The latest from Tim
Stakeholder Pensions Explained
Stakeholder pensions are flexible pension schemes designed to provide a way for anyone to save for their retirement. All stakeholder pension schemes must have certain features, including low minimum contribution…
AVC Pensions: How Additional Voluntary Contributions Work
An AVC pension scheme could prove useful if you want to supplement payments you make into a workplace pension. AVC pensions allow flexibility when it comes to managing contributions and…
Should I Get an Interest Only or Repayment Mortgage?
There are two main ways of repaying a mortgage. With an interest only mortgage, your monthly payments only cover the interest charged on your loan. With a repayment mortgage, your…
What’s the Difference Between Freehold and Leasehold?
Most home buyers in the UK have two main options when it comes to property ownership: it will usually be offered freehold or leasehold. With freehold, you will own the…
Equity Release or Remortgage: Which is Right For You?
If you’re an older homeowner who wants to unlock the equity in your home, equity release or remortgaging could both be explored.
Shared Ownership Mortgages Explained
A shared ownership mortgage can help make buying a home more affordable if purchasing a property outright is difficult. You’ll buy a share of the home at the start, and…
First Homes Scheme: Discounts for First-Time Buyers
The government First Homes scheme aims to help local first-time buyers and key workers get on the property ladder. If you’re eligible, you may be able to buy a new-build…
Rent to Buy: What is the Scheme and How Does it Work?
The government’s Rent to Buy scheme provides would-be homeowners with a way to bridge the gap between renting a property and owning one.
First-time Buyer Stamp Duty Relief Explained
As a first-time buyer you only need to pay stamp duty if the property you’re buying costs over £425,000. Even if it costs more, first-time buyer stamp duty relief means…
Loans for People on Disability Benefits
It can be possible to get a loan if you have a disability or long-term illness and are receiving disability benefits, but the interest rates you’re asked to pay might…
Budgeting Loans and Budgeting Advances Explained
If you’re claiming certain benefits but need help with covering an essential cost, you might be eligible for either a budgeting loan or a budgeting advance from the Department for…
How to Release Equity to Buy A Second Home
You can borrow against your current property to buy a new one either through remortgaging or by taking out equity release.
How to Remortgage to Release Equity
Remortgaging to release equity allows you to raise funds by accessing some of the value that’s built up in your home.
Is it Better to Rent or Buy?
Both renting and buying a home have pros and cons. The right option for you will depend on your circumstances and financial goals.
State Pension Triple Lock Explained
The triple lock protects the income that retirees receive through the state pension from inflation. Usually payments increase in line with the highest of either earnings, Consumer Prices Index inflation,…