Sometimes, the most difficult part about saving money is knowing how and getting started. This article will go through how to save money using simple and realistic strategies, with the idea being you can then achieve all your short and long-term goals. 1. Look at Your Income and Expenses The first step towards saving money is figuring out what you are spending versus what you are bringing in. You should start keeping track of all your expenses – everything from energy bills, food shopping to non-essentials. Start by going through your bank statements to make sure that you do not forget anythin ..read more

We all look forward to our weekends, whether we are excited about a few days to rest or eager to make the most of our free time with action-packed days. However, if you are looking to reduce your outgoings, expensive weekends can quickly start to add up. Many of us have financial goals which we are working towards, such as saving, clearing debt or simply reducing unnecessary spending. To help improve your bank balance, we have compiled the following list of our top tips for reducing your spending at the weekend. 1) Avoid taxis and go for a walk or bike ride If you have spent the week rushing a ..read more

Buying a first home is still seen by millions of Britons as a rite of passage, allowing people to set up a family of their own and start paying into an asset that they actually own. But for many people, it feels like a next step that is increasingly out of reach, particularly for young adults whose age group would ordinarily be the ones to make that leap. While stagnating wages and rising living costs have certainly impacted the affordability of homes, there are still ways in which you can organise your finances to raise the cash you need. So how can you go from renting to owning under your ow ..read more

Payday and doorstep lenders have been with us for years. Unfortunately, some of them were lending at very high interest rates, with unpleasant practices such as aggressive debt collection, poor affordability checks, and overcharging fees. On 1st April 2014, the Financial Conduct Authority became the regulator for these companies and began cracking down on unfair practices and excessive charges with new regulations. Following these actions from the FCA, profits were drastically reduced for these companies. As a result, many firms either went into administration, liquidation or entered a scheme ..read more

The cost of a wedding in the UK often runs into the tens of thousands of pounds and, while it is your special day, it is worth considering some ways to lower the bill. It is possible to have a perfectly wonderful day, with most of the trimmings, on a budget. You just need to be prepared to be hands-on and spend some time planning. Have a look at the following tips we have compiled on how to save money on your wedding for inspiration. Say Yes to the Dress Every woman wants to feel like a princess on their big day, and with all eyes on the bride, the wedding dress is often one of the most expens ..read more

If you have multiple debts which you are struggling to repay, you are not alone. There are many ways to tackle your debt, and one of the most popular options is a debt consolidation loan. A variety of lenders specialise in these types of loans, with many considering lending to those with a bad credit score. What Exactly Is a Debt Consolidation Loan? Debt consolidation loans are designed to enable borrowers to condense their debt repayments. This means that rather than juggling repaying several debts every month, you simply need to budget for a single repayment. In many cases, it is possible to ..read more

If you find yourself in a tricky financial situation, there are many different ways you can borrow money – you can ask for help from family and friends if they can provide it, you can use a credit card, use lending companies or else take out a loan from a bank. Different types of loans may seem very similar to one another. Still, in actuality, it’s essential to know the differences between them before making your decision – it’s not one to take lightly. Often, the most popular choice when you’re in dire need of a bit of extra cash, for whatever reason, is a loan. Deciding between taking out a ..read more

You’re never too young to start thinking about money – especially when it comes to building those responsible habits and practices that can benefit your life further down the line. While many young people go into the world with little money knowledge, a little bit of extra time spent on finances can go a long way towards preventing the all-to-tempting pitfalls of store cards, credit and loans. Whether you’re a teenager looking to start on the right foot with your finances, or a parent hoping to instil a better understanding of money into a younger teen, these budgeting tips are a great place t ..read more

The coronavirus pandemic across the world has caused many changes in how we run our lives. From how many people we meet outside to those struggling to find a new or a first job. The financial security of families is a huge concern. According to statistics, about 730,000 people in the UK lost their jobs. This figure doesn’t include the number of people who also took pay reductions as the lockdown hit the UK economy. As a result, there are many families and individuals out there who are struggling financially and looking for solutions to protect them. A perfect breeding ground for scammers. Scam ..read more

Having a baby is one of life’s greatest joys. There’s nothing else like bringing your own bundle of cuteness home from the hospital. However, there’s no getting away from the fact that it can also be an expensive time. It’s hard to know what you will need as a first-time parent, and there are so many baby-related accessories out there that it’s difficult not to give in to your newbie’s nerves and buy everything. Not to worry though, the following tips will help your cash stay in your pocket! Bulk Buying and Second Hand There are some items you know you will go through a lot of, nappies, baby w ..read more