Plain-English Finance Guides
The UK money terms that keep coming up in the news, explained simply. No jargon, no assumed knowledge.
📚 All guides are definitions based on official government sources: gov.uk, HMRC, the Bank of England, Ofgem, and the FCA. They are not financial advice.
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Income tax explained
UK tax bands, the Personal Allowance, and how PAYE works
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National Insurance explained
What NI is, who pays it, current rates, and what it funds
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How does an ISA work?
Tax-free savings and the £20,000 annual allowance explained
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Lifetime ISA explained
The 25% government bonus, first-time buyer rules, and the withdrawal penalty
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What is a pension?
Workplace pensions, auto-enrolment, and the State Pension explained
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What is the base rate?
How the Bank of England's rate affects your mortgage and savings
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What is inflation?
How CPI is measured and what rising prices mean for your money
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How does a mortgage work?
Fixed vs tracker, LTV, repayment types, and SVR explained
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How does stamp duty work?
SDLT rates, first-time buyer relief, and the April 2025 changes
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What is Capital Gains Tax?
CGT on shares and property, the annual exempt amount and reliefs
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How does the energy cap work?
What Ofgem's price cap actually limits on your bill
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Disclaimer: These guides are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. FinanceSimply is not regulated by the FCA. All figures, rates, and rules are based on official government publications and are subject to change — always verify with HMRC, gov.uk, or a qualified adviser before making financial decisions.