SimpleCalc Blog

Guides, Tips &
How-Tos

Page 17 of 18

Tip calculator splitting a restaurant bill between friends
How-To Guides|11 min read

How to Use Our Tip Calculator for Dining Out

Calculate tips for any bill amount, split between any number of people, and choose your tip percentage. Perfect for dining out in the US where tipping 15–20% is the customary restaurant standard#United_States).

11 Apr 2025Read more
Part-time schedule with holiday entitlement calculation
Salary & Employment|8 min read

How to Calculate Holiday Pay for Part-Time Workers

Part-time workers are entitled to pro-rata holiday pay based on their hours. Calculate your entitlement accurately and ensure your employer is paying you the correct amount.

10 Apr 2025Read more
Tax bill being reduced with allowance and relief arrows
Money-Saving Tips|9 min read

How to Reduce Your Tax Bill Legally

From maximising pension contributions to using ISA allowances, there are many legal ways to reduce your tax burden. A practical guide to tax-efficient planning.

9 Apr 2025Read more
Pregnancy timeline showing baby growth stages by trimester
Pregnancy & Family|10 min read

Pregnancy Week by Week: What to Expect Each Trimester

Track your pregnancy journey from conception to birth. Learn what is happening with your baby and your body each week and key milestones to look out for.

8 Apr 2025Read more
Stack of pound coins next to property paperwork
Mortgage & Home Buying|8 min read

Stamp Duty Guide: How Much Will You Pay?

Calculate your stamp duty bill for properties in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Includes first-time buyer relief and additional property rates.

7 Apr 2025Read more
Green investment portfolio with ethical company logos
Investment & Retirement|9 min read

Ethical Investing: Growing Wealth Without Compromising Values

ESG and ethical funds let you invest according to your values. Explore the options, compare returns with mainstream funds, and find ethical investments that perform.

6 Apr 2025Read more
Scale comparing minimum wage and living wage amounts
Salary & Employment|10 min read

National Minimum Wage vs Living Wage: The Difference

The UK has both a National Minimum Wage and a National Living Wage, plus the Real Living Wage. Understand the rates, who qualifies, and what employers must pay.

5 Apr 2025Read more
Thermostat being adjusted with energy saving tips
Money-Saving Tips|8 min read

10 Ways to Cut Your Utility Bills Without Sacrificing Comfort

Small changes to how you heat, light, and use water at home can save hundreds per year. Practical tips that reduce energy bills without making you uncomfortable.

4 Apr 2025Read more
Suitcase with countdown display showing days until departure
Date, Time & Productivity|6 min read

Holiday Countdown: Track Days Until Your Next Trip

Build excitement for your holiday by watching the countdown tick down. Set up a countdown for any trip and use the remaining time to plan your itinerary.

3 Apr 2025Read more
Person comparing mortgage deals on laptop at home
Mortgage & Home Buying|10 min read

When Should You Remortgage? A Complete Guide

Learn the best times to remortgage, how to compare deals, and when switching your mortgage could save you hundreds per month on your repayments.

2 Apr 2025Read more
American home with FHA approved stamp graphic
Mortgage & Home Buying|9 min read

FHA Loans Explained: Low Down Payment Home Buying in the US

FHA loans let American buyers purchase a home with just 3.5% down. Learn the requirements, mortgage insurance costs, and whether an FHA loan is right for you.

1 Apr 2025Read more
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