Can I use Help to Buy to buy a house in Jamaica?

I have an inheritance to invest of £150,000. I am not paying into a pension at the moment but have £125,000 in my pension pot, and have fairly substantial money in Stocks and Shares ISAs. Should I put more into stocks and shares over a 10 year period, add to my pension funds, or invest in bricks and mortar with no mortgage?

Mark | West Midlands | 12/07/2019 | 3

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Workplace Pension
• Mortgage

My husband and I are new to investing and would like to make a minimum 10 years investment in Stocks and Shares ISAs, plus an ongoing £500 each a month. We're really keen on investing in ESG funds/companies only. To 'diversify', would it be better if one of us uses a robo-adviser and the other a traditional platform? For one to go active and the other passive approach? One higher risk than the other?

Emma | Herefordshire | 13/06/2019 | 1

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Ethical Investing
• Mortgage

I have been putting £50/month for each of my two children into a pension with Hargreaves Lansdown. In light of the costs of investing highlighted on this website, should I move to somewhere with lower charges, or stay-put? Alternatively, would I be better to put money into a Lifetime ISA for each of them instead?

Stuart | Cambridgeshire | 06/06/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Lifetime ISA

I’m in my 30s and live in London. I have savings in cash but I’ve never tried any ISAs, stocks etc. before. I am looking for some suggestions as to the types of products I should use to begin investing. Instinct is telling me to keep 50% of my savings in a safe investment, 30% in a medium risk investment, 10% in higher risk, and keep 10% for emergencies. I’m making nothing keeping the cash in the bank!

Lisle | London | 30/05/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Cash

I'm in my late 30s, have a mortgage, a baby, no outstanding loans or credit cards, three pensions, and two Cash ISAs. I’d like to invest to renovate our house, help fund our children’s education and help them onto the property ladder, and retire as soon as possible! I considered a LISA but thought I might be better paying off more of the mortgage. I'm also confused about using a platform for a Stocks and Shares ISA. Any advice would be appreciated! Keep up the good work, I’m impressed with how refreshingly approachable your website is.

Nick | Berkshire | 29/05/2019 | 1

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Junior ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Pension
• Mortgage

Hello, I already have a workplace pension. Can I also have a private pension? If so, I have a LISA as well. Can I have all three in place?

Precious | Surrey | 23/05/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Lifetime ISA
• Pension
• Workplace Pension

I am a self-employed 55 year old, with only a state pension. What can I do to increase my money for retirement?

Sandra | Dumfries and Galloway | 21/05/2019 | 1

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• State Pension
• Pension
• Workplace Pension

I'm 52 and want to retire at 55. I have a mortgage, but the interest rate is very low, and a Stock & Shares ISA into which I invest each month. The performance of the Stocks & Shares ISA has been mixed, and I'm nervous about Brexit/Trump/China. Should I pay off my mortgage or keep paying into the Stocks & Shares ISA?

Paul | Glamorgan | 21/05/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash
• Mortgage

I want to invest £10,000. I cannot see on your website how to do this. Please explain.

Clive | Carmarthenshire | 29/04/2019 | 0

• Other

I've been reading about Beaufort Securities, and how they potentially didn't ring-fence investor money properly. What is the best way to avoid this happening to my money?

Jenny | Greater Manchester | 29/04/2019 | 2

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• GIA
• Other

I'm in my very early 20s, and earning well. I have no debts or dependants. I have a Stocks and Shares ISA, and am weighing up the pros and cons of a General Investment Account vs a Private Pension. What should I keep in mind?

Cecily | Berkshire | 08/04/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• GIA
• Workplace Pension

We have £100,000 in Premium Bonds to invest. We need it as serious illness has changed our lives completely. We have been advised to invest in a Capital Investment Bond, but fees seem high to me - 0.3% and 1.7% management and on-going advice. I'm considering Wealthify or other online funds. Can you help?

Melanie | London | 25/03/2019 | 0

• Online Investment Platforms
• Other

I am 25 years old and just starting to manage my money like an adult! I attended university from 2012-2015, and as such I have a full student loan on repayment plan 2. The value of my loan at present is £43k, and at the current rates of interest, I pay back less than the interest each month. Having undertaken some cash flow analysis, I know I will be one who repays their loan in full and estimate it will take 15-18 years to fully pay back. Over this period I am likely to incur over £30k of interest. If I could pay the loan off in full, is that worth doing? Or is that £43k better put to work elsewhere in investments?

Tom | London | 15/03/2019 | 0

• Other

Can I use a Lifetime ISA if I am a first time buyer, but I will be getting a joint mortgage with someone who is not a first time buyer?

Katie | Kent | 14/03/2019 | 2

• Lifetime ISA
• Mortgage

I recently received an inheritance and it is currently sat in Premium Bonds. I'm looking to hopefully use the money to put down on a house in the next couple of years, but I'm currently going through a divorce which does affect my ability at the moment to get on the housing market. Is there any way I can make my money work harder for me, yet still ensure I have access to it in a couple of years?

Ben | Avon | 12/03/2019 | 0

• Cash
• Mortgage

I am in my mid 20s & earning a regular salary. I have decent savings and am toying with the idea of Wahed Invest (I am looking for shariah compliant funds). I am also dabbling with the idea of property. If I have no financial commitments (living at home for next 2 yrs), is it worth using 90% of my savings for a house deposit for buy-to-let purposes? I am thinking this would reduce my loan to value?

Zara | West Midlands | 12/03/2019 | 0

• Lifetime ISA
• Cash
• Robo Adviser
• Mortgage

If my son increases his pension contribution, I have read it may affect the amount he can borrow on a mortgage. Is this correct? Should he take a SIPP out as well? Is there any advantage in maxing out his managed Nutmeg Lifetime ISA in the next financial year?

Richard | Hertfordshire | 06/03/2019 | 3

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Pension
• Mortgage

I've been reading recently about how investment trusts are much the same as funds, but are cheaper to own. A: Is this true? and B: Do you have an article on Investment trusts on your site?

Nick | Surrey | 16/01/2019 | 2

• Funds
• Other

I'm the sole carer for my chronically ill and elderly mum, as well as a full-time police officer. I have no other family apart from her. Due to mum's condition, and the fact that I'm exhausted performing both roles, the only option is to go part-time, as mum won't accept help from anyone else. To allow me to go part-time, I will need about £25,000 until March 2020 when I will be retiring. I’m confident of getting another job shortly thereafter. In January 2021, I will receive a commutation lump sum of about £50,000. I have a sizeable fund portfolio under an ISA wrapper with Hargreaves Lansdown. That is doing very well, so I don't really want to sell any of these funds and 'lend myself money' from that. My ideal funding solution would be a bond-type IOU agreement, where 'someone' lends me the money. Are you aware of a peer-to-peer site that could assist? Thanks

Dave | Hertfordshire | 27/11/2018 | 1

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Online Investment Platforms
• Other

Do you have any recommendations for books that I can buy my 18 year old daughter for Xmas on the subject of pensions and investments so she can start to understand the subjects? She's young I know but I would like to get her started. Many thanks!

Nicki | Devon | 15/11/2018 | 2

• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Other

I am 25 and starting to seriously financially plan out my future. I would really welcome a 'sense check' on my thinking as well as some help on which investment choices to make. My goals are: To invest for 15 years - my risk appetite is very high (i.e. I could afford to lose all my money). Goal 1 - More Important: To have an investment pot of £1,500,000. Goal 2 - Less Important: To be mortgage free. My plan is: 1) Open an annual Stocks and Shares ISA each of the next 15 years. 2) Open Share trading/dealing account. 3) Reduce my mortgage term to 6 years by 2025. I appreciate the above is a lot to go though, but I'd welcome any help and guidance.

Mo | London | 15/10/2018 | 3

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Shares
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• Other

My wife and I have recently separated. The equity in the house is going to be split 50/50. We don't have any other meaningful assets. We have agreed to co-parent the children equally. My wife is requesting that I pay child maintenance, child care and school expenses. A CMS document states that shared child care results in no child maintenance payments. However, I do agree with the child care and school expenses payments. Our daughter has Autism Spectrum Disorder, so my wife gets a Disability Living Allowance for her and also works full time. If I don't pay the child maintenance, child care and school expenses, my wife is threatening to claim spousal maintenance, and take half my pension. Should I pay the £350/month or take my chances in court?

D | Lincolnshire | 03/09/2018 | 0

• Pension
• Other

Any advice for two young people trying to get themselves a home? My girlfriend and I are saving for a house together. Currently house prices in our area are a ridiculous £300k. The max we can get from banks is about £220k, meaning somehow saving up a whopping £80k deposit. This would take us about 8 years (and house prices are increasing faster than we're saving!) That's not to mention solicitors fees, stamp duty, the cost of moving, furnishing the house, white goods, and any repairs or renovations. It all just seems impossible!!

Joe | Buckinghamshire | 23/08/2018 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Cash
• Mortgage

How can I pimp my credit score?

Sonia | Greater London | 09/08/2018 | 2

• Other

I have cash saved in ISAs and savings accounts - probably a 30% deposit on a property - first time buyer. I am at least 12 months away from getting a permanent job, so at least 12 months away from buying a property. What can I do with the cash in the meantime? Best just to leave it in cash for now, or invest a portion in stocks and shares ISAs?

Malti | London | 25/07/2018 | 2

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Cash
• Mortgage

I have a Virgin Money stocks and shares ISA which I started in 2016 and pay £75 into a month. Can I take a new stocks and shares ISA with a new provider before the end of the tax year?

Balwant | 29/05/2018 | 2

• Lifetime ISA
• Mortgage

Who offers the best Lifetime ISA for first time buyers?

Genevieve | Yorkshire | 23/05/2018 | 3

• Lifetime ISA
• Mortgage

We have four grandchildren (2 English living in UK, and 2 Irish living in Eire). We have decided to start savings plans for their futures. Their ages are 18yrs, 11yrs, 8yrs and 4yrs respectively. My age is 75yrs, and my wife is a little older. What should we do, please?

John | Buckinghamshire | 01/01/2018 | 1

• Junior ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Shares
• Funds
• Inheritance

Could you be kind enough to let me know what would be the best instant access savings account for me. I would like any interest to be paid to me monthly. Thank you

Roy | LAN | 17/12/2017 | 2

• Other

How do I start investing, buy stocks, bitcoins, etc with £100.00?

Claudette | BDF | 18/11/2017 | 1

• Shares
• Other

Is getting more money on a Mortgage a good way to raise some cash? I have a tiny tiny mortgage on a London property and could do with £50k to spend on other stuff. Would I be better to get the money by remortgaging or borrowing?

Louise | Greater London | 07/09/2017 | 1

• Other
• Mortgage

Which is better - property or pension?

Paul | Greater London | 07/09/2017 | 0

• Private Pension
• Mortgage

Could you be kind enough to let me know what would be the best instant access savings account for me. I would like any interest to be paid to me monthly. Thank you

| 29/05/2018 | 0

• Other

I use H&L and although they are a bit 'plumy' on the phone I quite like their website and the costs are OK. So I was thinking of H&L for [my son]. I would be telling him to open these two funds and regularly invest and forget about them for 10 years!

R | Greater London | 29/05/2018 | 1

• Lifetime ISA
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

What is the H2B ISA and how does it work?

Dylan | Greater London | 07/09/2017 | 0

• Lifetime ISA
• Other

What is a credit score and why do I need it?

Cameron | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 0

• Other

How much does it cost to make a will?

Sedef | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 0

• Other

Pensions vs ISA - which one is best?

Roderick | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Junior ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Pension