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
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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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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Four apps to help kids learn about money
Tips Giving pocket money as cash is old-school – but going digital can still be a good way to teach them about finance.
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The financial upside to getting married
Features Thanks to the tax breaks on offer, getting hitched can be a lucrative business, says Ruth Jackson.
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A new line of defence for your data
Features Mastercard users will soon be able to verify their identity using fingerprint scans or facial recognition when they shop online. Ruth Jackson looks how biometric security could soon become the norm.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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One card to rule them all
Features If you’re tired of carrying around half a dozen different credit and debit cards, the Curve card could provide the solution, says Ruth Jackson.
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When customer loyalty doesn’t pay
Tips Tesco incurred the wrath of shoppers when it announced changes to its Clubcard reward scheme, says Ruth Jackson. But that doesn't mean you should drop the supermarket altogether.
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Why open banking could be a boon for fraudsters
Features Open banking has arrived and with it a slew of apps aiming to help you to use these new rules to improve your budgeting habits. Just watch out for crooks.
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Get online to pay your tax
Features You only have a couple of weeks left to file your tax return and settle your bill, says Ruth Jackson. Time to get online.
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Free yourself from the debt burden
Tips Christmas may be over, but many of us will still be paying for it for months to come, says Ruth Jackson.
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Five new resolutions to make you richer
Features Ruth Jackson suggests five things you can do to get your finances all ready for the year ahead.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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Save on your season ticket
Tips Train fares are set to rise by an average 3.4% next month. But there are ways to spread the cost, says Ruth Jackson.
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Ideas for charitable giving
Features Ruth Jackson explains why it pays to know exactly where your charitable money is going this Christmas.
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How the Budget will affect you
Features The Budget may have been boring. But as Ruth Jackson explains, for pensioners that's a good thing.
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Equity release as pension plan
Advice Nationwide now allows you to use your house as a cash machine for your retirement. Ruth Jackson explains how it works.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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Can you trust the price-comparison sites?
Tips Price-comparison sites are popular. But as Ruth Jackson explains, you may not always be seeing the best offers.
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Now’s the time to fix your mortgage
Features Interest rates are beginning to creep up again. Now's the time to consider what mortgage you have, says Ruth Jackson.
By Ruth Jackson-Kirby Published
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