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.

Do VCTs make sense as an investment?
Investment Advice

Do VCTs make sense as an investment?

The age of venture capital trusts (VCTs) is approaching thirty. Although they have endured, should you think about making an investment i...

Should you purchase King Coal since he hasn't been overthrown yet?
Investments

Should you purchase King Coal since he hasn't been overthrown yet?

The final coal-fired power plant in the UK, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, shut down Unit 4 on September 30, 2024. The shutdown signaled the end of t...

How much does the Labour government's housing policy cost?
Investments

How much does the Labour government's housing policy cost?

The benefit of higher stamp duty thresholds for first-time homebuyers and movers is only available for one month. Stamp duty thre...

How to become an ISA multi-millionaire
Investments

How to become an ISA multi-millionaire

Many investors dream of reaching ISA millionaire status but what do you do once you reach that milestone? There are just six we...

Widow's caution: Could you be losing out on an inherited state pension of up to £11,000?
Personal Finance

Widow's caution: Could you be losing out on an inherited state pension of up to £11,000?

Are you eligible and what are the rules? Widows and widowers may be eligible to receive inherited state pension benefits, which w...

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...