Martin Lane

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Martin Lane

Author

Former Managing Editor

About the Author

Martin Lane has seven year's experience writing and editing personal finance articles.

In that time he has extensively covered topics including car insurance, loans, property and travel.

Martin left Money.co.uk in 2019.

A black family of three, an adult male and female with a young boy are packing boxes to move house. All of them are smiling and there is only a sofa left in the background, with multiple boxes in the foreground of the room

Moving house: change of address checklist

There's lots to remember when you're moving home, and it's essential you let the relevant people know your new address. Here is what you need to do when you move.

Lending to friends? Make sure you get your money back

It can be tempting to help out a friend by lending them money. But the most important thing is to be sure they can repay you. Otherwise, you could end up in financial trouble yourself.

The word loan is spelt over four wooden blocs, with two male figurines placed next to them.

How to borrow money with bad credit

You can get a personal loan with bad credit, but the rates will likely be high. It can be harder to get a loan with bad credit, and it may be worth trying to improve your score before you apply for a loan.

What are store cards & are they worth it?

Applying for a store card at your favourite shop might bag you a discount, but there could be a cheaper option. Here's how store cards work and what they cost.

How will getting married affect your finances?

We all know that tying the knot can affect your day-to-day money management, but exactly what effect does marriage or a civil partnership have on your financial status? We take a look.

More on getting married and your finances

Current account vs savings account: which is right for you?

Current accounts and savings accounts are the two main types of account on offer from banks and building societies - but what exactly is the difference between the two and which type of account is right for you?

Should you get a student credit card?

A student credit card could be useful in emergencies and help you build your credit record, but they can be expensive. Here's how to find the right student credit card and use it wisely.

How to best prepare your finances for moving abroad

Starting your new life in some far flung corner of the world is both thrilling and daunting in equal measure. Here's how to prepare your finances for the move, wherever you're emigrating to.

Serious young business owner using laptop in his workshop

How borrowing could boost your business

With the right type of borrowing you could pursue business opportunities that would otherwise pass you by, here's how.

Women in striped shirt writing on paper pad

Are you paying too much tax?

Thousands of people across the UK are paying more tax than they need to, are you one of them? We explain how to check and challenge your tax code.

What you need to know about car warranties

A warranty could help with the cost of fixing your car, but how do they work and what do they cover? Here is what you need to know about car warranties.

In debt? What's the worst that can happen?

Being in debt and struggling to pay your bills can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you are feeling pressured into making repayments you cannot afford. But how far can companies actually go to reclaim your money?

Should you bother with an extended warranty?

Your household appliances could be expensive to replace if they break down. But should bother with an extended warranty?

How to claim on your car warranty

If your car breaks down or needs replacement parts, your warranty insurance may be able to cover the cost. Here is what you need to know about claiming on your car warranty.

Council MOT centres: the route to a hassle free MOT?

If you’re fed up with worrying about unscrupulous garages making your car’s MOT a misery, turning to a council MOT centre could be the answer.

8 easy ways to save money on your wedding

The average cost of a wedding is now well over £20,000 but you do not need to spend a small fortune to have the best day ever. Here are eight easy ways you can save money on your wedding without compromising your dream day.

More on ways to save money on your wedding

How is inheritance taxed?

Inheritance tax is undoubtedly one of the most unpopular taxes in the UK, yet for the vast majority of people there is nothing to pay. So what exactly is Inheritance Tax? Here is what you need to know.

Do you have to pay private parking tickets?

Getting a parking ticket can make your heart sink, but not all parking notices are the same. Here is a breakdown of which parking fines you can ignore, and when you have to pay up.

Warranty insurance: is it worth it?

A car warranty can help with the cost of repairs if something goes wrong, but you need to check terms and conditions carefully to avoid policies that don’t pay out when you need them to.

How do extended warranties work?

An extended warranty could pay for repairs if your household appliances break. But what do they cover and are they worth it? Here is what you need to know.

How to claim on an extended warranty

If your appliances break or are faulty, you may be able to claim for repairs on your extended warranty insurance. Here’s how these policies work and how to make a claim.

Can you get breakdown cover when you have broken down?

Breakdowns are always bad news and worse when you haven’t bought cover in advance and the weather’s ugly. But you can still get help if your vehicle has let you down – though the cost can soar. Here are your options.

How to complain about financial services

If you are left out of pocket or are mistreated by your bank or insurer you may want to complain. Here is how to get your complaint heard.

How to carry out a car history check

Buying a second hand car is always a little risky, after all you don't know how well looked after the vehicle has been by its current and any previous owners. Here's how to check your car's history.

What is the best way to pay for a new car?

Buying a new car is exciting but deciding how to pay for your new pride and joy can be tricky. Here is how to find the best way to finance your new vehicle.

Do you need mobile phone insurance?

Mobile phone insurance could give you peace of mind, but if you are unlikely to claim you could be wasting your money. Here is how to decide if you need mobile phone insurance.

How to claim on your gadget insurance

If one of your gadgets is lost, stolen or damaged, your insurance could help you cover the cost of replacing it. Here is what you need to know about claiming on your gadget insurance.

Airpod max and airpods against an orange background

Should you get gadget insurance?

If you worry about the cost of replacing your gadgets if they are damaged or stolen, a gadget insurance policy could save you money. Here is how to decide if you need gadget insurance.

What is excess insurance?

Paying an excess for an insurance claim can be expensive, but there is a way to recover the cost. Here is what you need to know about excess insurance.

What is gadget insurance?

If your gadget breaks or gets stolen, a specialist insurance policy can cover the cost of repair or a replacement. Here is how gadget insurance works and how to get the right cover.

How to switch your business electricity

Switching business electricity could save you thousands of pounds on your energy bills. Here's how to switch supplier and cut your business electricity bills.

How to get the best business electricity tariff

Knowing what you need from your electricity service and getting the cheapest quote could save you money on your energy bill. Here is how to choose the best business electricity tariff.

Are debt collectors allowed to harass you?

We explain exactly how and when debt collectors are allowed to contact you so that you can prepare yourself for when they call, and complain when they've overstepped the mark.

Should you get excess insurance?

Excess insurance can cut the cost of claiming on other policies and protect you from expensive hire car charges. But do you need it? Here is how to decide if it is right for you.

How to claim on your excess insurance

If you have to pay to make a claim, excess insurance could help you recover the cost. Here is how to make a claim on your excess insurance policy.

Why there's never been a better time to ditch your TV package...

If you're paying a fortune each month for a Sky or Virgin Media subscription, now could be the time to think about cancelling. Here are the best ways to get your TV and movie fix for less.

How to complain about a debt collection company

If you have been harassed, publicly embarrassed or treated unfairly or unreasonably by a debt collector or a bailiff you are entitled to complain.

How to stop spam text messages

Spam texts are not only a minor irritation but also a menace that catches out even the savviest of mobile users. Here is how to stop spam texts dead in their tracks.

How to deal with debt collectors

Knowing how to deal with a debt collection company if you are approached for money can ensure you're not intimidated or misled. Here's how to handle debt collectors and avoid the traps they set to get you to pay up.

What are your rights if your rent goes up?

If your landlord puts your rent up is there anything you can do? Here is a breakdown of your rights as a tenant.

Man holding phone up to search for signal

Can you cancel your mobile phone contract if you can't get signal?

Being stuck without signal can be frustrating, but does it mean you can ditch your network and break your mobile contract without charge? Here is when you can cancel your contract without facing a hefty fee.

Where to watch free films and TV online

Watching films and TV shows online can be cheap and convenient, but you could be breaking the law if you use dodgy websites. Here's where you can watch TV and films for free.

How to claim for mis-sold insurance

If you have been mis-sold insurance you could be able to claim compensation to replace the money you have forked out unnecessarily. Here is how to claim your money back from the banks so you are not left out of pocket.

How do you claim tax back?

Paying tax is a fact of life for most of us, but it is surprisingly easy to pay too much and leave yourself out of pocket. Here is how to claim tax back from HMRC.

7 easy ways to watch live sport for free

Watching free sport on a dodgy website is illegal, the quality probably won't be great and your stream could cut out at any moment. So, what's the best legit way to watch live sport free?

How does mobile phone insurance work?

You could pay hundreds of pounds to replace your mobile phone if it gets lost or damaged. Here is what you need to know about how mobile phone insurance works.

Couple in coffee shop using mobile phone

How to claim on your mobile phone insurance

If your mobile phone is lost or damaged, you could cover the cost of repairs or a replacement with your insurance. Here is what you need to know about making a claim.

How to get help with vet bills

Keeping your pet healthy can cost you a lot, especially if you get a big vet bill. But if you need help paying, there are several ways you can get financial assistance towards veterinary bills.

How to switch your business gas

You could save money on your gas bill by switching supplier, but it is important to time it right to avoid being tied into your existing contract. Here is how to switch your business gas.

How do business gas tariffs work?

Finding the right gas tariff is key to saving money on your bill, no matter how big your business is. Here is what you need to know about business gas and how to find the best deal.

How to choose the best business gas tariff

Knowing what you need from your service and shopping around early could save you money on your gas bill. Here is how to find the best gas tariff for your business.