Latest articles by Katie Williams
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What is a default pension fund and should you switch?
Most employees save into a workplace pension scheme, but where is the money invested? We look at how default funds work and whether there is ever a case for switching.
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How do Premium Bonds work?
NS&I’s Premium Bonds operate differently from typical savings accounts. We look at how they work.
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Healthcare stocks look cheap, but tread carefully
Shares in healthcare companies could get a shot in the arm if uncertainty over policy in the US wanes, but are they worth the risk?
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Should investors be worried about high staff turnover at “toxic Tesla”?
Former employees have described a challenging workplace environment at Tesla and Elon Musk’s other businesses. Socially-conscious investors – and even those who are ‘finance first’ – should have questions.
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Vanguard cuts fees on six equity ETFs – can you find cheaper elsewhere?
The investment platform is well known for its low-cost funds, but it is still worth shopping around as some similar products come with lower fees
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Call for higher allocation to UK equities in default pension funds
Such a move could help revive London’s ailing stock market – but is it right for pension savers?
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Managing your money in retirement – 4 golden rules to avoid a shortfall
We look at how to manage your money in retirement, as inflation continues to erode pensioner income
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Pension pitfalls to avoid as Budget rumours prompt panic
With every Budget comes tax speculation about pensions, but it is usually better to avoid knee-jerk reactions based on rumours. These are the pension pitfalls to avoid.
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Three years after the Mini-Budget, where are we now?
The ill-fated Mini-Budget was delivered on 23 September 2022, sending mortgage rates skyward and Liz Truss packing. Where are we three years on?
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CPI vs RPI inflation: what is the difference between ONS measures?
The Office for National Statistics calculates CPI, RPI and CPIH each month. What are they and what do they reveal about UK inflation?
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UK inflation: Consumer Prices Index release dates
The UK’s inflation reports are published monthly. When do they come out and where are prices heading?
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Is now a good time to sell a house?
Activity in the housing market has picked up following a lull in the wake of stamp duty changes, but sellers may need to be realistic when setting an asking price
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Inheritance tax receipts jump 5%, as loved ones pay £190m more
Inheritance tax receipts have surged again, with HMRC raking in £3.7 billion between April and August – £190 million more than the same period a year ago
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How to achieve a secure retirement, as more retirees admit to struggling with debt
Twenty-six percent of retirees now have unsecured debt – a sharp rise compared to two years ago – with many underestimating how much a typical retirement costs
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Inflation holds steady at 3.8% ahead of BoE meeting
The rate of inflation did not rise in August, but the Bank of England is still expected to keep interest rates on hold tomorrow
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Rightmove: Glut of homes for sale in southern England drives asking price drop
Asking prices are 0.1% lower than a year ago, according to the property website, driven by challenges in affordability-stretched London and the south
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What are National Insurance contributions?
Most of us pay National Insurance contributions but few of us really understand them. Here’s our guide to demystifying National Insurance.
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RICS: Property market confidence falls further as Autumn Budget looms
Property experts claim buyer confidence dropped for a second month in August, with several citing Budget speculation as a headwind
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Are under-30s at greatest risk of retirement poverty?
Under-30s have benefitted from auto-enrolment but housing costs could quickly erode their pension in retirement, with more likely to be renting or still paying off a mortgage
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“Come back on St Leger Day”: Should you buy in September?
There’s an old adage among investors which goes: “Sell in May and go away, don’t come back until St Leger Day”. Is there any truth to it?
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Rachel Reeves urged to avoid pension tax relief raid or risk ‘Omnishambles Budget’
It might seem like low-hanging fruit, but cutting pension tax relief would be a dangerous move for the chancellor, says former pensions minister Steve Webb
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Retail investors pull £1.8 billion from equities, but Europe bucks trend
The latest data from the Investment Association shows July was a bad month for equity funds, with outflows doubling compared to the month before, but Europe was a bright spot
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Pension tax-free cash withdrawals surged 61% last year in Budget-related frenzy
Rushing to take your tax-free lump sum isn’t the right move for everyone. We look at how to avoid retirement regret, and what to do if you took the money last year in response to Budget rumours.
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10 ways to cut your capital gains tax bill
Higher capital gains tax rates now have to be factored into our annual financial planning – but these 10 steps could help you cut your bill
