Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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Millions are being hit by ‘significant stealth tax’ – will you have to pay more to HMRC?
A staggering 17.9 million people look set to start paying basic-rate income tax, while 12 million may be dragged into the higher-rate band, by 2027/28. We explain what fiscal drag is and how you can prepare
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What is capital gains tax and how does it work?
The government raked in £13 billion from capital gains tax in 2024/25. But how does the tax work, and when do you pay it?
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Can I shield my ISAs from inheritance tax?
Many investors and savers will be wondering if there’s anything they can do to protect their ISAs from inheritance tax, especially as pensions will become liable for the levy from April 2027. We reveal the options available to ISA customers
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Hargreaves Lansdown slashes fees for ISA and SIPP investors - how does it compare to other providers?
Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK’s biggest investment platform, has dropped its fees by 40%, to their lowest ever level, for certain customers. Is it a good deal, and how does it compare to other providers?
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How to get an ISA and SIPP cashback bonus
Tips Here are the best deals available, with some providers giving away as much as £5,000 in cashback for opening or transferring an account
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State pension rises, but more pensioners face being taxed
The state pension has increased thanks to the triple lock, but frozen tax bands means more pensioners will start to pay tax.
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Will gas and electricity bills fall? 2025 energy prices forecast
UK energy prices rose on 1 April, but Trump’s tariffs could lower energy bills going forward. What is the forecast for gas and electricity from July?
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Best-performing funds and investment trusts for stocks and shares ISAs of all time
As ISAs celebrate their 26th birthday, we reveal the best-performing funds and investment trusts since stocks and shares ISAs launched in April 1999, and how much they would be worth today
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How much should I pay into a pension?
One of the trickiest parts of retirement planning is working out how much to pay into a pension. We explore what to consider when deciding how much to contribute
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What is inflation and how does it affect you?
Although we are past the worst of the cost of living crisis, the Bank of England recently said price rises could hit 3.75% later this year. What is inflation and how does it impact your personal finances?
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State pension top-up: HMRC to contact thousands of people following 5 April deadline error
News Thousands of customers were unable to fill gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record and boost their state pension on Saturday, as HMRC incorrectly said the deadline had passed
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Review: Constance Lemuria and Ephelia – two Indian Ocean idylls
Ruth Emery visits Constance Lemuria and Constance Ephelia in the Seychelles for sun, sea and some of the best sushi she has ever had
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Beware the savings tax trap: 2 million savers face paying tax on their interest
Advice Millions of people will pay tax on their cash savings in 2024/25, up from about 650,000 three years ago. We outline clever ways to shelter your cash from the taxman
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Chase will change cashback deal on Monday - what it means for you
Chase Bank is making its cashback deal less generous from 7 April. We explain what’s changing
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How much does it cost to move house?
If you're looking to relocate, you may be wondering how much it costs to move house. We breakdown the costs - everything from conveyancing, survey, removals, stamp duty, estate agent fees plus EPC
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Car finance claims: Supreme Court showdown could pave way for redress scheme
Lenders are setting more money aside after the Financial Conduct Authority suggested a car finance compensation scheme is likely
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Checklist: 10 easy moves to save you money before the end of the 2024/25 tax year
Tips The end of the 2024/25 tax year is fast approaching. We’ve put together an action plan so you can maximise valuable tax breaks and allowances before they disappear on 5 April
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Best junior stocks and shares ISAs
Advice A junior stocks and shares ISA is a great way to save for a child tax-efficiently. But, it can be tricky deciding which investment platform to use. We reveal some of the best junior stocks and shares ISAs
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How are Premium Bonds prize winners notified – and who is Agent Million?
As the April prize draw takes place, we look at how Premium Bonds winners are notified and how the winnings get paid. Plus, who is Agent Million?
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Could these six collectables make you rich?
Investing Which collectables are worth owning? From vintage toys to handbags, books and wine, we look at which items could be worthy investments and potentially make you a small fortune
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Vanguard fee warning: small investors urged to act now after £4 monthly charge kicks in
Vanguard customers with portfolios smaller than £32,000 should review their account urgently to avoid overpaying, after a £4 monthly charge kicked in last month
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Child benefit tax return rules are changing – what is the high income child benefit charge?
High-earning parents will soon be spared the hassle of filing a tax return to pay back child benefit. We explain what’s changing and how the high income child benefit charge (HICBC) works
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Pensioner incomes have been stagnant since 2010, says DWP
The average pensioner income sits at £407 a week, up by just £15 compared to 2010. Will incomes increase in future, and what could happen to the state pension?
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Should you overpay your mortgage or invest?
Homeowners in the fortunate position of having spare cash may be weighing up if they should use it to reduce their mortgage debt or invest it. We explain which one might work best for you
