When you’re trying to manage family finances there are plenty of competing priorities and it can all get a bit much sometimes - especially when you consider that you’ve also got to enjoy the here and now as well as save for important things in the future. The good news is that setting smart financial goals is something that can help you stay on track, reduce stress, and make your goals a lot more achievable, and with that in mind, keep reading to … [Read more...]

If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you need short-term finance while waiting for the “next step” (a sale to complete, a property to be ready, a longer-term loan to fall into place), then bridging finance could be an option. In essence, a bridging loan is a temporary solution—built to “bridge” the gap.Ascot Mortgages describes it as “short-term finance, often used to cover a temporary shortfall.” The most common reasons for … [Read more...]

Let’s face it—talking to kids about money isn't always the most thrilling conversation. "Budgeting" and "compound interest" don’t exactly scream excitement to a 10-year-old. But what if you could teach your kids about personal finance without the eye-rolls and glazed-over looks? Better yet, what if you could sneak in some math skills while you’re at it? The secret: gaming. The Mortgage Calulator is your your secret weapon, a site full of … [Read more...]

Money isn’t the route of all evil! In fact, we need it to pay the bills, live our lives, and have fun. Yet, money tends to get a bad rap. Many of us are afraid of it and a lot of us want more of it. But where do you start if you know you want to enjoy a better financial situation this year? Let’s take a look at five steps to get you started. 1. Track Everything First of all, you’re going to want to make sure that you start tracking all of … [Read more...]

A new city can represent adventure, new experiences, and the chance to live a little more freely and perhaps luxuriously than you would back home. However, while enjoying your city break should be your primary goal, safety and security should be your first priority. Most cities are relatively safe, but they all have their dangers, and often, criminals can target tourists and visitors who look like an easy mark. Here, we’ll look at a few tips to … [Read more...]

Budgeting often conjures images of spreadsheets, plans and financial restrictions, but it really doesn't have to be your reality. By adopting some smart tactics and taking a different approach to budgeting that empowers rather than constraints, budgeting can become your key that opens doors rather than closing them off. In this blog, we will cover several practical steps that will take your finances from chaos to clarity. Photo by Katie Harp … [Read more...]