Latest articles by Ruth Jackson-Kirby
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Lost pensions, savings or investments? Here’s how to find them
Advice More than two in five savers lose track of tens of thousands of pounds in pensions, Isas and savings accounts. We explain how to trace lost pensions and what your options are.
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Understanding winter fuel payments
Advice As winter sets in and temperatures plunge, many of us are worried about our rising energy bills. But the government’s winter fuel payment could help ease the pain for millions of pensioners.
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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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The best student bank accounts
Features As we approach the start of an academic year, Ruth Jackson-Kirby rounds up what you should look for when choosing a student bank account and outlines some of the best deals.
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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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Why you should consider an offset mortgage – and what the best deals are
Features Interest rates on savings are pitifully low at the moment. But you can still put your money to work: get an offset mortgage. Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains what they are and picks the best deals on offer now.
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How to cut the hidden costs of holiday car hire
Tips There are several ways to trim your holiday car hire bill and pre-empt unpleasant surprises. Ruth Jackson-Kirby outlines some of the best.
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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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Can you beat rising interest rates with a green mortgage?
Advice Mortgage payments are rising, but there are ways to mitigate the worst of the effects, says Ruth Jackson Kirby, including getting a “green mortgage”.
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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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How to claim compensation for travel delays
Advice It promises to be a summer of chaos at airports, with thousands of flights cancelled and huge queues, while strikes on the railways haven't helped either. Ruth Jackson explains how to check if you are entitled to compensation.
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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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The best current account switch deals
Analysis Banks are offering attractive cash incentives to entice new customers, but Ruth-Jackson Kirby explains why it’s important to read the small print before you move.
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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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Calculate your personal inflation rate
Advice This useful calculator lets you see the effect of price rises on your budget, to calculate your own personal inflation rate.
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How to make your child a financial whizz
Advice Money skills aren’t always taught at school. You need to take matters into your own hands, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby.
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Should you buy pet insurance or “self insure” your pet?
Advice Veterinary costs are soaring, but many pet insurance policies provide a poor level of cover, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby.
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Don't buy pre-paid funeral plans, save for death instead
Analysis Funerals are costly, but pre-paid plans have not been a reliable way to prepare for them. Set up your own savings instead, says Ruth Jackson Kirby.
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The best long-term fixed-rate mortgages available now
Analysis Rising interest rates will increase your mortgage costs. This could be a good time to lock in a five-year or ten-year fixed-rate mortgage deal, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby.
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Ethical savings accounts: make your cash green
Advice NS&I’s Green Savings Bond helps fund environmentally sound projects, but there are better eco-friendly options for your money, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby.
