Cash ISA vs Inflation
Did you know the Halifax currently pay 0.01%* on their online easy access cash ISA account.
Yes, you have read that correctly 0.01%.
This means for a £20,000 investment which is the annual allowance you would earn £2.00 in interest (assuming the interest rate stays the same throughout the year).
Source: https://www.halifax.co.uk/isas/cash-isas.html
I use the Halifax as an example other banks are available that could be paying more or less. The point is this, the paltry amount of interest paid by the banks could prove very costly to achieving your future plans and goals.
Let’s say, your cash ISA funds are intended to be used for something way in the future, say 10 years plus. Maybe to supplement your retirement income or to help your kids with their university costs.
You see the thing is this, we are all a little more aware of inflation right now with the looming and present “cost of living crisis”. The headline rate of inflation hit a 30 year high last month at 5.5%. Not good for your long term savings if you are receiving 0.01% in interest. Your capital needs to be earning 5.5% to keep its real purchasing power.
That’s £1,080 on a £20,000 investment rather than the £2 currently offered by the Halifax bank.
So what can be done about it.
Ask yourself this…
- What are your cash ISA savings for?
- Are they for spending or are they intended for your future
- Maybe a bit of both
As a financial adviser for over 20 years, this time of the year signals the start of our busiest period commonly referred to as “ISA Season”.
A time when we are working hard with clients both old and new to maximise their ISA allowances, revisit their financial goals and to present them with investments that offer greater growth opportunities to overcome the destroyer of your hard earned cash. INFLATION.
If you’re weary of trying to make your cash ISA’s work for you, rather than the bank, get in touch for an ISA review.
I am ready to help bring your money to life.
* Interest rate shown is correct at time of writing.