A Sainsburys Bank spokesman feels that there are more restrictions and conditions applied to savings accounts than ever before.
Having looked at the current state of the market the Sainsburys Bank spokesman has noticed how many savings accounts have restrictions on withdrawal amounts and periods, as well as how it impacts on interest rates, with some quite hefty penalties on some for making withdrawals during the year.
Another aspect that has been noted is the use of age limits on some savings accounts, targeting either the younger or older market. Ideally all categories of customer should be able to enjoy similar levels of interest and benefits believes the Sainsburys Bank spokesman.
Abbey National is about to introduce some new investment bonds, including ones specifically for children, the over 50s and also a fixed rate option.
The fixed rate bond pays interest at 6 percent per annum gross over a 12 month period while the over 50 year old only deal offers 6.1 percent for the 3 year term. The child bond also pays 6.1 percent, but over a four year period. An Abbey National spokesman said that these offers were excellent and highlighted the excellent value for money savers can currently get with their investments.
What is also important, said the representative of the Abbey National, is the security and peace of mind provided by an organisation the size of the Abbey, part of the giant Santander Group.
Marks and Spencer have announced their new Ethical Investment Fund which will invest in UK based organisations that make a positive contribution both to the environment and the communities in which they have an effect.
Investors are driven by more than just money now, wishing to consider where their money is invested as well as how much it earns. The M&S Ethical Investment Fund is perfect then for this type of conscientious investor and is also expecting to generate good returns too. In fact an ethical fund topped the charts of all investment funds only last week, so there is clearly plenty of growth potential.
The fund will be managed jointly by Jupiter Asset Management and Sinopia Asset Mgt, two organisations with good track records in the ethical investment arena. For those wishing to learn more about the new fund there is information available via the Marks and Spencer website.