National Savings & Investment Schemes

Britain’s National Savings and Investment scheme gives a greater range of savings and investment opportunities to a greater range of ‘everyday’ investors. With more schemes to suit you, you can choose from ISAs and high income schemes; high interest investment accounts and easy access accounts. There are bonds: capital and guaranteed income; there are savings certificates: fixed interest and index linked. Each and every scheme comes with the complete assurance of HM Treasury, and all the security of the Bank of England. There is no safer way to save!

The National Savings and Investment scheme grew out of the government’s post office savings bank in the 1860’s. Instituted to encourage ‘ordinary’ wage earners to put a little something aside for leaner days, the scheme grew into a fund for government to dip into and devote to public spending. For their part investors knew that their money was safe and could be withdrawn as and when they needed it, complete with accrued interest. It was (and is) a way for the government to borrow money more cost effectively; and for investors to facilitate public spending and salter away funds in complete safety.

In the twenty first century, all the same benefits apply. But the scheme itself has expanded, and continues to expand to take account of changing times and changing habits. That is why no list of National savings and Investment schemes can ever be truly comprehensive. New ways to save are continually being added to ensure that the scheme pre-empts the needs of the savings and investment market; and reflects the very particular needs of thirty thousand or so British savers and e-savers, who already hold National Savings accounts.

Savings schemes are predicated by age, size of investment and the terms of investment (specifically how long you want to invest for, and how easily you want to be able to access your money.) Interest accruing to your savings may be fixed, variable or even index linked (offering a rate of interest that is above the rate of inflation.) The common element throughout the range of National Savings and Investment schemes is of course safety. Your original capital investment can be withdrawn in full and intact at the end of the agreed term, or, in the case of the easy access account, whenever you decide.

You can even opt for monthly interest payments to facilitate your regular income. A range of National Savings Income Bonds give you all the interest potential of high yield investments combined with the flexibility of an instant access savings account. Perfect for pensioners looking for a monthly income from their savings and ideal for everyone who wants to benefit from the fruits of their savings here and now.

A selection of National Savings and Investment schemes are even available tax free. For example, take out a cash based mini ISA, or invest in fixed interest or index linked savings certificates and enjoy tax free saving on your investments. You’re free to invest up to £3000 in the former, and up to £15000 in the latter. Terms require that your money is invested for between two – five years.

National Savings and Investment schemes are easy to invest in and easy to trust in. With options for every saver, and savings for every investor, they’re guaranteed to make saving simple.