SimpleCalc Blog

Guides, Tips &
How-Tos

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

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
Pyramid showing BMR at base and TDEE including activity
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

TDEE vs BMR: What Is the Difference and Why It Matters

BMR measures calories at rest while TDEE includes all daily activity. Understand both numbers, how they are calculated, and which one to use for your nutrition plan.

4 Jun 2026Read more
Timeline showing historical CGT taper relief reduction
Tax & Business|11 min read

How Capital Gains Tax Taper Relief Used to Work

Taper relief reduced CGT based on how long you held an asset. Although replaced by a flat rate, understanding the history helps if you have old disposals to report.

1 Jun 2026Read more
Jar filling with coins representing monthly savings
Personal Finance|10 min read

50 Ways to Save Money Every Month

Practical money-saving tips that actually work, from cutting subscriptions to meal planning. Small changes that add up to hundreds in monthly savings.

28 May 2026Read more
Fund factsheet with key sections highlighted
Investment & Retirement|10 min read

How to Read a Fund Factsheet

Fund factsheets contain essential information about charges, performance, and holdings. Learn to read the key sections and compare funds like a professional investor.

25 May 2026Read more
Three time zone clocks showing overlapping working hours
Date, Time & Productivity|9 min read

How to Schedule Across Multiple Time Zones

Coordinating meetings across three or more time zones requires finding overlapping working hours. Use our converter to find the best meeting time for global teams.

21 May 2026Read more
Coffee purchase being rounded up with difference saved
Money-Saving Tips|10 min read

How Rounding Up Spare Change Can Build Serious Savings

Round-up apps invest your spare change from every purchase. See how these micro-savings add up to hundreds per year and which apps offer the best features.

18 May 2026Read more
Startup expenses list with tax deductible items marked
Tax & Business|8 min read

Startup Costs You Can Deduct Before Trading Begins

Many pre-trading expenses are tax deductible, including market research, training, and equipment purchased up to seven years before you start trading.

14 May 2026Read more
Split image comparing fixed and variable mortgage rate charts
Mortgage & Home Buying|9 min read

Fixed vs Variable Rate Mortgages: Which Should You Choose?

Compare fixed and variable rate mortgages side by side. Discover which option saves you more money depending on your circumstances and risk tolerance.

11 May 2026Read more
Same date shown across Gregorian, lunar, and Hebrew calendars
Date, Time & Productivity|11 min read

How to Calculate Your Birthday in Different Calendar Systems

Your Gregorian birthday has equivalents in lunar, Hebrew, Islamic, and other calendars. Discover your birth date in different systems and when each celebrates.

7 May 2026Read more
Pie chart showing salary plus benefits breakdown
Salary & Employment|10 min read

What Is the Real Value of Employee Benefits?

Health insurance, pension matching, and other benefits can add 20-30% to your total compensation. Learn to calculate the monetary value of your complete package.

4 May 2026Read more
Yearly planner with key dates and deadlines marked
Date, Time & Productivity|9 min read

How to Plan Your Year With Key Dates and Deadlines

Map out tax deadlines, school terms, bank holidays, and personal milestones. Use our date tools to calculate timelines and never be caught off guard by a deadline.

30 Apr 2026Read more
Family calculating childcare costs with government scheme info
Money-Saving Tips|9 min read

How to Save on Childcare: Every Option and Scheme Available

Childcare costs rival mortgage payments for many families. Maximise free hours, tax-free childcare, employer vouchers, and other schemes to reduce your bill significantly.

27 Apr 2026Read more