Our guides
Our guides show you the best ways to make your money go further and work harder. They contain all the latest financial information and are set out clearly to help you make smart decisions.
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Bank of England base rate
The Bank of England base rate influences all loan and mortgage interest rates in the UK. When the BoE increases or decreases the bank rate, interest rates usually follow. The current base rate is 1.75%
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How to find cheap hotel rooms
Getting a great deal on accommodation can slash the cost of your holiday. From using comparison sites, to when a travel agent is best – here’s everything you need to know about finding cheap hotels
Tricks to saving money and finding cheap hotel accommodation
How to check if you are on the electoral roll
Registering to vote doesn’t just mean you can exercise your rights and get a say in who runs the country – it has fairly hefty financial benefits too. Here’s what you need to know
How to check the electoral roll
How do credit reference agencies work?
Credit reference agencies are the go-to places for banks and other lenders after they get requests for credit from the likes of you and me. This is why it’s important to know who they are and how they work
What they already know about you
How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?
Becoming bankrupt is one way of dealing with debts, but it will affect your credit rating. Here we explain everything you need to know.
It does clear eventually
How to deal with defaults on your debt
If you fail to make debt payments on time, you could be issued with a default. Here’s what you need to know about them and what to do next
What to do after a default
How long does a CCJ stay on your credit report?
As if having a county court judgment issued against you isn’t bad enough, the fact that it’ll damage your credit score is no laughing matter. Here we look at the effect a county court judgment can have on your financial prospects and what you can do about it.
How long it will take
How card payment terminals work
Payment terminals, or card payment machines, are a handy way to pay for goods and services while you’re out and about. Here we explain all about payment card readers - including how to get one for your business.
What's going on behind the screen
What is a Help to Save account?
If you are on a low income you could benefit from a government-backed scheme called Help to Save that boosts your savings.
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What's the difference between an ISA and a savings account?
You could be forgiven for thinking there’s no real difference between a Cash ISA and a standard savings account. But even if they look and work in a similar way, ISAs have qualities that set them apart, as we explain here.
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What's the best Junior ISA?
Opening a Junior ISA will give your son or daughter a hugely-beneficial start in life. Here we explain all you need to know about Junior ISAs, and how to find the best savings and investment vehicle for your nippers.
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What is Plum?
Plum is a money management app that enables you to save, invest, budget and sort your household bills, all in one place. We explain what you need to know.
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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. Instead, they offer you the chance of winning a prize each month with a maximum value of £1 million.
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What is a children's investment ISA?
You can open an Investment ISA for your child at any time. But why would you consider this type of account over any other? We investigate.
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What to do with a lump sum of money
It’s a happy thought, but not without its worries: what do you do if a lump sum of money lands in your lap? Here we explain your options.
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Stocks & shares apps – which are good to have?
Find out how to choose the best stocks & shares apps and what you should know before you buy equities within an app.
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Why is my credit score going down?
There are lots of things that can cause a credit score to drop. Here we explain the most common reasons and how to rectify them.
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How long does a default stay on your credit report
If you miss repayments on a credit card or loan, you could end up with a default. This marker goes on your credit file and impacts your score. Here’s everything you need to know.
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How to transfer a child trust fund to a Junior ISA
If you want your child’s money to work hard for them you should consider transferring their Child Trust Fund to a Junior ISA. We explain why and how to proceed.
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Apps to save you money
Can money-saving apps really give your bank balance a boost? And just how safe is your hard-earned cash once you start allowing apps to access your bank accounts? Here’s what you need to know.
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Bonds or Savings account?
When you are starting to save, you have several choices about where to put your money. You can save into a traditional savings account or choose a savings bond. We explain the pros and cons of both traditional savings accounts and bonds.
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Setting up a savings goal
Having a predetermined savings goal is one of the best ways to motivate yourself to start saving money. We investigate the various options available and offer some tips on how to start saving to make your dreams come true.
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Is it worth opening a savings account?
A savings account is an excellent place to start if you want to save for the future – whether that’s a holiday six months from now or your first home in five years’ time. Find out more about your options with our five-minute guide.
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Best place to save money
Are you looking for a short-term deposit account, a place where your money can earn interest, or somewhere to save and invest for the long term? Whatever your savings needs, we can help you find the best way to save.
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How can a financial advisor help?
There may be times in your life when it would be helpful to get some personal financial advice. A financial adviser can take an overall look at your finances and recommend different products and services which would be suitable for you. Find out more here.
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How to open a child's bank account
You can start saving for children’s futures as soon as they are born. But what sort of account should you choose? This guide explains the different options available, including what you need to open savings accounts and – for older children – current accounts in a child’s name.
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Finding the best savings accounts
There’s no shortage of savings accounts if you’re keen to squirrel away some of your hard-earned cash for the future. But you don’t want to lose out by choosing the wrong one. Here we show the best savings accounts for various savings goals.
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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
How to make an invoice
If you’ve set up your own business, knowing how to create an invoice correctly is crucial to ensuring you get paid, as we explain.
Full guide to making an invoice
How to turn business ideas into a profitable company
What's involved in turning a business idea into a going concern - and should you bother in the first place Here we explain how to tell if you idea for a business is actually a good one in reality, and what the next steps to making it happen.
How to tell if a business idea is any good
Business tax explained
Business tax can be confusing, but if you run a small business it’s crucial to understand how much tax you’ll need to pay and when - or you could end up with a massive unexpected bill. Here’s all you need to know.
What you need to pay and when
Sole trader or limited company?
There comes a time when a good idea starts to look like something that’ll make a significant amount of money. When this happens, you won’t just attract customers as HMRC will also take an interest. So, what do you do? Here's how to choose the right structure for your business
What structures mean in practice
Can you start a business from home?
Everyone’s heard the stories of billionaires starting their businesses from a bedroom at home, but setting up a start up takes careful planning and there are hidden costs. This is what you need to know to get it right
What you need to check for
What insurance do I need for my business?
No one wants to pay for something they may never use, but sometimes business insurance isn’t an optional extra. We explain when business insurance becomes a legal requirement, and when it’s a matter of choice
What you need to check for
How to employ someone
If your business becomes successful enough, or you need a hand to get it started, you will need to think about employing staff to help out. But how do you pay them, what responsibilities do you have, and how much does it cost to employ someone?
What you need to check for
How to fund your business idea
If there’s one thing budding entrepreneurs have in abundance it’s ideas. But great concepts often amount to nothing without the financial oomph to make them real. Here we explore how to get the money needed to earn your fortune.
Where yo look for the money you need
How to write a business plan
Why will your business thrive and be successful when so many others fail? The answer will be found in your business plan.
Business plans made simple
Review
Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card August 2022
Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card review - our verdict on its rewards, benefits and costs and whether it is the right option for you.
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How much do your favourite streaming services really cost?
As Netflix increases its subscription prices, here’s how to check if you’re actually getting value for money from your online streaming services.
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How to find cheap UK holiday destinations
With millions of Brits choosing to go on holiday without leaving the country, discover our top tips on how to find cheap holidays in the UK.
Where to go for a cheap UK holiday
How do duty free allowances work now?
From alcohol and cigarettes to perfume and electronics, if you’re buying duty free items and bringing them back to the UK, here we explain the rules you need to follow.
How much you can legally being back
Where to go for a super cheap holiday - best destinations
If you’re hoping to get away this year, our guide will help you discover the cheapest places to go on holiday and how to cut the cost of your trip.
Cheapest destinations for holidays named
Your legal right to go on holiday explained
The UK has strict laws around how much holiday you have a right to take each year - but when it comes to exactly which days you can take off things get a little murkier.
Your rights to take holiday
How to get access to airport and airline lounges for the least money
Getting access to an airport lounge doesn’t have to mean frequent flights or paying more for first-class tickets. Here’s how to get in cheaply or even for free.
What's on offer and what airport lounge access costs
When is the cheapest time to go on holiday?
If you’re longing for a holiday but don’t want to break your budget, here we look at how finding a bargain break is all about picking the best time to book and seeking out affordable destinations.
When's cheapest to travel
How to find a cheap flight to anywhere you like
If you’re keen to get away for a much-deserved holiday but your budget is a little tight, this guide explains all you need to know about how to find cheap flights.
Cheap flight secrets
How to get an upgrade on your flight ticket for free
It’s one of life’s great challenges, how to get elevated from economy to first class or business class. Here we reveal the top hacks to securing yourself a coveted flight upgrade free, or for the least money possible.
Free flight upgrades explained
How much airport parking costs and how to find the best and cheapest options
Finding airport parking can be stressful and expensive, so it’s important to understand all the options available to you. Here’s how to find the best and cheapest solution for your needs.
Tips for saving on airport parking
Review
What Rishi Sunak announced in the 2022 Spring Statement and what it all means for your money
Rishi Sunak has delivered his 2022 Spring Statement - outlining his plans to help people and businesses survive the cost of living crisis as inflation soars and finances are stretched. This is what he said and what it all means for you.
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How to save petrol while driving
With petrol and diesel prices hitting all time highs in the UK, we’ve tracked down some of the people who are managing to almost double the distance they can drive on a full tank to share their secrets.
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Is giving up smoking the new way to get rich quick?
If you smoke, you're going to be well aware of the health benefits of quitting, but are you fully aware of the difference that giving up smoking can make to your finances?
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Travel money: the basics you need to know
Spending abroad is simple when you understand which currency to use and how to exchange your money. This guide gives you the basics to get started.
More on travel money basics
How to check your credit rating
Stay on top of your finances and prevent fraud simply by checking your credit rating - we show you how.
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Top 10 Warren Buffett Quotes on Investments
When it comes to investing, we could take a little inspiration from stock market legend, Warren Buffet. We've rounded up Warren Buffett's top 10 quotes to help you share some of that wealth of knowledge.
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10 ways to get your Christmas shopping for free
Christmas can be an expensive time of year, but luckily there are ways to save money. Here's how to get your Christmas shopping for free.
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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 do I get my money back if a company goes bust?
There are legal rights in place for consumers if a business closes down. Find out what they are and how they protect you and your money.
Who you need to call first
8 easy ways to cut your travel insurance costs
Travel insurance could save you thousands if something goes wrong when you are away, but do not pay over the odds for cover. Try these eight ways to keep the cost down.
See how to save on travel insurance
What are your holiday cancellation rights?
If you need to cancel your holiday it is important to know where you stand before you speak to your travel agent or insurer. Here are your rights for cancelling your trip.
When you can - and can't - claim
Your ultimate checklist for a stress free holiday
Your holiday is a time to relax and concentrate on enjoying yourself, so let us help take the stress out of preparing for your trip. Here's everything you need to do before you jet off.
What to do now, so you can relax later