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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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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Loyalty doesn’t always pay
Tips You won’t save cash by sticking with the same firms year in, year out. Quite the opposite, in fact.
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Say no to smart meters
Tips The government’s money-saving, energy-tracking revolution has turned into another costly damp squib, says Ruth Jackson.
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How to stay safe on holiday
Features Travel insurance is one of the few forms of cover you absolutely must have, says Ruth Jackson. But check policies carefully before signing up.
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How to protect your online identity from data hackers
Features The latest data breach is another reminder of the importance of keeping your online identity and financial information as safe as possible.
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NS&I fails to keep up
Features The state-backed bank is popular, but there are better rates on offer elsewhere for savers, says Ruth Jackson.
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Credit cards get less rewarding
Features Lloyds closed its Avios Rewards scheme to new members back in May and it is now cutting how many Avios points existing members can earn.
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Don’t lose your child’s savings
Features Child trust funds turn 16 this year – but a million accounts have been abandoned. Is yours one of them?
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Ditch the car and save cash
Tips Car clubs are becoming increasingly popular, says Ruth Jackson. But it’s worth sitting down and doing the numbers.
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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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Cheap insurance – but for a price
Tips Technology can save you money on your car insurance, says Ruth Jackson, but you must hand over your data first.
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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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How to avoid foreign exchange rip-offs on your holidays
Features The rates you will get at airport foreign exchanges are worse than you might think – planning ahead really is worthwhile, says Ruth Jackson.
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