Should I increase my monthly payment into my Stocks & Shares ISA? Or diversify?

I am a British/Irish citizen living in Malta and have between £5k-£10k to invest for 5 years. Clearly, ISAs are out as there is a requirement to be a UK resident. I am happy to accept a medium level of risk, and would appreciate some info on where to put this to maximise returns.

Phil | Malta | 25/04/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms

I've a Cash ISA with about £80k in it, so I'm considering moving £50k into a Stocks & Shares ISA. I'm 73, retired, married, a house-owner and would like to utilise my savings better. What would you recommend?

Barry | Berkshire | 18/04/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash
• Online Investment Platforms

I am a beginner investor and would like to invest in a "socially responsible" Stocks & Shares ISA. I have looked into the Nutmeg and Wealthify funds. Is there information about any other such providers on your website? And do you have any advice about how to compare the "socially responsible" criteria on the different funds?

Joy | Glamorgan | 16/04/2019 | 1

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Robo Adviser
• Ethical Investing

I am 52 with money languishing in a low savings account. Now I'm neurotic about entering into Stocks and Shares, due to seeing how many investors have exited the stock market thanks to Brexit, and with companies going bust etc. But I need to make my money work for me as my pension pot is low. Can I put the money into an Instant Access ISA and drip feed this into a Stocks and Shares ISA?

Helen | London | 09/04/2019 | 1

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash

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

I've got a Stock and Shares ISA with Moneybox. I recently invested a lump sum with them, and I'm making regular weekly investments. When I invested, the share price was quite high. Should I have drip fed money into the account rather than depositing a lump sum?

Tim | West Midlands | 05/04/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA

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 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Junior ISA

I intend to retire in autumn, aged 60 and would like to leave my son and grandson as comfortable as possible when I'm gone. I have talked with several IFAs, but given my risk adverse nature, their fees seem to eat up most of the benefit they offer. Do IFAs normally bring sufficient benefit to low risk strategies, to make it worthwhile? Or am I better off cautiously investing myself, and saving the fees?

Stephen | North Yorkshire | 01/04/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA

I am self employed (40) with no private pension, earning £50,000 a year. I have savings and can make a lump sum investment. I know nothing about Stocks or Shares. What is the best way forward for pension and tax reduction? Desperate Anna

Anna | London | 25/03/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA

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 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

For the last 9 months I've drip fed just over £10,000 into a Moneyfarm Investment ISA... it has been a very volatile year as you know. Moneyfarm seem to have done a good job of protecting my capital... however I haven't really made much in the way of gains... If I wanted, would I be able to transfer the whole lot to another platform where the fees are lower? I know you're not allowed to give regulated advice - but I'm uncertain if I should transfer the whole lot in one go, or drip feed.

Robert | UK | 14/03/2019 | 2

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Robo Adviser

I have about £100 monthly extra I want to invest, but I am not sure if my ISAs represent good value. I thought I could put the money in a higher risk investment, as it is money I can invest over 5-10 years, and had thought Nutmeg might be a good option as I have little investment experience. Am I right in thinking I can only contribute to one Stocks & Shares ISA at a time in my name? I could just put more money into my existing ISAs. What do you think?

Colin | Lothian | 11/03/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms

My 60 year old mum is not very financially literate and has has no private pension. She has approximately £900k to invest, from which she will need to draw down c.£40k a year for life. She is not very financially literate and would not be able to proactively manage the money herself. Would you favour an Independent Financial Adviser or a Robo Adviser for someone in her position? Thank you!

Harry | Kent | 11/03/2019 | 1

• Private Pension
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms

I am 47 and I would now like to open an investment ISA for growth for at least 10 years. I am tempted by the Vanguard LifeStrategy 80 due to the low fees and strong reputation. I would also consider investing in a couple of other Vanguard funds as well. Would this be advisable or relatively unnecessary, if I'm already investing in the LifeStrategy fund? I have also been looking with interest at Nutmeg, Wealthify, IG and AJ Bell Youinvest. Is there any provider that would stand above the others as most suitable in my circumstances?

Matt | South Yorkshire | 11/03/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms

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

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

I recently came across your blog and it has been a great introduction to learning about my personal finances. I was wondering if you could recommend any additional resources (websites, books, online help) for beginners and that are tailored to the UK market. I am in my early 20's and I'm looking to further my knowledge of money, and foster a greater relationship with it. In addition to that, I'd like to know your opinions on how the possible outcomes of Brexit will affect the market and potential personal finance investments.

Rita | London | 23/01/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms

With a SIPP in drawdown would a company like Netwealth whose investment management fees are of the order of .66% of the value of the portfolio, be a better option compared to companies like Hargreaves Lansdown or Investec? What are the relative benefits of Netwealth over the more traditional wealth managers?

Steve | Lancashire | 22/01/2019 | 6

• Private Pension
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms

Hello, I really enjoy your website and find it useful and concise. My question is, what is meant by long term savings? I am 54, so what should I consider to be an appropriate time frame for any investment I make, that could supply the best results?

Jennifer | Essex | 16/01/2019 | 9

• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• Pension

I’m new to investing and in my late 30's. I'm actually stuck in a dilemma whether to invest using DIY platforms like Interactive Investor, A J Bell or Hargreaves Lansdown OR invest using robo advisors like Nutmeg, Moneyfarm or Pensionbee. I have compared the fees and they are not significantly different. Do robo advisers have a better return rate? I can dedicate some time to DIY investing but not a significant amount of time. Please advise. Thank you.

Victor | Kent | 14/01/2019 | 1

• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms

I’m a 20 something year old woman who’d like to learn more about investing. Do you have any books or reading material that gives a complete beginner a better understanding of how investing works?

Precious | Surrey | 03/01/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Online Investment Platforms

From my retirement I received a lump sum of money and a monthly pension. I have £100,000 that I do not need for the foreseeable future... One of my main concerns with Financial Advisers are their costs... All I want is simply to see this money grow to its potential, sensibly and above inflation... Therefore my next thoughts are Stocks and Shares ISAs... My only concerns here are the current Brexit problems - I saw the FTSE drop this past week. I cannot find any information out there to assist with my decision making if this is certainly a good time to invest... I am aware that I can place £20,000 for this year. Come April 2019 I place another £20,000 and so on until the £100,000 has been utilised. Do I have to place it into the same fund or can I choose another different fund with a different company?... Please can you help to ease some of this burden, which has proved an awful part of my retirement and made me frightened to spend any money.

Katherine | Derbyshire | 02/01/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Workplace Pension

I often find that my monthly salary is spent on things I don't need or just saved up; without accumulating much. So what can I do with my money to make money? I am not expecting you to tell me where and when to invest but simply what to read, and I guess I really would like to know how you became an expert, where did you start? I feel like investment is something so big I can barely even touch it, and I would greatly appreciate any words of advice you could share with me.

Beth | London | 07/12/2018 | 4

• Stocks and Shares ISA

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

I’ve been investing in Nutmeg’s Risk 10 profile for three years which helped my deposit for my house. I am now wondering whether to use Nutmeg again, or should I use LifeStrategy for my £1000 per month? Is there a difference between Vanguard's LifeStrategy option and let’s say a well known robo adviser like Nutmeg? I am still a beginner and would like to keep things simple, but happy to take risk and prepared to leave my investments for a long time.

Jordan | Surrey | 26/11/2018 | 6

• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

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 was lucky enough to inherit a significant sum from my father... currently in Alliance trust platform in 10 investment trusts. They have delivered well in the last 20 years. But they are UK equity based. And highly risky. Do you offer a sanity check service for confused individuals like myself? I don’t know what to do...

Paul | Berkshire | 12/11/2018 | 2

• Private Pension
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

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

I shall have £10k to invest shortly, and I want to use an actively managed portfolio in a quality company. How would you rate - Investec Click & Invest/True Potential Investor/Nutmeg on the basis of ROI/customer relationship/quality/risk factors etc? I would class myself as a mid-grade risk-taker/reasonably adventurous if appropriate, with a high quality company. I presently use Hargreaves Lansdown and Wealthify but feel the need to diversify. What do you recommend?

Richard | Shropshire | 03/10/2018 | 1

• Online Investment Platforms

The recent Metro article which Holly participated in has really inspired me and made me think that investing in shares is something which I would like to do. Unfortunately I am completely thrown about where to start. I would be grateful for any advice you could pass my way. Realistically, I would only have about 2k to invest, so any tips would be gratefully received.

Sarah-Jane | London | 12/09/2018 | 3

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash
• Online Investment Platforms

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

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

Can you advise me on the best approach when looking to invest in a product that offers compound interest? I’m thinking about funds rather than bank accounts. I also have 4 different pensions on the go. Should I keep them separate to diversify the risk? Or consolidate them? How will these pensions be treated when I retire? Will they be considered in aggregate by the tax man?

Craig | Clackmannanshire | 16/08/2018 | 1

• Private Pension
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

I have about two thirds of my ISA in funds with Charles Stanley Direct and about one third left with St James's Place. I was planning to transfer the remaining one third to Charles Stanley Direct. However the recent platform price increases seem to put me in the worst position possible. I also have a private St James's Place pension. Would I be correct in thinking the fees are also high on this, and I could do better elsewhere? Can I transfer into an SIPP for example?

Gerry | Bedfordshire | 15/08/2018 | 5

• Private Pension
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

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 | 6

• Shares
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms

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

I am 73 and cautious. There are two areas that your advice would be helpful..what if you just spend thousands on buying the gold standard footsie companies like shell and the rest and keep them for five years and then cash them in ?

DB | UK | 24/07/2018 | 6

• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• Pension

I'm nearly 30 and looking to open a private ready made pension, and also an investment ISA for retirement funds or towards a property, but very unsure what risk level to choose (low to medium, or medium to high)? Any comments or advice welcome.

Susan | WMD | 24/07/2018 | 1

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA

We have a portfolio of ISAs/ PEPs worth around £250k, currently invested via Cofunds, managed by Chelsea and Bestinvest. I'm told this is quite an expensive option regarding platform charges. Are there better options?

John | BRK | 08/05/2018 | 6

• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms

I am in the very lucky position of just having received a gift of £800k which I want to invest for our retirement. My husband and I are in our late 40s and 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

I am already receiving a pension from a final salary scheme and I am retired. I have a sum of money I want to invest. Can I start another pension as a saver and, if so, how much can I put in every year?

Collette | Greater London | 25/11/2017 | 0

• Private Pension
• Online Investment Platforms

Have you a review on Halifax stocks and shares isa

Moira | LDN | 21/10/2017 | 3

• Stocks and Shares ISA

My mother is 84 and has around £35,000 in cash, realised when she moved to a smaller house. She would like to invest it and draw income that would be slightly higher than the natural yield - say around £2,000. What is the best vehicle for that please?

Ed | SXE | 18/09/2017 | 4

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash

I am confused about index funds, e.g. Vanguard Equity fund. Do they track an index or include the yield? In the case of Vanguard, their low cost is attractive but their portfolio is made up of other Vanguard funds. I assume these probably each carry a fee structure - is this correct?

Robin | Gloucestershire | 03/09/2018 | 0

• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

I've got £20,000 from an endowment policy (astonishing, I know), and I'm looking into how best to invest to get a reasonable return without excessive risk. Any thoughts much appreciated!!

Penny | Peterborough | 09/08/2018 | 1

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash
• Online Investment Platforms
• Life Insurance

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

I have a bit of excess money to play around with and I have been looking at Investment funds. What is the typical % growth rate of an investment fund?

David | Greater London | 07/09/2017 | 7

• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

How risky is a Stocks and Shares ISA?

Alexandra | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 2

• Stocks and Shares ISA

Should I be even thinking about the stock market?

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

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Shares

Pensions vs ISA - which one is best?

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

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