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Sean LaPointe

Sean is a personal finance writer with a strong passion for helping others become more financially literate and make better financial decisions. He covers everything from credit cards to savings to investing.

Recent Articles

Cheerful mature couple sitting and managing expenses at home.
Personal Finance

Is £219,063 the ideal amount of money to retire on?

| Sean LaPointe

We take a look at the average amount of money you need to retire happy and some useful ways to…

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Woman looking at a jar of pennies
Personal Finance

Can I claim a refund if Brexit has increased postage prices?

| Sean LaPointe

We take a look at whether you can get refund for goods bought from the EU if they come with…

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Father working from home and taking care of baby
Personal Finance

Here’s what you need to know about the proposed Targeted Income Grant Scheme (TIGS)

| Sean LaPointe

TIGS has been proposed to help self-employed workers currently excluded from current government support. We take a look at what's…

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Woman traveller walking alone with suitcase bag.
Personal Finance

What are the new UK travel restrictions?

| Sean LaPointe

Need to travel outside the UK? Here's what you need to know about the new travel restrictions for those entering…

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Close up of credit cards over grey background
Personal Finance

Mastercard increases merchant fees by 5x for UK purchases from the EU

| Sean LaPointe

Mastercard is to impose a five-fold increase on merchant fees for EU purchases made from the UK. We take a…

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Sale agent deal to car loan contract with customer.
Personal Finance

4 things to look out for when buying a used car

| Sean LaPointe

If you're looking to save some money by buying a used car instead of a new one, here's a list…

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Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

How much will my first car cost me?

| Sean LaPointe

Wondering how much your firsts set of wheels will cost you? Here's a breakdown of how much you'll have to…

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No Essential Journeys (English) Road to beauty spot closed due to Covid 19 lock down rules
Personal Finance

When will driving tests resume?

| Sean LaPointe

Driving lessons and tests are currently suspended across the UK because of lockdown restrictions. We take a look at when…

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globe with a mask and text coronavirus
Personal Finance

Coronavirus: England set for £800-£6,400 house party fines

| Sean LaPointe

We take a look at England's new £800-£6,400 fines for those found breaking coronavirus rules by attending illegal house parties.

Read more »

Blue question mark background and dark space
Personal Finance

How does a franchise work?

| Sean LaPointe

An overview of the basics of how a franchise works in the UK, the pros and cons, the type investment…

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Portrait of worried woman standing beside window
Personal Finance

Can I be made to take holiday while on furlough?

| Sean LaPointe

We take a look at everything you need to know about your holiday rights while on furlough, including whether your…

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Aircraft wind on the sunrise sky background.
Personal Finance

What is vaccine tourism?

| Sean LaPointe

Vaccine tourism is helping some people beat the wait for the potentially lifesaving Covid vaccine. Here's everything you need to…

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Young woman with face mask using mobile phone and buying groceries in the supermarket during virus pandemic.
Personal Finance

What are the rules around touching food in supermarkets?

| Sean LaPointe

We all want to feel as safe when we shop. We take a look at the rules around touching food…

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Woman looking at a jar of pennies
Personal Finance

Over a third of households set for January financial struggle

| Sean LaPointe

More than a third of UK households will face a financial struggle in January 2021. We've got a few tips…

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Couple thinking with idea lightbulbs
Personal Finance

How do business incubators work?

| Sean LaPointe

A business incubator can foster the growth and success of your startup by providing resources you otherwise couldn't access. Here's…

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A retired couple review their investing portfolio
Personal Finance

How do global equity funds work?

| Sean LaPointe

Here's everything you need to know about global equity funds, including how they work, the risks involved and whether they…

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Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

Nasdaq vs Nasdaq 100: what’s the difference and should I invest?

| Sean LaPointe

You've probably heard of the Nasdaq and the Nasdaq 100. We take a look at the differences between them and…

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question marks written reminders tickets
Personal Finance

Do I need pay as you go car insurance?

| Sean LaPointe

If you don't drive frequently, pay as you go car insurance could lower your insurance costs. Find out if it's…

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New normal sign on desk
Personal Finance

Tighter lockdown rules in Scotland: here’s what you need to know

| Sean LaPointe

New lockdown rules will soon come into effect in Scotland in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus. Here's…

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Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

Can I buy shares in Dr Martens’ flotation?

| Sean LaPointe

Dr Martens is planning to float its shares on the London Stock Exchange soon. We take a look at whether…

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Uncategorized

What impact will Biden’s inauguration have on stock markets?

| Sean LaPointe

Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated as US president. We take a look at the impact that the inauguration…

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Stack of new one pound coins
Personal Finance

How long did it take the world’s richest self-made billionaires to hit $1bn?

| Sean LaPointe

Have you ever wondered how long it took the world's richest self-made billionaires to make their first $1billion? Well, here's…

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Sun setting over a traditional British neighbourhood.
Personal Finance

Eviction notices banned for 6+ weeks: all you need to know

| Sean LaPointe

Eviction bans have been extended for six weeks in England and longer in Wales and Scotland. Here's everything you need…

Read more »

Road sign indicating essential travel only due to the Covid-19 lockdown
Personal Finance

Covid-19: all UK arrivals required to show negative test result

| Sean LaPointe

You'll need to show a negative Covid-19 test result before travelling to the UK according to the government's new rules.…

Read more »

Sun setting over a traditional British neighbourhood.
Personal Finance

When do I need a consent to let from my lender?

| Sean LaPointe

A consent to let can be the perfect solution if you have to move out of your property but can't…

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travel company bus greets tourists at the airport to take to the hotel
Personal Finance

National Express suspends services: 3 alternative methods for essential travel

| Sean LaPointe

National Express is suspending its network of coach services. We take a look at other options for for essential travel.

Read more »

Young woman preparing takeaway healthy food inside restaurant during Coronavirus outbreak time
Personal Finance

Everything you need to know about the new coronavirus business grants offered by the government

| Sean LaPointe

The government has announced business grants of up to £9,000 to support businesses affected by Covid restrictions. Here's what you…

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Young couple going for holidays with colorful suitcases
Personal Finance

Covid-19: how to get a refund on cancelled holiday bookings

| Sean LaPointe

Here's everything you need to know about getting refunds from airlines and travel operators for flights and holiday bookings cancelled…

Read more »

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Can tradespeople continue to work in tier 5?

| Sean LaPointe

An overview of what tier 5 lockdown restrictions mean for tradespeople, including whether they can continue to work.

Read more »

globe with a mask and text coronavirus
Personal Finance

The 10 reasons you’re allowed to leave home in England’s third lockdown

| Sean LaPointe

England has entered a third national lockdown as a result of the increase in coronavirus cases. Here are the only…

Read more »

Young woman and her dog travelling together in a car
Personal Finance

Driving in Europe after Brexit: what you need to know

| Sean LaPointe

Thinking about driving in Europe after Brexit for work or holidays? Here's everything you need to know about the new…

Read more »

EU and UK flag on broken wall
Personal Finance

Brexit: how long can UK citizens holiday for in Europe now?

| Sean LaPointe

Here's what the new Brexit deal agreed on Christmas Eve means for UK citizens going on holiday to Europe, including…

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Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Is it better to trade in a car or sell it?

| Sean LaPointe

Should you trade in a car or sell it privately? We take a look at the pros and cons of…

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Personal Finance

What is voluntary redundancy and should you take it?

| Sean LaPointe

Here's everything you need to know about voluntary redundancy and some of the factors to consider before you go for…

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Sneaker shoes and arrows pointing in different directions on asphalt ground, choice concept
Personal Finance

How to get the best car insurance for young drivers

| Sean LaPointe

Car insurance is notoriously expensive for young drivers, but these steps could help you find the best possible deal for…

Read more »

Cheerful mature couple sitting and managing expenses at home.
Uncategorized

Vested vs. unvested: what does it mean?

| Sean LaPointe

Here is everything you need to know about the differences between vested and unvested stock.

Read more »

Personal Finance

What to do if your credit limit increase request is denied

| Sean LaPointe

Recently requested a credit limit increase only for it to be denied? Worry not. Here is a useful guide on…

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Young woman wearing face mask while walking in the streets of London
Personal Finance

New Christmas rules: updated guidance on household mixing

| Sean LaPointe

Here's a brief overview of the new Christmas rules on household mixing announced by Boris Johnson and what they mean…

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Coronavirus written newspaper close up shot to the text.
Personal Finance

Tier 4 lockdown: here’s what you need to know

| Sean LaPointe

Here is everything you need to know about the newly announced tier 4 coronavirus restrictions, including the rules and the…

Read more »

Little girl kissing her granddad at christmastime
Uncategorized

Parents spending EIGHT TIMES as much to buy kids’ must-have Xmas gifts this year vs 1970!

| Sean LaPointe

The cost of kids' must-have Xmas gifts is proving to be out of reach for many parents. We take a…

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