Although we are always told that saving should be one of the first things we do the latest survey results from the Nationwide Building Society show that only a quarter of us are ranking it highly.
The main reason for this at the moment has to be the cost of living, which is changing the focus of the population towards covering the rising costs of bills rather than saving. This is supported by an aspect of the Nationwide Building Society study that showed how over 60 percent of people felt they were not saving enough.
In real terms this is the time when people should save even harder than usual. Looking at an uncertain future consumers really need to be building up a resource they can call upon should they face unexpected costs. The Nationwide Building Society, along with most other financial institutions, suggests having enough cash to manage for around three months.
The Alliance and Leicester has extended the offer period on its 9 percent gross interest paying fixed rate savings account to give more customers the opportunity to benefit.
The one year deal is open to Alliance and Leicester customers who invest in the Balanced Savings and Investment Plan, which brings together the savings account already mentioned and an investment bond. The bond is designed to offer good returns over the medium term, typically around 5 years, while the savings account gives customers a great benefit in the short term.
Investment bonds have grown in popularity recently as investors look for safe homes for their money where growth can still be achieved and this Alliance and Leicester offer which combines the high interest savings account delivers all that and more.
According to a parenting and relationship specialist young people in England, Wales and Scotland should learn how to save money, in a step to help them learn the value of money.Helping children learn and understand how to save money themselves is a great way for them to learn. By letting them contribute to purchases made by the family for items such as toys or treats, it can demonstrate how to handle money and learn the responsibility that goes with it. In today’s society it is becoming more difficult to manage money as most purchases are made with a debt or credit card. But children need to see real money transactions being made and the importance of dealing in cash transactions.Savings accounts can be a great way for young people to learn about how to save their money. There are many types of savings accounts that children can open, so that they can experience how to save and how it all works. See our savings accounts comparison table for more information or our guides and tips pages.