Latest articles by Katie Williams
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Will taxes rise further in the 2025 Autumn Budget?
Speculation about tax hikes is ramping up ahead of the Autumn Budget on 26 November, touching everything from property to inheritances
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GDP: UK economy flat in July
Analysts have warned that growth could be slower in the second half of the year than the first
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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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When will UK interest rates fall further? Latest Bank of England predictions
The Bank of England’s next interest rate meeting will take place on 18 September. With inflation on the rise, experts are anticipating no change to the base rate.
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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
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Triple lock alternatives: will the government reform the state pension?
The government has promised not to touch the triple lock this Parliament, but rising costs mean reform could be inevitable eventually
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Retirement confidence surges – but is it misplaced?
One in three now feel ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ confident about their ability to afford a comfortable retirement, but industry data paints a gloomier reality
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How to get a guaranteed income in retirement
Savers want certainty in retirement, with almost two-fifths naming guaranteed income as their main priority. An annuity can achieve this – but what other income options are available to supplement it?
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What is the Budget and when is it announced?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her next Budget at the end of November – but what exactly does the fiscal event involve?
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High earners at risk of £65k retirement shock
High earners could face some of the biggest pension shortfalls when they retire, as the cost of maintaining an expensive lifestyle could erode their retirement savings
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How to invest £50,000
If you come into a sudden windfall or have excess savings in the bank, you might want to put the money to work. Three financial experts tell us how they would invest £50,000.
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Avoid the pensioner tax trap – six ways to reduce your tax bill in retirement
The state pension could rise by another 4-4.5% next April, before breaching the personal allowance a year later. It means more pensioners will be dragged into paying tax on their retirement income. We look at ways to cut your bill.
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Nationwide: House prices unexpectedly dropped in August
House prices fell by 0.1% in August in a surprise drop, according to Nationwide, as “affordability remains stretched”
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How do Premium Bonds work?
This popular savings product from NS&I operates differently to a typical account. We look at how Premium Bonds work.
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How to file a self-assessment tax return
Filing a tax return is one the the most-hated jobs, but getting it in early can alleviate stress and reduce the risk of fines. We share our step-by-step guide.
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Pension tax refunds: how to get your money back if you have been overcharged
New figures show some pensioners claimed back more than £100,000 from HMRC in 2023/24, having previously overpaid through an emergency tax code. Could you be due a refund?
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73% of savers plan to rely on partner’s pension in retirement
A new survey suggests the majority of people may lack financial independence in retirement, with almost three-quarters set to rely on their partner’s pension
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Child Benefit: how it works, eligibility criteria and how to claim
Child Benefit is worth hundreds of pounds per year and claiming it can help build up your state pension entitlement. We look at who is eligible and how to get the payment
