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About The Base Rate

The Base Rate is an independent UK personal-finance education project — on YouTube, X, and here. The aim is simple: explain the financial decisions that actually matter for people in the UK — ISAs, pensions, tax, and retirement — in plain English, with free tools that let you run your own numbers. One concept at a time. No jargon, no hype.

How we research our content

Every figure and rule is taken from primary UK sources and checked against the current tax year before publishing:

gov.uk and HMRC — tax bands, allowances, the State Pension, ISA and pension rules.
PLSA Retirement Living Standards — what UK retirement actually costs.
FCA — guidance on financial promotions and consumer protection.
Established research bodies (e.g. the Institute for Fiscal Studies) for context and statistics.

Where a calculator uses a rule of thumb (such as the "rule of 25" / 4% guideline), we state the assumption on the page so you can see exactly how the number is produced.

Editorial policy

Figures reflect the 2026/27 UK tax year and are reviewed when rules change.
Calculators are illustrative tools, not personal recommendations.
We do not use affiliate links to financial products; any provider named is for information only.
Corrections are made promptly — if you spot an error, get in touch.

Who writes this

The Base Rate is produced by an independent UK creator focused on personal-finance education. Content is researched from the primary sources listed above; it is general education and is not regulated financial advice.

Important

Nothing on this site is financial advice, and we are not regulated financial advisers. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and can change. Investments can fall as well as rise — your capital is at risk. Always do your own research, or speak to a qualified, regulated adviser before making financial decisions.