Amalia Illgner
Money Reporter & Writer
Latest from Amalia Illgner
Credit Unions
Credit unions offer non-profit savings and loans to local communities. Find a credit union near you, how safe they are and when to use one with MoneySavingExpert.
8 March 2023
Crucial deadline to boost your state pension extended to 31 July – here's what you need to know
The deadline to top up missing national insurance years between 2006 and 2016 has been extended to 31 July 2023.
7 March 2023
Aged 45 to 70? Urgently consider buying national insurance years
If you're aged between 45 and 70, you may find that buying extra national insurance years is the best way to boost your state pension. If you're eligible, the returns can be huge. Learn more about who might be eligible and how to do it.
7 March 2023
Grandparents' childcare credit
If you're a working-age adult who cares for a young family member while the child's parents work, there's a little-known benefit that could boost your state pension by £1,000s. 'Specified adult childcare credits' work by filling in gaps in your national insurance record. See if you qualify and how to apply.
16 February 2023
Tax-Free Childcare
Learn how Tax-Free Childcare works and if you're eligible for the scheme, which can pay up to £2,000 per child - MoneySavingExpert.
30 January 2023
Financial Ombudsman – your rights
Many complaints to the financial Ombudsman WIN! Find out from MoneySavingExpert’s guide how to complain, get help & claim compensation.
10 January 2023
Visa, Mastercard & Amex chargeback
This MoneySavingExpert guide tells you how to use chargeback to get money back from your bank if goods are faulty or services aren't delivered.
13 December 2022
Child benefit
13 October 2022
Reclaim payday & other bad credit loans
If you got a payday loan that you couldn't repay as the lender didn't check your finances or kept trying to sell it repeatedly, you may be able to reclaim £100s using MoneySavingExpert's tool.
27 April 2022
Reclaim mis-sold car finance loans for free
11 April 2022
Can I get help towards my child's school uniform costs?
If you're on a low income, you could get as much as £200 a year towards the cost of your child's school uniform – saving you £100s or even £1,000s (if you have more than one child) over their school years
13 October 2021
'I'm self-employed but confused about whether I can claim the fifth grant' – Unsure? Here's what you need to know
100s of self-employed people are confused about what constitutes being “adversely affected” by coronavirus, we have some helpful scenarios to work out where you stand, as well as HMRC’s guidance.
1 October 2021
Coronavirus Universal Credit & Benefits
If you're suddenly unable to work due to the coronavirus crisis, or you've been laid off, this guide looks at what benefits you can claim, what you're entitled to under universal credit plus tells you how to make a claim.
1 October 2021
Coronavirus Self-Employed & Small Limited Company Help
If you're worried about work during the coronavirus crisis, this guide looks at your rights if you're self employed, including what help's there for limited company directors.
1 October 2021
FCA raises concerns over Amigo’s proposed redress scheme but 'won’t take action to block it'
The financial watchdog does not support a redress scheme proposed by the guarantor loans sector's largest lender, Amigo Loans, it's been revealed. But the Financial Conduct Authority doesn't plan to take action to stop the scheme if it's agreed on by borrowers and sanctioned by the High Court
25 March 2021
Budget 2021: Universal credit £20/week uplift to continue for a further six months
Universal credit claimants will continue to get a £20/week uplift to their payments for a further six months, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed in his Budget 2021 today.
3 March 2021