Money guides: straight answers
The money questions people in the UK actually type into Google at 1am, answered in plain English with this year's real figures. Student finance, tax on your first job, deposits, debt, scams and more.
Every guide is education, not advice, cites the official source, and ends with a free game so it actually sticks. Want the bite-size version? Try the free money library.
Student Finance
- Student financeHow does student finance work in Scotland?SAAS for 2026/27 explained: free tuition at Scottish unis, the Young Students' Bursary, how much loan you can get, Plan 4 and how England compares.
- Student financeHow much maintenance loan will I get in 2026/27?Maintenance loans for 2026/27: up to £10,830 away from home outside London, less as household income rises. Plus Scotland, Wales and NI.
- Student financeWhen do I start repaying my Plan 5 student loan?Plan 5 explained for 2026/27: repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income over £25,000, and anything left is written off after 40 years.
Housing & Renting
- Renting and billsDo students pay council tax? The exemption explainedWho counts as a full-time student for council tax, what happens in a mixed house, how to claim the exemption, and how Scotland, Wales and NI differ.
- RentingHow do I get my tenancy deposit back?Get your tenancy deposit back in full: protection schemes, check-in inventories, fair deductions, the free dispute service and rules in each UK nation.
- RentingHow to split bills with housemates (and stay friends)Split rent, energy, broadband and council tax fairly: who is liable, whose name goes on the bill, and simple ways to split costs without drama.
Budgeting
Work, Payslips & Tax
- Work and taxWhat is an emergency tax code (and how do I get my money back)?Why your first payslip took so much tax: emergency tax codes like 0T, BR and 1257L W1/M1 explained, how to fix yours and how to get any overpaid tax back.
- Work and taxDo I pay tax on a part-time job as a student?Students pay tax like everyone else, but only above £12,570 a year. How tax, National Insurance and the starter checklist work for student jobs in 2026/27.
Pensions
Debt & Getting Help
Benefits & Support
- BenefitsCan students claim Universal Credit? The real rulesMost full-time students can't get Universal Credit, but student parents, some disabled students and a few others can. Here's who, and how your loan counts.
- Benefits and supportWhat is the Crisis and Resilience Fund?The Crisis and Resilience Fund is how councils in England help with food, bills and housing costs in a crisis. What it covers, who can ask, and how.
Credit Scores & Files
Borrowing
Scams & Fraud
- ScamsHow to spot a money mule scam before it spots youMoney mule scams explained: the 'easy money' job offers, the red flags, what happens if you get involved, and exactly who to tell in the UK.
- ScamsWhat to do if you've been scammed in the UKScammed? A calm, step-by-step UK checklist: call your bank, report it, protect your accounts, and how APP fraud reimbursement of up to £85,000 works.
Crypto, Hype & Finfluencers
Banking & Payments
Buying a Home
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