Latest articles by Ruth Emery
-
Saving vs investing: which is better to help you make more money?
Advice Expectations of base rate cuts mean savings rates are falling. We look at savings vs investing – where should you put your money?
Advice -
Eight reasons you could get fined up to £5,000 while driving in Storm Jocelyn
Motorists face fines of up to £5,000 plus penalty points for flouting rules during bad weather. We outline common driving mistakes, whether you’ve got an electric vehicle or a diesel or petrol car.
-
Three pension-related reasons you might need to file a tax return
The self-assessment deadline is fast approaching, with millions of people due to submit a tax return by 31 January. But did you know you may need to file a return because of your pension savings? We explain all.
-
Pensions tax relief - why the taxman could owe you money
News If you're yet to complete a self-assessment tax return for 2022/23 ahead of the end of January deadline, then don't forget your unclaimed pensions tax relief. Here's how to make sure you claim all the tax relief you’re entitled to
News -
Seven things you need to know before installing an electric vehicle charger
Charging your EV at home rather than relying on public charging points is convenient and could save you money. We run through what you need to know before installing one.
-
Three apps to save you money
Features Apps on your mobile phone can help you salt away cash, manage your finances and trim your spending. We highlight some of the best ones and explain how they work
Features -
Wage growth slows again - but it is still outpacing inflation
Pay growth has fallen to 6.6%, while the number of vacancies has dropped for the 18th month in a row. We explain what it means for the wider economy - and for interest rates.
-
Why cash is still king: investors take advantage of high interest rates and maximise flexibility
Cash is seen as the most attractive asset class moving into 2024, according to a new survey. But with interest rates forecast to drop, investors are likely to start reinvesting in risk assets soon.
-
Crypto investors warned they may need to submit a tax return by 31 January
HMRC has issued a new warning to crypto users that they may have to file a tax return this month to avoid potential penalties. We explain who needs to complete a self-assessment return and when tax may be due.
-
Should you overpay your mortgage or invest?
Advice As interest rates remain high, homeowners with spare cash may be wondering if they should overpay their mortgage. Or is investing a better option? We explain which one might be best for you
Advice -
National Insurance savings could turbo-charge your pension by £87,000
As National Insurance falls from 12% to 10%, we reveal how adding the savings to your pension could boost your retirement pot by tens of thousands of pounds. Plus, how salary sacrifice could save you even more tax.
-
Millions to benefit from National Insurance cut from 6 January
Workers will get a boost to their pay packets as the first tax cut of 2024 is introduced on 6 January. We explain what the lower NI rate of 10% means for your money.
-
State pension triple lock should be scrapped, says IFS
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has called for the triple lock to be replaced, and says the state pension age should only rise when life expectancy rises. But would its suggestions work?
-
UK GDP: Economy falls unexpectedly
The UK economy shrank by 0.3% in October, due to high interest rates and bad weather. We look in detail at the reasons behind the fall, and what it means for interest rates next year.
-
Two-thirds of savers don’t know how to switch to a “green pension”
Switching to a green pension can save emissions equal to 11 return flights from London to New York every year, claims a new report. But is it worth moving your money, and how do you do it?
-
Wage growth slows as jobs market falters
Pay growth has eased to 7.3%, while the number of vacancies has fallen for the 17th month in a row. We explain what it means for the wider economy - and for interest rates.
-
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?
-
Top 10 stocks with highest growth over past decade - from Nvidia, Microsoft to Netflix, which companies made you the most money?
We reveal the 10 global companies with the biggest returns since 2013. One firm has posted an astonishing 9,870% return, meaning a £1,000 investment would now be worth almost £82,000.
-
How to avoid inheritance tax by giving your money away
Advice While the rumoured cut in inheritance tax failed to materialise in the Autumn Statement, there are ways to beat the tax by passing money to your family while you’re still alive. We explain how the gifting rules work.
Advice -
US stock trading app Robinhood launches in the UK
The low-cost trading platform has opened another waiting list for British investors - following two failed attempts to launch in this country - and is hoping to be fully operational next year.
-
Pensioners to receive up to £600 in winter support - who is eligible and how to claim
Up to £600 in cost-of-living payments is starting to land in pensioners’ bank accounts. We explain who qualifies and what to do if you don’t receive the cash.
-
Pensioners face “marriage allowance mayhem” due to rising state pension. Who will pay the unexpected tax bill?
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners - mainly wives - could get unexpected tax bills as a result of the frozen personal allowance and soaring state pension, according to former pensions minister Steve Webb.
-
State pension gap: £2,600 shortfall to secure “basic retirement”
The state pension will rise 8.5% in April, reaching £11,502 a year. But that is still some way below the amount of money needed for a basic retirement income.
-
Thousands of pensioners to be dragged into income tax net due to state pension boost
An extra 650,000 pensioners will have to start paying income tax as a result of next April’s 8.5% state pension increase
