Ruth Jackson-Kirby

I'm a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for national newspapers, magazines and websites. I specialise in personal finance covering savings, investments, pensions, property and anything else that could affect your wealth.

Give your savings some welly with the right ISA

Whether you are building a nest egg for your children, buying a home or boosting your pension, there is an ISA that can help.

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NerdWallet • 30th November 2020

How to choose a regular savings account

Opening a regular savings account requires minimum savings each month, and you’re offered a top interest rate in return. Learn what’s required and how to compare the best options.

NerdWallet • 30th November 2020

Choosing the right easy access savings account

Aim to find an instant access account that allows your money to grow and offers a competitive interest rate even after an introductory bonus period.

NerdWallet • 26th November 2020

Everything you need to know about savings accounts

How much interest you earn depends on the type of savings account, how much you save and how long you are willing to lock your money away.

NerdWallet • 25th November 2020

ISA or Savings Account: Which Is Best For Me?

The answer to whether you should open an individual savings account or a traditional saver depends on your income tax, and how much and how long you plan to save.

MoneyWeek • 23rd November 2020

For the best savings rates forget the high street banks

With interest rates close to zero, finding a decent return on your savings is nearly impossible.

NerdWallet • 18th November 2020

FSCS: How it protects your savings and investments

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme guarantees that if you have money with a regulated financial firm that goes bust you will get your money back.

NerdWallet • 18th November 2020

Help to Save: Accounts for Low-Income Workers

Help to Save is a government scheme to help low-income workers build a savings pot. Find out how the Help to Save bonus works and whether you are eligible for a Help to Save account.

NerdWallet • 18th November 2020

What is a Credit Union?

Credit unions are co-operatives that provide loans and savings accounts to members, and your employer or trade union may have an affiliation or you can search for one online.

Good Money Guide • 16th November 2020

Are savings accounts prizes worth it?

Interest rates are dismally low, so it is hardly a surprise then that more and more of us are being attracted to savings accounts that pay prizes instead of interest. But are they a good idea?

MoneyWeek • 2nd October 2020

Where to put your savings now that NS&I has cut its rates

National Savings & Investments (NS&I) has slashed its interest rates. There are now much better deals for your savings elsewhere.

Good Housekeeping • 1st October 2020

Why now is a good time to start investing

Many of us have been hit hard financially by the pandemic, but if you’re among the lucky ones who have been able to save, here’s why investing that money is your best bet for making it grow.

MoneyWeek • 31st August 2020

Child trust funds are about to bring a windfall for teenagers

With the first child trust funds set to mature in September teenagers are going to get their hands on a total of around £6bn. So what should they do with it?

MoneyWeek • 11th August 2020

Four apps to help you manage your money

These four tools will help you to cut your bills, track your spending, save up, and even file your tax return.

Good Housekeeping • 7th August 2020

Ethical Banking: How to make your money green

Where we choose to store our money should be about more than convenience, customer service and interest rates - by deciding to bank ethically, we can all make a huge difference to our planet's future.

MoneyWeek • 3rd August 2020

How investors got burned by Chilango's burrito bonds

With average interest rates on savings accounts falling to under 1% for the first time, promises of 8% returns are bound to attract attention. But don’t be fooled into placing your cash in high-risk mini-bonds.

MoneyWeek • 28th July 2020

NS&I: a safe home for savings

State-backed National Savings & Investments is ready to accept much more money and offers some of the highest interest rates

MoneyWeek • 7th July 2020

Look beyond cash Isas to stocks and shares

Interest rates on cash Isa accounts are too low and stocks do better over the long term. Consider a stocks and shares Isa instead.

MoneyWeek • 19th May 2020

How to fight the Covid-19 scams

In times of crisis there is always one group that can be relied upon to adapt fast: fraudsters.

MoneyWeek • 18th May 2020

Interest rates are dwindling fast

Santander is to cut the interest rate on its popular 123 current account from 1% to 0.6% from 3 August.

MoneyWeek • 11th May 2020

Lifetime Isa penalty cut offers a crisis lifeline

The withdrawal penalty on lifetime individual savings accounts has been cut in an attempt to help struggling savers.

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