Ruth Emery
Ruth is an award-winning financial journalist with more than 15 years' experience of working on national newspapers, websites and specialist magazines.
She is passionate about helping people feel more confident about their finances. She was previously editor of Times Money Mentor, and prior to that was deputy Money editor at The Sunday Times.
A multi-award winning journalist, Ruth started her career on a pensions magazine at the FT Group, and has also worked at Money Observer and Money Advice Service.
Outside of work, she is a mum to two young children, while also serving as a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.
Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Is an inflation-linked annuity or a level annuity better value?
What makes more sense as a retirement plan: an inflation-linked annuity or a level annuity?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Car finance victims told to complain to get compensation
The Financial Conduct Authority says customers should complain if they felt they were mis-sold, after MPs warned that the car loan scandal will take a long time to resolve
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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What is the pension lifetime allowance?
Analysis The lifetime allowance was scrapped by the previous government, but Labour has previously hinted that it would resurrect it. We explain how the pension lifetime allowance works - and whether it could make a comeback
By Ruth Emery Last updated
Analysis -
Will energy prices fall in 2025?
UK energy prices will rise by another 1.2% from January, according to the latest Ofgem price cap announcement. But will energy prices fall later in 2025?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Pension Credit claims up 145% as Winter Fuel Payment deadline looms
News There are less than two weeks to go to claim Pension Credit and secure backdated Winter Fuel Allowance. Here's how to apply
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Will mortgage rates fall next year?
Advice Mortgage rates have risen and fallen over the past few months, keeping homebuyers and remortgage customers on their toes. With some lenders cutting deals again, what does the future hold for mortgage rates?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
Advice -
Key money dates for 2025
As we approach 2025, it's time to think about the big money changes that could affect your financial health. We run through the key dates in 2025 for managing your money
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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How to boost your pension by £33,000 by paying it an annual Christmas bonus
Contributing an extra £400 into your pension pot this festive period will give the gift of compound interest and should make your retirement feel more jolly and bright
By Ruth Emery Published
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Mortgage warning: Surge in “ultra-long” home loans that run past state pension age even as rates are falling
One million homeowners have taken out mortgages that they will still be paying off in retirement even as rates drop. We take a close look at the figures - plus, how to make your mortgage more affordable.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Is now a good time to buy a house?
Advice Is now a good time to buy a house? That’s something many people might be asking amid lower house price growth and relatively cheaper mortgage rates.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
Advice -
How much state pension will I get?
Advice Several factors determine how much state pension you'll get when you hit retirement age. Here's how to work out exactly what your entitlement is.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
Advice -
Is now a good time to sell a house?
Tips We explore if now is a good time to sell a house as mortgage rates fall and the housing market picks up - could you be out and into your new home by Christmas?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
Tips -
How are Premium Bond prize winners notified – and who is Agent Million?
As the December prize draw takes place, we look at how Premium Bond winners are notified and how the winnings get paid. Plus, who is Agent Million?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Halifax: Homebuying affordability improves but challenges remain
Halifax says buying a home has become slightly more affordable due to strong wage growth and easing interest rates. We reveal the most and least affordable areas
By Ruth Emery Published
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HMRC hikes interest rate for late tax payments - what it means for your tax bill
Buried in the Autumn Budget was a 1.5% hike to the interest rate charged on late tax payments. Experts say it is unfair and represents a “hidden tax rise”. We explain how it works, and how to avoid it
By Ruth Emery Published
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10 benefits and perks you might be able to get when you retire
The Winter Fuel Payment was scrapped for millions of pensioners this year, but you may still be eligible for other benefits in retirement. We outline 10 pensioner perks – from council tax reductions to a free TV licence and prescriptions
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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How to keep your dividends safe from the taxman
Advice The number of people expected to pay dividend tax in 2024/25 has doubled since 2021/22. We reveal six ways to keep your dividends safe and beat the tax trap
By Ruth Emery Last updated
Advice -
NS&I cuts Premium Bond prize fund rate to 4%
NS&I will reduce the Premium Bond rate from 4.15% to 4% in January, while also cutting the rates on other savings accounts. Are Premium Bonds still worth it?
By Ruth Emery Published
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Waspi update on compensation to come “as soon as humanly possible”
The government says an announcement on state pension compensation for Waspi women will be made in the coming weeks, following an ombudsman ruling back in March
By Ruth Emery Published
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What is the 25% pension tax-free cash - and when should you take it?
The 25% tax-free cash that savers can take from their pension pots got plenty of airtime in the run-up to the Autumn Budget, with speculation that it could be cut or axed. But, what is it and how does it work?
By Ruth Emery Published
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50,000 power of attorney applications rejected – how to avoid common mistakes
A freedom of information request shows that thousands of lasting power of attorney (LPA) applications are rejected due to errors. We explain how to avoid mistakes and reveal tips to make the process as straightforward as possible
By Ruth Emery Published
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What is the Mansion House speech - and why does it matter to you?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her first Mansion House speech. We look at what was announced and how it could affect your finances
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Mansion House speech: Rachel Reeves to create “pension megafunds” to boost UK growth
The chancellor used her maiden Mansion House speech to unveil what she calls the "biggest pension reform in decades". How will her plans affect your retirement savings?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Number of ISA millionaires jumps to 4,850
The number of ISA millionaires has surged to more than 4,000 - what does it take to hit the seven-figure sum?
By Ruth Emery Last updated