Latest articles by Daniel Hilton
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NS&I cuts Premium Bonds prize fund rate and reduces chances of winning – are they still worth it?Premium Bonds are set to become a much less competitive savings product as the estimated returns and chances of winning will be slashed from April.
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Investment platforms offering measly interest rates on cash holdings – is your cash working hard enough?The interest rate on cash you hold within an investment account can be as low as 0.75%. We look at the worst cash rates on the market, and what you should do with your cash instead.
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How should a good Catholic invest? Like the Vatican’s new stock index, it seemsThe Vatican Bank has launched its first-ever stock index, championing companies that align with “Catholic principles”. But how well would it perform?
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New buy now, pay later rules confirmed – will they protect you?Buy now, pay later borrowers are set to gain stronger rights and clearer information when they access short-term lending from 15 July, the FCA says.
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What is the FSCS and how does it protect your savings and investments?The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) provides compensation for customers if a financial institution goes out of business. What is the limit and how does the scheme work?
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Average UK house price reaches £300,000 for first time, Halifax saysWhile the average house price has topped £300k, regional disparities still remain, Halifax finds.
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How to check your council tax bandTips Thousands of homeowners continue to overpay for council tax because they are in the wrong band. We look at how to check your council tax band and how to challenge it.
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Warm Home Discount offers £150 off energy bills – what is it and who can get it?The Warm Home Discount is paid by the government to some households to help them keep the heating on during the winter. How exactly does the scheme work and who is eligible?
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UK dividends rose in final quarter of 2025, but share buybacks ate into investor payoutsLast year saw dividend growth continue to fall below pre-pandemic averages, against a backdrop of increasing share buybacks.
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Lifetime ISA reform: Retirement option could be scrapped in overhaulA consultation on a product replacing the Lifetime ISA is set to be launched this year, and the option to use it to save for retirement is expected to be axed in the shake-up
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The UK areas which saw biggest jump in asking prices in 2025 – is yours on the list?We look at the UK areas where asking prices rose the most last year.
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'I can't afford to pay my tax bill, what help can I get from HMRC?'Ahead of the self-assessment tax return deadline, we explain what happens if you can't afford to pay HMRC your tax bill.
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When is the self-assessment tax return deadline?If you are self-employed, rent out a property or earn income from savings or investments, you may need to complete a self-assessment tax return. We run through the deadlines you need to know about
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Two million taxpayers to be hit by £100k tax trap by 2026/27Frozen thresholds mean more people than ever are set to pay an effective income tax rate of 60% as their earnings increase beyond £100,000. We look at why, as well as how you can avoid being caught in the trap.
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Do you still have to file a tax return if you don’t owe any tax?
Even if you do not owe the taxman any money, failure to complete and submit your tax return could result in a penalty costing you up to £1,600.
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Cold Weather Payments triggered in hundreds of postcodes as Storm Goretti hits the UK: who can get it and when?Millions of people could be eligible for Cold Weather Payments during the winter. We explain who qualifies and how to check if a payment is due
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What do falling interest rates mean for you?You may think that only businesses and politicians should pay attention to choices made by the Bank of England, but its interest rates decisions also have an impact on your personal finances. We explain how.
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Should you invest in copper?A critical metal in electronics and the energy transition, copper is often viewed as a bellwether for the global economy. How can investors gain exposure to changing copper prices?
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NS&I cuts interest rates on 8 savings accountsNS&I will now offer less attractive interest rates for customers wishing to lock their savings away to grow for one, two, three or five years.
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How are Premium Bonds prize winners notified – and who is Agent Million?We look at how Premium Bonds winners are notified and how the winnings get paid. Plus, who is Agent Million?
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How to take an energy meter reading as Ofgem energy price cap risesMeter reading day falls every three months when the new energy price cap kicks in. Here's why you may want to take a reading on 1 January ahead of the price cap rise
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Are you being haunted by the ghost of Christmas past? How festive cutbacks could boost your long-term wealthThe average family spends around £1,000 over the Christmas season. Here’s how much you could have gained if you had invested some of the money instead.
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Nationwide fined £44 million over “inadequate” anti-money laundering systemsFailings in Nationwide’s financial crime processes between October 2016 to July 2021 meant one criminal was able to deposit £26 million from fraudulent Covid furlough payments in just eight days.
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Car tax rules are changing: what are the new vehicle excise duty rates?The rules around vehicle excise duty changed in April and further reforms were introduced in the 2025 Autumn Budget. What are they, and how are they going to affect you?
