Ruth Emery
Ruth is an award-winning financial journalist with more than 15 years' experience of working on national newspapers, websites and specialist magazines.
She 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, while also serving as a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.
Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Annuity sales reach 10-year high - is now a good time to buy an annuity?
Sales of annuities soared last year, as pension savers took advantage of improved annuity rates. Should you buy an annuity?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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18 tips to cut your car insurance premiums
Tips Average car insurance premiums have fallen by 18% over the past year, following sky-high bills in 2023. We highlight clever tips to reduce your costs further
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Is now a good time to sell a house?
Tips February is often the best month to list a property for sale. Is now a good time to sell a house?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Millions missed self-assessment deadline as HMRC hikes interest rate for late payments - what it means for your tax bill
Late self-assessment filers could be hit with higher interest rate charges that were buried in the Autumn Budget. Experts say it is unfair and represents a “hidden tax rise”. We explain how it works, and how to avoid it
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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How many ISAs can I have?
New ISA rules mean savers can hold multiple ISAs of the same type. But is this change available to everyone? We look at how many ISAs you can have in the current tax year
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Vanguard delays introducing £4 minimum monthly fee - is it still a cheap deal?
The investment platform has pushed back the introduction of its minimum fee to the end of February. How will the charges compare to its rivals, and should Vanguard customers move their money?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Will China thrive during the Year of the Snake - or will Trump’s tariffs bite?
As the Chinese lunar new year begins, investors will be wondering whether allocating to the world’s second-largest economy will “rattle” up some big returns, or whether Trump’s tariffs will take a “venomous bite” out of investment performance
By Ruth Emery Published
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Average rents drop for first time since 2019 - what does it mean for buy-to-let landlords?
The rental market is starting to cool, with more supply and less demand, says Rightmove. That’s good news for tenants, but where does it leave landlords?
By Ruth Emery Published
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Is now a good time to buy a house?
Advice Is now a good time to buy a house? That’s something many people might be asking amid lower house price growth and relatively cheaper mortgage rates.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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How to claim compensation for travel delays – what are your rights?
Storm Éowyn is battering the UK and Ireland with winds of up to 100mph in some places. What compensation can you get if your flight is cancelled or delayed?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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The 8% pension rule: what is it and is it enough to retire on?
You are probably saving this amount into a pension each month without even realising. But what is the 8% rule and is it enough to give you a comfortable retirement?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Average pension pot by age
How does your pension pot compare to your peers? We delve into the data and reveal the average pension pot for different age groups
By Ruth Emery Published
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HMRC vows to tackle overtaxed pension scandal as pensioners reclaim millions
Pensioners claimed almost £50 million in pension tax overpayment refunds in the past three months. Now, HMRC says it wants to improve the system so pension savers “pay the right amount of tax from the outset”. We explain what’s changing
By Ruth Emery Published
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Key pension changes in 2025
There are several big changes happening to pensions this year. Here’s what you need to know, from the state pension and pensions dashboards to preparing for an inheritance tax hike
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Child Trust Funds: Could £2,000 of unclaimed money be waiting for you?
More than £1.4 billion is languishing in unclaimed savings accounts belonging to 18-22 year olds. Here is how to track down lost Child Trust Funds.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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RICS: Resilience of housing market could be tested if mortgage rates climb
The latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reveals the UK property market ended 2024 on a firm footing, but warns that a rise in mortgage rates could put a dampener on things
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 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 ISAs
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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UK house prices rose 3.3% over past 12 months - what’s in store for 2025?
The Land Registry house price index reveals annual inflation of 3.3%, with the average property price reaching £290,000 in November. Will house prices continue to increase this year?
By Ruth Emery Published
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Torsten Bell becomes new pensions minister following Tulip Siddiq resignation
The MP for Swansea West and former boss of the Resolution Foundation replaces Emma Reynolds as pensions minister, as she takes over from Tulip Siddiq as economic secretary to the Treasury
By Ruth Emery Published
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More than £53 billion held in fixed-rate cash ISAs will mature by April - where should savers move their money?
If your fixed-rate cash ISA is maturing soon, we look at the options available to you
By Ruth Emery Published
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Teachers’ Pensions: will legal action be taken over the transfer value delays?
Teachers are facing long delays in obtaining pension transfer values needed for divorce proceedings. Is a law firm about to submit a group claim, and what else can pension savers do in this situation?
By Ruth Emery Published
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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
By Ruth Emery Published
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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?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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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
By Ruth Emery Last updated