scheme this year meaning there'll be no reason to fret about the rising cost of heating. We look at how not to miss out if you're eligible.

Mis-sold CPP card protection & identity insurance?

As the banking sector serves up yet another scandal, we show you how to claim compensation if you were mis-sold credit card protection and identity insurance.

Top 10 iPhone 6 personal finance apps

The Apple iPhone 6 handsets are some of the most popular mobiles in the UK. Here's our top 10 innovative finance apps.

Should I mix my finances with my partner's?

Find out how mixing your finances with your partner's can affect you, and whether this is a risk worth taking

How to take your landlord to court

If you are having problems with your landlord you can take them to court as a last resort. Here is how to build your case so you do not end up wasting your own money and time.

What is Air Passenger Duty and can you claim your money back?

Air Passenger Duty on flights for children up to 15 years old has been scrapped. If you have already paid for flights you may need to claim this money back: here is how.

How to make money from auction sites

While we can not guarantee that we will make you an eBay millionaire, we can share our top tips on how you can earn some extra cash.

Can business debt affect your personal finances?

If you've built up business debt that you can't escape, it's important to know if your personal finances will take a hit. We examine whether you can protect yourself from bad business debt.

What are the pros and cons of property development?

Developing property is risky business, though your returns can be spectacular, the losses can be devastating to your finances. We explore the pros and cons that could turn your investment dream into a nightmare.

Is it ever worth playing the lottery?

We all know the odds are low, but somebody has to win - is it ever worth spending your money on a lottery ticket?

How to separate your finances from your ex-partner

Breaking up is hard to do; but it can be made even harder when you have a mortgage, debts, or joint accounts with your partner. We take you through what you will need to consider to make the split as smooth as possible.

Funeral planning: a comprehensive checklist

Planning a funeral in the wake of losing a loved one can leave you feeling lost and exhausted. To help you organise proceedings and to make sure you've got everything covered you can use our funeral checklist below.

Women in food store holding card machine

What are your legal rights to a refund?

Knowing what consumer protection you have can be a big help with getting your money back from unwanted items. We take a closer look at your legal rights to a refund.

7 ways to protect yourself against rip off letting agents

For many of us renting is a fact of life, but with many letting agents only interested in your cash, not putting a roof over your head, there are certain steps you must take to stay safe. We explain.

Generic - Guide - Is the gym really worth your money?

If you're thinking of signing up to the gym but have never been before, you could quickly find out that it isn't worth the money you pay for it. Here is what to look out for before signing up.

How to start share dealing

Before you begin to buy and sell shares you need to know the costs, and if there are any ways to save money. Here is how to start share dealing and what costs to look out for.

Concerned couple at home with bills and laptop

How to claim on your critical illness cover

If you are diagnosed with a life changing condition, a successful critical illness claim can help take the financial strain off your recovery. Here is how to make a claim.

What is critical illness cover?

If you become seriously ill, a critical illness policy could pay you a lump sum of money. Here is how it works and what it can cover you for.

What actually happens if you go bankrupt?

Bankruptcy is financially painful, but in many cases you'll be discharged within a year and free to get on with your life without the debts that were crippling you financially hanging over you. Here's what to expect if you go bankrupt.

How to declare yourself bankrupt

If you're in financial trouble and struggling to repay your debts, you might be considering bankruptcy. We look at exactly what declaring yourself bankrupt involves, what the alternatives are and how to work out your best option.

What is share dealing?

If you want to buy shares in companies in the UK or abroad then share dealing lets you do this. Here is how share dealing works.