Rupert Jones
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I'm a personal finance correspondent for the Guardian, and an obsessive gig, cinema and theatre goer
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Articles by Rupert Jones
UK savings: 5% interest rate deals may not last, say experts
National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has increased the returns on some of its accounts, with many now paying more than 5% for the first time in nearly three years. Competition in the savings market has been growing, leading to some of the highest interest rates for years However, in the current climate, attractive deals do not always hang around for long, says Rachel Springall at the financial data website Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.
UK savings: 5% interest rate deals may not last, say experts
NS&I has upped the rates on its ‘British savings bonds’. They now offer a fixed interest rates between 4.99% and 5.17% over their one-, two-, three- or five-year bonds. Photograph: Russell Hart/Alamy National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has increased the returns on some of its accounts, with many now paying more than 5% for the first time in nearly three years. Sign up to read this article Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you. Email is required Email is already registered.
UK savings: 5% interest rate deals may not last, say experts
National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has increased the returns on some of its accounts, with many now paying more than 5% for the first time in nearly three years. Competition in the savings market has been growing, leading to some of the highest interest rates for years. However, in the current climate, attractive deals do not always hang around for long, says Rachel Springall at the financial data website Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.
Money stolen by scammers hijacking UK social media accounts rises 400%
The total amount stolen by criminals who hack into people's emails and social media accounts and then pretend to be them has risen by more than 400% in a year, official UK data shows. In many cases, the scammers are hijacking people's accounts in order to use their identity to sell fake event tickets – such as to sold-out gigs – to unsuspecting friends and family.
Money stolen by scammers hijacking UK social media accounts rises 400%
The total amount stolen by criminals who hack into people’s emails and social media accounts and then pretend to be them has risen by more than 400% in a year, official UK data shows. In many cases, the scammers are hijacking people’s accounts in order to use their identity to sell fake event tickets – such as to sold-out gigs – to unsuspecting friends and family.
From the Bayeux tapestry to Glastonbury: top tips and tricks to grab the hottest tickets
Rupert Jones Whether your passion is the battle of the bands or the Battle of Hastings, Britain’s hottest cultural tickets are about to go on sale. And to be in with a shout of getting one, there are insider tips to get a good spot in the queue.
What you need to know about Your First Home scheme for first-time buyers
The government will unveil a fresh scheme to help people on to the housing ladder next month but a debate is already raging over whether it is first-time buyers or housebuilders who will be the biggest winners. At the weekend, Andy Burnham announced plans for Your First Home, which aims to give a helping hand to first-time buyers who do not have the luxury of being able to call on the “bank of mum and dad”.
What you need to know about ‘Your First Home’ scheme for first-time buyers
Your First Home scheme will be available to first-time buyers in England.Photograph: Yui Mok/PA A fresh scheme to help people on to the housing ladder is to be unveiled by the government next month, but a debate is already raging over whether it is first-time buyers or housebuilders who will be the biggest winners.
Should you lock into a fixed-rate savings account paying 5.25%?
Returns on the top fixed-rate savings accounts are at their highest level in years and still climbing, with some now paying up to 5.25%. It leaves those with money to put away facing a choice: lock into some of the best interest rates on offer in several years or hold your nerve in the hope they get even better? While new fixed mortgage rates have jumped in recent months – dealing a blow to many homebuyers and those aiming to remortgage – their pain has been savers' gain.
Happy birthday! What deals and discounts does your age unlock?
Sat, September 26, 2026 at 7:00 AM UTC On your birthday, you can have your cake and eat it … plus there the milestone gifts unlocked when you reach certain ages.Photograph: Oleksandr Latkun/Getty Images/iStockphoto Have you just unwrapped some presents? Been sitting in a soft play centre and watched a toddler blow out some candles? Double-checked what time the party starts later?
Britain’s low-paid urged to sign up to savings scheme offering cash bonus
The debt charity StepChange says the take-up of help to save ‘remains far too low’. Photograph: Andrzej Rostek/Alamy Amid claims that millions are missing out, the UK government is encouraging low earners to sign up to a savings scheme that offers free cash. Help to save is a government-backed savings account that lets people earn a bonus of 50p for every £1 they save over four years.
Britain’s low-paid urged to sign up to savings scheme offering cash bonus
Amid claims that millions are missing out, the UK government is encouraging low earners to sign up to a savings scheme that offers free cash. Help to save is a government-backed savings account that lets people earn a bonus of 50p for every £1 they save over four years. You can save up to a maximum of £50 each month in the account with the bonus paid (based on the amount saved) at the end of the second and fourth years.
‘Costing billions': Is the pensions triple lock a lifeline or simply unaffordable?
There were fresh calls this week for the state pension “triple lock” to be ditched as debate rages over whether the UK can afford it. The triple lock guarantees that the state pension goes up each year in line with inflation or wage increases or 2.5% – whichever is the highest. In the latest intervention, the British Chambers of Commerce has called for the policy to be scrapped , and the money saved to be put towards tackling the youth unemployment crisis.
UK airport disruption: what are your rights if you have been affected? Original
Airports across the UK including Manchester, Birmingham and all those in London were hit by problems at air traffic control on Tuesday, which continued into Wednesday. The technical issue was announced shortly before 2pm and was resolved about three hours later. By that time, hundreds of flights had been cancelled, with knock-on disruption across Britain and at destination airports abroad.
UK airport disruption: what are your rights if you have been affected?
Airports across the UK including Manchester, Birmingham and all those in London were hit by problems at air traffic control on Tuesday. The technical issue at arose shortly before 2pm and was resolved about three hours later. By that time nearly 300 flights had been cancelled, with knock-on disruption across Britain and at destination airports abroad likely to continue into the evening and possibly Wednesday. Here we explain what you can expect if you have been affected.
UK airport disruption: what are your rights if you have been affected?
Airports across the UK including Manchester, Birmingham and all those in London were hit by problems at air traffic control on Tuesday. The technical issue arose shortly before 2pm and was resolved about three hours later. By that time, hundreds of flights had been cancelled, with knock-on disruption across Britain and at destination airports abroad likely to continue into the evening and possibly Wednesday. Here we explain what you can expect if you have been affected.
A £500 gift or a free toothbrush: is it worth switching bank accounts?
Fancy up to £500 of "free" cash – or how about a complimentary eco-friendly electric toothbrush? Many of Britain's banks are offering sizeable "welcome bonuses" and other freebies in an attempt to convince people to switch to their current accounts. This week the battle was turned up a notch. Santander is offering £240, while NatWest is hoping to tempt high-earners to defect by dangling the carrot of £500.
A £500 gift or a free toothbrush: is it worth switching bank accounts?
Some of the bank switching deals come with a lot of strings attached.Photograph: Chris Rout/Alamy Fancy up to £500 of "free" cash – or how about a complimentary eco-friendly electric toothbrush? Many of Britain's banks are offering sizeable "welcome bonuses" and other freebies in an attempt to convince people to switch to their current accounts. This week the battle was turned up a notch.
A £500 gift or a free toothbrush: is it worth switching bank accounts?
Fancy up to £500 of "free" cash – or how about a complimentary eco-friendly electric toothbrush? Many of Britain's banks are offering sizeable "welcome bonuses" and other freebies in an attempt to convince people to switch to their current accounts. This week the battle was turned up a notch. Santander is offering £240, while NatWest is hoping to tempt high-earners to defect by dangling the carrot of £500.
A £500 gift or a free toothbrush: is it worth switching bank accounts?
Fancy up to £500 of “free” cash – or how about a complimentary eco-friendly electric toothbrush? Many of Britain’s banks are offering sizeable “welcome bonuses” and other freebies in an attempt to convince people to switch to their current accounts. This week the battle was turned up a notch. Santander is offering £240, while NatWest is hoping to tempt high-earners to defect by dangling the carrot of £500.
A £500 gift or a free toothbrush: is it worth switching bank accounts?
Fancy up to £500 of "free" cash – or how about a complimentary eco-friendly electric toothbrush? Many of Britain's banks are offering sizeable "welcome bonuses" and other freebies in an attempt to convince people to switch to their current accounts. This week the battle was turned up a notch. Santander is offering £240, while NatWest is hoping to tempt high-earners to defect by dangling the carrot of £500.
How will bond market turmoil affect your mortgage, pension and savings in UK?
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How will bond market turmoil affect your mortgage, pension and savings in UK?
The bond market sell-off has sparked fresh fears of higher borrowing costs for UK households. We look at what the turmoil in financial markets could mean for your mortgage, pension and savings. Experts think that the pricing on new fixed-rate mortgages could start rising again as a result of the bond market turbulence. That is because lenders get funding for home loans from the money markets. Fixed mortgage rates are largely influenced by "swap rates" rather than the Bank of England base rate.
First-time buyer ISA v lifetime ISA – which one should you choose?
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First-time buyer Isa v lifetime Isa – which one should you choose? Original
Saving to get on the property ladder takes time, and there's no advantage hanging around for the new product.Photograph: Yui Mok/PA If you want to start saving towards your first home, don't wait until a new Isa just for first-time buyers goes on sale. That is the advice from experts after more details emerged about a savings account the government plans to launch to help people get a foot on the property ladder.
Households could save up to £173 a year by switching to fixed energy deal
With higher energy bills looming and warnings of worse to come in the new year, many households could save up to £173 a year by switching to a fixed deal. Millions of households in Great Britain will face the highest energy charges in three years after it was announced that the government's price cap will rise again in October. This will be the second increase in three months.
Burnham announces crackdown on rogue bailiffs and ‘cowboy builders’
A clampdown on “rogue bailiffs” has been launched by Andy Burnham amid concerns that vulnerable people are being overcharged and face aggressive behaviour. In the latest in a series of “everyday fixes” to ease the cost of living and “make Britain fairer”, the prime minister said he was strengthening the rules that apply to bailiffs in England and Wales to better protect people in debt. He also announced measures to target “cowboy” tradespeople, including builders who rip off homeowners.
‘The worst part is the guilt': The owners who fear dog food caused pets' eye problems
“It's been horrible – Chester developed sudden red and gunky eyes in May,” said Elizabeth, whose six-year-old cavachon “can't open his eyes” on many days. The 29-year-old civil servant is one of a number of people who contacted the Guardian because they are concerned about a potential link between a recalled dog food and their pet's eye condition.
‘The worst part is the guilt’: the owners who fear dog food caused pets’ eye problems
“It’s been horrible – Chester developed sudden red and gunky eyes in May,” said Elizabeth, whose six-year-old cavachon “can’t open his eyes” on many days. The 29-year-old civil servant is one of a number of people who contacted the Guardian because they are concerned about a potential link between a recalled dog food and their pet’s eye condition.
Premium bonds: more chance of win as NS&I ups prize fund rate again
Premium bond holders will have more chances of winning prizes after changes announced this week. From September there will be more prizes up for grabs for the 22 million people who hold the government-backed savings bonds. This is the second time in two months National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has upped the premium bond prize fund rate, with one expert saying that the UK government’s savings bank is “pulling out all the stops” to attract more cash.
Dog food recalled in UK after reports of pets losing their sight
A dog food brand has recalled all of its fresh meals after reports that a recipe change may have caused some animals to develop an eye condition that, if left untreated, can lead to sight loss. The brand Years said owners should stop feeding its fresh meals to their dogs “immediately” and also told them not to feed them to any other animal, or to donate or sell them.
Asking prices for newly listed homes in UK's richest borough fall by £100k in one month
The average price of a home coming up for sale in Britain's richest borough has dropped by almost £100,000 in a month as fierce competition among sellers in many areas prompts some to slash their price expectations, data shows. The property website Rightmove said that for Britain as a whole, average newly listed asking prices for homes had fallen by 2% over the past month, the largest August price drop in eight years.
‘Watch your spending, use free perks’: an insider’s tips on student money
Over the past two years university student Erin has been giving Martin Lewis a run for his money when it comes to hunting down the best hacks, tips and tricks to save cash and earn money. The 21-year-old has seen Oasis for free; earned tickets to race days; made money from selling secondhand clothes (£200 in one weekend alone); and enjoyed cut-price treats with friends. On Thursday, tens of thousands of young people found out if they had achieved the grades for the course of their choice.
Searches for UK homes with air conditioning more than double
Searches for homes for sale in the UK with air conditioning have more than doubled this summer as heatwaves push staying cool up the list of priorities for homebuyers, alongside nearness to good schools and transport links.
‘The market is dead': Why aren't flats in England selling?
‘The market is dead for flats,” says Susan Young*, who has been trying for some time without success to sell her two-bed flat in a popular Devon seaside resort. The first-floor property is in “immaculate condition”, Young says, thanks to the £15,000-£20,000 spent on renovations. It has “superb views” across the beach. And, perhaps most crucially, it is a freehold flat, so is untainted by the controversies associated with the discredited leasehold system.
Crackdown on claims companies sending spam car finance texts
Phones seized during raids by the Information Commissioner's Office on nuisance phone calls. Photograph: Information Commissioner's Office Laptops, mobile phones and documents have been seized after officials carried out search warrants in a crackdown on claims companies plaguing people with spam text messages about the car finance mis-selling scandal.
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