Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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How could the Budget affect interest rates, inflation and the financial markets?
Rachel Reeves’s Budget could be disinflationary and this might help bring down interest rates faster. What could it mean for investors?
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How much state pension will I get?
There are several things that determine how much state pension you'll get when you hit state pension age. Here's how to work out your entitlement
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Cold Weather Payment: who can get it and when?
As temperatures decline, millions of people could be eligible for the Cold Weather Payments from the government. The scheme runs from 1 November to to 31 March - we explain who qualifies and how to check if a payment is due
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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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Will mortgage rates fall this year?
Average mortgage rates have tumbled over the past few weeks. 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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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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Gender pension gap rises to £113,000 – how to fill the shortfall and boost your pension
The gender pension gap is growing, says Scottish Widows, with a third of women facing poverty in retirement
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Number of ISA millionaires hits record high – how you could become one
There are more than 5,000 ISA millionaires, according to HMRC data, with some investors sitting on pots worth more than £11 million. We reveal the secrets of the ISA millionaires
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How much does it cost to move house?
If you're looking to relocate, you may be wondering how much it costs to move house. We breakdown the costs - everything from conveyancing, survey, removals, stamp duty, estate agent fees plus EPC
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Why you should write a will — and how to do it for free
Most of us haven’t written a will. But it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones
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Waspi women compensation decision to be reconsidered by the government
Many women born in the 1950s got a raw deal due to the rising state pension age. The “Waspi” campaign group has been lobbying for compensation for years. We outline the journey so far and explore whether they might finally receive some money.
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‘I’ve had my heat pump for a year - have I saved money?’
Ruth Emery’s air source heat pump has turned one. Has she saved on her energy bills over the past 12 months, and could the £7,500 grant be under threat in the upcoming Autumn Budget?
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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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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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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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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?
