Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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House prices hit record high, says Halifax
UK house prices rose 3.9% over the past year, with a typical property now costing £293,999. We look at which regions are seeing the strongest growth, and whether the rally in house prices will continue next year
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Hargreaves Lansdown takeover: what it means for your money
Britain’s biggest investment platform has agreed a £5.4 billion takeover. What does it mean for shareholders and customers?
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Autumn Budget 2024: Pensions and Aim shares to be taxed in IHT crackdown
The chancellor has announced that pension pots will be liable for inheritance tax from 2027, while Aim shares will be hit a year earlier. Critics call the measures a “blow for savers”
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Autumn Budget 2024: State pension and Pension Credit to rise 4.1% in April
The chancellor has confirmed that the state pension will increase in line with the triple lock, meaning the full payout will jump by £470 a year. We have all the details of how much the payments will be worth
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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 them and reveals that customer service ratings across the industry are among “lowest ever”
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Cash ISA subscriptions surge - but will the chancellor cap ISA benefits in the Budget?
Savers are rushing to open a cash ISA to protect themselves from any tax threats in the Autumn Budget. Could the chancellor target ISAs on 30 October?
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Pension moves you should make before Labour’s Budget raid
Savers are maxing out their pension contributions while retirees are grabbing their tax-free cash amid fears of a tax raid in the Autumn Budget. We look at what you can do to prepare
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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? We round up the best investing apps
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How to get an ISA and SIPP cashback bonus
Tips Here are the best bonus deals available, with some providers giving away as much as £3,000 in cashback for opening or transferring an account
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Should you defer your pension and stay in work?
Deferring your state pension 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.
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What is inflation and how does it affect you?
We now appear to be past the worst of the cost-of-living crisis. But what is inflation – and how does it affect your personal finances?
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Lost pension pots reach £31 billion - how to find your old pensions
There are now an estimated 3.3 million lost pension pots, up from 2.8 million two years ago, according to the Pensions Policy Institute. We explain how to track down your old pensions
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Pensioners reclaim £44 million from HMRC – are you owed money?
Thousands of pensioners claim money back from HMRC after being overtaxed on their withdrawals. We explain how to avoid a shock bill and get a refund.
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Tax return deadline: act now to get your paper tax return in by 31 October
We explain who needs to complete a self-assessment tax return, common mistakes to avoid - and what to do if you miss the deadline
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What is the pensions dashboard?
Touted as a game-changer in how we manage our savings, the pensions dashboard initiative has been plagued by delays. Here’s what you need to know.
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Seven ways the Budget could hike inheritance tax or capital gains tax at death
Chancellor Rachel Reeves could target death taxes by raising IHT and/or levying CGT on inheritances. We look at some potential moves in the Autumn Budget
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Number of ISA millionaires triples in three years
The number of people with £1 million in their ISAs has tripled in three years to reach 3,180. But could next week’s Budget put an end to future ISA millionaires?
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NS&I to cut Premium Bond prize rate to 4.15%
The odds of winning a prize will fall to 22,000 to 1 for the December draw, while NS&I is also slashing the rates on other savings products. We have all the details
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Will Labour cut the 25% pension tax-free cash in the Autumn Budget?
The chancellor is said to be considering reducing the maximum amount of tax-free cash that pension savers can take. Should you take your money now just in case?
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House price growth picks up pace with 2.8% annual rise
UK house prices have increased for six months in a row, according to official figures. But with mortgage rates starting to climb, and Labour’s first Budget fast approaching, could this dent buyers’ confidence?
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State pension set to rise by 4.1% next April – how much could you get?
The full new state pension should increase by £473 thanks to the triple lock, bringing it to just under £12,000 a year. But this will be offset by the removal of the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners
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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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Labour Budget predictions: what could Rachel Reeves announce?
The UK’s first female chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will deliver the Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October. We look at what could be announced
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Nationwide completes Virgin Money takeover - what does it mean for customers?
Nationwide's acquisition of Virgin Money affects one in three people in the UK. What does it mean for branches and products?
