Guides
Borrowing, explained properly
Plain-English guides to APR, credit scores, secured lending, business finance and your legal rights. No jargon, no hard sell.
Basics
BasicsWhat is APR? A plain-English guideWhat APR means, what a representative APR is, and why the total amount repayable matters more.5 min readBasicsSecured vs unsecured loans: which is right for you?How secured and unsecured loans differ on cost, risk, amount and eligibility, with examples.6 min readBasicsHow to compare the true cost of a loanA five-point method for comparing loans: total repayable, fees, term, flexibility and early settlement.5 min readBasicsHow to get a loan in the UK: step by stepA practical seven-step guide to getting a loan approved: checking your credit, choosing the right product, comparing costs and applying.6 min readBasicsHow much can I borrow? What lenders look atHow lenders decide how much to lend: income, outgoings, debt-to-income ratio, credit history and security.5 min readBasicsPersonal loan vs credit card: which costs less?When a personal loan beats a credit card and when a 0% card wins, with a worked comparison.5 min read
Credit
CreditHow UK credit scores workWhat Experian, Equifax and TransUnion record, what lenders actually look at, and how to improve your profile.6 min readCreditSoft vs hard credit searches explainedWhich searches lenders can see, which affect your score, and how to shop around safely.4 min readCreditGetting a loan with bad creditRealistic options if your credit history is poor, what to avoid, and steps that improve your chances.7 min readCreditHow to improve your credit score: 10 practical stepsTen actions that improve your credit profile, from the electoral roll to credit utilisation, and how long each takes.6 min readCreditWhat is a CCJ and how does it affect borrowing?How county court judgments work, how long they stay on your file, and how to set aside or satisfy one.5 min read
Secured
SecuredAsset-backed lending explainedHow loans secured on property, vehicles, watches, art and equipment work, how much you can borrow, and the risks.6 min readSecuredLoan to value (LTV) explainedWhat LTV means, how to calculate it, combined LTV on second charge loans, and why it changes your rate.4 min readSecuredSecond charge mortgages explainedHow second charge mortgages work, when they beat remortgaging, costs, and the risks of securing debt on your home.6 min read
Property
PropertyBridging loans explainedOpen and closed bridges, regulated and unregulated, retained interest, exit strategies and real costs.7 min readPropertyBuying at auction with bridging financeHow to fund an auction purchase: decisions in principle, deposits, 28-day completion, legal packs and exit plans.6 min read
Debt
DebtDebt consolidation: pros, cons and alternativesWhen consolidating debts saves money, when it does not, and free alternatives to consider first.7 min readDebtSmall loans and cheaper alternativesWhen a micro loan makes sense, the FCA price cap, and cheaper options to try first.5 min read
Business
BusinessBusiness finance checklist: what lenders ask forThe documents, numbers and answers that speed up a business loan, asset finance or invoice finance application.6 min readBusinessInvoice finance explainedFactoring, invoice discounting and selective invoice finance, how they are priced and who they suit.5 min readBusinessPersonal guarantees on business loansWhat a personal guarantee means for directors, limited and unlimited guarantees, and questions to ask before signing.5 min readBusinessBorrowing when you are self-employedHow sole traders, contractors and company directors can prove income, choose lenders and improve approval chances.6 min read