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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 get a mortgage if you are an older borrower

Getting a mortgage can be more difficult when you get closer to retirement. Here is how to find one whether you want to move house or remortgage your current home.

How much does it cost to buy a home?

Your home could be the most expensive purchase you ever make. Here is how much you might spend and how to make sure you can afford a mortgage and all of the other costs.

Are Premium Bonds a safe investment or waste of time?

Premium Bonds let you save money with the chance of winning cash prizes from monthly draws, but are they as straightforward as they seem? Here is how they work.

What's the best place for your money?

Knowing what to do with savings can be difficult, especially when rates are so low. Here is what you can do if you have money to invest.

Should I overpay on my mortgage?

If you have extra money to spare, you could make overpayments on your mortgage. This can reduce the amount you pay and shorten your mortgage term, but is it right for you?

How does Help to Buy work?

The Help to Buy scheme could make it easier for you to get your first home with help from the government. Here is how it works and how to use it.

House model with agent and customer discussing for contract to buy

What is a guarantor mortgage?

If you are unable to buy the home you want with a normal mortgage, a guarantor could help you get accepted or borrow more. Here is how they work and how to get one.

10 steps to becoming debt free

We explain, step by step, how you can work towards clearing your debts and becoming debt free.

How do overdrafts work?

A good overdraft can let you borrow money for free, but overspending on the wrong account could cost you money. Here is how to use an overdraft and how to find the right one.

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.

What is an innovative finance ISA? How does an IFISA work?

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.

5 ways to check a website is legit

If you're not sure a website is secure, there are quick and easy ways to check you aren't risking your personal information. Here are 5 ways to check if a website is legit.

Symbolic representation growing your money through property investing.

How to invest in property

If you have grand designs on property investment, you'll need to get your finances into gear. We show you how to work out if property development is a realistic dream and how to make it happen.

Your redundancy rights

If the threat of redundancy is looming over you, it is important to know your rights. We explain exactly what you are entitled to if you have been made redundant.

Your refund rights explained

If you have been refused a refund for faulty or unwanted goods you are not alone. Here are your rights to help get your money back if a company is refusing to give you a refund.

How are investments taxed?

You may have to pay extra types of tax if you make money from your investments. Here is how your investments are taxed and how your tax band can affect what you pay.

Find out how are investments taxed

What is a unit trust?

A unit trust puts your money in the hands of an expert fund manager together with other investors. Here is what you need to know about unit trusts before you invest.

How do I gift money without being taxed?

You may be able to give away money without paying tax, but it depends on whom it goes to and how much you give. Here is what you need to know about gifting money without paying tax.

What is the best way to save for your child?

You can save for your child's future in a number of ways, here is how to pick the right children's savings account.

Should you get a long or short term mortgage?

When you get a mortgage you have to decide how long you need to pay it all off. Here is how to work out which is cheapest and how to make sure you can afford the term you choose.

Image of a person doing paperwork with a model of a house on their clipboard.

10 things you could be doing that invalidate your home insurance

Money.co.uk reveals 10 simple things that could actually stop you from being able to claim on your home insurance.

How do buy to let mortgages work?

If you want to invest in property and rent it out to someone else, you will need a buy to let mortgage. Here is everything you need to know about them.

Will I ever be able to afford a house?

You might be ready to buy your first home sooner than you think, but if you need a leg up onto the property ladder there are lots of ways you can find help. Here is how to get started before you buy and how to check you can afford it. 6

What loans can you apply for when you're self employed?

Getting a loan when you're self-employed can be tricky. But there are still plenty of options. Here's what you need to know to get a loan when you're self-employed.

What is a bridging loan?

A bridging loan could help you buy a property while you wait for the sale of your existing home.

Travel money: should I get a travel credit card?

Using the best credit card for travel can solve a lot of holiday problems. You don’t need to think “how much money can I travel with?” or worry about where to find the best exchange rate.

Chargeback claims: how to get your money back

You could claim a refund if something goes wrong when you spend on your debit, prepaid or credit card. Here's how the Chargeback scheme can get your money back from your bank.

How to get your first credit card

Here is how to prepare yourself for your first credit card application.

Black woman with boyfriend using credit card to shop online

Can you transfer money from a credit card to your bank account

If you want to borrow a small sum of cash to repay a debt, or clear an overdraft, you can use a money transfer credit card to move cash into your current account.

Couple at the airport running for a flight

Last minute holiday checklist

Last minute holidays can be a great way to bag a top deal, but there are still a few things you cannot afford to forget. Here is what you need for a safe last minute trip that won’t break the bank.

Read our last minute holiday checklist

Happy and young black family with newborn baby.

New parents: What benefits do you get when you have a baby?

Whether you want to stay home to look after your new child or return to work and arrange childcare, any help you can get is worth investigating. Here's a look at what benefits and other help you can find.

Row of restored elegant Victorian houses

How to get your home valued for free

With a bit of detective work it is possible to get a good idea of your home's worth for free, thanks to information now available online.

Car crash: What to do

Our step-by-step accident guide takes you through what to do at the scene of a road accident to help you sort it out as quickly and easily as possible.

Diesel or petrol: which is best for you?

We weigh up the pros and cons of both types of fuels to help you decide which will be the most cost-efficient for your particular needs.

How your occupation effects your car insurance premium

This guide explains why your occupation counts when looking for car insurance. It also reveals the job titles insurers like and dislike.

Claiming for whiplash

Discover the causes of whiplash, how easy it is to make a claim and what efforts are being made to stop fraudulent claims.

UK car seats law

Make sure your child is safe and that you stay on the right side of the law with our guide to child booster seats in the UK.

MOT checklist: how to prepare before your test

Discover everything you need to know about UK MOTs - how much it will cost, what is covered in the test, and the checks you can carry out at home to help your vehicle pass

Woman driving a car with one hand on the wheel and the other on the gear stick.

Pass Plus course explained

Find out about the Pass Plus driving course and what it means for the cost of your car insurance

What is breakdown cover?

Whether you drive every day or only occasionally, a breakdown policy gives you peace of mind that help is at hand should something go wrong. Here is how breakdown cover works.

Male College Student Lies On Bed In Shared House Working On Laptop

Coronavirus: Your student accommodation refund rights

If your university has been shut down due to COVID-19 or your lectures have to be conducted remotely, you may be thinking about leaving your student accommodation. Here’s everything you need to know if you need to leave your university accommodation due to Coronavirus restrictions.

Graphic to illustrate property extensions

How much do celebrity property conversions actually cost?

An insight into how much underground tunnels and infinity swimming pools actually cost celebrities and how this can affect the long term selling price or their homes.

Image of business plan and someone writing one with a cup of coffee

Coronavirus: Budgeting for business uncertainty

Money.co.uk has pulled together some tips to help your business adapt to survive during these volatile times, as well as a look at the financial help available to your firm.

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.

Coronavirus: Improve your mortgage chances

While COVID-19 has caused enormous disruption for those trying to get on the housing ladder, money.co.uk has outlined some simple things you can do to boost your chances of getting a mortgage.

Photo of a woman taking a photo of a cake.

How much could bake-off contestants have made through Instagram?

With The Great British Bake Off returning to our screens this Autumn, the personal finance experts at money.co.uk have investigated how much previous and this year's contestants could earn with their increased social following.

Image of man holding phone with apps pouring out

In-App Spending: The hidden costs of ‘free’ apps

Many apps and games which are free to download make their revenue from a litany of in-app purchases. Money.co.uk has discovered what proportion of ‘free’ apps on the Google Play Store have the potential for hidden costs.

20 things to do when moving house

Moving home is one of the most stressful and financially draining things you can do, so here are our top 12 things to arrange before moving day to make your life easier.

What’s the best city to live in based on your diet?

Compare the cost of living for vegans and vegetarians around the world with this easy-to-use calculator revealing vegan cooking classes, speciality restaurants and food costs on money.co.uk a UK energy comparison site.

Internet Speeds Housing Index | compare internet speeds and house prices

Find out the impact of internet speed on house prices. The money.co.uk broadband checker reveals the best places for fast home internet in 50 states across the USA.

Picture of coins stacked up next to each other with a graduation cap on top of third stack of coins

Coronavirus: Money saving tips for students

If you’re about to start university this September, money.co.uk has drawn up some useful tips to make your money go further.

Image of diverse range of students studying

Coronavirus: University Losses

Each year, 1.5 million students come from around the world to study at universities in the UK. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to halt international travel, money.co.uk explores what the loss in overseas student fees may mean for institutions across the country.

The Kinder Cars Index | Get around while reducing your impact on the planet

Whether you’re looking for a car that’s leather free or has low emissions, these are the top 50 cars that mindful motorists should consider.

Image of 2 blond girls watching a screen

Revealed: The UK's Most Family-Friendly Streaming Service 2020

Broadband experts rank the best and worst streaming service for families, based on price, functionality, and selection. And it's not Disney+...

A pink graphic with writing which reads: Shop Now, Stress Later

Shop now, stress later: generation debt trap revealed

Are Buy Now Pay Later services enticing shoppers into a dangerous cycle of unmanageable debt? The consumer spending experts at money.co.uk have investigated consumers' relationships with BNPL services to find out if shoppers are being tempted into taking on unsustainable debt, without fully realising the risk.

The make believe mortgage - how much would you have to spend to live in homes from films, TV and games?

If have you ever wondered how much it would cost to own some of tv, film and gaming's most iconic homes then wonder no more. Our new mortgage guide reveals what the cost of owning some of the most recognisable properties in the world would be...

Graphic reading Pole Position, ranking the greatest drivers in F1 history

Pole Position: the best drivers in Formula 1 history revealed

From Nino Farino to Lewis Hamilton, car insurance experts crunched the numbers to find the greatest drivers of all time

Concession Recession: The lost revenue of football stadiums

With the announcement that sports fans will be able to return to their seats later this year, albeit with reduced attendances, money.co.uk took a look at how much franchises are set to lose at the concession stand.

Photograph of someone pouring a draught pint of beer.

Spoons Savings: The hidden costs of a pre flight meal

As holiday-makers flock to airports to head off on a long-awaited summer holiday, money.co.uk has looked at the hidden costs associated with travel.

How to save money on pre-flight food

Graphic to illustrate money.co.uk Renovation Nation Report

The 2020 Renovation Nation Report reveals which areas of their properties homeowners have been upgrading under lockdown

With lockdown restrictions keeping most of us indoors, homeowners have been busy upgrading their homes to make them more comfortable and usable while working from home. Some have used personal loans, money from their holiday fund or have remortgaged to fund the renovations.

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