The Rundown: Help to Buy Schemes

Still living with your parents or maybe flat-sharing with mates? If the time has come for you to move on, you could be nearer to owning your own home than you think. Help to Buy government schemes can help you take the first step to getting your own place. Here’s the rundown on things you … Continued

The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home

The moment has arrived. You’ve found a house you want to call home. It’s perfect in every way. But, apart from the asking price, how much are you going to have to fork out before you can finally turn the key in the door? Here’s a few of the hidden costs you’ll need to factor … Continued

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient & Lower Your Bills

Energy efficiency isn’t just about saving the planet – which is a very hot topic. It’s also about saving money, which is an incredibly cool thing to do. Creating a more energy efficient home is not that difficult, and the good news is, you don’t have to do it all at once. You can just … Continued

I’m Moving – Should I Take My Mortgage with Me?

If you’re ready to make your next move, there’s plenty of things to get your head around. Not least, what should you do about your current mortgage? It should be a relatively easy process (should!). Here’s a few tips to consider.      Before you start pressing your nose up against estate agents’ windows, get in touch … Continued

How to Find the Cheapest Mortgage

When you start looking round for a new home, there are plenty of important questions that need answering. Such as: ‘Is there enough room for a pool table / 62 pairs of shoes?’; ‘Do the neighbours like rap music?’; Or ‘How far away is the nearest pub?’ But the two you need to address first … Continued

Do You Have Adequate Home Insurance?

Wondering if home insurance is worth the hassle? It’s not like you’ve got the Crown Jewels hidden away after all. A laptop. Large screen TV. Nice phone. Some nice clobber. Few bits of furniture you’re particularly fond of. Maybe a decent watch. Or a beautiful engagement ring you’ve waited a lifetime for. Not a massive … Continued

City Living for Less – The UK’s Cheapest Cities

The cost of living is on the up. Nothing new there then. Unsurprisingly, London remains at the top of the list as the most expensive place to live in the UK. If you live in the capital and earn the minimum wage, your bank account will be permanently in the red. An average month’s rent … Continued

10 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage

You’ve found the perfect place. Nice house. Great street. Even the neighbours look normal. Now all you need is a mortgage to seal the deal. If you’re not careful this can be the tricky bit. You’re likely to encounter a fair number of hoops to jump through before you can start putting your possessions into … Continued

10 Tips to Make Sure You Get Your Rental Deposit Back

The time has come for you to move out of your rented property. You might be tempted to gather up your gear, say your goodbyes and go. If you leave without a backwards glance, chances are you’re going to walk away from your deposit. Here are some quick tips to make sure you get your … Continued

8 Reasons You Should Have an Allotment

Allotments used to be considered the domain of old guys in corduroy pants, cardigans and caps but now they’re actually quite cool. So much so that there’s usually a waiting list to get one. If you’re living in a flat with no outdoor space, or you’ve got a tiny terrace or a garden that doesn’t … Continued

Pooch Perfect: Cheap Grooming Tips for Dogs

Your pooch probably looks perfect to you. Those big, chocolate-button eyes. That little leather-look nose. The cute floppy ears. That distinct, doggy-like aroma… No matter how much you love your mutt, there’s no mistaking the importance of grooming to keep him looking – and smelling – his best. Just like humans, dogs need physical maintenance. … Continued

Pet Debt: Ways to Save on Animal Expenses

We’re a nation of soft-hearted pet lovers, but that affection comes at a price. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a goldfish or a greyhound, over the course of a lifetime our animals will cost us hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds to care for. Here’s a few ways to try and ease that pet debt. … Continued