About our guides
CalcBudget's guides explain everyday UK money topics in plain English. Each one sets out the rules that apply, works through examples with real figures and links to the official sources behind the facts, mainly GOV.UK, HMRC, the Bank of England, the Office for National Statistics and MoneyHelper. Where a guide relates to one of our calculators, it links to it so you can try the numbers for yourself.
The guides are general information to help you understand your options. They are not personal financial advice. For decisions that depend on your own circumstances, check the details with the relevant official body or a qualified, regulated adviser.
Where to start
If you want to get on top of day-to-day money
Start with how to create a household budget. It covers gathering your figures, separating essential and non-essential spending, and choosing a method such as 50/30/20. Then use how to calculate disposable income to work out how much you really have to spend or save each month, and 50 budgeting tips for practical ways to make the numbers work.
If prices are rising faster than your income
Budgeting when the cost of living rises explains how to measure the effect of inflation on your own household, which bills to protect first and where to check for official support, such as Council Tax Reduction, the Warm Home Discount and Tax-Free Childcare.
If you want to start saving
How much should I save each month? sets out a practical order of priorities, explains how to size an emergency fund and covers ISAs, the Personal Savings Allowance, Help to Save and the Lifetime ISA.
If you are borrowing or paying off debt
How loan repayments work shows how a monthly payment is split between interest and capital and what happens when you change the term or overpay. APR versus interest rate explains how to compare offers properly. If you have several debts, debt snowball versus debt avalanche compares the two main repayment strategies with a worked example.
How we keep guides up to date
Guides that mention tax rates, allowances or thresholds are reviewed at the start of each tax year in April and whenever a relevant change is announced. Other guides are reviewed at least once a year. Each guide shows when it was last updated, and every figure in a worked example is checked before publication. You can read more in our editorial policy and methodology.
If you notice something that looks out of date or wrong, please let us know through our contact page.
Getting help
If you are struggling with bills or debt, you do not need to deal with it alone. Free, confidential debt advice is available, and the MoneyHelper debt advice locator can help you find a service online, by phone or near where you live.
Last updated October 2026.