Guides & Resources
The latest tools, guides and resources from the Squared Money team.
Loan Guide & Resource Categories
If you’re interested in learning more about loans and how they could benefit your financial situation, we invite you to explore our comprehensive resources. Our guides cover everything from the basics of what loans are to more detailed aspects like how they can impact your credit score and the specific requirements for securing a loan against property.

Can Home Improvement Loans Be Transferred to New Owners?
Selling a property that has been renovated using a home improvement loan can present unique challenges, especially when the loan is still active. One of the most pressing questions for sellers in this situation is whether the loan can be transferred to the new owner. The idea of transferring the

Broker vs direct lender: how to choose a Bridging Loan
If you’re looking at bridging finance, you’ll usually come across two routes: going directly to a lender, or going through a broker. Both can work. The difficulty is that it’s not always obvious which route is more suitable for your situation, or how to tell whether a broker is genuinely

What Are Bad Credit Loans? A Beginner’s Guide
Having a poor credit score can make borrowing feel like an uphill battle, especially when traditional lenders turn you down. However, bad credit loans are designed to help individuals with less-than-perfect credit histories access the funds they need.
This guide explains what bad credit loans are, how they work, and

Comparing Bad Credit Loans and Guarantor Loans
When you’re struggling with a poor credit history, finding the right loan can feel like navigating a maze. Two popular options often discussed are bad credit loans and guarantor loans. While both can help you secure the funds you need, they operate in very different ways. In this guide, we

What Are Home Improvement Loans? A Beginner’s Guide
You’ve been dreaming of a modern kitchen, a cozy loft conversion, or a garden oasis perfect for summer gatherings. But as you start pricing out the work, the reality hits—renovations don’t come cheap. This is where home improvement loans come into play, offering a way to finance your dream home

Exit strategy evidence for transaction-led bridging
Transaction-led deals move quickly. You might be buying a company, closing a management buyout, completing a time-sensitive transaction, or bridging a gap while a larger funding event catches up. In these scenarios, the property is often the security, but it isn’t the “story”. The story is the transaction, and the

Secured Loans for Renters: Options Without Property Ownership
Secured loans are often associated with homeowners who use their property as collateral, but renters can also access secured loans by leveraging other valuable assets. Whether you’re a tenant seeking a loan for large expenses or debt consolidation, it’s possible to secure financing without owning a home.
This guide explores

Bad Credit Loans for Car Financing: How to Get Approved
For individuals with poor credit, securing financing for a vehicle can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Bad credit loans tailored for car financing can provide a pathway to purchasing a vehicle while rebuilding financial health. This guide outlines the options available, approval tips, and strategies to manage your

How to Choose the Best Debt Consolidation Loan
With so many lenders offering debt consolidation loans, it can be challenging to identify the best option for your financial needs. Choosing wisely ensures you save money, reduce stress, and make progress toward becoming debt-free.
This guide explains how to evaluate lenders, compare loan terms, and avoid common mistakes when

Debt Consolidation vs Bankruptcy: Which is Better?
Debt consolidation and bankruptcy are two vastly different approaches to handling unmanageable debts. While debt consolidation simplifies repayments by combining debts into one, bankruptcy can write off debts entirely, offering a fresh financial start.
Choosing the right solution depends on your financial situation, goals, and the nature of your debts.

Can I Transfer My Secured Loan to Another Property?
If you have a secured loan tied to a property but plan to move or refinance, you may wonder whether the loan can be transferred. In the UK, transferring a secured loan—also known as porting—isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on your lender’s policies and the specifics of your loan

Credit Card Consolidation: Combining Multiple Balances
Credit card debt is one of the most common financial challenges in the UK. With multiple cards, varying interest rates, and monthly payments, managing debt can quickly become overwhelming. Credit card consolidation offers a practical solution: combining multiple balances into one loan or credit card, making repayments more straightforward and,

Secured Loans for Pensioners: Financial Solutions in Retirement
Retirement often brings significant lifestyle changes, including shifts in income and financial priorities. For pensioners in the UK, secured loans can offer a practical way to access funds for home improvements, debt consolidation, or unexpected expenses. By leveraging property or other assets, retirees can secure competitive loan terms, even on

Are Bad Credit Loans Tax Deductible in the UK?
When you’re managing your finances, understanding the tax implications of any loan is crucial. For many borrowers in the UK, a common question is whether bad credit loans are tax deductible. In this guide, we’ll clarify what tax deductibility means, explain the general rules regarding personal loans, and offer insights

Fixed vs Variable Rates for Secured Loans: Which Should You Choose?
When considering a secured loan, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a fixed or variable interest rate. The type of rate you select can significantly impact your monthly repayments, total loan cost, and ability to budget effectively.
This guide explains the key differences between

Bad Credit Loans with No Guarantor: Are They Possible?
Borrowers with bad credit often face challenges when seeking loans, as many lenders require a guarantor to mitigate their risk. However, securing a bad credit loan without a guarantor is possible, provided you meet specific eligibility criteria and understand the available options.
This guide explores the reality of no-guarantor loans

Can I Consolidate Debt Into My Mortgage?
Consolidating debt into your mortgage, often referred to as mortgage refinancing, can help simplify repayments and potentially lower monthly costs. By leveraging the equity in your home, you can combine debts like credit cards, personal loans, or car finance into a single, manageable repayment. This guide explores the process, benefits,

How to Avoid Home Improvement Loan Scams
Home improvement loans are a popular way to fund renovations, but unfortunately, they can also attract unscrupulous lenders looking to exploit unsuspecting borrowers. Falling victim to a scam can result in financial loss, stress, and unfulfilled renovation dreams. This guide will help you identify the warning signs of fraudulent lenders

Bad Credit Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers: Your Options Explained
Self-employed individuals often face challenges when applying for loans, as irregular income streams and limited documentation can make lenders cautious. For those with bad credit, securing financing becomes even more complex. However, there are loan options tailored to meet the needs of self-employed borrowers with poor credit.
This guide explores

Debt Consolidation Loans for NHS Workers
Debt consolidation loans can be a lifeline for NHS workers juggling multiple debts. With the cost of living rising and healthcare professionals often working unpredictable hours, managing finances can become overwhelming. This guide explores tailored debt consolidation options for NHS employees, highlighting unique benefits, eligibility criteria, and practical steps to

Fixed Monthly Payments vs Flexible Terms: Choosing the Right Loan
When choosing a secured loan, one of the key decisions is whether to opt for fixed monthly payments or flexible repayment terms. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your financial situation, budgeting preferences, and risk tolerance.
This guide breaks down the differences between

Secured Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers
For self-employed individuals in the UK, securing a loan can be more challenging than for salaried workers, as irregular income and limited financial documentation may raise concerns for lenders. However, secured loans can provide a viable solution by leveraging your assets, such as property or savings, as collateral.
This guide

What commonly delays refurb completions
Refurb projects rarely fail because someone chose the wrong paint colour. They fail because time slips in small chunks: a valuation assumption doesn’t match the plan, a survey throws up a surprise, a solicitor raises a query that needs a third party, or a lender won’t release funds until the

Bridging finance for land: what lenders scrutinise
Land deals can move quickly. A plot comes up off-market, an auction deadline is fixed, or a seller wants certainty before they entertain planning conditions. At the same time, land is one of the trickiest types of security for lenders because value can be more subjective, planning outcomes are uncertain,