Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Revealed: UK’s biggest ISAs stand at more than £11.6 million each
The top 25 ISAs are worth an average of £11,660,000 each, according to HMRC data - bigger than the country’s largest pension pot. We uncover the secrets of the ISA millionaires.
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Childcare crisis deepens as costs rise 7%
The availability of places at nurseries and childminders has worsened, while the average part-time nursery place for a child under two has increased to £158 a week
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Budget 2024: Child benefit to be paid to more families
The chancellor has announced that the high income child benefit charge will be overhauled, meaning thousands more families will be able to keep their child benefit. We explain what’s happening.
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Budget 2024: National Insurance cut, a new British ISA, and reform of the child benefit charge - here’s what has been announced
The chancellor has announced a host of changes, including cutting National Insurance again, and abolishing some tax reliefs. Here’s how the Budget will affect your finances.
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NatWest retail share offer could launch in June
The government could sell part of its stake in the high-street bank as early as the middle of this year. But are the shares worth it?
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Thousands of pensioners forced to claim back huge amounts in emergency tax
Some retirees are losing more than £50,000 in emergency tax when they withdraw money from their pensions, which then has to be clawed back from HMRC.
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Nvidia becomes the fourth biggest company in the world - should you invest?
Chipmaker Nvidia is riding the AI wave, and has overtaken Alphabet and Amazon in terms of market capitalisation. Have new investors missed the boat, or will the share price soar higher?
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Waspi women: could they get £10,000 compensation under new bill?
Many women born in the 1950s got a raw deal due to the rising state pension age. The “Waspi” campaign group has been lobbying for compensation for years - we outline the journey so far, and whether they might finally receive some money.
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Which investment trusts could have made you £2 million in your ISA?
A total of 32 investment trusts would have made investors more than £1 million if they had put their ISA allowance in the same trust each year since 1999, with two growing to more than £2 million. We reveal the “ISA millionaire” trusts.
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Neil Woodford investors to get £230 million payout - with first payments by April
A High Court judge has approved a compensation scheme for investors trapped by the collapse of the Woodford Equity Income Fund. We explain how it will work.
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Barclays Smart Investor scraps £4 minimum monthly fee - how does it compare to its rivals?
Barclays has simplified the pricing structure on its investment platform. How do the costs stack up compared to Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and others?
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Bereavement benefits: last day to claim backdated payment
Parents who were cohabiting when their partner died could be eligible for thousands of pounds in bereavement support payments. But you only have until the end of today (8 February) to claim, so you’ll need to act fast.
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Shop price inflation slows to 18-month low
UK shop price inflation has dropped sharply, raising hopes that inflationary pressures are easing. We look at which items have seen the biggest slowdowns - and what it means for wider inflation figures and interest rates.
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Deflation risks on the horizon: what it means for your savings and investments
With the energy price cap forecast to fall this year, inflation could also drop sharply - and we may start fearing deflation. But what would deflation mean for interest rates, and your savings, mortgage and investments?
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What to do if you win the Premium Bond jackpot - or receive a large inheritance
Congratulations! You’ve received a big cash windfall. But what should you do with it? Save it, spend it, invest it, pay off the mortgage… It can feel overwhelming deciding what to do - we ask experts for their tips.
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HMRC crackdown on workers who earn extra income comes into force - what tax do you need to pay?
New rules have come into effect allowing the taxman to get a closer look at the extra income people are making through selling items online or renting out properties on Airbnb. We explain what it may mean for your tax bill.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
