Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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ISA guide: everything you need to know for the 2025/26 tax year
We explain everything you need to know about ISAs: how they work, how much you can pay in, what investments you can hold, and how to transfer one
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When is the self-assessment tax return deadline?
If you are self-employed, rent out a property or earn income from savings or investments, you may need to complete a self-assessment tax return. We run through the deadlines you need to know about
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Are you missing out on Pension Credit? How to claim the benefit worth £4,300 a year
News The number of Pension Credit claims has soared in the past year but thousands of eligible households are still failing to apply. We explain who qualifies for Pension Credit and how to apply
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What is the Ofgem energy price cap and what does it mean for your bills?
The Ofgem energy price cap is set to rise in October. What exactly is the cap and how does it affect bills?
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‘My NS&I one-year British Savings Bond is maturing – what should I do with my savings?
Thousands of savers will see their fixed-rate savings accounts mature next month. We consider whether you should stick with NS&I or move to a competitor
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London Stock Exchange gets go-ahead to run Pisces private stock market
The Pisces market will allow investors to buy and sell shares in private companies. But how will it work, when will it launch, and who is allowed to use it?
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Will gas and electricity bills fall? 2025 energy price forecast
UK energy prices dropped by 7% on 1 July after the latest price cap came into effect, reducing bills for those on a variable rate tariff. Will bills rise or fall in the Autumn?
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Could landlords face National Insurance on rental income?
The Treasury is said to be considering a tax increase for landlords in an attempt to boost revenue in Rachel Reeves’s Autumn Budget
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Zoopla: Property tax speculation creates uncertainty for a third of home buyers
Property tax rumours could impact homes valued at over £500,000, potentially triggering a housing market slowdown, Zoopla has warned
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Top 10 areas with the biggest inheritance tax bills – is your town on the list?
People in some of the wealthiest parts of London pay the most inheritance tax – but there are a few areas outside the capital where big bills are paid when a loved one dies
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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 thinks price rises could hit 4% later this year. What is inflation and how does it impact your personal finances?
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What happens to your pension if you retire abroad?
Holidays don’t have to end. Thousands of people leave the UK every year, many to enjoy their retirement in another country, seeking lower taxes, sun and often more affordable adventure. We look at what happens to your pension if you retire abroad.
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Average pension pot by age
How 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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Could state pension age rise to 70? Review launched
The government has launched a review of the state pension age, which will consider the “merits” of automatic increases tied to life expectancy
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Retirees warned not to make drastic changes to pensions as new inheritance tax rules loom
Some pension savers are increasing the amount they withdraw from their pots – but they risk running out of money, or being hit with high rates of income tax. We explain how to safely manage the upcoming inheritance tax change
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Annuity rates soar close to all-time high – is now a good time to buy an annuity?
Annuity rates have risen 58% over the past four years, while sales of the guaranteed pension income product are booming. Should you buy an annuity?
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How to get an ISA and SIPP cashback bonus
Tips Here are the best pension and ISA transfer offers, with some providers giving away as much as £2,000 in cashback for transferring an account
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London house prices to outperform rest of UK, says economist
After years of underperformance, London house prices are set to grow faster than the rest of the country, according to Capital Economics. We look at the reasons behind this forecast – and whether other experts agree
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Inheritance tax to apply on pensions even if you die before age 55 – 'unbelievably unfair'
Pension savers who die before the minimum pension age will see their pots subject to inheritance tax, in addition to those above 55, the Treasury has confirmed. Experts warn this could put people off saving for retirement and “risks eroding trust in the pension system”
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Norfolk or Norway? Holidays you can afford with different-sized pension pots
Many people look forward to taking more holidays when they retire. But what sort of trips could your pension buy you? We look at the holidays to match different retirement incomes
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Motorists warned about scam car finance compensation calls
As the Financial Conduct Authority prepares to set up a car finance compensation scheme, it has also warned about scammers claiming to offer payouts. We look at who could be eligible for the scheme, and how to spot a scam
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M&S finally resumes click and collect service following April’s cyber attack
Marks & Spencer has switched its click and collect service back on, and said it will now accept returns in all UK stores. As the high-street giant continues to battle with the fallout from a cyber attack 15 weeks ago, should you invest in the retailer?
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Can you pay into someone else’s pension – and how much can you pay?
Two-thirds of savers are unaware they can put money into someone else’s pension, but contributing to a loved one’s nest egg can be a sound financial decision. We explain the rules.
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HMRC savings tax crackdown: More workers to pay tax directly from their wages
Banks and building societies will be required to obtain National Insurance numbers from savers to make it easier for HMRC to tax those who breach their personal savings allowance
