Laura Howard

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  • Cost Of Living Crisis: First Payments Made To Lowest-Income Households

    The first of the Government’s cost of living payments will begin to be paid today (14 July) into the bank accounts of the UK’s lowest-income households. Eight million households in receipt of benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance and...
  • Current Account Switch Service – All You Need To Know

    When did you last change your current account? These days there is plenty of competition in the current account market, as we’ve highlighted in this round-up of the Best Current Accounts. Time to switch? The banking landscape has changed in...
  • What Are Car Insurance Groups?

    There are factors beyond your driving experience, address and occupation that affect the price you pay for car insurance. And one of them is the insurance group that your vehicle belongs to. Here’s everything you need to know about car...
  • Best Cash ISA Rates For The Over-60s

    If you’re over 60, now could be a good time to review what your cash is earning. Interest rates have been steadily rising since the end of last year as The Bank of England attempts to tame soaring inflation. But...
  • Best Basic Bank Accounts

    Basic bank accounts provide a ‘no-frills’ banking service. Free to open and maintain, this type of current account takes care of basic day-to-day money management such as making and receiving payments, setting up direct debits and standing orders, and making...
  • What’s Happening With UK Mortgage Rates?

    The ever-tightening cost of living crisis and continued soaring inflation – which stood at a staggering 9% in the 12 months to April – is fuelling the likelihood of more interest rate rises this year, putting further pressure on the...
  • Comprehensive Car Insurance Explained

    Comprehensive car insurance is the most standard option when you come to insure your car. But what’s actually covered (and not covered) under this type of policy? What can you expect in terms of cost? And is it the right...
  • How To Send Money To India

    There are around 1.5 million people of Indian origin living in the UK. And, for many, sending money back to India is a regular occurence – whether that’s to cover bills at a property, support relatives, or pay for travel...
  • 95% Mortgage Deals – July 2022

    Buying a home with just a 5% deposit is possible thanks to the availability of 95% mortgages – but you’ll need to do some homework before applying. Here, we explain all you need to know about 95% mortgage deals including...
  • What Are The Cheapest Cars To Insure?

    Car insurance premiums are priced according to risk. That means the greater your risk of being involved in an accident, or your car being stolen, the more you’ll pay for cover. It’s for this reason that some cars are more...
  • Do You Need Plumbing And Drainage Cover?

    Plumbing and drainage insurance protects against the cost of emergency repairs to your home’s pipes, drains, sinks or toilets. It also offers peace of mind that sudden leaks or blockages will be dealt with promptly – and won’t involve a...
  • What Is Storage Insurance?

    Storage insurance is a specific type of insurance policy that protects your belongings while they are held in a storage facility – and most storage companies will insist upon you having it. Cover typically extends to items such as household...
  • Credit Card Charges And Fees Explained

    A credit card can be a useful financial tool, offering a wide range of benefits. But it’s easy to get caught out by some nasty fees and charges if you’re not using your card with your eyes wide open. This...
  • Porting A Mortgage – All You Need To Know

    What happens to your mortgage if you are making plans to move home? If you don’t want to lose your current mortgage deal you may be able to take it with you using a common process known as ‘porting’. This guide...
  • Best Low Interest Credit Cards

    If you like to use a credit card to manage your everyday spending and often carry a small balance, a card with one low rate, rather than a 0% introductory rate, could be a good fit. Some even offer perks...
  • What Are The Best Savings Accounts Of July 2022?

    The best savings account for you will depend on your needs and preferences. But an easy access savings account is the most straightforward as — give or take a few restrictions — you can add or withdraw money whenever you...
  • Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Policies Of 2022

    For the latest news on the travel sector, including rules and restrictions around Covid-19 and  Covid-19 testing, visit our regularly updated travel blog If you're hatching travel plans for summer 2022, the best travel insurance will offer valuable peace of...
  • Driven To Distraction: Why Bad Road Habits Could Cost You Dear

    Many of us pride ourselves on our driving skills. Yet we’ve all had experiences of near-misses, bumps and scrapes, with some of us involved in full-blown serious accidents. And then there’s road rage. From gestures and verbal abuse to tailgating...
  • Ofgem Energy Price Cap Explained

    Friday 1 April 2022 marked the start of a new energy price cap administered by the market regulator, Ofgem. But what exactly does that mean for your energy bills? Find out with our Q&A. For the very latest information on...
  • Best Mortgage Lenders For Remortgaging

    With house prices exhaustingly high, and both the cost of living and interest rates on the rise, locking in an affordable mortgage rate is potentially a more pressing task than ever. While the cost of UK mortgages has also been...
  • Credit Scores & Reports: All You Need To Know

    Your credit score can influence everything from the mobile phone you use to the home you live in – so it’s worthy of some care and attention. Here we explain how credit scoring works, look at why it matters so...
  • American Express British Airways Credit Card Review 2022

    Earn Avios points on your everyday spending Annual fee-free No 0% promotional periods While there is no annual fee to pay for the American Express British Airways card, there is no promotional period on purchases – and balance transfers are...
  • HSBC No Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card Review 2022

    0% interest for 20 months on balance transfers, for no fee. Transfers must be made within the first 60 days of account opening Minimum credit limit of £500 Immediate access to spending in shops, apps and on websites using Apple...
  • Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card Review 2022

  • American Express Platinum Cashback Credit Card Review 2022

  • Lloyds Bank Platinum 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Credit Card Review 2022

  • M&S Credit Card Shopping Plus Offer Review 2022: Pros & Cons

    0% interest for 24 months on new purchases 0% interest for 24 months on balance transfers. Available for 90 days from account opening – with a fee Earn M&S points every time you shop While there is no annual fee...
  • Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card Review 2022

    0.25% cashback on everyday purchases No fees for purchases made abroad – provided you opt to pay in the local currency No fees for cash withdrawals at home or overseas (so long as paid off in full) No introductory offers...
  • Capital One Balance Transfer Credit Card Review 2022

    0% interest for up to to 24 months on balance transfers – with fee 0% for up to three months on purchases Maximum credit limit of £8,000 There is no reward offering with this card. If you are looking to...
  • The American Express Nectar Credit Card Review 2022

  • American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card Review 2022

  • Santander Everyday Credit Card Review 2022

    0% interest for 21 months on balance transfers – with no balance transfer fee 0% interest for three months on new purchases Cashback at selected retailers There’s no balance transfer fee to shift over existing card debt to this offer...
  • Santander All in One Credit Card Review 2022: Pros & Cons

    0% interest for 26 months on balance transfers – with no balance transfer fee 0% interest for 20 months on new purchases 0.5% cashback on everything you buy No foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad – providing you opt...
  • The American Express Platinum Card Review 2022

    Extensive travel benefits and rewards scheme Attractive welcome bonus No pre-set spending limit While this card comes with undeniably generous benefits, including lounge access and travel perks, it also charges a steep annual fee of £575. As this card is...
  • Santander World Elite Credit Card Review 2022: Pros & Cons

    Access to more than 1,000 airport lounges No foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad (as long as you opt to pay in the local currency) No fees on cash withdrawals overseas 24/7 concierge service 0% interest for 18 months...
  • M&S Transfer Plus Offer Credit Card Review 2022

    0% interest for 32 months on balance transfers made within 90 days of account opening (with a fee) 0% interest for three months on purchases Earn M&S points every time you shop If you are planning to transfer a balance...
  • M&S Credit Card Reward Plus Offer Review 2022: Pros & Cons

    Earn M&S points on all shopping – and double points on M&S shopping for the first 12 months 0% interest on new purchases for 12 months 0% interest on balance transfers transfers for 12 months. Applies to transfers made within...
  • Best Current Accounts Of July 2022

    When it comes to current accounts, many of us remain attached to the one we signed up to years ago. But, these days, there’s a much wider range of accounts to suit various purposes. Some banks will even pay you...
  • Best International Destinations For Solo Travellers In 2022

    With international travel now given the green light for lots of hopeful travellers, 2022 looks set to be the year that people can get excited about travel again.  With this in mind, we’ve looked at the most popular destinations for...
  • Best Pet Insurance For Puppies

    Settling a new puppy into your home is a huge undertaking, from house training through to feeding and sleeping. But getting the right pet insurance is deserving of a place high up on your list of puppy-related jobs. We carried...
  • Best Pet Insurance For Kittens

    The characteristics that make kittens so appealing – such as playfulness and a sense of adventure – are also those that can land them at the vet. And, unless you have kitten insurance, vets’ bills can soon mount up. The...
  • Best Lifetime Pet Insurance

    The fact there is no NHS equivalent for animals is something that might not occur to you – until, that is, you are faced with a hefty and unexpected vets’ bill. This is where pet insurance can come to your...
  • Need to Borrow? Here Are The Best Ways To Do It

    When it comes to borrowing, choosing the right type of loan and lender for the job can make your life both cheaper and easier. Here’s a run-through of your options. Personal loans Snapshot: Best employed for covering the cost of...
  • What Are The Best Junior ISAs?

    Every parent expects to make mistakes. But opening a Junior ISA (JISA) for your child is very unlikely to be among them. You can pay up to £9,000 a year into one of these tax-free savings accounts (the current tax...
  • Remortgage Calculator: How Much Could You Save?

    If you are a homeowner, remortgaging onto a better mortgage deal when your current one expires could save you hundreds of pounds in interest every month.  That’s because you’ll avoid reverting onto the lender’s standard variable rate. SVRs are invariably...
  • 4 Paws Pet Insurance Review

    Who are 4 Paws? 4 Paws is a pet insurance provider which offers pet cover for dogs, cats and rabbits. 4 Paws is a brand name of NCI Insurance Services Ltd. NCI is an appointed representative of Jigsaw Insurance Services...
  • Brits Pick US As ‘Dream Destination’ 2022

    The United States is the public’s top dream holiday destination for 2022, according to our exclusive research. Towards the end of last year, the US opened its borders to fully-vaccinated travellers flying from the UK who are able to produce...
  • Family Half-Term Skiing: Covid Vax And Pass Rules You Need To Know

    After many months of not being able to travel overseas without huge restrictions and testing requirements it looks like British skiers are, once again, gearing up to hit the slopes. UK ski tour operator, Skiworld.co.uk has reported full capacity for...
  • Compare Post Office Travel Insurance

    Who Are The Post Office? The Post Office is among the most widely-recognised brands in the UK having been serving customers for more than 350 years. Today it is one of the country’s largest financial services providers, with travel insurance...
  • Best Loan Rates For Personal Loans

    Rates on personal loans are at their cheapest for sums of between £7,500 and £15,000. So, when it comes to borrowing to fund bigger-ticket expenses such as a new car, home improvements, a holiday or wedding, finding the most competitive...
  • Virgin Media Broadband – Check Out These Black Friday Deals

    Looking to upgrade or switch your broadband? If your property is among the 53% in the UK with a connection to its fibre broadband network, take a look at Virgin Media’s menu of Black Friday offers. Fibre broadband Each deal...
  • BT Broadband – Check Out These Black Friday Deals

    In the market to upgrade or switch your broadband? Make sure you check out the Black Friday deals from telecoms giant, BT. Black Friday deals from BT BT is offering a range of Black Friday fibre broadband deals, which all...
  • Sky Broadband – Check Out These Black Friday Deals

    If you’re in the market to upgrade or switch your broadband, Black Friday is a great time to start looking. It’s when the telecoms giants start vying for new business – which can make for some great discounted deals on...
  • How To Make A Success Of Working From Home

    The landscape around home working since coronavirus has arguably altered for good. So how should we be adjusting? According to the Office for National Statistics’ Business Impact of Coronavirus survey, 51% of unfurloughed employees (who are not off sick or...
  • Energy Price Cap: What You Could Have Saved – And What To Do Now

    UPDATE 3 FEBRUARY 2022: Please note that the UK energy market has undergone significant changes since this page was created last year. You can find out more about recent events via our rolling energy blog, which contains details of movements of...
  • Mortgage Calculator: How Much Will Your Home Cost Each Month?

    With so many costs and variables at play, it can be difficult to budget when it comes to paying for a home. A mortgage calculator can prove an indispensable tool when it comes to seeing what your monthly payments could...
  • Cheapest Fixed Rate Mortgages In History

    The UK’s lending giants are locking horns to attract customers buying new property – or looking to remortgage the home they already live in. The result is some of the cheapest fixed rate mortgages ever recorded. We take a closer...
  • Best 0% Money Transfer Credit Card Offers

    When it comes to borrowing cost-effectively, 0% money transfer credit cards can be a much under-rated financial tool. Money transfer cards allow you to effectively convert your available credit from a new credit card into cash, which is then paid...
  • Best Cashback And Reward Credit Cards

    Cashback and rewards credit cards give something back for your spending – and there’s a raft of different kinds to choose from. Our research (August 2021), which highlights some of the top advertised rates and deals on the market, found...
  • Credit Cards That Absorb Existing Debt Are Fast ‘Disappearing’

    The number of balance transfer credit cards – designed to help borrowers manage their debt – has fallen by nearly a third over the past year, according to independent financial data group, Defaqto. There are now just 66 of the...
  • Section 75 And Chargeback: Protection When You Pay With Plastic

    If you are making a purchase with a credit or debit card and something goes wrong – say the supplier goes bust before you get your merchandise – there are important mechanisms intended to protect your interests. Find out more...
  • All You Need To Know About Energy Monitors

    Want a closer, more honest relationship with your energy consumption? An energy monitor could be the answer. Traditionally, calculating energy usage in the home has been something of a dark art – from exactly which appliances are most expensive to...
  • Are You A Landlord? Here’s All You Need To Know About Domestic Energy

    If you’re a landlord, you’ll need to do a lot more than just ensure your rental property is supplied with gas and electricity. Here’s all you need to know before, during and after a tenancy. Before a tenancy What are...
  • Are You A Tenant? Here’s All You Need To Know About Your Energy Supply

    As a tenant, you are entitled to a constant, safe supply of energy. Here’s a look at your rights, your landlord’s responsibilities, and how to get an energy deal that suits your situation. Before you move in… What are my...
  • What Are Energy Smart Meters – And Should You Have Them Fitted?

    The government’s original plans for the roll-out of smart meters have changed, but if you haven’t been offered one already, you’ll get that call soon. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know The roll-out of energy smart meters...
Cost Of Living Crisis: First Payments Made To Lowest-Income Households Current Account Switch Service – All You Need To Know What Are Car Insurance Groups? Best Cash ISA Rates For The Over-60s Best Basic Bank Accounts What’s Happening With UK Mortgage Rates? Comprehensive Car Insurance Explained How To Send Money To India 95% Mortgage Deals – July 2022
What Are The Cheapest Cars To Insure? Do You Need Plumbing And Drainage Cover? What Is Storage Insurance? Credit Card Charges And Fees Explained Porting A Mortgage – All You Need To Know Best Low Interest Credit Cards What Are The Best Savings Accounts Of July 2022? Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Policies Of 2022
Driven To Distraction: Why Bad Road Habits Could Cost You Dear Ofgem Energy Price Cap Explained Best Mortgage Lenders For Remortgaging Credit Scores & Reports: All You Need To Know
American Express British Airways Credit Card Review 2022 HSBC No Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card Review 2022 Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card Review 2022 American Express Platinum Cashback Credit Card Review 2022 Lloyds Bank Platinum 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Credit Card Review 2022 M&S Credit Card Shopping Plus Offer Review 2022: Pros & Cons Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card Review 2022 Capital One Balance Transfer Credit Card Review 2022 The American Express Nectar Credit Card Review 2022 American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card Review 2022 Santander Everyday Credit Card Review 2022 Santander All in One Credit Card Review 2022: Pros & Cons The American Express Platinum Card Review 2022 Santander World Elite Credit Card Review 2022: Pros & Cons M&S Transfer Plus Offer Credit Card Review 2022 M&S Credit Card Reward Plus Offer Review 2022: Pros & Cons Best Current Accounts Of July 2022 Best International Destinations For Solo Travellers In 2022 Best Pet Insurance For Puppies Best Pet Insurance For Kittens Best Lifetime Pet Insurance
Need to Borrow? Here Are The Best Ways To Do It What Are The Best Junior ISAs? Remortgage Calculator: How Much Could You Save?
4 Paws Pet Insurance Review Brits Pick US As ‘Dream Destination’ 2022 Family Half-Term Skiing: Covid Vax And Pass Rules You Need To Know
Compare Post Office Travel Insurance Best Loan Rates For Personal Loans
Virgin Media Broadband – Check Out These Black Friday Deals BT Broadband – Check Out These Black Friday Deals Sky Broadband – Check Out These Black Friday Deals
How To Make A Success Of Working From Home
Energy Price Cap: What You Could Have Saved – And What To Do Now Mortgage Calculator: How Much Will Your Home Cost Each Month? Cheapest Fixed Rate Mortgages In History
Best 0% Money Transfer Credit Card Offers
Best Cashback And Reward Credit Cards
Credit Cards That Absorb Existing Debt Are Fast ‘Disappearing’ Section 75 And Chargeback: Protection When You Pay With Plastic All You Need To Know About Energy Monitors Are You A Landlord? Here’s All You Need To Know About Domestic Energy Are You A Tenant? Here’s All You Need To Know About Your Energy Supply What Are Energy Smart Meters – And Should You Have Them Fitted?