Ruth Emery
Ruth 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, a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.
Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Budget 2024: National Insurance cut, a new British ISA, and reform of the child benefit charge - here’s what has been announced
The chancellor has announced a host of changes, including cutting National Insurance again, and abolishing some tax reliefs. Here’s how the Budget will affect your finances.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Pension Credit: claim by 5 March to secure extra £299 cost of living payment
Features An estimated 880,000 pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit, worth around £3,900 a year. We explain who is eligible (you may be surprised) and how claiming it by 5 March could unlock an extra £299 payment.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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NatWest retail share offer could launch in June
The government could sell part of its stake in the high-street bank as early as the middle of this year. But are the shares worth it?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Thousands of pensioners forced to claim back huge amounts in emergency tax
Some retirees are losing more than £50,000 in emergency tax when they withdraw money from their pensions, which then has to be clawed back from HMRC.
By Ruth Emery Published
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Should you defer your pension and stay in work?
Advice A quarter of people approaching retirement are unaware they can defer receiving their state pension. Deferring could make sense if you're still working and don't need the income immediately. We look at how it works, and the pros and cons.
By David Prosser Last updated
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Couples urged to apply for the marriage allowance before end of tax 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.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Consumer Duty: how the rules are changing financial services - and what they mean for you
Consumer Duty rules came into force six months ago. They aim to put customers’ needs first, and some banks and wealth managers are already responding by axing fees and increasing interest rates. What other changes could we see in 2024?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Nvidia becomes the fourth biggest company in the world - should you invest?
Chipmaker Nvidia is riding the AI wave, and has overtaken Alphabet and Amazon in terms of market capitalisation. Have new investors missed the boat, or will the share price soar higher?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Stocks and shares ISAs beat cash ISAs despite rising interest rates
Exclusive analysis for MoneyWeek shows that the stock market beat cash ISAs last year - and when inflation is factored in, cash savers actually made a loss. We run through the figures.
By Ruth Emery Published
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Waspi women: could they get £10,000 compensation under new bill?
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 whether they might finally receive some money.
By Ruth Emery Published
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Which investment trusts could have made you £2 million in your ISA?
A total of 32 investment trusts would have made investors more than £1 million if they had put their ISA allowance in the same trust each year since 1999, with two growing to more than £2 million. We reveal the “ISA millionaire” trusts.
By Ruth Emery Published
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Neil Woodford investors to get £230 million payout - with first payments by April
A High Court judge has approved a compensation scheme for investors trapped by the collapse of the Woodford Equity Income Fund. We explain how it will work.
By Ruth Emery Published
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Barclays Smart Investor scraps £4 minimum monthly fee - how does it compare to its rivals?
Barclays has simplified the pricing structure on its investment platform. How do the costs stack up compared to Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and others?
By Ruth Emery Published
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Bereavement benefits: last day to claim backdated payment
Parents who were cohabiting when their partner died could be eligible for thousands of pounds in bereavement support payments. But you only have until the end of today (8 February) to claim, so you’ll need to act fast.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Checklist: What to do if frozen tax thresholds put you in a higher tax bracket
The freeze on income tax bands will see millions dragged into higher rates of taxation. We explain what actions you need to take - plus some ways to save money.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Shop price inflation slows to 18-month low
UK shop price inflation has dropped sharply, raising hopes that inflationary pressures are easing. We look at which items have seen the biggest slowdowns - and what it means for wider inflation figures and interest rates.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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NS&I comparison: how does it compare to other savings providers?
We look at whether it’s worth going with the government-backed organisation, or whether other savings providers offer a better deal.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Deflation risks on the horizon: what it means for your savings and investments
With the energy price cap forecast to fall this year, inflation could also drop sharply - and we may start fearing deflation. But what would deflation mean for interest rates, and your savings, mortgage and investments?
By Ruth Emery Published
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What to do if you win the Premium Bond jackpot - or receive a large inheritance
Congratulations! You’ve received a big cash windfall. But what should you do with it? Save it, spend it, invest it, pay off the mortgage… It can feel overwhelming deciding what to do - we ask experts for their tips.
By Ruth Emery Published
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HMRC crackdown on workers who earn extra income comes into force - what tax do you need to pay?
New rules have come into effect allowing the taxman to get a closer look at the extra income people are making through selling items online or renting out properties on Airbnb. We explain what it may mean for your tax bill.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Spain tops list of cheapest countries to live
Thinking of moving abroad? Spain, Italy and Portugal are the cheapest countries to live according to the 2024 Cost of Living Overseas Index.
By Ruth Emery Published
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Best junior stocks and shares ISAs
Advice A junior stocks and shares ISA is a great way to save for your child tax-efficiently. But it can be confusing trying to decide which investment platform to use. We reveal some of the best junior stocks and shares ISAs.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
Advice -
Saving vs investing: which is better to help you make more money?
Advice Expectations of base rate cuts mean savings rates are falling. We look at savings vs investing – where should you put your money?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
Advice -
Eight reasons you could get fined up to £5,000 while driving in Storm Jocelyn
Motorists face fines of up to £5,000 plus penalty points for flouting rules during bad weather. We outline common driving mistakes, whether you’ve got an electric vehicle or a diesel or petrol car.
By Ruth Emery Published