Articles by Rhiannon Philps:
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Brits cautious on consumer spending post-restrictions
Our NerdWallet survey looks at how people have been using their savings and how they think their spending will change once Covid restrictions end completely. We also see some of their attitudes and views on the UK’s economic recovery.
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Surveys for money: how much can you earn?
If you’re looking for ways to make some extra money, you may be considering joining an online survey site. But what survey sites are available and how much can you really earn from them?
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What is Amazon Prime? The benefits, the cost, and whether it’s worth it
Free one-day delivery and video streaming are just some of the features of an Amazon Prime membership, which you can get for just a £79 annual fee.
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What is conditional sale?
Conditional sale splits the full cost of a car into monthly payments, which you will repay over an agreed term. Unlike other forms of car finance, you will automatically become the owner of the car once you have made all the repayments.
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What is the Debt Respite Scheme? How to apply for a breathing space
The breathing space scheme, or Debt Respite Scheme, offers people struggling with problem debt some legal protections from creditors while they seek professional debt help. There is a special breathing space scheme for those receiving treatment for their mental health.
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Budgeting 101: How to Budget Money
To create a budget, begin by dividing your income between needs, wants, savings and debt repayments, using the 50/30/20 plan for guidance.
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How Will Brexit Affect Me and My Finances?
Leaving the EU has resulted in many changes to online deliveries, travel, and mobile roaming charges, with potential impacts on other areas of the UK economy. In this guide we look at how Brexit may affect you and your personal finances.
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Broken Down with No Cover? What to Do Next
If you have an emergency breakdown and no cover, you can call a breakdown provider to get cover and immediate assistance, contact a nearby garage, or use an emergency phone if you’re on a major road. However, these can all be expensive options.
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28 Top Small Business Apps
The best small business apps offer many helpful tools, but what are some of the most useful apps for businesses and what features do they offer?
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The Ultimate Guide to the FIRE Movement
The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement has gained traction over the years as more individuals look to save enough money to be able to take early retirement. But what does it involve and how accessible are its aims?
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How to optimise your finances during a recession
A recession can be a worrying time for many, but you can take a number of precautionary measures to prepare you for any future difficulties. From cutting spending to paying off debt to building up an emergency fund, find out how you can start to protect your money in a recession.
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Graduating into a recession: How to find a job in a recession
How can recent graduates looking for work in the midst of a recession improve their chances of securing a job? Read on to find out how you can adapt to the challenges posed by the economic situation and boost your job prospects.
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Negative equity and car finance: What is it and when can it be a problem?
If you’re in negative equity on your car finance it means you owe more in repayments to your provider than the current value of the car you’re driving. Negative equity occurs quite often with new cars because they depreciate quickly.
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Should I Move House or Make Home Improvements?
If your house no longer suits your needs you have two choices: renovate or move. Both of these options can cost a lot of money, so we discuss when you might consider them and how you can fund your decision.
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The ultimate guide to moving out of London post lockdown
As the country tries to recover from coronavirus, increasing numbers of buyers and renters are showing interest in moving out of London and other big cities. We look at why this is happening and what people considering a move will need to think about.
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Coronavirus Eviction Extension Explained: A Guide for Tenants and Landlords
This guide explains the housing rights for tenants and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you cannot afford to make rent or mortgage payments because your financial circumstances have changed, find out the temporary housing support the government has put in place for tenants and landlords.
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What is Stamp Duty? And How Will the Stamp Duty Holiday Affect Me?
Stamp duty is a tax you pay when purchasing a new property. The government has temporarily reduced the rates of paying this tax, but what are the new thresholds and how will they impact buyers?
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The different types of car finance explained
There are several different types of car finance available which can make it difficult to decide which is the best one for you. From hire purchase to PCP to leasing, we explain how each car finance option works and the pros and cons.
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Car maintenance checklist: 13 tips to look after your car
Cars need regular care to make sure they perform at their best, particularly if you’re not driving them as often. Disuse can create problems for your vehicle, but with just a few checks and actions you can minimise the risk of these issues happening.
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What are the 2020 Budget changes to entrepreneurs’ relief?
Entrepreneurs’ relief has been criticised in recent years, and the recent Budget addressed these concerns by reducing the lifetime limit on qualifying gains. Find out more about the change and the wider impact it will have.
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How to Apply For a Coronavirus Mortgage Payment Holiday
For those struggling to pay their mortgage because of the effect of COVID-19 on their finances, providers are offering a mortgage payment holiday to help relieve the strain.
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How do I Apply For a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan?
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is a government-backed scheme that aims to encourage lenders to approve credit applications from businesses that are affected by COVID-19.
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Budget 2021 – How Will it Affect you?
The 2021 Budget extended the furlough scheme, VAT and business rate reliefs, and the universal credit top-up, and also launched new schemes like Restart Grants, Recovery Loans and the mortgage guarantee.
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Top Small Business Grants in the UK
There are hundreds of small business grants available to help growing businesses. Discover grants for different regions and industries to see what you can claim.
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The True Cost of Homelessness
Homelessness is a debt that we all pay for as a society, but you don’t find it on a balance sheet – let’s explore some of the costs associated with homelessness.
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What is the cost of going vegan?
Many people regard veganism as an expensive lifestyle choice, but is there any truth in that claim?
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The Business Insurance Expert: 5 Business Insurance Myths
In the first of our Expert Insights series, Joe Howard, a business insurance specialist discusses the common misconceptions that cause problem for SMEs.
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What is the difference between personal and vehicle breakdown cover?
Personal breakdown cover applies to an individual, whatever car they use, while vehicle cover applies only to the specified car, or cars, on a policy. They each have their benefits and the best type of cover for you will depend on your driving habits.
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What is GAP insurance? And what does it cover?
GAP insurance is an optional cover that can protect you against depreciation if your car is stolen or written off. Find out more about what GAP insurance covers, how it works and how it could help you.
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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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Car Essentials: Things to Keep in Your Car in Case of Emergency
Keeping some essential items in your car, such as a map, a high-vis jacket, warm clothes, warning triangles and more, can help you to stay safe and comfortable when you drive, especially if you break down.
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Should I pay off my car finance early?
Paying off your car finance early could save you money on interest and means you can own your vehicle outright. However, there are some factors you need to consider, including early repayment charges and whether you can afford it, before making your decision.
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Can you refinance a car loan?
Refinancing a car loan means you take out a new credit agreement and use it to repay your current car finance debt. You might do this to reduce your monthly payments, but find out more to see if it’s the right decision for you.
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How to check if a car has outstanding finance
When you’re looking to buy a car, whether that’s from a dealer or a private seller, you should do a check on the vehicle you want to buy to make sure it isn’t still on a finance agreement.
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Should I part-exchange my car on finance?
When you part-exchange a car on finance, you can trade in your existing car and put its value towards the cost of your new car purchase. Read on to find out how it works and if it’s right for you.
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What credit score do I need for car finance?
Your credit score is one of the factors lenders will look at when you apply for car finance. A good credit score will improve your chances of approval and of getting the best interest rates, but there are options for people with bad credit too.
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27 ways to make money online and offline
Make money with a side gig and learn how long it will take to see the extra income, whether it’s freelancing online, driving passengers or selling your stuff.
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8 places to sell stuff online
With many different types of online marketplaces and platforms to choose from if you’re looking to sell unwanted items, take time to find the most suitable one for you.
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Personal contract hire: How does leasing a car work?
Personal contract hire (PCH), also known as leasing, is one option for someone looking to get a new car. You make monthly payments to use the vehicle but have to give it back at the end of the term.
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How does a personal loan affect your credit score?
A personal loan can improve your credit score in the long term as long as you consistently repay the debt on time.
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What is hire purchase?
When you buy a car through hire purchase, you pay a deposit and then make monthly payments over an agreed term to cover the rest of the cost. Read more about how hire purchase works and whether it is the right finance option for you.
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What is personal contract purchase?
Personal contract purchase, or PCP, is a form of car finance that allows you to use a car for an agreed term by making monthly payments. At the end of the contract, you can pay to keep the car or return it.
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Are Electric Vehicle Costs Falling Fast Enough For UK Drivers to Make the Switch?
Our NerdWallet research examines the affordability of electric vehicles ahead of the 2030 ban on new fossil fuel cars. It shows the financial gap that drivers face to switch and reveals that a new electric vehicle hatchback model may not be affordable for the average UK motorist until 2026.
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Financial Cautionary Tales from the Big and Small Screen
From The Simpsons to Rick and Morty to Downton Abbey, characters in film and television can teach us some valuable lessons about investing and financial risks. Their successes can inspire us, but their mistakes can also show us some things to avoid.
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What is Business Breakdown Cover and Who Needs It?
Business breakdown cover can provide specialist protection for company fleets, delivery drivers and the self-employed, although standard cover may be sufficient for some people’s needs. Find out what commercial breakdown cover includes and if you need it.
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Travelling to Europe After Brexit
For UK citizens there are a number of key changes to European travel after Brexit, including new rules for passports, visas, and pet travel, as well as new restrictions on what goods can be taken in and out of the UK and the EU.
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Does GAP Insurance Cover Negative Equity?
GAP insurance covers the negative equity on a car finance deal if you owe more than the car is worth at the time of write-off. However, you may need to buy an extra policy if you want to cover negative equity carried over from a previous contract.
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Buying GAP Insurance: Your Essential Guide
You can buy GAP insurance from an online insurer or from a dealership, but there are certain rules about when dealers can sell you a policy. Depending on the policy you choose, you may also need to get cover within a number of days of buying your car.
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What Are the Main Types of GAP Insurance? Which Type Do You Need?
There are different types of GAP insurance that are suitable for different situations. The best GAP insurance for you will depend on when you buy the policy, how you bought your car, and what you want to get from your policy.
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Is GAP Insurance Worth it?
A GAP insurance policy can be a useful product for some drivers, particularly those with brand new cars or cars on finance. However, it may not be necessary for those with older cars as any benefits would be minimal.
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