Nobody can plan their life month-by-month or year-by-year, but having an idea on when you are likely to make the biggest credit application in your life – your mortgage application – can help you optimise your credit rating and help lenders to give you the best deals.

Many firms offer a free report which allow you to check your credit score and identify any issues which may deter potential lenders from offering you their best deals. The main providers are:

• Callcredit
• Equifax
• Experian 

With interest rates on current accounts being negligible, many savers are looking for other options as to where to store their wealth. The matter becomes one of priority when searching for somewhere to deposit a lump sum; taking advantage of any opportunity to accumulate interest is important. Knowing how to do this in a way that is sensible and puts the savings in a safe position has led many to Fixed rate bonds.

Knowing what to save, and where to save it, can be an incredibly complicated business. The desire to make any money work and earn is often tempered by a fear of risk, and many savers understandably don’t want to subject themselves to potential worries and stress.

Why should cash survive when there are more efficient means of payment evolving?

Recently, awareness around marriage or civil partnership, and the benefit it brings to optimised inheritance tax planning, has increased. However, one new allowance offered by the government is being ignored by up to two million married couples – the Marriage Allowance.