Gavin Shepherd

Money Analyst – Banking and Insurance

Having left uni with a degree in German studies, Gavin joined MSE via the unorthodox route of Lufthansa cabin crew, followed by Windsor Castle visitor services.

Now that he's been here over two years, he's a bit of an expert on all things banking, including current accounts, packaged bank accounts and bank switch offers.

Gavin's day-to-day tasks include keeping our bank account guides up to date, as well as regularly assisting the MSE News team with money-related articles. When he's not busy breaking down the latest banking jargon, Gavin spends a lot of time at his local church, where he plays violin in the music group and helps to lead activities for teenagers.

Latest from Gavin Shepherd

Many are paying over the odds for breakdown cover as they let it auto-renew year after year. This guide reveals the cheapest full-service policies, how to get AA and RAC cover for less, and other tips to really drive the savings.

9 December 2025

Switching to a new current account is quick, easy and can earn you up to £200 in free cash. Yet you can get plenty of perks without switching bank account, including 1% cashback on spending or bills and decent savings interest. This guide explains it all and helps you compare the top-pick accounts.

9 December 2025

Packaged bank accounts are the Marmite of banking – some love 'em, some hate 'em. They usually have a monthly fee but, used right, they can save you £100s off the cost of breakdown, travel and mobile insurance. Our guide will help you check if a packaged account is right for you, and show you the top-pick accounts.

9 December 2025

Slash the cost of flights worldwide for you and your partner, just for spending on a piece of plastic. Airline credit cards allow you to earn Avios and other airline points as you spend, plus you can also bag big bonuses simply for signing up.

8 December 2025

Digital and app-based banks come without the branch networks of the traditional banks, but typically offer slicker digital experiences. In this guide we'll run you through our top-pick app-based accounts, plus the ones you've rated the best. Though do take a look at our Best bank accounts guide as well, which includes the top accounts for upfront freebies, ongoing rewards and savings interest.

5 December 2025

Heading off to uni is a milestone – marking the start of real financial independence for many. Used right, student credit cards can be a useful budgeting tool that helps build your credit profile, but get it wrong and it can burn. This guide covers what student credit cards are and if getting one is the right option for you.

24 November 2025

Trading in shares can be a good way to make a return on your money, but is less rewarding if you're paying through the nose for someone to make that trade for you. This guide runs you through the basics of what shares are and what you need to know before investing.

12 November 2025

Though interest rates on savings accounts remain relatively high, many are turning to investments to improve returns. While there's still the very real risk of getting less than you put in, funds are a popular way to get started. We run through the basics, key warnings and platforms to buy and sell funds – if you decide it's right for you.

12 November 2025

If you have more than £85,000 and want to keep it in cash savings, this short guide runs through some top tips to keep it safe, maximise your returns and manage it easily – including how to find professional financial advice.

7 November 2025

Taking on a credit card is not something to rush into. The sheer number of different types out there and the jargon attached can be baffling, making it hard to decide which card is right for you – if any. Here we break down the most important things to bear in mind when considering your first credit card.

6 November 2025

Free 0% overdrafts, free railcards and free cash – banks love to reel in new students with goodies, and this year's no different. This guide's about bagging the best deal.

30 October 2025

Robo-funds are far simpler than normal investing, but you're tied to a 'portfolio' of funds. We think this is somewhat restrictive, though sometimes these robo-funds offer cashback, giving you a head start over other funds

29 October 2025

Buildings insurance is the part of your home insurance that covers the actual structure of your house. While taking out buildings insurance separately from a contents policy is uncommon, you may decide it's the better option for you. In this guide we look at exactly what buildings insurance is, how to find the best deals and what to do if you need to make a claim.

28 October 2025

Break it, lose it or have your mobile nicked – all of them can mean a lot of tears, and a lot of expense. Insurers often play on this fear, charging hefty premiums. Yet you can get cheap mobile phone insurance policies for under £60 a year for the latest Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung S25, and significantly less for older handsets. This guide shows you how to get peace of mind without a high premium.

28 October 2025

15 October 2025

Unlike other financial products – such as mortgages, bank and savings accounts – you can't take out a credit card in joint names. Instead, the credit card remains the responsibility of one person, with an additional cardholder granted permission to spend on the card. This short guide takes you through how they work and what to watch out for.

1 October 2025