I'm 50 now and hope to retire at 60. I have been paying into Vanguard Lifestrategy for a few months now. I have just 9.5 years to pay in and grow, do you think this is a long enough period to invest in or should I stick with cash if shares and bonds are likely to take a hit in a few years?

Richard | Hull | 25/06/2020 | 34

• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• Pension

With China's economy emerging from COVID-19, is now a good time to invest into China? What funds with equities that have a China focus are out there on the market?

Tariq | Lancashire | 09/04/2020 | 5

• Funds
• Funds - Global Shares

Due to COVID-19, is now a good entry point in the market for someone who's never invested before? I am 24 and investing to buy a property in 5-10 years.

Ben | London | 30/03/2020 | 10

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Cash

It seems like a good time to invest during the coronavirus. Would it be a better idea to drip feed from cash into funds/stocks in case COVID-19 coupled with a hard Brexit means the markets drop further?

Malti | London | 29/03/2020 | 7

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Cash

I am approaching 75 and have mostly saved into cash - should I open a Stocks and Shares ISA for two years and then cash it in?

Dale | UK | 23/03/2020 | 0

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Workplace Pension

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

| 19/03/2020 | 17

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Junior ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Shares
• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• GIA
• Pension

During the coronavirus market crash, my deposit for a flat is shrinking in my Stocks & Shares Lifetime ISA - what can I do?

Sarah | UK | 18/03/2020 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA
• Cash

Should I still make regular ISA and pension investments in the current COVID-19 turmoil? Or is it better saving to cash?

Andrew | UK | 17/03/2020 | 5

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

I'm looking to start investing and I'm torn between Evestor and Vanguard Lifestrategy. The entry requirements are much higher for Vanguard (£500 upfront and £100/month) while Evestor starts at £1. Is there any benefit of stretching my investment to use the Vanguard fund? Also do you know if I miss a monthly payment, will I be charged?

Charlie | UK | 30/07/2019 | 9

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

I am confused about financial services compensation: I have a SIPP and an ISA with AJ Bell Youinvest, and am about to inherit a sizeable sum. I am already over the £85,000 financial services compensation limit. Should I be worried? Should I set up accounts with multiple platforms, to be covered by the compensation scheme?

Emma | London | 22/07/2019 | 3

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash

My brother is 17 and I have instilled in him to save. He puts £40 a month in and 10% of what he earns. I want him to save for short term and long term. What are the best accounts for him?

Christine | Birmingham | 19/07/2019 | 2

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA

I am torn between investing in my ISA, and putting money into a personal pension. I know about pension grossing up, and the 25% tax free cash. However I will inevitably pay tax on the 75% which is not tax free. Whereas with the ISA, I don't get the grossing up benefit, but won't pay any tax. What do you think?

Christopher | Staffordshire | 18/07/2019 | 1

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Lifetime ISA

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

If I allow the transfer of my Baillie Gifford Scottish Mortgage Trust ISA, will it just go into a bigger Hargreaves Lansdown ISA pot? Meaning that when Hargreaves Lansdown as a whole falls, my investment is worth less?

John | Lothian | 12/07/2019 | 3

• Stocks and Shares ISA

I am thinking of setting up a SIPP to diversify my investments and spread the risk. I'm nervous about doing my own investments, so I don't really know where to begin. Are there SIPPs which do it for you? Or if not, should I continue investing in my previous workplace pension?

Holly | Sussex | 03/07/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Workplace Pension

I have opened my first Stocks and Shares ISA, and have a company pension on the new standard 5%/3% contributions. I have enough easy access savings to cover emergencies so I was wondering what would be a next good step, add to S&S ISA or open a SIPP for retirement?

Kevin | Strathclyde | 14/06/2019 | 10

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash

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 | 6

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Sustainable Investing
• Mortgage

I work for my company which funds my SIPP directly. I will be receiving compensation in the coming months - is it possible to pay SIPP contributions from the compensation payment? If pension significant contributions are not possible, what might we consider when looking for a tax efficient home for the compensation?

Andy | Lancashire | 12/06/2019 | 3

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Workplace Pension

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

I have an ISA with Investec Click and Invest which is closing down, and I have to find somewhere else to invest the money. Which are some providers of a similar nature? I am considering either medium risk or high risk accounts.

Michael | Surrey | 10/06/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA

We were very sad to learn recently that Investec's Click and Invest was to be closed. We'd prefer to keep our ISA with a managed service, such as the one offered by Click and Invest, but will consider the DIY option if that proves to be the best on offer. Which platforms are well regarded ISA providers? I'd rather not go with a digital start-up offering, but a more established player.

Mr & Mrs S. | Sussex | 30/05/2019 | 3

• Stocks and Shares 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 | 5

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

We currently have a Scottish Mortgage fund with Baillie Gifford. But we’ve received a letter stating that they plan to transfer us to Hargreaves Lansdown. Is this a good idea or should we look elsewhere? - Charles Stanley Direct, for example?

Matthew | London | 30/05/2019 | 4

• Funds

I have minimal pensions and would like to start a new pension to save for the next 12 years. I've already set up a Stocks & Shares ISA with Nutmeg, so would like to start my pension with another provider. Which would you recommend?

Sam | Norfolk | 30/05/2019 | 0

• Private Pension
• Funds

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

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 | 4

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

Baillie Gifford is closing down its Investment Trust ISA and I am being forced to move elsewhere. Do I need to use an Investment Trust for my ISA? What is the most tax-efficient way to access Baillie Gifford's Scottish Mortgage where the majority of Investment Trust ISA was held?

Andrew | Renfrewshire | 23/05/2019 | 1

• Stocks and Shares ISA

I want to invest in one specific company’s shares. What’s the cheapest way to do this via an ISA?

Peter | Lincolnshire | 21/05/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Online Investment Platforms

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 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

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 | 1

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash
• Mortgage

We have just retired to France. Our pensions cover our expenses but we also have £230k which we would like to invest for a monthly income. Could you please explain the low-risk options we might want to consider?

Keith | France | 10/05/2019 | 2

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Online Investment Platforms
• Pension

I have just received a letter from JP Morgan saying that they will no longer offer ISA accounts from the end of September 2019. I have an ISA with them and seem to have a choice of transferring the ISA to another company "as is" or liquidating and reinvesting. Any thoughts?

David | Staffordshire | 09/05/2019 | 0

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Online Investment Platforms

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 | 4

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• GIA
• Other

I'm a 30 year old woman earning a reasonable salary with a low cost lifestyle. I have saved almost £8,000 and want to start investing. I like the idea of using a robo-investor like Wealthify, but I'm not sure if it's better to start with a Stocks and Shares ISA instead? Should I go with a Stocks and Shares ISA or a Robo Advisor, or both?

Kate | London | 29/04/2019 | 6

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

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 | 4

• 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 | 1

• 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
• Sustainable 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 | 2

• 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 | 1

• 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 | 4

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Junior ISA
• Inheritance

My parents (father since died) put money into Halifax 'Money Fund'. This then apparently changed to some form of 'investment'. I noted in January 2019, that a letter had been sent just under 3 years previously, advising that this was not the best place for their money. I made contact and complained. What can we do, as this money may as well have been under their mattress? It was originally mis-sold.

Maureen | Gloucestershire | 04/04/2019 | 0

• Funds

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

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

My Fundsmith accumulation Class 1 investment fund has done well over the last 5 years, and its share price today is just about the highest it's ever been. Should I bank it now in case it goes down, or leave it and diversify by reinvesting monthly elsewhere in another fund?

Peter | Stockport | 18/03/2019 | 0

• Funds

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 | 3

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Robo Adviser

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

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 | 2

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• 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 | 4

• 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
• Mortgage

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

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 | 7

• Funds
• Other

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 | 11

• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds
• Pension

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 | 19

• Robo Adviser
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

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 35 and working part time on a reasonable salary. I've recently taken out a Stocks & Shares ISA with Wealthify (from reading the recommendations on Boring Money) where I pay in £40 per month. However, I'm wondering if I should be doing more? Should I be diversifying and using more than just Wealthify? Or is it better to increase the amount into Wealthify?

Holly | Sussex | 17/10/2018 | 1

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Online Investment Platforms

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

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
• Mortgage

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. After Charles Stanley Direct's fee increase, could I do better elsewhere?

Gerry | Bedfordshire | 15/08/2018 | 6

• Private Pension
• Online Investment Platforms
• Funds

I invested my money in a St James's Place managed fund, split into ISAs and bonds, after advice from an adviser who was a St James's Place partner. My investments have done reasonably well, but I've read disturbing reports about St James's Place. Should I have concerns? Should I have found an independent financial adviser?

Glyn | Essex | 09/08/2018 | 8

• Funds

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

Is there an average number of funds that one should ideally hold? I have in excess of 20. I am happy with my portfolio and coverage, but wonder if I have too many funds. The second part to the question is how long should you leave an underperforming fund?

Richard | Hertfordshire | 06/08/2018 | 3

• 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 | 7

• 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
• Mortgage

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 | West Midlands | 24/07/2018 | 1

• Private Pension
• Stocks and Shares ISA

I hope you can help. I recently consolidated two modest pensions into a SIPP in readiness to start UPFLS drawdown in May (2018). Whilst I was hoping for growth in my investments I wasn’t expecting it to rocket and now find I could well be looking at exceeding the lifetime allowance, possibly even before my first annual drawdown in May, and I’m unsure what, if anything, I should do.

John | London | 03/07/2018 | 3

• Private Pension
• Funds

What are the differences between income and accumulation income funds? How do you declare income reinvested in a fund on your tax return?

C | 05/06/2018 | 0

• Funds

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?

Roger | Surrey | 26/04/2018 | 2

• Junior ISA
• Shares

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

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

Hi, I've got an old D.B. pension, approximate value £12k. I would like to invest & top up each month. Who would you recommend? Also I would like to make an investment, & don't know where to start? Thanks

Eve | 04/04/2018 | 5

• Funds
• Pension

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

How can I find a good financial adviser?

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

• Shares
• Funds

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

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

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

Claudette | Bedfordshire | 18/11/2017 | 1

• Shares
• Other

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

I am getting long in the tooth at 79, a little forgetful and I am going through a painful divorce. This has shattered my confidence and I need help.

Richard | Kent | 05/11/2017 | 3

• Private Pension
• Funds

Have you a review on Halifax Stocks and Shares ISA?

Moira | London | 21/10/2017 | 7

• 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 | Sussex | 18/09/2017 | 4

• Stocks and Shares ISA
• Cash

I have just sold my house and have a significant sum of money I want to invest. I may want to draw some income but also want to achieve capital growth. Are there funds that aim to achieve both or should I just invest for growth and draw money as I need to for income?

Jon | Surrey | 13/09/2017 | 1

• Funds

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anon | UK | 29/05/2018 | 0

• Cash
• 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

How risky is a Stocks and Shares ISA?

Alexandra | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 3

• 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

What funds could my millennial children invest in?

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

• Funds

Hi, I am 67 years old and I want to know the best way to invest £10,000 for growth rather than income. I would like to do this online and to be able to save money on fees.

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

• Stocks and Shares ISA