Consumer guides – Page 2
Knowledge is power. Our Simple Finance Guides are designed to arm you with everything you might need to know when you’re dealing with your bank or an insurer.
Bank accounts
Why do you need to save, and what different types of accounts are available?
Savings accounts are a good way of building up a lump sum of money. You can move part of your pay into one of these accounts in regular intervals.
Read more
Where can I get financial advice?
Tips on how to find more personalised help and advice.
Read more
What is an easy-access account?
Get your money at any time but lower interest rates.
Read more
Credit cards & loans
What is a 0% purchase credit card?
0% purchase credit cards allow you to borrow money for nothing – for a time.
Read more
What is a 0% balance transfer credit card?
Dodge interest on outstanding credit card balances.
Read more
How to get rewarded for using a credit card
Some credit cards will reward you simply for making use of them.
Read more
Insurance
Why you should consider placing your life insurance policy in trust
What does it mean to place a policy in trust? How does it work?
Read more
Where can I get financial advice?
Tips on how to find more personalised help and advice.
Read more
What kind of travel insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is essential if you’re heading abroad. There are a few types to choose from, so it’s important that you think about what cover you need.
Read more
Mortgages
Where can I get financial advice?
Tips on how to find more personalised help and advice.
Read more
What are mortgage Early Repayment Charges (ERCs)?
Watch out for these charges when paying back your mortgage.
Read more
How much can I borrow for a mortgage?
And how do lenders work out how much they’re willing to lend?
Read more
Financial problems
Where can I get financial advice?
Tips on how to find more personalised help and advice.
Read more
How to make a complaint to your provider
Unhappy with the service you’ve received? Here’s how to do something about it
Read more
How does the Financial Services Compensation Scheme work?
The scheme provides cover in the event that a bank, building society, or insurer folds. But how does the FSCS work?
Read more
What is a Stocks & Shares ISA?
A Stocks & Shares ISA allows you to invest tax-efficiently.
Read more
What is a Cash ISA?
Cash ISAs allow you to save without paying tax on the interest.
Read more
What is a 0% purchase credit card?
0% purchase credit cards allow you to borrow money for nothing – for a time.
Read more
What is a 0% balance transfer credit card?
Dodge interest on outstanding credit card balances.
Read more
What are Premium Bonds?
Could Premium Bonds be better than a savings account?
Read more
What are mortgage Early Repayment Charges (ERCs)?
Watch out for these charges when paying back your mortgage.
Read more
What are fixed rate savings bonds?
Lock up your cash for longer and get a better return.
Read more
Six ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance
If you drive, you can’t avoid buying car insurance. But you can reduce the cost.
Read more
No claims discount: is it worth protecting yours?
Insurers offer customers the chance to protect their no claims discount. But is it worth it?
Read more
Make sure that your home is secure
Cut the cost of your home insurance and achieve peace of mind.
Read more
Life insurance - the basics
A guide to getting started with life insurance from the Money Advice Service.
Read more
How to switch your current account
Switching your current account is easier than you think.
Read more