Latest articles by Sam Walker
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Lloyds Banking Group bank branch closures: Which branches will shut in 2026 and 2027?Lloyds Banking Group is closing more than 165 bank branches in 2026 and 2027. We look at the sites earmarked for closure.
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March Premium Bonds jackpot winners revealed – did you win £1 million?Over two million historic Premium Bonds prizes are still waiting to be claimed, according to NS&I
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Do you face ‘double whammy’ inheritance tax blow? How to lessen the impactFrozen tax thresholds and pensions falling within the scope of inheritance tax will drag thousands more estates into losing their residence nil-rate band, analysis suggests
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Could you get cheaper loans under ‘significant’ FCA credit proposals?The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a consultation which could lead to better access to credit for consumers and increase competition across the market, according to experts.
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The northern powerhouse city where first-time buyers are snapping up propertiesFirst-time buyers are “casting their nets” wider to find properties that match their budgets and lifestyles. We look at the top areas for first-time buyers.
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When is the Spring Statement and what's expected in it?The Spring Statement might have less of an impact than the Budget, but the annual fiscal event is still key to understanding what is happening in the UK economy and where it’s headed
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How a ‘great view’ from your home can boost its value by 35%A house that comes with a picturesque backdrop could add tens of thousands of pounds to its asking price – but how does each region compare?
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CPI vs RPI inflation: what is the difference between ONS measures?The Office for National Statistics calculates CPI, RPI and CPIH each month. What are they and what do they reveal about UK inflation?
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Should you get financial advice when organising care for an elderly relative?A tiny proportion of over 45s get help planning elderly relatives’ care – but is financial advice worth the cost?
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Six reasons not to top up your state pensionA deadline to buy National Insurance credits and top up your state pension is fast approaching. Here’s why it may not be worth it for some people
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How many ISAs can I have?New ISA rules mean savers can open and pay into multiple ISAs of the same type. But is this change available to everyone? We look at how many ISAs you can have in the current tax year
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What are Avios-only flights and who is eligible?Avios-only flights have proved incredibly popular since launching in 2023. We explain what they are, how they work and who qualifies
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Watch out for Valentine’s Day scams – five common tactics to be aware ofValentine’s Day is a prime opportunity for scammers to con you out of money – but there are ways to avoid being ensnared.
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Does bank switching affect your credit score? UK credit ratings explainedBank switching bonuses are becoming increasingly popular, but can changing current accounts affect your credit score? We look at the pros and cons.
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NatWest to close 32 more bank branches – see the full listNatWest is closing 32 branches in 2026 and 2027. Will your local area be affected?
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What house features do homebuyers look for? How to boost house price by £20kWhen it comes to selling property, these house features are likely to seal the deal for prospective buyers
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Average pension pot by ageHow does your pension pot compare to your peers? We delve into the data and reveal the average pension pot for different age groups
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Water bills set to rise by up to 13% – how much more will you pay from April?Billpayers in England and Wales could have to pay up to £55 more per year for their water bills from this spring
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The coastal locations where properties are losing valueProperty prices across a number of coastal hotspots plunged in 2025 - which areas are most affected?
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Santander to close 44 branches across the UK – full list of affected locationsSantander will cut its network to just 305 branches following the closures
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Ground rents to be capped at £250 a year – what does it mean for you?The government has published draft legislation which would see ground rents capped at £250 per year for leaseholders. We examine what it means for homeowners and the housing market.
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NS&I cuts interest rates on two easy-access savings accounts – are they still worth it?NS&I is to make further rate cuts on its savings accounts, just weeks after launching less attractive rates on fixed-term British Savings Bonds
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Hargreaves Lansdown shakes up fees in biggest change in 10 years – what does it mean for you?Hargreaves Lansdown is lowering its headline fee from 0.45% to 0.35% – but not everyone will be happy with the new fee structure, it’s been suggested.
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Where homes are most likely to have risen in value in 2025 – is your area on the list?Half of UK homes increased in value in 2025 but a third fell, according to new data from property portal Zoopla
