UK Financial Advice Hub

Check your credit score before applying

Even one missed payment can cost you 0.5%+ on your rate.

Save a 15%+ deposit

Crossing 85% LTV unlocks significantly cheaper fixed deals.

Budget for stamp duty upfront

It can't be added to your mortgage, it's cash on completion day.

Overpay within your 10% annual limit

Even £100/month extra can knock years off your term.

Check your tax code every year

Millions are on wrong codes, 1257L is standard for most people.

Claim Marriage Allowance if eligible

Transfer £1,260 of allowance to your spouse. Worth up to £252/year.

Salary sacrifice reduces your NI too

Pension salary sacrifice cuts National Insurance, not just income tax.

Use your £3,000 CGT allowance

Sell and rebuy investments each year to use your annual exempt amount.

Use your £20,000 ISA allowance every year

Unused allowance is gone forever, it doesn't roll over.

Get the 25% LISA bonus if under 40

Save up to £4,000/year and receive a free £1,000 government top-up.

Move cash savings to 4.5%+ easy-access accounts

Many high street banks still pay below 2% on instant-access savings.

Invest in global index funds for long-term growth

Low-cost funds like FTSE All-World have historically returned 7-10%/year.

Use the avalanche method for fastest payoff

Attack highest-interest debt first, it saves the most money overall.

Know your PCP half rule rights

Once you've paid 50% of the Total Amount Payable, you can hand back the car.

Request your settlement figure in writing

Lenders must provide it within 12 days, use this before overpaying.

Balance transfer 0% offers cut credit card costs

Moving debt to 0% for 12-33 months saves hundreds in interest.

Always take the full employer pension match

It's an instant 100% return. Contribute at least enough to get it all.

Check your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK

You need 35 qualifying years for the full £12,548/year in 2026/27.

Consolidate old pension pots

The average UK worker has 11 jobs, use the pension tracing service to find old pots.

Higher rate taxpayers: claim extra pension relief

Basic rate relief is automatic, but 40% taxpayers must claim the extra 20% via Self Assessment.

Start with a £1,000 starter emergency fund

Then build to 3-6 months of essential expenses. Don't invest until you have this.

Use the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point

50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt. Adjust to your situation.

Meal plan to cut grocery bills by 30-40%

Plan Sunday, shop once, cook in batches. Aldi/Lidl for staples saves £1,500+/year.

Audit every subscription quarterly

Most households waste £50-£100/month on services they barely use.