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**MSE Dan** · 31-03-2009, 8:02 PM

This thread is specifically to discuss the
Premium Bond Probability Calculator itself
It's been updated with the new £25 prize and other April 2009 changes

To discuss premium bonds themselves, see the Premium Bonds: Are they worth it? Discussion linked from the Premium Bonds: Are they worth it? Article

To take part in this discussion, click reply.

purch · 01-04-2009, 10:17 AM

I don't want to take part.............

Bumpy Bumpy

baby_boomer · 01-04-2009, 10:24 AM

I've always thought you had to be slightly dippy to invest in Premium Bonds.

Now that the difference in the rates payable on PBs and the rates available in the savings market is 3% & in the stock market even more you have to be even madder.

Higher rate taxpayers, the natural former friends of tax free PB prizes, should switch to income investments inside ISAs if they have any ISA allowance left.

Jonbvn · 01-04-2009, 10:47 AM

What's to discuss? They were a poor form of savings previously, and now they're even worse!

Jonbvn · 01-04-2009, 1:23 PM

Furthermore, MSE Martin let us know what he thinks of PB's in todays Telegraph.

"You're Fired!"
The chance of winning a prize on Premium Bonds is at the lowest ever level

***xyz*** · 01-04-2009, 3:43 PM

Maybe, some people just like to have Premiums Bonds.

Maybe, some people don't worry about earning £10, £20, £30 interest per month.

Maybe, some people like to put their money into stocks and shares, others into Gold, others under the matress.

At the end of the day, it's not right or wrong, good or bad whether an individual decides to put their money into Premium Bonds.

They might win 10K, they might not. Shares might go up, they might not. Interest rates might go up, they might not.

I have them. I like them. I don't stay awake at night wondering if I could have made a couple of extra quid a day by putting the money somewhere else.

Hungerdunger · 01-04-2009, 7:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ***xyz***

At the end of the day, it's not right or wrong, good or bad whether an individual decides to put their money into Premium Bonds.

I quite agree - just so long as they realise it's not a sensible place to put your money, if you really do need as much interest or "prizes" as possible

realraw · 04-06-2009, 12:10 AM

why does the calculator only go to 10 years? a lot of people have bonds for over 10 years.

chuggy53 · 04-06-2009, 8:51 AM

I had ISA's (shares) and a bunch of money invested elsewhere ......my so called 'advisors' and experts investing my money nanaged to lose 10% of my monies whilst I went backpacking around the world.
I took the remainder out and boughtthe max entitlement of PB's
......I won hte usual £50/month fr 4 or 5 months, but for the last 10 months I havent won a THING
...but at least I still have my capital, eh? :roll:

maybe I'm just unlucky

has anyone calculated the chances of NOT winning in a 12 month period??????

Hungerdunger · 04-06-2009, 9:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuggy53

I had ISA's (shares) and a bunch of money invested elsewhere ......my so called 'advisors' and experts investing my money nanaged to lose 10% of my monies whilst I went backpacking around the world.
I took the remainder out

But until that moment you hadn't actually lost any money; it was just that the value of your shares was lower than before. If you'd held onto them for a few more years it's quite conceivable that they would have provided you with better "winnings" than your Premium Bonds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuggy53

has anyone calculated the chances of NOT winning in a 12 month period??????

Yes, the calculator referred to in Post #1 does this.