Ruth Jackson-Kirby
Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings 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
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Prepare for big changes to inheritance tax
Features Inheritance tax – Britain’s most detested tax – is set for an overhaul.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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The home-cover rip-off
Features As is so often the case when it comes to insurance, says Ruth Jackson, it really doesn’t pay to be loyal to your provider.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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Stranded abroad? Don’t wing it
Tips Holidays from hell needn’t cost you the earth, says Ruth Jackson. A package deal provides the best protection.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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Delegate the search for the best energy deal
Tips There is help to find the best energy deal for people who never get round to switching provider.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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