How-to guides
Where a link is marked * or labelled Ad, it is a partner advertisement: we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * or Ad label earn us nothing. How we make money.
Step-by-step UK money how-to guides: bank switching, tax reclaims, Council Tax challenges, credit-report disputes, State Pension forecasts and more. Every step uses the free, official route.
- Step-by-step
How to switch your bank account in the UK (7-day guarantee)
Use the free Current Account Switch Service (CASS) — your new bank handles the move in seven working days, redirects payments for at least three years, and refunds any charges caused by an error in the switch.
- Step-by-step
How to claim Marriage Allowance in the UK
Marriage Allowance lets a non-taxpayer transfer £1,260 of their Personal Allowance to a basic-rate-paying spouse or civil partner, cutting their tax bill by up to £252 a year — and you can backdate up to four tax years.
- Step-by-step
How to challenge your Council Tax band in England, Scotland and Wales
Compare your band against neighbours' bands and the 1991 (1 April 2003 in Wales) property valuation. If the evidence supports a change, submit a free formal challenge to the Valuation Office Agency (England and Wales) or the Scottish Assessors Association.
- Step-by-step
How to dispute an error on your UK credit report
Get free statutory reports from all three UK credit reference agencies, identify the error, raise a 'Notice of Correction' or formal dispute with the agency, and complain to the Information Commissioner's Office if the lender refuses to fix it.
- Step-by-step
How to reclaim overpaid tax from HMRC
Sign in to your HMRC personal tax account, check the tax summary for each year you may be owed, and claim a refund via the online service, an R40 form (savings interest) or P50 (stopped work). HMRC pays into your bank account; you can claim up to four tax years back.
- Step-by-step
How to check your UK State Pension forecast
Use the free 'Check your State Pension forecast' service on gov.uk — it shows what you'll get, when, and how many qualifying years you still need. If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, the same service tells you whether topping up is worthwhile.
- Step-by-step
How to open a Cash ISA in the UK
If you're 18 or over and a UK resident, you can open one or more Cash ISAs each tax year and pay in up to £20,000 across all your ISAs combined. Most providers let you open online in about 10 minutes.
- Step-by-step
How to transfer an ISA between providers
Never withdraw the money — always ask the new provider to arrange an ISA transfer. Cash ISA transfers must complete within 15 working days; Stocks & Shares ISA transfers within 30 calendar days.
- Step-by-step
How to set up a Direct Debit safely
A Direct Debit lets an organisation collect varying amounts from your account on agreed dates. Every Direct Debit is covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee — full and immediate refund of any payment taken in error.
- Step-by-step
How to complain about a financial firm and escalate to the Ombudsman
Complain in writing to the firm first. They have 8 weeks to give a final response. If you're not satisfied, refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service within 6 months of the final response — it's free for consumers.
- Step-by-step
How to report fraud or a scam in the UK
Tell your bank immediately by calling 159 (a trusted shortcut to your bank's fraud team), then report at reportfraud.police.uk. Report Fraud covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland; in Scotland contact Police Scotland on 101 (or 999 if a crime is in progress).
- Step-by-step
How to apply for Universal Credit in the UK
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-universal-credit. The first payment normally arrives 5 weeks after the claim date — you can ask for an Advance to cover that gap, repaid from future payments.
- Step-by-step
How to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK
SSP is £116.75 a week (2025/26; check live rate) paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks if you're off sick more than 3 days. You're entitled if you earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123/week in 2025/26).
- Step-by-step
How to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in the UK
Apply online at gov.uk/power-of-attorney or by paper LP1 forms. Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian costs £82 per LPA (2025/26; check live fee) and takes around 20 weeks.
- Step-by-step
How to use Tell Us Once after a death
After registering a death, the registrar gives you a unique Tell Us Once reference. Use it within 28 days to notify HMRC, DWP, DVLA, the Passport Office, local council and others in a single online process.
- Step-by-step
How to find and consolidate old pension pots
Start with the free Pension Tracing Service to find old workplace and personal pensions. Compare charges, features and any benefits you'd lose before transferring. Use Pension Wise (free, government-backed) if you're 50+.
- Step-by-step
How to apply for probate in England & Wales
Apply online at gov.uk/applying-for-probate after registering the death and valuing the estate. The Probate Registry fee is £300 if the estate is over £5,000 (with extra sealed copies at £1.50 each).
- Step-by-step
How to claim Bereavement Support Payment
Claim within 3 months of the death to get the maximum payment. There are two rates (Higher if you receive Child Benefit; Standard otherwise). Apply at gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment.
- Step-by-step
How to file a UK Self Assessment tax return online
Register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the tax year. File online by 31 January (paper by 31 October). Pay tax owed by 31 January, with payments on account by 31 July.
- Step-by-step
How to trace a lost pension in the UK
Use the free Pension Tracing Service at gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details with your previous employers' names. The MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboards Programme aims to bring all your pensions into one online view.
- Step-by-step
How to make a will in the UK — writing a will step by step
List who gets what, name executors and guardians, pick a drafting route (make a will online from around £35, DIY, solicitor or free wills campaign), then sign in front of two adult witnesses who aren't beneficiaries.
- Step-by-step
How to store your will safely in the UK
Store the signed original with your solicitor (usually free if they drafted it), deposit with HMCTS (£20 one-off), or register its location with the National Will Register (£25), and tell your executors where it is.
- Step-by-step
How to choose an executor for your UK will
Pick 1–4 adults who are organised, likely to outlive you and willing to take on the role; consider a professional backup if the estate is complex; and tell them they've been named.
- Step-by-step
How to update your UK will with a codicil
A codicil is a short amendment to an existing will, signed and witnessed in the same way as a full will (two adult witnesses, not beneficiaries). Use it for small changes; rewrite the will for anything substantial.
- Step-by-step
How to make an advance decision (ADRT) — UK living will
Write down which specific treatments you would refuse in which circumstances, sign in front of a witness, and lodge a copy with your GP and on the NHS Summary Care Record. For life-sustaining treatment, the words 'even if my life is at risk' are required.
- Step-by-step
How to sever a joint tenancy (England & Wales)
Serve a written notice of severance on the other owner, then apply to HM Land Registry on Form SEV with the notice and the fee. The title will then show a 'Form A restriction' confirming tenancy in common.
- Step-by-step
How to set up a household budget
List every source of income after tax, subtract fixed bills and essentials, then allocate what's left to savings and discretionary spending — review monthly and adjust when circumstances change.
- Step-by-step
How to check your credit score for free
Check your credit report free with each agency's statutory report service — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You have a legal right to your statutory report at no cost; most providers also offer free score tracking.
- Step-by-step
How to claim a Section 75 refund
Section 75 makes your credit card provider jointly liable for purchases between £100 and £30,000 if goods are faulty, not delivered, or the supplier goes bust — claim directly from the card company, not just the retailer.
- Step-by-step
How to use chargeback on a card payment
Chargeback reverses a card payment when goods are not delivered, are faulty, or a subscription was not cancelled — contact your bank within 120 days of the transaction (longer for some travel and future-delivery goods).
- Step-by-step
How to change your name by deed poll in the UK
Get a correctly worded unenrolled deed poll, sign it in wet ink before two independent adult witnesses, then update your bank before other organisations so payments and ID stay in sync.
- Step-by-step
How to change name on passport in the UK
Apply for a new British passport in the name you now use, sending the original wet-ink change of name deed plus one name-in-use document — there is no extra HM Passport Office surcharge.
- Step-by-step
How to tell DVLA about a medical condition (online)
Search GOV.UK’s health-conditions checker, notify DVLA online if you hold a Great Britain car or motorcycle licence, then tell your motor insurer — bus, coach and lorry licences still use paper forms.
- Step-by-step
How to appeal a parking fine (PCN) in the UK
Check whether the ticket is from a council or private operator, gather evidence, make an informal challenge within 14 days if you want the 50% discount preserved, then escalate through formal representation and the relevant independent tribunal if rejected.
- Step-by-step
How to switch energy supplier in the UK
Compare tariffs on an Ofgem-accredited site or directly with suppliers, apply to your chosen deal, then let the 14-day cooling-off period and supplier handover complete — the whole switch typically takes around 21 days.
- Step-by-step
How to claim train delay compensation
Check your train operator's Delay Repay scheme, claim online within 28 days with your ticket details, and receive 25% to 100% of the fare back depending on how late you arrived — season ticket holders claim a pro-rata amount.
- Step-by-step
How to improve your credit score step by step
Pull your free reports from all three agencies, fix factual errors, register on the electoral roll, pay every account on time, and keep credit card utilisation below 30% — improvements typically show within three to six months.
- Step-by-step
How to switch broadband supplier
Contact your new provider and they handle the switch through One Touch Switch — your old contract is cancelled automatically. Check notice periods, exit fees, and whether you qualify for a social tariff before you commit.
- Step-by-step
How to complain about car finance commission
Gather your finance agreement, write to the lender explaining why commission was not fairly disclosed, ask for copies of broker commission statements, and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman if rejected or ignored after eight weeks.
- Step-by-step
How to claim DLA for a child in the UK
Download or request form DLA1A Child, describe day-to-day care and mobility needs compared with non-disabled children the same age, attach supporting evidence, and post to DWP — or apply for Child Disability Payment in Scotland.
- Step-by-step
How to apply for a debt management plan (DMP)
List every unsecured debt and your household budget, contact a free FCA-authorised debt charity to negotiate lower payments with creditors, then make one monthly payment to the provider who distributes it until the debts are cleared.
- Step-by-step
How to get a mortgage in principle (agreement in principle)
Check your credit file, gather income and deposit details, then apply online or through a broker for an agreement in principle — a conditional indication of how much a lender may offer, usually valid for 60 to 90 days.
- Step-by-step
How to remortgage your home in the UK
Review your current deal and exit fees, compare remortgage rates six months before your fixed term ends, apply with income evidence and a property valuation, then complete conveyancing to switch lender on completion day.
- Step-by-step
How to claim flight delay compensation (UK261)
Check whether your flight qualifies under UK261 (arrival delay of three hours or more, or cancellation), gather booking and delay evidence, complain to the airline with the regulation cited, and escalate to ADR or the CAA if they refuse.
- Step-by-step
How to apply for a Pension Wise appointment
If you are 50 or over with a defined contribution pension, book a free 45 to 60 minute Pension Wise appointment online or by phone — bring pension statements and questions about tax-free cash, drawdown, and annuities.
- Step-by-step
How to open a stocks and shares ISA
Compare platform fees and investment options, open an account before the tax year ends, fund it within your £20,000 ISA allowance, and choose funds or shares — remember the value can fall as well as rise.
- Step-by-step
How to apply for a debt relief order (DRO)
If you owe under £50,000, have minimal assets and spare income, an approved intermediary submits your free DRO application to the Insolvency Service — qualifying debts are frozen for 12 months and then written off if your situation has not improved.
- Step-by-step
How to claim the Warm Home Discount
In England and Wales, eligible pensioners (Core Group 1) and households on qualifying means-tested benefits (Core Group 2) receive £150 off electricity automatically — check your supplier has your correct details. Scotland still has a separate broader-group application route.
- Step-by-step
How to switch mobile network (PAC or STAC)
Text PAC to 65075 to keep your number or STAC to 75075 to start fresh, give the code to your new provider, and switching completes within one working day — your old contract ends automatically with no need to call and cancel.
- Step-by-step
How to apply for an HC2 certificate (NHS low income scheme)
Complete form HC1 from NHS Business Services Authority, send it with evidence of your income and capital, and if approved receive an HC2 certificate for full help with NHS charges — or an HC3 for partial help.
- Step-by-step
How to claim PIP in the UK
Call 0800 917 2222 to start a PIP claim (or apply online if your postcode allows), complete ‘How your disability affects you’ within a month, attend the assessment if invited, then challenge the decision within one month if you disagree.
- Step-by-step
How to claim New Style ESA
Confirm you have a recent National Insurance record, apply for New Style ESA on GOV.UK with fit notes, complete the capability questionnaire, attend the Work Capability Assessment, and claim Universal Credit alongside it if you need housing or extra amounts.
- Step-by-step
How to claim Maternity Allowance in the UK
Ask your employer about Statutory Maternity Pay first; if you do not qualify, apply for Maternity Allowance from 26 weeks pregnant with form MA1, your MATB1 and proof of work or self-employment.
- Step-by-step
How to apply for a Blue Badge in the UK
Check whether your PIP, DLA or Child Disability Payment mobility award is automatic, then apply online with a photo and identity documents — England fees are up to £10, Scotland up to £20, Wales free, Northern Ireland £10.
- Step-by-step
How to change the name on your UK driving licence
Get form D1 or D2 from a Post Office, post your current licence plus original wet-ink deed poll (or marriage certificate) to DVLA, keep driving while you wait, then update every V5C and apply for a new passport.
- Step-by-step
How to sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
Check whether your gross self-employment and property income crossed last year’s threshold, choose HMRC-recognised software, sign up when HMRC invites you or via GOV.UK, then keep digital records and send quarterly updates.
- Step-by-step
How to apply for extra housing payment or Discretionary Housing Payment
You must already get Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit housing element. Apply to the council where you live — in England ask for a Housing Payment; in Wales ask for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
- Step-by-step
How to claim PIP at 16 (moving from DLA)
Wait for the DWP invitation after the 16th birthday, start the PIP claim by the date on the letter, complete How your disability affects you, and keep DLA in payment until the PIP decision if you claimed on time.
- Step-by-step
How to notify organisations after a UK name change
Sign the deed or gather the marriage certificate first, update the GB driving licence for free, then passport, bank, HMRC, employer and NHS, then everything else including the will.
- Step-by-step
How to claim Funeral Expenses Payment
If you get a qualifying benefit and you are arranging the funeral, claim within six months by calling 0800 151 2012 or posting form SF200. Scotland claims Funeral Support Payment instead.
- Step-by-step
How to apply to be a deputy (Court of Protection)
If there is no Lasting Power of Attorney and the person already lacks capacity, apply to the Court of Protection. Pay £432 per deputyship type. Use a DWP appointee instead if you only need to manage benefits.