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Rachel Wait

Author

Rachel 2024

Rachel Wait

Contributing writer

About the Author

Rachel Wait is a regular contributing writer at Money.co.uk. She uses her personal finance expertise to help our readers understand their financial needs and options.

Rachel has spent the majority of her career writing about personal finance for leading price comparison sites and the national press, beginning as a reporter for Shares Magazine in 2007, although she started out writing business newsletters before that, in 2004.

She was Editor and then Managing Editor at Moneysupermarket for over eight years and since 2020, has written extensively on credit cards, pensions, insurance and mortgages for the Mail on Sunday, The Observer, The Spectator, the Evening Standard, Forbes UK, The Sun, as well as other publications.

Expertise

Insurance
Credit cards
Pensions
Mortgages

Education

BA (Hons) English, University of Exeter

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Personal vs business bank accounts: key differences explained

Understand how personal and business bank accounts differ and what to look out for when choosing between the two.

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Business credit score: what it is, how to check it and ways to improve yours

Having a good business credit score can help you secure finance and negotiate better deals. Discover practical steps to boost yours today!

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How to choose a business bank account: 7 things to consider

Find out what every company needs to know when choosing a business bank account.

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Should you have two business bank accounts?

Discover the potential benefits and pitfalls of having more than one business bank account.

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8 practical tips to separate your personal and business finances

Discover how to differentiate your business and personal spending with this essential five-minute guide.

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What are the key benefits of a business credit card?

A business credit card can be hugely beneficial to your business, but this form of borrowing is not without its pitfalls. Find out what you need to know.

How Much Can You Put in an Isa?

ISAs are a tax-efficient way to save, but it’s important to understand how ISA allowances work.

Find out how are investments taxed

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How to Apply for a Loan

Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to boost your chances of being approved for a loan.

Read more about how to apply for a loan

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How are investments taxed?

Learn more about the types of tax you might need to pay on your investments.

Find out how are investments taxed

Are Premium Bonds a Safe Investment or a Waste of Time?

We explore whether investing in Premium Bonds is worth it or whether you’re better off looking elsewhere.

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How to register for VAT: a step-by-step guide for small businesses

Follow our easy-to-follow guide to registering for VAT.

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Pros and cons of being VAT registered: key factors to consider

If you’re considering registering for VAT, be sure to weigh up the pros and cons first.

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Business tax in the UK: 7 key types you need to know about

Confused about business tax? Learn more about the types of tax your business needs to pay and how to make payments.

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What is VAT and how it works: A clear guide for business owners

If you run your own business, make sure you understand when you need to register for VAT and how to submit your VAT return.

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What is the VAT registration threshold? A guide for UK businesses

Understand when you need to register for VAT as a business and the consequences if you don’t.

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The 4 main types of 91�㽶��ɫ��Ƶstructures explained

Starting your own business but not sure which type of business structure to use? Our guide explains all you need to know.

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The 7 types of business ownership and the right one for you

Learn about the different types of business ownership in the UK and what you need to consider before choosing the right structure for you.

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How to register as self-employed in the UK: A complete guide

If you’re setting up your own business, registering as self-employed is an essential step to getting started.

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How to set up as a sole trader: Your practical 9-step checklist

Make sure you understand the rules and regulations that apply when setting up as a sole trader.

How to set up a limited company in the UK: A step-by-step guide

If you’re setting up a limited company, it’s important to understand the rules you need to follow as part of the process.

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12 types of business loans: expert guide to choosing the right one

Ever wondered how the different types of business loans work? We explain everything you need to know.

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7 reasons your business loan was rejected (and what to do next)

Discover the most common reasons for business loan rejections and what you can do to increase your chances of success.

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What is a secured business loan? Everything you need to know

Secured business loans typically let you borrow a larger sum at cheaper rates than an unsecured loan. But are they right for you?

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Qualifying for a startup business loan when you have bad credit is hard - but not impossible.

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Follow our step-by-step guide to creating a monthly spending budget to take control of your finances.

Should You Focus on Paying Off Debt or Saving Money?

Deciding whether to pay off debt or build a savings pot first isn’t always easy. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Spot Loan Scams and Avoid Them

Discover what loan fraud is and how to protect yourself against loan scams.

Read more about how to apply for a loan

Shopkeeper behind his counter ponders his business opportunities.

What is cash flow and why is it important to a small business?

Find out how to stay on top of your cash flow and why it’s a crucial part of running a business.

Man writes in a book. In front of him is an open laptop.

What is a business plan and why every entrepreneur needs one

Crafting a business plan boosts your chances of running a successful business and helps secure funding for your venture. Begin developing your plan today.

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What is market research and why it matters for new businesses

Discover how market research can help you better understand your customers and competition and get to grips with the latest market trends.

Florist shop owner working on their paperwork late in the evening.

How to write a business plan in 10 simple steps

Follow our step-by-step guide to writing a business plan and setting your business up for success.

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Do you love to travel but need to save money? Follow these top tips for travelling on a budget.

Read more about getting a travel money deal

Small business owner pondering a decision.

Pros and Cons of a Business Savings Account

Opening a business savings account can be hugely beneficial, but it also has its downsides. Find out if it’s right for you with this essential guide.

Start-up team of entrepreneurs discussing a joint project.

Insurance for startups: a guide to protecting your business

All you need to know about buying the right type of business insurance for your startup.

Older business man reviewing paperwork.

What is business insurance and why is it so important?

Business insurance can protect your company from financial losses if something goes wrong. Here’s how it works.

A young man in a cafe covers his mouth and looks in disgust at the food in front of him.

What is public liability insurance and what does it cover?

Public liability insurance protects your business if someone sues you due to an injury or damage to their property. Here’s how it works.

Business craftsman in a joinery shop using a laptop while on the phone.

What type of business insurance do I need?

Understand the various types of business insurance and determine the cover your company needs to stay protected.

Small business owner working with a laptop computer behind the counter of a cafe.

What Is a Business Savings Account?

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Should You Pay in Local Currency?

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Read more about getting a travel money deal

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Follow our step-by-step guide to making a successful business insurance claim.

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Find out how investment trusts work, the benefits of using one, and what to watch out for. v

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A business line of credit is a flexible form of borrowing. Find out if this alternative to business loans and credit cards is the right option for you.

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If you have a new business with little credit history, equity finance could help you get the funding you need. Our guide explains how it works.

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Payment fraud is an increasing issue for businesses. Protect your company with these payment fraud prevention tips.

How to Manage Business Debt as a Small Business

Follow these seven steps to help manage business debt and get your business finances back on track.

Managing VAT for Small Businesses

Learn more about which businesses need to register for VAT, the pros and cons of doing so, and how to complete your VAT return.

What Business Tax Relief Are You Entitled to?

Find out how you can qualify for tax relief that could potentially reduce your small business' tax bill.

How To Improve Cash Flow For Small Businesses

Find out how to improve your business cash flow and increase your chances of success.

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How to make an invoice

If you’ve set up your own business, knowing how to create an invoice correctly is crucial to ensuring you get paid, as we explain.

Full guide to making an invoice

The picturesque harbour in Mousehole, an old fishing village in Cornwall

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With millions of Brits choosing to go on holiday without leaving the country, discover our top tips on how to find cheap holidays in the UK.

Where to go for a cheap UK holiday

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If you’re hoping to get away this year, our guide will help you discover the cheapest places to go on holiday and how to cut the cost of your trip.

Cheapest destinations for holidays named

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How to get fee-free balance transfers

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How to cancel a credit card - woman cutting up a credit card

How to cancel a credit card

There are a number of reasons you might want to cancel a credit card. Find out how to go about closing your account and what to watch out for.