SimpleCalc Blog

Guides, Tips &
How-Tos

Practical guides on finance, health, tax, and more — written to help you make better decisions with numbers.

Percentage change showing salary increase from old to new
How-To Guides|9 min read

How to Use Our Percentage Change Calculator for Tracking Growth

Track salary increases, investment growth, or price changes by calculating the percentage difference between old and new values. A practical everyday math tool.

27 Aug 2026Read more
Time sheet showing overtime hours and pay calculation
Salary & Employment|9 min read

How to Calculate Overtime Pay in the UK and US

Overtime rules differ between the UK and US. Learn when you qualify for time-and-a-half, how to calculate overtime pay, and understand your rights as an employee.

24 Aug 2026Read more
Ultrasound showing twins with key information
Pregnancy & Family|10 min read

Multiple Pregnancies: Twins and the Fertility Connection

Twins are more common with fertility treatments and at older ages. Learn the factors that increase twin likelihood, special care needs, and what to expect.

20 Aug 2026Read more
Two ISA products compared for first-time buyer benefits
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

LISA vs Help to Buy ISA: Which Is Better for First-Time Buyers?

Both offer government bonuses for first homes but with different rules. The Help to Buy ISA is closed to new applicants, but existing holders can still compare options.

17 Aug 2026Read more
Employee submitting flexible working request form
Salary & Employment|11 min read

How to Request Flexible Working Arrangements

All UK employees can request flexible working from day one. Learn how to make a strong application, your employer's obligations, and what to do if your request is refused.

13 Aug 2026Read more
Neighbours comparing possessions with true cost shown
Personal Finance|10 min read

The Real Cost of Keeping Up With the Joneses

Social comparison spending is the fastest way to stay broke. See how redirecting just half of impulse social purchases into investments changes your net worth over time.

10 Aug 2026Read more
Person starting their first jog with C25K app
Health & Fitness|10 min read

How to Start Running: Couch to 5K Calorie Burn

The Couch to 5K programme gets beginners running in 9 weeks. Track your calorie burn at each stage and see how running improves your fitness and weight management.

6 Aug 2026Read more
Timeline comparing 2-year and 5-year mortgage fix periods
Comparisons & Explainers|10 min read

2-Year Fix vs 5-Year Fix: Which Mortgage Deal Is Better Value?

Two-year fixes offer lower rates but more frequent switching costs. Five-year fixes provide certainty at a premium. Compare total costs for your specific situation.

3 Aug 2026Read more
Calculator showing cost per use for different items
Personal Finance|9 min read

How to Calculate Cost per Use for Major Purchases

A £500 item used daily for a year costs £1.37 per use. Apply cost-per-use thinking to spending decisions and you will buy less, buy better, and waste less money.

30 Jul 2026Read more
Tribunal hearing room with process timeline
Salary & Employment|10 min read

What Is the Employment Tribunal Process?

If you have been unfairly dismissed or discriminated against, an employment tribunal may help. Understand the process, time limits, and what compensation you could receive.

27 Jul 2026Read more
Sliding scale showing LTV percentages and corresponding rates
Mortgage & Home Buying|9 min read

How LTV Ratio Affects Your Mortgage Rate

Your loan-to-value ratio is the biggest factor in the interest rate you are offered. Learn how reducing your LTV by just 5% can unlock significantly better deals.

23 Jul 2026Read more
Retirement income waterfall combining state and private pension
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

State Pension vs Private Pension: Building a Combined Income

The state pension provides a baseline income while private pensions fill the gap to your desired lifestyle. See how combining both creates a reliable retirement income.

20 Jul 2026Read more
Calendar with state pension age highlighted
Investment & Retirement|10 min read

State Pension Age: When Can You Retire?

The UK state pension age is rising and may increase further. Find out when you can claim yours, how much you will receive, and how to fill gaps in your NI record.

16 Jul 2026Read more
Loan calculator comparing different loan terms
How-To Guides|12 min read

How to Use Our Loan Calculator for Any Borrowing

Compare personal loans by entering the amount, rate, and term. See monthly payments, total interest, and the full cost of borrowing before you apply.

13 Jul 2026Read more
Spending diary showing daily expenses for a month
Personal Finance|10 min read

Why You Should Track Your Spending for 30 Days

Most people have no idea where their money goes. A 30-day spending tracker reveals surprising patterns and helps you cut waste without changing your lifestyle.

9 Jul 2026Read more
Donation receipt showing Gift Aid tax reclaim amount
Tax & Business|9 min read

How to Claim Tax Relief on Charitable Donations

Gift Aid lets charities claim 25p for every £1 you donate, and higher-rate taxpayers can claim additional relief. Maximise the tax benefit of your charitable giving.

6 Jul 2026Read more
Timer and planner showing time management system
Date, Time & Productivity|9 min read

Time Management Techniques That Actually Work

From the Pomodoro technique to time blocking, discover evidence-based time management methods. Use our timer tool to implement them and track your productivity.

2 Jul 2026Read more
Rent vs buy calculator showing cost comparison over time
How-To Guides|11 min read

How to Use Our Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the long-term costs of renting versus buying by entering your local rent, property price, and financial details. See which option builds more wealth over time.

29 Jun 2026Read more
Bank switch bonus offer with simple switching steps
Money-Saving Tips|12 min read

How to Switch Bank Accounts and Get a Cash Bonus

UK banks regularly offer cash bonuses of £100-175 for switching via the Current Account Switch Service. Here is how to claim yours while upgrading your banking.

25 Jun 2026Read more
Bitcoin with tax calculation overlay
Tax & Business|10 min read

Tax on Cryptocurrency: UK and US Rules Explained

Buying, selling, and trading crypto triggers tax liabilities in both the UK and US. Learn when you owe capital gains tax, how to calculate it, and reporting requirements.

22 Jun 2026Read more
Multiple investment platform logos with fee comparison
Investment & Retirement|10 min read

How to Choose Between Investment Platforms

Investment platforms charge differently for portfolios of different sizes. Compare flat fee vs percentage platforms to find the cheapest option for your investment amount.

18 Jun 2026Read more
Inflation calculator showing how £100 changes over decades
How-To Guides|10 min read

How to Use Our Inflation Calculator to Compare Prices Across Years

Enter an amount and two years to see how inflation has changed its value. Compare the cost of living across decades and understand how prices have risen over time.

15 Jun 2026Read more
Diagram showing different ISA types and allowances
Tax & Business|11 min read

ISAs Explained: Every Type and How to Maximise Your Allowance

From Cash ISAs to Stocks and Shares ISAs, each type offers tax-free savings or investment growth. Learn how to use the full annual allowance across ISA types.

11 Jun 2026Read more
Fitness goal board with realistic monthly milestones
Health & Fitness|8 min read

New Year Health Reset: Setting Realistic Fitness Goals

Most New Year fitness resolutions fail by February. Set evidence-based goals using your BMI, TDEE, and body fat data that you will actually achieve this year.

8 Jun 2026Read more