Alicia Babaee

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Alicia Babaee

Author

Consumer Finance Specialist

About the Author

Alicia Babaee is an award-winning communications specialist and journalist with a passion for simplifying complex information for consumer audiences.

What is an innovative finance ISA? Our IFISA guide

It is the third type of ISA that exists alongside the cash ISA and the stocks and shares ISA. Here is how the innovative finance ISA works.

Cyber criminal with credit card hacking system at table, digital binary code on background

The 7 things you need to do if you get hacked

Having your accounts hacked can be frightening, especially if fraudsters get hold of your bank details or private data. Here is what you need to do if you think you have been hacked.

How to get your first credit card

Here is how to prepare yourself for your first credit card application.

How to get a business loan

If you want to take your business to the next level but don’t have the funds to do so, you could consider getting a business loan.

Find out how to get a business loan

How to write a cheque

If you don’t know how to write a cheque already, that’s probably because it’s a dying art. But, now and then, the need arises. So here’s a simple guide to help you out.

What to do if you get hacked

Having your accounts hacked can be frightening, especially if fraudsters get hold of your bank details or private data. Here is what you need to do if you think you have been hacked.

How to afford a career change

If you want to start a new career you need to prepare your finances before you leave your job. Here is how to make your career change affordable.

Symbolic representation growing your money through property investing.

How to invest in property

If you have grand designs on property investment, you'll need to get your finances into gear. We show you how to work out if property development is a realistic dream and how to make it happen.

Your redundancy rights

If the threat of redundancy is looming over you, it is important to know your rights. We explain exactly what you are entitled to if you have been made redundant.

Your refund rights explained

If you have been refused a refund for faulty or unwanted goods you are not alone. Here are your rights to help get your money back if a company is refusing to give you a refund.

How to rent out a room or even your whole house

When selling up seems impossible, letting your house can be a handy alternative. Here is what you need to consider if you're thinking of renting out your home.

How do I gift money without being taxed?

You may be able to give away money without paying tax, but it depends on whom it goes to and how much you give. Here is what you need to know about gifting money without paying tax.

When should you use a credit card or debit card?

When it comes to credit cards vs. debit cards, is one better than the other? Each has its advantages, so it's useful to know when to use one over the other.

Chargeback claims: how to get your money back

You could claim a refund if something goes wrong when you spend on your debit, prepaid or credit card. Here's how the Chargeback scheme can get your money back from your bank.

What is the difference between Visa and MasterCard?

MasterCard and Visa work very similarly to one another. They are payment networks, which process payments when you spend using your credit, debit or prepaid card.

Black woman with boyfriend using credit card to shop online

How to transfer money from your credit card to a bank account

If you want to borrow a small sum of cash to repay a debt, or clear an overdraft, you can use a money transfer credit card to move cash into your current account.

What is the Help to Buy scheme?

If you’re thinking of buying a home, you may have heard of the Government’s Help to buy scheme, which provides an interest free loan to people wishing to buy certain new build properties. Here’s everything you need to know.

Young couple taking keys of their new house from broker.

How can I help my children buy their first house?

With first time buyers finding it harder than ever to get a mortgage, some parents are giving their children a helping hand onto the property ladder. But how does it all work and what are the potential pitfalls?

Young couple having fun driving electric scooters through the city.

What is electric scooter insurance?

Do you know all the rules around electric scooters for adults? And do you have the right electric scooter insurance in place? We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

What is indemnity insurance?

If you’re buying or selling a property, you might be encouraged to take out indemnity insurance. Indemnity insurance could protect you against some of the things that could go wrong with your property in the future.

20 things to do when moving house

Moving home is one of the most stressful and financially draining things you can do, so here are our top 12 things to arrange before moving day to make your life easier.

How to build your own house

Many of us dream of building our own home, and while it is not the right option for everyone, self building could be an affordable way for you to get your ideal property. Yet fail to plan properly and you face the risk of financial ruin.