SimpleCalc Blog

Guides, Tips &
How-Tos

Page 15 of 18

Both parents sharing parental leave with baby
Pregnancy & Family|8 min read

Shared Parental Leave: How It Works and How to Calculate Pay

Shared parental leave lets parents split up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay. Understand eligibility, how to divide the time, and calculate your weekly pay.

18 May 2025Read more
Split screen showing calculator results vs broker consultation
Comparisons & Explainers|10 min read

Mortgage Calculator vs Mortgage Broker: When You Need Which

Online mortgage calculators give you quick estimates, while brokers search the full market. Understand when a calculator is enough and when professional advice is worth it.

17 May 2025Read more
Banking app showing recurring payment types
Personal Finance|9 min read

Understanding Direct Debits, Standing Orders, and Payments

Direct debits and standing orders automate your bills but work differently. Understand your rights, how to cancel them, and what protection each payment type offers.

16 May 2025Read more
General calculator interface showing arithmetic functions
How-To Guides|9 min read

How to Use Our General Calculator for Quick Math

Our free online calculator handles basic arithmetic, percentages, and more. Use it for quick calculations without searching for your phone's calculator app.

15 May 2025Read more
Savings account showing 25% government bonus added
Mortgage & Home Buying|9 min read

Lifetime ISA for First-Time Buyers: Is the 25% Bonus Worth It?

The Lifetime ISA gives you a 25% government bonus on savings towards your first home. But there are withdrawal penalties and property price caps to consider.

14 May 2025Read more
Declining purchasing power chart for cash savings
Personal Finance|8 min read

Why Your Savings Account Is Losing Money to Inflation

If your savings interest rate is lower than inflation, your money is shrinking in real terms. Use our inflation calculator to see how much purchasing power you lose.

13 May 2025Read more
Parent reviewing childcare cost comparison on tablet
Pregnancy & Family|10 min read

How to Budget for Childcare Costs

Childcare is often the largest expense for young families. Compare nursery, childminder, and nanny costs, plus government help like free hours and tax-free childcare.

12 May 2025Read more
Stack of closing cost documents with keys on top
Mortgage & Home Buying|11 min read

US Closing Costs: What to Expect When Buying a Home

American home buyers typically pay 2-5% of the purchase price in closing costs. Here is a detailed breakdown of every fee you should expect at settlement.

11 May 2025Read more
Unit converter showing metric to imperial conversion
How-To Guides|11 min read

How to Use Our Unit Converter for Any Measurement

Convert between metric and imperial units for length, weight, temperature, volume, and more. Our converter handles all common measurement conversions instantly using [SI unit definitions maintained by BIPM](https://www.bipm.org/en/measurement-units) and [NIST](https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/metric-si/si-units).

10 May 2025Read more
Handshake between candidate and employer across desk
Salary & Employment|9 min read

How to Negotiate Salary for a New Job

Most job offers have room for negotiation. Use salary data, our take-home calculator, and these proven techniques to secure a better starting salary at your new role.

9 May 2025Read more
Small and large company stocks with risk and return data
Investment & Retirement|11 min read

Small Cap vs Large Cap: Investment Risk and Returns

Small cap stocks offer higher growth potential but more volatility. Compare historical returns, risk levels, and how to blend both in a diversified portfolio.

8 May 2025Read more
Debt payoff calculator showing payoff date and strategy
How-To Guides|9 min read

How to Use Our Debt Payoff Calculator

Enter your debts, interest rates, and monthly payment budget to see your payoff timeline. Compare snowball and avalanche strategies to find the fastest route out of debt.

7 May 2025Read more
Person comparing personal loan options on screen
Personal Finance|9 min read

Personal Loan Calculator Guide: Compare Before You Borrow

Before taking out a personal loan, use our calculator to compare interest rates, monthly payments, and total cost across different loan terms and amounts.

6 May 2025Read more
Bonus cheque with tax portion highlighted
Salary & Employment|9 min read

How Bonuses Are Taxed in the UK and US

Bonuses are taxed as income, often at a higher effective rate than expected. Learn why your bonus feels smaller than promised and how the tax treatment actually works.

5 May 2025Read more
Water bottle with measurement markings for daily intake
Health & Fitness|8 min read

How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?

The eight-glasses rule is a myth. Your ideal water intake depends on weight, activity level, and climate. Use our calculator to find your personal daily target.

4 May 2025Read more
Mortgage payoff calculator showing time and money saved
How-To Guides|8 min read

How to Use Our Mortgage Payoff Calculator

See how extra payments reduce your mortgage term and total interest. Enter your current mortgage details and overpayment amount to calculate your new payoff date.

3 May 2025Read more
Two debt payoff timelines comparing snowball and avalanche
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

Snowball vs Avalanche: Which Debt Strategy Wins?

Run both strategies through our debt payoff calculator with real numbers. See which method clears your specific debts faster and saves you the most in interest.

2 May 2025Read more
Portfolio pie chart drifting and being rebalanced
Investment & Retirement|8 min read

What Is Rebalancing and How Often Should You Do It?

As investments grow at different rates, your portfolio drifts from your target allocation. Learn when and how to rebalance to maintain your desired risk level.

1 May 2025Read more
Bank statement with fees highlighted and alternatives shown
Money-Saving Tips|8 min read

How to Avoid Bank Fees and Charges

Overdraft fees, foreign transaction charges, and ATM fees cost UK consumers billions. Identify the fees you are paying and switch to accounts that eliminate them.

30 Apr 2025Read more
Budget planner showing maternity leave savings timeline
Pregnancy & Family|9 min read

Preparing Your Finances for Maternity Leave

Maternity leave often means months on reduced pay. Use our savings goal calculator to build a financial buffer and budget for the income drop ahead of time.

29 Apr 2025Read more
Line chart tracking base rate with mortgage rate above it
Mortgage & Home Buying|9 min read

Tracker Mortgages: How They Work and Who They Suit

A tracker mortgage follows the Bank of England base rate plus a fixed margin. Understand the risks and rewards and whether a tracker suits your situation.

28 Apr 2025Read more
Clock showing eating and fasting windows for 16/8 method
Health & Fitness|9 min read

The Science Behind Intermittent Fasting and Calorie Deficits

Intermittent fasting helps some people maintain a calorie deficit more easily. A [2020 JAMA Internal Medicine randomised trial](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2771095) found that time-restricted eating produced weight loss similar to calorie counting — suggesting the deficit, not the timing, does the work.

27 Apr 2025Read more
Fertility calculator highlighting fertile window on calendar
How-To Guides|9 min read

How to Use Our Fertility Calculator to Track Your Cycle

Enter your cycle details to identify your most fertile days. Our calculator shows your estimated ovulation date and the best days for conception.

26 Apr 2025Read more
Tax refund being split between savings, debt, and investment
Money-Saving Tips|10 min read

Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund

A tax refund feels like free money, but spending it wisely multiplies its value. Prioritise debt payoff, emergency savings, or investment for maximum financial impact.

25 Apr 2025Read more