Follow:
All Posts By

Jenni

Matched Betting

Everything You Need To Know About Matched Betting And Getting A Mortgage

February 17, 2019 by

Matched betting can be a great way of increasing your income and over the last few years, some matched betters have gone as far as turning what started out as a money making hobby into a full time job. However, when I talk about the benefits of matched betting, I’m often asked whether it can affect a person’s ability to get a mortgage.

If you’re planning to buy a house in the next few years, you may be worried that lenders will find out about your matched betting and reject your application. But can matched betting actually damage your chances of getting a mortgage? Let’s investigate… Continue Reading

Buying a home

Should I Remortgage My Home Before Brexit?

January 18, 2019 by
remortgaging before brexit

With Brexit fast approaching, many people are starting to worry about the financial implications of Britain’s exit from the EU.

As I explained in my recent post Should I Buy A House Now Or Wait Until After Brexit, it’s hard to predict how the event will impact our finances. Even the country’s leading economists and financial experts are unable to make any promises.

Nevertheless, there are some sensible steps you can take to soften the blow that financial uncertainty can have on your bank balance. If you’re a homeowner, one of the best things you can do is make sure your mortgage is affordable, secure and safe from economic turmoil. Continue Reading

Ask Jenni

Should I Start Stockpiling For Brexit?

January 17, 2019 by
brexit stockpiling
Hi Jenni
There’s been a lot of chatter in the office over the last few weeks about all the people doomsday prepping for Brexit. My colleagues keep laughing about it and saying how OTT they think all the people are for stockpiling food and toilet paper etc.
I laughed along but I’m secretly wondering if it’s really such a bad idea? When my boyfriend and I were doing our weekly shop the other day, I started loading extra tins into the trolley. Deep down I feel like everything will probably be fine but then again everything Brexit-related has been so crazy up until this point and the government seems so useless that it wouldn’t surprise me if we did face problems with food supplies come March. My boyfriend laughs at me for stocking up and tells me it’s selfish because other people will be left with nothing but every time I watch the news I just get so overwhelmed with anxiety and worry that I’d rather play it safe, you know? What do you think? Am I overreacting?
Jessy, 29, Cheshire

Continue Reading

Money

The Drudgery Of Having To Switch For A Better Deal

January 15, 2019 by

This is a guest post by Sara Williams, who writes about debt and credit ratings at Debt Camel.

Have you heard the saying that loyalty is great for labradors and your best friends – but it can wreck your finances?

Citizens Advice says eight out of ten people are paying higher bills for remaining with their existing supplier than if they switched. Continue Reading

Money

Ask Jenni: How Easy Is It To Switch Energy Suppliers?

January 7, 2019 by

Hi Jenni

I’m looking for ways to save money in 2019 and I saw your Instagram post about switching energy suppliers. How easy is this to do? I work long hours and don’t really want to book time off work to let the new energy company in to switch the pipes or wires or whatever. My energy bills seem expensive compared to other flats in my building but I’m wondering if it’s worth the hassle? Will I have to tell my landlord? The bills are in my name but is she likely to be annoyed if a lot of work needs doing? Should I just find a different way to save money?

Sam, 30, Leeds Continue Reading

Ask Jenni

Ask Jenni: “Can I Use The Help To Buy ISA Bonus If I’m Buying With Someone Who Already Has His Own House?”

December 6, 2018 by

Hi Jenni

“I live with my boyfriend in a house he bought before we met. We’re thinking of buying a bigger house together in the next couple of years and I’ve been saving £200 a month in a Help to Buy ISA. Since he’s already a homeowner and you can only use the Help to Buy ISA if you’re a first time buyer, am I right in thinking that I won’t be able to get the Help to Buy ISA bonus if I buy a house with him? From what I’ve read, it seems like we can use the money that I’ve put in the Help to Buy ISA, but we won’t get the government bonus.” Continue Reading

Ask Jenni

Ask Jenni: How Much Rent Should I Charge My Boyfriend When He Moves In With Me?

December 2, 2018 by

Hi Jenni

“A few years ago my mum passed away and I inherited quite a bit of money which I used to put down a deposit on a house. I’ve since met someone and we’ve recently been talking about him moving in with me. I pay £470 a month in mortgage repayments and have suggested that if he moves in with me, he pays me £200 a month ‘rent’ and we split the bills equally. I’ve told him I’ll cover council tax, even though that’ll increase slightly because I’ll no longer get the single person’s discount. My boyfriend was fine about all this until he spoke to his mum (who’s an absolute meddling nightmare, by the way). I could tell he didn’t want to hurt my feelings by telling me the full story, but it sounds like she’s told him I’m trying to rip him off. She says that if he gives me money each month and contributes towards the mortgage, then he should have a share in the property. I’m livid with her. Continue Reading