>
Meet the team>
Jessica Bown

Jess Bown 2024

Jessica Bown

Contributing Writer

About the Author

Jessica Bown is an award-winning freelance journalist and editor with decades of experience writing personal finance and business news and features.

She started her career on a trade magazine in 2000, before moving to the Daily Express where she honed her personal finance and business writing skills on the City and Money desks. She then spent two years at The Sunday Times as a Money writer and editor before becoming a freelance journalist.

Jessica has appeared on BBC News and various BBC radio stations as an expert personal finance commentator. Her writing has appeared in national newspapers, such as The Telegraph and The Guardian, as well as a variety of magazines, and websites including the BBC, Forbes UK, and – of course – money.co.uk.

Expertise

Credit cards
Mortgages
Savings
Insurance
Investing
Business finance

Education

BA (hons) Russian and History, University of Birmingham
Post-graduate certificate in periodical journalism, London College of Printing

Businessman working on his laptop in an office with wooden shelves.

What’s a good business credit score for finance? Your UK guide.

Find out how your business credit score affects your chances of getting a loan or credit card, and what score you should aim for.

How to best prepare your finances for moving abroad

Starting your new life in some far flung corner of the world is both thrilling and daunting in equal measure. Here's how to prepare your finances for the move, wherever you're emigrating to.

How To Start Your Emergency Fund

An emergency savings fund can be a godsend when life sends you a curve ball. Here’s how to start an emergency fund for those urgent unexpected bills.

What are Regular Savings Accounts?

A regular savings account can be a great place to save for a big purchase. This guide explains what you need to know about regular savings accounts.

Is It A Good Time To Invest In Stocks And Shares?

Predicting the best time to invest in stocks and shares is almost impossible. It's more about your appetite for risk and reward.

Find out how are investments taxed

Are ISAs still worth it?

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

Older couple, sitting at patio table outside looking at the hillside view

How does the State Pension work?

Not everyone gets a state pension in the UK, and payouts vary heavily from person to person, even for those who qualify. Here is how the state pension works, what it could pay you and when you can claim it.

Read more about how the State Pension works

Hand writing a cheque

How to write a cheque

If you don’t know how to write a cheque already, that’s probably because it’s a dying art. But, now and then, the need arises. So here’s a simple guide to help you out.

Senior husband and wife sit at table at home look at laptop screen

Is it ever too late to start a pension?

A pension can give you an income when you retire, but how much will depend on what you contribute during your working life. Here are your pension options, even if you start late.

Read more about starting a pension

Man holding a credit card and a phone

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 to do if your purse or wallet gets lost or stolen

Don't panic. Here are some steps you can take to report and replace your items and reduce your risk of fraud.

How to complain about financial services

If you are left out of pocket or are mistreated by your bank or insurer you may want to complain. Here is how to get your complaint heard.

What are OEICs?

OEICs may be an attractive option for new investors, but before you make a decision you need to understand the basics. This guide covers everything you need to know about OEICs before investing your money.

Young caucasian couple calculating domestic finances to pay off debt.

Which debts should you pay off first?

If you're juggling several different debts, the best thing you can do is to tackle them head-on. But where do you start? We look at which debts you should pay off first so that it's easier to get on track to becoming debt-free.

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.

Helping You Get Started in IT Support

Find out what you need to know about working as an IT service technician and making a career in user support.

Businesswoman conducting analysis

How to identify and reach your target audience: a complete guide

Learn how to define, find and market products and services to your target audience using real-world examples and simple steps to grow your small business.

What Is Compound Interest?

Compound interest can significantly increase your saving and investment returns. Find out more with our five-minute guide to compounding interest.

Find out how are investments taxed

Business bridging loans: everything you need to know

A business bridging loan is one way for companies to borrow money fast. However, they can prove expensive and are only designed for short-term borrowing.

Couple with real estate agent in new home

Can you sell a house without an estate agent?

Wondering if you can sell your house without an estate agent? Discover the pros, cons, and essential steps to successfully sell your property privately and save on commission fees.

Young couple lying among packing boxes

How does the Rent to Buy scheme work? | money.co.uk

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?

Personal guarantees for business loans explained

Agreeing to provide a personal guarantee can help your company qualify for a business loan. Here’s what you need to know.

How To Get Accepted For A Credit Card

It's easy to apply for a credit card. But how can you increase your chances of getting your credit card application approved?

Paper houses, a magnifying glass and a calculator on a table looking down from above.

What Is A Homeowner Loan?

A homeowner loan lets you borrow money against the value of a house or flat you own. Find out if a homeowner loan is right for you with our quick guide.

Entrepreneur working on her laptop.

How to get a business bank account with bad credit

You don’t need a perfect credit score to open a business bank account, but a low score can limit your options. Find out how to boost your chances.

Business owner on tablet

Working capital for small businesses explained

Want to learn about working capital for small businesses? Our short guide tells you everything you need to know.

Businessman working on his laptop

How to create a small business budget in 5 simple steps

Budgeting is an essential part of running a successful small business. Find out how to create a budget with our user-friendly guide.

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?

The number of credit cards you should have will depend on how you use them. Here, we weigh up the pros and cons of having multiple credit cards.

Two colleagues working together on a laptop

What is purchase order financing? Everything you need to know

Purchase order financing can provide a vital cash lifeline for SMEs chasing big orders. Find out more with our quick guide.

Florist reviews her options on a laptop.

Working capital loans explained: a practical guide for SMEs

A working capital loan can help to cover the day-to-day running costs of your business. Find out more with our five-minute guide.

Understanding Interest Rates for Savings

Find out what you need to know about interest rates with this comprehensive guide and watch your savings pot grow.

Pen poised to fill out a tax form.

How much should I save for taxes? A practical guide

Whether you’re self-employed, a sole trader or run a limited company, it’s vital to save enough money to pay your annual tax bill. Here’s how.

Are Stocks And Shares ISAs Worth It?

A stocks and shares ISA can be a great way to grow your savings – especially over the longer term. Find out if they’re right for you with our quick guide.

Find out how are investments taxed

Casually dressed colleages collaborate on work plans.

The next 6 steps: an essential checklist for new limited companies

Registering with Companies House is just the start. Explore the key steps every new limited company needs to take to get up and running.

The Average Business Loan Interest Rates For 2025

Does a low interest rate always mean you’re getting the best deal on a business loan? Find out with our 2025 business loan interest rate guide.

10 Small Business Ideas

A potter calculates the costs of running a business.

Startup costs: how much money will you need for your business?

Startup costs vary widely depending on the type of business you want to set up. Here’s how to work out how much money you need to fund your business plans.

An older businessman shakes the hand of a young entrepreneur. Two colleagues applaud from the sidelines.

Angel investors: how to secure funding for your startup

Angel investors, wealthy individuals investing in startups, offer vital funding opportunities for new businesses. Here’s what you need to know.

Man studying paperwork

Sources of funding for your business: top options explained

There are plenty of sources for business finance around if you know where to look. Explore all the available options with our complete guide.

Florist shop owner wondering whether she is eligible for a loan

Am I eligible for a business loan? Key criteria and how to qualify

What do you need to do to get a business loan? Find out with our comprehensive guide to business loan eligibility.

Young professional checking paperwork

How to get a loan to buy a business: a step-by-step guide

Taking out a loan to buy an existing business can be easier than financing a startup. Find out how to secure a business-acquisition loan.

"Cashflow projections" written on a piece of paper

What is a cash flow forecast and how can you create one?

Discover our 4-step plan for creating a cash flow projection for your business plan.

Woman working on a laptop scrutinising paperwork.

How to define the target market in your business plan

All businesses need a target market. But how do you work out who your target market is? Find out with our comprehensive guide.

Foreman explains project progress to his biss at a building site.

Public vs employers' liability insurance: key differences explained

Do you need both public liability and employers’ liability insurance? Find out how they differ and which your business needs in this no-nonsense guide.

A businessman working on a laptop, considering what's on his screen.

Your Guide to Business Bank Account Charges

Understand the one-off fees due when opening a business bank account and how to minimise them to keep your costs low.

A businessman on a laptop reviewing company finances.

How To Use a Business Savings Account Effectively

Find out how to use a business savings account to build a savings pot for your company with our five-minute guide.

How to Find and Nurture Relationships With Angel Investors

Angel investors can provide crucial funding for small businesses. Here’s what you need to know to secure angel investor funding in the UK.

Woman handing over a paper bag of veg to a customer at a fruit and veg stall

How to Get a Business Credit Card With Bad Credit

Business credit cards are useful financial tools for businesses of all sizes. But can you get one with bad credit? Find out with our short guide.

How to Avoid Tourist Scams When You Travel

It’s easy to fall prey to tourist scams in an unfamiliar country. Protect yourself and your loved ones by reading up on holiday scams before you go.

Read more about getting a travel money deal

How to Save and Plan for Retirement as a Plumber

Discover the best way you can save for retirement as a plumber so you can enjoy a comfortable life once you stop working.

How to Budget as a Plumber

Running a successful plumbing business requires sound financial planning. Find out more with our guide to budgeting for plumbers.

How to Make Social Media Work for Your Small Business

Discover how to use social media marketing to promote your business and help sell products and services to a wide audience.

How To Manage Your Business Accounts

Having the right business bank account and managing your accounts properly can help your start-up or established SME thrive. Find out more with our short guide.

What To Do If You’ve Been Rejected For a Business Bank Account

Banks carry out various checks before offering you a business bank account. Here’s what to do if your business bank account application is rejected.

Calculating Your Move into Accounting

Interested in becoming an accountant? This five-minute guide shows you how to get started in accounting.

Do You Need Business Interruption Insurance?

Business interruption insurance could save your company if an unexpected event, such as a fire or a burglary, stops you from trading.

When it pays out

How To Access Emergency Business Funding

Many small businesses need an urgent cash injection at some point. Find out how to get emergency business funding with our five-minute guide.

10 Small Business Ideas

Is It Worth Getting A Loan To Start Your Business?

Is a start-up loan the best way to fund a new business? What are the pros and cons? Find out what you need to know before taking out a business start-up loan.

Repaying Your Business Loan and Managing Debt

Defaulting on business loan repayments can have serious consequences for you and your company. Find out more with our quick guide to repaying your business loan.

10 Small Business Ideas

Strategies to Make Your Small Business More Efficient

Making your small business more efficient can save you money and time. Our short guide to improving business efficiency shows you how.

Managing Mental Health in the Workplace

Boost productivity and cut costs with these five strategies to improve mental health in the workplace.

Can you really write of your debts - worried couple with bills

Can you really just write off your debts?

You can’t just borrow money and not pay it back. But while writing off your debts for free is not an option, there is help available if you’re struggling to pay back what you owe.