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 more than a decade.

Tim enjoys providing no-nonsense information to help consumers make better financial decisions, saving them time, money and worry in the process.

Expertise:

Personal finance

Tim's Experience:

Tim has written for publications throughout the world, including The Times, The Telegraph, and the tabloid press in the UK along with many articles for MoneySuperMarket, informing our customers on different areas of personal finance since 2020.

Best ways to finance a car There are more ways than ever to finance a car. Read our guide to find the best fit for you…
Rock climbing travel insurance If you’re the adventurous type, rock climbing can be an exciting holiday activity but one that brings risks. Find out how travel insurance can keep you safe and what you need to look for when comparing policies.
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.
Loans for young people Need a loan for a new car or to fund your studies? See how young people can improve their chances of getting a loan and the alternatives
Car Leasing Explained If you’re looking to lease a car, then PCH could be your best option. Our guide explains how it works, the pros and cons and the alternatives
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.
Early loan repayments While you can choose to pay off a loan early, you’re likely to face an early repayment charge (ERC) for doing so. Here’s our guide to early loan repayments and what you’ll need to consider...
Credit card minimum payments Everything you need to know about minimum payments on credit cards
Burglary and theft home insurance Did you know if your area has a high crime rate, your home and contents insurance premium could be higher? We explain what areas of the UK are most affected by burglary and how you can make your home more secure to get cheaper home insurance.
Student finance  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. Read on and we'll walk you through your options.
Sainsbury’s pet insurance Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance has flexible policies for your dog, cat or rabbit, covering vet’s fees up to £10,000. Find out more about what’s on offer and how they work with our guide
What is a Student Bank Account? All students need a bank account to help manage their finances during their studies, but a dedicated student account can provide you with helpful extra features, such as an interest-free overdraft. Our guide explains what makes them different and how they can benefit you
RSA Pet Insurance If you’re looking for pet insurance for your beloved cat or dog, then RSA’s More Than brand can help with whatever level you need, from accident-only through to lifetime cover
The Insurance Emporium Pet Insurance The Insurance Emporium provide a range of flexible specialist insurance products. Whether you’re after insurance for your dog or cat, they could have the perfect policy to meet your needs.
How to apply for a loan Find out more about getting a loan, from choosing the right provider to how it affects your credit score
What is a student overdraft? One of the most sought-after benefits of a student bank account is an interest-free overdraft to help fund your studies. But are they really the best option? And what are the risks? Our guide explains all
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
Green savings bonds If you want to earn a return on your savings but you’d like your money invested in environmentally-sound projects, green savings bonds could be for you...
Types of credit cards 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 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
Savings interest rates 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
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
Apple Pay Apple Pay can be a convenient payment option – giving you the option to pay with your iphone or watch, both in store and online. Our guide covers how it works and what to consider
What is a prepaid card? Prepaid cards are an alternative to using cash, and don’t require you to open a bank account. Our guide explains how prepaid cards work, from topping them up to travelling abroad.
Loan repayment difficulty If you’re falling behind with your debt repayments, there is help available to get you back on your feet. Our guide explains more.
Short-term loans for bad credit If you’ve struggled with bad credit in the past but need money quickly, you may be worried about being rejected for a loan. Our guide covers how short term loans work and if you can get one with a low credit score... If you need money quickly but are worried you’ll be turned down for borrowing, our guide might be able to help
What is a balance transfer? Balance transfer cards help you manage your money by moving debts to a lower interest rate. Our guide explains how balance transfer cards work and what to watch out for
How much does a credit card cost? Credit cards can help you spread costs, but they come with fees and charges. Our guide explains more, including the fees to keep a look out for
How does mortgage interest work? Mortgage rates help determine how much you’ll pay back in total when you take out a mortgage. Our guide explains how they work.
Shared equity mortgages 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
Tenants in common If you’re thinking about getting a home loan with someone else, you might want to consider tenants-in-common mortgage. Find out all you need to know here
Borrowing more on your mortgage Looking to make home improvements or even fund a new car? You might consider borrowing more on your mortgage. MoneySuperMarket’s guide covers how additional borrowing on a mortgage works, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What is a SIPP? Read more about what a self-invested personal pension is, how they work and whether they might be the right option for you
Credit card refunds Getting a refund on your credit card shouldn’t be difficult. Here's what you need to know about credit card refunds
Quarterly direct debit Some people prefer to pay their energy bills with four larger payments per year, but is this a smart move? Our guide helps you decide
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
Joint Tenancy Mortgage 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
What is a private pension? Thinking about how you'll fund your retirement when you stop working? Private pensions are one option to consider
PCP or HP?: Which car finance option is right for me? Personal contract plans 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
What is a credit card? 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.
What is a credit limit? Knowing your credit limit can save you from expensive mistakes when it comes to credit card spending
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 your credit score
Switching Bank Accounts Switching bank accounts doesn’t have to be stressful. With the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), you can do it in a few simple steps
Robo investing: a complete guide Keen to make your tax-free money work harder for you? A robo-investment ISA could be a good bet. We take a look at what to expect and what sort of returns you could receive.
What is an overdraft? What happens when you spend more money than you have available in your bank account? Our guide explains what being overdrawn means and how if might affect you
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?
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
Moving house insurance Moving home can be stressful. From buying and selling to packing up and transporting your belongings to an unfamiliar property, there is plenty that can go wrong – which is why it’s a good idea to have the right home insurance in place and have peace of mind
Neighbour damage insurance Even though it’s almost always accidental, your neighbours can sometimes be the cause of serious damage to your property. This is how to make sure you’re insured
How much do I need 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
credit card charges Credit cards can be a useful way of managing your finances, but there can be a 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
Graduate credit cards Finished studying and looking for a credit card? Our guide explains the options to help you make the right choice
How to pay off your overdraft 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
What is cashback? 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?
Guaranteed credit cards for bad credit 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
Easy-to-get credit cards Finding a credit card with poor credit can be tough, but some cards are easier to get than others. Our guide explains more
Using a credit card to build your credit score Looking to improve your credit score but not sure where to start? This guide explains how finding the right credit card can help increase 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
Graduate loans You are unlikely to be cash-rich on the day you graduate from university. But having already borrowed to fund your degree, is another loan an option? Our guide explains.
Savings and 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
Equity Investments Equity investments give you a way of investing in companies through the stock market. Our guide will help you decide whether they are right for you.
How to invest Are you interested in investing in the stock market but unsure of where to start? Our guide to on how to invest in stocks and shares in the UK breaks it down for you
Travel Cancellation Insurance Can you get your money back if you have to cancel your holiday or if the company you booked with goes bust? Out guide explains what travel cancellation insurance covers and how it might be able to help.
When should you get life insurance? Taking out life cover can help you financially support your loved ones when you die, but it can be difficult to know when is the right time to get a policy and what type of cover to buy. Our guide is here to help.
What is a cash ISA? Read more about the popular tax-free savings wrappers - how they work and the pros and cons
Peer-to-peer lending guide Peer-to-peer lending is a way you can lend directly to individuals or businesses – earning interest on your loan. But is it a smart choice? Our guide explains more...
Best Children’s Savings Accounts Opening a savings account can be a great way to get kids into the habit of saving. Where’s best to start?
Personal savings allowance Thanks to the personal savings allowance most savers don’t pay tax on the interest they earn. Here’s how it works...
Lump sum savings Investing a lump sum wisely can make a big difference to your future finances. Find out more about where to save and invest money with our guide to lump sum savings
ISA transfers explained Transferring an ISA isn’t complicated, but you do have to take the correct steps to avoid losing the tax-free benefit
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...
Ethical stocks and shares ISAs More investors are seeking ISAs that invest in ethical companies - those that value the environment, sustainability and fair business practice. We explain more...
Saving for Retirement Pensions, investments or savings could all have a role to play as you prepare your finances for the future
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?
Notice Savings Accounts Need a high paying savings account but don’t need immediate access to your money? A notice account might suit you. Find out more...
NS&I savings accounts We explain how government-backed National Savings & Investments (NS&I) differs from high-street banks. And take a look at the kind of savings and investment products they offer, too.
Pet passports Brexit has affected what documents you’ll need when travelling with your pet. Our guide explains the changes to pet passports and what to do when travelling with your dog, cat or ferret…
Property management companies Some landlords are happy to manage their own properties, but if you lack the time or the experience, you might want to consider employing a letting agent
How to find out if someone has life insurance When a relative dies, you may not know much about their financial affairs, and life insurance policies can go unclaimed. This guide explains how you discover and claim on a life insurance policy
Understand life assurance Life assurance and life insurance might sound similar, but they work in different ways. Our guide lays out the differences, so you have all the information you need to make the right choice
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
Bicycle insurance Bicycle insurance provides protection for a valuable asset, covers the costs of repairs or replacement in case of theft, loss, or damage, and offers peace of mind for individuals who rely on their bike for transportation. Find out more and compare quotes.
Is critical illness cover worth it? Critical illness cover can give you peace of mind if you were to become seriously ill and could no longer provide for your family financially. In our guide, we'll explain the basics and explain whether it's worth it.
Travel insurance claims Travel insurance policies offer peace of mind in case your holiday doesn’t go to plan – but it’s still important to get the claim process right
Which appliances use the most energy? You’ll already be aware that you have many appliances around the home that use electricity, but you may be unsure which ones are the chief culprits in pushing up your bills. With energy bills soaring, our guide tries to give you a clearer picture
High limit credit cards Having a high limit credit card might sound appealing. But how can you get one in the UK and how do they work?
LTV Meaning When it comes to taking out a mortgage, the loan-to-value ratio is all-important and affects the interest rate you can get. Read our ‘LTV Meaning’ guide to learn all you need to know.
How to Remortgage Guide You can often save money by remortgaging to a new mortgage deal. Find out more about the process with MoneySuperMarket’s remortgage guide.
What is a soft credit check? Our guides explains the difference between hard and soft credit checks and how best to protect your credit score when applying for a credit card or loan
Business credit cards A business credit card could make your financial admin easier and offer benefits, from travel insurance and cashback, to 0% on purchases for a time
Energy standing charges explained It’s not as simple as just paying for the energy you use. Standing charges mean that every household must also pay a flat daily rate for their gas and energy supply. Our guide explains what you should know about standing charges.
Gifted 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.
Car finance or bank loan? Our guide compares car finance to using a personal loan - to help you decide which option is best to fund your new car
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.
What is a Mortgage Offer? Getting a mortgage offer is a big step on the way to buying a home. Here’s everything you need to know about the mortgage-offer process.
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.
Hire purchase or leasing? Hire purchase and leasing are different types of car finance. Understand which might better suit your needs
Car leasing vs buying Buying or leasing a car is a big decision, our guide explains the different options and how they work
Travel Insurance for Germany Here’s what you need to know about having the best holiday in Germany’s beautiful cities and countryside. But remember to sort out your travel insurance!
Engagement and wedding ring insurance They can be some of your most precious and valuable possessions, so vow to make sure your engagement and wedding ring are covered should they be lost, damaged or stolen.
Renovation insurance If you’re spending time and money on renovating your home, you’ll want to ensure you have the right home insurance cover to keep you protected
Types of loans When it comes to borrowing it’s not just the amount you need and the interest rate to consider, it’s also the type of loan that’s important
Can I get a credit card? The type of credit card you can get will depend on your personal circumstances. Here’s how to find the right card for you
Bad Credit Car Leasing Leasing could be an option if you can’t afford or don’t want to buy a car outright. But is it still possible if you have a poor credit score?
MasterCard 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
Advantages and disadvantages of a mortgage Most of us can’t buy a home without taking out a mortgage, but while they help us step onto the property ladder, there are also a few potential downsides to consider
Visa credit cards Explaining how Visa credit cards work, where you can use them and the possible alternatives
Moving house mortgage 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
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
How to improve your credit score Lenders look at your credit score to see how reliable you’ve been with credit in the past. Our guide coves how to improve your score – so you’ll have access to a wider range of cards, loans and mortgages
M&S Bank Loans M&S has been providing loans since 1989, offering a range of loan amounts and term lengths for which you can apply
Economy 7 Economy 7 is a special type of energy tariff which could be a cheaper option, or cost more depending on your lifestyle

Tim Heming

Expertise:

Tim's Experience:

Loans Against property

Loans from family or friends

What is an unsecured loan?

What is PCP car finance?

Tim Heming

Expertise:

Tim's Experience:

Loans Against property

Loans from family or friends

What is an unsecured loan?

What is PCP car finance?

View all