or * denotes a best value investment of its type. But
read the How worthwhile section because an investment with a rosette
award is not necessarilly best value for everyone. The rosette award or * denotes a best value investment of its type. But
read the How worthwhile section because an investment with a rosette
award is not necessarilly best value for everyone.
Name This describes the type of investment as it is generally known and is preceded by the type of institution which offers it. (e.g. Bank, Building Society, Life Insurance Company, National Savings) or the general nature of the investment (eg Offshore, Shares, Stock, Unit Trust).
What it is A summary of the main distinguishing points.
Who can invest Whether there are any age or other restrictions on the investor.
How worthwhile Which sort of taxpayer (non, 10%, 20% or 40%) should seek this type of investment. Cross-references to competing investments.
Minimum Minimum range of investment allowed by those schemes listed on the page. Higher minimum schemes may be available but have not been included unless they offer better value.
Maximum Maximum investment which is allowed by a single institution or scheme.
Suitable Whether suitable for lump sums, regular savings or both.
Money back How soon you can get your money back. Any penalties like loss of interest or capital.
Interest Whether the return from the investment is fixed or variable.
Interest paid How often the interest is paid, e.g. half-yearly, yearly, quarterly or monthly. Whether interest is accumulated or paid-out, and if so, the method.
Tax How the investment is treated for tax in the UK. Whether tax is deducted at source; whether non-taxpayers can reclaim it; whether higher rate taxpayers pay extra and whether the investment is tax exempt. This applies to the current tax year which started on 6 April.
Fees to pay Charges levied at the outset or regularly by the institution or financial adviser. These charges reduce the return on your investment.
Passbook Whether there is a passbook, certificate, statements or other document issued.
Children Whether the investment is suitable for a child's investment and any special conditions which apply. Child means someone under age 18.
Risk All savings and investments are equally affected by inflation which erodes their real value. This assesses the risk of losing your capital either because the investment fluctuates in value or the institution with which you invest gets into difficulties.
How to invest How to go about finding an institution which offers the scheme and what to do next. Where the best choice is constantly changing, how to find the best buy in other surveys.
Where from A list of the institutions which, at the times this book went to press, offered the best rates for the type of scheme described at the level of investment quoted. For example: 'Min £25,000: Halifax' means Halifax is good value for sums over £25,000; the actual minimum for the account may be lower eg £500. If you are on-line, the links are now often direct to the institution's own site.
Contents
Click here to get the whole site by E Mail or on Disc
Last updated 29 January 2002