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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.

Filtering byNew to the UK·8 postsClear filter
·7 min read

Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common: The Question Every UK Couple Should Ask

A plain-English guide to the two ways of owning property together in the UK, and why the tick box at the bottom of the form matters more than it looks.

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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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·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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