Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Which investments can I hold in a stocks and shares ISA – and which ones are banned?
HMRC has a list stating which investments are allowed in ISAs, but sometimes investors, and even ISA providers, get confused by the rules. Here’s what you need to know when picking your investments.
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Investment platforms: how to avoid sub 2% interest rates on cash holdings and secure a better deal
Do you know how much interest the cash balance in your investment portfolio, ISA or Sipp earns? We lift the lid on the best and worst interest-payers – and explain what you can do about it
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Trump's first 100 days: investment winners and losers
Donald Trump triggered a rollercoaster on the stock markets during the first 100 days of his second presidency. We look at which funds, investment trusts and sectors have performed best and worst
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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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300,000 households at risk of losing hot water and heating as meter deadline looms – are you affected?
Households with Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters are at risk of losing hot water and heating when their electricity meters switch off from 30 June. We explain how to tell if you have an RTS meter and what you can do
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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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What is the Ofgem energy price cap and what does it mean for your bills?
Energy bills have risen by 6.4% this April as the new Ofgem energy price cap has come into effect. What exactly is the cap?
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Will gas and electricity bills fall? 2025 energy prices forecast
UK energy prices rose on 1 April, but Trump’s tariffs could lower energy bills going forward. What is the forecast for gas and electricity from July?
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Will mortgage rates fall this year?
Mortgage rates are tumbling, with a range of sub-4% deals now on offer. Whether you're buying a home, remortgaging or a buy-to-let landlord, we look at the outlook for mortgage rates this year
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Millions are being hit by ‘significant stealth tax’ – will you have to pay more to HMRC?
A staggering 17.9 million people look set to start paying basic-rate income tax, while 12 million may be dragged into the higher-rate band, by 2027/28. We explain what fiscal drag is and how you can prepare
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What is capital gains tax and how does it work?
The government raked in £13 billion from capital gains tax in 2024/25. But how does the tax work, and when do you pay it?
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What is the state pension triple lock?
The UK state pension triple lock is loved by pensioners but hated by economists. But what is the triple lock – and what does its future hold?
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Can I shield my ISAs from inheritance tax?
Many investors and savers will be wondering if there’s anything they can do to protect their ISAs from inheritance tax, especially as pensions will become liable for the levy from April 2027. We reveal the options available to ISA customers
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Hargreaves Lansdown slashes fees for ISA and SIPP investors - how does it compare to other providers?
Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK’s biggest investment platform, has dropped its fees by 40%, to their lowest ever level, for certain customers. Is it a good deal, and how does it compare to other providers?
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How to get an ISA and SIPP cashback bonus
Tips Here are the best deals available, with some providers giving away as much as £5,000 in cashback for opening or transferring an account
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State pension rises, but more pensioners face being taxed
The state pension has increased thanks to the triple lock, but frozen tax bands means more pensioners will start to pay tax.
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Best-performing funds and investment trusts for stocks and shares ISAs of all time
As ISAs celebrate their 26th birthday, we reveal the best-performing funds and investment trusts since stocks and shares ISAs launched in April 1999, and how much they would be worth today
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How much should I pay into a pension?
One of the trickiest parts of retirement planning is working out how much to pay into a pension. We explore what to consider when deciding how much to contribute
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What is inflation and how does it affect you?
Although we are past the worst of the cost of living crisis, the Bank of England recently said price rises could hit 3.75% later this year. What is inflation and how does it impact your personal finances?
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State pension top-up: HMRC to contact thousands of people following 5 April deadline error
News Thousands of customers were unable to fill gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record and boost their state pension on Saturday, as HMRC incorrectly said the deadline had passed
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Review: Constance Lemuria and Ephelia – two Indian Ocean idylls
Ruth Emery visits Constance Lemuria and Constance Ephelia in the Seychelles for sun, sea and some of the best sushi she has ever had
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Beware the savings tax trap: 2 million savers face paying tax on their interest
Advice Millions of people will pay tax on their cash savings in 2024/25, up from about 650,000 three years ago. We outline clever ways to shelter your cash from the taxman
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Chase will change cashback deal on Monday - what it means for you
Chase Bank is making its cashback deal less generous from 7 April. We explain what’s changing
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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
