child trust fund voucher question

Kimitatsu

Just an outside view on CTF accounts though - the interest on them is pathetic to be honest and the shares market over the last 18 years has outstripped the housing market. So although shares may not look good today in 18 years time they could well have grown by more than the rate of inflation which is the interest rate that most CTF accounts give you.

Also on the website is a calculator which gives you an idea of how much it could be worth if you just invest a small amount every month, just £10 a month can give your little one a substantial lump sum by the time they are 18, and anyone can invest it for them!

Bun

I have the Brittania one, which was very easy to open. It is their specific Child Trust fund, it doesn't have to be stocks and shares, you can use a normal savings one.

However I'm not going to top up that account (I have others) to much of an extent as the child gets the money directly to THEM at 18 years old. I think that for some kids that is just asking for trouble. I hope my son won't be one of them but it is a temptation at that age. I certainly wouldn't have made the most of it at that age and I was quite sensible.

There are better accounts out there that are nothing to do the CTFs so if you aren't going to add to it, don't feel bad, you can do something in your own time and to suit you.