Latest articles by Ruth Jackson-Kirby
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Parents are missing out on tax-free childcare
Features Take-up of the government’s new tax-free childcare scheme has been “dire” – ensure you claim what you can.
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An idyllic spot in the Lake District
Features If you fancy an active break in the British countryside, Ruth Jackson has found the perfect location.
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How to find lost shares
Tutorials There could be some money out there with your name on it. Here’s how to track down lost shares that you may have bought and forgotten about.
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Isas: Where to stash your cash
Features If you put your savings in a cash Isa, you will never be liable for tax, regardless of how much interest you accumulate. Here is an overview of the top rates available.
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London Capital & Finance: mini-bond investors lose their savings
Features The plight of investors misled by London Capital & Finance is a warning to be on your guard.
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A good alternative to equity release
Advice Retirement interest-only mortgages could be a better way to access funds than equity-release products.
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How to improve your credit score
Features It always pays to check your credit score, says Ruth Jackson. Even if you’ve never been turned down for a loan, you could still be missing out on the best deals.
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Enjoy some pampering at the Adlon in Berlin
Features Ruth Jackson puts her feet up at the Adlon in Berlin, one of Europe’s grandest hotels.
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Now is a good time to fix and forget your mortgage
Features It’s a good time to take out a long-term fixed-rate mortgage, but make sure you know what this entails.
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Make the most of your car
Tips Cars are expensive to run, but you can make some money back from yours by renting it out when you're not using it.
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Don’t miss out on university bursaries
Features There are plenty of university bursaries, scholarships and grants available to everyone, regardless of background.
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Shopping around for energy can still pay off
Tips The new energy price cap doesn’t mean you will automatically get a good deal, says Ruth Jackson.
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Easy ways to save cash
Features Devote an afternoon to some simple money administration, and you could make a big difference to your finances over the year.
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Giving to charity: how to donate a little bit more
Features If you want to donate to charity over Christmas, there are things you can do to maximise your generosity, says Ruth Jackson.
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Gifts that keep giving
Features Christmas presents needn’t be disposable tat, says Ruth Jackson. Here are some great gifts that will last.
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Cut costs on rail travel
Tips There’s not much you can do about train ticket-price inflation, but there are ways to save on season tickets.
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How to pick a care home
Features Picking a care home is an important decision, so make sure you’re aware of all the pitfalls and small print to look out for.
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Pay-as-you-go insurance
Features Car insurance is the latest service to get the on-demand treatment – but it only makes sense for some people, says Ruth Jackson.
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Beware of the risks when investing in mini bonds
Features Don’t be swayed by impressive interest rates and fun perks, says Ruth Jackson. Mini bonds aren’t as good an investment as they look.
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Budget: the devil in the detail
Features The drier aspects of the Budget don’t make the headlines, but can have a big impact on your money, says Ruth Jackson.
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Making a claim in the small claims court
Features Be aware of your right to take someone to the small claims court: it can protect you if you’re owed money.
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Keep it in the family when passing on your estate
Features There are simple steps you can take to make the passing of your estate to your heirs less stressful and less costly, says Ruth Jackson.
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How to fend off eBay scammers
Features Auction site eBay offers only limited protection to both buyers and sellers, says Ruth Jackson. But there are steps you can take to avoid being conned.
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Give packaged bank accounts a chance
Features Although the idea of paying for a bank account is irritating, the perks you get in return can be highly valuable. Ruth Jackson explains.
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