Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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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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Will mortgage rates fall this year?
Average mortgage rates have climbed slightly, amid signs that lenders have become “jittery”. 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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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 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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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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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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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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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 thinks price rises could hit 4% later this year. What is inflation and how does it impact your personal finances?
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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.
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Green mortgages: how do they work and how much can you save?
Most high-street lenders now offer some kind of green mortgage deal. We look at who’s eligible, how to apply and the mortgage rates and cashback on offer
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Why one in ten retirees are cutting back on gifting
More than one in 10 retirees plan to cut back on gifting to children and grandchildren, despite concerns we could see inheritance tax changes in the Autumn Budget
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Best junior stocks and shares ISA platforms
Advice A junior stocks and shares ISA is a great way to save for a child tax-efficiently. But, it can be tricky deciding which investment platform to use. We reveal some of the best junior stocks and shares ISA providers
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Halifax: House prices rose 0.3% in August, marking third increase in a row
The average UK property now costs £299,331, a new record high. But could the Autumn Budget derail the housing market?
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Millions of retirees to miss out on state pension triple lock boost
More than 6.5 million pensioners face having some of their payment increased only with inflation next April, rather than the full triple lock
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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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Average quoted car insurance premiums have dropped by 10.5% in the past 12 months – but for over 50s the long term trend is higher prices. We highlight clever tips to reduce your costs
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Waspi women: day in court against the government confirmed
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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ISA guide: everything you need to know for the 2025/26 tax year
We explain everything you need to know about ISAs: how they work, how much you can pay in, what investments you can hold, and how to transfer one
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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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Are you missing out on Pension Credit? How to claim the benefit worth £4,300 a year
News The number of Pension Credit claims has soared in the past year but thousands of eligible households are still failing to apply. We explain who qualifies for Pension Credit and how to apply
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‘My NS&I one-year British Savings Bond is maturing – what should I do with my savings?
Thousands of savers will see their fixed-rate savings accounts mature next month. We consider whether you should stick with NS&I or move to a competitor
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London Stock Exchange gets go-ahead to run Pisces private stock market
The Pisces market will allow investors to buy and sell shares in private companies. But how will it work, when will it launch, and who is allowed to use it?
