Latest articles by Laura Miller
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Should you defer your state pension and stay in work?
You could boost your state pension by hundreds or thousands of pounds by deferring it if you don’t need the income right now. We look at how it works, and the pros and cons
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HMRC stamp duty crackdown sees probes of property deals jump 88% – what to watch out for
From bogus stamp duty refund claims to misleading the taxman about who owns a property, HMRC is increasing its scrutiny of stamp duty land tax reporting. Here’s how.
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‘Sandwich generation’ carers losing £6,000 a year to support elderly relatives
Middle-aged adults are often caught between caring for children or grandchildren and their elderly parents, leaving them taking time out of the workforce and facing a huge hit to wages while they are still trying to save for retirement. We look at the true cost of caring.
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Self-assessment taxpayers overpaid £8.9 billion last year – could you be owed money?
Millions of taxpayers are paying too much income tax when they file their self-assessment returns, new figures show. Here’s how to avoid overpaying, and the ways to reclaim what you’re owed.
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Pension tax relief – why the taxman could owe you money
Millions of pounds in pension tax relief is going unclaimed. If you haven't yet completed your tax return ahead of the 31 January deadline, don't forget to claim any tax relief you’re owed.
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‘I thought pensions were dull. Now I have a £1 million pot’
Women are less likely to actively plan for their retirement (though men aren’t that engaged either), new research shows. MoneyWeek spoke to two savers at different ends of the financial and age spectrum about their money decisions – and where those choices lead.
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Redundancy on the rise – how to manage a sudden drop in income
Unemployment and redundancies are higher than a year ago, new figures show. We look at how to protect your finances if you face a sudden loss of income.
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What is the ideal time to spend on the property market? How you could risk losing thousands
Time on the housing market matters – get an offer too quickly or too slowly and you’ll often find you have to settle for less than the asking price. What is the ideal time for a property to spend on the market?
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Six steps business owners should consider before April inheritance tax relief change
New limits to inheritance tax-free allowances are coming in from the Spring that affect business owners. Those looking to sell or transfer their assets into a trust before the changes need to act now
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Taxpayers urged to fight automated HMRC penalties as 20,000 win on appeal
HMRC loses more than 60% of cases when taxpayers appeal an automated penalty it has imposed, new figures show.
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Should you fix your mortgage or opt for a variable rate?
With the Bank of England potentially set to announce more interest rate cuts in 2026, homeowners may wonder if it’s best to opt for a fixed rate or variable rate mortgage.
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More than five million taxpayers overpay with wrong tax codes – how to check yours is right
HMRC overcharged taxpayers £3.5 billion in income tax the latest data shows, with tax coding errors largely to blame. Accountants say it is “essential” people check their tax codes to avoid being hit with higher bills.
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'Lockdown wills’ at increased risk of legal challenge
Pressures caused by the pandemic led some people to rush their wills. Now, lawyers are saying problems are surfacing that could make them invalid
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What is a trust – and should you use it to avoid inheritance tax?
Trusts are surging in popularity as a way to avoid inheritance tax, according to new government figures and financial advisers on the frontline of estate planning. We look at what trusts are and if they are right for you.
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Pension Schemes Bill: what’s changing and what it means for you
The government’s latest reforms to pensions are designed to make saving for retirement easier and better value for money – but will they leave you better off?
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Taxpayers told to check capital gains tax return or risk penalty after rate changes
With the self-assessment deadline just three weeks away, taxpayers who need to report capital gains should take extra care to avoid a penalty after recent changes, accountants have warned. Here’s how.
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Act now to avoid inheritance tax on your pension with this one simple change
A quick and easy paperwork change could avoid your children paying inheritance tax on your pension if you act now. Here’s how.
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Millions of parents are missing out on up to £720 a year in extra pension cash – are you affected?
A mum who narrowly missed out on the pension boost said she “never knew the government rule existed” and wants other parents to use it
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How to secure a lasting legacy as you pass your money
For many, transferring wealth is more about values than money. We look at how to create a legacy that sticks.
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Where can I get pension advice?
A popular directory of pension advice professionals has closed, leaving those seeking help with their retirement unsure of where to go. We look at the options
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Zoopla: house price growth stalled in 2025 but forecasts for 1.5% higher next year
Sales soared this year with more than a million deals done but buyers drove hard bargains keeping a lid on prices. A small bounceback in valuations is predicted for 2026, depending on where you live.
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What does an interest rate cut mean for my pension?
Interest rates have been cut from 4% to 3.75%. For pension savers and retirees the effects of the drop will depend on the type of retirement pot they have, but could be significant.
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What are my retirement income options?
We’re all told to save into a pension, but there’s widespread confusion about how to take an income from our savings and investments at retirement, a new study has found. We look at your retirement income options.
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A quarter of a million more pensioners in poverty after state pension age rises – will it go higher?
When the state pension age rose to 66, the percentage of 65-year-olds in income poverty more than doubled, new research suggests
