Savings guides

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Savings guides

Saving for your dream can be tough; our savings guides will help you determine the fastest route to your savings target by maximising the potential of your nest egg along the way.

What are Regular Savings Accounts?

A regular savings account can be a great place to save for a big purchase. This guide explains what you need to know about regular savings accounts.

Are Premium Bonds a Safe Investment or a Waste of Time?

We explore whether investing in Premium Bonds is worth it or whether you’re better off looking elsewhere.

How To Be Tax Efficient With Your Savings

Do you need to pay tax on interest from your savings accounts? Find out when tax is due and how to make sure you’re not paying more than necessary.

How To Find Lost Savings and Bank Accounts

Find out how to recover lost assets and trace lost savings and dormant bank accounts quickly and free of charge with our step-by-step guide.

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What are Premium Bonds prizes?

Premium bonds are a popular way to save, but unlike other methods of saving, they don’t pay any interest on the money you deposit. Instead, they offer you the chance of winning a prize each month with a maximum value of £1 million.

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Bonds or Savings account?

When you are starting to save, you have several choices about where to put your money. You can save into a traditional savings account or choose a savings bond. We explain the pros and cons of both traditional savings accounts and bonds.

What Is The Best Way To Save For Your Child?

It’s never too early to start saving for your child, and there’s no shortage of savings accounts for little ones. But which is best? Here, we explore the various child savings options.

What is an innovative finance ISA? Our IFISA guide

It is the third type of ISA that exists alongside the cash ISA and the stocks and shares ISA. Here is how the innovative finance ISA works.

How to Create an Effective Monthly Spending Budget

Follow our step-by-step guide to creating a monthly spending budget to take control of your finances.

Should You Focus on Paying Off Debt or Saving Money?

Deciding whether to pay off debt or build a savings pot first isn’t always easy. Here’s what you need to know.

What is interest?

Borrowing costs money. A lender will usually charge a borrower a percentage of the money lent, rather than a flat fee. This is called interest. This guide covers the basics of how interest works, what it is and what it means for your finances.

How do ISA transfers work?

If you move your ISA to another provider incorrectly you could end up losing your savings' tax-free status. Here is how to transfer your ISA and continue building up your tax-free savings.

How To Start Your Emergency Fund

An emergency savings fund can be a godsend when life sends you a curve ball. Here’s how to start an emergency fund for those urgent unexpected bills.

Percentage symbol with a pair of scissors to highlight interest rates cut

Hundreds of savings accounts have cut their interest rate after base rate drop

Banks and building societies have adjusted their interest rates to reflect the Bank of England’s decision

How to save for your summer holiday next year

Are you dreaming of a holiday? Here are some ways to start saving for a trip in 2025.

Wooded blocks with an up and down percentage for 2024

How to make the most of high interest rates on savings as the base rate drops to 5%

The savings market is still competitive with deals around 5% - but they won’t last forever

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Why you need to act before August 1 to get high interest rates on savings

The base rate could drop in the next few days and this will impact savings rates

Is the 50/30/20 budgeting technique still realistic for savers?

It’s recommended to save 20% of your monthly income, but our survey found a quarter of consumers are saving less than 5%.

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11 ways to enjoy summer festivals without breaking the bank

Festivals can be pricey but there are ways to cut the cost of food, travel and even festival fashion

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69% of people haven’t switched savings accounts while interest rates have skyrocketed

Our recent survey highlighted many people are still missing out on earning some extra cash

‘ADHD is my savings superpower - here’s how it helps me to manage money’

Regularly comparing savings accounts and creating financial flowcharts can keep you on the right track.

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Savers still have time to get inflation-beating interest rates but they won’t last forever

It’s good news for savers as the base rate remains at 5.25% for another month

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Savers risk losing cash by waiting for the next base rate update

Top rates on fixed-rate accounts are still above 5%

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Why ISAs are a popular option for savers in 2024

April was a record-breaking month for ISA deposits, according to data from the Bank of England

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Hundreds of savings accounts are now offering interest rates above inflation

Savers can still snap up a great deal as top interest rates are more than double inflation.

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How to save an extra £500 in one year by opening a savings account

Interest rates are still competitive so there’s an opportunity to earn some extra cash on your savings.

What is cash stuffing and how does it work?

This savings technique is encouraging people to use cash in a bid to boost their finances.

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Bank of England holds interest rates at 5.25% - but will this be the last time?

Savers have another month to make the most of competitive interest rates

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9 ways to save money during the May bank holidays

Make the most of the long weekend without putting pressure on your finances

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ISA or Savings Account: Which option is best for you?

You could be forgiven for thinking there’s no real difference between a cash ISA and a standard savings account. But even if they look and work in a similar way, ISAs have qualities that set them apart, as we explain here.

What's the best place for your money?

Knowing what to do with savings can be difficult, especially with inflation so high. Here is what you can do if you have money to invest.

Are ISAs still worth it?

Whether you have a cash ISA or are thinking of getting one, you need to know if it's still a good place to invest your money. Here is how to work out if ISAs are worth it for you.

11 ways to save money on purchases for your pet

Keep your furry friend happy without breaking the bank with these money saving tips.

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Top rates on fixed-rate accounts fall by nearly 25% during base rate freeze

Historic interest rates on fixed accounts prove it’s not a waiting game for savers.

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7 ways to reduce financial stress and take control of your money

Financial stress is common and many of us will experience it in our lifetime - but there are small steps you can take to ease this pressure.

Understanding Interest Rates for Savings

Find out what you need to know about interest rates with this comprehensive guide and watch your savings pot grow.

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How savers can make the most of their money before the end of the tax year

April is an important time for savers to move their money.

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Easter activities to try at home that won’t break the bank

Keep your family entertained during the long weekend with these Easter-themed activities.

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Top rates still above 5% for savers as Bank of England makes no change

The Bank of England decided to hold the base rate despite inflation falling to 3.4%

How to cut the cost of your food shop for the Easter weekend

Enjoy the Easter festivities without putting pressure on your finances

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40% of people in the UK are considering an investment ISA - why now could be the time to get one

ISA season is in full swing and there’s still a few weeks to maximise your £20,000 ISA allowance.

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33% of Gen Zs investing their money rely on social media for information

A new survey reveals young people are willing to spend hours learning about investing.

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NatWest launches new £200 switching offer - here’s what you can do with the cash

Switching bank accounts can help people to boost their savings pot and more.

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The lesser-known savings account offering inflation-busting rates

Notice savings accounts have some of the top rates in the market today.

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How a savings account could help you to buy a house or a new car

A new survey revealed 52% of Brits aren’t in the position to make big purchases in 2024, but a savings account can help to get you on the right track.

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The top interest rates for savers as the base rate remains at 5.25%

There are still competitive deals on savings accounts as the Bank of England decides to hold the base rate at 5.25%.

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How to save up to £3,024 for a winter sun holiday in 2025

Start planning now and you’ll be able to hop on a plane and enjoy sunnier climes next January.

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How high-interest savings accounts can help to fund your wedding

Making the most of savings accounts could make your dream wedding a reality.

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How to get a savings account above 6%

Switching current accounts could unlock an impressive interest rate on your savings

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Savings rates peaked six months ago - but what does this mean for 2024?

Fixed-rate savings had interest rates above 6% last year, compared to today’s top rate of 5.30%.

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How interest rates on savings accounts compare to the frozen base rate

The Bank of England's monetary committee decided to hold the base rate at 5.25% for a third time.

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Why now is the time to save for Christmas 2024

It’s never too early to start planning for a big savings goal, especially when interest rates on savings accounts remain competitive.

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12 ways to avoid overspending in December

Here’s how to have a stress-free Christmas and enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank.

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What the Autumn Statement means for your savings

ISAs had a moment in the spotlight with some key changes coming in 2024.

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8 savvy saving tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Savers will need to prepare to make sure they get the best deal.

How the unchanged base rate could impact your savings

The Bank of England decided to hold the base rate at 5.25% for another month.

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How to save £500 in one month for last minute Christmas shopping

Savings challenges are going viral but do they really work?

Children’s savings rates have increased by 160% in a year

It’s important to review your child’s savings pot so you can get the best deal.

Business savings accounts explained | Savings Accounts

You could be making interest on your business's spare cash by moving it into a business savings account. Here is how they work and how to open one.

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Interest rates are dropping on fixed-rate savings but there are still deals available

Top deals have been pulled from the market and providers are assessing their rates on longer-term accounts.

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6 easy ways to track your savings each month

The key to savings success is to keep a close eye on your progress

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ISA myths and the truth about tax-free savings

We debunk some common myths about ISAs to see whether this type of savings account is right for you.

Why savers should act now as the base rate remains at 5.25%

The Bank of England’s decision means it’s a good time to compare savings accounts.

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The green savings accounts helping you to save money - and the planet

Green savings accounts are offering interest rates with an ethical bonus on top, but how competitive are they?

Unlocking top rates on savings accounts comes with a catch

Under-pressure banks are finally starting to release some decent savings accounts - just not to everyone.

What happens when I exceed my personal savings allowance?

With millions of savers about to be liable for tax on their savings accounts, it’s important to understand when you have to pay it.

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How business savings accounts can help SMEs to grow

A savings account isn’t a legal requirement, but it can support your business in the long run.

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Exclusive: How you can get 7% on your savings and a £10 voucher

Santander reveals a market-leading interest rate with its Santander Edge Saver

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People are missing out on extra money as billions added to 0% interest accounts

Latest stats from the Bank of England reveal £2.1 billion was added to 0% interest accounts in June alone.

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Homebuyers set to be taxed on their deposit savings for the first time

Mortgage rates have gone up and now you might be paying tax on your savings too.

Why the interest rate on your savings should leap this month

The base rate has increased by 0.25 percentage points, but savers could see a far larger rise after the FCA launched an action plan to ensure higher interest rates are passed on.

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How to choose the best savings account whatever your financial goals are

Whether you want to save for your first house or a dream holiday, there’s a savings account that will get you there faster.

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How much more interest you can now get on your savings

We take a look at the savings’ landscape to see how rates have changed over the first half of the year and see if the rises are over or the best is yet to come…

What the new 5% base rate means for your savings

The Bank of England has increased its base rate to 5% in an attempt to tame inflation.

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How to save £1,000 in time for your Christmas shopping this year

The secret to a stress-free festive season is to start saving your money today

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13 life hacks to help you save money each month

Small changes that can make a big difference to your savings pot

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When interest rates stop being the most important thing about a savings account

We look at the top interest rates for fixed-rate bonds and compare them to more flexible savings accounts, and ask if that’s really what matters the most.

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Why changing your savings account can earn you 322% more interest

Savings accounts are offering higher interest rates compared to last year, so now is the time to move your money if it’s in a low-interest account.

Savings accounts react to the Bank of England’s base rate increase

The Bank of England’s decision to increase the base rate to 4.5% marks the highest rate in 15 years - but have savings accounts matched it?

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The savings account deals for existing customers offering up to 7%

Is your bank offering the best interest rate or should you look elsewhere?

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Are savings accounts keeping up with the Bank of England’s base rate?

With rumours that the base rate will rise again in May, some savings accounts are failing to meet its constant increases.

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7 ways to be a savvy saver during the bank holiday weekend

From finding the best deals to making the most of free activities, you don’t need to spend big to make the most of the holidays.

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How to transfer a child trust fund to a junior ISA

If you want your child’s money to work hard for them you should consider transferring their child trust fund to a junior ISA. We explain why and how to proceed.

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How to organise your savings with a financial spring clean

It’s not just your home that might need a declutter, now is the time to dust off your savings and get things in order

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The ISAs you need to know about ahead of the new tax year

Your annual ISA allowance runs out on April 6, so if you’re planning to use more of yours before it disappears, here’s what you need to know

Why the Bank of England keeps raising rates

We thought this might be the one, the first time since 2021, that the Bank of England didn’t raise interest rates. It wasn’t.

And when will it stop

What is a savings tracker account and how does it work?

As the base rate rose for the tenth consecutive time last month, we look at whether a savings tracker account is a smart move.

The rise of notice savings accounts and how they can help you earn more

Interest rates on notice savings accounts are now nearly four times higher than last year

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The top children’s savings accounts offering up to 5% interest

Relax this Mother’s Day knowing you’ve found the best way to save for your child’s future.

How you can get hold of First Direct’s 7% regular savings account

Regular saving accounts are offering some of the highest rates on the market to encourage more people to save - this is what you need to do to get them

Money challenges that can help you to save for your next holiday

How to save £1,456 for your holiday next year

Try one of our challenges and your dream holiday could be a reality.

Fixed-rate bond interest rates have increased by more than 400% in a year

Interest rates have soared on fixed-rate bonds over the past 12 months, making them far more rewarding for people with a lump sum to save

The definitive guide to Sharia Banking & Islamic Finance in the UK

Islamic or Sharia banking follows set guidelines taken from Islamic teachings. Here's what you need to know about how it works and how it could help you bank ethically.

Smartphone apps that can help you save money

Whether it's setting budgets, monitoring your spending, or saving money, these apps can help you keep track of your finances and help you reach your financial goals.