Life Situation Guides

Quick pointers for common money moments — pick the one that matches where you are.

🎉 Just started a new job

Check your first payslip against what you expected using the Salary Calculator. On an emergency tax code you might be overtaxed at first — this usually corrects itself within a couple of pay periods, but it's worth checking.

📈 Got a pay rise

A raise doesn't all land in your pocket — more of it goes to tax and NI than you might expect, especially if it pushes you into a higher band. Use the Salary Calculator's "+£5,000 raise" or "+10% raise" buttons to see the real difference instantly.

⏱️ Going part-time or reducing hours

Dropping to 4 days a week doesn't cut your take-home by a full 20% — because you also pay less tax and NI at a lower salary, the actual drop is usually smaller. Try the "4 days/week (80%)" button on the Salary Calculator to see your real number.

🏠 First-time buyer

Start with the Mortgage Guide for a rough sense of what you might be able to borrow, then use the Budget Planner to check a mortgage payment fits comfortably alongside your other outgoings.

💼 Going self-employed or freelance

Self-employed income is taxed differently from a salary — you'll want the Tax Checker, not the Salary Calculator, since it accounts for Class 4 National Insurance instead of employee NI.

👔 Hiring your first employee

As an employer, National Insurance is an extra cost on top of the salary you offer — not deducted from it. See the real total cost with the Employer NI Calculator.