Financial Guides

Want to know which financial product is right for you? Or how to get your insurance premiums down? Then we’ve got the answers for you here in our financial guides section. Each of our up-to-date guides offers info and tips on getting the the ideal product and the best deals on the market. Take a look through the guides list or choose a topic to see all guides on a particular product type.

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Contactless Payment Guide

Debit cards with Near Field Communication chips are becoming more and more commonplace and the 'mobile phone wallet' is all set to take off.

Alternative Banking Guide

Most of us put up with the downright dirty tactics of the banks because we don't think there are any alternatives. It turns out there are plenty.

Managed bank accounts guide

Fed up with paying bank changes? Turned away from the banks because your credit rating is too low? Read Know Your Money's guide to managed bank accounts.

Digital television - what are the options?

Analogue TV is in the process of being turned off across the nation - digital is now king of the screen. Read this guide to find out what you need to know.

A basic guide to broadband

Do you know what you need to look for to get a good deal on your broadband? Know Your Money's guide has it covered.

How to complain about financial services

Sometimes you may feel that you've ended up with a pretty raw deal from your bank. Luckily, there are protocols in place to make sure you get a fair hearing.

Business lending guide

Whether you've got ambitious plans to grow your business or you're just looking to stay afloat, access to credit could be essential. This guide lets you in on the options available to you.

Internet banking and security guide

There's a wealth of benefits available through banking online. This guide tells you everything you need to know to stay safe.

International and offshore bank accounts guide

If you need regular access to foreign currencies or you're looking to save on a few quid on your tax bill, you might be able to benefit from an international or offshore bank account.

Are pensions safe?

The economic downturn will have left many people asking themselves whether a pension is still a good idea. But the situation is not as bleak as you might think.

Getting on to the property ladder

The newspapers paint a bleak picture of the mortgage market for first time buyers. But there's a range of products out there that are designed to help.

Debt consolidation

If it feels like your debts are spiralling out of control, you might be able to take the heat off a bit by combining them into one single loan. This guide gives you the low down on the different options available to you.

Personal overdrafts: what you need to know

From a few quid to a few thousand, you'll often find banks are willing to lend you cash on a casual basis through your current account. But it can be a dangerous game if you don't play it carefully.

Your guide to pensions tax

Like some modern day Robin Hood, going toe-to-toe with the Sheriff of Nottingham, pension schemes offer you a sweet deal for keeping your money out of the taxman's reach.

Banks vs building societies

Does it make a difference what type of lender you go to for your mortgage? Reports suggest your preference could have a big impact on your back pocket.

The self-employed mortgage market

Regulators are taking steps to make self certification mortgages a thing of the past. So what will those who work for themselves do when they seek to borrow money for property?

A guide to switching pensions

Pensions linked to stock market investments have suffered in recent years and the horizon doesn't look bright. Is it worth switching if yours isn't doing the business?

A basic guide to pensions

Confused about pensions? This guide gives you an introduction to the different types available to you, including state, company and stakeholder pensions.

How do annuities work?

One of the most popular ways to invest for retirement, we've got the lowdown on what annuities are, how they work and what you need to consider when taking one out.

Pension release - is it worth it?

It might sound like an attractive idea to take a bit out of your pension a few years before it's due. But there are a few things you need to weigh up first.

Why it pays to switch your savings account

There are some tasty bonuses on interest rates up for grabs if you're savvy when you play the savings account game.

What happens when your house is undervalued?

Who decides what your house is worth? What if they get it wrong? We look at the knock on effects of undervaluation and what you can do if you feel you've caught a raw deal.

Your guide to payday loans

Borrowing a small amount of money with a payday loan could be a solution when money is temporarily tight. But it'll cost you a pretty penny and if you're not careful you could land yourself further in the red.

Your guide to car warranties

Few drivers are strangers to unexpected costly bills when their car needs repairs. Use this guide to see if you can take away the chance of a nasty surprise.

Student and graduate accounts guide

Planning your spending properly while you're studying is vital if you don't want to have to resort to beans on toast twice a day for large periods of time.

Your guide to children's savings

Want to know your options when it comes to opening up savings accounts for your children? Then read on...

How to check your credit rating

There are few things that could potentially make as much of a difference to your financial future as your credit rating. Find out how to keep it in check.

How to claim back your PPI costs

If you've taken out insurance against repayments on a credit card, mortgage or loan there's a strong possibility that you can claim your money back.

Self-build mortgages

Thinking about building your own dream home? This guide tells you everything you need to know about getting the financial backing you need for your project.

How to get cheap car insurance

We look at some tips on how to use price comparison websites to save money on your car insurance.

Should you get a packaged current account?

Want to know whether it's worth paying the bank for a premium current account? This guide will help you decide.

European breakdown cover

This guide will help you decide what kind of European Breakdown Cover best suits your needs and what you should a keep an eye out for.

Do you need a business bank account?

A brief guide to help you decide whether you need a business bank account and help you choose your ideal account.

Choosing a current account

Practical tips and advice to help you find your ideal current account.

Home Insurance Guide

Understand what's involved in buying home insurance and get a good value policy.

Current accounts: considerations and warnings

Important factors that prospective and existing current account holders need to consider.

Types of travel insurance

Get the right type of travel insurance for your trip

Travel insurance: considerations and warnings

Important factors to consider when buying travel insurance.

How to save when interest rates are low

Tips on maximising your savings in the current financial climate.

ISA savings guide

Everything you need to know about saving with investment and cash ISAs.

A basic guide to savings accounts

Everything you need to know about savings and savings accounts.

How to save for your retirement

Planning early for retirement is the best way to avoid financial difficulties in your later years.

Will I be accepted for a credit card?

Everything you need to know about applying for credit cards and application criteria that credit card companies use.

Preparing your car for winter

We take a look at how you can avoid vehicle breakdowns during the winter months.

Contracts for difference - CFD trading

A quick lowdown on Contracts for Difference (CFD) trading including tips for novice investors.

Types of loan

There are various kinds of loan available on the UK market - here we run through the main types.

Fixed vs tracker

Making the right decision between a tracker rate mortgage or a fixed rate mortgage could mean big savings. Which one is best for you? We take a look here.

Share trading

A guide to share trading including tips for investors of all types.

Unit trusts explained

If you're new to investments - you might be wondering what it's all about. Here we take a look in-depth at Unit Trusts.

What kind of risk taker are you?

Understanding what kind of risk-taker you are is a key part of knowing where to invest your money. Here we talk you through the three main 'risk' categories...

Online forex trading

If you are looking to invest a little bit of money and you're happy to take the risks involved in the currency market, then we have just the guide for you......

Investment trusts explained

Everything you need to know about Investment Trusts....

Switching current accounts

Switching your current account can be a prudent financial step.

Financial spread betting

Want to know more about Spread Betting? In this guide we take a look at what it is, how it works and give you the tips to get going...

Offset Mortgages

Offset mortgages are relatively new on the market but can offer clear benefits to homebuyers with spare savings.

Investments for children

Choosing the best savings or investment plan when saving for children can be difficult. Here, at Know Your Money, we take a look at the options you have available....

Cash ISA vs investment ISA

Want to know whether to open a Cash ISA or an Investment ISA? Read the Know Your Money Guide to help you make the informed choice.

Understanding stocks and shares

In order for you to make the most of your finances it could prove vital to have some understanding about stocks and shares.

Types of mortgage

Want to know more about the differing types of mortgages, range of interest rates and array of features offered in mortgages today? Then read on....

Remortgaging

We examine the pros and cons of remortgaging and take you through how the process works.

Winter sports insurance

Essential information on skiing and snowboarding insurance.

Breakdown cover guide

Breakdown cover is a practical way to ensure that your car stays on the road - here we give you all the information you need to find the right product to suit your needs.

Buildings insurance

Getting adequate cover for the structure of your house is vitally important for any homeowners.

Contents Insurance Guide

In a household disaster contents insurance can be the difference between total devastation and being able to get quickly back on your feet.

Pet insurance

Make sure you get the right insurance policy to cover your pet.

Investment guide

We explain the basic building blocks to investments, how those building blocks are put together and give you a checklist of things to consider before you begin investing...

Types of investment

Want to invest but you don't know what you should be investing in? Here we explain a little bit more about the types of Investment and risks involved.

Buy to let mortgages

We take a look at investing in property and the buy-to-let mortgage market.

First time buyers

Buying your first home entails stepping through a minefield of information - here's the information you need to make an informed decision.

How to pay off your mortgage early

There are a number of ways in which homeowners can reduce or eliminate their mortgages - here we cover the options.

Flood Insurance Guide

Practical tips to help you ensure that your home is properly protected against flooding.

How to protect your personal data

Worried about the safety of personal data? Here's the lowdown on how to protect your ID when your personal data has been lost/stolen.

Choosing a credit card

We help you navigate the vast UK credit card market to find a product that perfectly suits your circumstances.

Choosing a loan

Choosing a personal loan can be a complex and difficult experience. Here we give you the lowdown on finding the ideal loan.

Prepaid Cards Guide

All you need to know about prepaid cards including information on how they work, tips for finding the right card for you and advice for getting the most out of it.