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.

What are the alternatives to the boosted rate of Chase Axes for easy access savers?
Financial Advice

What are the alternatives to the boosted rate of Chase Axes for easy access savers?

We examine alternative investment options. In a blow to customers, Chase slashed interest rates on its well-liked easy access sav...

In the first half of 2025, buybacks of investment trust shares came close to £5 billion
Investment Advice

In the first half of 2025, buybacks of investment trust shares came close to £5 billion

According to the Association of Investment Companies (AIC), investment trust share buybacks increased by nearly a third in the first half...

How to use an ISA for stocks and shares to increase your cash and handlip income by more than 4 percent
Personal Finance

How to use an ISA for stocks and shares to increase your cash and handlip income by more than 4 percent

We give an explanation. Millions of savers will be disappointed if the chancellor lowers the cash ISA limit in next week's Mansio...

Trump threatens new tariffs while delaying Liberation Day 2point 0
Investment Advice

Trump threatens new tariffs while delaying Liberation Day 2point 0

The 90-day tariff pause imposed by Donald Trump was scheduled to expire today, July 9. It was proposed that nations without a trade agree...

The providers caution that lowering the cash ISA limit will make lending more costly and challenging
Personal Finance

The providers caution that lowering the cash ISA limit will make lending more costly and challenging

We examine whether obtaining a mortgage or loan will be more difficult if the cash ISA allowance is reduced. The chancellor has b...

Is Terry Smith still a winner if Fundsmith Equity Fund performs poorly once more?
Investments

Is Terry Smith still a winner if Fundsmith Equity Fund performs poorly once more?

Terry Smith, a fund veteran, has had another difficult six months with investors. A favorite among investors and one of the top...

Why this could be a good time to purchase cybersecurity stocks
Investment Advice

Why this could be a good time to purchase cybersecurity stocks

Here's how to make money from cybersecurity by investing in the companies defending themselves. This spring, the cyberattack that...

Do I have to pay taxes on cryptocurrency? New HMRC regulations aim to crack down on tax evasion and "crypto bros"
Personal Finance

Do I have to pay taxes on cryptocurrency? New HMRC regulations aim to crack down on tax evasion and "crypto bros"

As the taxman uses the new Cryptoasset Reporting Framework to crack down on investors who are avoiding paying taxes on their cryptocurren...

Halifax: First-time buyers return, but June house prices remained unchanged
Investments

Halifax: First-time buyers return, but June house prices remained unchanged

Will the real estate market remain strong? In June, house prices remained unchanged after falling 0.3 percent in May, according t...

The average retirement pension for carers is only £6,750
Personal Finance

The average retirement pension for carers is only £6,750

Carers are among the most underpensioned and financially disadvantaged groups in the UK, receiving only 80% of the average private pensio...

Important LISA regulations and how the Lifetime ISA operates
Investment Advice

Important LISA regulations and how the Lifetime ISA operates

A Lifetime ISA (LISA) might be a viable choice for those who want to move up the housing ladder but are having trouble saving for a down ...

A little-known inheritance tax pension raid could endanger thousands of businesses; the problem is going unnoticed
Investment Advice

A little-known inheritance tax pension raid could endanger thousands of businesses; the problem is going unnoticed

Because of a common retirement plan for entrepreneurs, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses may be forced to liquidate if pensi...