The Genwel Blog
Practical advice on budgeting, saving, clearing debt, and getting ahead with your money, written for real life.
Latest Articles
127 articles
Breaking Up? A Guide to Splitting Joint Debts and Loans
General guidance on understanding joint debts, loans, and credit accounts when a relationship ends, so you can plan your next financial steps with clarity.
Premium Bonds Explained: Are They Worth It in the UK?
Learn how Premium Bonds work, their odds of winning, and how they compare to savings accounts, to help you decide if they suit your goals.
Funeral Costs in the UK: How to Budget and Plan Ahead
Understand typical UK funeral costs and learn practical ways to plan, budget, and manage unexpected end-of-life expenses with confidence.
Unexpected Inheritance in the UK: What to Consider First
Received an unexpected inheritance? Learn key things to think about, from tax basics to budgeting, before making financial decisions in the UK.
Debt Relief Orders Explained: UK Eligibility Guide
Learn what a Debt Relief Order is, how it works, and who may qualify in the UK. General financial information to help you understand your options.
Statutory Sick Pay Explained: Budgeting While Off Work Ill
Understand how Statutory Sick Pay works in the UK and learn practical ways to plan your budget if illness affects your income.
Unpaid Carer Finances: Budgeting and Carer's Allowance Guide
Learn how Carer's Allowance works and practical budgeting tips to help unpaid carers manage household finances with more confidence in the UK.
UK Bailiffs Explained: What Happens If One Visits You
Learn how bailiffs operate in the UK, your rights when they visit, and practical steps to consider if you're facing enforcement action on a debt.
Tax-Free Childcare UK: How to Save Up to £2,000
Learn how Tax-Free Childcare works in the UK, who qualifies, and how families may save up to £2,000 per child yearly on childcare costs.
Council Tax Bands Explained: How to Check and Challenge Yours
Learn how UK council tax bands work, how to check yours, and the general steps for challenging a band that may be incorrect.
Budgeting Tips for Christmas Retail and Seasonal Jobs UK
Learn how to plan your money around temporary Christmas retail work, from irregular pay to saving for quieter months ahead.
Student Loan Repayments Abroad: UK Rules Explained
Moving overseas? Learn how UK student loan repayments work abroad, reporting duties, income thresholds and repayment methods to understand your options.
PIP and Disability Benefits UK: What You Could Get
Learn how PIP and other UK disability benefits work, who may qualify, and how to understand your potential entitlements before applying.
Struggling to Pay Rent or Mortgage? UK Help Guide
Finding it hard to pay rent or your mortgage? Learn practical steps, who to contact, and where to find support if you're struggling in the UK.
Financial Abuse: How to Spot the Signs and Protect Money
Learn to recognise common signs of financial abuse and explore practical steps that may help you safeguard your money and financial independence.
Budgeting with Variable Income: Overtime and Bonuses UK
Learn practical ways to plan your budget when overtime and bonuses make your monthly income unpredictable, helping you build a steadier financial routine.
Breathing Space Scheme: How UK Debt Respite Works
Learn how the Debt Respite Scheme, known as Breathing Space, works in the UK, who can apply, and what protections it offers while managing debt.
Can't Pay Council Tax? Options to Consider in the UK
Struggling with council tax arrears? Learn general steps and support options to explore if you're finding your bill difficult to pay in the UK.
FSCS Protection Explained: Is Your Money Safe in the UK?
Learn how FSCS protection works, what happens if your bank collapses, and how UK savers can understand their money's safety. Educational guide only.
How to Build Credit History in the UK From Scratch
Learn practical, general ways people in the UK build a credit history from zero, including tools and habits worth understanding before you start.
Junior ISAs Explained: A Guide to Saving for Kids
Learn how Junior ISAs work, including allowances and account types, to help you understand ways to save for your child's future in the UK.
Understanding Your Tax Code: How to Spot Common Errors
Learn what your UK tax code means and how to check if it might be incorrect. General guidance to help you understand your payslip and tax basics.
What Happens to Debts When You Die in the UK?
Learn how UK debts are handled after death, who is responsible for repayment, and what your estate and family need to know.
Divorce and Separation: A UK Guide to Financial Prep
Learn how to organise your finances before a UK divorce or separation, from budgeting to understanding shared assets and debts, for general education purposes.
How to Budget for a Wedding Without Going Into Debt
Practical tips and general guidance on planning a wedding budget, cutting costs, and avoiding debt while covering the big day.
Budgeting for Shift Work: Managing Pay That Changes Monthly
General guidance on budgeting when shift patterns and night work mean your pay varies. Practical tips for planning finances around irregular income.
How to Claim Back Overpaid Tax from HMRC (UK Guide)
Learn how UK taxpayers can check for overpaid tax and understand the general process for claiming a refund from HMRC.
Sinking Funds Explained: Plan for MOTs, Christmas & More
Learn how sinking funds can help you plan ahead for irregular costs like car MOTs, Christmas and birthdays, so surprise bills feel less stressful.
How to Split Bills Fairly in a UK House Share
Learn practical ways to divide rent, utilities and shared costs fairly with housemates, plus tips to avoid common money disputes in shared housing.
UK Side Hustle Ideas That Actually Pay in 2025
Explore practical UK side hustle ideas, how they work, and what to consider before starting one, as general financial information rather than advice.
BNPL Explained: Hidden Dangers of Klarna and Clearpay
Understand how Buy Now Pay Later services like Klarna and Clearpay work, plus the potential risks to be aware of before using them for purchases.
Payday Loans in the UK: True Costs and Alternatives
Understand how payday loan APRs and fees add up in the UK, plus practical alternatives to explore before borrowing, for general information purposes only.
How Much Emergency Fund Do You Really Need in the UK?
Learn how to work out a realistic emergency fund target based on your expenses, income and circumstances, plus tips for building it steadily.
Weekly Pay Budgeting: A Practical UK Guide
Learn how to budget effectively when paid weekly, with tips on managing bills, saving consistently and avoiding common cash flow pitfalls in the UK.
Rebuilding After Debt: First Steps for UK Households
General guidance on practical first steps to help rebuild your finances and credit habits after debt, in a clear and educational way.
Family Budgeting UK: A Practical Guide That Works
Learn practical, general tips for building a family budget in the UK that fits real life, helping you track spending and plan ahead with confidence.
Investing for Beginners: How to Start with Just £50
Curious about investing with a small budget? Learn how beginners in the UK can explore investing basics starting with as little as £50.
New Parent Financial Checklist: UK Money Guide 2024
Explore a general financial checklist for new UK parents, covering budgeting, savings and benefits basics to help you plan ahead with confidence.
Water Meters vs Fixed Rates: Which Suits UK Homes?
Learn how UK water meters and fixed rates work, what affects your bill, and how to decide which option might suit your household better.
Building Wealth Across Generations: A UK Family Guide
Explore practical ideas for passing on financial knowledge and habits, helping UK families understand long-term wealth building across generations.
Stocks and Shares ISA Explained: Is It Right for You?
Learn how a Stocks and Shares ISA works, its potential benefits and risks, and key factors to consider before deciding if it suits your financial goals.
State Pension Explained: What Could You Get in the UK?
Understand how the UK state pension works, qualifying years, and how to check your forecast. General information to help you plan ahead with confidence.
Getting Married? Money Talks to Have Before You Say I Do
General guidance on key money conversations UK couples can have before marriage, from debts to budgeting styles, to help build shared financial understanding.
Dealing with Debt Collectors: Know Your Rights in the UK
Learn what UK debt collectors can and cannot do, your legal rights, and practical steps to handle collection calls and letters with confidence.
Property vs Stocks: Where Should You Invest in the UK?
Explore the pros and cons of property and stocks as UK investment options, helping you understand key factors to consider before deciding.
Debt Snowball vs Avalanche: Which Method Suits You?
Compare the debt snowball and avalanche methods to understand how each approach works and which might fit your financial situation and goals.
The 50/30/20 Rule: Does It Work for UK Households?
Explore how the 50/30/20 budgeting rule applies to UK living costs and whether it fits your income, bills, and savings goals.
Teaching Kids Money Skills: A UK Parent's Guide
Practical, general tips for helping children learn budgeting, saving and smart spending habits, so they build confidence with money early in life.
Help to Buy ISA vs Lifetime ISA: Key UK Differences
Learn how Help to Buy ISAs and Lifetime ISAs compare in the UK, including bonuses, limits and rules, to help you understand which suits your saving goals.
Debt Consolidation: How to Avoid Common UK Pitfalls
Thinking about consolidating debt? Learn key factors to consider and common mistakes to avoid, so you can make a more informed decision.
Moving Out for the First Time: Hidden Costs to Know
Thinking about moving out? Learn about common hidden costs first-time renters face in the UK, so you can plan your budget with more confidence.
Balancing Your Savings While Supporting Relatives Financially
General guidance on managing your own savings goals while helping family members financially, without compromising your future financial security.
How to Prioritise Debts: A UK Guide to Paying Smart
Understand how UK households can think about ordering debt repayments, from priority bills to interest rates, as general guidance rather than financial advice.
Getting a Mortgage With Bad Credit in the UK: Your Options
Wondering if a mortgage is possible with bad credit in the UK? Explore how lenders view credit history and what factors may affect your options.
Marriage Allowance: Are You Missing Out on Tax Relief?
Learn how UK Marriage Allowance works, who may be eligible, and how couples can check if they qualify to transfer unused Personal Allowance and reduce tax.
Maternity & Paternity Leave: A UK Money Planning Guide
Thinking about maternity or paternity leave? Learn how to budget for reduced income, understand UK pay rules and plan your finances with confidence.
Self-Employed Tax Tips: Manage Your Finances in the UK
General guidance for self-employed workers in the UK on organising tax records, understanding allowances, and planning ahead for Self Assessment deadlines.
The Psychology of Saving: Why It Feels So Hard
Explore the psychology behind saving money and why it can feel so difficult, plus general tips to help build better savings habits over time.
Zero-Based Budgeting: A Simple Guide for Beginners
Discover the essentials of zero-based budgeting, a method to manage your finances effectively by allocating every pound a purpose. Ideal for beginners.
How to Say No to Family Asking for Money
Learn how to decline family requests for money gracefully and guilt-free. Discover strategies to maintain relationships while protecting your finances.
Budgeting for Couples: Joint or Separate Accounts?
Explore the pros and cons of joint vs. separate accounts for couples. Find the best budgeting strategy for your relationship.
How Comparison Stalls Your Financial Growth
Discover how comparing yourself to others can hinder your financial progress and learn strategies to focus on your own financial journey.
Rebuild Your Credit Score: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to rebuild your credit score from scratch with practical steps and tips. Improve your financial health and secure better credit opportunities.
Should You Go Self-Employed? Financial Pros & Cons
Explore the financial pros and cons of self-employment in the UK. Understand the realities before making the leap to being your own boss.
Essential Tax Tips for UK Delivery Drivers
Discover crucial tax tips for UK delivery drivers and couriers to maximize earnings and stay compliant. Learn about deductions, allowances, and more.
Create a Family Support Budget for Future Security
Learn how to set up a family support budget that ensures financial security for your future. Discover tips and strategies for effective budgeting.
Money Lessons from the UK Cost of Living Crisis
Discover essential money lessons from the UK's cost of living crisis to improve your financial resilience and budgeting skills.
20 Practical Tips for Saving Money on a Tight Budget
Discover 20 practical tips to save money even on a tight budget. Learn how to manage your finances effectively and boost your savings effortlessly.
Compound Interest: The Eighth Wonder of Finance
Discover why compound interest is dubbed the eighth wonder of the world and how it can significantly boost your savings over time.
Breaking Financial Shame: Steps to Reclaim Control
Discover effective strategies to overcome financial shame and regain control of your finances. Empower yourself with practical tips and insights.
Balancing Self-Spending with Family Financial Needs
Learn how to manage the guilt of spending on yourself while ensuring your family's financial needs are met. Tips for balanced personal and family finance.
Financially Prepare for Redundancy: A UK Guide
Learn how to financially prepare for redundancy in the UK with practical tips on budgeting, saving, and managing expenses effectively.
Envelope Method: Effective Old-School Budgeting
Discover the envelope method, a proven old-school budgeting technique that helps you manage finances effectively and stay on track.
Declaring Cash-in-Hand Work: Essential UK Guide
Learn how to declare cash-in-hand work in the UK, understand tax implications, and stay compliant with HMRC regulations. Essential tips for freelancers.
Automate Your Savings: Set It and Forget It Easily
Discover how to automate your savings effortlessly. Learn tips to set it and forget it, ensuring your financial goals are met without stress.
Overcome Money Anxiety: Step-by-Step Guide
Discover effective steps to overcome money anxiety and gain financial peace of mind. Learn practical strategies to manage your finances confidently.
Understanding the UK Tax System: A Simple Guide
Discover how the UK tax system works, from income tax to VAT, and learn how it impacts your finances. A must-read for UK taxpayers.
Create a Remittance Schedule That Works for All
Learn how to create a remittance schedule that suits everyone's needs, ensuring timely and efficient money transfers for your family or business.
Managing Emotions as the Family Breadwinner
Explore the emotional challenges faced by family breadwinners and discover strategies to manage stress and maintain financial well-being.
Student Finance: Loans, Grants & Budgeting Tips UK
Explore essential student finance tips, including loans, grants, and budgeting strategies to manage your money effectively in the UK.
How Much Money to Send Home Monthly: A Guide
Discover how to determine the right amount to send home each month without compromising your financial stability. Tips for budgeting and saving included.
Understanding National Insurance Contributions UK
Learn about National Insurance contributions in the UK, how they affect your finances, and why they are essential for your financial planning.
Debt Management Plans vs Bankruptcy: Key Differences
Explore the key differences between debt management plans and bankruptcy to make informed financial decisions in the UK.
How Upbringing Shapes Your Money Habits
Discover how your childhood experiences influence your financial decisions and learn strategies to develop healthier money habits.
Subscription Audit: Uncover Hidden Costs Draining You
Learn how to conduct a subscription audit to find and eliminate hidden costs that are silently draining your bank account each month.
Working Tax Credits vs Universal Credit: Key Differences
Explore the key differences between Working Tax Credits and Universal Credit, and how they impact your finances in the UK.
How to Save for Your First Car in the UK: A Guide
Discover effective strategies to save for your first car in the UK. Learn budgeting tips and financial advice to reach your goal faster.
How to Price Your Freelance Services Effectively
Learn effective strategies to price your freelance services competitively and attract more clients. Maximize your earnings with these expert tips.
Master Budgeting with Irregular Side Hustle Income
Learn effective strategies to manage your budget when earning irregular income from side hustles. Achieve financial stability with our expert tips.
Negotiate Better Rates on Bills: A UK Guide
Learn effective strategies to negotiate better rates on your bills and save money. Discover tips tailored for UK residents to cut down expenses.
First Job Finances: A Complete Guide for UK Starters
Discover essential tips for managing your finances with your first job in the UK. Learn budgeting, saving, and investing strategies tailored for beginners.
Effective Ways to Cut Household Bills in the UK
Discover practical strategies to reduce your household bills in the UK. Save money with these effective tips and improve your financial health today.
Opening Your First ISA: A Beginner's Guide
Learn how to open your first ISA savings account in the UK. Discover the benefits, types, and tips for maximizing your savings.
Building a Healthy Relationship with Money: A Guide
Learn how to build a healthy relationship with money. Discover tips and strategies to improve your financial well-being and achieve your goals.
Understanding Credit Scores in the UK: A Complete Guide
Learn how credit scores work in the UK, why they matter, and how to improve yours. Essential tips for managing your financial health effectively.
How to Discuss Money Boundaries with Family Effectively
Learn effective strategies for discussing money boundaries with family members to maintain healthy relationships and financial well-being.
Top Methods to Send Money Abroad from the UK
Discover the most efficient and cost-effective ways to transfer money internationally from the UK. Save on fees and ensure secure transactions.
Managing Financial Stress: Tips for UK Residents
Discover effective strategies to manage financial stress and anxiety, tailored for UK residents. Learn how to regain control of your finances today.
Budgeting Apps vs Spreadsheets: What Really Works?
Discover the pros and cons of budgeting apps versus spreadsheets. Find out which method suits your financial goals and lifestyle best.
Escape the Overdraft Trap: Practical Tips for UK Savers
Discover effective strategies to break free from the overdraft cycle and regain financial control. Perfect for UK savers seeking practical advice.
SIM-Only Deals: Are They Worth It for UK Users?
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of SIM-only deals in the UK. Find out if switching from a mobile contract can save you money.
Index Funds Explained: Simple Investment Strategy
Discover how index funds offer a straightforward, low-cost way to invest in the stock market. Learn the benefits and how to get started today.
Understanding Universal Credit: A UK Benefits Guide
Explore how Universal Credit works in the UK, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how it impacts your personal finances.
How to Build an Emergency Fund on a Low Income
Learn practical strategies to build an emergency fund even on a low income. Secure your financial future with these actionable tips.
High-Yield Savings Accounts UK: Are They Worth It?
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of high-yield savings accounts in the UK. Find out if they're the right choice for your financial goals.
Beginner's Guide: Start Investing with No Experience
Learn how to start investing with no experience. Discover simple steps and tips to grow your wealth and secure your financial future.
Mastering Gig Economy Finances: Uber, Deliveroo & More
Discover essential tips for managing finances in the gig economy, from Uber to Deliveroo, and secure your financial future. Learn budgeting, saving, and more.
Energy Bills Explained: Switch & Save Money Easily
Learn how to switch energy providers and save money on your bills. Our guide simplifies the process for UK households. Start saving today!
Financial Self-Care: Beyond Just Saving Money
Explore financial self-care strategies that go beyond saving, focusing on holistic approaches to improve your financial well-being in the UK.
Child Benefit in the UK: Eligibility and Claim Process
Learn who qualifies for Child Benefit in the UK and how to claim it. Understand the eligibility criteria and application steps for this financial aid.
NHS Costs Explained: What's Free and What's Not?
Discover which NHS services are free and which incur costs. Navigate UK healthcare expenses with our comprehensive guide.
Why Your Budget Fails & How to Fix It Effectively
Discover common reasons why budgets fail and learn effective strategies to fix them. Achieve financial stability with these practical tips.
Teaching Kids Family Financial Responsibilities
Discover effective ways to teach your children about family financial responsibilities and instill smart money habits for their future.
Understanding Your Payslip: Where Does Your Money Go?
Decode your payslip with our guide. Learn about deductions, taxes, and net pay to better manage your finances and maximize your earnings.
Pension Basics for Young UK Professionals
Discover essential pension tips for young UK professionals. Learn how to start saving early and secure your financial future with our expert advice.
Cut Grocery Costs Without Coupons: Smart Shopping Tips
Discover effective strategies to reduce your grocery bills without relying on coupons. Save money with smart shopping techniques and meal planning.
Is Switching Bank Accounts for Cashback Worth It?
Explore the pros and cons of switching bank accounts for cashback offers. Learn if the benefits outweigh the hassle in the UK market.
Mastering Multiple Income Streams: Effective Strategies
Discover effective strategies to manage multiple income streams and boost your financial stability. Learn how to balance and optimize your earnings.
How to Build a Passive Income Stream in the UK
Discover effective strategies to create a passive income stream in the UK. Learn how to invest smartly and secure your financial future.
Council Tax Discounts: Save More on Your Bills
Discover hidden council tax discounts you might be missing and learn how to save more on your bills with our comprehensive guide.
Essential Money Tips for UK University Students
Discover essential money tips for UK university students to manage finances effectively, save money, and avoid debt during your academic journey.
Top Budgeting Methods Tested for UK Households
Discover the most effective budgeting methods for UK households. Learn how to manage your finances better with our tested strategies.
Track Spending Mindfully: Balance Without Obsession
Learn how to track your spending effectively without becoming obsessive. Discover mindful techniques to manage your finances with ease.
Mastering Financial Tests: A Guide for UK Residents
Discover essential financial tests for UK residents to improve budgeting, saving, and investing. Enhance your financial literacy today.
How to Save for a House Deposit in the UK: Top Tips
Discover effective strategies to save for a house deposit in the UK. Learn budgeting tips and financial advice to reach your homeownership goals.
Build an Emergency Fund While Supporting Family Abroad
Learn how to build an emergency fund while supporting family abroad. Discover practical tips to balance financial responsibilities effectively.
Manage Remittances Without Breaking Your Budget
Learn how to manage remittances effectively without overspending. Discover tips to keep your budget intact while supporting loved ones abroad.