Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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What is the 25% pension tax-free cash - and when should you take it?
There’s plenty of speculation that the 25% tax-free cash savers can take from their pension pots could be cut in the forthcoming Autumn Budget. But, what is it and how does it work?
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11 reasons you need to register for self-assessment before 5 October
There are lots of reasons why you may need to register for self-assessment. But you’ll need to act fast to meet the 5 October deadline
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How to boost your chances of getting the Winter Fuel Payment
Millions of pensioners will get the Winter Fuel Payment this year following a government U-turn, provided their income is less than £35,000. We reveal some tips and tricks to ensure you’re eligible
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Nationwide: The London homes commanding a £42,700 premium
Good transport links are still important to home buyers in the capital. We reveal the London tube lines with the highest and lowest house prices, as well as the house price premium for Glasgow and Manchester homes near stations
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Key money dates for 2025/26
We run through the key dates and big money changes coming up this year and into 2026 that could affect your financial health
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Beware the savings tax trap: pensioners face paying £2.5 billion in tax on their interest
Savers are being urged to look at ways to shelter their cash from the taxman as the tax burden on savings escalates.
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Green mortgages: how do they work and how much can you save?
Most high-street lenders now offer some kind of green mortgage deal. We look at who’s eligible, how to apply and the mortgage rates and cashback on offer
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Why one in ten retirees are cutting back on gifting
More than one in 10 retirees plan to cut back on gifting to children and grandchildren, despite concerns we could see inheritance tax changes in the Autumn Budget
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Best junior stocks and shares ISA platforms
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 ISA providers
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Halifax: House prices rose 0.3% in August, marking third increase in a row
The average UK property now costs £299,331, a new record high. But could the Autumn Budget derail the housing market?
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Millions of retirees to miss out on state pension triple lock boost
More than 6.5 million pensioners face having some of their payment increased only with inflation next April, rather than the full triple lock
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Average quoted car insurance premiums have dropped by 10.5% in the past 12 months – but for over 50s the long term trend is higher prices. We highlight clever tips to reduce your costs
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ISA guide: everything you need to know for the 2025/26 tax year
We explain everything you need to know about ISAs: how they work, how much you can pay in, what investments you can hold, and how to transfer one
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‘My NS&I one-year British Savings Bond is maturing – what should I do with my savings?
Thousands of savers will see their fixed-rate savings accounts mature next month. We consider whether you should stick with NS&I or move to a competitor
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London Stock Exchange gets go-ahead to run Pisces private stock market
The Pisces market will allow investors to buy and sell shares in private companies. But how will it work, when will it launch, and who is allowed to use it?
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Could landlords face National Insurance on rental income?
The Treasury is said to be considering a tax increase for landlords in an attempt to boost revenue in Rachel Reeves’s Autumn Budget
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Zoopla: Property tax speculation creates uncertainty for a third of home buyers
Property tax rumours could impact homes valued at over £500,000, potentially triggering a housing market slowdown, Zoopla has warned
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Top 10 areas with the biggest inheritance tax bills – is your town on the list?
People in some of the wealthiest parts of London pay the most inheritance tax – but there are a few areas outside the capital where big bills are paid when a loved one dies
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What happens to your pension if you retire abroad?
Holidays don’t have to end. Thousands of people leave the UK every year, many to enjoy their retirement in another country, seeking lower taxes, sun and often more affordable adventure. We look at what happens to your pension if you retire abroad.
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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
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Retirees warned not to make drastic changes to pensions as new inheritance tax rules loom
Some pension savers are increasing the amount they withdraw from their pots – but they risk running out of money, or being hit with high rates of income tax. We explain how to safely manage the upcoming inheritance tax change
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London house prices to outperform rest of UK, says economist
After years of underperformance, London house prices are set to grow faster than the rest of the country, according to Capital Economics. We look at the reasons behind this forecast – and whether other experts agree
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Inheritance tax to apply on pensions even if you die before age 55 – 'unbelievably unfair'
Pension savers who die before the minimum pension age will see their pots subject to inheritance tax, in addition to those above 55, the Treasury has confirmed. Experts warn this could put people off saving for retirement and “risks eroding trust in the pension system”
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Norfolk or Norway? Holidays you can afford with different-sized pension pots
Many people look forward to taking more holidays when they retire. But what sort of trips could your pension buy you? We look at the holidays to match different retirement incomes
