Tag Personal finance

How falling mortgage rates and relaxed lending criteria are opening doors in 2026

We explore how falling mortgage rates and relaxed lending criteria are making it easier than ever for the self-employed to sort their mortgages. Remortgage or buying a property, 2026 might be the year to get it sorted.

What is umbrella payroll and how does it work for contractors?

Learn how umbrella payroll works for UK contractors. Discover the benefits, drawbacks, fees, and how it compares to limited companies. Stay compliant, stress-free, and get paid on time.

What the interest rate change means for self-employed mortgages

Discover how self-employed borrowers can save with Bank of England rate cuts. Tips on remortgaging, first-time buying, and specialist lenders included.

7 Mortgage myths (what Crunch mortgage brokers often hear)

Discover the truth behind 7 common mortgage myths Crunch brokers often hear. Get clear answers on interest rates, credit scores, fixed vs variable rates, and more.

Spring Statement 2025: Key changes you need to know

Discover key tax changes from the Spring Statement 2025, including MTD ITSA expansion, late payment penalties, and new digital reporting for high earners.

Millions urged to check March payslip as tax code changes

HMRC warns employees to review their March payslips for tax code changes. Ensure you're on the right tax code to avoid unexpected bills this year.

Worried about the TaxScouts acquisition? (now called TaxFix)

If you're worried about how the TaxScouts acquisition by TaxFix will change services - then you're not alone. We explore what might change and how we can help!

I’m self-employed: Can I get a credit card?

Can self-employed people get credit cards? Discover the ins and outs of obtaining and managing a credit card for business usage in this guide by Crunch.

Top 10 most profitable self-employed jobs in the UK

If you’re searching for lucrative opportunities outside the rat-race then check out this article for the best paying self-employed jobs in the UK.

How to provide proof of income when you’re self-employed

Discover how to effectively prove your income as a self-employed individual. Learn top tips and which documents to use for self-employed proof of income..

Life insurance options for self-employed individuals

Explore Tailored Life Insurance Options For UK Self-Employed Individuals. Learn About Term, Whole Life, Critical Illness, And Income Protection Cover.

What pension can I get if I’m self-employed?

Optimise Your Financial Planning With Our Guide To Self Employed Pension Plans. Learn About The State Pension And Additional Personal & Stakeholder Pensions.

Maternity allowance for self-employed women explained

A detailed explanation of Maternity Allowance for self-employed women in the UK, covering eligibility, calculation, and planning, to ensure financial readiness during maternity.

Understanding tax rules for non-residents in the UK

Understand Tax Rules For Non-Residents In The UK. Read Our Guide To Understand Your Residence Status, Calculate UK Taxes and Comply With HMRC Tax Regulations.

Understanding the SA105 Form for property income

The SA105 Form is a vital document for those earning an income from property owned and leased in the UK. Find out how to complete the document, how to file it with HMRC, and when to submit it.

What is an SA107 form and how do I use it?

Explore our comprehensive guide on the SA107 form to accurately report income from trusts, settlements, and estates, ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations.

Decoding the D0 tax code: How HMRC’s ‘Premium Rate’ impacts your finances

Assess the D0 tax code's impact on your finances, including its application, comparison with BR code, and tips for accurate tax management.

Guide to UK Capital Gains Tax and SA108 form

Master the SA108 form with this Crunch guide. We’ll cover eligibility, filing, CGT calculations and expert minimisation strategies for confident tax management.

What is the SA100 tax form? An essential guide for Self-Assessment

Description: What is the SA100 form, and why is it important? Find out how to navigate and complete this important tax document with Crunch’s handy guide.

How to pay National Insurance when you’re self-employed

Salaried workers have their National Insurance contributions deducted from their monthly pay – but how do the self-employed pay National Insurance?

Understanding the SA303 form: a comprehensive guide for small business owners

Our complete guide on the SA303 form to manage your tax payments efficiently and avoid overpaying. Get expert insights for financial control.

What the Autumn Budget 2024 means for individuals and businesses

The Autumn Budget 2024's impact on UK SMEs: key tax rises, increased NI costs for employers, Capital Gains Tax changes and more.

How to set up your personal tax account with HMRC

Learn the Steps to Set Up Your Personal Tax Account, Manage Income and Stay Compliant as a Freelancer in the UK

What is an SA302? A guide to self-employed income verification

Explore the essentials of SA302 forms for self-employed individuals, their role in mortgage applications, and alternatives for financial verification in this detailed guide.

What should be included in a Loan Agreement?

Uncover the essentials of Loan Agreements for small businesses: their significance, key components, and strategies for tailoring them to your unique requirements

The best health insurance for self-employed professionals

Explore the best health insurance options for self-employed professionals in the UK. This guide breaks down top providers, costs and tips for selecting a plan that suits your needs.

What is a Self Assessment? How to complete your Self Assessment

New to contracting or freelancing? Struggling with filing your first Self Assessment? Our quick guide goes over the basics of what you should do.

How to build a compounding machine

Building a compounding machine is an incredibly important part of achieving financial independence, but not everybody understands how to get started.

How flood risk affects buying a property in the UK

Flood risk is a major concern for many home buyers in the UK. Find out how you can best navigate this problem, and still buy a house in the area you desire.

Foreign business travel: expenses and allowances explained

Most business owners will have their domestic business travel sussed, but international business travel has a few quirks you need to know about.

Financial planning for your business in a volatile economic climate

Don't plan your business finances half-heartedly. Get advice on how to plan you business finances in a volatile climate.

Executive Income Protection for freelancers and contractors

Executive Income Protection- A tax efficient way of protecting your income. Here's what you should know and how to make the most of it.

Everything you need to know about Income Protection Insurance

We take a look at Income Protection Insurance and how it can be beneficial for the self-employed in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Should I Invest in Crypto?

Things are warming up in the crypto market. Is it your chance to get rich, or a giant 21st century tech scam? Read a balanced, informed view that explains the risks and rewards.

Critical illness cover and Income Protection - what business owners need to know

As a contractor or freelancer, you won't have access to Sick Pay if you get ill. Income Protection or Critical Illness Cover could be the solution.

Why company directors love relevant life insurance

Did you know that you could make a substantial tax saving on your premiums by taking out what is called ‘relevant life insurance’?

Crunch Mortgages succeeds where other brokers failed

Many freelancers, contractors, and small business owners feel unfairly penalised simply due to not taking home a regular 9-to-5 salary. We're here to help.

How to claim working from home tax relief

Discover how to claim UK working-from-home tax relief, covering eligibility, claim methods, and potential savings for employees and the self-employed.

What is a Postgraduate Master’s Loan?

Postgraduate Master’s Loans were introduced by the government to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course.

What are the tax implications of paying into a personal pension?

Whatever your business situation, there are significant tax reliefs for pension contributions available. So you can pay less tax and save for your future!

Universal Credit - will the self-employed lose out?

Changes to the benefits system with the introduction of universal credit will mean that the UK’s self-employed workers could lose out on top-up payments in their leaner months. We take a look at the facts and what it could mean for freelancers and contractors.

What is an umbrella company mortgage?

If you're working through an umbrella company and looking for your perfect mortgage, we have the answer for you.

Triple Lock Pension Increase - What it Means for You

Explore the implications of the UK's potential triple lock pension changes for 2024. Learn about alternative low-risk and innovative investment options to secure your retirement.

Top Tips for First Time Buyers

Learn some inside tips on buying your first home from our property expert Rob West. In this article you’ll find all the essential steps to follow to ensure you get the best results possible.

The three numbers that can help make you a millionaire

We all know that there’s no such thing as a get rich quick scheme, but that doesn’t mean becoming a millionaire isn’t within your grasp.

The Top 5 Easiest Places to SELL a House in the UK

Discover the 5 best places to sell a home in the UK based on housing demand and average selling times. Make informed decisions for a smoother, quicker sale.

The Top 5 Easiest places to BUY a house in the UK

Explore the top 5 easiest places to buy a house in the UK based on affordability and availability. Ideal for first-time buyers looking to get on the property ladder.

The tax implications of earning over £100K

High earners need to be aware of the tax implications of earning over £100k, as this directly affects how you manage your finances and maximise your earnings. Educate yourself thoroughly by reading our detailed article on the topic.

The new landlord checklist

Essential steps for landlords to consider before letting their property.

The aggregation of marginal gains

Reaching financial independence is a matter of patience, persistence, and the aggregation of marginal gains.

Tax-free childcare for the self-employed

What is the Tax-Free Childcare scheme? How does it work, and how do you apply for it? Read on for everything you need to know about the new scheme.

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) explained

Parents can share up to 50 of 52 weeks statutory maternity leave and 37 of 39 weeks statutory maternity pay, we'll explain shared parental leave and pay

Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?

Self-employed and struggling to get a mortgage? We share insider tips that will increase your chances of securing a mortgage.

How important are savings if you want to retire early?

Saving is bit of a boring word, but it is a vital part of the process if you are looking to retire early.

How do I pay back a student loan when I’m self-employed?

Confused about how to go about managing your repayments? Don’t sweat, here’s all you need to know about student loan repayment when you’re self-employed.

In sickness and in wealth: Marriage Allowance explained

The new Marriage Allowance policy will allow some couples to potentially save on the amount of income tax they pay.

Living Wage, Minimum Wage - what’s the difference?

The Conservatives' 'National Living Wage' is not the same as the one proposed by the Living Wage Foundation. We look at the differences.

Keep calm and fix that mortgage rate

Rob Starr advises us not to panic even if an increase to mortgage interest rates is likely to happen, and very soon.