Latest articles by Ruth Jackson-Kirby
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How to cut the cost of home insurance
Home insurance policies are becoming increasingly expensive, but there are several ways you can keep costs down
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Parents face £1,000 'nanny tax' – how to afford it
Hiring a nanny is about to become even more of an expensive hassle for families, especially those in London. Here's how to cut costs
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How to improve your credit score
There are simple things you can do to improve your credit score. Even if you’ve never been turned down for a loan, you could be missing out on the best deals.
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Most Premium Bond holders never win – are they worth it?
Premium Bonds There are over 20 million Premium Bond holders but most of us have never won a prize.
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How to find lost pensions, savings or investments
Advice More than two in five savers have lost track of thousands of pounds in pensions, ISAs and savings accounts. We explain how to trace lost accounts and pensions, and what your options are.
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Should you buy pet insurance or “self insure” your furry friend?
Advice More people are giving up their puppies as veterinary costs are soaring. Are you better off self-insuring to save money and hold on to your hound?
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Eight things to check in your travel insurance
Buying the right travel insurance can make or break your holiday. Here are eight things to look out for when planning your next getaway
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How to plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank
A typical wedding in London costs £36,000. Here’s how to cut costs without ruining your big day
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More under-40s set for higher tax brackets
A whopping 20% of under-40s will find more of their earnings going to the taxman due to the freeze on income tax bands.
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Inheritance tax makes an increasing amount for HMRC - can you avoid it?
New data reveals more than 27,000 estates paid inheritance tax in 2021/22. Will they continue to rise?
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Use a deed of variation to change a deceased's will
Advice A deed of variation can change who benefits from a deceased person's will. But all executors and beneficiaries must agree. We explain how it works.
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Self-assessment: don’t miss the deadline for online tax returns
Advice If you are self-employed, rent out a property or earn income from savings, investments or dividends, you may need to complete a tax return - and you only have until the end of January to do so.
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Lock in high yields on savings, before they disappear
As interest rates peak, time to lock in high yields on your savings, while they are still available.
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Is an inheritance tax (IHT) cut on the way?
Tax Talk that the government might cut or scrap inheritance tax in its Autumn Statement is rife. We look at how it could be reformed, and what difference it would make.
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How the mini-Budget tax cuts will affect you
Advice Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's mini-Budget was full of tax cuts that will change your take-home pay
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Section 75 refunds: protection for your credit card purchases
Advice Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, your credit card can give you extra protection when the goods or services you buy fall short of your expectations. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains how it works.
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What the interest rate rise means for your mortgage
Advice As mortgage interest rates rise, extending home loans is starting to become eye-wateringly expensive. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains what you can do about it.
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How to cut your energy bill
Advice The energy-price cap will almost double in the autumn. What does this mean for your money, and how can you alleviate the squeeze? Ruth Jackson-Kirby has some practical tips
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How solar panels could lower your energy bill
Analysis Solar-panel installation firms are reporting a four-fold increase in orders this year compared with 2021. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains how solar can help keep your energy bill down.
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How to cut the cost of childcare
Advice Childcare is expensive, yet few people are drawing upon all the government support they are entitled to. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains what help is available and how to get it.
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Don’t be tempted by cashback mortgage deals
Advice Many lenders are now offering “cashback mortgages” that can return up to £1,000 to you on completion. But beware, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby. Cashback offers can often hide an expensive mortgage.
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Why you shouldn’t rush to fix your energy tariff
Advice Fixed-tariff energy deals are becoming more tempting, but not all households can benefit, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby.
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Why you should consider abandoning your cash Isa
Advice Standard savings accounts are paying better rates than their tax-free cash Isa counterparts, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby.
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How to cut the cost of living
Advice Culling your direct debits, lowering your boiler’s temperature and signing up for loyalty cards are all strategies to help combat the rising cost of living
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