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Martin Lane

Author

Martin Lane

Former Managing Editor

About the Author

Martin Lane has seven year's experience writing and editing personal finance articles.

In that time he has extensively covered topics including car insurance, loans, property and travel.

Martin left Money.co.uk in 2019.

Current account vs savings account: which is right for you?

Current accounts and savings accounts are the two main types of account on offer from banks and building societies - but what exactly is the difference between the two and which type of account is right for you?

Should you get a student credit card?

A student credit card could be useful in emergencies and help you build your credit record, but they can be expensive. Here's how to find the right student credit card and use it wisely.

What are your rights if your flight is delayed?

If you have been left stranded at the airport, you could claim compensation from the airline. Here are your rights if your flight is delayed.

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.

What's the cheapest way to borrow money?

There are hundreds of reasons why you might need to borrow, but unless you're on the ball you could end up pouring your money away on beefy interest rates and bank charges. Here are the best ways to borrow whatever you need the money for.

Lending to friends? Make sure you get your money back

It can be tempting to help out a friend by lending them money. But the most important thing is to be sure they can repay you. Otherwise, you could end up in financial trouble yourself.

Serious young business owner using laptop in his workshop

How borrowing could boost your business

With the right type of borrowing you could pursue business opportunities that would otherwise pass you by, here's how.

Two happy and smiling young woman florist working together in flower shop.

6 easy ways to get finance for your business

If you want your business to grow and reach new heights you may need to borrow money. Here is a closer look at your different business finance options.

Women in striped shirt writing on paper pad

Are you paying too much tax?

Thousands of people across the UK are paying more tax than they need to, are you one of them? We explain how to check and challenge your tax code.

The definitive guide to Sharia Banking & Islamic Finance in the UK

Islamic or Sharia banking follows set guidelines taken from Islamic teachings. Here's what you need to know about how it works and how it could help you bank ethically.

What Does Divorce Mean For Your Mortgage? | money.co.uk

Getting divorced or splitting up with your partner when you have an outstanding joint mortgage together can be difficult. Here are your options to make it less stressful.

What you need to know about car warranties

A warranty could help with the cost of fixing your car, but how do they work and what do they cover? Here is what you need to know about car warranties.

In debt? What's the worst that can happen?

Being in debt and struggling to pay your bills can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you are feeling pressured into making repayments you cannot afford. But how far can companies actually go to reclaim your money?

Should you bother with an extended warranty?

Your household appliances could be expensive to replace if they break down. But should bother with an extended warranty?

How to claim on your car warranty

If your car breaks down or needs replacement parts, your warranty insurance may be able to cover the cost. Here is what you need to know about claiming on your car warranty.

Council MOT centres: the route to a hassle free MOT?

If you’re fed up with worrying about unscrupulous garages making your car’s MOT a misery, turning to a council MOT centre could be the answer.

Are prenuptial agreements fair or unromantic?

We take a look at when they are a smart idea and whether you should get one if you are tying the knot in the near future.

Should you invest in investment trusts?

Investment trusts have lower fees than other grouped investments but can be more risky and volatile too. Here is how to decide if they are the right choice for you.

How to save enough money to move out

If you're stuck at home living with your parents, here's how to make your dream of moving out a reality.

7 ways to cut the cost of living alone

Without anyone to help pay the bills, the cost of keeping a roof over your head can soon rack up. Here are 7 things you can do to cut the cost of living by yourself

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How to turn a temporary job into a permanent one

Landing a temporary job can be a great way to get some experience and earn a little extra cash in the short term. Here's how to turn your short term job into a permanent arrangement.

How will getting married affect your finances?

We all know that tying the knot can affect your day-to-day money management, but exactly what effect does marriage or a civil partnership have on your financial status? We take a look.

More on getting married and your finances

Sneaky wedding costs to look out for

Keeping track of all the different costs involved in organising a wedding is hard, particularly when there are so many hidden expenses that can sneak up on you when you least expect it.

How to pay for your wedding abroad

One in five British couples are getting married abroad to cut costs without sacrificing quality, but many are losing out by overlooking their options when making overseas payments.

8 easy ways to save money on your wedding

The average cost of a wedding is now well over £20,000 but you do not need to spend a small fortune to have the best day ever. Here are eight easy ways you can save money on your wedding without compromising your dream day.

More on ways to save money on your wedding

How to get a fair divorce settlement

Divorce may be something you never expected to go through, but separating your finances is key to making a fresh start. Here is how to get a fair divorce settlement.

How to keep your cash safe in a divorce

How is inheritance taxed?

Inheritance tax is undoubtedly one of the most unpopular taxes in the UK, yet for the vast majority of people there is nothing to pay. So what exactly is Inheritance Tax? Here is what you need to know.

NHS dentist charges: are you paying too much?

Going to the dentist isn't just painful, it can also be expensive, which makes knowing your NHS treatment options even more important. Here is how much you should be paying for your dentist.

How to get a refund on train tickets

If your train journey is delayed or cancelled, you might be able to get your money back. Here’s how.

Do you have to pay private parking tickets?

Getting a parking ticket can make your heart sink, but not all parking notices are the same. Here is a breakdown of which parking fines you can ignore, and when you have to pay up.

Warranty insurance: is it worth it?

A car warranty can help with the cost of repairs if something goes wrong, but you need to check terms and conditions carefully to avoid policies that don’t pay out when you need them to.

How do extended warranties work?

An extended warranty could pay for repairs if your household appliances break. But what do they cover and are they worth it? Here is what you need to know.

How to claim on an extended warranty

If your appliances break or are faulty, you may be able to claim for repairs on your extended warranty insurance. Here’s how these policies work and how to make a claim.

Can you get breakdown cover when you have broken down?

Breakdowns are always bad news and worse when you haven’t bought cover in advance and the weather’s ugly. But you can still get help if your vehicle has let you down – though the cost can soar. Here are your options.

The word loan is spelt over four wooden blocs, with two male figurines placed next to them.

How to borrow money with bad credit

You can get a personal loan with bad credit, but the rates will likely be high. It can be harder to get a loan with bad credit, and it may be worth trying to improve your score before you apply for a loan.

What are store cards & are they worth it?

Applying for a store card at your favourite shop might bag you a discount, but there could be a cheaper option. Here's how store cards work and what they cost.

A beginner's guide to loans

Exactly what is a loan? What can you use it for and how do you get one? Find answers to all your questions about loans here.

What you need to know about loans

What is a business credit card?

If you run a business or make purchases for the company you work for, a credit card could be the best way to spend. Here's what you need to know about business credit cards.

Your pay weekly store questions answered

Weekly payment stores let you rent expensive goods at an 'affordable' price, with a view to buying them at the end of the term. Where's the catch?

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.

A black family of three, an adult male and female with a young boy are packing boxes to move house. All of them are smiling and there is only a sofa left in the background, with multiple boxes in the foreground of the room

Moving house: change of address checklist

There's lots to remember when you're moving home, and it's essential you let the relevant people know your new address. Here is what you need to do when you move.

What Does Negative Equity Mean For Me? | money.co.uk

Find out what negative equity means, whether it affects you and what you can do about it.

How To Apply For A Mortgage Payment Holiday 2024 | money.co.uk

Recent research suggests that more than 2 million UK homeowners are considering taking mortgage payment holidays. But what is a mortgage payment holiday, how do you take one and what are the potential pitfalls? We explain all you need to know.

How to carry out a car history check

Buying a second hand car is always a little risky, after all you don't know how well looked after the vehicle has been by its current and any previous owners. Here's how to check your car's history.

What is the best way to pay for a new car?

Buying a new car is exciting but deciding how to pay for your new pride and joy can be tricky. Here is how to find the best way to finance your new vehicle.

How to negotiate house price rises and discounts

Here are 7 simple ways to haggle down the asking price so you can make big savings on your new home - even if you are not a natural at negotiating.

Should You Risk Being A Guarantor For A Mortgage? | money.co.uk

Helping a friend or family member get their foot on the property ladder can be a rewarding and generous undertaking - but fail to weigh up the consequences and you could soon regret your choice. Here's what you need to consider before signing anything.

How To Avoid First Time Buyer Regrets In 2024 | money.co.uk

A staggering 10% of first time buyers regret buying their first home, but you don't have to make sacrifices you'll regret or break the bank to get your foot on the property ladder.

money.co.uk comments: pound rallies just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend

The pound has received a boost from reports of renewed efforts to avert a no-deal Brexit — just in time for holidaymakers heading abroad for the Bank Holiday weekend.

money.co.uk comments: Boardmasters music festival cancelled at short notice

Boardmasters — Cornwall's biggest festival — has been cancelled with just a few days' notice due to a severe weather forecast.

money.co.uk comments: water bills set to be cut by £50 over five years

Water bills in England and Wales are set to fall by an average of £50 between 2020 and 2025, under plans published by the industry regulator. Ofwat said firms would also have to invest an additional £6m each day in improving services for customers.

DVLA surrenders to industry pleas for online code extension to 21 days

Following 10 July 2015 announcement by the DVLA that the validity of the online code required to 'share driving licence' details with car hire companies has been extended from just 72 hours to 21 days, Hannah Maundrell, Editor in Chief of money.co.uk, comments.

Looking for a bargain on Prime Day?

The countdown to Prime Day 2019 has already begun with early deals on Amazon brands, including four months of Amazon Music for only 99p1. But the real bargains kick off at 00.01am on Monday, 15th July and run until 11.59pm on Tuesday, 16th July, making this the biggest Prime Day event ever - or should that now be Prime Days?

How to claim on your gadget insurance

If one of your gadgets is lost, stolen or damaged, your insurance could help you cover the cost of replacing it. Here is what you need to know about claiming on your gadget insurance.

Do you need mobile phone insurance?

Mobile phone insurance could give you peace of mind, but if you are unlikely to claim you could be wasting your money. Here is how to decide if you need mobile phone insurance.

Airpod max and airpods against an orange background

Should you get gadget insurance?

If you worry about the cost of replacing your gadgets if they are damaged or stolen, a gadget insurance policy could save you money. Here is how to decide if you need gadget insurance.

What is excess insurance?

Paying an excess for an insurance claim can be expensive, but there is a way to recover the cost. Here is what you need to know about excess insurance.

What is gadget insurance?

If your gadget breaks or gets stolen, a specialist insurance policy can cover the cost of repair or a replacement. Here is how gadget insurance works and how to get the right cover.

How to get the best business electricity tariff

Knowing what you need from your electricity service and getting the cheapest quote could save you money on your energy bill. Here is how to choose the best business electricity tariff.

How to switch your business electricity

Switching business electricity could save you thousands of pounds on your energy bills. Here's how to switch supplier and cut your business electricity bills.

Are debt collectors allowed to harass you?

We explain exactly how and when debt collectors are allowed to contact you so that you can prepare yourself for when they call, and complain when they've overstepped the mark.

Should you get excess insurance?

Excess insurance can cut the cost of claiming on other policies and protect you from expensive hire car charges. But do you need it? Here is how to decide if it is right for you.

How to claim on your excess insurance

If you have to pay to make a claim, excess insurance could help you recover the cost. Here is how to make a claim on your excess insurance policy.

Why there's never been a better time to ditch your TV package...

If you're paying a fortune each month for a Sky or Virgin Media subscription, now could be the time to think about cancelling. Here are the best ways to get your TV and movie fix for less.

The piece of paper that will help sell your home

Every home for rent or sale needs one, but what difference will an Energy Performance Certificate really make when it comes to sell your home? We explain.

Can Short Term Foster Parents Get Financial Help?

If you provide short-term foster care or are considering foster care on a part-time basis this guide outlines what support is available to help you cover the costs.

How to complain about a debt collection company

If you have been harassed, publicly embarrassed or treated unfairly or unreasonably by a debt collector or a bailiff you are entitled to complain.

Gift vouchers for companies in administration: your rights

We explain your options if a store that you have gift vouchers for falls into administration.

How to stop spam text messages

Spam texts are not only a minor irritation but also a menace that catches out even the savviest of mobile users. Here is how to stop spam texts dead in their tracks.

How to afford to send your child to university

If you have a child hoping to go to university in the next few years, chances are that you are more than a little concerned by the jump in tuition fees. Here is what you can do to prepare your finances and theirs for university life.

Free fertility treatment: how to play the NHS lottery

If you need fertility treatment and don't have oodles of cash to spare, it's likely you'll have to face the NHS postcode lottery. We explain why the treatment on offer depends on where you live and exactly what you should expect.

Negative equity but need to sell: Your options

Being stuck in negative equity when you need to sell your home puts you in a difficult situation - but there are ways to get around the problem. We explain your options.

How to deal with debt collectors

Knowing how to deal with a debt collection company if you are approached for money can ensure you're not intimidated or misled. Here's how to handle debt collectors and avoid the traps they set to get you to pay up.

9 easy ways to add value to your home

Want to increase the price of your home without spending a fortune? Here are 9 easy ways to add value to your property without getting the builders in

What do the Child Benefit changes mean for your finances?

Child Benefit rules have changed and you may now need to pay back some or even all of your benefit to the taxman. We examine how the changes affect you and if there is anything you can do to keep your Child Benefit.

How to claim for mis-sold insurance

If you have been mis-sold insurance you could be able to claim compensation to replace the money you have forked out unnecessarily. Here is how to claim your money back from the banks so you are not left out of pocket.

Where to watch free films and TV online

Watching films and TV shows online can be cheap and convenient, but you could be breaking the law if you use dodgy websites. Here's where you can watch TV and films for free.

What are your rights if your rent goes up?

If your landlord puts your rent up is there anything you can do? Here is a breakdown of your rights as a tenant.

Man holding phone up to search for signal

Can you cancel your mobile phone contract if you can't get signal?

Being stuck without signal can be frustrating, but does it mean you can ditch your network and break your mobile contract without charge? Here is when you can cancel your contract without facing a hefty fee.

11 secrets for successful property viewing

Whether you are looking to rent or buy, viewing potential properties is a key part of house hunting. Here is how to make sure a property is really worth your money.

Gifting money to your children: FAQs

Helping your children out financially is something most parents would like to do, but you need to be careful they don't end up giving it away to the tax man. Here's what you need to know.

Homeschooling: good for your child & your finances?

A good education will teach your child all the life skills they need to succeed and set them up for the future. A home education can be just as rewarding as sending them to school. We investigate if it makes financial sense.

How do you claim tax back?

Paying tax is a fact of life for most of us, but it is surprisingly easy to pay too much and leave yourself out of pocket. Here is how to claim tax back from HMRC.

8 ways to raise money for charity

Finding different ways to raise cash for a good cause can be fun and entertaining, as well as providing your chosen charity with some vital support. Here are 8 ideas for raising money for charity.

7 easy ways to watch live sport for free

Watching free sport on a dodgy website is illegal, the quality probably won't be great and your stream could cut out at any moment. So, what's the best legit way to watch live sport free?

Revealed: The life threatening bacteria on your cash

We've teamed up with the London Metropolitan University to put cash under the microscope and the results are shocking. Here are the facts about how dirty money is.

Mortgage Broker Or Direct Deal | money.co.uk

Here are all the advantages and disadvantages of using a mortgage broker vs applying for your mortgage direct. This will help you decide on the best way to find a mortgage.

How does mobile phone insurance work?

You could pay hundreds of pounds to replace your mobile phone if it gets lost or damaged. Here is what you need to know about how mobile phone insurance works.

How to choose the right landlord insurance

Getting the right cover for your rental property is vital to protect it if the worst should happen. Here is how to choose the right landlord insurance.

What is rent guarantee insurance?

If you rely on your rental payments as income, you should consider insuring against your tenants failing to pay. Here is how rent guarantee insurance works and how to find cover.

How to claim on your landlord insurance

If your rental property is damaged or your tenants stop paying rent, your insurance could help you recover the costs. Here is how to claim on your landlord insurance.

What is landlord insurance?

As a landlord, it is important to get the right insurance to cover your property and legal responsibility to your tenants. Here is what you need to know about landlord insurance.

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How to save on your landlord insurance

Getting the right landlord cover is vital for protecting your rental property, but there are lots of ways to save money on your policy. Here is how to cut the cost of your landlord insurance.

How to find boiler cover for your buy to let

Getting the right boiler insurance can cover the cost of replacing it if it breaks, and ensures your tenants are never without heating. Here is what you need to know about boiler cover.

Couple in coffee shop using mobile phone

How to claim on your mobile phone insurance

If your mobile phone is lost or damaged, you could cover the cost of repairs or a replacement with your insurance. Here is what you need to know about making a claim.

How to get help with vet bills

Keeping your pet healthy can cost you a lot, especially if you get a big vet bill. But if you need help paying, there are several ways you can get financial assistance towards veterinary bills.

How to choose the best business gas tariff

Knowing what you need from your service and shopping around early could save you money on your gas bill. Here is how to find the best gas tariff for your business.

How do business gas tariffs work?

Finding the right gas tariff is key to saving money on your bill, no matter how big your business is. Here is what you need to know about business gas and how to find the best deal.

How to switch your business gas

You could save money on your gas bill by switching supplier, but it is important to time it right to avoid being tied into your existing contract. Here is how to switch your business gas.

Lifesaving equipment installed outside money.co.uk Castle in Cirencester

A defibrillator which provides 24 hour emergency care has been installed on the wall of the money.co.uk Castle, next to the Open Air Swimming Pool, after a donation was made from the Cirencester Round Table.