If you are planning for the future, or you are looking to diversify your investment portfolio, we have selected a range of different types of investment opportunities, which cover pensions, alternatives, and a lot more. We provide impartial information on a variety of different opportunities.
Savings Accounts
A saving account is generally considered part of any investment strategy. There are a wide range of different types of savings accounts which are available, and they are made up of two key areas: Fixed term savings, i.e. funds are committed for a fixed term, in return for which you will receive an agreed level of interest. Instant Access savings, these will offer an interest rate based upon the amount of money which you hold within the account.
The interest rates which savings accounts have been earning over recent years have not been particularly good, due to extremely low interest rates, we have found some of the best rates available on the market.
Click here to compare Savings Accounts
ISA
ISA accounts, or ISA’s as they are often known, provide tax incentives for individuals to save. There are two main types of ISA, being a Cash ISA, or an Investment ISA. A Cash ISA is basically a savings account which offers tax benefits to investors, which would not normally be available using a current account. An Investment ISA is a wrapper, through which you purchase shares and other stocks, and again this offers tax benefits to the investor.
Some ISA providers will require different notice periods to remove cash and sell shares, so if you require your money instantly, make sure that you select an account which is relevant.
It is recommended that you seek financial advice prior to entering into an ISA, particularly an Investment ISA, as the value of the investment may go down as well as up, so it is important to understand your exposure.
Click here to compare ISA Accounts
Pensions
Pensions are a great way of saving for the future. The government offer various incentives to encourage individuals to save, so that when they retire they are able to maintain their lifestyle. So it is important, that you begin contributing to your pension as soon as is possible. The basic state pension in the UK is minimal, even at the current rate, so you have to consider how you would be able to survive.
There are a wide range of different pension providers who offer a significant number of different types of pension. We have selected some of the UK’s leading providers of different types of pension to offer variety and also value for money.
Some employers do provide pension schemes, so it is important to consider how much this will be worth to you, at the time at which you wish to retire.
It is important to receive financial advice prior to entering into a pension, as it can be confusing and this is a long term plan, so it absolutely imperative that the route which you choose is relevant both to your lifestyle and requirements.
Click here to compare Pensions
Pension Release
As the name suggests, it is possible to release some of the money from your pension at certain points in your life. For example if you have had to stop working sooner than expected, or you are wanting to go on a holiday, then pension release may be for you, as it is an easy way to access your cash.
There are certain rules around the age at which you can release the cash, and most providers will be require you to be over 55 to do this. It is important that you seek financial advice prior to releasing cash from your pension, as this will reduce the value of your pension pot.
Click here to compare Pension Release
Selling Endowments
If you hold an endowment, it is possible to sell this to release the cash which is tied up within it. This is becoming increasingly common as individuals aim to release the cash which is held within it.
There are a number of options of ending the endowment policy, you can either sell the policy back to the Company who you originally purchased it from, or alternatively you can sell to another buyer. This is often the preferred as third party organisations will give the best returns.
It is important to seek financial advice prior to releasing your endowment to ensure that you are fully aware of the terms and potential impact on your investment.