Rebecca Goodman

Business credit cards are a useful tool when used correctly and can help when managing the finances of a small (or big) company. Whatever size your company is — be it a small business, of which there were 5.5 million at the start of 2023, or a big global firm, business credit cards can be […]

Your credit score can significantly impact your financial future. It ultimately decides if you can get a mortgage, a loan, a credit card, or any other credit products, and what interest rate you will pay. If you have poor credit score or no credit history, it is possible to improve your score to make yourself […]

Your credit history impacts your financial future and any time you apply for credit, from credit cards to loans, it will be looked at. If you've got a fair or average credit score, you may wonder what this means when it comes to your credit card options. It's not the end of the world if […]

Whether it's for your partner or a friend, there are plenty of reasons why a joint credit card can be a good idea. It can help you to keep track of your spending, allows both card holders access to the credit if they need it, and there can be valuable perks such as cashback and […]

There are many reasons why someone may not have a good credit rating, they might not have a history of using credit, for example, or they might have defaulted on a loan in the past. However, there are lots of ways to improve your credit rating, and one of those is using a credit builder […]

Credit cards can be used for many reasons and when used correctly they can help to increase your credit score, reduce existing debt, and you can use them to spread the cost of big-ticket items such as holidays. To keep costs down, you’ll want a credit card with either 0% interest or the cheapest interest […]

Are you preparing for university in September? If so, it's time to start thinking about your finances. University is a great experience for many reasons, including furthering your education, propelling your social life, and learning to navigate life. Students are often targeted with financial products, from insurance to current accounts, and there are lots of […]

If you travel regularly for work, using an Avios business credit card could be a big benefit to your company. Travel expenses such as hotel stays and flights can accumulate quickly with each trip, but one effective way to cut costs is by using an Avios business credit card. There are several cards to choose […]

Best 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards in 2024

Are you looking to reduce your credit card debt and pay a lower rate of interest? A balance transfer credit card may be the right solution for you. You may be thinking, surely getting further into debt will only cause more issues, and yes, that's sometimes right. However, a balance transfer credit card allows you […]

Are you aged over 60 and looking for an easy way to save money efficiently? Aside from regular savings accounts and fixed-rate savings accounts, some of the best cash ISAs can give your savings a little boost. Best of all, if you choose a cash ISA you'll be able to benefit from a tax break […]

Best Crypto-Friendly Banks UK in 2024

The rise of crypto in the UK has been swift. Figures from the Financial Conduct Authority show that 4.97 million Britons, that is 9% of adults, have made an investment. Bitcoin and Ether are the biggest cryptocurrencies, with both attracting a loyal following. But smaller digital assets — like Dogecoin — have also proven popular. […]

When opening a business account, entrepreneurs are typically looking for three things: fast transactions, low fees, and an array of payment methods they can offer to their customers. Revolut Bank — the challenger bank which has established itself as a competitor to established banks — could tick all of these boxes, especially if you have […]

Alternative investments such as whisky can a great way to diversify your portfolio. You can invest in a range of products like private equity, real estate, art, antiques and more. In recent years, spirits including whisky have become a popular investment. Whisky investment has risen recently and Scottish whisky, for example, contributes £7.1 billion to […]

Opening a bank account in the UK is a fundamental process for managing your finances, whether you're a resident or a newcomer. If you haven’t opened a bank account yet, you’re not alone. In fact, there are 1.3 million adults in the UK who are ‘unbanked’, according to the Financial Conduct Authority. To help you […]

If you have an eCommerce business or want to start one, you must open a business bank account to receive payments. Bank accounts for eCommerce are different from other business bank accounts. Before exploring your bank account options, consider who can buy from your online business. For example, if you're offering a global service, you'll […]

Your business credit card provides an easy way to handle expenses for your company. It's a popular option with many UK businesses, offering several perks and advantages for employees. It doesn't matter if you are a start-up company or a well-established corporation; a business credit card can be ideal. You can use one to control […]

OpenAI is not a publicly traded company, meaning purchasing stocks in ChatGPT as a direct investment isn't possible. Yet, you still might want to find a way to access and buy ChatGPT stock and AI technology. After all, it has made a big impact on companies around the world and many people are interested in […]

As a small business owner, you'll have many roles including making purchases and handling unexpected expenses. You may have heard of business credit cards, which can come in handy, but there are also instant approval credit cards which could be useful. These cards can be useful when you require an instant credit decision, although you'll […]

Anyone in charge of running a business needs to be aware of the role cash flow plays given that it's one of the biggest aspects for determining how successful or how much of a failure a business is. Unpaid invoices are one of the major contributors to these kinds of cash flow issues, and they […]

If you are trying to streamline communications between your small business and your customers or employees, you have a piece of technology that can help. The best phone system options for small businesses can ensure fast and efficient communication. Several options are available on the market, each with different features. Some offer artificial intelligence options […]

Whether you're a freelancer or a business owner in the UK, you may need to manage your business expenses. One way to help is by using a cashback credit card which allows you to earn back some spending costs in cash. There are lots of business cashback cards are available, and it's important to shop […]

As a business owner, you'll be aware that you must pay certain taxes to HMRC each year. The tax system in the UK requires businesses to pay capital gains tax, income tax, and corporation tax. However, some businesses have unpaid taxes or purposely mislead on their company tax return. When there is unpaid tax, or […]

Do you have a limited liability partnership business? If you're making money, you and your business partner will need a way to manage your funds, make transfers, and access the cash. If you open a joint business bank account, it can take away a lot of the hassle and admin of managing your joint finances […]

Waiting for your client or customers to pay invoices can cause cash flow issues and put a stop to your day-to-day business activities, especially if you're a small or medium-sized business. Invoice discounting is one solution to help you gain access to cash through your unpaid invoices and allows you to tap into the value […]

The process of selling a house isn't usually quick, and if you've already got your eye on a new property, you may require short-term finance. A bridging loan is for property owners in that awkward middle phase of selling a property but also buying a new one. It's a loan that allows property owners to […]

Even the most wealthy company director with plenty of experience under their belt can unintentionally be noncompliant with regulatory requirements — and this is something that can also happen with novice entrepreneurs who are a bit less clued-up. If you're in charge of running a company in the UK, you'll be pretty familiar with Companies […]

If you monitor or track your banking and spending from a digital app, make transactions from a digital wallet, or use online tools to manage your finances, you're not alone. Digital-only banking services, such as digital and neo-banks, have grown rapidly in popularity in the last few years and people often prefer to use digital […]

Banks offer a handy solution for managing a bank account and making payments from remote locations. Their solution is mobile banking, a popular for people who can't, or don't want to, visit a branch for their banking, whether that's with a current account or a business account. This service makes money management more convenient. Banking […]

Are you looking to expand your property portfolio and invest in the housing market? Limited company mortgages are often cheaper to own than regular buy-to-let properties as there are additional benefits to getting a mortgage as a limited company, such as reduced tax. In this article, you'll learn all about limited company buy-to-let mortgages, and […]

Revolut is one of the most well-known e-money account providers, and it offers a wide-range of services. Yet, if you've ever used any kind of financial service or platform on your mobile phone or computer, you'll understand how much safety is a concern — especially if you're topping your account up with significant sums of […]

There are lots of different types of loans, from personal loans to business loans. You can also get loans for start-up businesses or bigger companies and they can help with cash flow problems, or if you are looking to invest in equipment or staff, for example. If you're self-employed or a sole trader, you have […]

There are many reasons a business would consider getting a business loan. Maybe you need extra cash to fund a new project or simply bridge temporary cash flow gaps. Business loans are very common, both long and short-term loans are there to help your business. There are lots of short-term business loans to choose from […]

Are you a business owner looking for a solution to speed up the payment process from invoiced clients? If you need to streamline your cash flow and free up funds to help cover the costs of business operations, an invoice factoring company is one option. There are lots of companies to choose from, so it's […]

Card payments are on the rise and if you own a small business, you'll want to give your customers the option to pay by credit or debit card. To do this, you'll need a card machine or card reader, so you can process customer payments with your merchant account. But there are lots of card […]

It goes without saying that every penny counts when you're trying to manage your expenses as a business owner, and depending on what kind of industry you're in, fuel spending can really stack up. Fortunately, though, fuel cards can mitigate a huge portion of some of these fees, so throughout this article, we'll be taking […]

How often do you think cash is used for purchases in the UK? While it's still useful to have, only 15% of all payments are made using cash, with credit or debit card payments being far more popular, as the cashless society takes hold. Payments via debit cards have surged, and they now account for […]

Prepaid travel cards have various names, such as travel money cards or multi-currency prepaid cards, but they all work in the same way to make spending abroad easier. Using your debit card or usual bank account on holiday can accrue fees, and spending more than you have may be tempting, like dipping into your overdraft […]

We are in the digital age and it's now possible to open a bank account and manage your finances all from a smartphone app.   The rise in online banking is also partly because of an increase in bank branch closures and in 2019, 9% of Brits had a digital-only bank account. However, in 2023, […]

Fuel prices are resulting in higher business expenses than ever, with no sign of slowing down anytime soon. So, why not consider business fuel cards as a way to save money when purchasing fuel? Fuel cards work in the same way as a debit or credit card, although you can only purchase fuel. You could […]

Whether you're going away for a week or a few months, you'll need to know how to handle your finances overseas. Using your UK bank account or debit card abroad is likely to cost you a lot of money in charges so a more adaptable option, such as an account specifically for global use, may […]

How Can I Open a Free Bank Account Online in 2024?

There are many forms of photo identification, or ID, in the UK but the most common are a driving licence or a passport but lots of people don't have either of these. This can cause problems when applying for a basic bank account as most banks require ID from new customers, along with other documents […]

For businesses, both big and small, Value Added Tax (VAT) registered companies continue to receive plenty of benefits — whether that's from having sound financial planning or generally receiving greater opportunities to expand. As a result, non VAT registered businesses continue to be at an unnecessary disadvantage, regardless of how well they might be performing […]

If you need to raise cash for the next stage of your life, applying for a homeowner loan might be one option. Providing you have a property you own and sufficient equity in that property, you might be able to secure a large loan with low interest rates and long repayment terms. However, there are […]

Best Revolut Alternatives in 2024

Revolut Bank is one of the most well-known challenger banks around and it says it's a “financial super app” for the modern day.  As an electronic money institution with more account options and cheaper costs than many traditional banks, you can open accounts quickly. There are three account plans to select from based on your […]

Are you thinking about getting a virtual debit card? With the meteoric rise in popularity of mobile payment systems, physical debit cards may soon become a thing of the past. But how do electronic debit cards work and what are they? Where can they be used, why should they be used, and how safe are […]

If you have your own business, it can be useful to have a credit card for making purchases. It will help you to spread the cost of big items, you may earn cashback or rewards, and it can be a handy way to keep track of your spending. However, a credit card can only be […]

Finding a bank that will accept you for a current account can be tricky if you have a low credit score. But there are options, and many banks provide basic bank accounts which are open to those with poor, or non-existent credit scores. In this article, we will explain what bank accounts are available to […]

Investing in bonds could make you a nice profit and they are often seen as a relatively safe way to invest, when compared to other investments. Returns in bonds are currently up, as a result of rising interest rates positively impacting savings accounts, with savings accounts now looking attractive to investors. Fixed-rate savings account interest […]

Packaged current accounts can provide some great benefits, and for a monthly fee, you'll receive a current account along with a range of extra perks, from travel insurance to breakdown cover. If you use the extras included in the account, you can often make some impressive savings and some accounts include travel, gadget, breakdown and […]

7 Best Prepaid Cards UK In 2024

Prepaid cards are a fantastic budgeting tool that can help you to stay on top of your finances. You can use a prepaid card to stick to a tight budget, which is ideal if you're saving up or looking to improve your spending habits. Or, you can use it to avoid debt and not worry […]

Home insurance is designed to protect everything you own in case it's lost, stolen, or damaged. It is split into contents (all of your belongings) and buildings (for property owners). It's not a legal requirement to buy home insurance, but some mortgage providers may insist that you have buildings insurance for your home. It can […]

Fuel cards are a convenient and time-saving payment option for fleet drivers since they eliminate the need for paper receipts and other paperwork. These prepaid cards function similarly to debit or credit cards and have several advantages for fleet drivers and management, including streamlining the fueling process and reducing administrative overheads. They're also an easy […]

If you run a charity or a not-for-profit organisation, you may be looking for a bank with relatively low charges, to keep your running costs as low as possible. In this guide I talk about how these bank accounts work, what you should look out for, and the best charity bank accounts available. Best community […]

If you know what you’re doing, a low-interest credit card can be useful for your small company. Maybe you want to earn points, cash back, or air miles for your purchases, or you want to spread the cost of a big purchase. In this guide I'll highlight the best credit cards for start-up businesses, the […]

The goal of the Soldo platform is to streamline the process of managing business costs. Continue reading for an in-depth look into Soldo company accounting, or skim the highlights in the ‘at a glance' section. The Pros and Cons of Soldo Pros Cons ✔️ It unites the worlds of finance, credit, and accounting ❌ Additions […]

You may be thinking about getting a business loan if you don’t have the spare cash needed to invest in things like new facilities, machinery, personnel, or advertising for your company. There are many different types of loans to choose from, and the type you go for will depend on the nature and size of […]

You are free to open however many bank accounts as you need using financial institutions that give you the green light. Managing multiple accounts requires more time and effort, but has clear advantages. It's possible that you already use many bank accounts. Many individuals use a current account for their day-to-day transactions and then put […]

Some premium bank accounts provide insurance policies or rewards such as cashback in exchange for a monthly charge. Although they can be costly, if you use the extras included they can save you money overall. All UK banks provide basic free accounts which can be opened but they usually also offer paid-for accounts. These traditionally […]

Business loans account for around 8% of funding for small and medium businesses in the UK and for those wanting to borrow money, the choice between a secured and an unsecured loan is significant. With secured loans, you can use an asset you own such as your home or car, as collateral. This kind of […]

A long-term business or commercial loan might provide your company with the financial boost it needs to expand. The debt could be used to hire more staff, buy new equipment, or cover operating expenses. In contrast, the strain on a company's cash flow from a short-term loan can restrict the amount of money a small […]

Preparing yourself for your next holiday abroad? If you've used your debit card on holiday before, you'll know hefty charges are usually involved. Using the correct credit card can cut your costs, if you can find one without foreign transaction fees. The start of the year is the most popular time to book a foreign […]

A cash advance is when you take out cash from a credit card account. You may be able to do this, but before you consider it it's worth looking at the pros and cons. While it may be as easy as taking money from your debit card, there are many more factors you need to […]

Have your eye on an expensive item? Maybe you need a new fridge, or your washing machine has broken, if so a purchase credit card could help. Even better, a zero-interest purchase credit card allows you to pay for that big-ticket item on your credit card without paying any interest, within the time limits given. […]

Loans for businesses, whether secured or unsecured, can be used for anything, from expansion or maintenance, to starting a firm from scratch, but borrowing money could also push your business into debt. Securing a business loan against one or more of your assets may be the best option to get the funds you need to […]

Unexpected business expenses, such as repairing broken equipment or the loss of a large order, are a common source of stress for business owners and can quickly deplete available funds. In some cases, an overdraft can be one option if you don't have the available cash or savings. If your business bank account has an […]

Ever feel slightly overwhelmed when looking for a new credit card? No surprise — from a rewards credit card to a money transfer credit card, there's a huge amount of credit cards to wrap your head around when you're trying to borrow some money. Still, it's important to understand all the options so you can […]

The term Annual Percentage Rate is abbreviated APR. It's the yearly rate at which you'll be charged to borrow money, including both interest charges and fees. A Representative APR has very specific, legal guidelines, and one of those is that at least 51% of customers who apply for a given product will qualify for the […]

Secured loans are a form of loan that typically require some kind of collateral, such as your house, car, or any other valuable assets, to be used as a security measure against default. This type of loan is popular among people with all types of credit scores thanks to its large credit limits. In addition, […]

Debt’s a heavy burden to bear and when you’ve got several different loans, each with higher interest rates than the last, it can feel overwhelming. This is especially true for anyone with a less-than-ideal credit rating, as banks freezing you out and refusing to give you better terms on your loan can make you feel […]

In this day and age, loans have undoubtedly become an integral part of most of our lives. Whether it's for buying your first home, a car, or even securing an additional bit of funding for your business. Have you ever heard of bad credit-secured loans? These are a type of loan given by the bank […]

If at any point in your life, you've needed to borrow money, you're most likely familiar with the concept of a credit score and why having a strong credit rating is essential. Many people have a poor credit score that prevents (or at least makes it more complicated) them from obtaining loans, credit cards, or […]

The idea of a stocks and shares ISA is to give UK residents a savings account that is tax efficient. But there are rules around how to use these ISAs to keep them tax free. If you break the rules, you might find yourself facing a penalty. And if you follow the rules, you get […]

Start-up loans may be possible if your company is under 24 months old. You can use them for business-related expenses including equipment, setup, recruiting, training and more. It can be difficult for companies with less than a few years of trade experience to be eligible for loans from traditional banks, but there are alternatives to […]

Penny stock trading is one way to get your feet wet in the stock market without breaking the bank. Penny stocks are shares of companies that trade at relatively modest prices. However, much like those 99p ice cream flakes, they're not always as affordable as their name implies. Typically, shares priced under £5 fall into […]

Global economies have been hit hard by rising interest rates worldwide… We frequently cover the growing power of Brazil, Russia, India, and China (or BRIC for short), everywhere from China to sunny Latin America. But following a period of global instability, developing markets' results have been more inconsistent when it comes to investing. Emerging markets […]

Are you looking for a smart way to grow your savings? With various investment options available, making the right choice can be challenging. In this article, we’ll delve into two popular savings vehicles in the UK: premium bonds and ISAs. We'll explore their unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you determine which might […]

Are you looking for a safe way to save money on behalf of your child? Well, a Junior ISA (Individual Savings Account) may be the perfect solution. Junior ISAs are tax-free savings accounts specifically designed for children under 18. You can choose from cash or stocks and shares Junior ISAs (or JISAs) and when a […]

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. Warren Buffett (Source) A variety of tax-free options exist for British savers and investors thanks to financial instruments known as individual savings accounts (ISAs). Investors can open a stocks and shares ISA and invest in the stock market in a variety of different ways. This […]

📖 Maybe winning isn’t everything. One just needs to hedge the bet and minimize the risk. Doug Cooper, Outside In.  Spread betting is a derivative approach in which the investor does not really own the stock or commodity that serves as the basis for the wager. Spread bettors, on the other hand, use the prices provided […]

One of the most common investment strategies is to use compounding interest. You see this the most with pensions, but it can be a strategy that pays off in just about any type of account or investment. The thing is, not every trading platform, or investment is designed for a compound interest approach. That being […]

A private pension is your way of putting aside money for your retirement. If you work for an employer, you will be automatically opted-in to a workplace private pension, and your employer will make contributions to the pot. You can always set up your own private pension. You can make use of a price comparison […]

Stepping into the world of cryptocurrency can be daunting, especially with the unpredictable nature of the market. However, safeguarding your digital assets doesn't require a degree in Cryptography or a secret handshake. The key principle is simple: the greater the amount you intend to store, the more attention you should pay to crucial factors like […]

Best Crypto Trading Apps

If you’ve tracked the price of BTC for any significant period of time, you will know that crypto is extremely volatile. Crypto responds to recessions and world events in unpredictable ways. It’s the target of pump-and-dump schemes by many different players. Certain names like bitcoin have become the hallmark representatives of crypto as a whole. […]

Any business of any size might need a loan from time to time, it could be because of a cash flow problem or to invest in something. Business loans are financial tools used to get extra money in a time of need. You may need a loan to invest in new equipment or staff for your […]

Freelancers and new small business owners often struggle when it comes to dealing with the financial admin that comes with running a business. It can be difficult to know how you need to approach your first tax return, what paperwork you need to submit, and how much your company has spent over the previous year, […]

Since the financial crisis of 2008, many mainstream banks have tightened the reins on their lending to small and medium-sized enterprises. As such, it can sometimes be difficult for companies that are just starting out or trying to expand to get the funding they need. Thankfully, a series of challenger brands have entered the market […]