21+ min ago (824+ words) Read on to find out the exact amount you'll lose HARD-WORKING savers stand to be at least "20,000 worse off following the Chancellor's major changes to pension savings announced in this week's Budget. In a massive pension tax raid, workers will soon be forced to pay the full rate of National Insurance on any contributions they make over "2,000 a year. Contributions above that threshold will be taxed in the exact same way as other employee pension contributions, stripping away a vital benefit used by millions to boost their nest eggs. Salary sacrifice has long been a savvy trick for Brits to exchange part of their salary for a pension contribution from their employer. Previously, the slice of pay they gave up wasn't subject to National Insurance, meaning both employees and employers saved cash. Many generous bosses even passed those savings back…...

8+ hour, 46+ min ago (1108+ words) As of 30 November 2025, UK banks and regulators are sending a clear message: if you're sitting on "10,000 or more in a current account, you're probably losing money in real terms. Fresh data from savings app Spring and new warnings from financial experts show that millions of Britons are leaving "dead money" in zero'interest current accounts, just as inflation and rule changes on savings and ISAs reshape the landscape. [1] At the same time, the deposit protection limit is about to rise and cash ISA rules are set to tighten, making this a pivotal moment to rethink where you park your cash. [2] On 29 November 2025, GB News highlighted research showing that 6.4 million UK current accounts hold at least "10,000, with around 323,000 accounts holding "100,000 or more " and many of these balances earn no interest at all. [3] The analysis, based on data compiled for Spring, shows: Financial…...

11+ hour, 31+ min ago (1085+ words) By STEVE WEBB, PENSIONS EXPERT AND COLUMNIST, THIS IS MONEY With the Chancellor adding more than "20billion to tax bills in her Budget last week, households across the country will be feeling the squeeze. Tax rates are going up on income from savings, dividends and property income, while a further three-year freeze in income tax allowances will result in still more people being dragged into the tax net or into paying higher rates. But there are things you can do to minimise the impact of Budget changes and make the most of the options that are still available to you. These are my top five tips. Last week we learned that the state pension will be even more valuable from April 2026, with an above-inflation increase of 4.8 per cent in the rate of the basic and the new state pension. This means…...

13+ hour, 7+ min ago (1272+ words) Money problems aren't exclusive to those on a low salary - we all have bad, burdensome financial habits FROM social debt to impulse buys, reboot your relationship with money with these ace hacks by Susan Griffin. That momentary thrill of a contactless tap of your card in exchange for a new facial serum, a treat for lunch or even a gift for someone else... Tap, tap, tap. Before you know it, those "small" purchases leave you gawping at your bank balance in disbelief. They happen mindlessly, but actually tend to reflect our mental state, priorities and aspirations. "Money is emotional," says Vix Leyton, consumer finance expert and host of the False Economy and Spendology podcasts. "Instead of pretending it is all spreadsheets and logic, we should admit our habits, spending and saving plans are all affected by what's going on in…...

20+ hour, 17+ min ago (31+ words) If you choose to rent out your home for extra income, build equity and have someone else pay your mortgage, you might be in for a surprise in terms of taxation....

21+ hour, 8+ min ago (451+ words) The following is a breakdown of CD rates today and where to find the best offers. Generally, the best CD rates today are offered on shorter terms of around one year or less. Online banks and credit unions, in particular, offer the top CD rates. As of November 29, 2025, the highest CD rate is 4.1% APY. This rate is offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs on its 14-month CD and Sallie Mae on its 15-month CD. Here is a look at some of the best CD rates available today: Say you invest $1,000 in a one-year CD with 1.70% APY, and interest compounds monthly. At the end of that year, your balance would grow to $1,017.13 " your initial $1,000 deposit, plus $17.13 in interest. Now let's say you choose a one-year CD that offers 4% APY instead. In this case, your balance would grow to $1,040.74 over the same period,…...

21+ hour, 48+ min ago (154+ words) Financial planning tips: As the year concludes, experts urge a financial check-up to slash taxes and boost savings for 2026. Tackle high-interest debt, review your budget, and cancel unused subscriptions to free up cash. Consider refinancing loans for lower payments and ensure your emergency fund is robust. These steps pave the way for a more secure financial future. Boost savings before year-end Humayun Kabir firm on Babri Masjid; BJP, Congress slam move From Judiciary to Jihad, Madani's remarks spark uproar US and China play by their "Own Rules; Jaishankar weighs in 'No rift, no rebel': Siddaramaiah'DKS underline unity New Swarn Nagari Express to connect Jaisalmer-Delhi Salaries, PF reshaped under big labour reforms; explained Cyclone Ditwah kills 123 in Sri Lanka; destroys 15,000 homes A320 software glitch hits India hard: 350 IndiGo & AI planes grounded Kyiv rocked by explosions as Russia intensifies airstrikes; 1 dead, 11 injured...

1+ day, 8+ min ago (507+ words) I'm heading into this holiday season on the budget of all budgets, and it's not easy. There's so much to do during the holidays, especially in New York, and, it's tough when you see parents taking their kids somewhere enthralling every week of December when you can barely afford to snap a photo with a... Read More If you're on an extremely tight budget this year, try not to lose hope. You don't have to channel your inner Scrooge just yet. Here are some things you can do to enjoy the holiday season with your family " without breaking the bank. Holiday lights. Is it just me, or have the neighbors really stepped up their outdoor holiday game in the past few years? I blame social media, since these displays aren't always just for the eyes of passers-by. Whatever the reason, sometimes…...

1+ day, 8+ min ago (516+ words) Homeowners who cannot afford to pay the government's new property tax may be hit with late payment penalties as high as 8 per cent. Experts have warned that the mansion tax could turn into a money spinner for the government, with those who decide to defer payments likely to be hit with a late-payment interest charge. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, introduced what the government calls a high value council tax surcharge in the budget on Wednesday. Owners of properties worth more than "2 million will pay the annual levy from April 2028. It will be charged on a sliding scale from "2,500 a year to "7,500. To protect people who live in high-value properties but on low incomes, such as pensioners, the government is looking into implementing a deferral process. It is thought that they will be able to defer the annual charges and so…...

1+ day, 14+ min ago (721+ words) Those who can't afford to pay the Chancellor's harsh new levy upfront could face penalties CASH-POOR pensioners sitting on valuable family homes could be plunged into a debt spiral under Rachel Reeves' new "mansion tax" plans. Reeves unveiled the levy in Wednesday's Budget, targeting homes worth more than "2million. From April 2028, families in these properties will be slapped with an extra bill ranging from "2,500 to a whopping "7,500 every single year. The charge will sit on top of usual council'tax'and will be applied to property owners, rather than tenants. But the real kicker is for those who are "asset rich but cash poor" " typically retirees who bought their homes decades ago for peanuts, only to see values skyrocket in areas like London and the South East. To stop grannies being forced to sell up, the government says it will let them "defer…...