
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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State pension could rise to £12,600 next year - dragging millions into paying tax
The triple lock could trigger a 5.5% increase to the state pension in April 2026, economists suggest. This means the full state pension will breach the tax-free personal allowance
By Ruth Emery Published
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Stocks and shares ISAs beat cash ISAs – is it time to start investing?
The average stocks and shares ISA returned almost 12% over the past 12 months, versus 3.8% for the average cash ISA. As Rachel Reeves considers cutting the cash ISA limit, is it time you started investing?
By Ruth Emery Published
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UK house prices rose 4.6% last year – where did property prices grow most?
House prices increased by 4.6% in 2024, giving an average property price of £268,000. Where did property prices grow the most and will they continue to rise this year?
By Ruth Emery Published
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Most affordable cities for single homebuyers revealed
Buying a home by yourself? Analysis by Zoopla reveals the most affordable cities in the UK
By Ruth Emery Published
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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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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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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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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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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
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Star Wars Lego, Barbie and My Little Pony - the vintage toys worth £1000s
It's time to check the attic and dust off that old Barbie doll or the Star Wars Lego - they could fetch you thousands.
By Ruth Emery Published
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Chancellor opens 100th banking hub - is there one near you?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq have opened the 100th banking hub in Darwen, Lancashire, in response to bank branch closures in the town
By Ruth Emery Published
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RICS: Housing market continues to strengthen but 2025 could be challenging
The latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reports a resilient UK housing market, but warns of headwinds next year
By Ruth Emery Published
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How to boost your pension by £33,000 by paying it an annual Christmas bonus
Contributing an extra £400 into your pension pot this festive period will give the gift of compound interest and should make your retirement feel more jolly and bright
By Ruth Emery Published
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Mortgage warning: Surge in “ultra-long” home loans that run past state pension age even as rates are falling
One million homeowners have taken out mortgages that they will still be paying off in retirement even as rates drop. We take a close look at the figures - plus, how to make your mortgage more affordable.
By Ruth Emery Last updated
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Halifax: Homebuying affordability improves but challenges remain
Halifax says buying a home has become slightly more affordable due to strong wage growth and easing interest rates. We reveal the most and least affordable areas
By Ruth Emery Published
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How to keep your dividends safe from the taxman
Advice The number of people expected to pay dividend tax in 2024/25 has doubled since 2021/22. We reveal six ways to keep your dividends safe and beat the tax trap
By Ruth Emery Last updated
Advice