ISA investments by age: should I invest more in my stocks and shares ISA?

Stocks and shares ISAs are a great way to grow long-term wealth, but are they overlooked compared to cash savings? We look at the average ISA investment by age and if you should have more.

Over the shoulder view of woman using online banking and making financial investment with smartphone
(Image credit: Kmatta via Getty Images)

Do Brits overlook their stocks and shares ISAs in favour of lower-risk, lower-reward cash savings?

As the end of the tax year approaches, ensuring that you maximise your annual ISA allowance is probably front of mind right now.

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Age

Average ISA market value (£)

Under 25

7,698

25-34

9,477

35-44

13,527

45-54

25,362

55-64

40,945

65 and over

63,365

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Age

What £1 million is worth by retirement (age 65)

Gap

25

£2,208,040

£1,208,040

30

£1,999,890

£999,890

35

£1,811,362

£811,362

40

£1,640,606

£640,606

45

£1,485,947

£485,947

50

£1,345,868

£345,868

55

£1,218,994

£218,994

60

£1,104,081

£104,081

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Investment type

Total market value in stocks and shares ISAs (£ million, 2022/23)

Shares

47,104

Shares traded on a recognised stock exchange in the EEA & UK

24,555

Securities

2,280

Gilts

1,075

Unit Trusts

74,684

Shares in Open Ended Investment Companies (OEICs)

188,998

Corporate Bond Funds

5,390

Investment Trusts

26,429

Units/Shares in Undertaking for Collective Investment In Transferable Securities

27,843

Surrender value of policies

12,000

Cash on deposit

20,418

Dan McEvoy
Senior Writer

Dan is a financial journalist who, prior to joining MoneyWeek, spent five years writing for OPTO, an investment magazine focused on growth and technology stocks, ETFs and thematic investing.

Before becoming a writer, Dan spent six years working in talent acquisition in the tech sector, including for credit scoring start-up ClearScore where he first developed an interest in personal finance.

Dan studied Social Anthropology and Management at Sidney Sussex College and the Judge Business School, Cambridge University. Outside finance, he also enjoys travel writing, and has edited two published travel books.