Money Guides
Clear, jargon-free explanations of how UK tax and money rules actually work — updated for 2026. Every guide links to a free calculator so you can turn the theory into your own numbers.
How Is Stamp Duty Calculated in the UK?
A plain-English 2026 guide to how UK Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is worked out — the bands, first-time buyer relief, the second-home surcharge, and worked examples.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the Stamp Duty Calculator →
How Much Capital Gains Tax Will I Pay in the UK?
Understand UK Capital Gains Tax for 2026: the £3,000 annual exempt amount, the 18% and 24% rates, how your income changes the rate, and worked examples for shares and property.
June 2026 · 7 min read · includes the Capital Gains Tax Calculator →
How Is National Insurance Calculated in the UK?
A clear 2026/27 guide to UK National Insurance: the £12,570 threshold, the 8% and 2% employee rates, what employers pay, and worked examples of your monthly deduction.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the National Insurance Calculator →
How Much Redundancy Pay Am I Entitled To?
A 2026 guide to UK statutory redundancy pay: who qualifies, the age-based formula, the £751 weekly cap, the 20-year limit, and how the first £30,000 is tax-free.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the Redundancy Pay Calculator →
How to Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in the UK
Work out your UK take-home pay for 2026/27 — income tax bands, the £12,570 personal allowance, National Insurance, and what actually lands in your bank account.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the Salary Take-Home Calculator →
UK VAT Rates Explained
A simple guide to UK VAT in 2026: the 20% standard, 5% reduced and 0% zero rates, what each applies to, the £90,000 registration threshold, and how to add or remove VAT.
June 2026 · 5 min read · includes the VAT Calculator →
How Compound Interest Works
Understand compound interest: how earning interest on interest creates exponential growth, the Rule of 72, and worked examples showing why starting early matters most.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the Compound Interest Calculator →
UK Student Loan Repayments Explained
How UK student loan repayments work in 2026: the repayment thresholds for Plan 1, 2, 4, 5 and Postgraduate loans, the 9% rate, and when loans are written off.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the Student Loan Repayment Calculator →
How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage?
How UK mortgage affordability works in 2026: income multiples (typically 4–4.5x), affordability stress tests, deposits, and what lenders actually look at.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the Mortgage Affordability Calculator →
What Is a FIRE Number?
Learn what a FIRE number is, how the 25x rule and 4% safe withdrawal rate work, and how to estimate the pot you need to retire early.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the FIRE Calculator →
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Fast
Practical, proven ways to clear credit card debt faster in 2026: pay more than the minimum, the avalanche method, 0% balance transfers, and lower-rate loans.
June 2026 · 7 min read · includes the Credit Card Payoff Calculator →
Avalanche vs Snowball: Which Debt Payoff Method Wins?
Compare the debt avalanche and debt snowball methods — how each works, which saves the most money, which keeps you motivated, and how to choose.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the Credit Card Payoff Calculator →
How Much Car Can I Afford?
How to work out a car budget you can actually afford in 2026 — the 20/4/10 rule, total cost of ownership, down payments, and loan term traps.
June 2026 · 6 min read · includes the Auto Loan Calculator →
Should I Refinance My Mortgage?
When refinancing your mortgage is worth it in 2026: the break-even rule, closing costs, shortening your term, cash-out refinances, and the mistakes to avoid.
June 2026 · 7 min read · includes the Mortgage Refinance Calculator →
Do I Pay Tax on a Bonus in the UK?
Yes — bonuses are taxed exactly like salary in the UK. See how much tax and National Insurance comes off a bonus in 2026/27, with a worked example.
July 2026 · 4 min read · includes the Salary Take-Home Calculator →
Do I Pay National Insurance on My Pension?
No — pension income is not subject to National Insurance in the UK, though it is still taxed. See exactly what is and isn't deducted from your pension.
July 2026 · 4 min read · includes the 401k & Pension Calculator →
Is Redundancy Pay Taxed If I Get a New Job Straight Away?
No — the £30,000 tax-free redundancy allowance applies regardless of whether you start a new job immediately. Here's exactly how it works.
July 2026 · 4 min read · includes the Redundancy Pay Calculator →
How Much Can I Earn Before I Pay 40% Tax in the UK?
You start paying the 40% higher rate once your taxable income passes £50,270 in 2026/27. See exactly where the threshold falls and how it is calculated.
July 2026 · 4 min read · includes the Salary Take-Home Calculator →
Do I Pay Tax on Dividends From My Own Limited Company?
Yes — dividends from your own limited company are taxed at dividend rates after a £500 allowance, separately from salary. Here's how it works for 2026/27.
July 2026 · 5 min read · includes the Dividend Income Calculator →
Does a Pay Rise Affect My Student Loan Repayment?
Yes — student loan repayments are 9% of income above your plan's threshold, so a pay rise increases your monthly repayment. See exactly how much.
July 2026 · 4 min read · includes the Student Loan Repayment Calculator →