October 20th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | Uncategorized

Financial freedom can sound like a distant goal, but in reality, it often comes from small, steady choices made over time. Every decision you make about how you spend, save, or plan for the future plays a role in shaping how confident you feel about money.

It’s easy to think that financial independence requires big risks or sudden change, but the truth is that it’s built from consistent habits. When you start to understand how everyday decisions affect your long-term goals, you gain a stronger sense of control.

Taking control through small habits

Creating stability around money begins with habits that are easy to maintain. Choosing to review expenses each week, setting up automatic savings, or tracking spending patterns might seem simple, but over time these steps make a big difference to your financial freedom and health. They help you notice where money goes and give you space to adjust before small costs turn into large ones.

When you make a habit of reviewing your finances regularly, it becomes easier to stay calm about unexpected bills or changes in income. Small routines help you keep a clear view of what’s manageable and where there’s room to grow.

Planning ahead with the right support

Working with a financial advisor can make the process far less overwhelming. They can help you see patterns you might overlook and show how different choices affect your future goals. It’s about understanding what you already have and finding smart, realistic ways to build on it.

Good financial advice can help you make steady progress without unnecessary stress. A professional perspective often brings structure to your planning and gives you confidence that every small decision is part of a bigger picture.

Managing income from different sources

More people are finding themselves working multiple jobs or juggling freelance projects alongside full-time work. That can be rewarding at times, but it also means managing different income streams and unpredictable expenses. It’s easy for things to feel scattered if you don’t have a clear system in place.

By setting clear goals for each income source and keeping track of what goes where, you can make the most of your efforts. Consistency is key here. Even small adjustments like setting aside a portion of each payment for tax or savings can help you build stability across different jobs.

Setting achievable goals

Big goals can feel far away, but smaller ones help you stay focused and motivated. Saving for an emergency fund, paying off a small debt, or putting money towards a long-term plan all bring a sense of progress. These small wins build confidence and encourage you to keep improving your habits.

It’s important to review these goals regularly, especially when circumstances change. The more you adapt and adjust, the easier it becomes to keep your finances moving in the right direction.

Financial freedom is built through patience, awareness, and small, steady actions. Every choice to save, plan, or seek help moves you closer to achieving that stability. When you stay consistent and keep learning, money starts to feel less like a source of pressure and more like a tool that supports the life you want.

September 20th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News, Uncategorized

When it comes to running your business, you’ll always want to make sure that things are as simple as they can be. Yet, when you first get started, you might think that things need to be fancy or intricate in order to be successful. However, you will find that keeping things simple is the way to win. This is why streamlining your business is always a good move. Reaching your goals and doing well in business doesn’t need to be complicated. Instead, you’ll find that you can get to where you want to be by streamlining everything you do. This then allows you to focus on your zone of genius as you expand the company. Let’s take a look at everything you can do to make this happen.

1. Stop Doing Things Manually

First of all, you need to make sure that you’re not doing every single thing in the business manually. Of course, there will be things that you prefer to do in your own way–and that’s fine as long as it’s not slowing you down or getting in the way of you growing the company. Instead, you’ll want to bring in the right programs to help you. This can be across your marketing, finances, and operations overall.

2. Use AI for Support

If you know that you spend a lot of your time on customer support, you’re going to want to work on making this easier. Here, bringing in conversational AI for websites can really help you. You’ll be able to tackle some of your most common queries without having to manually reply, but then deal with anything more personal yourself.

3. Bring in Project Management

If you’re always having meetings to try and figure out where you are or what’s going on, you may find that bringing in project management solutions can change that. You’ll be able to give the relevant people access, update progress, and communicate directly. This can save time for everyone and make the way you work on things more efficient.

4. Automate What You Can

Another thing that you’ll want to do here is make sure that you’re bringing in as much automation as you can. This can be really useful in your sales and marketing. Rather than having to send out emails or follow up, you can automate the process, which will save you time and even enable you to boost your sales and revenue too.

5. Bring in Experts for Help

Finally, you also need to make sure that you’re turning to the right people to help you. As much as technology can make a world of difference, you will also find that having experts around you will be beneficial. This can work in a variety of ways. It might be the case that you actually want to outsource areas of the business, such as marketing or finance. That way, you lose a lot of tasks from your to-do list, and you get experts working on it all for you. But, you may also want to bring people in-house too. Hiring key members of staff can help you to make everything run more smoothly, and free up your own time so that you can focus on other things.

April 1st, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News, Uncategorized

Council tax bills in England have risen by almost £7.3 billion over the past four years, according to new research into the increase in tax rates. Birmingham has seen the largest jump in costs across all eligible properties, totalling an extra £136.8 million during this period.

The study uses newly released council tax rates for 2025/26 to calculate the additional cost to residents across the country. This is based on households that pay the full tax amount. Croydon has experienced the highest increase per property since 2022/23, with eligible residents seeing an increase of £616.63.

Local authorities have raised rates by an average of 4.9% this year, but some have exceeded this due to financial difficulties. To help households understand how these increases affect them, Go.Compare Home Insurance has created a council tax calculator that allows users to see how much their bills will rise compared to 2024/25.

The insurance comparison site found that one in three councils in England has raised the tax by more than 5%. Struggling authorities like Bradford (9.29%) and Windsor and Maidenhead (8.31%) are among those with the biggest price hikes, adding financial pressure to millions of households in these areas.

The increases are largely due to rising costs for social care, housing, and other essential services. Councils facing financial shortfalls are under pressure to boost revenue, leading to higher tax rates.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “With council tax bills rising once again, many households are feeling the strain of ever-increasing living costs. If you’re struggling with rising prices, it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible for any discounts or support schemes where you live. You can also use our council tax calculator to see how much your local rates have changed compared to last year.

“With essentials going up, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re getting the best deal on all household expenses, including home insurance. Shopping around for a better policy or adjusting your cover to suit your needs could help you free up some extra cash.“

More information about the recent council tax increases, and the council tax calculator, can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

March 17th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | Uncategorized

Mortgage broker Mojo Mortgages has carefully assessed the possible scenarios and their implications for homeowners and aspiring first-time buyers before transforming this insight into a guide: How will the Spring Statement 2025 impact my mortgage? 

While a major overhaul of fiscal policy isn’t expected, even subtle adjustments could have a ripple effect on affordability and access to homeownership.

Stamp Duty Changes: A Crunch Point for Buyers

The planned changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), scheduled for 1st April 2025, remain a key area of concern. These changes will lower the thresholds for both first-time buyer relief and home movers, which could add thousands to the upfront costs of buying a home.

• For First-Time Buyers: The threshold for 0% SDLT drops from £425,000 to £300,000. This means first-time buyers in many parts of the country will face a higher tax bill.

• For Home Movers: The 0% threshold decreases from £250,000 to £125,000, increasing the cost of moving for many families.

Adil Choudry, a Mortgage Advisor at Mojo Mortgages, explains: “The Stamp Duty changes are a real worry. For some, it could be the difference between being able to afford a home or not. We need to see if the Chancellor acknowledges the impact these changes will have, particularly on first-time buyers who are already struggling with rising house prices and the cost of living.”

ISAs and LISAs: Savings Lifelines Under Threat?

Potential tweaks to Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) are also being watched closely.

• Cash ISA Limits: There’s speculation that the Chancellor might reduce the amount you can put into a cash ISA each year. This would be a blow to first-time buyers who rely on these accounts to build their deposit.

• Lifetime ISA Thresholds: The £450,000 property price limit for LISAs is becoming increasingly out of sync with house prices in many areas.

Choudry continues: “Lifetime ISAs are a fantastic way for first-time buyers to boost their savings. But if the property price cap isn’t raised, it becomes useless for those trying to buy in more expensive regions. We’re hoping the Chancellor will recognise this and make the necessary adjustments to keep the dream of homeownership alive.”

Economic Uncertainty and Mortgage Rates: A Balancing Act

The UK’s economic outlook continues to play a significant role in determining mortgage rates. While the recent cut in the Bank of England’s base rate offered some respite, persistent inflation is creating uncertainty.

Choudry adds: “The economic picture is still a bit murky. Borrowers are caught between hoping for further rate cuts and the risk of inflation staying higher for longer. The Spring Budget’s economic forecasts will be key in setting the tone for the mortgage market in the coming months.”

Navigating the Budget: Expert Advice is Crucial

Given the potential changes and economic uncertainties, getting expert mortgage advice is more important than ever.

Mojo Mortgages recommends:

• Stay Informed: Follow the Spring Budget announcements closely and understand the potential implications.

• Get Personalised Advice: A mortgage broker can assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.

• Shop Around: Compare mortgage deals to ensure you’re getting the most competitive rates.

October 22nd, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | Uncategorized

In the last year, over half (54%) of learner drivers needed more than one attempt to pass their driving test, raising questions about whether learners are taking their practical test too soon.[1] Despite this high failure rate, only one out of every 10 (11%) drivers felt they tested before they were ready, suggesting that while many don’t pass the first time, they generally feel prepared beforehand.[2]

The research from Go.Compare Car Insurance explores how financial penalties might influence learner drivers. Recent proposals from the RAC suggest increasing fees for those needing multiple test attempts.[3] The insurance comparison site surveyed drivers to see how such fees might change behaviour.

The results show that a third of drivers say they would’ve delayed their test until they were more confident if faced with higher fees for multiple attempts.[2] Similarly, 29% would’ve reconsidered if higher insurance premiums were in place after multiple failures – another factor that could influence drivers.

Younger drivers, aged 18 to 24, were especially cautious about potentially lofty insurance costs, with 41% saying they would have delayed their test under the threat of higher premiums and over a third (36%) stating they would have delayed if fees increased for more than one attempt.

Despite awareness of the financial burden of failing, there’s limited support for increasing fees or premiums. Only 9% backed the idea of higher test fees for repeat attempts, and just 12% supported higher insurance costs for those who fail multiple times.

Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “While learner drivers might not feel they’re testing too soon, the reality is that many will need multiple attempts to pass, and financial penalties could influence their timing – though not everyone agrees that higher costs are the right solution.

“Premiums are already at their most expensive once you’ve just passed, as you haven’t built up a no-claims bonus, with an average annual premium of £1,523 for those with less than a year’s experience under their belts.[4] This is especially true for younger drivers – aged between 17 and 24 – who are seen to be a higher risk.

“It’s important to strike the balance between encouraging better preparation and not penalising learners who might simply need more time or who struggle with test anxiety. Whether higher fees for tests or insurance would lead to better preparedness or simply add stress to an already challenging process remains to be seen.”

Find more information about driver opinions on higher fees for failed driving tests on the Go.Compare website.

October 18th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | News, Uncategorized

While it differs company to company, the majority of new mothers will not receive their full pay for their maternity leave.

For the first six weeks of statutory maternity leave, new mothers will receive 90% of their average pay.

However, after the first six weeks, new mothers will only receive a statutory payment of £184.03 per week or 90% of their average earnings, whichever is lower.

While maternity leave is only 39 weeks, research has found that 45% of new mothers actually extend this.

Due to the lower income new mothers receive, it’s important to start thinking of cutting costs down and putting money towards maternity pay.

Christie Cook, Financial Expert at Hodge Bank, discusses five ways of saving for your maternity leave:

Budgeting

“To prepare for a major life event like maternity leave, the first step is to start budgeting and cutting unnecessary expenses. Instead of spending on takeaways, for example, put that money into savings..

An average takeaway for two will set you back £30 – equivalent to around 99 nappies. This sounds like a lot, but considering the average newborn will go through 10-12 a day – 99 would  last just eight days!

Save money by avoiding branded items to suit your budget and ensuring you’re sticking to your shopping list while in your local supermarket rather than getting sucked into those deals.”

Get Selling

“What better way to make room for the new addition  than by selling some of your unwanted items you’ve been hoarding these past few years.

Get on your local selling sites such as Facebook Marketplace and Vinted and sell items you forgot you had. You’re going to need wardrobe space for the new baby’s clothes, nappies and accessories, so what better way to make room than by sending your unwanted items on to new homes and making some extra money in the process?”

Free Events

“Life wouldn’t be a life worth living if you stayed home 24/7 to save money, right? But there are free events you can enjoy instead of spending £20 on a cinema trip or £50 on a meal.

As winter approaches, bundle up and enjoy a winter walk with a homemade hot chocolate in your takeaway cup, making the most of a crisp sunny day.

Use sites like Eventbrite to find free local events. These small savings can help you afford activities during maternity leave, like baby yoga, soft play, and swimming, which do come with costs.”

Review Subscriptions

“Every few months, review your bank account for subscriptions and decide if they’re still necessary, especially as maternity leave approaches. For example, if you’re paying more than £30 for Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video but mainly watch one, consider cancelling the rest.

Similarly, evaluate your gym membership—many streaming services offer workout videos that may be more convenient once the baby arrives, and you’ll be able to squeeze in a 15-minute YouTube routine around the newborn’s napping schedule.”

Take Advantage of Interest

“While you can’t touch a Fixed Rate ISA for at-least a year, for most people, maternity pay often decreases the further you get into your leave. 

So, if you’re four months into your pregnancy and you choose to open a savings account now, then you won’t be able to touch your ISA until the third month of your leave.

However, when that third month comes around, which will be fast, you’ll not only have the money you’ve been saving each month, but you’ll also have the additional interest too.” 

For access to more saving tips from Hodge Bank, sign up to their monthly newsletter here:

https://hodgebank.co.uk/savings-newsletter-sign-up/

October 2nd, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | Uncategorized

Following a busy summer of sport, new research from the Vitality American Express^® Credit Card shows that on average Brits are planning to spend £795 to keep motivated on their health and fitness journeys for the rest of 2024. For the average adult, this includes £17.50 a month on gym memberships, £15.30 on sportswear and £9.70 on fitness apps and subscriptions to stay on top of their fitness goals by the end of the year.

Stay fit, stay warm!

As the days get shorter, colder and darker, changing seasons can make it challenging to keep motivated with two-thirds (67%) of Brits surveyed agreeing that changes in the seasons impact their fitness routine. Cold weather (51%) and darkness (49%) are the most common challenges.

Despite the seasonal change, Brits say there are plenty of reasons to stick to their fitness targets. The mental health benefit that exercise brings is the biggest motivator during winter, with 43% of Brits saying this keeps them motivated. The ability to workout indoors (29%) or eat comfort food post-workout (19%) are also popular motivators.

Over half (52%) of UK adults said they would be motivated to exercise more if they earned cashback as they participated in activities to keep fit. Vitality American Express^® Cardmembers can do just that, earning bonus cashback based on their monthly activity. With a qualifying VitalityHealth or VitalityLife insurance plan, or both, Cardmembers can translate their Vitality activity points – earned from exercising – into bonus cashback.  The more plans and points they have, the higher the cashback rate on their spending. This booster allows Cardmembers to earn up to £20 extra cashback every month, on top of the 1% cashback they already earn on their everyday spending, as standard.

The American Express Vitality Cashback Calculator shows potential Cardmembers just how much extra they could earn, and more information is here.

A summer of sporting inspiration

A bumper summer of sport is also inspiring the nation to keep fit, with almost a quarter (24%) saying they are influenced to spend more on fitness.

Of those inspired by the summer’s sporting moments, 37% said they were motivated by running events. Swimming (36%), football (31%) and cycling (28%) were the next most inspiring sports events for UK adults this summer.

It can often be the human side to sport that inspires. A quarter (26%) of Brits have been inspired by specific sports personalities to exercise more, rising to more than half (54%) of Gen Z adults.

Nikki Edelman, Vice President, American Express: “After an unparalleled summer of sport, many Brits have been inspired to lace up their shoes, pick up their racquets and hit their fitness goals. As the cooler months approach, it is often perceived to be a challenging time to stay motivated, but with 85% of survey respondents planning to keep up their physical health and fitness this winter, Brits up and down the country will be pushing their way through the colder months, with Vitality American Express Cardmembers able to earn cashback as they do so.”

Jonny Kibble, Head of Physical Exercise at Vitality shares his tips for staying active in the colder months saying “Staying motivated in the winter can always be a big hurdle for people to overcome, but maintaining your activity levels in the colder, darker months is not only great for your physical health but also your mental health too. The autumn and winter seasons can often feel like the weather is raining on your parade, especially after enjoying the summer sun so it’s important to have a back-up plan. If you regularly exercise outside, having some indoor alternatives you can use instead will help you to stay motivated and on track whatever the weather. Equally, focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t do. Exercise is meant to be fun, so if you’ve enjoyed spending the summer going for regular cycles with friends in the park, why not find an indoor alternative you can do with the same people, such as spin. Choosing something that fits in better with the seasons, will keep you on track and help you to do the activities you enjoy.”

Walk in the park

When it comes to exercise, walking is the nation’s favourite way to keep fit. Half (50%) of Brits use walking as a way to exercise, with the gym (20%) and running (17%) the next most popular activities. Football is the most popular team sport amongst UK adults; a tenth (10%) of those we spoke to play football at least once a week.

The Vitality American Express® Credit Card is Representative 42.4% APR variable for VitalityLife members and 31.0% Representative APR variable for VitalityHealth members. 18+. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to status.

June 17th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | Uncategorized

New research from Go.Compare home insurance has found that 65% of the population currently has a shed or outbuilding at home – and despite the fact that the average UK shed is used to store around £455 worth of valuables, 55% of shed owners didn’t have insurance to cover their sheds or outbuildings, hadn’t thought about it, or didn’t know if they had the right cover.*

The new research quizzed more than 1,300 shed owners about how they currently use their outbuildings – and found they aren’t just for storage. The results revealed that men are the main shed owners in the UK (69%) and are almost three times as likely (13%) to use them as a “man cave”, compared with just 5% of women using their sheds as a “woman cave”.

One in ten shed owners use them as a “hobby space”, and a further 13% use them for their original purpose – as a potting shed for gardening. Eight percent of those questioned have converted their sheds into gyms and 6% use them as a games room.

When it comes to the younger generations, those aged between 18-34 are nearly twice as likely to use sheds/outbuildings as a gym (15%) compared to the general public (8%). And it seems the home bar hasn’t gone out of fashion four years post-pandemic, with those aged 18-24 THREE times as likely to have converted their sheds or outbuilding into home bars.

According to the data, the average value of the contents that UK householders keep in either a shed or outbuilding is £455, though for 1 in 6 people (16%) it’s more than £1,000. However, despite the high value of these items, only 44% of those surveyed are certain they have insurance cover in place.

Ceri McMillan, home insurance spokesperson for Go.Compare, said on the research: “We did a similar survey in 2021, during the pandemic, where we found that UK adults had spent an average of £1,976 on their gardens during the pandemic. We wanted to find out if the way people are using these spaces has changed four years on, and whether or not these former havens were now defunct – so it was heartening to see people are still making the most of these spaces.

“It’s clear many people are keeping quite valuable items in their sheds. But whether you’re using your shed to store gardening tools or gym equipment, it’s important to know if it’s properly protected. Many of us may not think about the value and security of our garden contents in the same way as we do about our homes, but when you start adding up the cost of garden structures, furniture, BBQs, lighting, and ornaments, even the average garden can house several thousands of pounds worth of items.

“Sheds and other outbuildings are often covered under your buildings insurance – but this just covers the structure, not what you keep inside.   Instead, these items – along with any patio furniture, BBQs, garden planters and ornaments – can be covered by home contents insurance under ‘contents in the open’, which provides cover for loss or damage to contents left outside but within the boundaries of your home.

“While there’s often a degree of cover for gardens and outbuildings in a home insurance policy, the amount and level of cover can vary significantly.  So, if you’re keeping valuable items in your shed, you may want to check your insurance cover and make sure it’s right for your requirements, or even buy additional garden cover.”

Go.Compare Home Insurance has provided some tips below to help secure your garden and its contents:

1. It’s a good idea to keep boundary hedges and fences maintained as this will help to deter opportunistic thieves.
2. Where it’s practical to do so, keep outdoor possessions in a locked shed or garage and consider installing security lighting or CCTV.
3. You can also secure expensive plants with wire pegs dug into the ground around the root ball.
4. Use a security pen to mark valuable items that are left in the open with your postcode (e.g. garden furniture, ornaments and trampolines).

For more information on garden and shed insurance visit: https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/shed-and-garden-insurance/

March 26th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | Uncategorized

TotallyMoney has calculated the cost of using some of the most popular credit cards to withdraw cash when travelling, and warns the 2 million UK holidaymakers heading abroad this Easter to use the right card:

• Some providers will charge a huge £4.59 in fees on £20 withdrawal. In real terms, this represents a 22.95% charge
• For larger transactions, the representative charge decreases, but can still add a huge £7.99 on a £100 equivalent cash withdrawal
• Two million people plan to go away this Easter†, and more than half of Brits are setting their sights on jetting off later this year, with the average person spending £227 per week abroad
• There are alternative options available, which offer customers free withdrawals abroad

Below, TotallyMoney calculates the cost of credit card cash withdrawal fees and provides three top travel money tips, with supporting insights from independent personal finance expert, Andrew Hagger.

TotallyMoney’s travel money trifecta

TotallyMoney CEO, Alastair Douglas shares three top tips for making your travel money go further:

1. Pack the right card
   “Before you go away, double check how much your bank will charge you for using your card abroad. If you’re lucky, you might already have a fee-free option in your wallet — so make sure you stick to using that one. If not, and you’re planning on using credit, then consider applying for a Halifax Clarity or Barclaycard Rewards card —specifically for overseas use. Both offer fee-free purchase and cash withdrawal transactions abroad. Alternatively, current accounts with Chase, Starling and Monzo will all let you withdraw cash for free when abroad.”

2. Go large
   “If you need to use your credit card for ATM withdrawals abroad, avoid using it for multiple, low value cash transactions — and instead consider taking out fewer but larger amounts. That way, you can avoid lots of withdrawal fees, which quickly adds up. Let’s say you take out £200 in one go, to cover you for four days, you might incur up to £15.98 in charges. On the other hand, if you take out £50 per day over the four day long weekend, you could end up paying the bank £31.96 — which is twice as much!”
3. Shop local
   “Whenever you’re paying by card, or withdrawing cash, and you’re asked if you’d like to pay in the local currency, you should almost always pick the local currency. Choosing to pay in pounds sterling will lead to currency conversion fees set by the ATM operator or vendor — and worryingly, there’s no limit to how much they can charge.”

 Andrew Hagger, Personal Finance Expert, and founder of Moneycomms adds:

“Although credit cards are useful in helping you manage your day to day cash flow and cope with unexpected expenses, using them to take cash out at ATMs overseas can be an extremely expensive way of funding your holiday spending.

“Consider a fee-free credit card or a low cost debit card as an alternative if you don’t want to see a big chunk of your overseas holiday budget swallowed up by cash withdrawal and non-sterling charges.”

March 26th, 2024 | Andrew Hagger | Uncategorized

A new survey has officially crowned the Volkswagen Golf as the country’s favourite car from the noughties. One in 10 picked the Golf as the car they love the most from the decade, placing it above every other model on the list. It was closely followed by the MINI (7.4%) and the Ford Focus (5.3%).

Car-changing marketplace Carwow asked car enthusiasts about their favourite vehicles from the noughties that are still on the road today. The results suggested that the nation has an affinity for the Golf, as well as other cars by VW, Ford and Vauxhall. The top 10 contained two models by each of these manufacturers, including the VW Polo, the Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall Astra.

The UK’s top 10 favourite noughties cars:

1. Volkswagen Golf

2. Mini hatchback

3. Ford Focus

4. Land Rover Freelander

5. Ford Fiesta

6. Toyota Yaris

7. Vauxhall Corsa

8. Vauxhall Astra

9. Volkswagen Polo

10. Honda Jazz

While most drivers declared the Golf as their favourite, older motorists felt more affection for the Land Rover Freelander. Overall, 7% of over 54s picked it as their favourite from the decade, more than any other model. Women preferred the Mini, with 10.1% naming it their first choice, and only 7.9% selecting the Golf.

Carwow also investigated which of our noughties favourites are now worth the most. It says that fans of the Golf can expect to pay an average of £1,651 to get hold of a noughties model, with one of the most valuable versions being the 2009 hatchback, which has a median Cap value of £6,100.

However, it found the Honda Jazz to be one of the most valuable noughties favourites overall, holding an average value of £2,052.

In contrast, the Vauxhall Corsa was named the cheapest car out of the top 10 with an average value of £691, closely followed by the Vauxhall Astra at just £759. Carwow said that some versions are available for even less, revealing that the 2002 Corsa Hatchback has a median Cap value of just £340, perhaps showing that Vauxhall is the decade’s champion of cheap and cheerful wheels.

John Rawlings, Consumer Editor at Carwow, said: “Now that we’re over 10 years removed from the noughties, it’s enjoyable to look back on our favourite cars from this era and see which are holding their value. The VW Golf is clearly a favourite of the decade, with some versions now being worth over £6,000, although it looks like the Honda Jazz is generally the most valuable on average.

“If you own one of these noughties favourites and are considering changing your vehicle, now may be a good time to sell up, as there’s plenty of money to be made based on their current valuations. Don’t worry if you were hoping to snap up an old classic from this time though, as there are many with a lower price tag available, too.”

Out of the UK’s favourites from the noughties, Ford has the most vehicles still on the road today. There are currently around 328,519 Ford Fiestas on UK roads, more than any other noughties car, as well as 276,629 Ford Focuses. The VW Golf is close behind with 245,111 still on the road, while the Vauxhall Corsa and Astra each have just under 200,000 vehicles in use.

Find out more about the nation’s favourite noughties cars on Carwow’s website.