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

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.

15 July 2025

If you're planning an overseas trip, or regularly buy from overseas websites, a specialist travel credit or debit card is one of the cheapest ways to spend as it gives near-perfect exchange rates worldwide. This guide includes the top-pick travel cards, the cards to avoid, and how to check what your card's charging you.

15 July 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

9 July 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.

9 July 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.

9 July 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.

8 July 2025

If you have children under the age of 18 then a card could be a great alternative to cash to teach them how to spend wisely. There are two main alternatives – prepaid cards or debit cards that come with children's bank accounts. This guide takes you through the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you choose.

7 July 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.

1 July 2025

Mint green Zopa Biscuit debit card sitting on plate of Jammie Dodgers

30 June 2025

Close-up of a sign showing a red L on top of a driving instructor's car.

Car insurance can be expensive, especially if you're new to driving. And unless you're learning with a professional driving instructor, you'll need some sort of cover in place as you practise. This guide runs you through car insurance for learner drivers, and how to get the best deal.

24 June 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.

19 June 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.

10 June 2025

Two HyperJar cards against a purple background

Our top-pick children's prepaid card will charge a £3 a month inactivity fee from 3 June if you fail to use your account in 12 months. But it's not an issue for most as you can easily avoid the new HyperJar fee. Here's how.

2 June 2025

You're not tied in to a contract with your car insurer, so you can leave when you want. If you no longer need your insurance, or you've found a better deal, it's easy to cancel your policy. This guide explains what to consider beforehand, how to cancel and whether you'll be due a refund.

28 May 2025

Are you thinking about investing for the first time? Our guide takes you through the 10 things you need to know about investing, including what and where to buy, and how much risk to take.

28 May 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.

23 May 2025