Latest articles by Ruth Emery
-
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
-
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”
-
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
-
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?
-
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
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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
-
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?
-
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
-
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?
-
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?
-
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
-
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
-
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?
-
Frozen state pensions: thousands of expats receive just £3,000 a year
More than 450,000 pensioners who retire abroad have their state pension “frozen” when they leave the UK. Will Labour change the rules and end this “injustice”?
-
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
-
Autumn Budget: how to protect your wealth from Labour
Keir Starmer has warned that the Budget will be "painful". We look at what you can do now to shield your money from Labour
-
Retirees lose out on £13,000 by not shopping around for best annuity deal
Pensioners are potentially missing out on thousands of pounds worth of income in retirement by failing to shop around. We explain how to get the best annuity deal
-
ISAs vs pensions – which is better for retirement?
Advice As ISAs become more popular, it's worth comparing them against pensions in terms of which is better for saving for retirement
Advice -
State pension errors: HMRC contacts thousands of women over missing payments
News HMRC has sent out 325,000 letters so far. The average underpayment is £5,400 - could you be affected?
News
