How to teach your teenager about budgeting
Gone are the days of dropping spare change into a piggy bank or heading to the bank to open your child’s first savings' account. In this guide, we’ll cover how to help your teenager develop financial responsibility in today’s digital world.
Read moreWhat is Stamp Duty? A Handy Guide for First-time Buyers
Whilst Stamp Duty may be a necessary part of buying a home for most, it can often catch first-time buyers off guard. And with upcoming changes in April 2025, here’s what every first-time buyer should know.
Read moreMaximise Your Child’s Junior ISA: A Parent's Guide to Saving
Have you previously opened a Junior ISA (JISA) for your child? Or considering transferring their Child Trust Fund to a JISA? In this helpful guide, we look at the benefits of this popular children's tax efficient savings account.
Read moreWhat's a Flexible 'Stocks and Shares' ISA?
With a Unity Mutual Flexible ISA, your savings are invested in our Equity Fund. This fund invests in over 600 UK companies which tracks the average performance of the stock market. But what else do you need to know?
Read moreWhat a 450k (new build) house looks like across the UK in 2025
This February our popular blog is back, but with a slight twist. With ‘New Homes Week’ currently underway, we’ve decided to focus on new builds this year.
Read moreLifetime ISA: How this customer upgraded from a flat to a house
Considering opening a Lifetime ISA to save for your first property? Scarborough-based Ebow Duncan did just that and says, while putting aside the funds was challenging, he was able to change his life within a few short years.
Read moreA Guide to the Lifetime ISA
Keen to learn more about Lifetime ISAs, also known as LISAs? Our handy guide gives you all the details you require, to help you decide if saving with a Lifetime ISA is the right option for you – and your money.
Read moreThe Seasonal Financial Scams
In this helpful guide, Unity Mutual shares with you some of the many scams to watch out for during specific times of the year. From self-assessment tax related scams in January to tax-refund scams in April.
Read more100 Days Until the Next Tax Year
If you want to start 2025 with more savings, you wouldn't be alone. As we get closer to 2025, with just over 100 days left until the new tax year, why not take this opportunity to maximise your ISA allowance?
Read moreMisconceptions of the Child Trust Fund (CTF): Fact or Fiction
According to Gov.uk, more than 670,000 18 to 22-year-olds are yet to claim their Child Trust Fund (CTF). Here at Unity Mutual, we have managed over 340,000 CTF accounts on behalf of our customers since 2009.
Read moreThe Autumn Budget 2024: Key Updates and What They Mean for You
The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024 includes a host of financial updates that will affect individuals, families, and businesses across the UK. As always, we’re here to break down what these changes could mean for you.
Read moreRetirement Planning for Women: Are you at risk of running out of money?
When it comes to retirement planning, everyone’s situation is unique, and you need to consider what’s right for you and your family.
We've provided a quick checklist of things to consider when planning for retirement.
Read moreEffective Family Budgeting Tips: Save Money as a Parent
The kids are back at school and your wallet may be a little bit fuller, or it could be emptier than ever as ‘back to school’ costs can definitely add up.
In our latest article, we’re sharing some family budgeting tips to help you save money as a parent.
Read moreIs dyscalculia affecting the way you spend – and save?
Do you have dyscalculia? Or perhaps you think you have it, but you haven’t yet been diagnosed with the condition.
Dyscalculia is described by many as ‘numbers dyslexia’ – and it could affect the way you view, spend and save money. Find out more in our latest article.
Read moreUniversity – and the Costs Associated with Going
As we near the end of the summer and another cohort of freshers are set to embark on three or more years of studying and making memories, we focus on the costs associated with university. From course fees to the cost of living in student accommodation (and everything in between), we share a rough guide for students-to-be.
Read moreNursery fees: do you stand to save any money in the future?
We recently undertook some research, which revealed that a staggering 46% of people said they wish they’d saved more money. It got us thinking about the expenses associated with bringing up kids – and how caregivers everywhere could stand to benefit once their children are in school. Is your child(ren) due to start ‘big school’ this year or next?
Read moreUK General Election 2024: What Labour’s Victory Means for Your Finances
Regardless of your political stance, Labour’s win is certainly set to bring about many (potentially welcome) changes to the way the country is run – and in this, our latest article here on the Knowledge Hub of our site, we focus on what the election result could mean for your finances.
Read moreWhat a £450K House Looks Like Across the UK in 2024
Ready to finally place your foot firmly on the first rung of the property ladder? According to the UK House Price Index for March 2024, the average price of a house in the UK stands at £283,000. What if we told you that when you open a Lifetime ISA, you’ll get a 25% government top up on your savings?
Read moreThis money worry haunts almost 50% of Brits…
Are you worried about your standard of living? Has it taken a knock – or is it about to? If so, you’re amongst 48% of Britons who are concerned about the current economic crisis (and how it’s affecting how they spend their money). We look at practical ways we can all bring down our day-to-day costs and get a handle on our finances.
Read moreAre poor finances contributing to loneliness?
According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, approximately 7.1% of people in Great Britain experience chronic loneliness, meaning they feel lonely ‘often or always’. That’s a lot of lonely people – 3.83 million to be exact. With that in mind, we’re urging you to check in on your friends and family – and there’s never been a more apt time to do so, with Loneliness Awareness Week taking place from June 10 to 16.
Read moreFinancial Vulnerability and Its Many Guises
Financial vulnerability can affect us all. Due to their personal circumstances, though, those who are financially vulnerable can be at risk of harm. This can become apparent particularly when a firm does not act with the correct level of care. But what does it mean to be financially vulnerable – and who is financially vulnerable?
Read moreMental Health Awareness Week & Our Commitment to Our Team
This week (13-19 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week and to mark the event, we’ve put together an article which details exactly what we do to ensure our staff feel supported.
Read morePreserving Your Digital Legacy: A Handy Guide
In this handy guide, we focus on the importance of getting to grips with preserving your ‘digital legacy’ and passing down your online assets to someone close to you.
Read moreSecret Savings and Investments: do you have them?
New figures have revealed something staggering: a fifth of 'Gen Z' couples are the most likely to have savings or investments that they haven't told their partner about.
Read moreDigital Tech: Are you on board with online banking?
Many banks are now digital-only, with fewer physical branches than ever before. Indeed, some banks have only ever been available digitally – and only digitally – from day one.
Read moreMoney: do you discuss it with friends?
Often, people find that discussing finances with friends and family is anything but easy. We delve into the reasons behind this – and offer pros and cons for talking about your bank balance with those close to you. Read on…
Read moreThe Budget 2024: how might it affect your finances?
Will the 2024 Budget affect your finances – and if so, how so? In our latest article here on the ‘Knowledge Hub’ of our site, we focus on the 2024 Budget and what the changes may mean for you and your family.
Read moreYour Biggest Financial Worries: Revealed
When it comes to your finances, what do you worry about? Day-to-day living expenses, saving for the future, or something else entirely, such as preparing for maternity and paternity leave?
Read moreFinancial Frets and Regrets
Unity Mutual research reveals almost 60% of us are worried about our financial situations – so how should we reduce our financial anxieties?
Read moreReducing Your Debt: Things to Consider
Want to reduce your debt in 2024? We hear you. If you’ve vowed to make some positive financial changes this year, we share some ways British consumers are cutting back, in a bid to rid themselves of debt.
Read moreMoney Saving Challenges to Try in 2024
In our latest article here on the Knowledge Hub of our site, we share some of the best money saving challenges around. Read on…
Read moreWhat Our Elders Can Teach Us About Money
What can our elders teach us about money? From how to spend it to how to save it, we look at some top advice from around the world, most of it from those who’ve lived through difficult financial times. Read on…
Read moreSetting up a Budget Ahead of 2024: Here’s How
Have you made a promise to yourself to be more frugal in 2024? If you’re keen to start as you mean to go on, perhaps now’s the time to put together a failsafe, money-saving plan.
Read moreWhat’s your attitude to borrowing money?
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than a fifth of adults in Great Britain (22%, equal to around 11.5 million people) reported borrowing more money or using more credit because of the increased cost of living...
Read moreHow to Spot Financial Scams: A Guide
A handy guide on how to keep your finances safe online.
Read moreAutism and Managing Money: A Guide
This guide answers some frequently asked questions about money, including making a monthly budget, and where to seek help via handy financial resources.
Read moreCalling All New Parents: Here’s How You Can Get a Free First Aid Course…
Keeping your children safe is always going to be a top priority. To Find out more about how you can get your Free Paediatric First Aid Course, read on...
Read moreCashless Society: What are the Pros and Cons?
Should we go completely cashless day-to-day? Or do you still enjoy the jangle of loose change in your pocket, or slipping a bank note or two in your grandkids’ birthday cards?
Read moreAsking the Hard Questions: What happens to your money when you die?
While most of us do our best to steer clear of the topic of death, it is nonetheless an unavoidable fact of life. It’s vital, therefore, to have those uncomfortable but important conversations with those you love.
Read moreCustomers with Dementia: Here’s How We Support You
Are you living with Dementia? Or perhaps someone close to you finds everyday tasks more challenging due to the condition.
Read morePayday Treats: Do you still indulge in them?
Mortgage rates and household bills are on the rise, so is treating yourself still achievable? Do you allow yourself a payday indulgence or two, or are you more inclined to squirrel away any spare funds due to the cost-of-living crisis?
Read moreWhat I Learned in my Twenties About Money
How has your attitude to money changed – and evolved – over the years? Are you a better saver now than you were when you were younger? We look at some key learnings from our 20s and discover if any financial goals we set ourselves* have stuck.
Read moreMoney Matters: Joint Account Vs Separate Finances
It’s that age-old debate: do you pool your finances with your other half or opt for individual accounts? We explore the pros and cons of each in our latest ‘Money Matters’ article. Read on to make the best choice for you – and your partner.
Read more(2023) What a £450K House Looks Like Across the UK
Whether you’re on the lookout for a home that costs much less than £450k, or you live in an area of the country where your first property is likely to cost every penny of that sum – or more – it’s worth taking a look at how far your money will stretch.
Read moreSchemes that Could Get You Your First Home Faster: A Guide
Your first house might be closer than you think, though. In this article, we take a look at the schemes that could help you get on the property ladder faster.
Read moreThings We Learned When We Moved in With Our Partner
Considering moving in with your other half? Whether you’re not quite ready to make the decision and need a gentle nudge, or you’re already planning how you’ll decorate your new abode, this article should give you plenty of reasons why cohabiting could be for you.
Read moreFive Inventive Ways to Save Money
Opened a savings account and started burrowing some spare money away? If so, you might be less than pleased by how long it’s taking for said savings to mount up. May we present five inventive ways to put some extra cash aside in 2023, then? Read on for a handful of top tips…
Read moreSaving for Your First Home? Things You Should Know
Hoping to finally buy a property in the not too distant future? Saving for your first home can feel like a slog, but with a little commitment, getting the keys to your very own property could come sooner than you think. First, here are some things you should know if you’re aiming to get on the property ladder in 2023 – or not long after. Read on…
Read moreGetting Your Affairs in Order For Those You Love: A handy Guide
From dealing with debts to combining savings accounts and collating relevant information into one, handy place, you could make a firm plan right now to ensure those you care about can easily manage your estate when the time inevitably comes.
Read moreWhat’s a Guaranteed Investment Bond – and Why Invest Your Money in One?
Want to grow your wealth in 2023 and beyond? A Guaranteed Investment Bond (GIB) could be the route for you – but what is an investment bond and why might investing your money into one be right for you?
Read moreSaving for a Home in Your 30s? Why Buying Later in Life Could Be More Beneficial
If you’re in your 30s, perhaps you thought you’d be on the property ladder much sooner. The fact is, the average age for a first-time buyer is edging ever closer to 40, according to this article on The Daily Mail website.
Read moreWhat is Over 50s Life Insurance?
With so many policies available to give you life cover – it can be difficult to know which to choose. However – what many don’t know is that with a lot of policies, you can take out more than one if you choose to.
Read moreThing every New Parent Needs to Know About Budgeting
If you’ve recently become a parent, congratulations! Alongside seeing your little one smile for the first time, rolling over, crawling and their first steps are up there with some of the most exciting milestones they will reach in their early lives.
Read moreHobbies for Your Highlight Years
Think about it; your children – if you have them – are probably out there ‘living their best life’ and fending for themselves. You may also have more disposable income and we reckon you’ll have a little more time on your hands now too. That job you’ve spent your life rolling out of bed for? You could well be counting down the days until that’s no longer your reality.
Read moreFinances: The Advice You’d Give Your Younger Self
When you were little, did you have grand ideas regarding how your life would pan out? Perhaps you thought you’d be married by 20, have children by 25 and own a house the Royal family would be proud to live in...
Read moreFifty and Thriving: Why Reaching Your Fifth Decade is Just the Start…
As part of our current ‘Over It’ campaign, we’re focusing on, you guessed it, all the things we’re well and truly ‘over’, or rather, sick to the back teeth of, as quinquagenarians. Yes, we’re washing our hands of patronising adverts and tired old promotions aimed towards those over 50.
Read moreWhat Does it Mean to Be a Parent?
Parenting: it looks different to each of us. Perhaps you’re a young parent, or maybe you entered parenthood later in life. You could be nearing the end of a pregnancy or trying to conceive – and you may be called ‘Mum’, ‘Dad’, ‘Stepmum’, ‘Stepdad’ or anything and everything in between.
Read moreLifetime ISA Rules – The Small Print | How Does a Lifetime ISA Work?
The Lifetime ISA rules are in place to protect you from making mistakes with your funds, and to keep the Lifetime ISA fair for everyone who uses them.
Read moreStocks & Shares ISAs Made Simple
One of our most frequently asked questions is “how does a Stocks and Shares ISA work?” – This could possibly be due to our particular Stocks and Shares Lifetime ISA* functioning differently in comparison to many other providers’.
Read moreLittle Known Costs of Buying Your First Home
Are you looking into buying your first home but want to know about the other costs that come on top of your deposit, and even once you’ve got the keys - and how much to save before you buy your first home?
Read moreHelp to Buy vs Lifetime ISA
You may have opened a Help to Buy before they were discontinued, or Lifetime ISA* (LISA) which is still available to open, but what exactly are they? We’ll have a look at both and explore what it looks like to invest in a Help to Buy vs Lifetime ISA.
Read moreBeing Realistic about saving for a Home | How to save for a house
If you're wondering how to save for a house, without depriving yourself of the things you love, look no further.
Read moreWhat a £450K House Looks Like Across the UK
Millennials and Gen Z alike are beginning to climb the property ladder, with the help of the Lifetime ISA and the 25% Government Bonus. As long as you’re aged 18-39, live in the UK and have never owned a property.
Read moreYour Lifetime ISA Questions: The Sensible to the 'Silly'
There's so much to take in when you've never opened an ISA or gotten a mortgage before. Here are the answers to some of your burning Lifetime ISA questions.
Read moreA Guide to ISAs
Wondering where you should put your hard earned money for safe-keeping? You've probably heard of ISAs - or individual savings accounts - but do you know what benefits they could bring?
Read moreManaging your investments at a time of uncertainty
At a time when most of Europe is in lockdown, there is a clear level of uncertainty around the stocks and shares markets and how this uncertainty will affect investments. We delve into some of the details about this here.
Read moreHow and Why to Save for Your Child’s Future
Want to put some funds away to secure your child’s financial future? Many parents, grandparents and guardians put money aside each month for everything from their teenager’s university fees or driving lessons, to a deposit for a first property.
Read more