On The Ladder Ep.5 | Is Your Credit Score Mortgage-Ready? (What First-Time Buyers Need to Know

You've saved your deposit, you've checked your credit score, now the big question: how much can you actually borrow? In this episode of On The Ladder, we break down exactly how mortgage lenders calculate what they'll offer you. Spoiler: it's not just about your salary. From income and outgoings to credit history, deposit size and even your day-to-day spending habits, we walk you through everything that goes into a lender's affordability assessment, including whether your side hustle or benefit payments count as income. If you want to know where you really stand before you apply, this episode is your starting point. About the series On The Ladder is your step-by-step guide to buying your first home, created by Sarah Tucker.

Getting on the property ladder starts long before you find your dream home — it starts with your credit score. If you've ever taken out a phone contract, car finance, or a store card, you already have a credit profile. But do you actually know what it says about you — and how it could affect your chances of getting a mortgage? In this episode of On The Ladder, award-winning mortgage expert Sarah Tucker, founder of The Mortgage Mum, sits down with Mortgage Mum adviser Gemma Bennett to break down everything first-time buyers need to know about credit scores. They explain what lenders are really looking for, the common mistakes that could hold you back, and the simple steps you can take to improve your position before applying for a mortgage. What you'll learn What your credit score is and how it's built How lenders assess your borrowing behaviour What to check when your credit report comes in The impact of missed or late payments What credit utilisation is and why it matters Plus, a key insight many people miss: being approved for credit (like a £3,000 overdraft) and actually using it are two very different things in a lender's eyes. Practical, straightforward, and designed specifically for first-time buyers, this episode will help you understand where you stand,  and what to do next. About the series On The Ladder is your step-by-step guide to buying your first home, created by Sarah Tucker.

In this episode, we explore the viral claim made by Natalie Dawson on The Diary of a CEO: "You are not a candle, you can't burn out." Sarah, Gemma, Shelley and Jade come together to share their perspectives on burnout, productivity, and the pressures of modern life. This is an open and honest conversation, particularly for women, about the expectation to keep going, the emotional weight of unfinished to-do lists, and the internal conflict between resting and feeling "lazy". Rather than offering definitive answers, this episode creates space for reflection. Burnout isn't always obvious, and it doesn't look the same for everyone. If you've ever struggled to switch off, questioned your own limits, or tied your worth to how much you achieve, this conversation will resonate.

Maternity leave is often painted as a dreamy, slow, joy-filled chapter… but the reality can look very different. In this conversation, four mums share the honest truth about maternity leave — from the emotional highs and lows to the financial pressure that so many women aren't prepared for. A recent survey found that 62% of women severely underestimated the financial impact of maternity leave, and more than half returned to work earlier than planned because of money. So why aren't we talking about this more openly? In this episode, we explore: The financial reality of maternity leave (especially for self-employed mums) Why so many women feel pressure to "enjoy every moment"  The hidden emotional load: identity shifts, loneliness, and overwhelm The gap between what we see online vs real life Why more honest conversations around motherhood are needed  This isn't about fear, it's about being informed, supported, and seen. If you're planning maternity leave, currently in it, or reflecting on your experience, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone. 💬 Let us know: What surprised you most about maternity leave?

You've found a house you love… now what? This is the part of the journey that can feel the most exciting, and the most overwhelming. From knowing whether it's really "the one" to making an offer and navigating negotiation, there's a lot to get right. In this episode of On The Ladder, we break down exactly what to do next once you've found a property, including: How to define your non-negotiables and make confident decisions What to look for when viewing properties (beyond the surface) Why your gut feeling matters, but shouldn't lead the whole decision What happens when it's time to make an offer Plus, we're joined by an estate agent who shares honest, behind-the-scenes insight into how negotiations really work, and what buyers should (and shouldn't) say. These tips are genuinely empowering if you want to: Feel more confident making an offer Avoid overpaying Position yourself as a strong, proceedable buyer Whether you're actively house hunting or preparing for the next step, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.

In this episode of M's The Word, Shelley Shicklehosts to facillate Sarah Tucker, Gemma Bennett and Jade Timson-Proud to talk openly about their experiences of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Together they share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and the ways they found support while navigating grief and recovery. The conversation aims to raise awareness, break the silence surrounding miscarriage, and remind others that they are not alone. ⚠️ This episode contains discussion of pregnancy loss. Support and information can be found through organisations such as the The Miscarriage Association and Tommy's.

They say moving house is one of the most stressful things you will ever do and if you've ever been through it, you'll know exactly why. The paperwork, the waiting, the uncertainty, the endless to-do lists… it can quickly feel overwhelming. We aim to help alleviate some of that stress in this episode. In this episode of M's The Word, we share practical advice for both a first-time buyer and a seasoned home mover, giving you real-life insight from both sides of the experience. From getting your finances in order and understanding the process after your offer is accepted, to managing timelines, staying organised, and preparing for moving day, we cover the things we wish we'd known sooner! We also talk honestly about the emotional side of moving, the excitement, the doubts, the delays and the unexpected hurdle, and how to stay calm and in control when things don't go to plan.  Whether you're stepping onto the property ladder for the first time, upsizing, downsizing, or simply planning ahead for the future, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you feel confident, prepared and ready for your next move. 🎧 Listen now and be the calmest mover ever!

The Hardest Part of Therapy? Realising Disney Isn't Real | M's the Word Romance doesn't usually disappear overnight, it fades slowly, when we stop noticing each other. In this episode of M's the Word, we explore what really happens behind closed doors in long-term relationships. From love languages to emotional disconnection, we dive into the quiet killers of romance and the small, intentional actions that can reignite connection.   Did you know the average couple with kids only talks for 24 minutes a day? Amanda was starting to feel like just housemates with her partner, we unpack why that happens and how to turn it around. Topics in this episode: Why Disney set us up for unrealistic romance expectations The subtle shifts that erode intimacy How to speak your partner's love language Tools for reconnecting after disconnection Whether you're married, in a long-term relationship, or just curious about how real love works - this one's for you. 🎧 Listen now and rediscover what keeps love alive.

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