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Our guides

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.

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.

How to get your first mortgage

Getting on the property ladder is much easier if you know what help is available, where to find a mortgage and how to apply for a mortgage. Here is everything you need to know about how to get a mortgage and buy your first home.

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.

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Should you get an interest only or repayment mortgage?

The two main ways to pay off your mortgage balance are interest only and repayment. Here is how to work out which best suits your finances.

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 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.

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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 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.

What you need to know about inflation

Inflation is a measurement used by governments to help decide future economic policy and set prices and benefits. We explain how inflation impacts you and your money.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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 a stocks and shares ISA works

If you are not put off by risk, you could get a higher rate of interest by using your ISA allowance to invest in stocks and shares. Here is how a stocks and shares ISA works.

More on how a stocks and shares ISAs work

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.

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

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.

What is wedding insurance?

Your wedding could be one of the most expensive things you ever pay for, so it is worth having insurance in case something goes wrong. Here is how wedding insurance works.

Will changing jobs stop you getting a mortgage?

Starting a new job could make getting accepted for a mortgage more difficult - even if you'll earn more. Here's why and what you can do about it.

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Can you get a mortgage with bad credit?

You could still get a mortgage even if you have bad credit and have missed payments before if you know where to look. Here is how to get a bad credit mortgage.

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.

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What does building insurance cover?

Protecting your home with buildings insurance can save you a great deal of money if something goes wrong. If you’re wondering precisely what buildings insurance covers, this guide has the answers.

Why you should avoid payday loans

Payday loans are a way to get cash fast, but they can be financially dangerous. Here are some alternatives to pay day loans, and what to do if you're struggling to repay a payday loan.

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.

Should you get an overdraft, credit card or loan?

Choosing the right way to borrow money can make it cheaper and easier to manage. Here is when you should use a credit card, loan or overdraft.

Should you be a guarantor for a loan?

A guarantor helps someone get a loan by agreeing to pay it back if they can’t. Here are the risks you need to consider when deciding whether to become one.

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.

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How to manage your loan

Keeping a check on your landline tariff can help you save money and quickly resolve problems with your phone company. Here is how to manage your landline service.

How to get a guarantor loan

Asking a friend or family member to be a guarantor could help you get the loan you need. Here is how guarantor loans work and everything you need to know about them.

How your credit record affects the loan you get

Your credit record has a big impact on the type of loan you can get and how much it will cost. Here is how your credit history affects your loan application and what you can do about it.

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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.

What the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme means for you

The UK Government has implemented the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme as part of its measures to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. This guide explains the ins and outs of the plan.

A guide to buying and owning a car during the coronavirus pandemic

If you are thinking of buying a new vehicle, worried about owning a car, or want to look at your options for car insurance during the COVID-19 crisis, check out the money.co.uk guide for everything you need to know to cut your costs during the pandemic.

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Ten tips for budgeting during coronavirus lockdown

If you income has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and you need to reduce spending and work out a new budget, money.co.uk has created ten top tips for budgeting during lockdown.

Currency in colour: a visual guide to 157 banknotes around the world

We analysed 157 of the world's banknotes currently in circulation, looking at their colour, characters, buildings and animals to discover the DNA of our world currency

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Coronavirus: your annual leave rights

We explain your rights if your employer asks you to take annual leave during coronavirus.

Should you get a limited company buy to let mortgage?

As a landlord, you could invest in buy to let (BTL) properties through a limited company instead of in your own name. Here's how to find out if this could help you save money and pay less tax.

Is now a terrible time to buy a house?

Picking the right time to buy your first home helps you check it's affordable and get a good deal. But is now a good time to buy or are you better off waiting?

Should you risk being a guarantor for a mortgage?

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.

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