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Sara Benwell

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Sara Benwell

Contributing writer

About the Author

Sara Benwell is a freelance journalist, consultant and editor, specialising in personal finance, pensions and investments, and consumer affairs, where she focussed on helping people understand their personal finances. Sara is also the editor of Insurance Investor and Fund Operator, for professional asset managers and investors.

Prior to this, Sara was the consumer finance editor at Good Housekeeping, the most widely read women’s magazine in the UK. She has also previously worked as the editor of both Pensions Insight and Reward Magazines and as the Digital Editor of Engaged Investor.

Sara has been a guest speaker at InvestOps and the Law Business Research Network.

Expertise

Mortgages
Pensions
Investments

Education

BA (Hons) in Philosophy, University of Cambridge

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What is an innovative finance ISA? Our IFISA guide

It is the third type of ISA that exists alongside the cash ISA and the stocks and shares ISA. Here is how the innovative finance ISA works.

What Does Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) Mean?

The annual percentage rate of charge is a useful tool for comparing mortgage and loan products. Here’s how to use it effectively.

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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.

How To Be Tax Efficient With Your Savings

Do you need to pay tax on interest from your savings accounts? Find out when tax is due and how to make sure you’re not paying more than necessary.

How To Reduce Your Loan Repayments

Take control of your outstanding debts by reducing the monthly costs of unsecured loan repayments.

What's the best place for your money?

Knowing what to do with savings can be difficult, especially with inflation so high. Here is what you can do if you have money to invest.

What are defined contribution and defined benefit pensions?

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Read more about defined contribution and benefit pensions

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What are Premium Bonds prizes?

Premium bonds are a popular way to save, but unlike other methods of saving, they don’t pay any interest on the money you deposit.

Woman withdrawing cash from an ATM

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What are store cards & are they worth it?

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Man with woman signing documents.

How to get a guarantor loan

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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.

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.

A craftswoman looks out of the window of her workshop and thinks about the future.

How to write a business plan for a loan: a step-by-step guide

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How To Take Payments From Your Customers

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How To Pay Off Your Credit Card

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Top view owe, mortgage asian woman, female sitting on floor home, stressed calculate expense from bills, no money pay in mark circle deadline on calendar.Debt, bankruptcy or bankrupt person concept.

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It does clear eventually

Woman sitting and thinking near table at home. Businesswoman working online during the quarantine. Self isolation. Networking. Online education. Coronavirus. Crisis. Researching. Debt.

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What to do after a default

Black man voter in polling election

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How to check the electoral roll

Thoughtful man with tablet

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Older woman looking at laptop

How Is My Pension Taxed When You Retire?

Pension taxation seems complicated, but knowing the rules is crucial so you don’t overpay. This guide explains everything you need to know.

Find out more on how your pension is taxed

Couple paying bill in a restaurant with card.

How Do Prepaid Travel Cards Work?

Prepaid travel cards are a handy and cost-effective way to manage your holiday money. Find out more, including how to choose the right card for your needs.

Troubled-looking man looks at his laptop while surrounded by paperwork.

How to create financial projections for a business plan in 6 steps

The financial forecast is a crucial part of every business plan. Learn how to create one and the key details you need to include.

Home office environment with young Asian woman working on laptop and taking notes.

How much business insurance costs and how to save money

Discover the main factors that determine how much your business insurance costs and how you can lower your premiums

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How to Manage a Business Bank Account With Multiple Directors

If your company has more than one director, you need to set up your banking so that the right people have access. Find out how in this complete guide.

Woman paying for something by credit card on the phone

Can You Use A Personal Credit Card For Business Purposes?

Using a personal credit card for business spending is legal, but creates challenges. This guide explains why business credit cards may be a better option.

Is SEIS and EIS Right for My Small Business?

Learn how the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) can help you secure funding to grow your small business.

Happy couple shopping on holiday

What Should You Do with Leftover Currency?

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Read more about dealing with leftover currency

Are Business Accounts Protected by the FSCS

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How to Get Funding for a Business

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Starting a business from scratch

Find out everything you need to know about starting a business from scratch, including tax, finances, insurance, market research and advertising.

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Sole Trader vs Limited Company: What’s Best for You?

Deciding whether to operate as a sole trader or a limited company is a key decision for a small business owner. Here are the pros and cons of each approach.

Home working, self employed, startup, entrepreneur, laptop, phone call

How to register a business?

Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your side hustle is legitimate including the difference between being a sole trader and a limited partnership, which might be right for you, and the deadlines and paperwork you need to consider

What you need to get ready now

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How to tell if a business idea is any good