The Cheat Code
Learn the strategies the wealthy use to build and preserve wealth. No fluff, just actionable insights.
The Mortgage Cheat Code: How Weekly Payments Can Save You Years
Discover how switching to weekly mortgage payments can shave years off your mortgage and save thousands in interest.
The Cheat Code #1: How to Turn £0 into £1,000,000
Discover the proven strategy to build wealth from nothing. Learn how compound interest, DCA investing, and time can turn £0 into £1 million.
You're Losing $147,000 by Investing Monthly Instead of Weekly
Same investment. Same market. One small change in frequency can cost you $147,000 over 30 years. Here's the math — and how to fix it.
How Much Can I Borrow? UK Mortgage Affordability Explained
Lenders use income multiples, stress tests, and affordability checks. Here's exactly how they calculate your maximum mortgage — and how to improve it.
Fixed vs Tracker Mortgage — Which Is Right for You?
Fixed gives certainty. Tracker gives flexibility. The right choice depends on your situation, your risk tolerance, and what rates are doing.
What Is LTV and Why Does It Determine Your Mortgage Rate?
Loan-to-value ratio is the single most important number in your mortgage application. Here's what it is, how it's calculated, and how to improve it.
How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early — The Numbers That Actually Work
You don't need to overpay by thousands to cut years off your mortgage. Small, consistent overpayments compound dramatically.
Stamp Duty UK 2025 — What You Actually Pay and When
Stamp duty rates changed in April 2025. First-time buyer thresholds dropped. Here's exactly what you owe, how it's calculated, and what changed.
First-Time Buyer UK 2025 — The Numbers You Need Before You Apply
Deposit, affordability, stamp duty relief, LISAs, schemes. Everything a first-time buyer needs to know in 2025 — with the actual numbers.
What Happens to Your Mortgage When Interest Rates Rise?
Rising rates hit tracker and variable mortgages immediately. Fixed rates protect you — until the fix ends. Here's what rate rises mean for your payment.
UK Income Tax Brackets 2025/26 — Exactly How Much You Keep
Frozen thresholds mean more people are paying 40% tax. Here's how the bands work — and how to see your real take-home.
What Is the Personal Allowance and Who Loses It?
The UK personal allowance is £12,570 in 2025/26. But earn over £100,000 and it starts disappearing — creating an effective 60% tax rate.
National Insurance 2025/26 — Rates, Thresholds and What You Actually Pay
NI rates for 2025/26: 8% up to £50,270, 2% above. Here's how NI is calculated, what it means for your take-home, and what it pays for.
How Long Does It Take to Pay Off a Mortgage?
The standard UK mortgage term is 25 years. Overpaying £200/month cuts 5 years and saves £26,000. Here's the full breakdown.
What Is a Good Salary in the UK in 2025?
The UK median salary is £37,000. Above £50,270 you're in the top 25% of earners. Here's what different salaries actually give you after tax.
How Much Should I Save Each Month in the UK?
The benchmark is 20% of take-home pay. Here's the priority order, the numbers for UK salaries, and why starting now beats starting bigger later.
What Is an ISA? Types, Allowances and Which One to Use
£20,000 per year sheltered from tax — forever. Cash ISA, Stocks & Shares ISA, Lifetime ISA explained with exactly which is right for your goal.
How Much Do I Need to Retire in the UK?
A moderate retirement costs £31,300/year. With the State Pension offset, you need around £495,000. Here's how to calculate your exact target.
What Is Compound Interest?
It earns interest on interest. At 7% annual return, £10,000 grows to £76,123 over 30 years. Here's the formula, the Rule of 72, and how to use it.
What Is Capital Gains Tax in the UK?
CGT is 10–24% on profits from selling assets. Everyone gets a £3,000 annual exemption. Here's what triggers it, what's exempt, and how to reduce your bill.
What Is Inheritance Tax in the UK?
IHT is 40% on estates above £325,000 — but couples can pass up to £1,000,000 tax-free. Here's how the thresholds work and the 7-year rule explained.
How to Calculate a Percentage
Five types of percentage calculation — percentage of a number, percentage change, reverse percentage, and VAT — with formulas and worked examples.
What Is BMI?
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². Healthy is 18.5–24.9. Here's the formula, the WHO categories, and why BMI has real limitations.
How to Save for a House Deposit in the UK
The government adds 25% to LISA savings — up to £1,000 free per year. Here's the fastest realistic path to a first-time buyer deposit.
What Is VAT in the UK?
VAT is 20% on most goods and services. The registration threshold is £90,000. Here's how to add and remove VAT, and what the three rates cover.
How Much Is Stamp Duty in 2025?
Thresholds changed on 1 April 2025. First-time buyer relief dropped to £300,000. Here's exactly what you'll pay on any purchase price.
What Is a Stocks and Shares ISA?
Zero capital gains tax. Zero dividend tax. £20,000/year allowance. Here's how a Stocks and Shares ISA works and what to invest in.