SimpleCalc Blog

Guides, Tips &
How-Tos

Page 17 of 18

Pension pot with government tax relief top-up being added
Investment & Retirement|8 min read

Pension Tax Relief: Free Money From the Government

The government adds 20-45% tax relief to your pension contributions. See how much free money you receive at each tax band and the annual limits you can contribute.

31 Mar 2025Read more
Graph showing nominal vs real investment returns
Investment & Retirement|8 min read

How to Calculate the Real Return on Your Investments

Nominal returns look impressive but inflation and fees eat into them. Learn to calculate your real, after-inflation return to understand your true wealth growth.

30 Mar 2025Read more
School supplies with countdown calendar
Date, Time & Productivity|10 min read

Back-to-School Countdown: Days Until the New Term

Track the days remaining until school starts to plan shopping, schedules, and routines. Use our date countdown to make sure you are prepared for the new academic year.

29 Mar 2025Read more
List of UK tax-free allowances with amounts
Tax & Business|10 min read

Tax-Free Allowances You Should Know About in the UK

Beyond the personal allowance, the UK offers tax-free allowances for savings interest, dividends, capital gains, and trading income. Make sure you claim them all.

28 Mar 2025Read more
Side hustle income staying within trading allowance limit
Tax & Business|8 min read

How the Tax-Free Trading Allowance Works

The £1,000 trading allowance lets you earn small amounts tax-free without registering for self-assessment. Understand what counts, when you exceed it, and your obligations.

27 Mar 2025Read more
Woman over 35 at prenatal appointment
Pregnancy & Family|7 min read

Pregnancy After 35: Risks, Benefits, and What to Know

More women are having babies after 35 than ever before. Understand the real risks based on data, the benefits of waiting, and steps to optimise your health.

26 Mar 2025Read more
Person holding mortgage pre-approval letter
Mortgage & Home Buying|10 min read

Mortgage Pre-Approval: What It Is and Why You Need It

A mortgage pre-approval tells estate agents and sellers you are serious. Learn how to get one, how long it lasts, and what documents you need to provide.

25 Mar 2025Read more
Two paths diverging, one labeled Ltd and one Sole Trader
Tax & Business|8 min read

Limited Company vs Sole Trader: Tax and Legal Differences

Choosing between a limited company and sole trader affects your tax bill, liability, and paperwork. Compare both structures to find the best fit for your business.

24 Mar 2025Read more
Clock showing part-time hours with salary calculation
Salary & Employment|10 min read

Part-Time vs Full-Time: Calculating the Pro-Rata Salary

Moving to part-time work means your salary is calculated pro-rata. Learn how to work out your reduced pay, holiday entitlement, and pension contributions accurately.

23 Mar 2025Read more
Pomodoro timer showing 25 minutes with work sessions tracked
Date, Time & Productivity|10 min read

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique With a Timer

The Pomodoro technique uses 25-minute focused work sessions followed by short breaks. Learn the method, set up your timer, and boost your daily productivity.

22 Mar 2025Read more
Percentage calculator showing different calculation modes
How-To Guides|7 min read

How to Use Our Percentage Calculator

Calculate percentages of any number, find percentage increases or decreases, and work out what percentage one number is of another. Essential everyday math made easy.

21 Mar 2025Read more
Savings account balance growing month by month
Personal Finance|8 min read

How Much Should You Be Saving Each Month?

Financial experts recommend saving 20% of your income, but is that realistic? Discover a savings target that matches your age, income, and goals.

20 Mar 2025Read more
Two pension pots with employer and personal contributions
Comparisons & Explainers|10 min read

Workplace Pension vs Personal Pension: Key Differences

Your workplace pension comes with employer contributions but limited choice. A personal pension offers flexibility but no employer match. Compare both options in detail.

19 Mar 2025Read more
Body fat percentage chart showing healthy ranges by gender
Health & Fitness|8 min read

Body Fat Percentage: What the Numbers Mean for Your Health

Body fat percentage is a better health indicator than weight alone. Learn the healthy ranges for men and women, how to measure it, and what your results mean.

18 Mar 2025Read more
UK tax bands diagram showing progressive rates
Tax & Business|8 min read

UK Income Tax Explained: Bands, Rates, and Allowances

A clear guide to UK income tax including personal allowance, basic, higher, and additional rate bands. Use our salary calculator to see your exact tax breakdown.

17 Mar 2025Read more
Target retirement number displayed on calculator
Investment & Retirement|9 min read

How to Calculate Your Retirement Number

Your retirement number is the total you need saved to fund your lifestyle. Use the 4% rule and our calculator to find yours based on your expected annual spending.

16 Mar 2025Read more
Family reviewing estate planning documents
Tax & Business|10 min read

Inheritance Tax Planning: Reduce What Your Family Owes

Inheritance tax at [40% above the £325,000 nil-rate band](https://www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax) can significantly reduce what you leave behind. Learn about the [residence nil-rate band](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/inheritance-tax-residence-nil-rate-band), exemptions, gifts, and trusts that can legally reduce the IHT bill.

15 Mar 2025Read more
Side by side UK and US payslips with cost comparison
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

UK vs US Salary: How Far Does Your Money Go?

A £50,000 UK salary and a $65,000 US salary are not equal after tax, healthcare, and living costs. Compare like-for-like take-home pay across the Atlantic.

14 Mar 2025Read more
Recovery timeline showing milestones after birth
Pregnancy & Family|10 min read

Postpartum Recovery Timeline: What to Expect by Week

Physical recovery after birth takes longer than most expect. A week-by-week guide to healing milestones, when to return to exercise, and signs of complications.

13 Mar 2025Read more
Self-employed person organising tax returns for mortgage application
Mortgage & Home Buying|11 min read

Mortgage for Self-Employed: How to Prove Your Income

Getting a mortgage when self-employed requires extra documentation. Learn what lenders need, how many years of accounts, and tips for improving your chances.

12 Mar 2025Read more
Calendar showing a 15-year mortgage payoff timeline
Mortgage & Home Buying|7 min read

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage in 15 Years Instead of 30

Practical strategies to halve your mortgage term including overpayments, biweekly payments, and refinancing. See your potential savings with our calculator.

11 Mar 2025Read more
Retired couple enjoying life with retirement savings graph
Investment & Retirement|10 min read

How Much Do You Need to Retire Comfortably?

The answer depends on your lifestyle, location, and when you retire. Use our retirement calculator to work out your target pension pot and monthly savings needed.

10 Mar 2025Read more
Simple line graph showing index fund growth over 20 years
Investment & Retirement|9 min read

How to Invest in Index Funds: A Beginner's Guide

Index funds offer low-cost, diversified investing for beginners. FCA investor guidance and the MoneyHelper investing basics both highlight low fees as the strongest predictor of long-term returns. Learn how they work, the best funds to start with, and how compound returns build wealth over time.

9 Mar 2025Read more
Pregnancy timeline showing morning sickness typical duration
Pregnancy & Family|10 min read

Morning Sickness: When It Starts, Peaks, and Ends

Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women. Track when it typically starts by week, when it peaks, remedies that help, and when to seek medical advice.

8 Mar 2025Read more