Cost of living Q&A: Get tips on mortgages, bills, savings and tax changes

"The Bank of England has held rates at 3.75 percent, with global tensions including the conflict in Iran keeping inflation risks alive and delaying hoped-for cuts."

"The new tax year begins on 6 April, bringing changes that could quietly reshape your finances, including rising dividend taxes and the scrapping of the working from home allowance."

"For savers, it's a last call to use this year's ISA allowance before it resets, with future cash ISA limits set to shrink."

"Higher minimum wages will boost incomes for some, even as costs continue to climb elsewhere, indicating a complex financial landscape ahead."

Household finances are under pressure due to high bills and uncertainty over interest rates, currently held at 3.75 percent. Global tensions, including the conflict in Iran, contribute to inflation risks. The new tax year starting on 6 April introduces changes such as rising dividend taxes and the scrapping of the working from home allowance. Savers are urged to utilize this year's ISA allowance before limits shrink. While higher minimum wages may increase incomes for some, overall costs continue to rise, necessitating careful financial planning.

Read at www.independent.co.uk