The blog

The map I never had: UK personal finance blog

Long-form, plain-English writing on UK personal finance, money coaching, ISAs, pensions and tax. Free, always.

·4 min read

Does My Child Qualify for a Disabled Persons' Trust?

Eligibility for a Disabled Persons' Trust isn't always obvious, and it can change over time. A SEN parent and Chartered Accountant shares what she's learned.

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·5 min read

What Happens to My Disabled Child When I Die?

If you have a disabled child and no plan in place, this is where to start. A SEN parent and Chartered Accountant explains what you need to know and what to do next.

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·10 min read

How to Prepare for Your LPA: Questions to Ask Yourself and a Step-by-Step Guide

Before you open the gov.uk tool, do the thinking first. A personal guide to choosing your LPA attorneys, writing your wishes, and completing the process step by step.

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·8 min read

Lasting Power of Attorney UK: What Immigrants and SEN Parents Need to Know

If you grew up where family decisions were enough, the UK's LPA rules will surprise you. A plain-English guide to health and financial LPAs- costs, process and why timing matters.

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·5 min read

First-Time Investor Checklist: 7 Things to Do Before You Buy Your First Fund

Before you open an investing app, do this first. A practical checklist for UK first-time investors covering debt, emergency funds, ISAs, SIPPs, and more.

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·4 min 30 sec

Financial Coach vs Financial Adviser: What's the Difference in the UK?

Financial coach or financial advisor — which do you need? Learn the key differences in the UK, including FCA regulation, costs, and what each one actually does.

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·7 mins

What happens to my child's benefits when she turns 18?

A plain-English guide for SEN families on what happens to DLA, PIP, Carer's Allowance and Universal Credit when your child turns 18, and the financial planning steps to take before it arrives.

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·8 min read

The Financial Stuff Nobody Tells SEN Families. And Why It Matters More Than You Think.

What SEN families need to know about benefits, Junior ISAs, Disabled Persons' Trusts and legal authority - and why the timing matters more than you think.

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·5 min read

The ISA Allowance: What Most People Miss (And How to Use It Properly)

A Chartered Accountant's guide to using your £20,000 ISA allowance properly - Stocks and Shares ISAs, the Lifetime ISA, Junior ISAs, and Bed and ISA.

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·4 min read

SIPP vs Workplace Pension: How to Think About Both

A Chartered Accountant's plain-English guide to UK workplace pensions and SIPPs - when each one earns its place, and how to use both together.

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·3 min read

The £100,000 trap: how I lost a decade of tax savings (and how you can avoid it)

A Chartered Accountant's honest account of how moving to the UK without a financial map cost more than £100,000 - and the steady steps that would have prevented it.

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