Personal Finance

Having savings for a rainy day can be a great lifeline if you find yourself struck by a financial emergency. Just one unforeseen event, like a broken down car or losing a job, could see you facing a period of financial instability. However, studies show that 27% of Brits have no emergency funds—a considerable oversight which falls above the European average figure. One of the most frequently-used safety nets for cash-strapped people is a credit card, and over 59 million...

Adhering to a vegetarian or vegan diet always gives people the impression that it is more expensive than eating meat. Somehow, the idea of eating a plant-based diet is perceived to be a privilege only a few people can afford. Perhaps what is to blame here is the proliferation of artisanal brands, organic meals, Whole Foods, and ingredients labeled as ‘superfoods’ which eventually put a premium price tag on otherwise cheap produce. But the whole idea of removing meat from...

ID cards have become ubiquitous in UK schools over the last five years and are now worn by staff, students and visitors. However, what benefits could a school have if those cards were more than just a piece of plastic with a name and photo printed on to them? What if they replaced simple ID cards with smart cards? Innovative smart card technology is providing schools with a wide range of benefits, from reduced workloads to more robust safeguarding. Here...

Buying property is stressful. As an estate agent, I found the main reason for my client’s frustration was a lack of understanding as to how a property transaction works. There is an unwritten etiquette that estate agents want you to abide by to make the process smoother for all involved.  This is a step-by-step guide to purchasing a property. Whether you’re an experienced portfolio landlord or a first-time buyer, the information covered in this article will give you some pointers...

Buying a home is difficult at the best of times. Even if you’ve managed to pull together an enormous deposit, you still need to convince the lender that you’re worthy of a mortgage. The problem is that now more than ever, major banks and lenders scrutinise applicants’ credit reports and financial status in the finest detail. On the plus side, some of the more proactive and dynamic lenders on the market are acknowledging the imperfections in the system. Providing an...

Throughout the UK education system, smart card technology is providing schools, colleges and universities with a wide range of innovative solutions. The benefits it brings include reduced staff workloads, increased security and improvements to services. Here are six of the main advantages smart cards are delivering. Robust ID verification The carrying of visual identification by staff and students is now commonplace throughout the UK education system, enabling everyone to know the identity and role of the people they come across....

It’s no secret that going to university is expensive. Aside from the enormous loan taken out to cover tuition, you still need a way to pay for accommodation, food, travel,academic supplies and, if you’re lucky, the occasional social event. It doesn’t matter what course you’re studying, one of the biggest lessons you’re going to learn over the course of your degree will be how to stay afloat financially. You’ll need motivation, discipline and honesty with yourself if you’re going to...

With the next self assessment deadline looming on January 31, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have released a list of 'outlandish' excuses received over the past year

Selling your home can be a nerve-wracking time, to say the least. You might be moving to a different town, city or country, which will no doubt occupy a great deal of your thoughts. While you might be preoccupied with finding your new house and all the excitement and anxiety that can come with that, it’s important to spare a thought or two for your existing property. Even if you’re relatively happy with the current value of your house, there...