The Blog.
We’re here to make money matters simple. From rent and mortgages to bills and benefits, find advice that works for you.
Black Friday: Is it the real deal or a dud? How to spot a genuine bargain
Are Black Friday deals really worth it? Discover what Which? found about sale prices and learn how to check discounts, price histories and hidden costs.
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Forget the air fryers: 9 unexpected places to find Black Friday and Cyber Week discounts in 2026
Black Friday isn't just for gadgets. Discover Cyber Week 2026 discounts on holidays, broadband, train tickets, streaming, gyms and subscriptions.
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Returning a Black Friday purchase bought with Klarna or Clearpay? Here's what happens to your payments
Returning a Black Friday purchase bought with Klarna, Clearpay or PayPal? Find out what happens to your repayments, refunds and rights under the new 2026 BNPL rules.
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Is PIP being scrapped for under-25s? New benefit proposals explained
PIP could be replaced for 18 to 24-year-olds under new proposals. Find out who could be affected, whether payments change now and what's planned for 2027.
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Unexpected bills cost £535 on average: What to do if you can't afford one
Seven in ten Brits have faced an unexpected bill in the past year, costing £535 on average, according to new Santander research. With half leaving problems unfixed because they can't afford the repairs, we look at the true cost of financial emergencies and how to protect your budget when life goes wrong. Whether it's your car giving up on the way to work, the washing machine packing in or a surprise trip to the dentist, unexpected bills have a horrible habit of arriving when you can least afford them. And new research suggests they're becoming a familiar problem for households across the UK. A survey from Santander, published on 12 November 2026, found that 71% of Brits have faced an unexpected bill in the past year, with the average cost reaching £535. Perhaps more concerningly, 51% admitted they'd lived with a problem they couldn't afford to fix, including broken-down cars and untreated toothache. It's a familiar picture at thinkmoney. Our own research into what we called Britain's Cash-tastrophes revealed just how frequently unexpected expenses derail household budgets, with 34% of respondents saying a sudden expense had pushed them into debt. So, what's costing people the most, and what can you do when something goes wrong and there simply isn't enough money to cover it?
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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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Tesco Clubcard vouchers expiring November 2026: How to check and extend yours
£15 million worth of Tesco Clubcard vouchers are set to expire on 30 November, and you could have savings sitting in your account without realising it. Here's how to check for forgotten vouchers, make the most of them and potentially extend their expiry dates.
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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
Pay your rent on time every month but feel like it counts for nothing? New changes to Experian Boost and ClearScore could help more renters get recognition for their financial habits. We explain how both free services work, who could benefit and what they mean for your credit score.
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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.
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