Articles
Money decisions explained with real figures, worked out from official 2026/27 rates. For the rules themselves, see our guides.
Property
2-year or 5-year mortgage fix: which is better in 2026?
What each costs at different loan sizes, what happens if rates rise or fall, and how to choose.
More articles
Loans & savings
Pension or ISA: which is better for your savings in 2026/27?
What £100 a month becomes in each, how tax relief works, and how to choose.
How we write our articles
Each article takes one money decision, such as a pension or an ISA, or a 2-year or a 5-year mortgage fix, and works it through with real figures. Every number comes from the official rates we keep for our calculators, from GOV.UK, HMRC, the Bank of England and the ONS, and is worked out with the same code as the calculators, so the articles update when the rates do.
We say where each figure comes from, show the assumptions behind any example, and link to the calculator so you can put in your own numbers. Articles explain the choices; they are not personal financial advice. If you spot a figure that looks wrong, please tell us.
Browse the guides for how each tax and rate works, or all calculators to work out your own figures.
Guides and help
Our guides
Official services and free advice
These results are an estimate, not financial advice. They use the 2026/27 rates in force on 24 October 2026 and the inputs shown, so your actual tax, pay or costs may differ. Before making a decision about your money, check the figures with HMRC or your provider, or speak to a regulated financial adviser. Free, impartial guidance is available from MoneyHelper.
This page explains the rules using the 2026/27 rates in force on 24 October 2026. It is general information, not financial advice. For decisions about your own money, speak to a regulated financial adviser, or get free, impartial guidance from MoneyHelper.