November 13th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

With Christmas fast approaching and Black Friday deals everywhere, it’s a busy time for shoppers.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of online sales, but a few careful habits can make all the difference during a period where scammers will look for opportunities to take advantage of shoppers.

Here, Sophie Graham, a Personal Finance Expert at Sunny, shares six straightforward ways to shop safely this season.

Six Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed This Season

Sophie Graham, a Personal Finance Expert at Sunny, says: “With Black Friday and Christmas shopping in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush, and that’s when scammers strike. Simple habits like checking links, using secure payments, and pausing before you click can keep you safe. Online shopping should feel easy and enjoyable, and a little caution goes a long way.”

1. If something feels rushed or too good to be true, take a pause

“Scammers rely on urgency to make people act before they think. If a deal feels unusually cheap or comes with a countdown timer, stop and take a breath. Genuine retailers don’t need to pressure you into a decision. A quick check of the website’s name, reviews, or contact details can prevent a lot of disappointment later. Taking thirty seconds to verify a deal could save you weeks of stress trying to recover lost money.”

2. Stick to retailers and websites you already trust

“Familiarity is one of the easiest forms of protection. Shopping directly through a retailer’s official website or app reduces the risk of ending up on a fake site designed to steal your details. It’s also worth typing the address manually instead of clicking links from ads or social media; it’s a small habit that goes a long way. The extra effort might feel inconvenient in the moment, but it’s far safer than chasing refunds from fraudulent sellers.”

3. Choose payment methods that give you backup

“Using a credit or debit card adds a valuable layer of protection if a purchase turns out to be fraudulent. Bank transfers or payment links in unsolicited messages should always raise a red flag. The goal is to make sure you have some form of recourse if things don’t go as planned. A secure payment method gives you the reassurance that you’re not alone if something goes wrong.”

4. Be cautious with delivery updates and notifications

“It’s easy to trust messages that appear to come from delivery companies, especially during the festive rush. However, texts or emails requesting small ‘redelivery fees’ are a classic trick. Go directly to the courier’s official site instead of clicking links. Legitimate firms won’t ask for payment or personal details through a message. If in doubt, contact the delivery provider using the details on their verified website before taking any action.”

5. Treat your passwords as personal investments

“Your online security depends heavily on strong, unique passwords, and yet, it’s something people often overlook. Using a password manager and enabling two-factor authentication might feel like effort at first, but it’s far less hassle than dealing with a hacked account later. Think of it as protecting your digital assets the same way you’d lock your front door. The stronger your security, the less appealing a target you become to cybercriminals.”

6. Be mindful of what you share or click on social media

“Scammers know how to make posts and adverts look polished and convincing. Whether it’s a giveaway, a flash sale or a ‘too good to miss’ promotion, take a moment before engaging. If it looks legitimate, find the offer on the retailer’s official website instead. Staying one step removed from impulsive clicks is often what keeps you safe. Remember, genuine companies won’t ask you to share personal information or make payments through social media messages.”

For more personal finance tips, visit Sunny’s website here.

November 13th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

With terms including the word ‘mortgages’ generating over half a million Google searches a month (595k) in the UK alone, it’s clear that many prospective homeowners are still confused about how mortgages work, what they’re eligible for, and how to navigate a challenging market.

As we get closer to the Autumn Budget announcement, many more people will be searching for terms around whether now is the best time to purchase a house or in the new year.

To help provide clarity, Luke Williams, Specialist Property Advisor, at Pure Property Finance, tackles the most searched mortgage questions in the UK.

`1. How much mortgage can I get? (17,000 searches a month)

“Most lenders will let you borrow around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income, however this can vary due to some underlying factors. If you have existing debts or your credit score isn’t as good as it should be for a mortgage, you may have to borrow a little less.

Other financial commitments, such as other mortgages, car loans and child maintenance costs might also have an impact, and affordability checks are much stricter today, with lenders assessing every single monthly outgoing and financial dependent, to ensure that they don’t encounter repayment problems further down the line.”

2. Are mortgage rates going down? (4,900 searches a month)

“There’s definitely some optimism that rates might soften a little bit soon, but it won’t be a dramatic drop. With inflation starting to ease ever so slightly, lenders are still pricing conservatively and are still reluctant to make any huge changes.

 The Bank of England base rate is a key driver in interest rates, we’ve started to see this come down consistently, with two members of the MPC most recently voting for a 0.5% cut. Mortgages may follow in the coming months; but won’t reach pre-pandemic levels for a long time.

3. How to get a mortgage? (3,800 searches a month)

“Getting a mortgage starts with preparation. Firstly, you’ll need to visit a broker to find out exactly who to go with for the best rates for your circumstance, especially if your mortgage is more complex; you’re self-employed, have multiple income streams or you need a more flexible approach.

Once you’ve had a Mortgage-in-Principle, you’ll then need to prove your income, show a great credit history and show proof of funds for your deposit. Your deposit should typically be no less than 10%, however, the more you’re able to pay upfront, the less interest payments you’ll end up paying over the years.”

4. What is a mortgage? (3,700 searches a month)

“A mortgage is essentially a big loan from a bank or a lender that will help you afford a home. If a house is £400,000 and you only have £50,000 to pay towards it as a deposit, then the mortgage will be for £350,000 which you’ll have to pay off over a number of years, usually 25-35 years, with interest.

The property acts as collateral, meaning that the bank or lender can repossess it if the repayments aren’t made on time.”

5. Can you get a mortgage with bad credit? (2,400 searches a month)

“You can get a mortgage with bad credit, but it’s definitely harder than if your credit score is good. Specialist lenders offer mortgages to those with poor credit or who’ve missed payments.

A major downside is that the rates can be higher than a normal mortgage and the deposit needs to be larger than 10%. A good broker can help you find the right specialist lender if you are in this circumstance, and might advise on whether it would be worth building your credit score up beforehand.”

November 11th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Sometimes we just need to get away from it all for a little bit. Whether it’s mounting pressures at work or at home, everyone deserves a mini-holiday at one time or another, just to get their head back on straight. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to square that need with the reality of our budget.

It’s still hard times for the average household in the UK, thanks to ever-lingering after-effects of a once-in-a-generation cost-of-living crisis and ongoing wage stagnation. In such times, and when emergency savings are more important than ever, it can be hard to justify even a weekend city break to decompress. But the ability to enjoy such an escape should be a non-negotiable thing – so let’s talk budgeting.

1. Planning And Travel Timing

There are many little budgeting mistakes that can be made in the planning of a holiday, but it all, ultimately, comes down to judiciousness. How judicious are you about the decisions you make at each step of your planning?

Starting with the basics, even the timing of your trip can have incredible consequences for its final cost. In the ‘on-season’ of a given country, you’ll find it much more expensive to book travel and accommodation than in the ‘off-season’ – much like travelling at off-peak times can dramatically cut costs overall. For city breaks that give you the respite you deserve, at a cost you can afford, consider timing it so your travel (air, rail or otherwise) takes place mid-week or late at night.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation is the biggest cost you’ll have to contend with besides travel to and from your target city. As such, shrewd decisions can dramatically reduce initial cost outlays. Try not to look at Airbnb, tempting as it may be; most city listings are either woefully inadequate for individual needs, or not priced competitively against hotels. Instead, use comparison sites to find hotel room deals, and shop around for independent lodging houses and hostels you might be able to contact directly.

3. Eating, Drinking & Tourist Attractions

Another mistake holidaymakers make when making their holiday is to act just like that: holidaymakers. In so doing, you open yourself up to the predatory costs of tourist-targeted food, drink and attractions. London is a fun example.

As a tourist in London, you’ll spend, cumulatively, hundreds of pounds riding the London Eye, touring the dungeons and seeing the Crown Jewels; as a local, you’ll eat breakfast at a local caff, lunch at Borough Market and spend an evening touring Dalston for cool bars. Who’s had a more ‘London’ experience, and who’s spent more money? Take this same essential mission – act like a local – and apply it to your destination. You’ll have a cheaper time, and a better one too.

November 10th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

As more UK residents look to the likes of Etsy and Vinted to make some extra cash this Christmas, tax professionals are raising the alarm.

HMRC now has visibility into online selling activity, and non-compliance could lead to in-depth investigations or large fines that exceed your earnings.

From the beginning of this year, HMRC started receiving data on sales and users for anyone who has more than 30 transactions per year, regardless of profit.

On Vinted, particularly, reporting thresholds were tightened, and users who either do 30 sales per year or exceed £1,700 of gross sales over 365 days must now have their data reported with HMRC.

Lee Murphy, Managing Director of The Accountancy Partnership, a leading accountancy firm that specialises in tax returns for Amazon and eBay,, discusses how HMRC could detect and act on your side hustle.

“HMRC uses the platform, whether this is Etsy, Vinted or even eBay, to match against each individual’s tax return.

Those who’ve exceeded an annual trading allowance of £1,000 and also fail to declare this may receive reminder letters to ensure that they get their tax return done.

While you may think this is just a scare tactic, ignoring these types of letters may lead to further full tax inquiries and criminal investigations.”

Murphy discusses whether you’re at risk of being caught out, and any next steps you need to take if you’ve got a side-hustle:

“If you are selling unwanted personal items and not making repeat trades or drop shipping, then you’re unlikely to face HMRC scrutiny.

If you do, however, earn over £1,000 from your side hustle each year, or you exceed 30 sales within one year, then you must let HMRC know about this to avoid getting any fines or being under any sort of criminal investigation.

If you’re unsure of how many items you’ve sold or how much money you’ve made so far, then it’s best to go back and find your detailed sale records. Also keep track of any expenses that’ve gone with the sales; stamps, postage materials and courier payments, as you could get some of this back when the time comes to doing your self-assessment tax form.”

To work out how much tax you should be paying for selling items online, you can check using this tax calculator here: https://www.theaccountancy.co.uk/calculators/limited-company-vs-sole-trader-calculator

November 7th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Millions of Brits could be jetting off without valid travel insurance – simply because they didn’t realise they need to declare their medical conditions.

New research from Go.Compare found that almost a third of UK adults (30%) live with a medical condition, but fewer than half of these (48%) always declare it or double check what they need to disclose before travelling. The rest admit to taking risky shortcuts: one in seven (14%) have never bought travel insurance at all, while others “can’t find their illness on insurer lists” (9%), and skip declaring conditions because they are “worried how much it will cost” (5%) or simply “didn’t know they had to” (5%).

Perhaps most worrying, a quarter (25%) wrongly believe no medical conditions need to be declared when buying travel insurance – a misunderstanding that could see them left thousands out of pocket if they fall ill abroad.

The knowledge around declaring certain conditions and treatments is especially low – despite the popularity of weight loss injections and medications in recent years, only 10% believe they need to tell their insurer about them. Additionally, only 11% of people think their insurer needs to be aware of ADHD medication, and just 8% think menopause treatments need to be declared.

Rhys Jones, Go.Compare travel insurance expert, explains: “Your travel insurer needs to be aware of any and all pre-existing conditions you may have – and this includes things like weight loss injections and ADHD.

“As well as declaring any conditions that require ongoing treatment, you must tell your insurer about recent surgeries or conditions that you have finished treatment for, as well as mental health issues and any prescription medication you’re on.”

Older travellers more savvy, young holidaymakers most at risk

Go.Compare’s latest research shows younger Brits are far less aware of which medical conditions travel insurers need to know about. Just 22% of 16–24-year-olds knew that heart conditions must be declared, compared with 55% of those aged 55+. The same pattern runs across most conditions: only 13% of 25–34-year-olds realised that recent surgery needs to be disclosed, compared with 40% of those aged 55+.

Even chronic or common conditions are widely misunderstood. While over a third (39%) of those aged 55+ said diabetes must be declared, only one in seven (14%) under-35s thought the same. Women were slightly more clued up than men with 44% of women knowing heart conditions must be reported versus 31% of men.

Rhys Jones said: “Health issues can make life a little more complicated, but don’t let that stop you from having the holiday of your dreams! You can get specialist travel insurance which covers pre-existing conditions so you can jet off with peace of mind.”

He added: “Failing to declare a condition could completely invalidate your policy. If you need medical help abroad, the bill could easily run into tens of thousands of pounds. Honesty really is the best policy when it comes to travel insurance.”

Go.Compare’s top tips for getting the right cover before you fly:

• Be honest: Always declare any long-term health condition you’ve been diagnosed with, treated for, or prescribed medication for in the last few years.
• Check for changes: If your health changes after booking, tell your insurer (even dosage changes or new prescriptions can affect your cover)
• Don’t forget mental health: Anxiety, depression and stress-related conditions count, too
• Buy early: Take out travel insurance as soon as you book; you’ll be covered if you need to cancel due to illness or hospitalisation
• Shop around: compare specialist insurers online who cover a wide range of conditions, so you don’t pay more than you need to
• Know the real cost: Standard cover averages around £3 a day, but with a declared condition it’s around £5 – roughly the cost of a takeaway coffee, and far cheaper than a hospital bill abroad**

Rhys Jones, Go.Compare’s travel insurance expert, added:

“If you’re not sure what to declare, ask your insurer. There’s no shame in checking and a quick phone call could save you a fortune. Most conditions can be covered, and specialist insurers can tailor policies to your health. The key is honesty. Declare everything, and you can relax knowing you’re protected.”

October 31st, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

As the content creator economy continues to boom, more influencers and content creators are receiving free products, services or even holidays for exposure on social media.

However, Lee Murphy, Managing Director of The Accountancy Partnership, specialist accountants for freelancers, influencers and the self-employed, states that anyone who receives a free product or service, with the obligation to post about it, should be paying HMRC. Getting it wrong could cost content creators far more than the product was worth.

Murphy states:

“If you receive something for free and the brand doesn’t expect anything in return, it’s not taxable. It’s a bit like getting a present from your Grandmother; she gives it to you because she likes you, not because she wants a shoutout on Instagram.

However, if there’s an agreement that the creator will post the product or service on their social media to advertise it, then the value of the item or service is classed as income and must be declared to HMRC. It’s considered a form of payment, just not in monetary terms.”

How to work out tax on gifted items:

1. Determine whether something is truly a gift

“If the brand gives you something with absolutely no expectation of promotion of it, then it’s a genuine gift and not taxable. However, if you must first agree to posting about it, tagging the brand or featuring the product or service in any of your content, then it’ll be classed as business income.”

2. Find the market value

“HMRC expects influencers and content creators to declare the normal retail price of the item or service. If it’s on sale, you still need to declare the normal face-value price.

For example, if you are given a £100 meal for free in exchange for talking about your experience at a restaurant, then you need to declare £100 as income in your accounts.”

3. Record and declare it properly

“Keep records of all your gifted items and experiences, similarly to how you would with any cash payments or payslips from a job. You can then add the value of taxable gifts to your income when completing your Self Assessment tax return.”

4. Deduct allowable expenses

“If you incur costs to create the content, such as editing software, or transport to get to a restaurant or airport, then these may be deducted as a business expense to reduce your tax bill.”

Murphy adds that the rise in brand partnerships has blurred the line between genuine gifting and commercial deals, but HMRC is taking notice of this.

“Influencers are businesses; some people do this as their full-time role. Even if the accounts start as hobbies, if you receive any type of gifted product in exchange for posting about it, then you need to treat it as income. It’s better to be honest with HMRC as the fines could outweigh what the gifted products would’ve been worth.”

October 30th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

New research has revealed that UK households which leave their appliances on standby when not using them could be wasting £80 per year on their energy bill.* It’s estimated that this is equivalent to around £2.3 billion being lost nationwide if all homes are making this error, highlighting that households could be wasting a small fortune without even realising it.**

The data comes from Go.Compare Energy, which estimated the costs of leaving 11 popular household devices on standby for 20 hours per day. It applied the latest energy prices to each device’s energy usage while on standby, before calculating how the daily costs add up over the course of a year.

This follows another increase to the energy price cap from 1st October 2025, with the average annual energy bill for a UK household rising by 2% from £1720 to £1,755. Now, Go.Compare is reminding homes to turn off devices that aren’t in use in order to help keep costs down.

The biggest “vampire appliance” was found to be set-top boxes, which can cost users around £33.59 per year if left on standby for 20 hours per day. This could be because these boxes often remain connected to the internet when not in use, so that they’re ready to record programmes and download updates.

TVs were found to be the second most costly device to leave sitting on standby. The comparison site says that failing to turn televisions off at the wall costs around 3p per day, but this adds up to around £9.50 over a year. Laptops were close behind as the third biggest vampire appliance, costing £7.59 per year to leave on standby.

But the comparison site warned that it’s not just high-tech devices causing this. Kitchen appliances like microwaves and coffee machines can add up if left on standby, too, as many modern models are fitted with digital displays.

Microwaves were revealed as the fourth most expensive appliance to leave on standby, adding £6.64 to yearly energy bills, while coffee machines add £5.69. Other devices on the list include games consoles, DAB radios and soundbars.

Annual cost of leaving household devices on standby for 20 hours per day (by device)

Nathan Blackler, energy spokesperson at Go.Compare, said: “It’s well known that leaving appliances on standby mode can put needless strain on your energy bill, but our latest research highlights just how much it can cost over the course of a year.

“It’ll cost a home around 22p per day to leave all of these devices on standby. While that doesn’t sound like much, it really adds up over a year, and we all know that every little helps when it comes to cutting costs, especially on the back of another rise in the energy price cap. In fact, turning off these devices at the wall will save you enough to cover your Netflix subscription for a year.”***

“We’d always encourage homes to switch off and save when they can, as it can be a big boost to both their wallet and the environment. Devices like televisions, coffee machines, laptops and games consoles can be safely turned off at the wall when not in use, so it’s wise to get into the habit of doing this to avoid wasting power.”

More energy-saving tips can be found on Go.Compare’s website: https://www.gocompare.com/gas-and-electricity/guide/energy-saving-tips/

October 29th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

When it comes to purchasing property, be it your first or fifth, you can lose hours, if not days, scrolling through listings looking at “bright spacious kitchens”, “sun-filled south-facing gardens”, or homes with “potential in need of modernisation” and after a while they all start to blend into one and they start to sound the same. 

And when you go to see one in person, it’s nothing like the pictures or the description, and you’re left understanding if you’re even speaking the same language and end up Googling “how to translate estate agent speak”

Buying a home isn’t easy, nor should it be, and there’s a lot to consider, from potential planning and calculations for future developments, interest rates, and whether you’ll like your neighbours or can park your home without upsetting anyone.

Let’s take a look at what to think about before you buy your next property.

Remove Fantasy, Think Real Life

Forget those “nice to haves” and the wish list demands. When looking for a new property, you need to be realistic about how it will fit your life. Is it on the school run, or will you need to leave half an hour earlier to get there? Sure, the postcode is desirable, but if you can’t get to the local shops for a pint of milk or some dog food when you run out, is it such a great location? 

Is the foot traffic high? Are you on transport routes? Does the layout work for you? It can be all too easy to fall for the dream property in the wrong location, and suddenly, when you own it, the realisation hits you.

You want a local estate agent who knows the area and helps you uncover how the new place will work for you before you put in an offer. You need people on your side to find a suitable property for sale based on your needs, not just your wants, and ensure you are not making a huge mistake.

Look Past The Glitter 

You know the “glitter”, the bits of the listings that make the property sparkle and stand out. Every seller wants their property to look its best, but presentation isn’t the same as condition, and the presentation is what gives a property the “glitter” to make it stand out.

When going to viewings, look past the new features. A new kitchen can hide faulty wiring, and fresh paint can cover damp. Look past the surface and try to see what’s lurking beneath. Open cupboards, check room temperatures, look at the window frames and how doors close. It’s not the fun bit, but it’s what will help you make the right decision.

Think Future

When buying your next property, think about the future. Is your plan to live here forever? Or just for a few years? Are you planning to grow your family? Will your working situation change? Is there enough space if you suddenly need to work from home? Can you grow into the property?

These are important questions to ask, as well as uncovering any potential plans for the neighbourhood. Is there any new building work in the pipeline that might impact your property, i.e., a new development that overlooks you? The more you know, the more you can determine if it’s going to be the right move or a huge mistake.

October 28th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

As the seasons change, autumn provides the perfect opportunity to take stock, re-evaluate spending habits, and prepare for the financial year ahead.

According to Google Trends data, searches for the term “financial reset” have surged by 100% since the beginning of October, showing that more people than ever are looking to refresh their finances as the colder months approach.

Christie Cook, Managing Director of Retail at Hodge Bank, believes this growing interest highlights a wider mindset shift among consumers.

“Much like a spring clean, an autumn financial reset can help people regain control and feel confident about where their money is going, and with the cost of living still a concern for many, taking small, proactive steps now can make a big difference later in the year.”

Christie shares five expert-backed ways to refresh your finances this autumn:

• Review your regular outgoings

“Start by checking your direct debits and subscriptions. Many of us forget about small recurring payments, such as streaming platforms and monthly app fees, which can quietly eat into disposable income. Reviewing and cancelling unused services can free up extra funds immediately.

“This is something we have highlighted in the past as ‘bill shock’ fees, where small, incremental increases can have a bigger impact on your disposable income than larger outgoings.”

• Make the most of higher savings rates

“With interest rates still higher than in previous years, savers can take advantage of competitive fixed-term or notice accounts. If your savings are sitting in an account with a low rate, you may be missing out on valuable returns. It’s could be worth shopping around, even small percentage differences can add up over time.”

• Prepare for higher winter bills

“Energy costs typically rise during colder months, so factor this into your budget early. Consider setting aside a small ‘winter buffer fund’ to spread the cost of heating and festive spending across the season.”

• Refresh your financial goals

“Autumn is an ideal time to review longer-term goals, like saving for a home deposit or building an emergency fund. Revisit your priorities and make sure your savings strategy reflects your current lifestyle and ambitions, even a small monthly adjustment can help you stay on track.”

• Embrace mindful spending

“With the festive period approaching, be wary of falling into impulsive spending habits. Try the 24-hour rule before making non-essential purchases. If you still want it the next day, it’s probably a worthwhile buy. This simple technique could help you make more considered choices.”

“Autumn is a time of transition, and that applies to your finances too. Taking more control now can help you head into the new year feeling more confident, less stressed, and better prepared for whatever comes next.”

October 24th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Starting to plan your finances can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never really taken the time to think about your future financial goals.

The good news is, once you break it down into manageable steps, it doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little time and effort, you can set yourself up for success and feel more in control of your money.

Assess your starting point

Before you can make any significant progress, it’s crucial to understand where you currently stand financially. Take an honest look at your income, expenses and debts. Start by tracking how much money is coming in and going out each month. Are you saving regularly or does it feel like you’re just getting by?

If you’re not sure where to begin, you might find it helpful to seek advice from a professional in wealth management. They can help you assess your financial situation and create a baseline for your planning.

Define your goals

Financial goals vary from person to person, so it’s important to define your own. Are you aiming to save for a down payment on a home, build an emergency fund or start a retirement savings plan? Maybe you want to travel more or take a sabbatical in a few years?

Be clear and specific. Rather than just saying, “I want to save for a luxury trip,” break it down into actionable amounts and timelines. The clearer you are, the easier it will be to create a roadmap to get there.

Build a plan

You need to decide how much money you’ll need to reach each goal and then figure out how to allocate your resources. Start by looking at your budget and see if you can increase your savings. There might be areas where you could cut back on spending to redirect funds toward your goals.

If you’ve already begun saving, think about whether your savings are in the right place. For example, if you’ve been keeping money in a low-interest savings account, you might want to consider higher-yield options, such as stocks, bonds or a pension scheme.

Choose your investment or savings strategies

Depending on your goals, different investment or savings strategies will be suitable.

For short-term goals, like saving for a house deposit, you might want to keep your money in a savings account or a low-risk investment. For long-term goals like retirement, investing in stocks, shares or pension funds can help you achieve better returns.

Make sure to understand the level of risk you’re happy with. If you’re just starting out and feel uncertain, it might be wise to begin with safer options. But if you’re looking to grow wealth over time and are comfortable with the potential ups and downs of the market, you might consider riskier investments that offer higher rewards.