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Education hub

Latest Guides

Newly published and recently updated articles from our editorial team — sorted by publish date.

66 articles, newest first

Borrowing guide
Borrowing
8 min readUpdated 19 Sept 2026

Am I blacklisted for credit?

UK lenders do not normally share a single universal blacklist. Declines usually come from credit-reference information and each firm’s own criteria.

Read article: Am I blacklisted for credit?
Borrowing guide
Borrowing
9 min readUpdated 19 Sept 2026

High-cost short-term credit: the FCA cost cap

How the FCA price cap on high-cost short-term credit works, including the daily interest/fees cap, default-fee limit and total-cost cap — with primary sources.

Read article: High-cost short-term credit: the FCA cost cap
Borrowing guide
Borrowing
8 min readUpdated 19 Sept 2026

Guarantor loans explained

What guarantor borrowing is, what the guarantor is responsible for, and why the product is not automatically widely available.

Read article: Guarantor loans explained
Borrowing guide
Borrowing
8 min readUpdated 19 Sept 2026

Open banking explained

What open banking is in the UK, how account-information and payment-initiation services work, and how consent and security are meant to operate.

Read article: Open banking explained
Borrowing guide
Borrowing
8 min readUpdated 19 Sept 2026

Salary advance explained

How employer salary advances, earned-wage access and high-cost short-term credit differ — and why they should not be treated as the same product.

Read article: Salary advance explained
Borrowing guide
Borrowing
8 min readUpdated 19 Sept 2026

Payday loans and bad credit

Why payday-style high-cost credit and a weaker credit file are a high-risk combination, and what to compare instead of chasing acceptance.

Read article: Payday loans and bad credit
Borrowing guide
Borrowing
7 min readUpdated 19 Sept 2026

Same-day loans explained

Payment timing depends on approval, lender processes and banking systems. Same-day marketing is not a guarantee of funds.

Read article: Same-day loans explained
Borrowing guide
Borrowing
8 min readUpdated 16 Sept 2026

APR Explained

Understand representative APR, what it includes, how it differs from a personal rate, and why total repayable still matters when you compare UK credit.

Read article: APR Explained
Money habits
Saving Money
12 min readUpdated 27 Aug 2026

How to build a regular savings habit

Build a repeatable saving routine with a realistic contribution, automatic transfers and a simple review process that adapts when your finances change.

Read article: How to build a regular savings habit
Getting started
Investing
8 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

How to start investing in the UK

A calm checklist for first-time investors: cash buffer first, pick a wrapper, keep costs low and invest money you can leave alone.

Read article: How to start investing in the UK
Risk basics
Investing
7 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Investment risk explained

Why markets move, what volatility means for long-term investors, and how time horizon changes the risks you can sensibly take.

Read article: Investment risk explained
Portfolio building
Investing
6 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Diversification basics for UK investors

Why spreading investments matters, how funds and ETFs help, and what “diversified” does — and does not — protect you from.

Read article: Diversification basics for UK investors
Fund styles
Investing
7 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Index funds vs active funds

Passive tracking versus active stock-picking — how costs, goals and expectations differ for UK investors.

Read article: Index funds vs active funds
Tax wrappers
Investing
8 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

ISA vs SIPP: which wrapper when?

Tax-free ISAs versus pension tax relief — how access, allowances and goals differ before you choose.

Read article: ISA vs SIPP: which wrapper when?
Managed portfolios
Investing
6 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Robo-advisors explained

How ready-made digital portfolios work, what you pay for, and when a robo service may suit hands-off investors.

Read article: Robo-advisors explained
Regular investing
Investing
5 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Pound-cost averaging explained

Why regular investing can reduce timing stress — and what it does not guarantee about returns.

Read article: Pound-cost averaging explained
Debt & Cash Flow
Business Finance
14 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Managing Business Debt

Understand your business debts, prioritise repayments, compare refinancing options and know what to consider if repayments are becoming difficult.

Read article: Managing Business Debt
Business Finance
Business Finance
12 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Business Cash Flow

Understand common ways to manage short-term cash-flow gaps, late customer payments and working-capital pressure.

Read article: Business Cash Flow
Flexible borrowing
Business Finance
7 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Business overdrafts explained

How arranged business overdrafts work, what EAR means, and what to check on fees, limits and eligibility.

Read article: Business overdrafts explained
Business borrowing
Business Finance
8 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Secured vs unsecured business loans

What security and personal guarantees mean for business borrowing — and how that changes cost, risk and eligibility.

Read article: Secured vs unsecured business loans
Sales-linked finance
Business Finance
12 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Merchant cash advances explained

Learn how merchant cash advances work, how sales-linked repayments and costs are structured, and what to compare before using this type of business finance.

Read article: Merchant cash advances explained
Equipment funding
Business Finance
7 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Asset finance explained

How hire purchase and leasing-style finance can fund equipment and vehicles — and what to compare before signing.

Read article: Asset finance explained
Business spending
Business Finance
6 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Business credit cards explained

How business credit cards differ from personal cards — APR, fees, employee cards and what to compare before you apply.

Read article: Business credit cards explained
Recurring costs
Saving Money
12 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Subscriptions & Recurring Bills

Find recurring payments, review subscriptions and contracts, understand renewals and cancellation rules, and reduce costs you no longer need.

Read article: Subscriptions & Recurring Bills
Starting out
Saving Money
12 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

How to start saving when money feels tight

Practical steps to start building savings without setting an unrealistic target or ignoring more urgent financial priorities.

Read article: How to start saving when money feels tight
Goal setting
Saving Money
12 min readUpdated 27 Aug 2026

Savings goals that actually stick

Turn vague intentions into realistic savings targets with a clear amount, deadline, monthly contribution and review plan.

Read article: Savings goals that actually stick
Account types
Saving Money
12 min readUpdated 27 Aug 2026

Easy-access vs fixed-rate savings

Compare easy-access, notice and fixed-rate savings by flexibility, rate certainty and withdrawal rules so you can match the account to when you may need the money.

Read article: Easy-access vs fixed-rate savings
Irregular costs
Saving Money
12 min readUpdated 27 Aug 2026

Sinking funds explained

Learn how to turn annual and irregular costs into manageable monthly amounts, keep planned spending separate from emergency savings and build a system that fits your budget.

Read article: Sinking funds explained
Tax wrapper
Saving Money
14 min readUpdated 27 Aug 2026

Cash ISA vs savings account

Compare tax treatment, AER, access and account rules to understand when a Cash ISA wrapper may help — and when an ordinary savings account may offer better value.

Read article: Cash ISA vs savings account
How growth works
Saving Money
5 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Compound interest for savers

How earning interest on interest builds balances over time — and why rate, time and regular top-ups matter more than perfection.

Read article: Compound interest for savers
Account checklist
Banking
7 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

How to choose a current account

Fees, apps, branches, overdrafts and switching bonuses — what actually matters for everyday UK banking.

Read article: How to choose a current account
Costs & charges
Banking
11 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Bank fees explained

Understand common UK current-account charges, including monthly fees, overdraft costs, foreign transaction fees and cash-withdrawal charges — and what to check before choosing an account.

Read article: Bank fees explained
Protection
Banking
6 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

FSCS deposit protection explained

How UK deposit protection works, what the limit covers, and why “per authorised firm” matters when you spread cash.

Read article: FSCS deposit protection explained
Bank types
Banking
6 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Digital banks vs high-street banks

Apps, branches, cash deposits and customer support — how to choose between challenger and traditional banking.

Read article: Digital banks vs high-street banks
Shared money
Banking
7 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Joint bank accounts explained

How joint accounts work, what “either to sign” means, and the risks to understand before you share an account.

Read article: Joint bank accounts explained
Payments
Banking
5 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Direct Debits vs standing orders

Which payment type to use for bills and transfers — and how to stay in control when amounts change.

Read article: Direct Debits vs standing orders
Borrowing guide
Borrowing
10 min readUpdated 25 Aug 2026

How Loans Work

Understand how borrowing works in the UK — from APR and repayments to secured and unsecured loans, eligibility, fees and total cost.

Read article: How Loans Work
Borrowing guide
Borrowing
9 min readUpdated 25 Aug 2026

How Credit Checks Work

Understand what lenders may check when you apply for credit, the difference between soft and hard searches, and how to check your eligibility before applying.

Read article: How Credit Checks Work
Extra income
Earn Extra Income
14 min readUpdated 12 Aug 2026

Earn Through Work

Compare freelancing, consulting, tutoring, gig work and other service-based ways to earn extra income — including time, costs, tax and practical considerations.

Read article: Earn Through Work
Extra income
Earn Extra Income
14 min readUpdated 12 Aug 2026

Earn From Assets

Explore realistic ways to earn income from assets you own — rooms, property, parking, storage and equipment — with costs, tax and risks explained.

Read article: Earn From Assets
Extra income
Earn Extra Income
16 min readUpdated 12 Aug 2026

Earn From a Business

Explore realistic ways to earn income from a business — digital products, e-commerce, affiliate income, licensing and subscriptions — with costs, tax and risks explained.

Read article: Earn From a Business
Extra income
Earn Extra Income
12 min readUpdated 12 Aug 2026

Passive Income: What It Is and How It Works

What passive income means in practice — savings interest, investment income, property and digital income — without get-rich-quick promises.

Read article: Passive Income: What It Is and How It Works
Extra income
Earn Extra Income
18 min readUpdated 12 Aug 2026

Earn From Investments

How savings and investments can generate income through interest, dividends and distributions — and how risk, yield, fees and tax differ by product.

Read article: Earn From Investments
Borrowing basics
Borrowing
9 min readUpdated 25 Aug 2026

Secured vs Unsecured Loans

Understand the differences between secured and unsecured borrowing, including security, rates, borrowing limits, repayments and the risks if you miss payments.

Read article: Secured vs Unsecured Loans
Borrowing risks
Borrowing
5 min readUpdated 7 Aug 2026

What happens if I miss a loan repayment?

Fees, credit-file impact and practical next steps if you fall behind on UK borrowing repayments.

Read article: What happens if I miss a loan repayment?
CCJs
Credit Score
5 min readUpdated 7 Aug 2026

CCJs explained

What a county court judgment means for your UK credit file and future borrowing applications.

Read article: CCJs explained
Defaults
Credit Score
5 min readUpdated 7 Aug 2026

Defaults explained

How defaults are recorded on UK credit files, how long they can stay, and what to consider next.

Read article: Defaults explained
Electoral roll
Credit Score
4 min readUpdated 7 Aug 2026

Electoral roll and your credit score

Why registering at your current address can support lender identity checks in the UK.

Read article: Electoral roll and your credit score
Affordability
Credit Score
5 min readUpdated 7 Aug 2026

How lenders assess affordability

Why income, outgoings and existing borrowing matter alongside your credit score when you apply.

Read article: How lenders assess affordability
Credit file
Credit Score
5 min readUpdated 7 Aug 2026

How long negative information stays on your credit report

Typical UK timescales for missed payments, defaults and related credit-file records.

Read article: How long negative information stays on your credit report
Borrower protection
Borrowing
6 min readUpdated 4 Aug 2026

Section 75 credit card protection explained

When Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may help if a retailer fails to deliver, and what purchases typically qualify.

Read article: Section 75 credit card protection explained
Borrowing basics
Borrowing
8 min readUpdated 1 Aug 2026

Personal Loans Explained

How unsecured personal loans work in the UK, what representative APR really means, and how to compare total repayable.

Read article: Personal Loans Explained
Business banking
Business Finance
5 min readUpdated 1 Aug 2026

Business bank account checklist

Fees, integrations and features UK businesses should compare before opening or switching accounts.

Read article: Business bank account checklist
Debt strategy
Borrowing
7 min readUpdated 18 Jul 2026

Debt consolidation: pros, cons and when to avoid it

Combining debts can simplify repayments — but a longer term may cost more overall. Here’s how to decide.

Read article: Debt consolidation: pros, cons and when to avoid it
Improve score
Credit Score
11 min readUpdated 9 Sept 2026

How to improve your credit score

Practical steps to improve your UK credit profile, correct problems on your credit report and strengthen your position before applying for credit.

Read article: How to improve your credit score
SME funding
Business Finance
14 min readUpdated 1 Sept 2026

Choosing the right business loan for your SME

Start with why you need funding, then compare business loans, overdrafts, invoice finance, asset finance and credit cards — without a personalised recommendation.

Read article: Choosing the right business loan for your SME
Cashflow tools
Business Finance
13 min readUpdated 1 Sept 2026

Invoice finance vs business overdraft

Invoice finance advances cash against unpaid invoices; a business overdraft is revolving account borrowing. Compare structure, costs and fit.

Read article: Invoice finance vs business overdraft
Investing 101
Investing
9 min readUpdated 2 Aug 2026

Stocks & Shares ISA for beginners

What a Stocks & Shares ISA is, how the allowance works, and how to choose a platform without overpaying on fees.

Read article: Stocks & Shares ISA for beginners
Credit reports
Credit Score
6 min readUpdated 9 Jul 2026

Understanding UK credit reports

What’s on your file, who sees it, and how lenders interpret the story behind the score.

Read article: Understanding UK credit reports
Everyday banking
Banking
6 min readUpdated 21 Jul 2026

Current account switching guide

How the Current Account Switch Service works, what moves automatically, and how to compare switching bonuses.

Read article: Current account switching guide
Funds & ETFs
Investing
6 min readUpdated 1 Jul 2026

ETF investing basics for UK investors

Exchange-traded funds offer diversified exposure at low cost — here’s how they work and what to watch for.

Read article: ETF investing basics for UK investors
Money habits
Saving Money
6 min readUpdated 12 Jul 2026

How to budget without feeling broke

A simple monthly system that prioritises essentials, goals and guilt-free spending.

Read article: How to budget without feeling broke
Savings rates
Saving Money
12 min readUpdated 27 Aug 2026

Finding a better savings rate without the faff

Learn how to compare savings AERs, spot temporary bonus rates, understand access restrictions and decide whether switching your savings could be worthwhile.

Read article: Finding a better savings rate without the faff
Short-term borrowing
Banking
10 min readUpdated 26 Aug 2026

Arranged overdrafts explained

Understand how arranged overdrafts work, how EAR affects the cost, when short-term overdraft borrowing may help and when alternatives may be cheaper.

Read article: Arranged overdrafts explained
Costs matter
Investing
5 min readUpdated 22 Jun 2026

Investment platform fees: what actually matters

Percentage fees vs flat fees, fund charges and how to estimate the real cost of investing.

Read article: Investment platform fees: what actually matters
Cash first
Saving Money
14 min readUpdated 27 Aug 2026

How much should you keep in an emergency fund?

Build a realistic emergency savings target based on your essential spending, income stability and household circumstances — and learn where to keep the money so it is available when you need it.

Read article: How much should you keep in an emergency fund?

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If you spot something that needs correcting or want to contact our editorial team, get in touch.

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