The Blog.
We’re here to make money matters simple. From rent and mortgages to bills and benefits, find advice that works for you.
30 hours free childcare 2027: Who qualifies and how to apply before the deadline
Parents of babies born in 2026 could qualify for 30 hours of free childcare a week from January 2027. But families hoping to claim from the start of the year must apply by 31 December 2026. Here's how to check eligibility, income requirements, maternity leave rules and the application process.
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Average UK salary reaches £40,911: What do people really earn in 2026?
The UK's median annual salary for established full-time employees has passed £40,000 for the first time. But what does £40,911 actually mean, how much would you take home after tax and why might your payslip look very different? We explain the latest ONS earnings figures, regional differences and how to compare your pay fairly.
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Nearly 9 million people help older relatives with bills: How to support your parents financially
Almost nine million UK adults are helping older relatives pay for everyday living costs, care and home repairs, according to new research. We explain how to check whether your parents qualify for extra financial support, manage shared costs and help without putting your own savings, bills or retirement plans at risk.
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Financial abuse at Christmas: 7 warning signs and how to help
Christmas can make financial abuse harder to spot. Learn seven warning signs of financial control, how to help someone safely and where to get support.
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How much emergency cash should you keep at home? UK government advice explained
More people are withdrawing cash after the government encouraged households to prepare for emergencies. But how much money should you actually keep at home? We explain the official guidance, LINK's suggested cash amounts, the risks of keeping too much and practical ways to prepare for payment outages on a budget.
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Can paying rent improve your credit score? New Experian Boost changes explained
Experian is rolling out an updated Boost service that considers rent, household bills and everyday spending. The changes could help some renters improve their credit score and better understand how lenders assess them. Here's how it works, how to connect your bank account and what to check before applying.
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Vinted and eBay under-16 ban: Can children still buy and sell online?
The government is considering extending its under-16 social media ban to Vinted, eBay and Depop over concerns about children being contacted by strangers. We explain which platforms could be affected, the existing age restrictions, what might change in 2027 and whether parents can still help teenagers sell unwanted belongings.
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3 common money myths debunked: Budgeting, investing and credit scores
From budgeting to investing and debts, we dive into the most common things people are getting wrong about their money and how much it could be costing you. Getting to grips with your money can be a complicated matter when every expert online seems to be pointing you in a different direction. In the chaos, there are a few money myths that have emerged and while most have been debunked, there’s a few that most people still believe in, and it could even be costing you a good few pennies.
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Bank of England interest rates rise to 4%: What it means for your money
The Bank of England has raised interest rates to 4% for the first time since 2023, warning that inflation could reach 5% next year. We explain how the increase affects mortgages, credit cards, loans and savings, with practical steps to help protect your household budget.
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Black Friday scams 2026: How to spot fake deals on Facebook Marketplace and social media
New TSB research reveals that one in three people surveyed have been caught by purchase scams on social media or second-hand platforms, rising to almost half of 25 to 34-year-olds. With Black Friday approaching, here's how to spot fake deals, check sellers and protect your money if something goes wrong.
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Why can't young people afford to buy a house? It's not the avocado toast
Is avocado toast really stopping young people from buying their first home? With first-time buyers now averaging 34 years old in England, we look at the real barriers to homeownership, how house prices compare with wages and whether the government's new 2.5% deposit scheme could help.
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Hidden delivery fees: Are online shops allowed to charge extra at checkout?
The CMA has warned UK retailers against hiding unavoidable delivery charges until checkout ahead of Christmas 2026. We explain when delivery fees must be included in advertised prices, which extra charges are legal and what shoppers can do if the final price changes.
Read moreNew £3,000 side hustle tax rules: do you pay tax on Vinted and eBay sales?
New HMRC rules will triple the tax-free side hustle allowance from £1,000 to £3,000 in April 2027. Here's what the change means if you sell on Vinted, eBay or Etsy, earn money from freelance work or have a second job, including when you need to declare your income.
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Energy debt write-off scheme 2027: Who qualifies and could your bills be cleared?
Ofgem has announced a new energy debt relief scheme for spring 2027, with up to 2.4 million customers holding historical debts that could be considered. We explain who might qualify, which energy debts are covered, whether they could be written off and what to do if you're struggling with payments now.
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Autumn Budget 2026: Is your pint getting more expensive?
The Autumn Budget 2026 brings a rise in alcohol duty alongside business rates relief for pubs and support for small breweries. We explain whether your pint could cost more, why a 2p duty rise isn't necessarily a 2p price rise, and what the changes mean for your local.
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Autumn Budget 2026: Lifetime ISA penalty cut and new help for first-time buyers
The Autumn Budget 2026 includes plans for a 2.5% deposit scheme and a new First-Time Buyer ISA to replace the Lifetime ISA. We explain what has been announced, what it means for existing savers, which rules still apply and what buyers need to know before making decisions.
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Autumn Budget 2026: What it means for your money, wages, benefits and bills
The Autumn Budget 2026 includes a £100 winter energy payment, higher minimum wages, changes to Lifetime ISAs, new support for carers and an increase in the tax-free trading allowance. We explain the key announcements, who benefits, when they take effect and what they could mean for your household budget.
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Autumn Budget 2026: £100 energy payment: 838,000 low-income households could miss out. Are you eligible?
The £100 energy payment starts in January 2027 for eligible homes in council tax bands A–D. Check who qualifies, how payments work and what other help is available.
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