Spotlight

Understanding all of the jargon and special terms used within the finance sector can be a challenge, read any article on loans or mortgages and, unless you are an expert in this field, you will no doubt come across at least one acronym that is lost on you, or a reference to a concept that you haven't heard of.

We realise this, which is why we have compiled this spotlight section, here we highlight a number of terms and concepts in the finance sector and explain them to you in plain English. If there are any terms/areas that you would like to see covered, then please contact us.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

When looking at any form of finance, from loans and mortgages to credit cards, you will find the APR stated in the documentation. It is a legal requirement for lenders to provide this, and it is designed to allow consumers to compare loans like for like.. (read more)

Base Rate

Interest rates determine the cost of any loan, so what determines the interest rates set by the lenders? In a large part they are controlled by the Bank of England Base Rate, while a common term in the world of finance, what this is can be unclear.. (read more)

Loan Application

Applying for a loan online can be a very convenient way of arranging a loan, however there is more to the process than filling in an application form. Knowing what the whole process involves can make applying online go smoothly and result in a loan that is right for you.. (read more)

Credit Ratings

Before a lender will approve any borrower for a loan or mortgage, they will first assess that person's credit worthiness based in a large part upon some form of credit rating. A credit rating is not a score that is set in stone, and contrary to popular belief there is no 'blacklist'... (read more)