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 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

News & Guides

Shared equity mortgages explained If you’re a first-time buyer and finding it impossible to get onto the property ladder, a shared equity scheme could offer the boost you need
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.
How to cancel a credit card If you’re no longer using a credit card, you might think it’s sensible to cancel it. But how do you go about it and is it a good idea?
Joint credit cards How do joint credit cards work in the UK, is it worth getting one, and who is responsible for paying off the balance? Find out more...
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.
Hire Purchase vs leasing a car Hire Purchase and leasing are different types of car finance. Our guide will help you to understand which might better suit your needs.
What's the difference between PCP and HP car finance? Personal Contract Purchase and Hire Purchase have similarities but there are also key differences. Our guide can help you decide which route may suit you best for your new car.
Can I sell a car with outstanding PCP finance? Find out whether you can sell a car that still has outstanding finance – and the legal, financial and practical steps you need to get it right.
How to transfer a credit card balance Transferring a credit card balance can be a great way to cut interest repayments and clear your credit card debt faster. Our guide explains more
Car finance or bank loan - which is better? Should you use car finance or a personal loan to fund your new car purchase? Read on and we’ll help you decide…
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
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.
Nationwide Building Society
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.
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
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.
First Direct What's HSBC got to offer in the way of current accounts? We take a good look.
Santander If you’re looking for a different bank account, Santander has several options, from everyday accounts to rewards accounts with multiple perks.
Nationwide Competitive rates, benefits including overdraft options, and an extensive UK branch network, could make Nationwide worth considering as your current account provider.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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 is stamp duty and how much do I pay? Stamp duty is a tax you pay if you purchase property above a certain value in England and Northern Ireland, with rules slightly different in Scotland and Wales. Here we take a look at how stamp duty works and how much you'll have to pay when buying a property.
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
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.
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
Your first credit card Make the most of your first credit card by finding a card that suits your needs and won’t push you into unmanageable debt
Student credit cards Credit cards can give you flexibility with your spending, help you clear debt more easily, build your credit profile and earn rewards. Some cards are even designed specifically for students.
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.
Secured credit cards explained If you’re considering getting a secured credit card, our guide tells you all you need to know…
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.
Joint mortgage paid by one person Relationship break-down is stressful and having a joint mortgage can make things more complicated. Our guide covers how a joint mortgage paid by one person works, while also showing you your rights.
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.
Loans Against property There are different ways you can take out a loan against your property. Our guide explains the available options and what you’ll need to consider
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
How does credit card interest work? Credit card interest is charged if you don’t clear your balance each month. But how costly might it be and do rates differ depending on the type of spending? Our guide explains
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 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
Credit cards for pensioners Credit cards can be a useful tool to help manage your finances, but can you still get one when you retire? Our guide looks at what might be available and whether pensioners are likely to receive a good deal.
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.
Should I extend my mortgage to lower my monthly costs? Extending your mortgage can help cut monthly costs, but could work out more expensive in the long term. Our guide helps explore your options.
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 gift and accept money for a house deposit A gifted deposit from family can help you massively when buying your first home. But how does it work? What are the legal and tax implications? Read ahead to learn more.
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
Saving for Retirement Pensions, investments or savings could all have a role to play as you prepare your finances for the future
Visa credit cards Explaining how Visa credit cards work, where you can use them and the possible alternatives
What is loan-to-value ratio (LTV)? When it comes to taking out a mortgage, the loan-to-value ratio shows you how much of a property you will own and what size of deposit you will pay. It also affects the interest rate you can get.
What is a declaration of trust and do I need one? A declaration of trust states who owns a property and it is a vital legal document if you are about to buy property with someone else. Here we explain what it is and how it works.
Your guide to additional borrowing on your mortgage Looking to make home improvements or even fund a new car? You might consider borrowing more on your mortgage. We look at how additional borrowing on a mortgage works, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
How do mortgages work when you move house? What happens to your existing mortgage when you move house? Can you take it with you, or should you look for a cheaper deal? Our guide explains the options
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.
What are virtual credit cards? Heard about virtual credit cards but not really sure what they are or how they work? Read our guide and we'll walk you everything you need to know.
Multiple credit cards Credit cards can be handy to manage your finances, but is it a good idea to have more than one and will it damage your credit rating?
Switching credit cards Credit cards have multiple uses but because our financial circumstances sometimes change, the one you have isn’t always the one that you need. If this is the case, how do you switch to a new credit card? Our guide explains
What types of credit cards are available in the UK? Struggling to decide on the best type of credit card for you? Our guide covers the types of credit card available and their differences so you can compare
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
When to get building insurance when buying a home It can be one of the most important policies to consider when you are buying property for the first time, but when is the right time to take out buildings insurance?
What happens when a leasehold expires? If a leasehold arrangement on a property ends the leaseholder could be a tricky situation. Our guide explains what might happen and how to avoid it.
Credit cards for the self-employed and sole-traders When applying for a credit card, you will have to provide details of your salary. This might be a bit trickier to do when you’re self-employed and your earnings fluctuate, but shouldn’t stop a successful application
What is Samsung Pay and how can I use it? Samsung Pay is a feature of Samsung Wallet, which allows you to make contactless payments through Samsung devices
MasterCard explained Should you choose a MasterCard credit card over Visa or American Express? Our guide explains the differences between the payment networks to help you decide
Premium credit cards Premium credit cards come with a host of luxurious benefits but charge a costly fee. Read on to find out if this could be the right credit card for you
How long does it take to get a credit card? The time it takes to apply for a credit card, get approved and then receive it depends on a few factors, as our guide explains.
Credit card fees and charges explained Credit cards are a useful way of managing your finances, but there can be charges and fees to watch out for. Our guide explains the different charges and how they work, so you won’t fall foul of them
Protecting yourself from credit card fraud Credit cards can be handy for managing our finances, but in the wrong hands there can be dire consequences. Find out how to keep your plastic safe and secure
What are the best credit cards for graduates? Finished studying and looking for a credit card? Our guide explains the options to help you make the right choice
What is Google Pay and how can I use it? Google Pay is an online payment system that lets people make payments both in-person and via apps and websites
Credit cards vs debit cards – which is safer? Credit and debit cards can both be useful money management tools. Our handy guide explains the key differences between them and what to be careful of
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.
Credit card statements A credit card statement should tell you everything you need to know about how you’ve used your card, including what you’ve spent, how much you owe, the interest rates and when you need to pay it off
Should I get a credit card or a loan? Both a loan or a credit card can be an option if you need some additional funds. The correct choice for you will depend on your circumstances and goals, as our guide explains.
What is a Continuous Payment Authority (CPA)? Continuous payment authorities are used to pay bills and subscriptions, but how are they different from standing orders and direct debits, and how can you cancel them? Our guide explains more…
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.
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.
Is it possible to buy a car with a credit card? There are a few things to understand if you’re looking to buy a car with your credit card, as our guide explains...
How to borrow money from family and friends Feeling awkward may not be the only consideration when it comes to asking your loved ones for a loan, can they afford it? And what would happen if you aren’t able to make repayments?our guide explains more.
How to activate a credit card If you’ve had your credit card application accepted, the next step is to activate it. Our guide explains all you need to know
Is it a good idea to pay off a loan early? If you choose to pay off a loan early, you could save money on interest charges but you may face an early repayment charge (ERC). Here’s our guide to early loan repayments and what you’ll need to consider.
Can I get a credit card? Looking to get a credit card for the first time? Or in the market for a new card to go alongside an existing one? Our guide will explain how to get a credit card to suit your needs and how to improve your chances of being approved.
What is the minimum payment on a credit card? Everything you need to know about minimum payments on credit cards
How to pay off credit card debt more quickly Struggling with debt on your credit cards? Our guide explains your options and the steps you can take to avoid high interest payments and clear your balance faster pay it off more quickly
What to do if you’re struggling to afford your loan repayments If you’re falling behind with your debt repayments, there is help available to get you back on your feet. Our guide explains more.
Cash advance credit cards Our guide to how a cash advance works, what counts as a cash advance and what it might cost you
How to use a credit card to improve your credit score Looking to boost your credit score but not sure where to start? This guide explains how finding the right credit card can help increase your credit rating
What car finance option is the best for me? There are more ways than ever to finance a car. Read our guide to find the best fit for you…
High limit credit cards Having a high limit credit card might sound appealing because it gives you more flexibility with your finances. But how can you get one in the UK and how do they work?
Using Buy Now Pay Later with a bad credit score Buy Now Pay Later allows you to make a purchase but pay for it at a later date. But can you use a payment plan like this if you’ve got a poor credit rating? We take a look...
Credit card refunds — how do they work? Getting a refund on your credit card shouldn’t be difficult. Here's what you need to know about credit card refunds
What is Apple Pay and how can I use it? Apple Pay can be a convenient payment option – giving you the option to pay with your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, both in store and online. Our guide covers how it works and what to consider.
How does cashback work on a credit card? Cashback is a way of being rewarded every time you spend on your credit card. But how do cashback credit cards work and are they right for you?
What is a credit limit and how are they calculated? Knowing your credit limit can save you from expensive mistakes when it comes to credit card spending
Why was I declined for a credit card? If you've been turned down for credit there are steps you can take to find out why and measures you can put in place to help your chances of being approved in the future.
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.
How to apply for a credit card Applying for a credit card can seem complicated if you’ve never gone through a credit card application before. Here we cover how to get a credit card from choosing a provider to putting yourself in position to get the best deal.
Overpaying a credit card There’s no need to overpay on your credit card. But there’s no cause for concern if it happens by mistake, as our guide explains.
Can you get a credit card if you're unemployed? If you’re out of work and not earning you might think that you won’t be able to get a credit card. But that’s not always the case, as our guide explains
Should I get a credit card? Credit cards offer convenience, rewards, the opportunity to repair your credit file and even the chance to reduce debt. But it's essential to understand the ins and outs before applying.
What type of credit card is best for me? Credit cards offer convenience, rewards, the opportunity to repair your credit file and even the chance to reduce debt. But it's essential to understand the ins and outs before applying.
What credit cards are the easiest to get? Finding a credit card with poor credit can be tough, but some cards are easier to get than others. Our guide explains more.
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
How much does it cost to extend a leasehold? The length of the lease, when to extend it and how much it will cost, are important considerations if you’re buying a leasehold property. Our guide helps explain the steps you should take.
Joint tenancy explained Joint tenancy is a type of ownership where two or more tenants have joint and equal rights to a property. Our guide explains how joint tenancy mortgages work, together with the advantages and drawbacks
Remortgaging with the same lender You can switch to a new mortgage deal without changing mortgage lenders. Find out more about remortgaging with your existing lender, so you can decide if it’s the right move for you
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.
Bounce Back Loans Bounce Back Loans supported many small businesses during the covid pandemic. But where do you stand when it comes to paying them off and how do you go about it? Our guide explains

Tim Heming

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