Articles by: Leanne Macardle

Leanne has been writing professionally for well over a decade, with the majority of that time spent at a financial publishing company where she wrote countless articles across the personal finance space. Now freelancing, she still predominantly writes about finance, with bylines in both national and trade publications. In her spare time Leanne likes to read, catch up on Netflix and sleep, though her toddler rarely allows such things.

Articles by: Leanne Macardle

The complete guide to homeowners insurance

By Leanne Macardle published 6 October 21

How To Our guide to homeowners insurance will equip you with everything you need to know to protect your home and your peace of mind.

How to save money for a house

By Leanne Macardle published 6 September 21

How To Saving money for a house is tough, but getting on the property ladder is still within reach for most people. Here's our expert-led guide.

How to save on your electricity bill: Image shows coins and a bank note.

How to save on your electric bill

By Leanne Macardle published 2 September 21

HOW TO Below are some tips to help you learn how to save on your electric bill, and make your home more environmentally friendly too.

How to save money on groceries

By Leanne Macardle published 5 August 21

How to Here are our top tips on how to save money on your grocery shopping

How does debt settlement hurt your credit?

By Leanne Macardle published 8 July 21

Feature The chance to reduce debt is appealing, but when you realize how debt settlement hurts your credit, you may want to think twice.

Kitchen renovation costs: How to finance a kitchen remodel

By Leanne Macardle published 6 July 21

How to With most people looking to make the most of their homes, we look at how you can finance a kitchen remodel.

Top 5 things that affect your credit score

By Leanne Macardle published 29 June 21

Feature If you're struggling to get a loan, or improve your credit score, you should consider these five things that most affect it.

How can I fix my credit score on my own?

By Leanne Macardle published 23 June 21

How To Being able to fix your own credit score will not only save you money, but also teach you about finance management. Here are our tips.

What is mortgage LTV and why is it important?

By Leanne Macardle published 15 June 21

Feature If you're considering a mortgage, you'll know the term LTV (or loan-to-value ratio)... but why does it matter so much?

How loan interest is calculated

By Leanne Macardle published 9 June 21

Feature If you're confused by the way loan interest is calculated, we have a simple guide to help you figure it out.

Does your cell phone bill affect your credit score?

By Leanne Macardle published 2 June 21

Feature Wondering if negative activity on your cell phone bill has a knock-on effect for credit? We have the answers.

Is cell phone insurance worth it?

By Leanne Macardle published 25 May 21

Feature You'll be offered cell phone insurance when you buy... but it is really worth the time and money?

What credit score is needed to buy a car?

By Leanne Macardle published 19 May 21

How To If you're looking to buy a car on credit, you'll need to check your credit score to see how easy it'll be.

Should you pay off your mortgage early?

By Leanne Macardle published 11 May 21

Feature Paying off a mortgage early could save you $1000s, but it isn't for everyone, and there are both advantages and disadvantages.

What credit score is needed to buy a house?

By Leanne Macardle published 27 April 21

Feature Securing a mortgage is usually the priority once you've found your dream home, but what credit score is needed to buy a house?

How to finance a hot tub purchase

By Leanne Macardle last updated 20 June 22

How To Relax at home without putting pressure on your finances with our guide to buying a spa tub on finance.

Mortgage prequalification vs preapproval: What’s the difference?

By Leanne Macardle published 15 April 21

Feature Homebuyers take note - mortgage prequalification and mortgage preapproval are definitely different things.

Does refinance hurt your credit?

By Leanne Macardle published 7 April 21

Feature Re-evaluating your borrowing is always sensible, but does refinance hurt your credit and how can you counter the impact?

Is debt settlement worth it?

By Leanne Macardle published 30 March 21

Feature Reducing debt without needing to pay it back will always appeal, but are settlement services worth the risk when your credit takes such a hit?

67% of Americans still don’t have a will - here’s why you should

By Leanne Macardle published 22 March 21

News COVID-19 may have persuaded the younger generation to step up their estate planning preparations, but age should be no barrier to anyone making a will.

Why are tax refunds delayed?

By Leanne Macardle published 22 March 21

Feature Whether there's an error on your tax return, it's stuck in IRS processing, or you've mailed your return rather than e-file, there are many reasons why tax refunds may be delayed, particularly in 2021.

Can mortgage insurance be canceled?

By Leanne Macardle published 16 March 21

Feature Fed up with spending on PMI? You’ll want to know when mortgage insurance can be canceled, and is mortgage insurance required at all.

Credit report errors soared in 2020 – here's how to dispute items on yours

By Leanne Macardle published 8 March 21

News With credit reporting errors more than doubling last year, the onus is falling on Americans to put the wrongs right.

The price of working from home? A 7% rise in housing costs, report reveals

By Leanne Macardle published 1 March 21

News It’s often thought that the rise in remote working has led to a cut in expenses for employees, but is the price of working from home more than you think?

As the tax season gets off to a slow start, here's why you should file now

By Leanne Macardle published 23 February 21

News With far fewer tax returns successfully filed compared with the same time last year, American taxpayers are urged not to delay.

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