Benjamin Taylor

Money Analyst – Banking and Insurance

Benjamin's experience

Benjamin joined MSE in June 2022 as an Editorial Assistant. In his pre-MSE days, he studied English at the University of Sheffield and worked an array of odd jobs.

A little more about Benjamin

He lives in London and enjoys going to Morrisons, seeing friends and family, and just generally walking about. He supports Norwich City Football Club.

Benjamin says...

"As a member of MSE's Money team, I cover everything from credit cards, ISAs, loans and car finance, to pet, cycle and home insurance. I joined MSE to try to help people claw back pounds from big business and love to read about MSE users' innovative successes each week on the MSE Forum."

Latest from Benjamin Taylor

Don't just stick with your student bank account after uni – loyalty can cost! Some banks let you switch even if you've not had their student account and you can get 0% overdrafts for up to three years. If you've graduated recently, see if you can ditch and switch your account to save £100s in interest.

18 August 2026

If you want to take more control of the money you're saving for retirement, a self-invested personal pension (SIPP) might be right for you. SIPPs are DIY or personal pensions which allow you to choose your own investments. Our guide looks at the key need-to-knows plus platforms you could try.

13 August 2026

If you need a new car but don't have the cash to buy it outright, Hire Purchase (HP) is one of the most popular ways to pay for it. It's been used to buy cars almost since there have been cars, but just because it's an oldie, doesn't mean it's a goodie, and will be right for you. Here we break down the basics of HP so you can decide if it might suit you.

6 August 2026

If you need a new car, but don't have the cash to pay for it, then car finance could be a way to get behind the wheel of one – though it's a big commitment. Here we've broken down the basics of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) car finance, so you can work out whether it's right for you.

6 August 2026

A person putting coins into a white piggy bank

4 August 2026

Personal loans are one of the cheapest ways to buy a car – and that's even considering that their rates have doubled in the past two years.

29 July 2026

While the lowest loan rates have doubled over the past few years, that doesn't mean that you can't cut the cost of existing loans, especially if your credit rating meant you had to take out a high-rate loan in the past. If you're paying more than 6%, it's worth checking if you can save by getting a new loan to pay it off. This guide shows you how to find the best new deal, and has a unique loan-switching calculator so you can see if you'll save.

29 July 2026

There are regulations governing how APRs must be displayed. Below are loan providers' official examples of the cost of taking out a loan.

29 July 2026

27 July 2026

If you're new to credit cards, the idea can be daunting. Yet used correctly, they can provide valuable free protection, a chance to (re)build your credit rating and special 0% deals offer the cheapest way to borrow. This guide explains the different types of cards available and what to watch out for, so you don't get burnt.

8 July 2026

If you're struggling with multiple debts such as loans, credit cards and overdrafts, it may seem logical to consolidate them into one place – taking out a new loan to pay it all off, so you make one monthly payment instead. However it's often not that simple and can lead to even more debt. This short guide takes you through what to watch out for, alternatives and how to decide if it's right for you.

2 July 2026

A brand new car is never MoneySaving, but if your heart is set on one and you're comfortable renting it for a set period (without the chance to own it), then car leasing – also known as Personal Contract Hire or PCH – is worth considering. Here we've broken down the basics so you can work out whether car leasing is right for you.

2 July 2026

Some specialist cards allow others to spend on your behalf while you stay in control – for example, by setting spending limits. These can be useful if you rely on others to shop for you, or if you assist a vulnerable person and want them to be able to spend safely.

2 July 2026

Payday loans are a financial nightmare, and you should avoid them entirely if possible. This guide explains alternative (and much cheaper) ways to borrow, and – if a payday loan is the only answer – what to watch out for.

29 June 2026

18 June 2026

If you're only after insurance for a few days or months, then temporary car insurance may be a good option. Whether you want to borrow a friend or family member's car, or just need short-term cover for a car that you're buying or selling, this guide has full info on what you need to think about, as well as temporary car insurance providers to try.

2 June 2026