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Nisha Patel

Practical money habits coach

Nisha Patel covers practical money habits at Jolly Good Guide. Her articles are for the reader who is busy, slightly worried, and unsure where to start — and who wants to make one sensible move today rather than overhaul their finances by the weekend. Nisha writes about budgeting, credit-score basics, borrowing alternatives, and the small habits that compound. She's a fan of checklists. She's also realistic about what budgeting can and can't fix.

Budgeting, credit-score improvement, borrowing alternatives, decision-support guides, checklists and tool explainers.

Guides by Nisha Patel
Updates by Nisha Patel
personal loans
Should you borrow for a wedding?

Wedding costs in the UK have risen sharply. This update looks at what borrowers should weigh up before taking out a loan to pay for a wedding, and where to find clear guidance.

18 May 2026
personal loans
Should you borrow for a holiday?

Thinking about taking out a loan to pay for a holiday? Here is what to weigh up before you do, including the real cost, the risks, and what MoneyHelper and the FCA suggest you…

18 May 2026
personal loans
End of UK Tax Year Checklist: What You Need to Know in 2020

With the end of the UK tax year near, there are plenty of things you need to consider to ensure you’re ready for the new tax year - from ISAs to allowances. So, we’re providing you with a tax checklist, helping you tick off the financial jobs you may have forgotten to do before the 5th of April.

12 Mar 2020
personal loans
4 Reasons to Plan Your Holiday in January

From planning your monthly budget to saving for holiday treats, read our latest blog to find out why you should start planning your summer holiday in January. When it comes to planning your holiday early, we’ll share the financial savings that you could make, leaving your budget intact this year.

27 Jan 2020
budgeting
4 New Year's Resolutions Your Wallet Will Thank You For

From defining a realistic budget to paying off debt, read our latest blog on some resolutions your wallet will thank you for to help you start the new year well. When it comes to financial New Year’s resolutions, read tips on rebuilding credit, managing debt, how to save and ways to make money.

9 Dec 2019
budgeting
How to Pull Off Christmas Day on a Budget

At Christmas time, we can often find ourselves under pressure to spend more than we can afford, whether that's on presents or while preparing for the big day. We've rounded up our favourite tips to help you pull off Christmas on a budget this year, including discount tricks and cheaper gift ideas.

21 Nov 2019
personal loans
3 Ways To Shop Smarter This Black Friday

Black Friday is one of the most attractive shopping events of the year - but to make the most of the bargains on the market, it's best to start planning early. When it comes to hitting the sales, read on to find out our top money saving tips which will help you stick to your budget this Christmas.

20 Nov 2019
budgeting
Christmas Saving: Why, What and How

Typically acknowledged as the most expensive time of the year, this blog post will uncover why what and how you should be saving ahead of Christmas this year. From Black Friday deals to travel costs, read on to discover how you can get ready for Christmas, saving you money and stress in the process.

24 Sept 2019
personal loans
How to Cut Down Your Home Energy Costs

With winter looming, this blog post will cover the best ways to fight your rising electricity bills, offering money saving ideas to ensure costs stay down. From reviewing your energy supplier to installing a smart technology system into your home, we’ll help you beat the bills this winter.

24 Sept 2019
budgeting
4 Expenses That You Always Forget to Budget For

We’re taking a look at 4 common expenses you always forget to budget for, helping you understand how to budget money more effectively and accurately in future. From useful budgeting tools to our top budget tips, we’re showing you how to ensure you’re never caught out by any unwelcome surprises.

9 Sept 2019
personal loans
3 Family Mini-Break Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank

We’re taking a look at 3 ways to save money on family mini-breaks this summer by offering up some ideas on how to avoid the hefty costs of summer holidays. From camping to road trips, our ideas will ensure you don’t miss out on a well-earned family break because of the commonly extortionate costs.

9 Sept 2019
budgeting
Budget-Friendly Ways To Cut Back On Plastic

We’re offering up some wallet-friendly and green budgeting tips to show you how to save money while - all importantly - cutting back on your plastic. After all, simple little changes to your daily habits can go a long way in cutting down your costs and doing your bit to help the environment.

15 Aug 2019
personal loans
Teaching Your Kids About Money: Teenage Summer Jobs

Knowing how to budget effectively is a skill that most acquire in adulthood but could have learnt in their teens - and we’re detailing how to do just that! From helping your children manage their pocket money to encouraging summer jobs, this post will provide plenty teen-friendly budgeting tips.

15 Aug 2019
budgeting
Money Saving Tips: Avoiding Hidden Travel Expenses

From luggage fees to additional booking costs, read our latest blog on how to avoid all those hidden travel expenses and keep holiday costs to a minimum. When it comes to money saving advice, we'll share our tips on holiday financing so you can enjoy your holiday without any unforeseen costs.

15 Aug 2019
budgeting
3 Ways to Stay Motivated When Saving Money

Knowing how to budget effectively can be a daunting task, so this post will detail the 3 ways you can stay motivated when saving and how to resist temptation. From creating a financial vision board to engaging in saving challenges, we’ll help you stay savings-savvy this summer with various ideas.

5 Aug 2019
budgeting
Budgeting Tips: 5 Ways to Survive Festivals on a Budget

Festivals are known for being expensive, so we've got some budgeting tips to help you save money and have the time of your life without breaking the bank. In this blog, we're proving that festivals can be cheap, offering ways that you can lower the cost of the ticket, the tent, food and drinks.

30 Jul 2019
budgeting
Summer Saving: Money Saving Tips For Paying Abroad

When it comes to going on holiday, it’s important to remain financially-savvy - as such, in this blog we’re offering a breakdown of the best ways to pay abroad. From transaction fees and exchange rates, we’re equipping you with all the know-how on using debit cards, travel cards and cash on holiday.

22 Jul 2019
budgeting
8 Tips to Renovate Your Home on a Budget

Expenses are a huge restriction you’ll face when renovating a property. If you’re updating on a tight budget, it will make your home improvement project significantly more difficult - but there are tricks that can help you keep your spending on track and even save money during the process. If you’re looking to renovate your home without breaking the bank, check out our eight tips to help you stick

11 Jul 2019
budgeting
Money-Saving Tips for Family Activities

Holidays are the perfect time to organise fun, outdoor activities with the kids, so in this post we're showing you how to enjoy them without breaking the bank. Read on to explore a variety of easy activities you can do as a family - from camping in the garden to talking a long walk in the park.

5 Jul 2019
personal loans
3 Tips to Help Save Money & the Planet

Read on as we talk about fast fashion and bring you money saving tips so you can enjoy sustainable fashion on a budget, all while doing your bit for the planet. If you want to take steps to reduce your fashion footprint, follow these handy tips for a more savvy and sustainable way of shopping.

2 Jul 2019
credit scores
How to Improve Your Bad Credit Score

In this post, we’re discussing the many different activities you can carry out in order to improve a bad credit score & get approved for loan applications. From registering on the electoral roll and checking your files to paying bills on time and finding a guarantor, we’re covering it all.

3 Apr 2019
personal loans
Planning a Financial Future: 3 Easy Steps

To help you plan for your financial future, read on as we look at the 3 ways you can become financially savvy and set yourself up for financial security. From paying into your pension early to the ways you can start to save at a young age, the experts here at Jolly Good Loans explore your options.

7 Mar 2019
personal loans
Student Loans: Your First Lesson in Finance

We’re diving into student loans to look at the financial lessons they’ve taught you & how your learnings can prepare for a future of being financial stability. From paying back debt, understanding overdrafts and interest rates to how to be a pro when it comes to budgeting, we’ll cover it all.

27 Feb 2019
budgeting
3 Crucial Ways to Budget When Planning For Your First Baby

Read this blog post where the budgeting experts at Jolly Good Loans looks at 3 essential budgeting tips to get you ready for the arrival of your first baby. From preparing your home to planning for an income drop, we’re suggesting money saving tips to limit financial worries once your child is born.

19 Jan 2019
personal loans
3 Ways to Kick the Bad Financial Habits

In this blog post, we're helping you save money & break bad habits such as implusive spending with our 3 tips for budgeting success - read on to find out more. From making a specific savings plan and curing the boredom that tempts you to spend your money, we'll help you save for a better future.

30 Dec 2018
personal loans
4 Reasons to Start Planning Your 2019 Summer Holiday Now

We’re talking about a number of reasons why you should start planning your summer holiday now, rather than waiting until the last minute.

30 Nov 2018
budgeting
How to Have a Magical Christmas Without Breaking The Bank

In this blog post, we discuss a number of budgeting tips to ensure you’re financially prepared when it comes to the expensive Christmas period this year. From avoiding impulsive buying and opening a specific Christmas savings account at your bank, discover how you can cover the costs, right here.

10 Nov 2018
budgeting
6 Financial Sins to Avoid When Saving

In this post, we're looking at 6 fatal financial sins that prevent you from saving - from poor budgeting to impulsive spending -explore tips for how to budget. Covering bad habits that many of us face, such as falling for finance deals and continuing the ending cycle, we'll help you save money.

21 Oct 2018
budgeting
3 Ways to Budget Without a Regular Income

Staying on top of your finances with an irregular income isn’t easy, so, in this blog post, we're providing 3 tips on how to budget without a stable income. From working from your last payment and not your next to giving every penny a destination, read on to find out how you can budget effectively.

1 Oct 2018
personal loans
Money Management Apps for Balancing Your Income & Outgoings

Everyone needs a little help with their finances now and then. Today, we run through the best budget apps to help you take control of your spending.

29 Aug 2018
personal loans
6 Ways to Cut the Cost of Your Wedding

We're helping you cut the cost of your dream wedding - from exploring DIY entertainment to swapping extravagance for intimacy, we'll cover 6 thrifty top tips. Read on as we ditch outdated wedding cliches & unnecessary expenses to help brides & grooms cut corners without lowering their expectations.

18 Aug 2018
personal loans
Home Improvements to Boost Property Value

In this post blog, we explore 6 home improvement projects guaranteed to add value to your property - from large scale renovations to smaller, DIY hacks. If you're looking to boost your property's value, read on to discover what you could do to whether you're selling your house now or in the future.

30 Jul 2018
budgeting
Tips for Affording Your Dream Holiday

Had your sights set on a holiday but been put off by the price tag? In today’s post, we share our 3 top tips to help you budget and afford your dream holiday. From doing it yourself instead of relying on a travel agency to ridding yourself of temptation, we're helping you afford your dream holiday.

18 Jun 2018
budgeting
Budgeting 101: How to Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It

If you’re looking to budget for a large purchase or a rainy day, explore our no-nonsense tips to help you transform your personal finances one step at a time. From setting schedules and exploring online tools to experimenting with budgeting types, at Jolly Good Loans we'll help you start saving.

23 May 2018
personal loans
9 Straightforward Tips to Help You Save Like a Pro

Whether you’re saving up for a wedding, holiday or just building up a rainy day fund, putting some money aside isn’t always easy - but to help you out along the way, we’ve put together a guide packed with straightforward tips that will help you save like a pro in no time.

16 May 2018