Tax Matters...
Below are our articles on the subject of Tax Matters. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
A Guide to Unemployment Benefits
Redundancy and unemployment are affecting a growing number of people. If you find yourself unemployed you should make sure you are aware of the range of benefits to which you are entitled....
A Simple Guide to Student Banking
This article looks at some of the major features required of a student bank account....
Addressing The Pension Deficit-How To Finance Your Future
This article outlines the options for those who wish to begin thinking about pension schemes and other methods of financing their retirement....
Adjustable Rate or Fixed Rate Mortgages Explained
This article looks at some of the key differences between Adjustable Rate and Fixed Rate mortgages....
Advice On The Snowball Method For Getting Out of Debt
This article looks at the snowball method of debt clearing, and its relative merits and drawbacks....
Advice On Using Debt Consolidation To Get Out Of Debt
This article investigates the advantages and drawbacks of debt consolidation, and outlines the individual aspects of the process....
All About Current Account Basics
This article describes the basic functions and mechanisms of the British current account, the most common means by which UK consumers manage their money....
All You Should You Know About The Dangers of Secured Loans
This article looks at some of the dangers of securing a loan against your property....
Alternatives to Redundancy: A Guide for Employers
Redundancy is an apparently alluring way for firms to cut expenditure. However it can result in massive costs. Firms should always seek alternatives first....
Applying for a Loan
This article looks at the process of applying for a personal loan, and some of the main factors that should be considered when doing so....
Applying for Private Loans
This article looks at some of the private finance options available to higher education students....
Avoiding Scams on the Web
This article looks at some of the most common scams for home-workers, and how to avoid them....
Bankruptcy and the Alternatives
Bankruptcy and the alternatives, with particular reference to Individual Voluntary Agreements....
Beating the Credit Crunch
More people are beginning to feel the pinch as the credit crunch sets in. However, a bit of forward planning can result in significant savings in a number of important areas....
Beating the VAT Rise: What is Exempt?
The increase in VAT, from 17.5 to 20 per cent, could add more than £30 to the average annual shopping bill. But by considering exempt items you can help to minimise the impact....
Bridging Loans
This article describes the two different types of bridging loan, and the ways in which they can help private consumers....
Budget Your Way Out of Debt
This article explains the basics of utilising the budgeting process in order to free yourself of debt....
Budgeting Basics
This article explains the basics of the budgeting process, and how to create a simple financial plan....
Buy to Let Basics
This article explains the basics of the buy to let process, and the new financial advantages available to private landlords....
Buy to Let Insurance
This article looks at some of the basic characteristics and benefits of buy to let insurance, a type of home insurance designed specifically for landlords....
Buy to Let Mortgages
This article outlines the basics of the process of applying for a buy to let mortgage, and the differences between these and conventional mortgages....
Buy-to-Let and the Credit Crunch
Buy to let has already been read its last rites. However, if you are canny and have access to credit, there are ways to turn the buy to let disaster around....
Checklist: Am I Self-employed?
You can determine whether your are self-employed or employed by asking yourself a few simple questions about your working arrangements....
Choosing a Bank Account
The major factors which should be considered when deciding on a bank account....
Choosing a Credit Card
This article outlines some of the major factors to be considered when choosing a credit card....
Choosing a Savings Account
We take a look at some of the options available to those who wish to open a savings account....
Choosing a Share Dealing Account
There is a range of share dealing accounts available, including advisory and execution-only. You should consider which arrangement is best for you....
Completing Your First Self Assessment
Completing your first Self Assessment tax return can be a daunting task. But with some preparation it need not be too onerous....
Considerations Before Remortgaging To Get Out Of Debt
This article looks at remortgaging as a means of getting out of debt, and some of the factors that should be considered....
Could Switching Utility Providers Save You Money?
This article looks at some of the opportunities to switch utility providers, both for environmental and cost-saving reasons....
Critical Illness Health Insurance
This article looks at the concept of critical illness insurance, and investigates the limitations associated with these policies....
Do I Need Life Insurance?
This article deals with the reasons why arranging a life insurance policy is essential....
Do I Need Property Management?
This article explores the benefits of property management for private tenants, and looks at alternatives....
Dusting Yourself Off: Life After Redundancy
Redundancy does not have to mean the end of your career. If you act quickly you can help to minimise the time between jobs....
Earning Through Investments
A look at some of the opportunities available for those who wish to make investment a full-time occupation....
End of the Line for Bank Charges
This article looks at the background to the current court case regarding bank charges, and the potential implications thereof....
Ethical Savings Accounts
A look at the growth of ethical savings accounts, and some of the options available to those who wish to open such an account....
Facts about Unclaimed Money
This article looks at ways in which unclaimed money can be claimed...
Father Died With No Will: Is Estate Split Between Offspring?
Joint ownership of assets can further complicate the probate process when an individual dies intestate....
Five Ways an IVA Can Help You
Individual Voluntary Arrangements, or IVAs, have a range of potential benefits for those who can no longer deal with their debt....
Fix Your Finances: Five New Years Resolutions
2010 is going to be a difficult year financially, but taking some pro-active steps to fix your finances can help to minimise the impact....
Fixed or Tracker? Choosing the Right Mortgage
Fixed or tracker is one of the most important decisions when choosing a mortgage, and one which depends on some knowledge of interest rates. So how can you determine which is the right choice for you?...
Freelance Opportunities
This article looks at the opportunities available for those who wish to sell their skills on a freelance basis....
Getting a Loan with Bad Credit
This article looks at the possibility of getting a loan for those who find themselves with a poor credit rating....
Getting the Best Credit Card Rate
In order to secure the best possible credit card rate you must make yourself an attractive lending proposition. Bolster your credit history, and make sure to shop around....
HMRC Says I Have Underpaid My Tax: What Do I Do?
If you receive a tax demand for underpaid tax from HMRC, do not panic. You may be able to appeal - and if you still have to pay it you may be able to propose a payment plan....
Home and Contents Insurance
This article looks at the process of choosing home and contents insurance, and investigates why these are so important....
How can I Close Our Joint Account?
Joint bank accounts can be hugely beneficial. However, if the co-signatories' relationship ends acrimoniously, closing the account can prove difficult....
How Can I Get a Loan During the Credit Crunch?
The availability of loans has been drastically reduced as a result of the credit crunch. However, with a bit of work it may still be possible to find credit....
How Much Tax do I Have to Pay?
We take a look at how much tax you should be paying, both as an employed and self-employed person....
How the Credit Crunch is Affecting an Individual: A Case Study
This case study could give you some tips to get your finances in good health for the troubling times ahead in 2009....
How to Beat the Gas Price Rises
Utility companies have recently announced gas prices are set to rise. But with some creative thinking you can minimise the impact on your bank balance....
How to Make Money Online Safely
This article looks at some of the opportunities available for individuals who wish to make money through the internet....
How To Make Quick Shopping Savings
This article looks at some of the basic ways in which individuals can make quick savings while shopping....
How to Manage Your Overdraft
This article offers some advice for those with student overdrafts, with particular reference to what you could do when your studies finish....
How to Reclaim Parking Fines
Parking fines are one of the annoyances of modern life. If you think you have been incorrectly or unfairly fined, the appeals process is free and relatively easy....
I Am Making Money in the Recession: A Case Study
It is easy to presume that it is impossible to make money during a recession. But people still need goods and services, and those that can provide them cheaply will continue to succeed....
Identity Theft Ruined My Credit Score: A Case Study
Identity theft is a serious and increasingly common crime. Its implications can be disastrous for those who fall victim, including damage to credit histories....
Income Protection Insurance
The basic characteristics of income protection insurance, and investigates the circumstances in which this might be useful....
Investment Basics
This article outlines the main options for those who are interested in investing money....
Is Car Equity Release Useful or Dangerous?
Car equity loans allow individuals to borrow against the value of their vehicles. While they can provide a short-term cash injection, they also have significant risks....
Is it Too Late to Pick Up a Recession Property Bargain?
The recession made it much easier to pick up a good deal on property. But, as prices begin to rise again, is it still possible to pick up a bargain?...
Joint Bank Accounts - The pros and cons
This article looks at the potential benefits and disadvantages of opening a joint bank account....
Learning to Live With Bank Charges
The process of reclaiming unfair bank charges, and explains the legal situation regarding this phenomenon....
Learning to Read the Market When Buying to Let
The signs of a property market which is about to rise, and one which is about to fall....
Life Insurance, funds and Policies
This article looks at some of the different types of life insurance policies available, and outlines why life insurance is important....
Making Money From Your Home
This article looks at equity release, a potential method by which capital can be unlocked from your home....
Maximising Your Tax Deductions
This article explores the tax deduction options available to private landlords, with a view to claiming tax relief on expenses....
Minimising Your Utility Bills
This article looks at some of the savings that can be made on utility bills, in both the short- and medium-term....
Missed the ISA Deadline?
There are many ISA alternatives available to those who have used up their allowance, missed the deadline, or simply want to investigate other savings and investment options....
Mortgage Options When You Have Adverse Credit
mortgage, adverse, credit, sub prime, repayment, loan, lender, broker, remortgage, This article outlines the options available to those with adverse credit history who wish to take out a mortgage....
Negotiating a Redundancy Package
Redundancy can be a difficult process - and you need to be prepared to negotiate on pay and terms in order to get the best possible deal....
New Expenses Rules for those Working from Home
This article looks at new guidance given by HMRC regarding reasonable deductions for those who work from home....
Online Research Business or General
This article looks at some of the ways in which individuals can make money doing online research....
Payment Protection Insurance: Were You Unfairly Charged?
If you have payment protection insurance (PPI) there is a good chance you can reclaim your money. This article shows the circumstances in which you can make a claim....
PPI: What Does the Recent Ruling Mean for Me?
Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) became a hot topic last year as many lenders were fined by the FSA for mis-selling and other questionable practices....
Questionnaire: Should I Make My Employees Redundant?
Redundancy is not the panacea that some employers think it is. However, in certain circumstances it may make sense to lay off staff. This questionnaire will help you decide whether or not it is suitab...
Reclaiming Unfair Bank Charges
Consumers have had thousands of pounds worth of refunds as a result of reclaiming unfair bank charges. Checking if you are owed anything can get you back thousands....
Redundancy Selection, Notice Periods and Consultation
Fair selection processes, notice and consultation periods are amongst the most important responsibilities faced by employers when considering redundancies....
Redundancy: Employees' Rights and Responsibilities
Redundancy is a difficult process for those involved. Make sure you are aware of your rights in order to ensure that your employer gives you what you are owed....
Redundancy: Employers' Rights and Responsibilities
Redundancy is an issue affecting a growing number of people. As an employer you must understand your rights and responsibilities if you are thinking about making staff redundant....
Renegotiating Your Loans
This article looks at the potential positive and negative outcomes of renegotiating your loans....
Repairing Your Credit Rating
This article looks at some of the easiest ways to repair a poor credit score....
Section 75 Helped Me Get My Money Back: A Case Study
Section 75 offers protection to credit card users if they order goods or services that do not arrive, are faulty, or are unfit for purpose....
Share Dealing for Beginners
This article outlines the basics of dealing in stocks and shares, and explores the possibilities offered by the internet....
Should I Buy or Rent?
Many people are still unclear as to whether they should rent or buy their house - if you are one of those people read on and find out what is best for you....
Stock Option Trading
This article looks at the basics of stock options trading, and the reasons why investors might use options....
Student Loan Basics
We take a look at some of the different types of financial assistance available to full-time students....
Taxation for the Self-Employed
This article looks at the methods by which self-employed people must pay tax....
The Causes of a Poor Credit Rating
This article looks at some of the main causes of a poor credit rating, and the way in which these can be avoided....
The Credit Card Shuffle
This article looks at the Credit Card Shuffle, a method of transferring balances in order to minimise interest payments....
The Credit Crunch and a Small Business: A Case Study
Small businesses are feeling the pinch of recession. However, as this case study shows, effective marketing and low overheads can allow small businesses to thrive through the downturn....
The Credit Crunch and Property Investment
The credit crunch and the concomitant fall in property prices will mean a negative equity crisis for some, but has provided a golden investment opportunity for others....
The Effects of Poor Credit Rating and How to Improve it
This article looks at the negative effects of a poor credit rating, particularly in the context of the current financial downturn, and offers some simple methods for improvement....
The Pros and Cons of Investing in Property
This article looks at some of the risks and potential rewards associated with different types of property investment....
The Student Tax Guide
Contrary to popular belief, students are required to pay tax just like everyone else. It is important that you understand how tax affects you and your finances....
The UK Consumer Finance Market
This article outlines some of the basic premises on which the current UK economy is based; in particular economic growth financed by high levels of borrowing....
Tips & Advice For Minimising Buy to Let Excess Costs
This article looks at some of the basic ways of minimising your costs in a buy to let project....
Tips & Advice On Choosing the Right Mortgage For Your Needs
This article looks at some of the options available to those looking to start a mortgage....
Tips & Advice on Coping Financially as a Student
This article outlines some of the basic ways in which students can make easy financial savings....
Top Tips for Minimising Your Tax Bill
There is a variety of means by which you can perfectly legally cut the amount of tax you pay - it just requires some basic knowledge....
Understanding Your Motor Insurance
This article looks at the basic types of motor insurance, and investigates the practicalities of no claims discounts....
What Can an ISA do for Me?
The basic tenets and benefits of the ISA scheme, a government-developed tax free savings account....
What Does Bank Nationalisation Mean for me?
Bank nationalisation was unthinkable only months ago. However, this drastic action on the part of the government will have a significant effect on the workings of the banking industry....
What has Caused the Credit Crunch?
The causes of the so-called 'credit crunch' are varied. However, the crisis can be attributed in great part to irresponsible lending, coupled with excessive consumer spending....
What is a Group Personal Pension?
Group personal pensions are favoured by many employees. But they can represent a high risk option and are not suitable for every saver....
What is a Stakeholder Pension?
Stakeholder pensions provide a cheap, low-risk option for those who wish to put money away for their retirement....
What Is an Offset Mortgage?
This article looks at the characteristics of offset mortgages, and their potential benefits and drawbacks in comparison to traditional mortgages....
What is IR35 and How Does it Affect Me?
IR35 is a potentially very damaging piece of tax legislation affecting all contractors. You should draft contracts carefully if you wish to fall outside IR35....
What is Piece Work?
This article looks at the evolution of piece work, and some of its contemporary alternatives....
What is Repayment Insurance?
The characteristics of repayment insurance, also known as payment protection insurance, and some of the problems associated with it....
What is Self Employment?
Self employed people work for themselves, rather than for another business or individual. If you are considering self employment you should make sure you understand the implications....
What is SERPS and What Was 'Contracting Out' ?
SERPS was a complex addition to the basic state pension. It has now been replaced by the Second State Pension but many individuals are still entitled to money....
What Should I Look for in a Broadband Provider?
Choosing a broadband provider can be a difficult task. You need to factor in connection speeds, price, download limits and technology, amongst other things....
What to Consider When Choosing Annuity
This article looks at some of the various types of annuity, and the reasons for choosing each....
When All Else Fails
This article deals with the pros and cons of declaring bankruptcy, and looks at the main alternative....
Where is my Money Safe?
The near collapse of several major banks has led many savers to worry about the safety of their money. However, there are a number of guarantees available to depositors....
Which Home Mortgage Should I Choose?
This article looks at the two main types of mortgage, and their various pros and cons....
Why Do I Need Insurance?
This article looks at some of the basic reasons for taking out an insurance policy, including some circumstances in which this is a legal necessity, and looks briefly at the reality of being uninsured...
Will I Be Entitled to Redundancy Pay and How Much?
Redundancy payments can significantly ease the financial pain of being laid off....
Work Exchange Sites: Too Good to Be True?
Work exchange sites allow you to work from home doing what you are good at. But they are not without the risks, and many people have had bad experiences....
Would I Have to Pay Tax on My Savings?
Deciding where to put your money is difficult in the current climate, particularly when many savings accounts are failing to keep up with inflation....