Caroline Ramsey
Caroline Ramsey is a content creator who specialises in personal finance. More than a decade of working in editorial teams, she offers highly tailored content covering a number of topics.
Articles by Caroline Ramsey:
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Loan broker vs direct lender: which is best?
If you’re thinking of taking out a personal loan, you may be wondering whether it’s worth using the services of a loan broker. Here, we look at the reasons brokers can be useful and why you may prefer to do the leg work yourself.
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Do I need a credit card?
Using a credit card sensibly can carry advantages, such as cashback offers, protection when buying big-ticket items and various rewards and discounts. However, if you don’t use your credit card wisely, you can find yourself in debt and owing large amounts of interest.
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How do I choose a credit card?
If you’re taking out a credit card for the first time it can be difficult to know what you need to look out for. Make sure you read our helpful guide on choosing credit cards, to help you select the right one for you.
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What happens at the end of my balance transfer period?
If you are coming to the end of your interest-free balance transfer period on your credit card, use our useful guide to help you decide what your next move should be.
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Everything you need to know before choosing a balance transfer credit card
Moving your debt to a 0% interest balance transfer credit card can help you to repay it cheaply. However, you need to play by the rules. Here, we provide a simple guide to balance transfer deals to help you decide whether they are right for you.
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Can I switch bank accounts if I’m in my overdraft?
Many people are keen to switch their bank accounts for the cash benefits that are available to new customers. However, what happens if you’re in your overdraft? Our guide will help you find out how you can switch bank accounts.
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What are black credit cards?
Ever wondered about the mysterious world of black credit cards? Who can get them and what perks do they offer? We take a look at this exclusive club and reveal the secret benefits that only the rich and famous can enjoy.
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What is a prepaid bank account?
Prepaid bank accounts, or no credit check bank accounts, offer a lifeline to those who have been turned down for a regular bank account due to poor credit history. Here we take a look at what these accounts offer, alongside the advantages and disadvantages of opening a prepaid account.
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Are packaged bank accounts worth the cost?
Packaged bank accounts charge a monthly fee for a number of added ‘extras’, but many find that these extras are not worth the monthly cost. Here’s a useful guide to these accounts to help you decide whether packaged accounts are right for you.
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Common mistakes when choosing home insurance
Believe it or not, there are many mistakes to be made when selecting which home insurance policy is right for you. Make sure you avoid these common pitfalls by referring to our helpful list below.
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Bank cards and mobile apps for children
It’s a great idea to get your children used to using bank cards to help them manage their money. However, there are a lot of options. Our guide helps you to find the right kind of card and mobile app to boost your child’s financial know-how.
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Can I open a bank account for my child?
Together with your child, you can open a children’s bank account, which will offer some similar features to an adult’s bank account and can help your child to start managing their own money.
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European Breakdown Cover: What You Need to Know
European breakdown cover ensures you have protection if you break down while abroad. You can choose from single-trip or annual policies, depending on how often you drive on the continent.
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Preparing Your Car For Winter: How to Avoid Breakdowns in Winter
Parts of your car can suffer and deteriorate in the wet and cold of the winter months. But by following these steps to prepare your car for winter, including tyre checks and topping up coolant, you can help to reduce the risk of breaking down.
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Who can be a guarantor for a loan? What you need to know before saying yes
Almost anyone can be a guarantor for a loan, such as a partner, friend or relative, so long as they are over 21 and have a good credit history. But being a guarantor for a loan is a big decision. Before agreeing to take on this role you should know exactly what you will be required to do.
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Loans and APR: what you need to know
APRs have long been used to demonstrate the cost of borrowing. But are they the most accurate measurement? We take you through APRs, interest rates and how you should use them when choosing a loan.
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Is it worth overpaying on your mortgage?
Overpaying on your mortgage might seem like a great option if you have the capital, but it’s important to remember that it’s not for everyone. There may be restrictions from your lender as well as personal circumstances that might make overpayments difficult or simply not worth it.
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How to avoid mortgage early repayment charges
Depending on your lender, you may encounter early repayment charges if you want to leave your current mortgage deal or repay your mortgage early. Make sure you understand the consequences of early repayments and take note of any potential charges they might incur.
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How to fight back against late payments
Late payments are a national phenomenon that affect small and medium sized businesses in particular. Here’s everything you need to know about the troubling trend including how you can protect your business from late payment problems.
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Can I get a loan without having a credit check?
There are various options available to people want to take out a loan without a credit check, or loans for those with ‘bad’ credit. We explore these different aspects of credit and review the options and loan types available.
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Could a dash cam save you money on van insurance?
More and more van drivers are deciding to install dash cams to help protect them when they’re out and about. But can they save you money on your van insurance? We’ve investigated this further.
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Broken Down Car: What Should I Do, What Are the Rules?
When your car breaks down, you should pull over on the left of the road, switch on your hazard warning lights, and follow the rules to stay safe until help arrives. If you break down on a motorway there are extra rules you need to observe.
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What to do if your insurance claim is rejected
If your insurance claim is rejected, all is not lost. There are a number of steps you can take to try to secure a payout if you think your insurer has made an unfair decision.
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How to choose a personal loan
Are you considering taking out a personal loan? Perhaps you need to finance renovations at home, or you’re helping a child through university. Make sure you know exactly what type of finance you’re looking for with this guide to choosing a loan.
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How to get a mortgage with no deposit
First time buyers often find it difficult to raise the capital for a mortgage deposit. Whether it’s due to salary constraints or debt, many still ask whether it’s possible to get a mortgage without a deposit at all. Surprisingly, there are still some options.
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Unsecured loans vs secured loans
With so many different types of loan on the market, many of us will wonder whether secured or unsecured loans are better. However, it's actually all about making sure you find the right type of loan for your needs.
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Using a mortgage adviser vs going direct to a lender
The idea of choosing the best option for your future can be a daunting task and many seek help from a mortgage adviser. We cover the advantages of using a mortgage adviser versus going directly to a lender to help you decide on the best route forward.
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Time to consider an alternative to traditional banks for your business needs?
With plenty of alternative options on offer, might it be time to turn your back on the big high street banks for your business banking needs?
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How to get a business loan with a bad credit rating
While you will have a bit more of a challenge on your hands, bad credit business loans today come in many shapes and sizes. Find out more about your options as a small business owner.
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Expanding your business: what are your funding options?
From small business loans, to overdrafts and commercial mortgages – there are plenty of funding options available for businesses seeking to finance their expansion. Take the time to research your options and identify the best form of growth finance for your company.
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Alternative Business Funding: Because It’s Not All About Credit Cards
If your company needs a cash boost, a credit card’s certainly an option. But it’s good to keep in mind there are many types of specialist business loans out there that could offer you a great alternative way to fund your business.
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Should you automate your business?
The continued rise of automation comes with many advantages and disadvantages. We explore the issues to help you decide if automation is the right choice for your business.
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How to manage your small business accounts
Accountancy software has proven to be a lifesaver for many companies, but is it a genuine alternative to working with a professional accountant? And more importantly, is it right for your business?
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