Life insurance is one of those things we all know we should sort out but it often gets pushed down the to-do list. Like a dull household chore, it’s easy to put off. If you’ve started looking into life insurance, you’ve probably come across two common options: level and decreasing cover. They might sound similar, but they’re designed for very different purposes. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the difference. Level Life Insurance Level life insurance is the

Protection is something many people tend to put off—not because it isn’t important, but because life gets busy and thinking about “what ifs” isn’t fun. The truth is, protection policies aren't just another insurance policy. They are a safety net—one that helps keep your family, your income, and your future secure if life takes an unexpected turn. Why Protection Matters... Life Protection - It protects the people you love If the worst were to happen, life protection helps ensu

If you’re planning to buy a property, you’ve probably heard a lot about deposits but what actually counts as an acceptable one? It’s a question that often causes confusion, and sometimes frustration, especially when lenders start asking for detailed proof. Let’s break it down. Why does your deposit need to be proven? When you apply for a mortgage, your broker, lender, and solicitor will all want to see exactly where your deposit has come from. This isn’t just red tape - it’s

In short, yes. There are over 4 million self-employed people in the UK. This has dropped from over 5 million prior to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is still a significant number for which there is a large appetite for this customer category from UK mortgage lenders. That’s good news if you’re self-employed and looking to borrow. Just like someone in full-time employment, you’ll need to meet a lender’s specific criteria. This typically includes an assessment of your

Our previous article looked at the upfront costs for a first time home buyer, now lets say you’ve moved into your dream new home. Job done. But don’t forget the everyday living costs! Affording to live month to month is key and understanding those ongoing costs and planning for them means you won’t get caught out when that bill lands in your inbox. A joyful young couple embraces in front of their new home's wall, trying out vibrant paint colours to make their space their ow

Buying your first home is exciting, but many first-time buyers underestimate some of the true costs involved in probably one of their biggest lifetime purchases. These costs can often be divided into two - upfront and ongoing costs. Understanding these is essential to budgeting effectively. Here we will look at the Upfront costs: Deposit Typically, you need to put down a percentage of the property’s price, usually between 5% and 20%. Often first-time buyers tend to put