March 19th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Buying your first home is a major milestone in life and the beginning of a new era. While it is certainly exciting to get your foot on the property ladder, it can also be daunting, particularly when you consider the sums of money involved! With this in mind, this post will show you how to financially prepare for your first home so that you are fully prepared and confident. 

Understand Your Budget & Affordability

First, you need to understand your budget and what you can afford to buy so that you do not overstretch yourself. You need to work out what your total household income is, your regular outgoings, and any debts. These are the factors that mortgage lenders will look at when assessing affordability. Keep in mind that high interest rates in the UK have increased monthly mortgage costs in recent years, so you may need to build a buffer into your budget. Online mortgage calculators can be a useful tool for quickly working out what you can afford.

Saving for a Deposit & Additional Costs

Saving for a deposit is one of the biggest challenges involved in buying new homes. It is generally recommended that you save 10-15% of the property value, but the higher the better in terms of unlocking more favorable interest rates. In addition to the budget, there are various additional costs to save for, including stamp duty (be sure to check the latest thresholds), surveys, solicitor fees, and moving costs. Government support schemes like the Lifetime ISA (LISA) can help first-time buyers by boosting their savings pot.

Improving Your Credit Score & Financial Profile

It is also important to consider your credit score and financial profile in advance of purchasing your first home, as a strong credit score will unlock favourable interest rates. You can check your score through services like ClearScore, Experian, and Credit Karma, and improve your score through steps like registering to vote, paying bills on time, paying your credit card in full and on time, and avoiding multiple credit applications in a short time frame. It can take a while for results to show, so it is smart to start taking steps to improve as early as possible.

Exploring Mortgage Options & Getting a Decision in Principle

There are a few types of mortgages to consider, including fixed, variable, and tracker. It is wise to speak to a mortgage broker to get advice based on your situation and to find the best options. Securing a Decision in Principle (DIP) is also worthwhile as this will show sellers that you are serious and establish how much you are able to borrow.

The advice in this post should be useful for first-time buyers and prepare you financially for getting your foot on the ladder. This is an exciting time, but it can also be daunting, and you want to make sure you are in a strong position financially.

March 19th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

American Express has launched new limited-time sign-up offers on its Platinum and Gold Consumer Cards, available from 18 March to 26 May 2026. Eligible new Platinum Cardmembers can earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® points and a £250 American Express Travel credit when they meet minimum spend requirements, while eligible new Gold Cardmembers can earn 40,000 bonus points when they do the same.

Existing Cardmembers can also benefit from enhanced ‘invite a friend’ offers with up to 20,000 points available.

Platinum Offer

Eligible new Platinum Cardmembers who apply and are approved for The Platinum Card® between 18 March 2026 and 26 May 2026 and spend £10,000 in their first six months can receive 75,000 Membership Rewards® points, worth £375 in gift cards, as well as a £250 American Express Travel credit.

New Cardmembers can redeem their American Express Travel credit against prepaid bookings for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and vacation packages online. Cardmembers earn Membership Rewards® points at a higher rate of 2 points per £1 spent when spending with American Express Travel online and can access savings on select air fares² and elevated benefits at a curated collection of premium hotels. Terms and Conditions apply.

Core benefits of the Card include £400 in global dining statement credit, complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges, including through The Centurion Network® and Priority Pass™, and a suite of benefits with the Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs when booked through American Express Travel, including early 12pm check-in and room upgrade upon arrival, both when available. Plus, a US$100 hotel credit to use toward eligible charges, and more.³ Terms and conditions apply.

The Platinum Card has a representative APR 685.3% (variable), calculated including the £650 annual fee. The new Cardmember offer is available to those who have not held another personal American Express Card enrolled into the American Express Membership Rewards® programme during the 24 months prior to application.

Gold Offer

Eligible new Cardmembers who apply and are approved for the American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card between 18 March 2026 and 26 May 2026 and spend £5,000 in their first six months can now earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® points – double the usual bonus available – worth £200 in gift cards.

Core benefits of the Card include four complimentary Priority Pass™ airport lounge visits per year, up to £10 back on Deliveroo purchases each month, and elevated benefits with The Hotel Collection for stays of two consecutive nights or more through Americal Express Travel, including a US$100 hotel credit and a room upgrade upon arrival, when available.⁵ Terms and conditions apply.

The Gold Card has a representative APR of 85.8%, calculated including a £195 annual fee. There is no fee in the first year. The new Cardmember offer is available to those who have not held another personal American Express Card during the 24 months prior to application.

Dave Edwards, Vice President, American Express, said: “Our Gold and Platinum limited-time offers are designed to make everyday spending even more rewarding, with boosted Membership Rewards® points and added American Express Travel credit to help Cardmembers get even more value from the things they buy.”

Enhanced ‘invite a friend’ offer

Alongside these limited-time sign-up offers, American Express has launched an ‘invite a friend’ offer, giving Gold and Platinum Cardmembers, and those they successfully refer and who are approved for an account, the chance to earn additional points and rewards.

Running between 18 March and 26 May 2026, Gold Cardmembers can earn 14,000 Membership Rewards® points for a referral, and their referred friend can earn 45,000 points when they spend £5,000 in their first six months of Card membership. A referral bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards® points is available for Platinum Cardmembers who ‘invite a friend’, and their friend can earn 100,000 points and a £250 American Express Travel credit when they spend £10,000 in the first six months. Cardmembers can earn up to a maximum of 90,000 Membership Rewards® points per calendar year through the referral programme. Terms and conditions apply.

Additional Card Offer⁶

Finally, until 30 April 2026, existing Cardmembers can benefit from enhanced bonuses when they add their first complimentary Additional Card to share the benefits of their American Express® Card with family, a trusted friend or a partner.

• Existing Gold Cardmembers can earn 9,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points for adding their first Additional Card
• Existing Platinum Cardmembers can earn 12,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points for adding their first Additional Card
• Existing Cashback Cardmembers can get £30 cashback and Cashback Everyday Cardmembers can get £25 cashback by adding their first Additional Card

Existing Cardmembers can apply for an Additional Card by logging into their Amex Account. The main Cardmember and Additional Cardmember share one Account, with the main Cardmember liable for all charges made by an Additional Cardmember, as well as having full visibility of the spend on the Additional Card. Terms and conditions apply.

Amex-accepting locations have tripled in the UK since 2021 and include every major supermarket chain, leading high street brands and hundreds of thousands of small businesses, meaning there are more places than ever for Cardmembers to use their Card and earn rewards.

March 17th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Treat Cash Flow Like the Real Scoreboard

The landlords who stay calm in any market are rarely the ones chasing the highest headline rent. They are the ones who know exactly what comes in, what goes out, and when each payment lands. Rental success is built on cash flow discipline because mortgages, insurance, compliance work, and repairs do not wait for convenient timing. Strong landlords review income and costs monthly, not only at tax time, and they track each property separately, so weak performance cannot hide inside a wider portfolio.

Build a Budget That Reflects Reality

The value in a good landlord budget lies in its practicality; it should comprise your fixed expenses, potential variable costs, seasonal outlays, and projected periods of no rental income. This means you will need to build in costs like licenses when applicable, safety certification, cleaning, redecorating, contractor calls, increased premiums on insurance, accounting services, and advertising. Landlords in England have additional financial responsibilities that are strictly enforced by law, such as conducting annual gas safety checks, electrical inspection at least every five years, meeting deposit protection requirements by specific deadlines, and ensuring that their rental properties meet the minimum standards of energy efficiency.

Separate Repairs From Improvements

One habit to protect your profit and your plan is to know the difference between repairs and upgrades. Most often, repairs are just one part of the normal maintenance of the property you own. Capital Improvements are handled differently by the IRS than repairs. That distinction matters when a landlord replaces worn items, restores a damaged roof, or modernises a kitchen beyond its original standard. Knowing the difference helps owners forecast cash needs more accurately and avoid assuming every invoice will reduce taxable profit straight away.

Reinvest Before Problems Become Expensive

Many struggling landlords wait until a property forces them to take action. Successful landlords invest before they have to. The majority of the time, preventative maintenance is much less expensive than emergency repairs. Installing a new boiler, installing durable floors, updating the insulation, or upgrading to smart lighting will result in fewer tenant complaints, shorter void periods, and longer tenancies. Reinvestment is not only about appearance. It is also a practical way to reduce regulatory and operating risk over time.

Keep an Emergency Reserve That Is Actually Usable

All landlords will tell you “surprises” happen; however, most still operate very close to breaking even. A true reserve fund has to be sufficient to cover more than just minor repairs. The fund has to be substantial enough to withstand a void period, an insurance deductible, urgent compliance work, or the loss of a major appliance, so as to avoid borrowing at high interest rates. An actual reserve fund allows for the stress of an incident to be turned into a mere nuisance. Additionally, having a reserve fund in place improves decision-making regarding maintenance, since you can pick the best contractor at the best time, rather than the first one who is available to make a quick fix.

Plan for Compliance as an Annual Cost Centre

Compliance does not get in the way of doing business. It is part of business. Successful property owners schedule key dates well before deadlines and price compliance into the year ahead. They also include compliance costs within their annual budgets. Compliance includes gas safety records, which need to be renewed every year; electrical inspections that need to be scheduled regularly; tenancy deposit protection that needs to be completed by a certain date; and all other legal obligations. By treating each of these obligations as a yearly budgeted expense, you will avoid last-minute, emergency spending and limit your potential legal liability.

Make Decisions With Data, Not Emotion

A landlord can love a property and still manage it poorly. Efficient landlords operate based on data: repair histories, arrears patterns, utility performance, contractor turnaround times, and renewal rates. They look into what upgrades really do make a difference in retaining tenants versus what they like to spend money on. In today’s competitive lettings market, these efficiencies are multiplied many times over. A property that has poor maintenance response time or poor tenant experience could slowly erode profits. Annual accounts reveal the pattern.

Understand Where Professional Help Pays for Itself

While not every landlord needs full property management services, every landlord requires an accurate understanding of their costs. The appropriate question for landlords is not “Should I manage my own rental property?” but rather “Do you have sufficient time, methods, and local experience to provide quality occupancy protection, timely rent collection, regulatory compliance, and effective communication with tenants? Good management is a financial tool. If managed well, using outside assistance like a property manager will help reduce errors that may cost you money, shorten void periods, and retain your tenants.

Protect Occupancy Through Better Tenant Experience

Landlords who are financially solid know that retention, in many cases, is less expensive than replacement. Providing clear communications to tenants, responding to tenants’ requests for repairs in a timely manner, maintaining accurate records and making renewal offers at the right time will help decrease turnover and provide protection on your income. Properties that are perceived as being well managed by tenants tend to attract higher-quality rental applications and fewer conflicts with tenants. This doesn’t mean you have to overpromise or underprice your rentals. It just means that you recognise that good business practices and professionalism can ultimately produce positive financial results.

Think Like an Owner With a Long Horizon

The biggest difference between successful landlords and struggling ones is not luck. It is the habit of making decisions that still look smart two years later. Budget carefully, reserve cash, reinvest with purpose, and treat compliance as a permanent line item rather than a surprise. Landlords who follow those habits are better positioned to protect income, preserve asset quality, and grow steadily without constant fire-fighting. That is what sustainable performance looks like in a demanding rental business. Discipline rarely looks dramatic, but it consistently separates resilient portfolios from stressful, underperforming businesses.

March 13th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

You might think that buying a house is something that would put a strain on your finances, but for many people the opposite tends to be true. When they purchase a property, it actually puts their finances in order. Here are some of the key reasons why this happens. 

Forces budget discipline and financial planning

One of the main reasons buying a property improves finances is because it forces budget discipline and it makes financial planning essential. People who buy properties have to think carefully about their future because they need to make down payments and then stable payments on mortgages for many years. As such, they have to create a realistic budget of what they are going to spend money on, encouraging saving habits. Meanwhile, rent can have the opposite effect, especially if it’s flexible. People will reduce their rent in order to spend more on consumption today. 

Builds equity through forced savings

When you use a platform like Everest Mortgages and get a property, it also forces you to build equity in your home. Every time you make a monthly payment, you are adding to your total wealth. 

Again, this isn’t something that you get with renting. When you rent, you’re simply paying for the housing service. You’re not adding to the equity that you might have in a property. That’s different, though, when you make a down payment and then you suddenly take control of ownership of an asset that’s worth much more. When you pay the mortgage and allow the home to appreciate over time, it slowly accumulates more money in your favour, acting a bit like a low-risk investment. 

Potential for long-term wealth growth

Another benefit of buying a house is the potential for long-term wealth growth. Historically, home values have trended up, and they can be a hedge against inflation. While maintenance costs eat into total returns compared to, say, equities, they still boost net worth for most people over time. The equity build up in some areas can be significant. Many people buy their properties for under half a million dollars but wind up selling them for over a million. 

Predictable housing costs over time

Then there is the fact that taking out a fixed-rate mortgage leads to more predictable housing costs over time. The interest and principal payments remain the same for 15 to 30 years, which is completely different from the annual rent hikes that landlords often impose. Because of this, properties can actually become cheaper as the years go by, while a £1,000 mortgage might be expensive in 2026. It’s likely to be much less expensive in terms of income in 2046, 20 years later. Inflation makes the amount that you’re paying feel smaller over time. 

Tax advantages

Finally, there are some tax advantages to owning a home. For example, some homeowners can deduct mortgage interest up to certain limits from their taxable income. This lowers housing costs indirectly by reducing the amount of tax that individuals have to pay. 

March 13th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Getting a mortgage is quite an overwhelming part of life, but it’s something we can all do. If it were truly that difficult, nobody would bother. A lot of people find themselves unsure where to start or frustrated by constant rejections. By taking small steps, you can make the process a lot easier. You can deal with this challenge by setting clear money resolutions and understanding your options. Here are a few things you can do to make things a little smoother:

Understand Where You Are Right Now 

You must have a full grasp of your finances before you even think of applying for a mortgage. There’s no reason to make certain appointments and jump in before you have got your house in order. You should know your income, expenses, debts, and other important financial information. With a clear understanding of these aspects, you can determine how much you can realistically borrow and enter with the right ideas. Lenders are only interested in applicants who understand their financial situation. Take a look at your credit report and pay off any small debts you have. It’s also a good idea to reduce unnecessary spending. You could also identify areas for improvement by taking time to create a detailed budget. When you are properly organised, it becomes a lot easier to respond to lender requests. 

Explore Every Possible Mortgage Option

You might have to look beyond traditional banks at some point. When you look at different lenders, you will notice that they have all kinds of criteria. What one rejects, another might happily approve. By researching specialist lenders, you might uncover opportunities that are not obvious right away. If you have an unusual income pattern, there might be something specific that you need. For example, those working at sea and overseas might need an expert seafarers mortgage broker in order to get things over the line. These kinds of professionals understand non-standard income and can guide you through the process. Exploring a wide range of options may seem tedious at times, but you will reduce the risk of missing a mortgage that fits you perfectly. 

Strengthen Your Application Before Applying 

Improving your application significantly beforehand can make a big difference, even when mortgages are very hard to get. With most applications in life, simply writing out the bare minimum and hoping for the best will not get you very far. Lenders will look closely at all kinds of information. Naturally, they will reject you if there is anything remotely worrying. They will look closely at your income stability, savings, and credit history. One of your first jobs should be to address these weak areas. You can work on this by avoiding new credit applications and clearing outstanding debts. It would also be wise to save for a larger deposit to show your level of responsibility. Be sure to also prepare supporting documents in advance so that everything is complete. Don’t be afraid to speak with mortgage advisors and financial planners. Seeking advice early and being proactive will only benefit you going forward. 

March 12th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

With one month of the current tax year left to run, savings providers are starting to increase rates to take advantage of the two month ‘golden window’ spanning a four weeks either side of the April 5^th tax year crossover.

The 2026/27 tax year represents a milestone as it’s the last chance for under 65’s to lock away £20,000 tax free as from 2027/28 the Cash ISA limit for this age group will be slashed to £12,000.

Already we’ve seen Investec Save increase the rate on its 1-year fixed rate ISA from 4.00% to a best buy 4.20% this was followed by a raft of new product launches by Nationwide Building Society, Tandem Bank and Aldermore Bank.

Andrew Hagger, Personal Finance Expert from Moneycomms.co.uk said: “the period from March to May is typically where we see providers battle it out for a slice of cash ISA balances, but this year the fight could be bigger than ever”.

“The 2026/27 tax year will be the last chance for under 65’s to shelter £20k from the taxman, so I expect there to be plenty of appetite from savers.”

“The other good news as far as ISA rates are concerned is that swap rates are rising sharply due to the middle east conflict, so I expect to see the best buy rates really hot up in the coming weeks”.

Alastair Douglas, CEO of TotallyMoney adds:

“Cash ISAs let you earn interest on your savings tax-free – and that’s what can make them a better option than a regular savings account – and even more so if you have a decent amount of cash put away.

“The high-street banks are notorious for offering poor rates, so it’s important to shop around. Smaller providers will be improving their offers at this time of year, and under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme you’ll get the same protection as you would with a big bank.

“Make sure you read the small print, because some will penalise you for withdrawing your money, and the longer the term, the bigger the hit. If you think you might need access to your cash, then it might be worth putting some into a competitive easy-access account, so you don’t get caught out. It’s also worth considering Lifetime ISAs and stocks and shares ISAs, but both come with different conditions and risks, so do your research before signing up.”

A selection of Best Buy ISA deals as at 10^th March 2026

·         Atom Bank – Easy Access – 4.25%

·         Vida Savings – Double Access – 4.16%

·         Aldermore – 60 days’ notice ISA – 4.15%

·         Investec Save – 1 Year fixed rate ISA – 4.20%

·         Tandem Bank – 1 Year fixed rate ISA – 4.20%

·         Tandem Bank – 2 Year fixed rate ISA – 4.16%

·         Castle Trust Bank – 3 Year fixed rate ISA – 4.10%

Research by moneycomms.co.uk

March 11th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Saving for a house can feel like trying to fill a bucket with a leaking tap. Rent drains your income while house prices keep climbing, and every conversation about deposits sounds like it belongs to another universe.

The frustration builds when advice from others feels disconnected from reality. Practical paths do exist, though they rarely get explained in simple terms. So in this post, we’ll break down how buyers can move closer to homeownership even without a huge deposit.

Why saving a huge deposit feels impossible

At some point the math just stops making sense. Rent goes out. Bills go out. Food, travel, that random subscription you forgot about… also gone. Then someone casually says you should save tens of thousands for a deposit. Like it’s just a matter of trying harder.

The truth most people learn the hard way is that buying a house is expensive long before you even start the purchase. You’re juggling rent while trying to save. Friends say to cut back on coffee. As if skipping a latte magically produces £40,000. After a while, you start hearing the same tired advice.

Start by understanding the process of getting a home mortgage

Most people think the deposit is the only obstacle. It isn’t. What actually confuses people is the process of getting a home mortgage. It feels like a maze of forms, checks, and conversations with lenders who speak in a language that sounds half financial and half mysterious.

The reality is simpler than it first appears. Lenders mainly care about a few things: your income, your spending habits, and your credit history. They want proof you can make monthly payments without your budget collapsing the moment life throws something unexpected at you. Once that clicks, the whole thing becomes less intimidating.

Look into schemes like shared ownership

A lot of buyers assume they must purchase a property outright. Full price. Full mortgage. Full deposit. That assumption alone stops many people before they even begin looking.

This is where shared ownership enters the conversation. Instead of buying 100% of a home, you purchase a percentage and pay rent on the remaining share. It’s not perfect, and it’s not the right path for everyone, but it lowers the upfront cost in a way many people don’t realize exists.

Accept that your first home might not be your forever home

Reality tends to look different. First homes are often stepping stones. Smaller spaces. Different neighborhoods. Maybe a flat instead of a house. That’s not failure. That’s how many people start. People rarely go from living with their parents to a fully-featured house.

Owning something, even something modest, builds equity over time. A few years later, that equity becomes the foundation for the next move. It’s less about finding perfection and more about getting your foot in the door.

Saving a massive deposit isn’t the only path to owning a home. By understanding mortgage basics, exploring alternative schemes, and adjusting expectations, the door becomes less intimidating. Progress may feel slow, but it’s still progress toward something real.

March 4th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

The beginning of a new year can offer a great opportunity to take back control over your finances and lay the foundation of long-term wealth. Of course, changing every aspect at once may not be feasible for every couple or family. However, there are plenty of small habits and initiatives that can help you save more, reduce your debt, and improve your financial outlook over time. Let’s look at some tips below. 

Set Clear Financial Goals

One of the most important starting points is to set clear financial goals. Don’t be too general when setting your objectives! Simply stating “I want to save more” or “I wish to reduce my credit card debt” may not get you so far. Instead, try writing down a few, concrete, measurable, and achievable goals. Some examples include: 

• Save £3,000 for a summer holiday by June 2026
• Pay off £1,500 in credit card debt within 12 months
• Build a £1,000 emergency fund by setting aside £80 a month

Make a Monthly Budget

Next up, work with your family, partner, or friend to create a well-planned monthly budget. This should account for your income, including your salary and any dividend you may receive, as well as outgoings, such as mortgage payments or rent, groceries, childcare, and car-related costs. 

The trick with making a monthly budget is to adjust it to the month ahead. During some periods, such as Christmas or summer, you may be spending more, while some months can offer a great opportunity for saving more. So, make it a monthly appointment to review your budget!

Track Your Spending

Tracking your spending may sound simple, but it’s often too easy to overlook costs and underestimate the impact of impulse purchases! To avoid surprises, use apps to track your spendings and review your statements at the end of the month to check where you could have saved more and what habits need adjusting.  

Build an Emergency Fund

Building an emergency fund is essential to navigate rainy days and manage your finances with peace of mind. Plus, having a solid savings account can help you lay solid foundations for long-term wealth! To make it easier to build your fund, automate transfers each month. This way, you may not even realise that you are saving, but a percentage of your salary is automatically redirected to your saving fund. 

Pay Down Your Debt

Your debt can have a significant impact on long-term finances. It is not just about having outstanding monthly payments that can weigh on your wallet and peace of mind. It is also about the interest rates that can inflate your outstanding debts, especially in the case of high high-interest borrowing like credit card debt or payday loans. For example, you might focus on paying off your credit card balance first, or making extra payments each month towards your mortgage to reduce what you owe faster.

Some tips to better manage your debt include:

• Make a full list of all your debts
• Pay at least the minimum amount on every debt
• Set up automatic payments to avoid missing deadlines
• Avoid taking out new loans or credit cards
• Look for ways to increase your income
• Cut out non-essential spending until debts are paid
• Celebrate small milestones to stay motivated

Cut Down on Non-Essentials

Getting your finances back under control isn’t always about making big and drastic sacrifices. Sometimes, it’s about taking a realistic look at what you own and deciding whether everything still actually serves a good purpose. Large assets that are rarely used can drain your budget through ongoing costs like insurance, maintenance, servicing, storage fees, and depreciation, even if they’re parked for most of the year. If your caravan has become more of a financial commitment than a source of enjoyment, it may be time to sell your caravan fast and put that money to better use.

Releasing the cash tied up in an unused asset could help you to clear expensive debt, strengthen your emergency fund, catch up on overdue bills, or build savings for future goals. A financial reset often comes from a series of careful decisions rather than one major change. Reviewing the assets you own and letting go of those that no longer fit your lifestyle can improve cash flow, reduce financial pressure, and help you move into the year with greater confidence and more control over your money.

Plan Your Taxes

Tax planning may seem something that just businesses and corporations do. However, planning your taxes properly can have many benefits, especially if you are self-employed or you wish to optimise your income. 

One of the best tax planning strategies is to work with a specialist. Other tips include:

• Keep all tax records in one place
• Note down tax return submission deadlines
• Maximise your Personal Allowance 
• Check if you qualify for tax reliefs
• Claim allowable work expenses
• Review your tax code each year
• Beware of tax refund scams

Review Your Subscriptions

Today, subscriptions are truly everywhere—for streaming services, clothes, food and drinks, and more. While these may be very convenient, they may cause you to lose track of your spendings. For instance, did you know that, in the UK, the average spent on subscriptions is between £91 and £301 depending on age?

This month, take a minute to review your subscription and cut down on services that you may not truly need at this time. 

Build Consistent Saving Habits

The right saving habits can make a real difference in how much you are able to save up this month. And, this is not about doubling your salary or drastically reducing your expenses. It is more about noticing how you manage your money on a daily basis. While the best strategies may vary from one person to another, some golden rules include:

• Set a savings goal each month
• Use standing orders to automatically top up your savings
• Open a high-interest savings account
• Save any unexpected income or bonuses
• Keep savings in a separate account
• Avoid impulse purchases
• Join workplace savings schemes
• Take part in savings challenges
• Track your savings progress

Start Investing

Investing isn’t just for millionaires! No matter what your starting point is, there are many user-friendly platforms that allow you to start investing even with minimal capital. Keep in mind that investing isn’t the same as trading. Instead, it is more of a long-term, calculated strategy that allows you to take advantage of key concepts such as compound interest. 

Everyone has a different strategy, but some simple starting points include:

• Learn what an ISA (Individual Savings Account) is—and start topping it up!
• Start with a small, regular investment
• Research robo-advisors and investing apps
• Check for investment fees and charges
• Diversify your investments
• Avoid “get rich quick” schemes

Last but not least, understand what your risk tolerance is and only invest what you can afford to lose!

Getting Started

Above we have looked at some easy strategies that you can implement in your daily habits today to make a big difference down the line. However, of course, if you have doubts or are unsure how to start, it may always be worth it to partner with an expert financial advisor or tax planning service provider who can help you find the best strategy and actions for your unique needs and goals. 

February 25th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

British Airways and American Express have today launched celebrations to mark 25 years of the British Airways American Express® Cards.

To kick off the anniversary year, eligible British Airways American Express® Cardmembers can collect 25% more Avios on qualifying spend until 8 April 2026. The limited-time offer is available to the first 200,000 British Airways American Express® Premium Plus and British Airways American Express® Credit Cardmembers on each Card who enrol by saving the offer to their Card Account. They must meet the qualifying spend to receive the additional Avios.

As British Airways and American Express celebrate 25 years of partnership, Cardmembers can look forward to more news on anniversary offers and exclusive prizes throughout the year, where millions of bonus Avios will be awarded to Cardmembers.

Caroline Bouvet, Vice President, UK Products at American Express, said: “For 25 years our partnership with British Airways has helped Cardmembers turn everyday spending into memorable travel experiences. As we kick off this milestone anniversary year, we’re rewarding our Cardmembers with more opportunities to collect Avios to get them closer to their next trip. The offer is just the start of a special year of celebration with more exclusive rewards to come for British Airways American Express Cardmembers.”

Colm Lacy, Chief Commercial Officer, British Airways, said: “For a quarter of a century, our partnership with American Express has helped our customers get even more out of every journey. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate our loyal customers, and throughout the year we’ll be introducing even more ways for them to unlock added value, more rewards and memorable travel experiences when they fly with us.”  

Rob McDonald, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Loyalty, said: “Celebrating 25 years of partnership with American Express is a proud milestone for us. Over the past quarter of a century, we have worked together to help bring the world closer to our customers with the power of loyalty. This exclusive Avios bonus offer is a fitting way to kick off our anniversary celebrations, and we know this will be valued by our customers.”

British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Cardmember offer¹

British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Cardmembers who enrol in the offer and spend £4,000 by 8 April 2026 will collect an additional 1,500 bonus Avios – a 25% bonus on the Avios they’d usually collect*. Terms Apply.

Cardmembers can collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on everyday purchases, and 3 Avios on purchases made with British Airways or British Airways Holidays, with the Avios collected then able to be redeemed against flights, hotels, car hire and more.

When Cardmembers spend £15,000 in a Cardmembership year they also receive a Companion Voucher. This allows them to take a friend or family member on the same flight – including World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy), Club (Business) and First – for no additional Avios. If travelling solo, they will receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for their Reward flight. Cardmembers will also have access to additional Reward Flight seats in Club World when booking with a Companion Voucher.

From April 2026, British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Cardmembers will have another opportunity to earn tier points on their everyday spend, helping them to unlock more British Airways Club benefits.

The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card has an annual fee, and a representative APR of 135.7% variable. Terms and conditions apply.

British Airways American Express® Credit Cardmember offer²

British Airways American Express® Credit Cardmembers who enrol in the offer and spend £2,000 by 8 April 2026 will collect an additional 500 bonus Avios – a 25% bonus on the Avios they’d usually collect. Terms apply.

Cardmembers can collect 1 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases, with no annual fee. When Cardmembers spend £15,000 in a Cardmembership year they will also receive a Companion Voucher. This allows them to take a friend or family member on the same flight in Euro Traveller or World Traveller (Economy), or if travelling solo, they will receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for their Reward Flight.

The British Airways American Express® Credit Card has a representative APR of 29.1% variable. Terms and conditions apply.

The limited-time offer is available to the first 200,000 Cardmembers on each Card who enrol, by saving the offer to their Card Account and meeting the qualifying spend.

Eligible new Cardmembers can receive a welcome bonus when they apply and are approved for British Airways American Express Cards. Eligible new British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Cardmembers can collect 30,000 bonus Avios when they spend £6,000 in their first three months, and eligible new British Airways American Express® Credit Cardmembers can collect 5,000 bonus Avios when they spend £2,000 in their first three months. New Cardmembers can apply via the American Express website.

February 23rd, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

While it can feel unsettling, quiet trading periods offer a valuable opportunity to pause, review spending, and strengthen operations. Rather than reacting when cash flow tightens, proactive cost management allows UK businesses to stay in control and build resilience for the long term.

Reviewing supplier contracts and subscriptions

One of the simplest ways to reduce costs is to audit your regular outgoings. From utilities and insurance to software subscriptions and maintenance agreements, small monthly payments quickly add up. Setting aside time to review these commitments can uncover many savings opportunities.

Consider renegotiating contracts or switching providers where better rates are available. Many suppliers are willing to offer discounts to retain loyal customers, particularly if you approach them with competitive quotes. It’s also worth cancelling unused or duplicate subscriptions, especially for digital tools that may have been introduced during busier periods.

Streamlining operations and processes

Slower periods are ideal for identifying inefficiencies in day-to-day operations. Look closely at workflows and ask where time, money, or resources may be wasted. Even small process improvements can produce meaningful savings over time.

Additionally, automation tools can reduce manual admin tasks like invoicing, payroll, and stock management. Outsourcing non-core functions, such as IT support or marketing, may also prove more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house capacity during quieter months.

Making the most of underused assets

Many businesses hold assets that are not fully utilised, including equipment, office space, or vehicles. Renting out spare space or leasing underused equipment can generate additional income during slower trading periods.

If company vehicles are no longer essential, auctioning them can free up valuable capital. Preparing vehicles properly before sale is key. We recommend arranging an independent vehicle inspection to help demonstrate transparency, reassure buyers, and support a fair sale price.

Planning for the next busy period

Downtime should also be used to prepare for future growth. If budgets allow, investing in staff training or upgrading systems can improve productivity when demand increases. Setting aside a portion of savings into a contingency fund can also protect the business during future slow spells.

Looking ahead to a leaner, stronger business

Small, thoughtful changes made during slower periods can have a lasting impact. By reviewing expenses, improving efficiency, and unlocking value from underused assets, businesses can emerge more agile and financially resilient.

When trading picks up again, those careful decisions will help position your company for sustainable success.