Money decisions, explained
Real-world money decisions explained — UK tax tactics, US self-employment math, FIRE on a normal salary, and rent-vs-buy in 2026.
UK Gift Aid for Higher-Rate Taxpayers: How to Reclaim the Other £25
Most higher-rate UK donors lose half of their available tax relief — because Gift Aid only gives the charity 25%, and you have to reclaim the rest yourself through Self Assessment.
FIRE on a £50k UK Salary: Is It Actually Possible?
Most FIRE content assumes US salaries, 401(k)s, and no NHS. UK reality is different — but with an ISA, a SIPP, and a 40%+ savings rate, retiring 15 years early on £50k is mathematically realistic.
US Self-Employment Tax: The 14.1% You Didn't Know You Owed
Most freelancers quote the self-employment tax as 15.3%. The real effective rate is closer to 14.1% — but the deductions and thresholds that get you there are nobody's idea of fun. Here's the math.
Rent vs Buy in the UK in 2026: Why The Maths Has Changed
Mortgage rates above 5%, the SDLT nil-rate band reset, and double-digit rent inflation have rewritten the rent-vs-buy decision. Here's what the actual numbers say for a 5-year horizon in 2026.
Charity Tax Deduction by Country: A Practical 2025 Guide
A £100 donation costs £75 in the UK, $80 in the US (if you itemise), and €34 in France. The mechanisms behind those numbers vary wildly. Here's the working for 16 countries.