Kathryn Pells CeMap CeRer AIPW - MCB Financial Services Ltd

09/09/2026

28/08/2026

Can self-employed people get a mortgage?

Absolutely!

One of the biggest misconceptions is that being self-employed makes it much harder to get a mortgage. While the process can be a little different, there are plenty of lenders who are happy to lend to business owners, freelancers and contractors.

What you'll usually need is evidence of your income, which could include:
📄 SA302s or tax calculations
📊 Tax year overviews
📚 Company accounts
💼 Business bank statements

Exactly what's required will depend on your circumstances and the lender.

The key is finding a mortgage that's right for you and presenting your application in the best possible way. That's where independent advice can make all the difference. We understand the different ways self-employed people earn an income and can help you navigate the options available.

So, if you've been wondering whether being self-employed could stop you getting a mortgage, the answer is: don't rule yourself out before you've explored your options.

Got a question you'd like us to answer in a future FAQ Friday? Leave it in the comments or send us a message.

25/08/2026

When was the last time you properly reviewed your monthly outgoings?

When household or business costs start creeping up, it’s easy to focus on the smaller expenses. But some of your biggest regular commitments could also be worth another look.

🏡 Could you be getting a better deal on your mortgage?
🛡️ Are you still paying for insurance that suits your circumstances?
💼 Could your business finance or other overheads be structured differently?

A regular financial review can help you understand where your money is going and whether there are opportunities to reduce costs without cutting back on the things that matter.

We’ve shared some of the areas worth reviewing in our latest blog.

👉 Read more: https://mcbfinancialservices.co.uk/how-can-i-reduce-my-monthly-costs/

19/08/2026

"I'm too young to need a Will."

It's one of the biggest myths we hear.

The truth is, writing a Will isn't about your age. It's about making sure the people you care about are looked after and that your wishes are clear.

A Will is worth considering if you:
🏡 Own a home
❤️ Have a partner
👶 Have children
💼 Own a business
🐾 Want to make provision for pets or loved ones

Without a Will, the law decides how your estate is distributed, and that might not be what you would have chosen.

Writing a Will can feel like one of those jobs that's easy to put off, but once it's done, it's one less thing to worry about and can give you and your family valuable peace of mind.

If it's been sitting on your to-do list for a while, perhaps now is the time to tick it off.

We're here to help if you'd like to find out more.

14/08/2026

Off to university this autumn? Don't forget one important check before you go.

There's plenty to think about when you're getting ready for university. Packing, moving in, meeting new people and settling into a new routine. But have you thought about your belongings?

Laptops, phones, tablets, bikes and other valuables can all add up, so it's worth checking whether they're covered under your parents' home insurance while you're away at university.

Every policy is different, so taking a few minutes to check what's included (and whether any additional cover is needed) could save a lot of stress if the unexpected happens.

A little preparation now means one less thing to worry about when term starts.

If you're unsure what your policy covers, we're always happy to help answer your questions.

13/08/2026

11/08/2026

"I'll sort out my finances, protection and future planning later."

It's something we hear more often than you might think.

Life has a habit of getting busy. There's always something else that feels more urgent, whether that's work, family or the endless jobs on the to-do list.

But putting things off can sometimes mean missing opportunities to protect yourself and the people who matter most.

Whether it's reviewing your mortgage, arranging life insurance, writing a Will or making sure you have the right protection in place, taking action now can give you confidence for whatever the future brings.

You don't have to do everything at once. Sometimes, the hardest part is simply getting started.

If you've been meaning to review your finances but haven't quite got around to it, we'd be happy to help you take that first step.

What's one financial job that's been sitting on your to-do list for far too long?

07/08/2026

Can I remortgage before my current deal ends?

The short answer is... yes, you can.

In fact, many lenders will let you secure a new mortgage deal up to six months before your current one expires.

Why is that helpful?

✅ It gives you time to explore your options without rushing.
✅ You can avoid slipping onto your lender's Standard Variable Rate, which is often higher.
✅ It gives you peace of mind knowing your next deal is already in place.

Every mortgage is different, and in some cases there may be early repayment charges to consider, so it's always worth getting advice before making any decisions.

If your current mortgage deal is coming to an end in the next six months, now could be the perfect time to start the conversation.

Have a question you'd like us to answer in a future FAQ Friday? Pop it in the comments or send us a message.

03/08/2026

We're always incredibly grateful when clients take the time to share their experience with us.

Here's what one client recently said about working with Kathryn:

"Kathryn Pells has been brilliant in advising us on our remortgage during what was a particularly busy time for our family. Her client service has been excellent, and she is extremely knowledgeable in her advice. She works efficiently, gets things done in a timely manner, and helped ensure a complicated process ran smoothly. Thank you for all your help - we would not hesitate to work with Kathryn again and will certainly be repeat clients in the future."

Buying a home or arranging a remortgage is a big financial decision, and it often comes at a time when life is already busy. That's why we're committed to making the process as straightforward as possible, providing clear advice and supporting our clients every step of the way.

A huge thank you for your kind words and for trusting Kathryn to help with your remortgage. It was a pleasure to support you, and we look forward to working with you again in the future.

If you're thinking about remortgaging or would like to review your current mortgage, we'd be happy to help.