Latest articles by Ruth Jackson-Kirby
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Give some thought to your declining years
Features You should consider appointing someone to handle your finances in case you lose the capacity to do so, says Ruth Jackson.
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How to make the most of the 0.25% interest-rate rise
Features So the Bank of England has raised interest rates to a whopping 0.75%. Might as well make the most of it, says Ruth Jackson.
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Keep your divorce civil but formal
Features It might be tempting to sort out the details of a divorce yourself. But mistakes and oversights could prove very costly.
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Avoid rip-off car-hire charges on holiday
Features Don’t pay through the nose for car-hire insurance you don’t need or fuel you won’t use, says Ruth Jackson.
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How to pay for university
Features Although the cost of living might not be top of every student’s mind, make sure they’re prepared to budget.
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Don’t put off making a will
Features Drawing up your will might not be fun, but it’s the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out, says Ruth Jackson.
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Look beyond NS&I for better rates
Features Spread your cash among several accounts to earn more interest than the state-owned bank pays, says Ruth Jackson.
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Fly the world on a budget
Tips There are plenty of online tools designed to help you find ultra-cheap flights – make the most of them, says Ruth Jackson.
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A stress-free way to switch current accounts
Features Breaking up with your bank shouldn’t be difficult, says Ruth Jackson. If you’re looking to change current accounts, here’s how to do it.
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Beware: executors are liable for inheritance tax
Features Make sure you’re up to date on the responsibilities that come with being an executor before you agree to take on the role.
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Finding mature mortgages
Features If you’re looking for a home loan, but you’re near or even in retirement, what are your options? Ruth Jackson investigates.
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Beware the money-mule scam targeting students
Features Young people should be aware of the criminal implications of taking part in “money-mule” schemes, says Ruth Jackson.
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Don’t miss out on the best current accounts
Features There’s no point sticking with a bank that offers a bad deal, says Ruth Jackson. Make sure you move when rates are cut.
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When it comes to bills, loyalty doesn’t pay
Features Being complacent about your bills can be costly. Shop around to ensure you’re getting the best deal , says Ruth Jackson.
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Turned away at the villa
Features More holidaymakers are falling prey to scams, says Ruth jackson. Here’s what to look out for.
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Brace yourself for the painful blow of IHT
Features HMRC doesn’t make paying an inheritance-tax bill easy, says Ruth Jackson. Make sure you know how the process works.
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The best cash Isas for last-minute transfers
Features It’s not too late to take advantage of your Isa allowance, says Ruth Jackson. Here are the best options for your cash.
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How to become your own boss
Features A cautionary tale from the BBC – freelancers should make sure their tax affairs are in order, says Ruth Jackson.
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Care homes told to ditch hidden fees
Features The government is cracking down on care homes that don’t make fees clear, as a report shows families are being charged even after relatives have passed away.
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Take advantage of pension tax breaks with a Sipp
Features Isas are a good choice for most types of saving, but your workplace pension and/or a self-invested personal pension can be a better option for your retirement.
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Duck the dividend tax with share Isas
Features Our cash-strapped government is coming after shareholders with higher dividend taxes, but investment Isas are still tax-free.
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The best Isa deals for your cash
Features Build up your savings in an Isa and it remains tax-free for life, no matter how large the lump sum becomes. Here’s our round-up of the top rates available.
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How to claim for transport delays
Tips While some people were out having fun in the snow, many spent hours trying to get into work. If you need to claim compensation for delays, here’s how to go about it.
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Why it pays to plan your own funeral
Tips Don’t be lured in by poor-value over-50s schemes, says Ruth Jackson. There are better ways to cover your funeral expenses.
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