Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Bank of England holds interest rates at 5.25%
The Bank has kept rates at 5.25%, ending its run of 14 consecutive increases. We look at what it means for your money - and what the Bank’s next move could be
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Annuity incomes hit highest level in two decades - is now the time to buy one?
Advice Annuity rates have improved by 20% over the past year. We look at whether now is a good time to buy an annuity.
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10 first-edition books worth up to £140,000
If you have a vintage book lying around, it could be worth a small fortune. We reveal 10 classics that could net you thousands of pounds - time to check the attic for any hidden treasures.
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NS&I versus other savings providers - where should you put your money?
As NS&I hikes the rate on its one-year fixed bonds to a record high, we ask whether it’s worth going with the government-backed organisation, or whether other savings providers offer a better deal?
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Thousands of pensioners to be dragged into income tax net due to state pension boost
An extra 650,000 pensioners will have to start paying income tax as a result of next April’s 8.5% state pension increase.
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The £1m pension problem: Why you may not get 25% tax-free cash
The pension lifetime allowance is being axed, but there is a sting in the tail. Savers with large pension pots could see their tax-free lump sum shrunk to just 10%. We explain what’s happening and what action you should take
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How to beat NS&I's market-leading 6.2% savings bond
While NS&I’s 6.2% savings rate is currently the highest one-year fixed account on the market, we look at how you could beat it with this one deal
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Three apps to save you money
Features Apps on your mobile phone can help you salt away cash, manage your finances and trim your spending. We highlight some of the best ones and explain how they work
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What's the latest with UK mortgage rates?
Lenders have been cutting their mortgage rates, but this could change if the Bank of England decides to hike rates further due to stronger-than-expected wage growth.
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Best investing apps
We round up the best investing apps. Looking for an easy-to-use app to help you start investing, keep track of your portfolio or make trades on the go?
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Are Lifetime Isas still worth it?
Analysis Despite house prices surging over the past few years, the property price cap for first-time buyers using a Lifetime Isa remains at £450,000. Is it worth bothering with the savings scheme anymore?
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ULEZ: How to make the most of the £2,000 scrappage scheme
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to all Londoners who want to scrap any car or motorcycle that is non-compliant with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). We explain how it works and how to apply
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Will energy prices fall in 2024? The latest expert predictions
News Energy prices will fall slightly between October and December when the latest energy price cap kicks in, but what can we expect to pay next year? We look at the latest predictions over what will happen to energy bills next year.
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Saving vs investing: which is better to help you make more money?
Advice Saving has become a more attractive option with interest rates hitting the highest levels seen in years, but if you’re prepared to take some risk investing could prove even better. We look at savings vs investing – where should you put your money?
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Revealed: the cheapest cities to own a home in Britain
New research reveals the cheapest cities to own a home, taking account of mortgage payments, utility bills and council tax
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Aim ISAs celebrate their 10th anniversary: which stocks have performed best?
We look at how Aim ISAs work, how the alternative investment market has changed over the past decade, the most popular stocks - and which ones have performed best.
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Revealed: the investment platforms that pay less than 2% interest on cash holdings
News Do you know how much interest the cash balance in your investment portfolio, ISA or pension earns? We lift the lid on the best and worst interest-payers - and what you can do about it.
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Too embarrassed to ask: what is a Ponzi scheme?
Videos The Ponzi scheme is one of the best-known types of financial fraud. Here’s how it works.
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NS&I hikes Premium Bond prize fund rate to 24-year high
The Premium Bond prize fund rate will go up again next month, hitting its highest level since 1999. NS&I is also raising the interest rate on a range of savings products. We explain what the changes mean for you.
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Bank of England raises interest rates to 5.25%
The Bank has hiked rates from 5% to 5.25%, marking the 14th increase in a row. We explain what it means for savers and homeowners - and whether more rate rises are on the horizon
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Premium Bonds: how do prize winners get notified, and who is Agent Million?
Two lucky Premium Bond customers become millionaires every month, and millions of others receive prizes worth thousands of pounds. But how do they get notified, how do the winnings get paid, and who exactly is Agent Million?
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Consumer Duty: what the new rules mean for you
New Consumer Duty rules have come into force today (31 July) - a tough regime aimed at changing the culture at firms and putting customers’ needs first. But what do the new rules mean for you, and which financial products will be affected?
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Most popular stocks of 2023: AI on the up while interest in Netflix plummets
We reveal the most popular shares of 2023 so far.
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Savings rates more than double in a year as challenger banks top the best buy tables
The best savings rates have doubled - and in some cases tripled - in a year, with challenger banks offering the highest rates. While they are still no match for inflation, we look at what you could be earning.
