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The essentials you need to know about credit checks before borrowing money

The information a lender finds during a credit check is important – it could affect whether you’re able to borrow money, including through a mortgage, and the interest rate you’re offered. Yet, they can also seem perplexing.

Indeed, a Royal London survey found that a third of Brits had never looked at their credit report.

The good news is that we can help you cut through the jargon, so you feel more confident next time you apply for a loan.

Lenders usually carry...

A quick guide to getting a mortgage and buying your new home

Most of us will borrow money to buy a property at some point in our lives. Whether you’re buying your first home, buying to let or remortgaging, it’s a big commitment.

Here are some key facts to help you feel more confident about your financial decisions.

The different types of mortgages

The types of mortgages vary, depending on how long the term lasts, how much you pay every month and the interest rate.

Fixed rate

The most common length of fixed-rate mortgages are two- and f...

Reducing debt

• The government is reducing debt and borrowing, with borrowing forecast to be lower this year, next year, and on average over the forecast period compared to the OBR's March forecast.
• Underlying debt is also lower as a percentage of GDP, by an average of 2.1 percentage points across the forecast.
• The government is on track to meet its debt and borrowing fiscal rules with greater headroom against both rules compared to spring.
• The government has made available up to £14.1 billion for the NHS and adult social care and an a...

How private medical insurance can help you cope with cancer  

Cancer impacts so many of us 

Cancer is a disease that leaves very few of us untouched. Statistics from Cancer Research UK suggest that as many as one in two people born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of the disease over the course of their lifetime.  

That’s the kind of statistic that makes you think. Little wonder that one of the most common questions clients ask is whether private medical insurance covers the disease. With soaring waiting times and th...

Life can be full of surprises. You can’t be prepared for everything. You may have some insurance to support you financially if the unexpected happens, but have you considered how private medical insurance might offer you and your family the peace of mind you need if your health takes a turn for the worst?

A growing trend
According to data published by The Telegraph, close to half a million people have taken out private medical insurance over the past year, as NHS waiting lists hit record levels this autumn. According to government stat...

Making your retirement savings last a lifetime

To help ensure a sustainable income, you first need to understand how much you’ll need to live on.

• On the go – during the early stages of retirement, there’s a strong likelihood that you’ll spend more on travel, hobbies, or home improvements

• Slowing down – while you may be slightly less active, you’re still busy with hobbies, but you may be less inclined to long-haul travel

• Coming to a stop – in later life, your mobility may be more limited, which risks increasing costs due to needin...

It’s been a difficult year for investors so far. Inflation and political uncertainty have led to market volatility. Market volatility can be scary, especially if the value of your investments drops, but it’s important not to let fear guide your decision about whether to stay invested in your portfolio.

Here are three reassuring reasons for staying invested in the stock market during uncertain times.

01 The best financial decisions are not based on emotion

Emotions can play a big role in your financial decision making if you aren’t vigi...

The cost of living crisis has dominated the headlines since inflation began to creep up from historic lows in mid-2021. While the Covid pandemic began the inflationary increase, the situation was made worse by the war in Ukraine, which pushed up energy and food prices even further. Following such an extended period of price rises, you may be concerned about your household finances and long-term plans. If you want to understand how you can tweak your expenses and finances to best protect your wealth through the cost of living crisis, read o...

Household bills have increased rapidly during the past year. The current cost of living crisis began with the Covid pandemic, causing problems for economies around the world and creating global supply chain delays followed by the war in Ukraine.

Following such an extended period of price rises, you may be concerned about your household finances and long-term plans. If you are retired or about to retire and rely on a defined contribution (DC) pension for your income, read on for five options that could help you make your pension stretch fu...