Dom James

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Dom James

Author

Financial Content Writer

About the Author

Dom James worked for Nationwide Building Society as a personal banking manager before becoming a journalist on financial matters. Since then he's covered financial matters for Money.co.uk, Zoopla, the AA and more as a writer and editor. Dom left Money.co.uk in 2017.

Older couple, sitting at patio table outside looking at the hillside view

How does the State Pension work?

Not everyone gets a state pension in the UK, and payouts vary heavily from person to person, even for those who qualify. Here is how the state pension works, what it could pay you and when you can claim it.

What loans can you apply for when you're self employed?

Getting a loan when you are self-employed can be harder, but it’s not impossible. Here's everything you need to know including which options are available and how to maximise your chances.

What is a money transfer credit card?

If you want a new credit card, here is exactly what you need to do to apply for it.

What is a balance transfer credit card?

Balance transfer credit cards allow you to move debt from one card to another. The new card may have 0% interest rate, so you can clear your debt quicker.

credit card on the beach by shells, coral and a hat

Can you use a credit card abroad?

You can use credit cards abroad, but it's not as simple or as cheap as using them in the UK. Here is what you need to know before using your credit card overseas.

Should I mix my finances with my partner's?

Find out how mixing your finances with your partner's can affect you, and whether this is a risk worth taking

What are pensions?

You can use a pension as an income during your retirement, but there are several types and many rely on how much money you put into them. Here is how they work.

Read about what pensions are

Income or accumulation funds: which is the right choice for you?

This is how income and accumulation funds work.

Section 75: Your free credit card purchase protection

When you spend money on your credit card you get extra consumer protection on your purchases. Find out more about Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act and how it can provide you with additional peace of mind.

The free refund rights that come with your card

What is a unit trust?

A unit trust puts your money in the hands of an expert fund manager together with other investors. Here is what you need to know about unit trusts before you invest.

How to separate your finances from your ex-partner

Breaking up is hard to do; but it can be made even harder when you have a mortgage, debts, or joint accounts with your partner. We take you through what you will need to consider to make the split as smooth as possible.

5 steps to finding an IFA you can trust

Finding the right independent financial adviser can help you get control of your cash and save money. Here's how to find an IFA you can trust.

How do ISA transfers work?

If you move your ISA to another provider incorrectly you could end up losing your savings' tax-free status. Here is how to transfer your ISA and continue building up your tax-free savings.

Older man, sitting on sofa working on laptop

What is an annuity?

When you retire and get your hands on your pension, it is difficult to know how to use your money. Here is how an annuity can turn your pension funds into a guaranteed income for life.

What's the best way to cash-in spare change?

Whether you have recently unearthed a mine of coppers from the back of your sofa or have been saving loose change for years, cashing it in can give your wallet a welcome boost. Find out the best way to switch your pennies for pounds.

Business savings accounts explained | Savings Accounts

You could be making interest on your business's spare cash by moving it into a business savings account. Here is how they work and how to open one.

Senior husband and wife sit at table at home look at laptop screen

Is it ever too late to start a pension?

A pension can give you an income when you retire, but how much will depend on what you contribute during your working life. Here are your pension options, even if you start late.

What is the best way to spend abroad?

Spending money overseas can end up costing you a fortune in fees and charges, so find out what options you have and which is the cheapest for your trip.

Can you transfer your pension?

You can move your pension but there could be unexpected costs for doing so. Here is how to transfer your pension and what you should think about before you do.

What is a credit record?

It is a record of your financial history, including details of when you have borrowed money and the repayments you have made. Here is what else it shows.

Man looking at the stock market on multiple screens

Should you invest in a unit trust?

Unit trusts let you invest your money alongside other investors and offer the chance of making big profits, but are they worth the risk? Here is how they can work for you as easily as they could work against you.

How council tax works

If you live in the UK, you normally have to pay council tax, but the cost differs depending on where you live. Here is everything you need to know about council tax.

7 hard questions you need to ask before going self-employed

Starting a business can be an exciting and stressful adventure, so planning ahead is essential to achieving your business dreams. Here are seven questions you should ask yourself before you begin.

Zero hour contracts: The pros and cons

If you have a zero hour contract or are about to start one, you should weigh up the pros and cons and work out if it's worth it. Here's what you need to know.

What is a whole of life insurance policy?

If you take out a whole of life insurance policy, you are almost guaranteed to get a payout when you die. Here is how it works and what types you can choose from.

What is over 50s life insurance?

You may find it harder to get life insurance as you get older, but there are still policies available that could give you peace of mind. Here are your options if you are over 50.

5 things you need to know before you buy critical illness cover

Critical illness cover can give you the peace of mind that you will receive a payout if you unexpectedly fall ill. Here is how to find the right critical illness policy for your needs.

Which life insurance policy is right for you?

Choosing the right policy depends on how long you need cover for, the payout amount and how you want it paid. Here is how to get the best life insurance policy for your needs.

What is term life insurance?

If you want to pay off a large debt when you die, a term life insurance policy could be for you. Here is what term life insurance is and how it works.

The most important insurance you probably don't have

You may be used to sorting out cover for your car, home, pet, gadgets and more, but have you forgotten to sort out the most important insurance?

How to claim on a life insurance policy

Losing someone is heart breaking, but a life insurance policy lessen any financial burdon the loss places on dependent family members. Here is how to deal with their life insurance claim.

How to cut the cost of your life insurance

You could save money on your life insurance by making sure you have the right policy and level of cover. Here is how to get the right cover for the best price.

Can you withdraw cash from a credit card?

You can use a credit card for cash withdrawals, but they come with expensive fees. Here is when they are charged and how to keep your costs down.

How to improve your credit score

You can take these steps to improve your credit score and increase your chances of getting accepted for credit in the future.

Five easy ways to kick start your finances

Start the year with these five simple ways to get your finances fighting fit for the future.

What is life insurance?

If you want to be able to give financial security to your loved ones when you die, a life insurance policy could help. Here is how life insurance works.

£50 fine will not stop one in five drivers smoking in their vehicle

61% of drivers admit they smoke with passengers on board, this affects over 300,000 children under four.

Shoppers could face cashier carnage from the 5th October

Forgetful shoppers could face a bill of £100 million between now and Christmas if they don't 'bring a bag'.

money.co.uk comments: Treasury confirms new Innovative Finance ISA

Hannah Maundrell, Editor in Chief at money.co.uk, comments on the 2015 Summer Budget announcement that a new Innovative Finance ISA will be introduced in April 2016.

What should I do if my credit application is declined

Here is how to deal with a declined credit application, and what you can do to improve your chances next time.

Most insurers let you add critical illness cover to a life insurance policy. This would pay out if you die or get diagnosed with a serious condition during the policy's term.

Should you get critical illness cover?

Taking out a critical illness policy can be expensive but could be worth it should you get seriously ill. Here is how to decide if you need it and what level of cover to choose.

What is income protection insurance?

If you were unable to work due to an accident, sickness or redundancy, how long would your savings cover your living costs? Here is how income protection could support you.

How to get all your tenancy deposit back

Packing up and moving is stressful and expensive enough without losing your deposit too. Here is what you can do to try and get your deposit back in full.

Should you get income protection?

If you couldn't work due to an accident, sickness or redundancy, you may need to support yourself financially for a long period of time. Here is how income protection could help.

What is a family income benefit policy?

If you want to leave your family an income to live off when you die, rather than a lump sum of money, a family income benefit could be for you. Here is how it works.

How to claim on income protection

If you have to stop working due to an accident, illness or redundancy, you should start your income protection claim as soon as possible. Here is what you need to do.

Student renting: how to protect your deposit

Moving into a privately rented property can be exciting but you need to be careful not to lose out from day one. Here is how to protect your deposit from avoidable deductions.

How to prepare your finances for death

It's never easy to think of how your assets will be dealt with after you die, but planning now can help reduce the chance of any complications. Here's where to start.

Car tax discs: are you about to throw away £1,000?

With just one month until we say goodbye to the car tax disc, could their demise present a golden opportunity? Keeping your old tax discs safe could prove to be an investment for the future!

The Warm Home Discount Scheme: are you missing out on £140?

You could benefit from the expansion on the Warm Home Discount Scheme this year meaning there'll be no reason to fret about the rising cost of heating. We look at how not to miss out if you're eligible.

Help to Work scheme: 2 minute guide

Could the Help to Work scheme help you out of long-term unemployment, or do you have other options? Here's what you need to know.

What are the pros and cons of property development?

Developing property is risky business, though your returns can be spectacular, the losses can be devastating to your finances. We explore the pros and cons that could turn your investment dream into a nightmare.

Funeral planning: a comprehensive checklist

Planning a funeral in the wake of losing a loved one can leave you feeling lost and exhausted. To help you organise proceedings and to make sure you've got everything covered you can use our funeral checklist below.

How to take your landlord to court

If you are having problems with your landlord you can take them to court as a last resort. Here is how to build your case so you do not end up wasting your own money and time.

Can business debt affect your personal finances?

If you've built up business debt that you can't escape, it's important to know if your personal finances will take a hit. We examine whether you can protect yourself from bad business debt.

7 ways to protect yourself against rip off letting agents

For many of us renting is a fact of life, but with many letting agents only interested in your cash, not putting a roof over your head, there are certain steps you must take to stay safe. We explain.

Concerned couple at home with bills and laptop

How to claim on your critical illness cover

If you are diagnosed with a life changing condition, a successful critical illness claim can help take the financial strain off your recovery. Here is how to make a claim.

What is critical illness cover?

If you become seriously ill, a critical illness policy could pay you a lump sum of money. Here is how it works and what it can cover you for.

What actually happens if you go bankrupt?

Bankruptcy is financially painful, but in many cases you'll be discharged within a year and free to get on with your life without the debts that were crippling you financially hanging over you. Here's what to expect if you go bankrupt.

How to declare yourself bankrupt

If you're in financial trouble and struggling to repay your debts, you might be considering bankruptcy. We look at exactly what declaring yourself bankrupt involves, what the alternatives are and how to work out your best option.