With inflation at its highest level in 41 years and energy prices skyrocketing, the cost of living crisis has dominated headlines since inflation began to creep up from historic lows in mid-2021. While the Covid pandemic began the inflationary increase, this was further exacerbated by the war in Ukraine pushing up energy and food prices even further. Following such an extended period of price rises, you may be concerned about your household finances and long-term plans. So, here are five ways to protect your finances during the cost of livin...

With inflation still high and energy prices skyrocketing, the cost of living crisis has dominated headlines since inflation began to creep up from historic lows in mid-2021. Following such an extended period of price rises, you may be concerned about your household finances and long-term plans.

“A small level of inflation each year is good for the economy”

What is inflation?

Inflation measures how the average price of goods and services changes annually, and is the main driver of the cost of living crisis.

Each month, the Office for Nati...

Whilst the Bank of England base rate remains the same, interest rates are still the highest they have been in 15 years. So if you are one of the thousands coming to the end of your fixed rate deal over the next few months it’s very likely you’ll see your payments increase as a result of higher mortgage rates but it’s a common misunderstanding that the Bank of England base rate is directly linked to the mortgage rates on offer. There are many factors that determine mortgage rate pricing.

Lots of factors determine mortgage pricing – not just ...

As a parent, providing for your children is a top priority – from making sure they have food on the table, to ensuring they have the extras they need in life.

Putting income protection in place means you’ll always be able to support your children with a regular income if the unthinkable should happen and you’re unable to work because of serious illness or injury.

Keeping your family financially healthy.

In the past two years, 13% of workers have had two months or more off work due to either illness, injury or a mental-health event1. As a ...

If you’re a homeowner, your mortgage payments are likely to take up a large part of your income each month. But if you became seriously ill or injured, and unable to work, would you be able to keep up your mortgage repayments? As buying a home is likely to be your biggest investment, it pays to protect yourself, so you’re covered should a life changing event occur.

We know the little things in life can be life-changing. It could be a phone call from the doctor with serious news about your health, or a stepladder that wobbled once too often ...

Banks and Building Societies have been encouraged by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to offer more flexibility to struggling mortgage holders. Following a meeting with the Chancellor, banks and building societies have agreed to offer more flexibility to borrowers impacted by increasing rates and struggling with payments, including:

• Being able to talk to their mortgage lender about their ability to afford payments with it having no impact whatsoever on their credit score
• Switching to interest-only for six months without impacting credit score
• Imp...

The mortgage market is making the news headlines daily, with mortgage lenders withdrawing deals and increasing rates in a reaction to the recent news that inflation is slowing at a less-than-expected rate and the rising Bank of England Base Rate.

You might not see an immediate impact if you are on a fixed rate but if you are worried about paying your mortgage, speaking to your lender early is key. You may have heard about how lenders are being encouraged to show forbearance, which is where you agree with your lender to pay less than your fu...