With Halloween and Bonfire Night out of the way, it’s almost time to get the Christmas decorations out once again. For the majority of us, the festive period is a season of joy, love, and togetherness – but for many others, it also brings financial stress. And regardless of whether you’re financially comfortable or struggling…
When you’re in a Debt Management Plan (DMP), the last thing you want is to be targeted by scam companies promising quick fixes. Unfortunately, scammers know that people in financial difficulty may be more vulnerable and some will try to exploit this by offering “hardship payments” or enticing loans to encourage you to switch debt…
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become major events in the shopping calendar, tempting millions to splash out on everything from the latest tech gadgets to fashion items and homeware. However, while these days are marketed as the perfect opportunity to save big, they can easily lead to overspending, buyer’s remorse and unnecessary debt. With…
Debt is a reality for most people, whether it’s a mortgage, a student loan, or credit card balances. But not all debt is created equal. Some forms of debt can be considered “good” because they help improve your financial situation over time, while others are “bad” due to their high interest rates and lack of…
Saving for retirement can often seem complicated. With so many factors to consider including your age, income, lifestyle and even your debts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, planning for your future is critical and knowing how much to pay into your pension is a crucial part of that planning. This guide will break down…
Used by lenders to assess your financial situation, a debt to income (DTI) ratio is used to work out the balance between your income and debt payments. If you have debt and you’re applying for a mortgage or loan, working out your DTI ratio will give you an indication of how much of a risk…
When a loved one passes away, it can be a stressful time. The emotion that comes with death, combined with the essential administration that needs to be completed can make a really difficult time of your life even more challenging. However, at least part of this load can be alleviated if the individual who has…
When you’re applying for credit – whether that’s a loan, mortgage or something else – the lender will typically look at your credit score before deciding whether to accept your application. Essentially, a credit score is a three digit number that indicates your trustworthiness as a borrower. The higher this number is, the lower the…
Before loaning you money or offering credit, lenders should complete checks to ensure you’re able to afford repayments. If they don’t, this is known as irresponsible lending and can lead to significant loan and credit card debt for the customer. Read on for more information about the signs of irresponsible lending and what to do…
Impulse buying can be a costly habit. Whether it’s a last-minute online shopping spree or grabbing extra items while grocery shopping, these unplanned purchases can wreak havoc on your budget. With all the online shopping and targeted ads nowadays, it’s easier than ever to get drawn into buying things we don’t need. But there are…
Stress affects millions of people, and when it’s tied to financial issues like debt, it can feel even more overwhelming. That’s why initiatives like Stress Awareness Day, held on Wednesday 6th November this year, are essential for highlighting the impact of stress on our lives and encouraging steps to manage and reduce it. At MoneyPlus,…
The Autumn Budget is one of the most significant events in the financial calendar, where the Government outlines its economic priorities, sets tax rates and reveals how it plans to allocate public spending. This year’s Autumn Budget is highly anticipated, as it’s the first one from the new Labour Government with Rachel Reeves as Chancellor.…