Dan Base

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Dan Base

Author

Financial Content Writer

About the Author

Dan Base worked spent 8 years working for Coventry Building Society before joining money.co.uk as a content writer.

During his time here he put his expertise to good use, covering banking, consumer rights, mortgages and investing.

Dan left money.co.uk in 2019.

How to use a prepaid card

Once you have your new prepaid card, you can start using it to buy things and pay bills. Here is how to use and manage your account.

Should you get a prepaid card?

Prepaid cards come with several pros and cons, but they could be the best way of spending for you. Here is how to work out if you should get a prepaid card.

Is debit card protection the same as for credit cards?

Purchases made on your credit card offer you some protection, but the rules for debit cards are different. Here is how the Chargeback scheme provides protection for your debit card.

A person holding a cashback credit card in their hand and using this for payment

How to use cashback credit cards

If you pay off your credit card every month you could make a profit on your spending with a cashback card. Here is how to pick a card and maximise what you earn.

Woman holding a credit card while using a laptop

What are prepaid cards?

You can use a prepaid card to buy things online or in person, and you could get one without a credit check. Here is how they work and how to get one.

What is a charge card?

Charge cards let you manage your personal or business spending differently to credit or debit cards. Here is how they work and everything else you need to know about them.

Do you really need an emergency fund?

Saving for a rainy day means you can cover unexpected costs without getting into debt. Here is how to save and how else you can cover emergency costs.

How to get health insurance when you are older

You can still get health insurance as you get older, but it can be more expensive and difficult to find. Here is where to find it and how to cut the cost.

What to do if you are refused a bank account

It's hard to imagine life without a current account, but this is the stark reality for thousands of Brits. We look at what alternatives are out there if you can't get a bank account.

I think I've been scammed, what do I do?

Don't panic. If you think you've been a victim of fraud, these simple steps can help you protect yourself and stop fraudsters in their tracks.

How to complain about your internet, phone or TV provider

If your mobile phone, internet, landline or digital TV provider doesn't give you the service you expect, you'll want to get things sorted as soon as possible. Here's how to escalate things if they won't help.

Woman making notes at a table with a coffee and laptop

7 questions you must ask before you invest

The thrills and spills of the stock market can be exciting and lucrative, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start with investments. Ask yourself these 7 questions to work out how and where to invest your money.

Grants and funding for disabled students

Higher education opens up many opportunities, but also brings with it added financial worries; this is especially the case if you have a disability. We explain the help available to relieve the strain of being a student.

How does private health insurance work?

Private health insurance can pay out for a range of treatments for illnesses and injuries. Here is how it works and what types you can get.

How to choose health insurance

The right health insurance policy can give you fast access to private treatment if you are unwell or suffer an injury. Here is how to find health insurance that covers everything you need.

How to reclaim your credit card charges

You do not need to accept all credit card charges and could get hundreds of pounds back. Here are the fees you could get back and how to get a refund.

How does credit scoring work?

Your credit score affects any application you make for credit from loans to mortgages to credit cards - but how exactly is your score worked out? We take a look at who decides your credit score and what you can do about it.

How to get free debt help

Getting debt advice could help you pay off what you owe quickly and avoid making your problems worse. Here is how to find the best places to get help with your debts.

Which Royal Family’s tiara collection would cost the most to insure?

The insurance experts at money.co.uk studied the policy costs for tiaras worn by royals all over the globe to estimate which royal is paying the most to keep their jewels safe.

What should I do if I can't pay my mortgage?

If you find yourself in a position where you can't meet your monthly mortgage payments, it is important not to bury your head in the sand. Help is at hand and there are things you can do to get back on track.

Row of restored elegant Victorian houses

How to get your home valued for free

With a bit of detective work it is possible to get a good idea of your home's worth for free, thanks to information now available online.

Kingdom of jewels: How much would gemstones fit for a princess really cost?

Working in collaboration with Purely Diamonds, the home insurance experts at money.co.uk studied the official and unofficial Disney Princesses to estimate how much their jewellery would cost in the real world.

Is Amazon Prime worth it?

Amazon Prime costs £79 a year in the UK and offers one-day delivery, music and instant video streaming and more. But what exactly are the benefits, and are they good value for money?

Can you sell a house without an estate agent?

Hiring an estate agent can be a costly business, but it is possible to sell your house without one. Here are all the things you need to think about when trying to sell house your without an estate agent.

Man sitting with feet on the table and watching Netflix on the TV

Coronavirus: How to spend a "socially distanced" rainy day

If the UK has managed to get one thing right this summer, it's the weather. But as Britain's trademark drizzle comes back into view, it's time to adapt our plans for a socially distanced weekend.

Money.co.uk: Financial guidance on retirement

COVID-19 has created turmoil in global financial markets, hitting many people’s pension pots. Money.co.uk comments on this concern and gives guidance for those thinking about retirement

Image of two people gardening in green overalls, one person spraying house, the other person holding a chair

How to manage your hay fever and plan a low-allergen garden

As parks reopen and people continue to take full advantage of their garden, money.co.uk has put together a guide to creating a low allergen garden and help hay fever suffers to manage allergy flare ups while enjoying the warm weather.

Coronavirus crisis in jobs market: available vacancies are the lowest in six years

The impact of coronavirus on the employment market has dealt a devastating blow to job hunters with vacancies plummeting to the lowest levels since March 2014. Money.co.uk comments on this further.

The wedding music formula for the perfect dance floor filler

A new study from money.co.uk has revealed the number one hit guaranteed to get guests on the dance floor, according to science. Find out more here.

Money saving tips on a reduced salary

Workers across the country have found their pockets hit by the coronavirus crisis. Money.co.uk has provided tips on how you can save money and manage your budget with less cash coming in.

10 things to do before you travel abroad with an allergy

Travelling overseas with an allergy can be a worry, but you can still enjoy a stress and reaction-free holiday. Here's what you can do to keep yourself safe and healthy abroad.

Working from home: how to make your millions in your PJs

Extra comfort, no commute and your boss a safe distance away - working from home sounds great. But do the financial advantages outweigh the drawbacks? We look at if it's right for you.

How to do festivals on the cheap

You can have more fun at festivals if you can afford to do everything you want to. Here's how to plan ahead and cut your costs.

How Section 21 and eviction work

Around 7 in every 10 notices served under Section 21 are rejected in court due to mistakes or improper conduct. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.

The financial impact of depression and grief

Depression and grief affect many areas of your life and this includes your finances. We take a look at how to make sure your money situation doesn't add to your worries when you're going through such a difficult time.

Get more from high street loyalty schemes

Here's what you need to know to make the points you earn from the top 6 high street loyalty schemes go further

Should you haggle with your mobile phone provider?

If you're looking to upgrade your phone or your contract, haggling with your mobile phone provider can help make sure you get the best deal. We look at how to give yourself the best chance of bagging a bargain.

Who supplies my water?

"Who supplies my water?" is an important question to ask if you have just moved into a new house. Here is how to find out your water supplier and set up your account.

5 graduate careers that will earn you most money after uni

Finding a job after university can be tougher than some of your exams! Here are the postgraduate careers that pay the best wages, which are recruiting the most graduates and what you will need to get those jobs.

How much do festivals cost and what should you take?

Packing everything you need can really cut the cost of a music festival. Here is how much spending money you need and a checklist of what to bring.

Cure the debt hangover from your student days

When you are a student, money tends to be the last thing on your mind. But as the heady days of student-hood become consigned to the realm of nostalgia, it is time to pick up the tab.

How to sell your house

We share step-by-step advice on what you need to do if you're considering selling your house.

How does the Rent to Buy scheme work?

If you want to buy a house but can't afford a deposit, there are several schemes that could help you own your own home, including the Rent to Buy scheme. So how does Rent to Buy work and how can it help you?

How should you pay your rental deposit?

Rent, deposits and letting agent fees are rising in price. Here's how to pay your deposit and whether you should consider borrowing the money or using a credit card.

What to do if your debt management company goes bust

If your debt management company stops trading, you need to make sure you keep up with repaying your debts. Here is what you need to do and where you can get help.

How to claim on your health insurance

Your health insurance could pay out if you need private medical treatment or an appointment. Here is how to claim and how much it costs.