SimpleCalc Blog

Guides, Tips &
How-Tos

Page 3 of 18

Retirement calculator showing projected pension pot
How-To Guides|11 min read

How to Use Our Retirement Calculator to Plan Your Future

Input your age, savings, contributions, and target retirement age to see if you are on track. Adjust assumptions to model different scenarios for your retirement pot.

13 Mar 2026Read more
Seesaw showing savings up and borrowing costs down
Personal Finance|10 min read

How Interest Rates Affect Your Savings and Borrowing

When the [Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee](https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/the-interest-rate-bank-rate) changes Bank Rate, savers and borrowers feel the impact differently. Understand the relationship and how to position your finances for any rate environment.

12 Mar 2026Read more
Credit score meter showing green good range
Mortgage & Home Buying|10 min read

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?

Discover the minimum credit scores lenders look for in the UK and US, plus proven ways to improve your score before applying for a mortgage.

11 Mar 2026Read more
Gift envelope with tax-free threshold information
Personal Finance|11 min read

Gift Money Wisely: Tax-Free Giving Limits Explained

You can give money tax-free up to certain limits. Understand annual exemptions, wedding gifts, and how gifting fits into inheritance tax planning.

10 Mar 2026Read more
Drinks with calorie counts displayed above each glass
Health & Fitness|8 min read

How Alcohol Affects Your Calorie Intake and Weight

Alcohol is calorie-dense and often forgotten in diets. Calculate the weekly calorie cost of your drinking habits and see how cutting back accelerates weight loss.

9 Mar 2026Read more
Premium bonds certificate next to savings account statement
Comparisons & Explainers|8 min read

Premium Bonds vs Savings Account: Expected Returns Compared

Premium Bonds offer tax-free prizes instead of interest, but the effective return varies. Compare the expected return on bonds versus the guaranteed rate of savings.

8 Mar 2026Read more
Wallet full of loyalty cards with value comparison
Money-Saving Tips|10 min read

Loyalty Cards and Rewards: Which Ones Are Actually Worth It?

Not all loyalty schemes are equal. Compare Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, Boots Advantage, and others to find which genuinely save you money and which just track your data.

7 Mar 2026Read more
Password generator creating a strong random password
How-To Guides|8 min read

How to Use Our Password Generator for Maximum Security

Generate strong, unique passwords with custom length, special characters, and complexity. Learn why random passwords are essential and how to manage them safely.

6 Mar 2026Read more
Weight loss timeline showing steady 1-2 lb per week progress
Health & Fitness|11 min read

How to Set Realistic Weight Loss Goals

Aiming to lose 1-2 pounds per week is safe and sustainable. Use our calorie deficit calculator to set a realistic timeline that keeps you motivated without crash dieting.

5 Mar 2026Read more
Date countdown timer showing days until an upcoming event
How-To Guides|10 min read

How to Use Our Date Countdown Timer

Set a countdown to any date and watch the days, hours, and minutes tick down. Perfect for holidays, exams, weddings, or any upcoming event you are excited about.

4 Mar 2026Read more
Sleeping person with recovery and hormone balance graphics
Health & Fitness|9 min read

How Sleep Affects Weight Loss and Muscle Recovery

Poor sleep increases hunger hormones, reduces willpower, and impairs recovery. Discover how optimising your sleep can accelerate your fitness and weight loss goals.

3 Mar 2026Read more
Side by side comparison of BMI and body fat measurements
Comparisons & Explainers|11 min read

BMI vs Body Fat Percentage: Which Tells You More?

Both metrics measure health but in different ways. Compare what each tells you, their blind spots, and which combination gives the most complete picture of your health.

2 Mar 2026Read more
Comparison of tracker fund and ETF characteristics
Comparisons & Explainers|8 min read

Tracker Fund vs ETF: What Is the Difference?

Both track an index but trade differently. Compare costs, tax efficiency, minimum investments, and flexibility to decide between a tracker fund and an ETF.

1 Mar 2026Read more
Freelancer at desk with tax forms and calculator
Tax & Business|9 min read

How to File Taxes as a Freelancer in the US

Freelancers face quarterly estimated taxes, self-employment tax, and unique deductions. A practical guide to filing your US taxes correctly and minimising what you owe.

28 Feb 2026Read more
Calendar showing different cycle lengths and fertile windows
Pregnancy & Family|11 min read

Cycle Length and Fertility: What Is Normal?

A normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. Understand how cycle length affects your fertile window and when irregular cycles may need medical attention.

27 Feb 2026Read more
Macro calculator showing protein, carb, and fat targets
How-To Guides|10 min read

How to Use Our Macro Calculator for Nutrition Goals

Calculate your ideal daily macronutrient split based on your goals. Set protein, carb, and fat targets for weight loss, muscle gain, or balanced nutrition.

26 Feb 2026Read more
Runner and walker with calorie burn comparison data
Comparisons & Explainers|10 min read

Walk vs Run for Weight Loss: Calorie Burn Comparison

Running burns more calories per minute but walking is more sustainable. Compare the calorie burn, injury risk, and long-term weight loss effectiveness of each exercise.

25 Feb 2026Read more
Emergency fund targets shown at different life stages
Personal Finance|9 min read

What Is a Good Emergency Fund Size by Age?

Three months of expenses is the minimum, but your ideal emergency fund depends on your age, family situation, and job stability. Find your personal target amount.

24 Feb 2026Read more
Scale showing upfront points cost vs monthly savings
Mortgage & Home Buying|9 min read

Understanding Mortgage Points: Should You Buy Down Your Rate?

In the US, you can pay upfront to reduce your interest rate. Learn how mortgage points work, the break-even calculation, and when buying points makes sense.

23 Feb 2026Read more
Business equipment with buy and lease cost comparison
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

Buy vs Lease for Business Equipment: Tax and Cash Flow

Buying equipment gives you capital allowances while leasing provides predictable cash flow. Compare the tax treatment and total cost of each option for your business.

22 Feb 2026Read more
Electric and petrol car with running cost comparison
Comparisons & Explainers|9 min read

Electric Car vs Petrol: Running Cost Comparison

Electric cars are cheaper to run per mile but cost more upfront. Calculate the total cost of ownership over three and five years including charging, tax, and maintenance.

21 Feb 2026Read more
Birthday cake with exact age displayed in years and days
Date, Time & Productivity|11 min read

Age Calculator: How Old Are You in Years, Months, and Days?

Calculate your exact age down to the day, or find the age difference between two people. Our calculator handles leap years and gives precise results instantly.

20 Feb 2026Read more
Student budgeting with calculator and term planner
Money-Saving Tips|10 min read

Student Money Guide: Budgeting on a Maintenance Loan

Make your maintenance loan stretch further with smart budgeting. A term-by-term guide to managing student finances including accommodation, food, and social costs.

19 Feb 2026Read more
Pregnancy weight gain chart by pre-pregnancy BMI category
Pregnancy & Family|8 min read

Pregnancy BMI: What Is a Healthy Weight During Pregnancy?

Your pre-pregnancy BMI affects recommended weight gain during pregnancy. Use our BMI calculator to find your starting category and healthy weight gain target.

18 Feb 2026Read more