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.

Should you pay more to visit popular vacation spots or should you look elsewhere?
Financial Advice

Should you pay more to visit popular vacation spots or should you look elsewhere?

The increase in tourist taxes is examined. In an effort to address local concerns about overtourism, major cities are raising the...

Installing heat pumps can be made less expensive
Investments

Installing heat pumps can be made less expensive

The cost of a heat pump, the operation of the 7,500 government grant, and other available discounts are examined. Heat pumps are ...

Is your Pension Credit benefit being overlooked? How to get up to £4,300 in benefits
Personal Finance

Is your Pension Credit benefit being overlooked? How to get up to £4,300 in benefits

We describe who is eligible for Pension Credit as well as the application process. Following the announcement by chancellor Rache...

The UK faces a "generational challenge" on national security, which is causing defense stocks to rise
Investments

The UK faces a "generational challenge" on national security, which is causing defense stocks to rise

Is it wise to spend money on defense? Due to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns, many investors have historical...

What options do I have now that my 8 percent Nationwide regular saver has matured?
Financial Advice

What options do I have now that my 8 percent Nationwide regular saver has matured?

Are you better off switching to a competitor or remaining with the building society? In September 2023, Nationwide introduced an ...

Which household expenses are increasing this spring as a result of the April price hikes?
Personal Finance

Which household expenses are increasing this spring as a result of the April price hikes?

What are the hikes' sizes, and are there any ways to cut costs? The cost of living will rise by hundreds of pounds in April due t...

Is it time to move to a fixed energy tariff?
Personal Finance

Is it time to move to a fixed energy tariff?

Millions of households will see another increase in their energy bills in April 2025. Are you considering switching to a fixed energy tar...

Could London's IPO market be revived by a fintech frenzy?
Investments

Could London's IPO market be revived by a fintech frenzy?

Might the city's fintech industry spearhead a comeback? 2021 was the best year for London's IPO market in terms of new issues and...

Top regions for rental yields from buy-to-let
Investments

Top regions for rental yields from buy-to-let

Where in the UK are the best locations for real estate investments? In recent years, buy-to-let landlords have faced difficulties...

Zoopla: The price difference between apartments and homes hits a 30-year high
Investments

Zoopla: The price difference between apartments and homes hits a 30-year high

According to Zoopla, new sales agreed amounted to 10% more than a year ago, indicating that the housing market has had a robust start to ...

Shares of Red Cat Holdings, a drone company, are declining
Investments

Shares of Red Cat Holdings, a drone company, are declining

The explosive growth of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, has been one of the major advancements in military technology in recent year...

How does your bill change as a result of the Ofgem energy price cap?
Personal Finance

How does your bill change as a result of the Ofgem energy price cap?

What precisely is the cap, though? The quarterly energy price cap, which determines the cost of gas and electricity for millions ...