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.

The evolution of women's financial independence over the past half-century
Personal Finance

The evolution of women's financial independence over the past half-century

On this International Women's Day, we examine how women's lives have been transformed by financial freedom over the years and what more n...

Eight strategies for early retirement
Personal Finance

Eight strategies for early retirement

Even though we might save for a pension for years, many of us want to quit our jobs early and retire early. According to data fro...

Following the chaos of an IT outage, Barclays will pay millions in compensation
Personal Finance

Following the chaos of an IT outage, Barclays will pay millions in compensation

After more than half of its payments failed due to a three-day IT outage, Barclays will compensate customers up to 7.5 million. O...

The complete list of HMRC tax codes and their definitions
Investment Advice

The complete list of HMRC tax codes and their definitions

Here's how to make sure you have the right code. Even though you might not glance at your payslip first thing every month, the br...

Platforms for investments that offer cash holders interest rates below 2%
Investment Advice

Platforms for investments that offer cash holders interest rates below 2%

Numerous investment platforms have reduced the interest rates they pay on cash balances; as a result, customers now receive rates that ar...

Do you qualify for the cold weather payment of pound twenty-five?
Personal Finance

Do you qualify for the cold weather payment of pound twenty-five?

We outline who is eligible and how to determine whether a payment is due as the program comes to an end this winter on March 31. ...

Chase limits current account holders' access to cashback
Personal Finance

Chase limits current account holders' access to cashback

What's changing is explained. Current account holders will only be able to earn money in specific locations as Chase Bank revamps...

How the government's most recent leasehold reforms will benefit you
Investments

How the government's most recent leasehold reforms will benefit you

Plans have been announced by the government to abolish the feudal leasehold system and change the way that new construction homes and com...

Who is Agent Million and how are winners of Premium Bonds prizes notified?
Financial Advice

Who is Agent Million and how are winners of Premium Bonds prizes notified?

Furthermore, who is Agent Million? You should understand how Premium Bonds operate and how National Savings and Investments (NS&I...

Nationwide will be offering a £175 switching bonus; take advantage of this offer right away
Personal Finance

Nationwide will be offering a £175 switching bonus; take advantage of this offer right away

We go over how to be eligible for the bonus for switching current accounts. Nationwide is pulling its market-leading 175 switchin...

Five strategies to reduce the gender pay gap
Personal Finance

Five strategies to reduce the gender pay gap

We examine five strategies to increase your pension in advance of International Women's Day on March 8. Most people don't save en...

Top stocks, trusts, and funds for investing
Investments

Top stocks, trusts, and funds for investing

Each month, we examine the best stocks, funds, and trusts that make up investors' portfolios. According to the most recent user d...