Since the ISA was first introduced in 1999 not only has the maximum annual contribution increased from £7,000 to a very significant £20,000 but there are now a number of different versions.
A recent article from Hargreaves Lansdown sets this out in some detail and is well worth a read.
In my experience Cash ISAs are very much over-used. They can be right for short term savings (3 years or less) but, even then, better interest rates may be available from other savings accounts. What I get really upset about is medium/long term savings sat in Cash ISA accounts earning minimal interest when a switch to a Stocks and Shares ISA could provide a much better return at little extra risk.
Holding a limited number of shares in an ISA can be high risk but using a collective investment fund is much safer and there is plenty of help out there to when it comes to choosing a good fund which suits your objectives and risk profile.
Even then you need to put in place a monitoring process. You could choose the best fund now, but if you don’t keep an eye on it things can go very wrong in the medium/long term.
A more recent addition is the Lifetime ISA. Available to those between 18-39 it can fit well for anyone saving for their first house or as an alternative to a pension. The excellent tax benefits must be weighed against a lack of flexibility so don’t rush in without being sure it is right for you.
Junior ISA accounts have been available for some time now. With a maximum annual contribution of £4,368 a considerable fund can be built up in no time at all.
The most recent addition is the Innovative Finance ISA. Don’t be fooled. The extra interest on offer is pretty much matched by the extra risk you are taking on. Right for some people but not those looking for low risk.
Do have a read of the HL article here.
I am not a regulated financial advisor so I cannot give personal advice but I can provide information, education and guidance which will help you make good decisions for yourself. If you feel my guidance would be useful phone or text me, Richard, on 07770 575122 and let’s have a preliminary conversation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This document and our on going services are not personal advice. We'll give you all the help and guidance you need to make your investment and retirement decisions, but we can't advise you. If you're not sure whether you need regulated financial advice we can put you in touch with a suitably qualified and experienced regulated adviser. Because we are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority you will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service in respect of any complaints. If you use one of the "no advice" on line services to handle investment transactions they will be Regulated and you will have access to the Ombudsman and The Financial Compensation Scheme in respect of their services. The value of investments/pension plans can fall or rise depending on market performance. The Retirement Team and The Investment and Retirement Coach are trading names of Capture Success Ltd Reg No 01825075 Tel 07770575122
