The Abbey National is making a one year fixed rate bond available for a limited period, with an interest rate of 6.75 percent.
To earn this high rate the bond needs an investment of at least GBP30,000, though anything from GBP1 upwards to that figure will still return a very attractive 6.35 percent. The Abbey National investment bond is on limited availability, with a window of less than a month to get money into it. Starting on August 4 the offer closes at the end of August.
The market really likes fixed rate savings bonds said an Abbey National spokesperson, hence their introduction of this particular one now. Anyone interested is advised to act quickly to ensure availability.
The Nationwide Building Society, in its latest results for July, has found that 20 percent of the adult population are not putting any savings aside.
They also found that the number of people saving on a regular basis also fell, down to 46 percent from 54 percent just three months ago. Two thirds of people believe they should be saving according to the Nationwide Building Society, though the key, as with most things, is to do something about it.
A spokesman from the Nationwide Building Society said that consumers appeared to be feeling the pressure being put on them by rising prices but also asked them to at least look at savings vehicles such as ISAs and Childrens Trust Funds. These are tax efficient and so can make a big difference.
A new cash ISA has been introduced by the Alliance and Leicester, with an interest rate of six percent per annum and a minimum balance of just one pound.
The Easy ISA as it is called allows the usual maximum amount of GBP3,600 in each tax year, with management through either phone or internet. The offer is open to all consumers whether they are existing Alliance and Leicester customers or completely new to the building society.
The Easy ISA name is very apt and will hopefully bring more savers into ISAs where they have previously been put off. As an Alliance and Leicester spokesperson explained, a cash ISA is just like a normal savings account, the difference being that no tax is paid on the amount saved.
