Personal Finance Expert
Tim Heming
Tim Heming is a journalist and editor who has written about personal finance for national newspapers and consumer websites for 15 years.
Tim enjoys providing no-nonsense information to help consumers make better financial decisions, saving them time, money and worry in the process.
Outside of personal finance, Tim has a longstanding love of sport and is a specialist in endurance sport, has written a monthly column for the UK’s triathlon magazine 220Triathlon for the past decade and covered elite races all over the world.
Tim's experience
Tim started writing about personal finance for The Sun website’s Sun Money section in 2007 and regularly contributed articles to the paper’s monthly Cashflow supplement that would tell readers’ stories and help solve their financial issues.
He went on to write a small business column for the newspaper reporting on and supporting the success of UK entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Moving into a freelance role, Tim has written about money matters for publications including The Times, Evening Standard, Times Money Mentor, Forbes Advisor and the tabloid press in the UK. He also worked as interim head of content for leading property website, Zoopla.
Since 2020, his personal finance work has been focused on writing and editing hundreds of articles for MoneySuperMarket, informing customers on different areas of personal finance from current accounts and credit cards to loans and car finance.
Tim's recent coverage
The Evening Standard | All you need to know about self build...
The Evening Standard | What is an interest only mortgage?
Tim's expertise
Money & savings
Insurance
Credit cards & mortgages
More from Tim Heming
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News & Guides
- How to borrow money from family and friends
- Is it a good idea to pay off a loan early?
- What's the difference between PCP and HP car finance?
- What car finance option is the best for me?
- Car finance or bank loan - which is better?
- Your guide to taking a loan out a homeowner loan
- Everything you need to know about student credit cards
- How do credit card refunds work?
- Your first credit card
- How can I apply for a credit card?
- How does credit card interest work?
- What is a Continuous Payment Authority (CPA)?
- Should I get a joint credit card?
- What types of credit cards are available in the UK?
- How do I switch credit cards?
- What is a credit limit and how are they calculated?
- Can I get a credit card?
- How do I cancel a credit card?
- What is Samsung Pay and how can I use it?
- Your guide to MasterCard and how it works
- How do I protecting myself from credit card fraud?
- Credit cards vs debit cards – which is safer?
- Using buy now pay later with a bad credit score
- How does cashback work on a credit card?
- Why was I declined for a credit card?
- What are the best credit cards for graduates?
- What is Apple Pay and how can I use it?
- How many credit cards can I have?
- Is a credit card right for me?
- Credit card fees and charges explained
- How do I use a credit card to improve my credit score?
- How do I pay off credit card debt more quickly?
- Is it possible to buy a car with a credit card?
- What are high limit credit cards?
- What is Google Pay and how can I use it?
- Should I get a premium credit card?
- Credit cards for the self-employed and sole-traders
- Should I get a credit card or a loan?
- Can I withdraw cash from a credit card?
- Should I overpay on my credit card?
- What are secured credit cards?
- What are virtual credit cards?
- Visa credit cards Explaining how Visa credit cards work, where you can use them and the possible alternatives
- Credit card numbers explained You probably think you should know what all the numbers mean on a credit card, but why would you if you’ve never had one before? Our guide breaks it down for you.
- Your guide to credit card statements
- What is the minimum payment on a credit card?
- How long does it take to get a credit card?
- How do I transfer a credit card balance?
- How do I activate a credit card?
- What type of credit card is best for me?
- What credit cards are the easiest to get?
- Can I get a credit card if I am a pensioner?
- Can I get a credit card if i'm unemployed?
- Bank account switching: A complete guide Switching bank accounts is quick, easy, and can have great benefits such as cashback and rewards. With the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), you can do it in a few simple steps.
- Opening an online bank account: Our step-by-step guide It’s never been quicker nor easier to open a new bank account. Here’s the information you need to get started.
- Joint tenancy explained
- Shared equity mortgages explained
- What is stamp duty and how much do I pay?
- What happens when a leasehold expires?
- Your guide to additional borrowing on your mortgage
- When should I get buildings insurance?
- What is loan-to-value ratio (LTV)?
- What is a declaration of trust and do I need one?
- How much does it cost to extend a leasehold lease?
- How to gift and accept money for a house deposit
- Should I extend my mortgage to lower my monthly costs?
- How do mortgages work when you move house?
- Can I get a mortgage during my probation period?
- Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?
- What is mortgage fraud?
- Joint mortgage after separation: what are my rights?
- How do credit cards work? A credit card is a type of loan where the money you spend is borrowed from the card provider rather than taken from your bank account.
- Buy now pay later The popular payment option allows you to make purchases faster and then pay them off over time. But is it a smart or risky way of shopping? Our guide explains how it works.
- What is APR What is the difference between a representative and personal annual percentage rate? Read our guide to find out more about these often-confused rates
- Royal Bank of Scotland The right RBS current account could help you manage your money effectively, whether you're looking for everyday banking, cashback rewards, or premium benefits. This guide breaks down the different account options, their features, and any fees to help you find the best fit.
- Creditor vs. debtor - what's the difference? What is a creditor? What a debtor? Financial terms can sometimes be confusing. Our guide explains the difference
- Barclays Barclays is one of the most recognisable brands in UK banking and has a suite of options if you’re looking for a change of bank account
- What are 'pre-approved' credit cards? Our guide explains how to apply for a credit card without fear of being turned down and seeing your credit rating damaged – even if you have bad credit
- What is chargeback and how do I use it? When you spend on your debit or credit card, you are protected through something called chargeback. Our guide explains how it works.
- HSBC If you’re looking for a new bank account and wondering which bank to choose, global banking giant HSBC could be an option. Here’s what they offer.
- How changing interest rates affect your savings Interest rates affect what you can earn on your savings accounts – and it could be good news when they are on the rise. Our guide explains more about how they work
- NatWest Savings Accounts NatWest offers a range of savings options designed to cater to diverse financial goals. Whether you're saving for a rainy day, a special purchase, or the long term, NatWest's savings accounts provide flexibility and security.
- Saga savings accounts Saga offers a range of savings accounts tailored for the over-50s, including easy-access and fixed-rate options. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand their offerings and choose the right account for your needs.
- Santander If you’re looking for a different bank account, Santander has several options, from everyday accounts to rewards accounts with multiple perks.
- First Direct What's First Direct got to offer in the way of current accounts? We take a good look.
- Saving for Retirement Pensions, investments or savings could all have a role to play as you prepare your finances for the future
- Savings Protection You’ve worked hard to earn your money, so you want to be certain it'll be safe wherever you choose to put it
- Understanding overdrafts While overdrafts can offer short term cashflow to manage your finances, they might also charge interest – which could make them expensive. Our guide explores how to pay off your overdraft fast
- Nationwide Competitive rates, benefits including overdraft options, and an extensive UK branch network, could make Nationwide worth considering as your current account provider.
- Nationwide Building Society
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs Goldman Sachs are best known for their big-money financial services – but with Marcus, they’ve launched a savings account for ordinary customers. Could it be right for you?
- Where can I watch Rugby Union in the UK? (2026) Here's your one-stop guide to where to catch all the Rugby Union action, from the Premiership, Six Nations and British and Irish Lions. And we'll look how to keep your costs down too.
- Buying a new build home: A complete guide Want to buy a new build home in the UK but unsure where to start? Our guide outlines buying process, including the benefits of a new build and any pitfalls.
- Do I need a business bank account? Everything you need to know about whether you need a business bank account, when it’s compulsory and how it can help you stay on top of your finances.
- Bank accounts for sole traders A complete guide for sole traders on opening a bank account, comparing options and keeping your business finances in order.
- Best bank accounts for start-ups A practical guide to finding the right bank account for your start-up, so you can manage money, save time, and stay on top of your finances from day one
- Accounting tools for small businesses This guide explains what accounting tools do, why they’re increasingly essential for managing money and tax, and how much you can expect to pay – from free basics to full-featured software.
- What is Making Tax Digital? A straightforward guide to Making Tax Digital, explaining what’s changing, whether it affects you, and how it could alter the way you report and manage your tax.
- What records do small businesses need to keep? Find out what financial records UK small businesses must keep, how long to retain them, and how good bookkeeping can help you stay HMRC-compliant.
- Do student loans affect mortgage eligibility? Are student loans treated differently when it comes to buying your first home – or are they assessed the same as other borrowing? Our guide investigates
- 0% car finance explained Zero per cent car finance could save you money on your next new car. Our guide explains how, with handy tips to help you secure a great deal.
- The best way to finance an electric car As electric vehicles become increasingly common on UK roads, our guide shows you the best finance options for buying a new or second-hand model.
- What is PCP car finance? Personal Contract Purchase plans, otherwise known as PCP have become a popular alternative to buying a car outright. Our guide covers how PCP works, to help you decide if it’s the right financing option for you.
- What Is Car Finance and How Does It Work? Whether it’s HP, PCP or leasing, our guide to car finance explains the different options available when it comes to getting a new or second-hand car
- What is Hire Purchase? A complete guide Hire Purchase (HP) is a form of car finance where you pay a deposit and monthly instalments for a fixed term before you own the vehicle. Our guide explains more.
- Tesco Bank savings accounts Tesco Bank offers a variety of savings accounts to suit different needs, from easy-access accounts to fixed-term savings and tax-free ISAs. Here’s everything you need to know to find the right savings account for you.
- Savings Interest Calculator Our helpful savings calculator will show you how much interest you could accrue on your lump sum or monthly savings, and how long it might take to save towards a specific financial goal
- Starling Bank Starling Bank helps you budget, save and travel for cheaper. Benefit from the perks and practicality of the mobile phone-based banking solution.
- What are challenger banks?
- What is a stocks and shares ISA? An investment ISA can offer the potential for higher returns than cash over the long term, but they come with risks. Our guide explains...
- What are UK gilts and how can I buy them? Our guide explains what a gilt is, how they work, and the ways you can buy them. Learn about interest, yields, and how to take advantage of government-backed investing.
- What is the Universal Credit savings limit? If you’re in receipt of Universal Credit, you’ll also want to know how much you can save before it affects your payments. Our guide explains
- What’s the best way to save for my child? Explore practical ways to save for your child, comparing accounts, Junior ISAs, and other tax-efficient options. Saving for your children early can give them a valuable financial head start in life. Whether it’s helping with education, their first home, or unexpected costs, building savings over time means you can support their future without sudden financial strain.
- Who owns who? UK banking groups and building societies
- Compare NatWest current accounts If you’re looking for a new current account, NatWest should have a solution. The high street bank offers an array of choice from basic accounts to reward and premier accounts with inviting perks and monthly fees.
- What is a hard credit check? Our guide explains what a hard credit check is, how it differs from a soft check, how long it stays on your file and other key questions you might have.
- What is a negative credit card balance? This guide explains what a negative credit card balance means, why it happens, and what you should do if you find one on your account.
- What happens to my old card after a balance transfer? If you’ve just completed a balance transfer, you might be wondering what to do with your old credit card. Our guide explains what happens to your previous card once your debt has been moved, the options available to you, and the pros and cons of keeping or cancelling it.
- Does a balance transfer affect your credit score? Learn how applying for and completing a balance transfer can impact your credit score – and how to minimise the effects.
- Can I transfer a balance from someone else’s credit card? Our guide looks at whether you can move another person’s credit card debt onto your own card, explaining the restrictions, practicalities, risks, and how it affects both people’s credit scores.
- Which appliances use the most energy? Almost all our home appliances use electricity, but which ones are the chief culprits in pushing up bills? With energy costs increasing, our guide tries to give you a clearer picture
- Can I transfer my pension? Think you might want to transfer a pension to a new provider? Before you do anything, read our guide to learn how to do and what fees you might apply.
- What is the state pension? Thinking about your retirement income? Get up to date on state pensions with our guide and arm yourself with all the information you need to know.
- Pensions for divorcees explained Divorce proceedings usually result in splitting the wealth of the estate between the two individuals. But what does this mean for your pension? Our guide explains
- Types of pensions Your pension is your way to save for retirement. Find out about the different types of pensions available in the UK in our guide.
- Streamlining pensions Whether you're bringing all your pensions together, consolidating them into a new pension plan, or considering a transfer of an old workplace pension, we're here to guide you through the process.
- Lost pensions There are billions of pounds in lost pensions in the UK waiting to be claimed, but how do you find out if any of them are yours? Our guide explains.
- Workplace pensions A workplace pension could be your best option for saving for retirement. But what is a workplace pension and how do they work?
- What is a pension annuity and pension drawdown and how do they work? Annuities and drawdowns are both popular options when it comes to taking your pension at retirement. Our guide explains what an annuity and drawdown are, how they work and which one could be right for you.
- Self-employed pensions If you’re self-employed and want to save for retirement, a private pension can help. Our guide explains your options.
- A guide to Pension Credit What is Pension Credit? How does it work? What's the difference between Savings Credit or Guarantee Credit? We'll walk you through what you need to know
- How much is the state pension for a married couple? Working out how much money you will need to fund your future as a couple when you stop work is an important consideration. Our guide looks at how much you might receive through your pensions.
- How to get a business loan Unsecured business loans let you borrow money without putting down assets as security. They're a faster and more flexible option, especially for businesses without property, vehicles or equipment to offer as collateral.
- Long-term business loans Long-term business loans provide access to larger sums of money, repayable over several years. They're useful for big investments like expanding your business, buying property, or managing cash flow without high monthly costs.
- Unsecured business loans Unsecured business loans let you borrow money without needing to offer assets like property or vehicles as collateral. They’re quicker to apply for and ideal for businesses without valuable equipment or premises.
- What is a balance transfer credit card? Balance transfer cards can help you take control of your credit card debt by moving it to a lower interest rate. Here's how they work and what to look out for.
- What happens If I default on a loan? You should never take out a loan unless you’re confident you can pay it back, but financial circumstances can change. Our guide explains what happens if you can’t repay what you borrow..
- What is a home reversion plan? Also known as a ‘reverse mortgage’, a home reversion plan involves selling your home to a private company in return for a lump sum or a regular income.
- How to find out a property's value If you want to buy or sell a home, you’ll want to get the most accurate assessment of how much that property is worth. Here, we look at some of the ways you can estimate the value of a property and get free house valuations.
- What does sold subject to contract actually mean? There can be a lot of confusing jargon when you are buying and selling property, particularly if you are a first-time buyer. Our guide explains what one of the most important terms means and the rights it gives you.
- TSB loans TSB is a UK high street brand that has gone through ownership changes in the past two decades. Here we look at its loan proposition and whether you should consider it as a lender?
- Asda Money loans Asda is known for being one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, but it also offers financial services, including personal loans. Here’s what you need to know.
- Business money transfers It might not seem expensive to move money abroad, but when you’re doing it day in, day out through your business, the costs quickly add up. Our guide explains how to make foreign transactions as cost-efficient as possible.
- How do international money transfers work? If you want to send money overseas, foreign exchanges and currency brokers often charge no fees and can offer better exchange rates than a high street bank. So how does it work?
- Self-Invested Pension Plans explained Read more about what a self-invested personal pension (SIPP) is, how they work and whether they might be the right option for you.
- How much do I need in my pension to retire? If you're planning for the future, you're probably wondering how much you should be saving for your retirement. Our guide can help you work this out
- What is a private pension? Thinking about how you'll fund your retirement when you stop working? Private pensions are one option to consider
- How much should I be paying into my pension? Planning for a comfortable retirement? Our guide covers pension contributions work and how much you should contribute to your pension.
- How to get a business loan with bad credit If you or your business have a bad credit rating, you may still be able to get the funding you need to drive your company forward. Our guide to bad credit business loans explains how.
- What is a shared-ownership mortgage? Shared ownership allows you to take out a mortgage on a share of a property and pay rent on the rest. Our guide explains how shared ownership works and how to apply.
- What financial help is available to students? As well as student loans to cover tuition fees and living costs, there might be other ways of accessing the financial support you need while studying in higher education. Our guide looks at your options.
- How to remortgage You can often save money by remortgaging to a new mortgage deal. Find out more about the process with MoneySuperMarket’s remortgage guide.
- How to make contactless payments Contactless payments are an increasingly popular way to pay. Here we cover how ‘tap and go’ works on credit and debit cards, the limits on spending, and what happens if your card is stolen.
- Secured business loans Secured business loans give companies the chance to access much-needed funding by providing assets as a form of security. Our guide explains how they work and how they might suit your business.
