Latest articles by Ruth Jackson-Kirby
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What you need to know about joint accounts
Features Joint bank accounts can be useful for paying bills, says Ruth Jackson. But they can also come with their own set of problems.
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Take advantage of flexible Isas
Features Ruth Jackson explains why it’s worth taking advantage of the flexibility these products offer.
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Not-so-simple assessment
Features HMRC launches its new Simple Assessment for tax this month. But as you might expect, the new system is anything but simple.
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Barclays stockbroking: not so smart
Features Barclays has managed to infuriate thousands of its customers with the launch of its new stockbroking service. Here's what to do it if affects you.
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Dodgy mortgages still abound
Features Almost a decade on from the financial crisis and one dodgy lending product refuses to go away, says Ruth Jackson – the interest-only mortgage.
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Britain’s most lenient lender
Features Mum and dad are among the most generous lenders in Britain, says Ruth Jackson. But parents should be careful.
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Should you pass up on car scrappage schemes?
Tips Numerous dealerships are offering car scrappage schemes, but are they all they're cracked up to be? Ruth Jackson finds out.
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Government's new childcare system faces teething problems
Features The government’s "Childcare Choices" website, launched in April, which parents need to use to register for two key childcare schemes, has been riddled with problems, leaving thousands of parents out of pocket.
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Don’t abandon cash Isas
Features People are abandoning cash Isas in their droves since the introduction of the personal savings allowance. But abandoning cash Isas completely is a mistake that could leave you facing a tax bill in the future.
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How to handle student debt
Features While a hefty student debt can be cause for concern, it's important to remember it is a debt unlike any other, says Ruth Jackson.
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Watch out for mortgage fees
Features A battle to get to the top of the best-buy tables has seen mortgage interest rates plummet, says Ruth Jackson. But don’t presume the option with the lowest interest rate is the cheapest deal.
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Should you get a smart meter?
Features The government is pushing for us all to get a smart energy meter – seven million have been fitted so far. But what do they do, and should you get one?
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Avoid this “Brexit Bond”
Features The Family Building Society is offering a new fixed-rate “Brexit Bond”. But it's best to steer clear, says Ruth Jackson.
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Where to save for retirement
Features There are a number of ways to save for retirement, but for most of us a pension scheme will be the core of our planning.
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How pensions are taxed
Features Pension taxation can be a complicated area, with tax relief, the money purchase annual allowance and lifetime allowances, for example. Ruth Jackson explains it all.
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How to book a flight safely
Tips Flight comparison websites can find the best prices, but not always the best levels of protection, says Ruth Jackson.
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The best ways to donate to charity
Features Donating to charity through fund-raising incurs fees. So, is there a better way, asks Ruth Jackson.
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Cash in with the “current account circuit”
Features Ruth Jackson explains how the juggling money between high-interest current accounts, could earn you an average 3% interest on up to £17,000 of money, retaining instant access.
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Avoid this long-term fix
Features Looking your money away for seven years won't give you the best return on our cash, says Ruth Jackson.
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Are you paying too much tax?
Features Ruth Jackson explains why it is important to make sure the tax man has you on the right tax code.
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Fix your mortgage until after Brexit
Features With a two-year fixed mortgage – the most popular term – you could be shopping for a new mortgage just as the UK leaves the EU. It could be worth fixing your payments for longer, says Ruth Jackson.
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How to save money when buying flights
Tips Everybody knows flying is expensive, says Ruth Jackson. But how expensive can sometimes be up to you.
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Do you need life insurance?
Features Life insurance can offer vital protection for your family if the worst happens. So how do you work out whether you should have it, what policy to get, and how much cover you need?
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What to look for when buying insurance
Features Ruth Jackson explains how to ensure you get the right insurance deal for you.
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