News
How Much Is a Shilling Worth Today? Check the Year First
Most shillings are worth a few pence. A handful are worth hundreds, and it comes down to the year and the mint mark. Here is how to tell which you have.
The money desk
News & updates
The latest on rates, tax, housing and the economy, explained in plain English, with what it actually means for your money.
News
Bank of England Base Rate: What It Means for You
A plain-English guide to the Bank of England base rate: what it is, who sets it, how it moves your mortgage, savings and borrowing, and what a change means for a typical household.
News
Can Universal Credit Check My Bank Account?
Can Universal Credit check your bank account? The DWP can't freely browse it, but it has fraud-investigation powers and new bank-flagging rules. Here's what they can and can't see, and the savings limits that really matter.
News
What Is This Charge on My Bank Statement?
Spotted a charge you don't recognise? Here's how to identify mystery payments on your statement, the common culprits behind odd names, and what to do if it's fraud.
News
How Much Money Is There in the World?
It depends what you count: about $9 trillion in cash, $100 trillion in broad money, $470 trillion counting all wealth. Plus why the "$1 quadrillion" answer you'll see everywhere is wrong.
News
Why Is a Pound Called a Quid? The Real Story
Why do we call a pound a 'quid'? The word is centuries old and its origins are debated. Here's the most likely history behind Britain's favourite money slang.
News
What Is a Pony in Money? The Full Slang List
A pony is one of the money slang terms people still get wrong out loud. Here is what it is worth, where it came from, and how the rest of the set works.
News
Will Energy Prices Go Down? Yes, here's why.
Broadly yes — energy prices have eased from post-2022 highs but remain above pre-2021 levels. Ofgem reviews its cap every 3 months, so here's what drives the trend.
News
Tricks to Get a Council House: What Moves You Up the List
Three things move people up the council house list faster than anything else, and most applicants never do them. The five categories councils must legally prioritise, and how to prove you are in one.
News
The 10 Home Improvements That Add the Most Value
The home improvements that add most value include off-street parking (+10–15%), kitchen and bathroom refits and better energy efficiency. Here are 10 worth doing.
News
What Can Go Wrong Between Exchange And Completion?
Are you wondering what can go wrong between exchange and completion? Don't worry, this insight explains all and helps you through the final stage of purchasing a home
News
House Prices May 2026: The Biggest Risers and Fallers
Official HM Land Registry data for May 2026: England averages £292,095 (+2.3% in a year), Wales £215,252 (+4.2%). See the areas rising and falling fastest — and what your own home is worth now.
News
How Much Is a Crown Worth Today?
A crown was worth five shillings — 25p today. But many crowns were large silver or commemorative coins, so they're often worth far more. Here's what a crown is really worth.
News
How Much Is a Farthing Worth Today?
A farthing was a quarter of an old penny — about 0.1p today, and the smallest British coin. Withdrawn in 1960, its little wren design is a collector favourite. Here's the detail.
News
How Much Is a Florin Worth Today?
A florin was worth two shillings — 10p today. It was Britain's first step towards decimal currency, and silver florins are collectable. Here's what a florin is worth now.
News
How Much Is a Guinea Worth Today?
A guinea was 21 shillings — £1.05 in today's money. Uniquely, it's still used at racehorse and auction sales. Here's what a guinea is worth, plus gold guinea coins.
News
How Much Is a Half Crown Worth Today?
A half crown was two shillings and sixpence — 12½p in today's money. One of pre-decimal Britain's most-used coins, and the silver ones are worth more. Here's the full picture.
News
How Much Is a Sixpence Worth Today?
A sixpence was six old pence — 2½p today. Known as a 'tanner', it's the coin behind the 'lucky sixpence' wedding tradition. Here's what a sixpence is really worth.
News
How Much Is a Threepence Worth Today?
A threepence — the 'thruppenny bit' — was three old pence, or 1¼p today. Its chunky 12-sided brass shape is unmistakable. Here's what a threepence is worth now.
Money & Finance
What Is a Pension and How Does It Work? UK Guide
What a pension is and how it works: the tax relief, the three main types, when you can access it and how much to save — a plain-English guide to UK pensions and retirement.
Mortgages
The Avocado Index: How Many Equal a UK House Deposit?
The Avocado Index puts the "stop buying avocado toast and you could afford a house" myth to the test with live UK house price data. See how many avocados a deposit is really worth right now.
News
How Many Smiths Plays Would Save You a House Deposit?
About 230,000 — roughly 13,900 hours of work. We worked out how long it really takes a typical UK worker to save a house deposit, measured in Smiths songs and working hours.
News
36 Month Rule Capital Gains Tax Explained
The 36-month rule once gave 36 months of capital gains tax relief on a former home; the final exemption is now far shorter. See how CGT on property works today.
News
Reasons To Use a Financial Adviser
A financial adviser does more than find cheap deals: they give regulated, tailored advice for complex circumstances. Five reasons to use one over a comparison site.
News
9 Ways to Penny Pinch at Christmas (Without Being Scrooge)
Cut Christmas costs without being Scrooge: set a budget, make DIY gifts, share a potluck meal and use cashback codes. Nine easy ways to save this festive season.
News
Are Banks Open Today?
Are banks open today? Use our live checker and interactive UK bank holiday calendar for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — plus opening hours, payment delays and 24/7 online banking.
Buying & Selling
Are Zoopla Estimates Accurate?
Zoopla estimates are automated and indicative only: built from sold-price data, they can't see inside your home. Cross-check with recent sales and an agent's view.
News
Balancing Work and Life: Strategies for Gig Economy Workers
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, many individuals are turning to the gig economy as a way to achieve more
News
Can a Bank Transfer Be Reversed?
Usually not once it's completed, but your bank can try to recover it if you act fast or it was a scam. Here's what to do, how quickly to move, and your chances.
News
Can You Pay Rent With A Credit Card?
Exploring paying rent with credit cards: Learn about possibilities, fees, credit score impact, and alternatives in challenging times. Make informed financial decisions.
News
Cost of Living Payments: What Was Paid, and Help Now
The government's Cost of Living Payments scheme ran from 2022 to early 2024. Here's what was paid, who was eligible, and where to find help with bills today.
News
Cockney Slang for Money: The Complete Guide
Quid, pony, monkey, ton, score and grand — what each is worth, how rhyming slang actually works, and why most of these terms aren't rhyming slang at all.
News
Disadvantages Of Using a Debit Card Abroad
Using a debit card abroad often means 2-3% foreign exchange fees, ATM charges and weaker fraud protection. See the drawbacks and cheaper ways to pay when overseas.
News
Do Banks Notify HMRC of Large Deposits?
Banks don't report every deposit, but they must flag suspicious activity and HMRC can request data. Here's what actually triggers attention and how to stay on side.
News
The History of Taxation: How Taxes Developed Over Time
In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, taxation systems have played a crucial role in shaping societies.
News
Financial Freedom on the Go: 7 iPhone Apps for Entrepreneurs
Seven iPhone apps to help entrepreneurs budget, save and track money on the go. A few are US-founded, so check UK availability before you rely on one.
News
How to find an adviser in the UK
Learn what to look for when choosing a financial adviser, including whether location matters,
Mortgages
Fire Safety Ratings and their Impact on Mortgages
Learn about fire safety ratings and their influence on mortgages. Understand B2, A3 ratings, the remedial requirements and lenders' criteria.
News
How AI Could Help Build Wealth
How artificial intelligence is reshaping investing, business and personal finance.
News
How Does Revolut Work?
Revolut: revolutionising banking with digital services. How does Revolut work? Multi-currency, budgeting, and international transfers. A game-changer for global finance.
News
How Long Does It Take To Build A House?
The build is rarely the slow part — planning, services and weather add the months people do not budget for. Here is a realistic stage-by-stage timeline.
Mortgages
How Many Boxes Will I Need to Move House?
Plan on about 10 boxes for a studio, 20 for a one-bed, 30 for a two-bed and 50 for a three-bed. Here's how to fine-tune the count for your rooms and clutter.
News
How Many Hours Is Part-Time in the UK?
There's no legal definition, but part-time usually means under 35 hours a week. Here's what counts as part-time, how it affects your pay and rights, and where the line falls.
News
How Much Money Does Al Nassr Have?
How rich is Al Nassr FC? A look at the Saudi club's ownership, revenue, Ronaldo's wages and estimated worth — and where all that money actually comes from.
News
How much value can be added to a house?
Some improvements return more than they cost and plenty never do. Here is what actually adds value to a UK home, and what you will not get back.
News
How to Report a Scam in the UK
A step-by-step guide to reporting a scam in the UK, from Action Fraud and Police Scotland to 7726 for texts, phishing emails and your bank.
News
I Got Scammed on Facebook Marketplace, What Can I Do?
Scammed on Facebook Marketplace? Gather evidence, report the seller and contact Action Fraud, then ask your bank about a card chargeback to recover your money.
News
IPS Delivery Scam: Protect Yourself From Online Fraud
The IPS delivery scam is a fake 'missed parcel' text linking to a phishing site to steal card details. Don't click; report texts to 7726 and fraud to Action Fraud.
News
Is BACS the Same as a Bank Transfer?
Not quite — BACS is one type of transfer (used for Direct Debits and salaries) and takes 3 days. Here's how BACS, Faster Payments and CHAPS differ, and which is which.
News
Is Chase Bank Ethical?
Explore the question is Chase Bank ethical? While they excel in banking they're criticised for fossil fuel links. Learn about ethical banking, environmental impact, and the call for change.
Mortgages
Is It a Good Time To Buy a House?
Is it a good time to buy a house? We look at the factors that really matter — affordability, mortgage rates, how long you plan to stay, and the risks to weigh up — rather than trying to time the market.
News
Is It Worth Working 20 Hours a Week?
Working 20 hours a week can suit your life and your tax position, but there are trade-offs. We weigh up pay, tax, benefits, pensions and work-life balance.
News
What Is a Monkey in Money?
A 'monkey' means £500 in British slang. Here's the origin of the term, how it's used, and what other money slang like a pony, ton and grand are worth.
News
Interest Rate Rises and Movers - What Our Survey Found
Our survey found 75% of would-be movers delayed their plans when interest rates climbed. Here is what homeowners told us, and how the picture looks now.
News
Facebook Marketplace Scams: Don't fall for these
Learn how to protect yourself from Facebook Marketplace scams. Discover common scam tactics, red flags to watch for, and practical tips to stay safe while buying and selling online.
News
How Much Is a Score in Money?
A 'score' means £20 in British slang. Here's where the term comes from, how it's used, and a quick guide to other money slang like a pony, monkey and ton.
News
Sheetrim Transport Scam: How to Stay Safe
Sheetrim Transport is a car-shipping site with a very low trust score and no reviews. Never pay by wire transfer or crypto — here's how to check it before you buy.
Mortgages
Signs The Housing Market Will Crash
Signs of a housing market crash include soaring prices, rising mortgage debt, high inflation and economic shocks. Here's what experts watch and past crashes reveal.
Money & Finance
The 8.5% State Pension Boost: Where Things Stand Now
How the 8.5% triple lock rise of April 2024 played out, plus the current full new State Pension figures for the 2026/27 tax year.
News
The ItonSearch Scam: Protecting Yourself from Online Threats
ItonSearch is a browser hijacker that spreads via bundled free software and pop-ups, redirecting your searches. Remove the extension, reset your browser and scan.
News
What is a Ton of Money?
In UK slang a 'ton' means £100, a score is £20, a pony £25 and a monkey £500. Here's where the phrase 'a ton of money' comes from and how it's used around the world.
News
Unknown Bank Giro Credit
Confused by an unknown bank giro credit? Unravel the mystery and take action with our guide. Verify legitimacy, protect your info, and seek bank assistance.
News
What Can Someone Do With Your National Insurance Number?
Your National Insurance number alone can't drain your account, but with other details it can enable identity fraud. Report any misuse to Action Fraud and HMRC.
News
What is Bartering?
Bartering is trading goods or services directly without money. Still used for skill swaps and business deals, it can save cash — here's how it works and its limits.
News
What Is Zettle on My Bank Statement? How to Find the Shop
A Zettle charge names the card reader, not the shop, which is why you may not recognise it. Here is how to work out which business took the payment.
News
Mortgage Etymology: YOUR DEATH PLEDGE
Learn the dark history of where the word 'Mortgage' comes from, also know as Mortgage Etymology.
News
Who Owns the Bank of England?
The Bank of England is wholly owned by HM Treasury on behalf of the public, yet operates independently. We explain its ownership, history and independence.
Money & Finance
Why Does Inheritance Tax Exist?
Discover why inheritance tax exists in the UK, its purpose, impact on individuals, and strategies for mitigating tax liabilities.
News
Why is Ryanair So Cheap?
Find out Why Ryanair are so cheap, including details on their business model and how they can operate to minimal costs compared to their competitors.
News
Why Should I Consider Investing in Property Overseas?
Investing in property overseas is a popular choice for many individuals looking to diversify their investment portfolios
News
Is Working From Home Killing Your Financial Freedom?
Working from home can quietly hurt your finances through blurred boundaries, missed promotions and higher running costs. Here's how to protect your money and career.