Savings archive

Published in December 2008

Start Saving Now For Next Christmas

by Esther Shaw | Christmas almost inevitably leaves most of us with a hangover, and as we tuck into the last of the turkey leftovers, we'll all be feeling the effects of this year's excesses -- and not least on our finances.

Why Premium Bonds Don't Make Good Savings Accounts

by Jane Baker | You might buy premium bonds for the chance of winning the £1 million jackpot, but they're no good for your savings.

Anglo Irish Looks Safe

by Ed Bowsher | Anglo Irish Bank had a rocky time last week, but the bank is now safe. Savers shouldn't lose any sleep.

The Last Of The Good Savings Rates

by Serena Cowdy | The UK base rate is plummeting faster than the temperature. Act now to grab the good savings deals that are still out there!

Earn 6%+ On Your Savings

by Szu Ping Chan | The base rate may be down to 2%, but accounts paying 6% and over are still available. Find out where you can still bag a great savings rate now.

Two Smart Ways To Get A Better Savings Rate

by Donna Ferguson | There are still two places that savers can stash their cash and get a market-leading return.

Save For Your Child's Future Today!

by Rachel Wait | Searching for somewhere to stash your child's savings? Then look no further.

Time's Running Out For Icesave Compensation

by Jane Baker | Get your skates on Icesavers. There's only three weeks left to claim compensation online.

Secure A Great Savings Rate Today!

by Rachel Wait | The base rate has been cut by another 1% leaving savers in despair. Here's where to grab a top-notch fixed-rate savings account before it's too late.

Savings Providers Slash Rates

by Neil Faulkner | Savings providers have started slashing their rates following the recent base rate cut.

Hunt Down The Best Savings Rates!

by Szu Ping Chan | Savings providers have slashed their rates -- but you can still get an instant access account paying at least 6%.

Published in November 2008

First Payments Made To Icesave Customers

by Donna Ferguson | Five weeks and four minutes after they first discovered their savings might be at risk, the first UK Icesave customers have got their money back.

Grab Great Savings While You Can!

by Szu Ping Chan | Take a look at the best variable savings accounts around.

When Did Saving Become Unsafe?

by Cliff D'Arcy | Putting cash on deposit should be safe, secure and dependable. However, thanks to bad banking habits, saving is no longer what it was.

Five Ways To Protect Your Savings From Interest Rate Cuts

by Jane Baker | How can you safeguard the return on your cash?

Ordinary People Face Big Loss From Lehman Collapse

by Donna Werbner and Rachel Robson | Thousands of ordinary people looking for low-risk investments were sold extremely complex `structured products', underwritten by Lehman Brothers, via independent financial advisors.

Protect Your Savings

by Rachel Wait | The 1.5% base rate cut may be good news for borrowers, but savers will suffer. Now could be a good time to lock-in the return from your savings.

Icesave Money Is On Its Way

by Rachel Wait | Icesave customers should have their money back this month - just in time for Christmas.

We're Starting To Save Again

by Cliff D'Arcy | According to the latest figures, we're starting to save more. Alas, thanks to the savings paradox, this is both good and bad news...

The Smartest Savings Account In Britain

by Jane Baker | This account has an attractive rate, provides true instant access and is offered by one of the safest banks in the world.

Why You Should Be Wary Of Fixed Rate Bonds

by Jane Baker | Savers are being urged to take out fixed rate bonds before returns drop, but here's why you should think twice before you lock your money away.

Published in October 2008

Sleep Easy With This Savings Account

by Jane Baker | If you're after a great rate from your savings account AND security, look no further!

Four Solid Savings Accounts

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner looks at some of the best savings accounts currently on offer.

Find Out How Safe Your Bank Is

by Szu Ping Chan | How safe is your bank? Szu Ping Chan explores the complex world of credit default swaps.

More Hope For Icesave Savers

by Rachel Wait | The UK government is going to lend £3 billion to Iceland to help UK Icesave customers to get their money back. Here's what you need to know.

Get Extra Rewards For Saving!

by Szu Ping Chan | We look at a savings account that combines a good interest rate with some nifty bonuses.

The Perils Of Saving Offshore

by Cliff D'Arcy | Seven thousand people could lose savings worth £860 million following the collapse of an Isle of Man-based bank. They've been called greedy tax dodgers, but they're not...

ING Still Looks Fine

by Ed Bowsher | ING has received a _10bn injection from the Dutch government. Savers with ING Direct shouldn't worry.

Super Savings Rates Are Still Available!

by Szu Ping Chan | Egg has upped the rate on its savings account to 6.55%.

Is The Party Over For Savers?

by Esther Shaw | Savings rates look set to fall so make sure you're getting the best deals....

Glimmer Of Hope For Kaupthing Savers

by Ed Bowsher | Last night's edition of `Channel Four News' contained some good news for savers who have an account with Kaupthing Edge in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

Bad News For Kaupthing's Isle Of Man Customers

by Laura Starkey | There's more trouble ahead for some of Kaupthing Edge's savers. If you had an account with Kaupthing Edge in the Isle of Man, here's what you need to know.

Friday At ICICI

by Donna Ferguson | Some savers with Indian bank ICICI were unable to access their accounts on Friday afternoon.

Big Banks For Safe Savings

by Cliff D'Arcy | After the collapse of three Iceland-owned banks operating in the UK, savers are rightly nervous. However, these big-name banks should be secure.

Where's My Kaupthing Cash?

by Laura Starkey | If you tried to make a transfer from your Kaupthing Edge savings account this week -- and you're still missing your money -- here's what may have happened to it.

Darling Backs Icesave

by Ed Bowsher | Alistair Darling has just told the BBC that the government will fully compensate savers in Icesave.

ING Direct Picks Up Kaupthing Savings

by Ed Bowsher | Another day, another take-over: ING Direct is to buy up £3bn worth of British savings held by Kaupthing Edge and Heritable Bank.

Savings for new starters

by Emma Lunn | Act now if you want a decent savings rate - as they are disappearing!

Iceland In Crisis

by Ed Bowsher | Iceland's banking system is in very serious trouble. Here's how the crisis will affect UK savers with Icelandic banks.

Spot Banks Before They Go Bust!

by Szu Ping Chan | Do you have savings with HBOS? Kaupthing? Or any other UK based bank? We measure the risk that your bank might go bust.

The Safest Accounts For Your Savings

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner takes a look at savings account which have 100% Government safety guarantees and discovers which are the most competitive.

What About Kaupthing?

by Ed Bowsher | Many Fools have taken out a savings account with Icelandic bank, Kaupthing. Following financial turmoil in Iceland, is this account safe?

Savings Guarantee Rises to £50,000

by Ed Bowsher | If your bank goes bust, the compensation scheme can now pay out a maximum of £50,000 instead of £35,000. This is welcome news but it doesn't go far enough.

The Best Savings Accounts For Children

by Serena Cowdy | Where's the best place to stash your children's savings?

Is It Safe To Lock Your Savings Away?

by Jane Baker | Fixed rate savings bonds offer fantastic rates, but with banks in chaos, is it sensible to lock your money away now?

The Safest Places To Deposit Your Money

by Ed Bowsher | As the financial turmoil continues, where are the safest places to put your money?

Published in September 2008

The Government Must Guarantee Savings!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Ireland has given savers a 100% government-backed guarantee, with France set to follow. The Fool says it's high time that Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling did the same.

Don't Panic If You Save With Bradford & Bingley!

by Donna Ferguson | How safe are your savings if you bank with Bradford & Bingley? What if you have savings with both Bradford & Bingley and Abbey? Are you still protected?

The Facts About The Savings Guarantee

by Neil Faulkner | The Fool still receives lots of comments and queries about the compensation they'll receive if they have savings or other products with a bank that fails. We clear up the myths.

Super Accounts For Sensible Savers

by Jane Baker | Notice savings accounts are a lot better than we thought. But which one should you choose?

Savers Get A Stronger Safety-Net

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Irish government has eased savers' fears by guaranteeing savings up to _100,000. It's high time our regulators did the same!

Which Banks Are Connected?

by lovemoney.com staff | If your bank goes bust, a government scheme will compensate you for loss of savings up to a maximum of £35,000. But the scheme isn't per account, it's per banking licence. We reveal which banks operate under the same registration.

Ensure Your Savings Are Safe!

by Szu Ping Chan | With events this week rocking the banking world, here's a guide to how this could affect your savings, which banks belong to whom, and how you can keep your savings safe.

My Favourite Savings Account

by Szu Ping Chan | Szu Ping Chan looks at a little known savings account that could be very good for your cash.

Don't Panic If You Save With HBOS!

by Donna Werbner and Laura Starkey | How safe are your savings if you bank with Halifax or Bank of Scotland? What if you have savings with both Halifax and Lloyds TSB? Are you still protected?

How To Save Without Breaking The Bank!

by Jane Baker | Rising food, fuel and energy prices are hitting finances hard. So how can you save when you're already stretched?

Don't Panic About HBOS

by Ed Bowsher | Fools shouldn't panic about any savings they have with Halifax or any other bank in the HBOS group.

Don't Hand Your Cash Over To The Government

by Jane Baker | Any money left in forgotten accounts will be transferred to a Government scheme in 2009. Here's how to make sure that doesn't happen.

Don't Get Caught In This Savings Trap!

by Szu Ping Chan | Szu Ping Chan looks at an ugly savings account practice that could end up leaving you short-changed.

Top Savings Accounts For £25 and £25,000!

by Jane Baker | You don't always need piles of spare cash to get a best buy savings account. Whether you have just £25 or a whopping £25,000, you can earn top rates of interest on all of it. Here's how...

Published in August 2008

Avoid This Online Danger

by Ed Bowsher | One Fool explores sensible and not-so-sensible ways to get richer.

Invest Early For Your Children

by Harriet Meyer | Millions of pounds is being wasted that could be put towards our childrens' future financial health.

Beware Of Interest Rate Guarantees

by Jane Baker | There's always a major catch with savings account that offer variable interest rates. You know what rate your account is paying today, but what about next month or next year?

Who Will Be The Next Farepak Victims?

by Anna Powell | The high-profile collapse of Wrapit and Farepak made one Fool wonder just how often our money is at risk.

My Favourite Foolish Financial Sayings

by Cliff D'Arcy | One Fool writer reveals his favourite Foolish, witty and amusing quotations. They make great lessons for life!

Receive 9.33% A Year On Your Savings

by Jane Baker | Beat inflation and tax - and receive up to 9.33% a year on your savings!

Published in July 2008

Earn 6.55% On Your Savings

by Christina Jordan | There's a new market-leader in the instant access savings market - and it's so good, this Fool is putting her money where her mouth is!

Super 7% Savings Are Dying Out

by Cliff D'Arcy | With the withdrawal of two leading savings accounts, it appears that banks aren't quite so keen on battling for savers' cash.

A Safe Lottery

by Esther Shaw | When times are hard, a 'safe' gamble becomes attractive.

Safe Havens In A Choppy Financial Climate

by Harriet Meyer | Times are tough at the moment, so are you tempted to stash your cash under the mattress. That might seem a tempting option rather than risk banks blighted by the credit crunch or a rocky stock market.

Summer Saving Sweeteners For A Rainy Day

by Christina Jordan | It's been a pretty wet summer up to now, but if you want to set aside some rainy day savings there is plenty out there to brighten your day.

Start Saving NOW For Your Christmas Costs!

by Laura Starkey | Christmas is coming. But is your savings habit slack?

Don't Get Caught Out By This Gimmick!

by Esther Shaw | This summer, savings providers are increasingly vying for the lucrative `grey pound'... But should those over 50 beware?

A Stronger Safety-Net For Savers

by Cliff D'Arcy | The government is proposing to raise -- and speed up --the compensation paid out when banks bomb. This is great news for savers!

Can You Save Money And The Environment?

by Esther Shaw | If you want to apply principles to your pennies and pounds, there are a growing number of ethical savings accounts to choose from.

Earn 7.15% Interest On Your Spare Cash

by Jane Baker | If you're looking for a tip-top return on your savings, regular saver accounts often offer the best rates.

Published in June 2008

Who Stole Our Savings Habit?

by Cliff D'Arcy | There was a time when we Brits would save a seventh of our take-home pay. Today, the savings habit is nearly dead.

A Savings Rate For Life

by Stuart J Watson | Bradford & Bingley has launched an easy access savings rate tracker. It's a nice idea but the rate being offered can easily be beaten elsewhere.

Switch On To Saving This Summer

by Cliff D'Arcy | Get the lowdown on how to save for your kids.

Save 25% Of Your Net Income

by Donna Ferguson | One Foolish writer regularly saves 25% of her net income. Find out how she does it...

Sensational Savings For Summer Savers

by Jane Baker | Where's the best place to put your hard-earned cash this summer?

Who Is Winning The Savings Rate War?

by Jane Baker | Banks and building societies are fighting tooth and nail to win the savings race. This is great news for you...

Save 25% Of Your Net Income

by Donna Ferguson | One Foolish writer regularly saves 25% of her net income. Find out how she does it...

Sensational Savings For Summer Savers

by Jane Baker | Where's the best place to put your hard-earned cash this summer?

Top Savings Accounts For First-Time Buyers

by Donna Ferguson | Trying to save up for a deposit on your first home? Find out which savings accounts are best for first-time buyers.

Join The 7% Club

by Esther Shaw | If you can lock away your savings, there's a great rate to be had from a fixed rate bond.

Five Steps To Smarter Saving

by Cliff D'Arcy | Answering these five simple questions will enable you to choose the perfect savings account to suit your needs.

Join The 7% Club

by Esther Shaw | If you can lock away your savings, there's a great rate to be had from a fixed rate bond.

Earn 10% On Your Savings

by Jane Baker | Here's a way to earn a sensational rate on your savings.

Earn 10% On Your Savings

by Jane Baker | Here's a way to earn a sensational rate on your savings.

Published in May 2008

Double Your Savings In Two Years!

by Szu Ping Chan | The government is launching a scheme which could double your savings. How does it work? And how could it benefit you?

Would Redundancy Finish Your Finances?

by Laura Starkey | As fears grow for the economy -- and UK employment -- Laura Starkey explains how you could stay solvent, even if you had to stop working.

Top Savings Accounts For New Starters

by Serena Cowdy | We look at the best savings accounts for Fools who can only afford to put down very small initial deposits.

Savings Rates Soar As Banks Feel The Pinch

by Laura Starkey | Thanks to the credit crunch, you could clean up by stashing your cash in an account with sky-high interest...

Sexy Savings At 7%

by Ed Bowsher | Here's how you could easily get a 7% return on your savings.

Sexy Savings At 7%

by Ed Bowsher | Here's how you could easily get a 7% return on your savings.

Earn Sky High Interest Rates On Your Savings

by Jane Baker | We look at how to earn a fantastic rate of interest which will put other savings accounts in the shade.

Published in April 2008

Earn 6.86% Interest On Your Savings

by Jane Baker | Take a look at these top savings accounts that guarantee a great return.

Earn 6.86% Interest On Your Savings

by Jane Baker | Take a look at these top savings accounts that guarantee a great return.

Savings Accounts With Strings Attached

by Cliff D'Arcy | These savings accounts claim to offer easy access or no notice. However, they punish you when you take money out!

How To Save When You're Skint

by Laura Starkey | Laura Starkey shows you how to squeeze extra money from your monthly budget - and some smart ways to stash it.

6.5% Savings Rate Still Available

by Ed Bowsher | Even after this week's base rate cut, you can still earn 6.5% interest on your savings.

The Safest Homes For Your Cash

by Szu Ping Chan | If you're concerned about the safety of your savings, where should you stash your cash?

Published in March 2008

Ace Accounts For Young Savers

by Cliff D'Arcy | Five top tips to help you make the most of your children's savings.

Why Your Savings Might Be Unsafe

by Laura Starkey | Find out which banks are in bed with one another to make sure you aren't caught out in a crisis.

Earn 6.5% On Your Savings

by Jane Baker | A falling base rate doesn't necessarily mean bad news for savers. Take a look at this top savings account.

Top Savings Accounts For Silver Surfers

by Szu Ping Chan | Savings accounts designed for the 'silver surfer' may be good for savers over 50, but do they always offer the best deals?

Earn 6.5% On Your Savings

by Jane Baker | A falling base rate doesn't necessarily mean bad news for savers. Take a look at this top savings account.

The Smart Way To Save With The Least Hassle

by Szu Ping Chan | When it comes to savings deals, attractive rates may hook you in, but what are the best paying savings accounts when it comes to paying consistently high interest?

Six Snags With Savings Accounts

by Cliff D'Arcy | When choosing a safe home for your spare cash, make sure that you read the small print. Otherwise, you might fall into one of these traps!

Published in February 2008

Happy New Year For Savers

by Ed Bowsher | As the economic outlook gets more gloomy, it looks like Brits are saving more than usual in January.

Norwich & Peterborough -- A Correction

by Ed Bowsher | Earlier this week we got our facts wrong on the Norwich & Peterborough BS Gold Account. It's a better account than we said.

Savings Accounts That Shrink Your Stash

by Cliff D'Arcy | Is it really such a big deal if the interest rate paid by your savings account isn't up to scratch? After all, your money is safe and growing, isn't it?

When National Savings Make Sense

by Szu Ping Chan | With the safety of Britain's banks put into question in recent times, is it time to turn towards National Savings?

Is Saving With Icelandic Banks Safe?

by Jane Baker | We've already had a home-grown banking crisis in the shape of Northern Rock, but are Icelandic banks operating in the UK safe?

Why You Should Start Saving Now

by Szu Ping Chan | The Bank of England may have slashed interest rates by a further quarter point last week, but it doesn't mean your savings should suffer.

Start Saving Now!

by Szu Ping Chan | According to our resident expert David Kuo, Brits face a shortfall in their budgets in 2012. Here's how you can avoid being caught in the trap.

Double Your Savings Rate Today!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Although the Bank of England has cut the base rate to 5.25%, these savings accounts pay at least 6.3% a year.

Top Ten Savings Accounts

by Alison Hunt | You can now get a cash ISA paying 6.3% and a no-notice savings account paying 6.41%.

Savings Archive