Investing

Easy steps to getting the best Isa

This is Money | Last updated:
6 January 2009, 12:58pm

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This is Money has compiled everything you need to know about Individual Savings Accounts, otherwise known as Isas. Important changes to the Isa market took effect on April 6 2008, so you need to be prepared.

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BEST CASH ISA RATES:
If you are simply looking for the top rates, go straight to our best-buy tables, which are updated daily. Or do your own research with our savings account finder tool.

The basics: The first thing to know is that you can put your money in either a cash Isa, basically a savings account, or into a stocks and shares Isa - normally a fund that will pick shares, property or bonds on your behalf. You can also choose to split your allowance between the two. The first step is to read this guide to tax-free investing.

The next step is to check out the advice-packed news reports and tools below, especially 'How your Isa will change in 2008'. There is also more advice from the Money Blog and the message boards and you can do your own sums with our calculators.

Once you are ready to invest in an equity Isa, make sure you visit our Fund Supermarket. Fund supermarkets are the cheapest way to buy funds to include in your Isa. Initial charges are discounted on hundreds of funds.

Happy saving and investing!


Cash Isas

Cash Isas are fairly simple so there's no excuse for accepting a bad deal. You just need to do your homework - we've done most of that for you so you just need to use the links...(to find the best rates, click here)

Ask an Expert: Cash Isas

• 'Are my daughters too young for a cash Isa?'
• 'Can I transfer from a stocks Isa to a cash Isa?'
• 'When an Isa is better than a pension'
• 'Can we open a joint-account Isa?'
• 'Spread your risk with a new cash Isa'

question mark PUT YOUR QUESTION TO THE EXPERTS

Other Isa account news

- Battle hotting up for your Isa cash
- Hold tight as Isa rates plunge
- Saving Gateway will beat cash Isa rates
- Sweetner boosts Post Office Isa
- Isa savers promised two-week transfers
- The '12%' inflation-beating cash Isa

DEAL FINDER: Compare mini-cash Isas
Search and compare the market to find the best cash Isa for you.

TABLES: The best mini-cash Isa rates
Find the most competitive rates with the web's best Isa tables. Our savings expert, Sylvia Morris, strips out all the deals with catches.

Message boards

- Fixed-term Isa transfer problems
- Sly tricks by Halifax on Isas
- Icesave Isa transfer woes
- 'Can I get a better rate on Isas than from NS&I?'
- 'Should I go with a fixed-rate or variable rate Isa?'
- 'Should I withdraw my Isa savings from Egg?'
- POST YOUR OWN ISA QUESTION ON THE BOARDS

Cash Isas

Isas that invest in shares and funds are a bit more tricky. The aim is to try and pick funds that deliver high returns for the lowest risk - but that also carry low charges. For the 2008/09 year you may invest £7,200 into your Isa, and up to £3,600 of this can be invested in cash but if you wish you can invest the full amount into stocks and shares.

Independent financial advisers can help pick these, but you will pay higher charges on funds in return for this advice. Some experts argue that novice investors should begin with index trackers, low-cost funds that mirror the stock market, or global investment trusts - read more here.

You may feel more comfortable using an adviser to help you make your decision (find an adviser). You can buy your funds through our new Fund Supermarket. Make sure you check out these links:

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