NI Class 1 vs Class 4 — Self-Employed Contributions in 2026 National Insurance contributions for the self-employed are split into two classes. The 2024 reforms removed Class 2 for most. In 2026 the calculation is simpler — but the link to State Pension entitlement deserves understanding. The Current 2026 Structure For employees (Class 1): 8% …
Fellipe Correia
Fellipe Correia is the founding editor of Hutzis Money. He researches and writes about UK personal finance — ISAs, pensions, mortgages and HMRC tax — drawing on gov.uk, HMRC and FCA public sources. Editorial focus: practical, jargon-free guidance for UK savers and homeowners.
Self-Assessment 2026 — Avoid £100 + 5% Penalties If you’re self-employed, a landlord, or have income outside PAYE, you must file a Self Assessment tax return. Missing the deadline costs £100 instantly, with escalating penalties after that. Here’s the 2026 timeline and the most-overlooked penalty traps. The Key Deadlines For the 2025–26 tax year (April …
UK Annuity Rates 2026 — What’s Available and Who Should Consider Them Annuities — once the default UK retirement choice — almost disappeared in the 2010s when interest rates collapsed. They’re back in 2026 because rates have normalized. Here’s what’s on offer and who should think seriously about them. What an Annuity Is You hand …
Premium Bonds vs Cash ISA — 2026 Expected Return Comparison Premium Bonds are uniquely British — instead of paying interest, NS&I runs a monthly prize draw. Cash ISA pays predictable interest. Which actually returns more in 2026? Here’s the maths. How Premium Bonds Work You buy bonds from NS&I (£25 minimum, max £50,000 holding). Each …
ISA Transfer Rules — Don’t Lose Your Allowance You can move money between ISAs without losing your tax-free status — provided you follow the official transfer process. Move it wrong and you lose your allowance. Here’s the 2026 procedure. The Golden Rule Always use the ISA transfer process. Never withdraw and re-deposit. If you withdraw …
Mortgage Interest Relief for UK Landlords — Section 24 Reality Until 2017, UK buy-to-let landlords deducted mortgage interest from rental income before tax. Section 24 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2015 changed that — and most landlords still don’t fully grasp the implications. Here’s the 2026 picture. What Section 24 Did Before 2017: full …
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) — First-Time Buyer Relief 2026 Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) hits English and Northern Irish property buyers. First-time buyers get relief — but it’s been narrowed twice in recent budgets. Here’s the 2026 picture. SDLT Thresholds for First-Time Buyers (England & NI, 2026) After the 2024–25 changes, the first-time buyer …
Help to Save in 2026 — The 50% Bonus Most Don’t Know About Help to Save is a government savings scheme paying a 50% bonus on what you save — up to £1,200 in bonuses over four years. Less than 500,000 UK savers use it despite millions being eligible. Here’s the 2026 picture. How It …
Section 75 vs Chargeback — Which Protects You When When a UK purchase goes wrong — goods don’t arrive, the supplier goes bust, the item is faulty — you have two routes to your money back: Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, or chargeback through your card scheme. They protect different things. Here’s …
Capital Gains Tax UK 2026 — £3,000 Allowance and the Hard Lessons The UK Capital Gains Tax annual exempt amount has been cut hard. From £12,300 in 2022–23 to £3,000 in 2024–25 and 2025–26. Investors are paying CGT on far smaller portfolios than they used to. Here’s the 2026 picture. CGT Rates in 2026 Lower …