Money in United Kingdom
Plan your money in the UK with free calculators that work in pounds, plus the official sources for ISAs, pensions and tax.
Free calculators for United Kingdom
These open in GBP automatically. You can switch currency on any tool.
Key rules to know
ISAs shelter savings from tax
Individual Savings Accounts let you save and invest without paying tax on interest, dividends or gains, up to a yearly allowance. The government can change the allowance and rules, so check GOV.UK for the current tax year.
Workplace pensions and tax relief
Most employees are automatically enrolled in a workplace pension, with contributions from the employer and tax relief from the government — staying in is usually worth it.
Check your State Pension forecast
GOV.UK shows how much State Pension you could get and when, and whether filling National Insurance gaps could increase it.
FSCS protection
Deposits at UK-authorised banks are protected by the FSCS up to a limit per person, per authorised firm. Check the current limit on the FSCS website.
Check before you invest
Use the FCA register to confirm a firm is authorised, and the FCA warning list to spot scams.
Free, impartial guidance
MoneyHelper offers free government-backed help on budgeting, debt and pensions, including Pension Wise appointments for over-50s.
Official sources
Rates, limits and allowances change. Always confirm current figures with the official source.
- HMRC on GOV.UK — Income tax, self assessment and allowances
- ISAs on GOV.UK — ISA types and the current allowance
- Check your State Pension — Your State Pension forecast
- MoneyHelper — Free guidance on money and pensions
- Financial Conduct Authority — Firm register and scam warnings
- FSCS — Deposit and investment protection
- Bank of England — Bank Rate and inflation
- British Business Bank — Finance for small businesses and startups
Common questions
Cash ISA or Stocks and Shares ISA?
Cash ISAs suit short-term goals and emergency savings. Stocks and Shares ISAs suit goals five or more years away, where you can ride out market falls.
Should I overpay my mortgage or pay into my pension?
Compare your mortgage rate with the expected pension return plus tax relief and any employer match. Pension contributions often win for higher-rate taxpayers, but overpaying gives a guaranteed saving.
This page is general education, not financial, tax or legal advice. See our disclaimer.