Numbers can feel dry, but they’re the road map for every money decision. Whether you’re eyeing a remortgage, stacking weekly savings, or planning retirement, the right stats tell you what’s realistic and where the pitfalls lie. Below you’ll find the most practical figures from our recent guides, broken down into bite‑size chunks you can use today.
In 2025 the average UK homeowner needs about 15% equity to qualify for a smooth remortgage. That means if your house is worth £250,000, you’ll want at least £37,500 clear of any existing loans. Lenders look at the loan‑to‑value (LTV) ratio: the lower the LTV, the better the rate you’ll lock in. A 70% LTV can shave 0.3%‑0.5% off a mortgage rate compared with an 85% LTV.
Pulling equity works similarly. Most banks let you tap up to 20% of your home’s value without raising your monthly payment dramatically. For a £300,000 house, that’s a £60,000 cash boost you can use for renovations, education, or consolidating high‑interest debt. Just remember the interest on the new loan is added to your mortgage balance, so plan the repayment schedule carefully.
Saving £20 a week adds up fast. After a year you’ll have £1,040, and with a modest 1.5% annual interest that bumps the total to about £1,060. The magic grows when you keep the habit for several years: £20 weekly for five years, assuming the same rate, gives you roughly £5,400.
ISAs remain a top tax‑free vehicle in 2025. The annual allowance sits at £20,000, and the average interest rate on cash ISAs hovers around 1.2%. If you max out the allowance each year and earn the average rate, you could see nearly £12,000 in tax‑free interest after ten years.
Pensions still dominate retirement income. The average defined‑benefit pension pays out about £12,000 a year, while defined‑contribution plans depend heavily on investment choices. A diversified portfolio with 70% equities and 30% bonds, following Warren Buffett’s rule, has historically delivered around 5‑6% real returns. Over 30 years, that could turn a £5,000 yearly contribution into a pot of £500,000.
Dividend stocks are another income stream. In 2025 the top 20 dividend‑yielding UK companies average a 4.5% yield. Investing £10,000 in this basket would generate roughly £450 a year before tax – a modest but steady cash flow.
Finally, a quick look at debt‑related stats: bad‑credit borrowers can still access personal loans up to £5,000, but interest rates often start around 19%. Zero‑percent financing offers no interest but can affect your credit score if you miss a payment, so treat it like any other loan.
All these numbers point to one thing: regular, small actions add up. Keep an eye on your LTV, stash a bit each week, and make the most of tax‑free accounts. The stats aren’t just facts – they’re simple tools you can use right now to tighten your finances and reach your goals faster.
A look at how common it is to have $100,000 in savings and what that amount of money means for people's financial security. The article digs into recent statistics, explores what $100k can actually do, and shares practical advice on how to get there. Expect clear numbers, straight talk, and ideas you can actually use. We’ll also touch on the impact of inflation and smart ways to grow your stash. If saving feels out of reach, this piece breaks down why it might be closer than you think.