In this episode of M's The Word, we're getting real about money mistakes, the ones we've made, the ones we regret, and the ones we wish we talked about more.

Did you know 1 in 3 women say that credit card debt is their biggest financial regret? From credit card creep to the illusion of "free money" with 0% interest offers, we explore how easy it is to overspend, and how hard it can be to break the cycle.

🎙️ What's your biggest money mistake? We're sharing ours (yes, boozy shopping is a thing!), and opening the conversation around debt, mindset, and financial self-worth.

Coming next Monday: Part 2 – Marriage & Keeping the Romance Alive 💕

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review if this episode resonates with you.

Stamp Duty, confusing, expensive, and often misunderstood. But if you're a first-time buyer in 2025, you might be paying less than you think… or even nothing at all.

In this episode of On The Ladder, Sarah Tucker, award-winning mortgage expert, founder of The Mortgage Mum, and regular contributor to This Morning, BBC and The Times, breaks down exactly how Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) works in England and Northern Ireland, including the updated 2025 relief rules.

Joined by Gemma Bennett, acting Senior Mortgage Adviser, we'll guide you through:

✅ What Stamp Duty is — and why it exists ✅ Who qualifies for first-time buyer relief in 2025 ✅ How much you'll actually pay (with real examples) ✅ Why some buyers pay nothing at all ✅ Key rules for Shared Ownership and buying jointly ✅ Differences if you're buying in Scotland or Wales ✅ How and when Stamp Duty is paid ✅ Smart ways to plan for it in your buying budget

If you're planning to get on the property ladder, this episode is a must-listen.

🎓 On The Ladder is the no-jargon, expert-led podcast for first-time buyers in the UK — giving you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take your next step toward homeownership.

🔗 Learn more: www.themortgagemum.co.uk 📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @the_mortgage_mum 📥 Subscribe for new episodes every month

Worried your deposit isn't enough to buy a home? You're not alone — but a new mortgage solution might help bridge the gap.

In this episode of On The Ladder, Sarah Tucker, founder of The Mortgage Mum and mortgage expert on ITV's This Morning,breaks down the Gen H New Build Boost, an innovative equity loan scheme designed to help first-time buyers purchase with just a 5% deposit.

Whether you're struggling to reach the typical 10–15% deposit or looking for a smart way to buy a new build sooner, this could be the solution you didn't know existed.

Joined by our expert adviser, Gemma Bennett, we cover:

✔️ How the Gen H New Build Boost actually works ✔️ What an equity loan is - and how it impacts future repayments ✔️ Who this product is best suited for ✔️ The key terms: 5% deposit, 15% interest-free equity loan, 80% mortgage ✔️ Why this is a stepping stone - not a shortcut - to homeownership ✔️ How to assess if it fits your long-term financial plan

📌 Quick Facts: • 5% deposit from you • 15% equity loan from Gen H (interest-free for 5 years) • 80% mortgage from Gen H • Repayment tied to your home's future value

🎓 On The Ladder is your go-to podcast for first-time buyers in the UK - cutting through mortgage jargon and giving you expert insights you can act on.

📅 New episodes drop every Monday at 10am 🔔 Subscribe to The Mortgage Mum for real-life affordability tips, mortgage product breakdowns, and expert Q&A 📱 Follow on social: Instagram: @the_mortgage_mum | TikTok: @themortgagemum 🌐 Learn more: www.themortgagemum.co.uk

Welcome to M's The Word – Episode 3 January brings powerful shifts, and in this episode we explore two themes that shape this time of year: marriage and moving on, and manifestation through mood boards. Part 1: Marriage & Moving On January is often a time of reflection and decision-making for couples. We discuss why relationship changes frequently surface at the start of the year and explore the emotional and financial realities of moving forward - including money management, shared responsibilities, and practical considerations when circumstances change.

Part 2: Manifestation & Mood Boards We shift the focus to the future, setting intentions, visualising goals, and creating manifestation mood boards that actually support progress. Visualising goals has been shown to increase the likelihood of achieving them, and we break down how to use this practice in a grounded, realistic way. Whether you're navigating a relationship transition or planning your next chapter, this episode offers honest conversation, practical insight, and future-focused energy. Join the conversation: Are you creating a vision or mood board for 2026? Do you believe in January fresh starts? Share your thoughts in the comments - your story may be featured in a future episode.

🔔 Subscribe Be part of the conversation! Share this episode with someone who may need it.

Before you scroll through Rightmove, fall in love with "the one," or even book your first viewing… there's one crucial step every first-time buyer needs - and hardly anyone explains it properly.

In this episode of On The Ladder, we're breaking down the Decision in Principle (also known as an Agreement in Principle, Mortgage in Principle, or simply a DIP). This simple document is your very first green light from a lender, proving they're willing - in principle - to lend you money for your new home.

We'll walk you through:

• What a Decision in Principle actually is
• Why you should get one before you start house-hunting
• How a mortgage adviser helps you find the lender that suits your situation
• The truth about credit checks (and why you shouldn't apply for DIPs everywhere online)
• How long a DIP lasts — and what to do if it expires
• Why you should never reveal your full DIP amount to an estate agent
• Whether you can have more than one DIP
• How your DIP becomes a full mortgage application when you find "the one"

By the end of this episode, you'll understand exactly why a DIP is the difference between hoping you can buy a home… and knowing you can.

If you're a first-time buyer, self-employed, on maternity leave, or simply unsure where to start, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take the next step. Watch the full episode on YouTube: How to Save for a House Deposit UK | On The Ladder Ep. 1

Follow on Instagram: @the_mortgage_mum

Can't get a mortgage approved - even though you're paying high rent?

In this episode of On The Ladder, Sarah Tucker breaks down a new mortgage product from Gen H that could be a game-changer for first-time buyers struggling with affordability.

It's called a part and part mortgage, and it allows you to buy with just a 5% deposit — while keeping monthly payments lower by putting part of the mortgage on interest-only.

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

• What a part and part mortgage actually is (in simple terms)

• How it can make homeownership more affordable in today's market

• What kind of income and deposit you'll need to qualify

• Real-life example: how one couple used this to buy their first home

• Why having a broker is key to using this product responsibly

This isn't a fit for everyone but for the right buyer, it could be the stepping stone you've been waiting for.

🎓 On The Ladder is your step-by-step guide to buying your first home in the UK, with expert advice, real solutions, and no jargon.

🎧 Listen now and take your next step On The Ladder.

Or watch the full episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/zfJHOaGdb-k

🎙️ Buy a Home with Just a 3% Deposit? Here's How.

It might sound too good to be true but with Own New's Rate Reducer scheme, it's absolutely possible.

In this episode of On The Ladder, host Sarah Tucker - founder of The Mortgage Mum and trusted expert featured on This Morning, BBC, and The Times — shares a real-life success story of a first-time buyer who bought their dream home with just a 3% deposit and lower monthly payments.

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

• What the Rate Reducer scheme is and how it works

• How home builders contribute up to 5% to help with your deposit and interest rate

• A real example: buying a new build in Glasgow with just 3% down

• How to use the Rate Reducer calculator to see your potential savings

• Why the early years of homeownership are key for financial stability

🎓 On The Ladder is your monthly, step-by-step guide for UK first-time buyers — no jargon, just real advice, practical tools, and empowering stories to help you move forward.

📅 New episodes every month – Mondays at 10am 🔔 Subscribe and follow to never miss an episode

📲 Try the calculator: https://ownnew.co.uk 🔗 More guidance: www.themortgagemum.co.uk

📱 Follow us on social: Instagram: @the_mortgage_mum TikTok: @themortgagemum

It's time for Episode 2 of M's The Word! We're diving into two powerful topics that impact us all - especially around the festive season: 💴 Money Management in Relationships Did you know 1 in 5 couples argue about money every single week? In this episode, we break down how to manage your finances both individually and as a couple - with tips to reduce tension and build financial trust. 📱 Mobile Phone Addiction During the Holidays The average Brit checks their phone every 12 minutes - even more during Christmas. We talk about how to set boundaries with your screen time, be more present, and reconnect with what (and who) really matters. ✨ Whether you're budgeting with your partner or trying to unplug during the holidays, this episode has something for you. 👇 Watch the full episode on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments! 📲 Follow @ms_theword for more content, behind-the-scenes, and upcoming episodes!

• What is a house deposit and how much do you actually need in the UK?
• Strategic ways to save (no skipping coffees required)
• Mortgage schemes for first‑time buyers: 5% deposit, shared ownership, guarantor products & more!!
• Realistic tips for building a deposit faster - even on a lower income

Episode 1: Media Myths & the Mother Load at Christmas

Welcome to the very first episode of M's The Word!! The bold new talk show and podcast where we dive into money, motherhood, mindset, and every other "M" word that matters.

In this episode, we're unpacking media myths and the emotional overload of the holiday season - and yes, we're talking about that controversial Diary of a CEO episode where financial experts claimed you shouldn't buy a house (!).

We also get real about:

• Why advent calendars might need to be cancelled

• The cofusion of unrealistic and one sided financial advice online

• How Christmas hits differently when you're managing a household

• The mental load, mum guilt, and the myth of "having it all together"

It's honest, it's eye-opening, and it's the start of something real.

🎙️ Hosted by Sarah Tucker, with Gemma Bennett, Jade Timpson-Proud & Shelley Walker 📅 New episodes every month! 💬 Like what you hear? Leave a review and share with someone who needs this conversation.

Connect With Us:

• Watch the full show on YouTube: M's The Word | A Bold New Talk Show & Podcast on Life's Big Topics

• Follow us on Instagram: M's The Word (@ms_theword) • Instagram photos and videos

• Subscribe for updates & behind-the-scenes content: M's The Word (@ms_theword) • Instagram photos and videos