money-guides

Best UK SIPP: providers, fees, contributions and withdrawal rules

A Self-Invested Personal Pension lets the holder pick the investments inside a UK registered pension. This 2026 guide covers tax relief, the annual and money purchase allowances, fees, withdrawal from age 55 (57 from 2028) and how a SIPP compares to ISAs.

17 Jun 2026 · 1 min read

Best index funds UK 2026: how to invest in a tracker fund and what to consider

Investing TL;DR Index funds track a market index such as the FTSE 100, S&P 500 or global market indices,

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

UK savings rate index 2026: how the base rate flows through to savings accounts

The Desk TL;DR UK savings rates rose sharply from 2022 as the Bank of England base rate increased from 0.1

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

UK Inflation Rate 2026 - Latest CPI and RPI Data

The Desk TL;DR UK CPI inflation fell to approximately 2.6 percent in early 2026, according to ONS data, moving closer

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

The Desk weekly briefing: how to read UK financial news in 2026

The Desk TL;DR UK financial news covers MPC rate decisions, ONS inflation and employment releases, HMRC tax changes and FCA regulatory

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

The Desk explainers: how complex UK finance topics actually work

The Desk TL;DR The Desk publishes clear, primary-source-verified explainers on the UK financial concepts that shape everyday money decisions.

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

85 Loan to Value Mortgages UK: How LTV Affects Your Rate

Mortgages TL;DR Loan-to-value (LTV) is the mortgage amount expressed as a percentage of the property value. A £150,000

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

Help to Buy UK 2026: what schemes still exist and what replaced them

Mortgages TL;DR The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme in England closed to new applicants in October 2022. The Mortgage Guarantee

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

Fixed vs Variable Mortgage UK 2026: How to Choose Between Rate Certainty and Flexibility

Choosing between a fixed and variable rate mortgage is one of the most consequential decisions for borrowers. This guide compares the two structures on cost, certainty, flexibility and when each is most appropriate in 2026.

16 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

UK stamp duty 2026: rates, FTB relief and how to calculate

A plain-English guide to UK stamp duty in 2026-27, covering SDLT in England and Northern Ireland, LBTT in Scotland and LTT in Wales. Worked examples show how tiered bands, first-time buyer relief and the additional property surcharge combine.

16 Jun 2026 · 24 min read

Inheritance tax UK 2026: thresholds, rates, reliefs and how to reduce your bill

Tax and Salary TL;DR Inheritance tax (IHT) is charged at 40% on the value of an estate above the available nil-

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

UK capital gains tax 2026: rates, allowances and what triggers a CGT liability

Tax and Salary TL;DR Capital gains tax (CGT) is charged on the profit when you sell or dispose of an asset

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

UK National Insurance 2026: rates, thresholds and what you pay

Tax and Salary TL;DR National Insurance contributions fund state pension, statutory sick pay, and other benefits. Employees pay Class 1 NI

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

UK council tax reductions 2026: discounts, exemptions and how to apply

Tax and Salary TL;DR Council tax reductions include a 25% single person discount, full exemption for all-student households, disability reductions

18 May 2026 · 7 min read

Sole trader tax UK 2026: what you pay, when and how to file

Tax and Salary TL;DR As a sole trader you pay income tax on profits above the personal allowance and Class 4

18 May 2026 · 7 min read

UK Toll Charge Appeal 2026 - How to Challenge Any UK Toll

Reclaim TL;DR UK toll roads and crossings issue Penalty Charge Notices for non-payment. You have a statutory right to appeal

7 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

UK holiday refund claim 2026: Section 75, chargeback and package holiday rights

Reclaim TL;DR If a holiday is cancelled or significantly changed, you may have rights under: Section 75 of the Consumer Credit

18 May 2026 · 7 min read

Reclaim bank charges UK 2026: refund rights for unfair fees and charges

Reclaim TL;DR You can challenge bank charges that were applied in error, applied unfairly, or where you were not given adequate

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Parking fine appeal UK 2026: how to challenge a PCN and win

Reclaim TL;DR There are two types of parking fine in the UK: council-issued Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and private parking

18 May 2026 · 7 min read

HMRC tax rebate UK 2026: how to reclaim overpaid income tax

Reclaim TL;DR HMRC will refund overpaid income tax automatically in many cases via PAYE or after self-assessment. Common reasons for

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

Energy overcharge claim UK 2026: how to reclaim money from your energy supplier

Reclaim TL;DR If your energy supplier has charged you more than the Ofgem price cap unit rate or applied incorrect standing

18 May 2026 · 6 min read

Workplace pension UK 2026: auto-enrolment, contributions and how to maximise them

Pensions TL;DR Auto-enrolment requires employers to enrol eligible workers into a workplace pension and make minimum contributions. In 2025/26

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

Power of attorney UK 2026: LPA types, how to register and costs

Pensions TL;DR A Lasting Power of Attorney lets you appoint someone to manage your finances or make health decisions if you

18 May 2026 · 6 min read

UK mortgage rate index 2026: average rates, Bank Rate movements and what to expect

News TL;DR UK mortgage rates in 2026 are significantly higher than 2020-2022 levels following the Bank of England's

18 May 2026 · 7 min read

UK energy price tracker 2026: price cap history and what to expect next quarter

News TL;DR The Ofgem energy price cap is reviewed quarterly and sets the maximum unit rate and standing charge for variable

18 May 2026 · 6 min read

Budget watch 2026: UK fiscal and tax policy tracker

News TL;DR The Autumn Budget 2024 set the major fiscal parameters in force for 2025/26 and 2026/27, including income

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

UK Mortgage Affordability Calculator 2026 - How Much to Borrow

Calculate how much you can borrow for a UK mortgage based on income, deposit and outgoings. Understand how lenders assess affordability in 2026.

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

Remortgage UK 2026: when to remortgage, how it works and what it costs

Mortgages TL;DR Remortgaging means switching to a new mortgage deal, either with your existing lender (product transfer) or with a new

12 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

Mortgage deposit guide UK 2026: how much you need and how to save faster

FSCS deposit protection increased from £85,000 to £120,000 per person, per authorised institution, from 1 December 2025 (joint accounts: £240,

18 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

Joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage UK 2026: how JBSP mortgages work

Mortgages TL;DR A joint borrower sole proprietor (JBSP) mortgage allows a parent or family member to be added to the mortgage

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read