Would you be saving in a steady stream (say monthly) or investing a single lump sum once a year? You state low risk, but are you also aware that low risk = low growth?

You'll be best served going to an Independent Financial Adviser. The industry for IFAs is heavily regulated (I know because I work for an IFA Network). There are other types of adviser who are usually tied to a given company, and will only sell you a product from that company's range. An IFA will probably charge you a fee, although they may take commission from the company whose "product" they sell to you instead.

Off the top of my head, it sounds like you're looking for some sort of investment bond. However, I am NOT qualified to give financial advice, and you should be looking for a dedicated professional to help you out. They don't come cheap, but if you're investing £150k a year, then don't be taking risks with shoddy advice. Bank accounts are fine, but an IFA will help you choose the RIGHT account for your needs.

Find an IFA from one of the Misys IFA Network websites such as Countrywide or DBS.

[Edited by Witchfinder - 6/3/2003 11:19:06 AM]

The average return is low - but it's made up of some punters who win nothing and a few others who win millions.

It's up to you punk - do you feel lucky?

:D


Edited to add if you do win anything I think it's tax free - in case that makes any difference

[Edited by blair - 6/3/2003 2:15:39 PM]

What are the current options for a low-risk way of stashing £150k for a year or so?

(Before anyone chips in, I won't be investing purely on the strength of advice received here!)

can you risk having less than £150k after a year? If not, then just put it in a high interest savings account..

Tt would depend on the risk.. if there was a 75% chance of beating the banks I'd go for it

Jiang

Best thing would be to consult a specialist IFA.

Our practice has a COuntrywide registered IFA in Woking if you are interested in a chat.

Bob

I will be going to an IFA at some point, just want to do some research first

casinos are good i hear!!wish i had 150 pounds never mind 150 thousand.luckyc**t.

jlang,

go to an IFA but be ready for a fee.

as you want it secure over the yr that will rule out Investment Bonds and similar which are unsuitable for that term. (and therefore little or no commision will go to the ifa) this means you'll be getting advice on 1yr term bonds from banks. these will better the returns of a normal high int account but as rates are so low anyway the difference may be something you dont think worth the inflexability of having it tied up for a yr.

Alternatively you could look at some offshore cash vased accounts offered by various ifas- we use Dublin for some of this type of short term stuff.....cant say anymore, i'd have to bill you ;)

Tiggs
IFA Investment Consultant

The first IFA to spell my name properly gets the business :D

Tiggs, may well be in touch in due course

Chuck as much as possible into premium bonds ( I think the max is about 20 to 30k) - no interest added to the sum oinvested but you do have a chance of winning a big prize over the next year.

When you need the dough , simply cash in the bonds and get back exactly what you have put in.

Pretty risk free as well - unless of course the UK government goes bankrupt between now and when you need the cash :D

Andy

I thought the average return was under 3 percent?

Blair recommends premium bonds - conflict of interest me thinks !

D

Cheers Dunk, I'll be avoiding em then!!

So the winnings are tax-free then. Is that true? Doesn't sound right to me. Perhaps that's why there's a limit on the amount you can have.

Prem bonds winnings are tax free, but the Govnm't has recently decreased the number of "winners" - lowering the rate of return, the max invm't amount has now risen from £20k to £30k.
It was covered in the last Sunday Times fin supplement.

D

Lol Dunk :D! Hadn't thought of that one.

No connection honest !

I looked at putting some money into Premium bonds about 6 months ago - i didn't want any risk and I knew that I would need the money round about now to pay for various improvements to the house.

I reckoned that the avergae 3% return was no worse than a lot of deposit accounts and that the possibility of getting a big win make the premium bonds more attractive than just leaving the cash in the bank.

The other alternatives are as discussed above - the yearly bond style investments that most retail banks and other providers offer. Whislt an IFA will no doubt offer these up as an option, they are unlikely to suggest premium bonds as they wouldn't earn any commision on them.


Andy

Portman BS offshore account offer 4.15%, which seems very good

lol..premium bonds! avarage return is LESS than you will get else where.....and as for a chance of winning big.....buy a lotto ticket (you can have that tip for free) ;)

I've averaged -100% growth in my lotto fund so far... things can only get better

all I can say is you are a lucky **** able to stick away 150k. Good luck to you

I read yesterday that wimmin win more in Premium Bonds than men. So I'd buy them in the wife's name :D