Menu Off Menu On

Junior shares ISA for grandson

Roger | Surrey| 26/04/2018 | 2

  • Junior ISA
  • Shares

Roger's question in full

I would like to open a Junior shares ISA for my Grandson for about £50/month. How do I go about it and can you recommend some reliable companies? I intend to keep this going for approx 15 years, so am looking for some sort of 'Tracker' fund that does not need my constant attention.

Holly Mackay's Response

Hi Roger,

Lucky grandson! If you assume average returns of about 5% after fees, those monthly payments of £50 could add up to about £13,500 after 15 years. And of course that will all be tax free. Perhaps just make sure his parents know that he will get this money at the age of 18 so they can have the necessary conversation as this approaches. Hargreaves Lansdown is the country’s main provider of Junior ISAs and they report that about 97% of these get rolled over into adult ISAs which is encouraging – I thought more would be cashed in and used to head to Thai beaches!

OK, you want a tracker fund which is sensible if, as you suggest, you won’t have the time or inclination to be constantly monitoring this. Spreading your bets around make sense so what the industry calls a ‘multi-asset’ fund will get you the investment equivalent of a balanced meal – as the name suggests you’ll have a blend of shares and other investments from all over the world.

I normally try and give people a few options but for your needs there is a simple no-brainer option. Vanguard. The low-cost US Kings of tracker funds who now let British investors get a Junior ISA directly from them.

I suggest you pick one of their LifeStrategy funds. There are 5 choices – from very low-risk and cash like to the most volatile which is all held in shares. Given your timeframe which is 15 years I think you should be looking at the 80% or 100% equity options but read up on the differences between the options and make your own mind up, based on how comfortable you feel. As I suspect you know, making money is not guaranteed although over 15 years history strongly suggest you’ll outperform cash.

If you want other choices have a look at our Best Buys tables and filter by Junior ISAs. Another thing to bear in mind is this – if you or your children have an online investing account, then you might be able to link up the JISA account so you can see it on the same log-in. This is called ‘householding’ your investments and can make it more convenient to manage. But although you can pay in, a final note is that it has to be the parent or legal guardian of the child who actually opens the account for them. Once open, anyone can pay into it.

Good luck,

Holly

 

 

Just be aware...

We are not regulated to give personal financial advice - This isn’t full-fat regulated financial advice. Boring Money is a publisher and not regulated by the FCA. 

This means we can't help with specific personal circumstances or recommend specific investment products. It also basically means that if we say something daft, you have no recourse to come back and complain.

We’re only allowed to give you a steer or share an opinion or tell you the facts - That said, we promise that our answer to you is an independent unbiased perspective with no commercial gain to make. If you need regulated financial advice, you can find a good adviser via sites such as Unbiased & Vouchedfor.

Our Expert

Holly - 066.JPG

Holly Mackay

Founder and MD of Boring Money, Holly Mackay has been working in the investments space since 1998. She read Modern Languages at Oxford, with a special focus on Mediaeval French which was deeply interesting and arguably utterly useless.

Related Questions

Got a Question?

  • I want to move my children's stocks and shares ISA to a robo adviser - what are my options?

    Funmi | LDN | 12/10/2020 | 12

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Junior ISA
    • Robo Adviser
    • Online Investment Platforms
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • I really don’t like this market meltdown during the coronavirus outbreak. Should I sell and just get out?

    | 19/03/2020 | 18

    • Private Pension
    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Junior ISA
    • Lifetime ISA
    • Shares
    • Robo Adviser
    • Online Investment Platforms
    • Funds
    • GIA
    • Pension
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • I can't decide between getting a Junior ISA with a robo investor like Wealthify, or investing via Interactive Investor with an investment trust for my son's JISA. I want to invest ethically and am happy to research investment trusts myself. The fees seem similar and both have fund managers. What should I do?

    Rick | Sussex | 01/07/2019 | 3

    • Junior ISA
    • Sustainable Investing
    Simon Bullock's Response

  • My son has a savings plan with Witan Jump that is now being closed and transferred to Hargreaves Lansdown. However, Hargreaves informs me that I cannot transfer all the money (£26,000) into a Junior ISA account, because it's more than the £20,000 yearly ISA allowance. I would like to keep the remaining money invested, but would appreciate some advice as to how I could invest it for my son.

    Isabella | Kent | 19/06/2019 | 0

    • Junior ISA
    Lesley James's Response

  • I have put the full allowance into my daughter's JISA. If for some reason I passed away, would the amount over £3000 per year be liable for inheritance tax?

    PB | Derby | 18/06/2019 | 2

    • Junior ISA
    • Inheritance
    Tommy Watson's Response

  • As a U.S. passport holder as well as a British citizen living in the UK, are there certain things I can't invest in?

    Megan | Scotland | 11/06/2019 | 0

    • Private Pension
    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Shares
    Zoë Dagless's Response

  • I’m thinking about investing £1000 in Sirius Minerals. I would like some advice on whether this is too small an amount to get any gains from. At the moment I would be leaving it in for the long term of 5-10 years. I do realise that no dividend is being paid.

    Adam | Cleveland | 30/05/2019 | 0

    • Shares
    • Funds
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • 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 | 5

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Junior ISA
    • Lifetime ISA
    • Pension
    • Mortgage
    Catherine Morgan's Response

  • I currently have a Stocks & Shares ISA and a Junior ISA with Wealthsimple. I am considering changing these to Vanguard, but I am unsure if transferring across providers is a simple process. Also can you only pay into one of each type of ISA per year?

    Philip | County Antrim | 21/05/2019 | 2

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Junior ISA
    Tommy Watson's Response

  • I have a young boy who will be turning 4 this month. He is British. I want to save some money for this innocent boy, for when he comes of age, but I live in Uganda and I am not in touch with his mum. Can I open a Junior ISA for him?

    Dennis | Uganda | 11/04/2019 | 0

    • Junior ISA
    Zoë Dagless's Response

  • Our 16 year old son has inherited a significant sum. He wants to go to Drama School and pursue a career in acting, which we know means he is likely to be low paid/short of cash. I wondered how best to help him organise his savings/investments to help fund him through drama school/the early years, whilst trying to discourage him from simply dipping into his capital?

    Mo | West Sussex | 04/04/2019 | 4

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Junior ISA
    • Inheritance
    Pete Matthew's Response

  • Where can I get a good Junior ISA?

    Rebeccah | Greater London | 27/03/2019 | 5

    • Junior ISA
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • I have had a Hargreaves Lansdown Stocks & Shares ISA for the past 2+ years, divided into their Portfolio Plus Balanced Growth and in a mixture of shares I selected myself. While I am happy to keep the shares element, I don’t feel the managed portfolio is working for me and I could do better elsewhere. Where would you suggest I could invest for a better return? I am happy with balanced and some element of high risk. I’m 47, have two primary school age children, & live in central London. I also have a mortgage and a workplace pension.

    Jennifer | London | 20/03/2019 | 0

    • Shares
    • Online Investment Platforms
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • I’m 36 years old, earn £85k, and have about £40k savings in the bank, mainly in an old ISA that I’ve done nothing with. I have a five year old daughter and would like to put my savings somewhere clever so they start to do something useful by the time she starts at an independent secondary school and fees go through the roof. Any bright ideas please?

    Milly | Berkshire | 22/02/2019 | 2

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Junior ISA
    • Shares
    • Online Investment Platforms
    Catherine Morgan's Response

  • 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 | 5

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Shares
    • Online Investment Platforms
    • Funds
    • Other
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • Is there a reason you don’t list Saga in your Best Buys? Additionally, I have purchased a few investment trust shares but can’t work out how the dividends are paid. Scottish Mortgage is an example. I wasn't given an option to choose how to receive the dividends. It would be useful if you could provide some clarity on how investment trusts pay their dividends.

    Carl | Buckinghamshire | 07/09/2018 | 1

    • Shares
    • Online Investment Platforms
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • I wanted an investment trust with an income, so I put £10,000 into The Investment Company. It delivers a reliable quarterly dividend but the capital value has dropped by 10% since I invested 2 years ago. What are your favourite investment trusts?

    Fran | Greater London | 08/08/2018 | 4

    • Shares
    • Funds
    Mark Dampier's Response

  • I'm 24 and would like to begin investing. Am I better off using a robo advisor such as Wealthify/Wealthsimple or a fund such as Vanguard LifeStrategy?

    Amanda | Greater London | 06/08/2018 | 7

    • Shares
    • Robo Adviser
    • Online Investment Platforms
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • Hello Are there any specific pensions you would recommend, with low charges, which I can set up for my 11 yr old son? I am already paying the maximum into a Junior ISA. Anita

    Anita | West Sussex | 18/06/2018 | 3

    • Private Pension
    • Junior ISA
    Richard Allum's Response

  • Can I move an old Child Trust Fund?

    Suzanne | Greater London | 08/05/2018 | 0

    • Junior ISA
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • Can you recommend some very basic books for a 69-year-old widow who is now having to manage her money?

    Martha | 12/04/2018 | 0

    • Shares
    • Funds
    Helena Wardle's Response

  • I just found your web site (recommended in Andy Bell's book on Do It Yourself investing). Could you say why you do not review Halifax Share Dealing in your list of ISA providers? Is there anything wrong with this ISA provider for you not to include it?

    Gerald | UK | 11/04/2018 | 0

    • Shares
    Richard Bradley's Response

  • I am post-divorce with a good settlement which I have only partially invested. Are there any courses you can recommend? I have sat in a number of meetings with accountants and financial advisers feeling somewhat patronised! I am sure that there are plenty of women in a similar position to me (aged 55!).

    Eavan | Ireland | 14/03/2018 | 3

    • Shares
    • Funds
    • GIA
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • How can I find a good financial adviser?

    Byron | Greater London | 01/03/2018 | 1

    • Shares
    • Funds
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • I am very lucky to have just received a gift which I want to invest for our retirement. My husband and I aim to retire in around five years. We have 11 more years of school fees to fund, then hopefully university fees for two after that. I've put together a plan for us - can you have a look and see if it makes sense?

    Fiona | UK | 18/01/2018 | 6

    • Private Pension
    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Junior ISA
    • Shares
    • Cash
    • Online Investment Platforms
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • 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
    Martin's Response

  • How do I start investing, buy stocks, bitcoin, etc with £100?

    Claudette | Bedfordshire | 18/11/2017 | 1

    • Shares
    • Other
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • I am a 59 yr old retired lady with no income but I have reasonable equity..is it worth starting a pension or is it too late?

    LL | Norfolk | 10/11/2017 | 2

    • Private Pension
    • Shares
    • Pension
    Cherry Reynard's Response

  • I have a delightful 12 year old daughter and she has just opened her first bank account. I am dreadful with money but I would like to know what I should teach her so that she does not pick up my bad financial habits. Do you have some top tips of things to teach our children so they are wise and responsible with money please?

    Louise | Greater London | 11/09/2017 | 1

    • Junior ISA
    • Shares
    • Cash
    Lesley James's Response

  • I am particularly interested to know whether it is best to diversify and try and cover of a number of shares with investments or to pick out a smaller number and invest more?

    Richard | 05/02/2017 | 3

    • Shares
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • Is it worth using a financial adviser when it comes to switching pensions funds, or should I do the research and pick the funds myself? I am no expert in stocks and shares.

    Helen | Dorset | 10/08/2018 | 4

    • Private Pension
    • Shares
    • Funds
    Helena Wardle's Response

  • Should I be even thinking about the stock market?

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

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Shares
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • Pensions vs ISA - which one is best?

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

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Junior ISA
    • Lifetime ISA
    • Pension
    Holly Mackay's Response

Got a question? Ask our experts

Ask Our Experts

Sign up for Holly's blog

Stay up to date

Our free weekly blog with Holly's
no-nonsense opinions, tips & food for thought.
If you change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time. We'll never share your details and you can unsubscribe any time.