As part of Channel 4′s ‘Alternative Election’ they have devised an online interactive application called ‘Chop or Not’ which allows members of the public to say what service areas of the budget they would ‘chop’ or ‘not’. http://chopornot.channel4.com/ No sign up is required and it’s designed so that it’s fun, quick and in the style [...]

I suppose it deserves a mention as there is no doubt it will have an impact on the finances of the country. I do however believe that politics and religion are two subjects which need to be discussed with care and it does not pay to take sides if it’s a quiet life you’re after. So, [...]

For many years a multiple of earnings has been considered a way to gauge how much a mortgage lender will lend. For example, if a mortgage lender suggests they would lend 5x income, someone with a £10,000 salary would be able to borrow £50,000. In some instances this is still partly the case but to [...]

Typically, self employed people wishing to obtain a mortgage require at least 2 years worth of accounts or, very solid business projections with an accountant’s letter or certificate. Small business owners who are the only director of their limited company are also considered self employed for mortgage purposes. Historically, to calculate how much an applicant [...]