SimpleCalc Blog

Guides, Tips &
How-Tos

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Receipt showing VAT breakdown on a purchase
Tax & Business|10 min read

How VAT Works: A Simple Guide for Businesses and Consumers

VAT is added at each stage of production and passed to the consumer. Learn the different VAT rates, what is exempt, and how to calculate VAT on any purchase.

6 Apr 2026Read more
Direct debit and credit card side by side with pros and cons
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

Direct Debit vs Credit Card for Bills: Which Is Better?

Paying bills by direct debit often earns a discount, but credit cards offer protection and cashback. Compare both payment methods to find the best option for each bill.

5 Apr 2026Read more
Energy balance scale showing calories in vs calories out
Health & Fitness|9 min read

Calorie Deficit Explained: The Science of Weight Loss

Weight loss comes down to eating fewer calories than you burn. Learn how to calculate a safe calorie deficit, what to expect, and how to track your progress.

4 Apr 2026Read more
Sales tax calculator showing state selection and total price
How-To Guides|8 min read

How to Use Our Sales Tax Calculator for US Purchases

Enter a purchase amount and select your state to calculate the total including sales tax — rates vary by state as [documented by the Tax Foundation](https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/2024-sales-taxes/) and confirmed by each state's revenue department. Compare pre-tax and post-tax prices for any purchase in any US state.

3 Apr 2026Read more
Personal cashflow chart showing income and expense timing
Personal Finance|12 min read

How to Use Cashflow Forecasting for Personal Finances

Businesses forecast cash flow, and you should too. Map your income and expenses over the next three months to spot shortfalls before they become problems.

2 Apr 2026Read more
Removal van outside a house with cost breakdown overlay
Mortgage & Home Buying|9 min read

The True Cost of Moving House: A Full Breakdown

From estate agent fees to removal costs, moving house costs far more than most people expect. Here is every expense you need to budget for when relocating.

1 Apr 2026Read more
Tax code letter with explanation of each component
Salary & Employment|8 min read

How Tax Codes Work and What Yours Means

Your tax code determines how much income tax your employer deducts. Learn to read your code, check it is correct, and what to do if HMRC has it wrong.

31 Mar 2026Read more
Timeline showing factors affecting ideal pregnancy age
Pregnancy & Family|8 min read

Best Age to Have a Baby: What the Research Says

There is no perfect age to start a family, but fertility, health risks, and financial readiness all change with age. Review the data to make an informed family planning decision.

30 Mar 2026Read more
Bar chart showing gap between national and real living wages
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

National Living Wage vs Real Living Wage: The Gap

The government's National Living Wage and the independently calculated Real Living Wage are different amounts. Compare both, see the income gap, and understand why.

29 Mar 2026Read more
High salary but low net worth vs lower salary with savings
Personal Finance|8 min read

Why Net Worth Matters More Than Salary

A high earner with no savings has less financial security than a modest earner with investments. Track your net worth to measure real financial progress.

28 Mar 2026Read more
Two mortgage payment lines showing fixed vs tracker trajectories
Comparisons & Explainers|11 min read

Fixed Rate vs Tracker: A Complete Mortgage Comparison

Fixed rates give certainty while trackers can save money when rates fall. Compare both mortgage types with real scenarios to decide which suits your risk tolerance.

27 Mar 2026Read more
Pregnancy weight gain chart by trimester and starting BMI
Pregnancy & Family|10 min read

Pregnancy Weight Gain Guidelines by Trimester

How much weight should you gain during pregnancy? It depends on your starting BMI. Review NHS and ACOG guidelines for healthy weight gain in each trimester.

26 Mar 2026Read more
US paycheck with federal and state tax breakdown
Salary & Employment|10 min read

US Salary Calculator: Federal and State Tax Breakdown

Calculate your US take-home pay after federal income tax, state tax, FICA, and other deductions. See how your salary compares across different states.

25 Mar 2026Read more
Couple planning finances before starting a family
Pregnancy & Family|8 min read

Financial Planning Before Starting a Family

Starting a family is a major financial commitment. Plan ahead with a savings goal, maternity pay calculations, and a realistic budget for the first two years.

24 Mar 2026Read more
Keto meal and calorie-counted meal side by side
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

Keto vs Calorie Counting: Which Diet Approach Works Better?

Keto restricts carbs while calorie counting restricts total intake. Compare the science, results, sustainability, and which approach our calculators support best.

23 Mar 2026Read more
Bank statement with unused subscriptions highlighted
Money-Saving Tips|9 min read

Subscription Audit: How to Find and Cancel Services You Forgot

The average person wastes over £50 a month on forgotten subscriptions. Audit your bank statements, identify unused services, and cancel them to save hundreds a year.

22 Mar 2026Read more
Split US and UK flags with tax comparison table
Tax & Business|10 min read

US vs UK Tax System: Key Differences Explained

If you work across the Atlantic, understanding both tax systems is essential. Compare income tax, NI vs FICA, VAT vs sales tax, and filing requirements side by side.

21 Mar 2026Read more
Calendar showing February with 29 days highlighted
Date, Time & Productivity|10 min read

Leap Years Explained: Why We Add an Extra Day

Leap years keep our calendar aligned with the Earth's orbit. Learn the leap year rules, when the next one falls, and how they affect date calculations.

20 Mar 2026Read more
Remortgage calculator comparing old and new deal costs
How-To Guides|9 min read

How to Use Our Remortgage Calculator

Compare your current mortgage deal with new offers by entering both sets of terms. See monthly savings, total savings, and whether switching is worth the fees.

19 Mar 2026Read more
Small coin jar growing slowly with encouragement message
Money-Saving Tips|8 min read

How to Save Money on a Low Income

Saving feels impossible on a tight budget, but even small amounts add up. Realistic strategies for building savings when money is tight, starting from just one pound a day.

18 Mar 2026Read more
Shop front with business rates notice and relief info
Tax & Business|10 min read

Understanding Business Rates for Small Businesses

Business rates are a significant cost for commercial premises. Learn how they are calculated, when small business relief applies, and how to appeal your rateable value.

17 Mar 2026Read more
Progress bar showing savings goal completion percentage
Personal Finance|9 min read

Savings Goals Calculator: Reach Your Target Faster

Whether saving for a holiday, car, or wedding, our savings goal calculator shows exactly how much to set aside each month to reach your target on time.

16 Mar 2026Read more
Calendar showing a circled birth date with the day revealed
Date, Time & Productivity|11 min read

What Day of the Week Was I Born On?

Discover whether you were born on a Monday, a Friday, or the weekend. Enter your date of birth into our calculator to find the day and learn the folklore behind it.

15 Mar 2026Read more
Comparison chart of Roth and Traditional IRA features
Investment & Retirement|8 min read

Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Which Is Better for You?

Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth while Traditional IRAs give you a tax deduction now. Compare both based on your age, income, and expected retirement tax bracket.

14 Mar 2026Read more