Ruth Jackson-Kirby
Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.
Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.
Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.
Latest articles by Ruth Jackson-Kirby
-
Should you buy pet insurance or “self insure” your furry friend?
Advice More people are giving up their puppies as veterinary costs are soaring. Are you better off self-insuring to save money and hold on to your hound?
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Last updated
Advice -
Eight things to check in your travel insurance
Buying the right travel insurance can make or break your holiday. Here are eight things to look out for when planning your next getaway
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Last updated
-
How to plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank
A typical wedding in London costs £36,000. Here’s how to cut costs without ruining your big day
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Last updated
-
How to cut the cost of home insurance
Home insurance policies are becoming increasingly expensive, but there are several ways you can keep costs down
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Last updated
-
More under-40s set for higher tax brackets
A whopping 20% of under-40s will find more of their earnings going to the taxman due to the freeze on income tax bands.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
-
Most Premium Bond holders never win – are they worth it?
Premium Bonds There are over 20 million Premium Bond holders but most of us have never won a prize.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Premium Bonds -
Inheritance tax makes an increasing amount for HMRC - can you avoid it?
New data reveals more than 27,000 estates paid inheritance tax in 2021/22. Will they continue to rise?
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
-
What is an offset mortgage and should you consider one?
Mortgages Offset mortgages are a good way to put your money to work. We explain what they are and if they might work for you.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Mortgages -
How to avoid second home council tax
Can you avoid high council tax on second homes? We look at the rules and who will have to pay the charge
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Last updated
-
Use a deed of variation to change a deceased's will
Advice A deed of variation can change who benefits from a deceased person's will. But all executors and beneficiaries must agree. We explain how it works.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Last updated
Advice -
Self-assessment: don’t miss the deadline for online tax returns
Advice If you are self-employed, rent out a property or earn income from savings, investments or dividends, you may need to complete a tax return - and you only have until the end of January to do so.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Last updated
Advice -
Lock in high yields on savings, before they disappear
As interest rates peak, time to lock in high yields on your savings, while they are still available.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
-
Is an inheritance tax (IHT) cut on the way?
Tax Talk that the government might cut or scrap inheritance tax in its Autumn Statement is rife. We look at how it could be reformed, and what difference it would make.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Last updated
Tax -
How the mini-Budget tax cuts will affect you
Advice Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's mini-Budget was full of tax cuts that will change your take-home pay
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Advice -
Section 75 refunds: protection for your credit card purchases
Advice Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, your credit card can give you extra protection when the goods or services you buy fall short of your expectations. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains how it works.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Advice -
What the interest rate rise means for your mortgage
Advice As mortgage interest rates rise, extending home loans is starting to become eye-wateringly expensive. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains what you can do about it.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Advice -
How to cut your energy bill
Advice The energy-price cap will almost double in the autumn. What does this mean for your money, and how can you alleviate the squeeze? Ruth Jackson-Kirby has some practical tips
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Advice -
How solar panels could lower your energy bill
Analysis Solar-panel installation firms are reporting a four-fold increase in orders this year compared with 2021. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains how solar can help keep your energy bill down.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Analysis -
How to cut the cost of childcare
Advice Childcare is expensive, yet few people are drawing upon all the government support they are entitled to. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains what help is available and how to get it.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Advice -
Don’t be tempted by cashback mortgage deals
Advice Many lenders are now offering “cashback mortgages” that can return up to £1,000 to you on completion. But beware, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby. Cashback offers can often hide an expensive mortgage.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Advice -
Why you shouldn’t rush to fix your energy tariff
Advice Fixed-tariff energy deals are becoming more tempting, but not all households can benefit, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Advice -
Why you should consider abandoning your cash Isa
Advice Standard savings accounts are paying better rates than their tax-free cash Isa counterparts, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Advice -
How to cut the cost of living
Advice Culling your direct debits, lowering your boiler’s temperature and signing up for loyalty cards are all strategies to help combat the rising cost of living
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Last updated
Advice -
How to make your child a financial whizz
Advice Money skills aren’t always taught at school. You need to take matters into your own hands, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
Advice