Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Are you missing out on Pension Credit? How to claim the benefit worth £3,900 a year on average
News Eight in 10 pensioner homeowners failed to claim any of the benefits they were eligible to receive last year. We explain who qualifies for Pension Credit and how to apply
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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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How are Premium Bond prize winners notified – and who is Agent Million?
As the January prize draw approaches, we look at how Premium Bond winners are notified and how the winnings get paid. Plus, who is Agent Million?
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Ovo Energy, British Gas, EDF: which are the best and worst energy suppliers?
Which energy firms are the best and worst for customer service? Citizens Advice has ranked 16 suppliers - which one has been crowned the best and which one is the worst?
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10 benefits and perks you might be able to get when you retire
The Winter Fuel Payment has been scrapped for millions of pensioners, but you may be eligible for other benefits in retirement. We outline 10 pensioner perks – from council tax reductions to a free TV licence and prescriptions
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My 8% Nationwide regular saver has matured - what are my options?
The building society’s popular 8% account is maturing for many savers. Should you stick with Nationwide or move to a competitor?
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Star Wars Lego, Barbie and My Little Pony - the vintage toys worth £1000s
It's time to check the attic and dust off that old Barbie doll or the Star Wars Lego - they could fetch you thousands.
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Chancellor opens 100th banking hub - is there one near you?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq have opened the 100th banking hub in Darwen, Lancashire, in response to bank branch closures in the town
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RICS: Housing market continues to strengthen but 2025 could be challenging
The latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reports a resilient UK housing market, but warns of headwinds next year
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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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?
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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
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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
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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?
