Articles by James Mackreides

James Mackreides

James Mackreides

'Mac' is a short tempered former helicopter pilot, now a writer based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Loves dogs, the outdoors and staying far away from the ocean.

If you "contracted out," your state pension may be reduced
Personal Finance

If you "contracted out," your state pension may be reduced

Here's how you can check your NI contributions . The state pension is supposed to be simple: if you have contributed to national ...

Give to gain: Rebecca Maclean's day in Aberdeen
Investments

Give to gain: Rebecca Maclean's day in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is adamant about the importance of having a diverse workforce in order to improve decision making. More than 40% of investment t...

China's fraudulent bitcoin queen is Qian Zhimin
Investment Advice

China's fraudulent bitcoin queen is Qian Zhimin

After years of evading the law, she was eventually apprehended. The biggest cryptocurrency seizure ever was celebrated by British...

Pershing sq\ is an investment trust that is looking forward to a Trump windfall
Investment Advice

Pershing sq\ is an investment trust that is looking forward to a Trump windfall

An exception is Pershing sq\. Holdings (LSE: PSH). Despite returning 101% over the five years until the end of 2025 and 14% over a single...

The moral decay that endangers capitalism is enshittification
Investments

The moral decay that endangers capitalism is enshittification

According to James Mackreides, it is a disgrace to consumers and a danger to free markets. Author Cory Doctorow is credited with ...

A promising strategy to address the energy crisis is Venture Global
Investment Advice

A promising strategy to address the energy crisis is Venture Global

Similar in scope to the crisis that erupted in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine and cut off Europe's gas supply, the Middle East conflict...

Investment trusts continue to be a wise investment
Investment Advice

Investment trusts continue to be a wise investment

However, according to James Mackreides, the rush for the exits by investors is not all there is to it. Investment trusts had a su...

Investment strategies for inflation protection
Investment Advice

Investment strategies for inflation protection

In what ways can investors safeguard their capital against inflation? Inflation is expected to rise as a result of the Iran war, ...

What does it mean for customers when Revolut obtains a full UK banking license?
Financial Advice

What does it mean for customers when Revolut obtains a full UK banking license?

What effects will the change have on consumers, and is Revolut a good place to put your money? After a four-year battle with auth...

To win, how much must I save in Premium Bonds?
Financial Advice

To win, how much must I save in Premium Bonds?

Do you really need a certain amount to have a chance of winning, or is it just bad luck? For savers, NS&Is Premium Bonds present ...

The commuter hotspots provide inexpensive housing and transportation
Investments

The commuter hotspots provide inexpensive housing and transportation

Savills has created a list of commuter hotspots that provide inexpensive housing and train transportation. A return to the workpl...

Considerations for consolidating your ISA
Investment Advice

Considerations for consolidating your ISA

Although there are risks to be mindful of, investors are being encouraged to think about combining their stocks and shares ISAs onto a si...