Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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State pension top-up: HMRC to contact thousands of people following 5 April deadline error
News Thousands of customers were unable to fill gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record and boost their state pension on Saturday, as HMRC incorrectly said the deadline had passed
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Review: Constance Lemuria and Ephelia – two Indian Ocean idylls
Ruth Emery visits Constance Lemuria and Constance Ephelia in the Seychelles for sun, sea and some of the best sushi she has ever had
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Beware the savings tax trap: 2 million savers face paying tax on their interest
Advice Millions of people will pay tax on their cash savings in 2024/25, up from about 650,000 three years ago. We outline clever ways to shelter your cash from the taxman
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Chase will change cashback deal on Monday - what it means for you
Chase Bank is making its cashback deal less generous from 7 April. We explain what’s changing
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How much does it cost to move house?
If you're looking to relocate, you may be wondering how much it costs to move house. We breakdown the costs - everything from conveyancing, survey, removals, stamp duty, estate agent fees plus EPC
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Car finance claims: Supreme Court showdown could pave way for redress scheme
Lenders are setting more money aside after the Financial Conduct Authority suggested a car finance compensation scheme is likely
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Checklist: 10 easy moves to save you money before the end of the 2024/25 tax year
Tips The end of the 2024/25 tax year is fast approaching. We’ve put together an action plan so you can maximise valuable tax breaks and allowances before they disappear on 5 April
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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
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Could these six collectables make you rich?
Investing Which collectables are worth owning? From vintage toys to handbags, books and wine, we look at which items could be worthy investments and potentially make you a small fortune
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Vanguard fee warning: small investors urged to act now after £4 monthly charge kicks in
Vanguard customers with portfolios smaller than £32,000 should review their account urgently to avoid overpaying, after a £4 monthly charge kicked in last month
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Child benefit tax return rules are changing – what is the high income child benefit charge?
High-earning parents will soon be spared the hassle of filing a tax return to pay back child benefit. We explain what’s changing and how the high income child benefit charge (HICBC) works
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Pensioner incomes have been stagnant since 2010, says DWP
The average pensioner income sits at £407 a week, up by just £15 compared to 2010. Will incomes increase in future, and what could happen to the state pension?
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Should you overpay your mortgage or invest?
Homeowners in the fortunate position of having spare cash may be weighing up if they should use it to reduce their mortgage debt or invest it. We explain which one might work best for you
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Are regular savings accounts worth it?
A 7% interest rate is eye-catching, but how much can you save in a regular saver account and how does the interest rate work exactly?
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10 years of pension freedoms: what choices have pension savers made?
Since April 2015, older savers have been able to take money directly from their pension, rather than buying an annuity. We look at the impact of pension freedoms - and how savers have spent their cash
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Heathrow closures: How to claim compensation for travel delays
A fire near Heathrow has forced the airport to close, resulting in over 1,300 flights either delayed or cancelled. What compensation can you get if your flight is cancelled or delayed?
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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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Could Labour introduce a 2% wealth tax?
As the chancellor puts the final touches to next week’s Spring Statement, there are growing calls for a 2% wealth tax to be introduced. Campaigners say it would tackle economic inequality and raise billions of pounds in revenue
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Who will miss out on the state pension triple lock?
Not all pensioners have their state pensions increased each year in line with the triple lock. We explain who misses out
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Annuity rates hit 16-year high - is now a good time to buy an annuity?
Annuity incomes have reached their highest level since December 2008, while sales of the pension product are also soaring. Should you buy an annuity?
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Six reasons not to top up your state pension
A deadline to buy National Insurance credits and top up your state pension is fast approaching. Here’s why it may not be worth it for some people
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Spring Statement: what could Rachel Reeves say about pensions?
The chancellor will deliver her Spring Statement on 26 March. We look at whether there will be any announcements on pensions that could affect savers or retirees
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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.
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RICS: UK housing market starts to lose momentum
The latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reveals that housing market activity is slowing due to the upcoming stamp duty hike, as well as “international economic uncertainties”
