This year’s endless fiasco at NS&I
This year’s endless fiasco at NS&I
National Savings & Investments (NS&I), has lurched from one disaster to another this year. Ruth Jackson-Kirby looks at what's gone wrong.
6 Dec 2020
For the best savings rates you can find now, forget the high street banks
For the best savings rates you can find now, forget the high street banks
If you're looking for any sort of return from a savings account, forget the high-street, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby. Here's where you'll get the best rat…
20 Nov 2020
Ethical investing: your guide to ethical banking
Ethical investing: your guide to ethical banking
There are plenty of ESG funds to choose from – but what about your day-to-day saving and spending needs? We look at the best ethical current and savin…
6 Oct 2020
Where to put your savings now that NS&I has cut its rates
Where to put your savings now that NS&I has cut its rates
National Savings & Investments (NS&I) has slashed its interest rates. There are now much better deals for your savings elsewhere, says Ruth Jackson Ki…
2 Oct 2020
Child trust funds are about to bring a windfall for teenagers
Child trust funds are about to bring a windfall for teenagers
The first child trust funds are maturing in September, says Ruth Jackson-Kirby. But what should teenagers do with the money?
31 Aug 2020
How investors got burned by Chilango's burrito bonds
How investors got burned by Chilango's burrito bonds
As investors in restaurant chain Chilango's burrito bonds face losing all their money, MoneyWeek’s warning to steer clear of mini-bonds proved prescie…
3 Aug 2020
NS&I: a safe home for savings
NS&I: a safe home for savings
State-backed National Savings & Investments is ready to accept much more money and offers some of the highest interest rates.
28 Jul 2020
Look beyond cash Isas to stocks and shares
Look beyond cash Isas to stocks and shares
Interest rates on cash Isa accounts are too low and stocks do better over the long term. Consider a stocks and shares Isa instead.
7 Jul 2020
Lifetime Isa penalty cut offers a crisis lifeline
Lifetime Isa penalty cut offers a crisis lifeline
The withdrawal penalty on lifetime individual savings accounts has been cut in an attempt to help struggling savers.
8 May 2020
Mini-bonds could spell big trouble for small investors
Mini-bonds could spell big trouble for small investors
Investors have been seduced by the high interest rates on mini-bonds, but they’re not as safe as they seem.
11 Dec 2019
Don’t give your children toys for Xmas, give money
Don’t give your children toys for Xmas, give money
If you give your children or grandchildren fashionable toys for Christmas they’ll soon forget about them – so put some money to work for them instead.
26 Nov 2019
Beware of cash Isa scams
Beware of cash Isa scams
Fraudsters have been targeting savers by offering unrealistically high interest rates on cash Isas.
19 Nov 2019
Child Trust Funds: where is your child’s cash?
Child Trust Funds: where is your child’s cash?
Your offspring may have a child trust fund tucked away. If so, their money is being consumed by fees
15 Oct 2019
The dangers of negative interest rates
The dangers of negative interest rates
Negative interest rates could spark the next financial crisis. And central bankers could end up the object of the public's wrath, says Merryn Somerset…
7 Oct 2019
The benefits of sitting tight with your savings
The benefits of sitting tight with your savings
Agreeing to lock up your cash can boost the interest rate on your savings significantly. Ruth Jackson-Kirby reports.
20 Aug 2019
Don't raid your pension savings to buy a property
Don't raid your pension savings to buy a property
Housing minister James Brokenshire has suggested you should be able to raid your pension savings to fund the purchase of your first home. You shouldn'…
16 Jun 2019
Millions fall foul of pensions contributions rule
Millions fall foul of pensions contributions rule
Almost a million savers could face punitive tax charges on their pension contributions because they have unwittingly triggered a substantial reduction…
29 May 2019
The appeal of a private bank
The appeal of a private bank
Private banks have long been surrounded by an air of prestige. But is the service they provide worth the extra cost?
17 May 2019
How to prepare for a Corbyn government
How to prepare for a Corbyn government
The real risk to your finances is not Brexit, says Merryn Somerset Webb, it's that the mismanagement of Brexit could lead to a Corbyn government. So h…
9 May 2019
Hargreaves Lansdown’s one-stop savings shop
Hargreaves Lansdown’s one-stop savings shop
Should you sign up to Active Savings, Hargreaves Lansdown’s new product aimed at “time-poor” savers?
7 May 2019
Stocks beat cash and bonds over the long term
Stocks beat cash and bonds over the long term
Far more cash Isas are set up than stocks and shares Isas, says Marina Gerner. That's odd given the higher returns from stocks in the long run.
19 Apr 2019
Should you get your child a Jisa?
Should you get your child a Jisa?
If you have any money left over once you’ve used up your tax-free allowances, you could consider a junior Isa for your children. But keep an eye on no…
15 Mar 2019
Aim shares: make your Isa less taxing
Aim shares: make your Isa less taxing
Once considered too risky for an Isa, Aim shares can offer some valuable tax benefits to adventurous investors.
15 Mar 2019
VCTs, EIS and SEIS: tax relief for brave investors
VCTs, EIS and SEIS: tax relief for brave investors
If you can stomach the risk involved in backing a company in its early stages, consider VCTs, the EIS and the SEIS. Generous tax breaks are on offer.
15 Mar 2019