Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Autumn Budget 2025: how could it affect interest rates, inflation and the financial markets?
We look at how Rachel Reeves’s Budget could impact the economy. Could it trigger a fall in inflation and interest rates, and what could it mean for investors?
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Marriage allowance: are you missing out on £252 a year?
News Married couples and civil partners could save up to £252 a year in tax by claiming the allowance - and receive a backdated lump-sum payment worth more than £1,000
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Lasting power of attorney fee to increase to £92 - apply now to beat the price hike
A lasting power of attorney can be used to appoint a loved one to help with important financial and medical decisions. With the application fee rising this month, should you apply now?
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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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Will mortgage rates fall this year?
The average mortgage rate has fallen to below 5% for the first time in two months. Whether you're buying a home, remortgaging or a buy-to-let landlord, we look at the outlook for mortgage rates this year and into 2026.
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Are you missing out on Pension Credit? How to claim the benefit worth £4,300 a year
News Thousands of eligible households are still failing to apply for Pension Credit. We explain who qualifies for Pension Credit and how to apply
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What is inflation and how does it affect you?
The latest inflation figure is released each month. What is inflation and how does it impact your personal finances?
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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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Annuity rates jump nearly 10% in a year – is now a good time to buy an annuity?
Annuity rates have risen by 9.68% in the last year, the latest figures show, and it now takes almost a decade less time to get the money back than when rates were at record lows. Should you buy an annuity?
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How to get an ISA and SIPP cashback bonus
Tips Here are the best pension and ISA transfer offers, with some providers giving away as much as £2,000 in cashback for transferring an account
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What is the state pension age and when will you get yours?
Significant differences in life expectancy across the UK mean people in some areas will receive far fewer state pension payments than others, according to new research. We look at when the age is next scheduled to go up, and whether people could have to wait until their 70s, or even 80th birthday, to claim their state pension
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How to earn over 4% on your cash… using a stocks and shares ISA
Savers worried about a potential cut to the cash ISA limit in the Autumn Budget could shield their money from the taxman using a money market fund in a stocks and shares ISA. We explain how
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Lioness legend Jill Scott: “I want to be a role model to get women into investing”
Lioness Jill Scott says she wants to be a role model for women to start investing, in the same way she inspired girls to play football. She also questions why topics like investing, tax and mortgages aren’t taught in schools
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State pension to rise 4.8% in April under triple lock
The full new state pension is set to reach £12,548 a year, reflecting the 4.8% wage growth measured under the triple lock. The bumper boost will raise questions about fairness and sustainability, while more pensioners could be hit with a tax bill
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Retail bond paying 8.25% launches – should you buy it?
A new bond from alternative property lender LendInvest looks eye-catching but how do retail bonds work, and what are the risks?
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Should state pension age rise to 70? Have your say in government review
The state pension age review will consider the “merits” of automatic increases tied to life expectancy. If you want to give your view, you’ll need to be quick, as the deadline is looming
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What is the Ofgem energy price cap and what does it mean for your bills?
The Ofgem energy price cap is set to rise in October. What exactly is the cap and how does it affect bills?
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Child Trust Funds: Could £2,242 of unclaimed money be waiting for you?
More than £1.5 billion is sitting in unclaimed savings accounts belonging to 18-23 year olds. Here is how to track down lost Child Trust Funds
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What is the 25% pension tax-free cash - and when should you take it?
There’s plenty of speculation that the 25% tax-free cash savers can take from their pension pots could be cut in the forthcoming Autumn Budget. But, what is it and how does it work?
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11 reasons you need to register for self-assessment before 5 October
There are lots of reasons why you may need to register for self-assessment. But you’ll need to act fast to meet the 5 October deadline
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How to boost your chances of getting the Winter Fuel Payment
Millions of pensioners will get the Winter Fuel Payment this year following a government U-turn, provided their income is less than £35,000. We reveal some tips and tricks to ensure you’re eligible
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Nationwide: The London homes commanding a £42,700 premium
Good transport links are still important to home buyers in the capital. We reveal the London tube lines with the highest and lowest house prices, as well as the house price premium for Glasgow and Manchester homes near stations
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Key money dates for 2025/26
We run through the key dates and big money changes coming up this year and into 2026 that could affect your financial health
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Beware the savings tax trap: pensioners face paying £2.5 billion in tax on their interest
Savers are being urged to look at ways to shelter their cash from the taxman as the tax burden on savings escalates.
