Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Expats lose out on £26,000 in state pension over 15 years
More than 450,000 pensioners who retire abroad have their state pension “frozen” when they leave the UK. We explain how the policy works and which countries are affected
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Interest on late income tax payments soars to £513 million as HMRC hikes interest rate to its highest level since 2007
Those paying their tax bill late have been hit with millions of pounds of interest by HMRC since 2020. We explain how the interest rate works and what it means for your tax bill
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The best shares to hold for perks and freebies
Features Some companies still offer shareholders perks and discounts. Here are some of our favourites
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Angela Rayner secret tax memo to Rachel Reeves: could these tax hikes become a reality?
As details emerge of a memo sent by Rayner to Reeves calling for a £4 billion tax raid on savers and investors, experts fear some of them might make an appearance in the Autumn Budget
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Six out of 10 retirees who accessed a pension didn’t use Pension Wise - how does the guidance service work?
Many pension savers don’t bother using the free government-backed service Pension Wise. So, how does it work, and could it be useful for you?
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How to do a mid-retirement MOT
You may have heard of a midlife MOT, but experts say a mid-retirement MOT is also essential to ensure your finances are on track and your pension savings last as long as you do
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Heat pump rules are changing: how to reduce the cost of installation
Tips The rules around installing a heat pump will change on 29 May, making it easier for some homeowners. We look at how much a heat pump costs, how the £7,500 government grant works, and other discounts available
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Is an inflation-linked annuity or a level annuity better value?
What makes more sense as a retirement plan: an inflation-linked annuity or a level annuity?
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How to set up a pension if you're self-employed
Features Three-quarters of self-employed workers are not paying into a pension, meaning millions of people could be woefully unprepared for retirement. We explain the different pension options and reveal the best providers
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How many ISAs can I have?
New ISA rules mean savers can open and pay into 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
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150 banking hubs now open across UK – is there one near you?
As the 150th banking hub opens its doors, a Post Office deal that offers basic banking services has also been extended until 2030. We explain what this means for you
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Key money dates for 2025
We run through the key dates and big money changes coming up this year that could affect your financial health
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How you could cut your inheritance tax bill by £37,000
Regular gifting can reduce your inheritance tax bill by tens of thousands of pounds, new calculations show. We explain how the rules work.
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‘I installed a heat pump in my home – here are five things I’ve learnt’
From the size and noise of a heat pump to how much it costs to run one, Ruth Emery reveals what she’s learnt after installing one in her home six months ago
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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. So, what is it and when will it launch?
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Which investments can I hold in a stocks and shares ISA – and which ones are banned?
HMRC has a list stating which investments are allowed in ISAs, but sometimes investors, and even ISA providers, get confused by the rules. Here’s what you need to know when picking your investments.
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Investment platforms: how to avoid sub 2% interest rates on cash holdings and secure a better deal
Do you know how much interest the cash balance in your investment portfolio, ISA or Sipp earns? We lift the lid on the best and worst interest-payers – and explain what you can do about it
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Trump's first 100 days: investment winners and losers
Donald Trump triggered a rollercoaster on the stock markets during the first 100 days of his second presidency. We look at which funds, investment trusts and sectors have performed best and worst
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300,000 households at risk of losing hot water and heating as meter deadline looms – are you affected?
Households with Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters are at risk of losing hot water and heating when their electricity meters switch off from 30 June. We explain how to tell if you have an RTS meter and what you can do
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Millions are being hit by ‘significant stealth tax’ – will you have to pay more to HMRC?
A staggering 17.9 million people look set to start paying basic-rate income tax, while 12 million may be dragged into the higher-rate band, by 2027/28. We explain what fiscal drag is and how you can prepare
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What is capital gains tax and how does it work?
The government raked in £13 billion from capital gains tax in 2024/25. But how does the tax work, and when do you pay it?
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Can I shield my ISAs from inheritance tax?
Many investors and savers will be wondering if there’s anything they can do to protect their ISAs from inheritance tax, especially as pensions will become liable for the levy from April 2027. We reveal the options available to ISA customers
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Hargreaves Lansdown slashes fees for ISA and SIPP investors - how does it compare to other providers?
Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK’s biggest investment platform, has dropped its fees by 40%, to their lowest ever level, for certain customers. Is it a good deal, and how does it compare to other providers?
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State pension rises, but more pensioners face being taxed
The state pension has increased thanks to the triple lock, but frozen tax bands means more pensioners will start to pay tax.
