Many feel worried about their financial future today, as Donald Trump’s trade tariffs rattle global stock markets and wipe trillions off pension values.
Peter Alexander isn’t one of them.
The 35-year-old, from Nottingham, has found a way to steady the ship. The trainee tree surgeon, has quietly built up nearly £15,000 in savings.
He says his money choices are helping him sleep at night, even amid today’s stock market storms.
Peter’s spotted an ad on Facebook, for personal finance app Plum, that uses algorithms to help users save and invest automatically. “I was attracted to the idea of automated savings and investments, all looked after in one place,” he says.
Peter has split his savings across several accounts and investments. His current breakdown includes £7,800 in a cash ISA, £50 in an interest-bearing float, £1,400 in investments, and £5,600 in a pension.
That brings the total to just under £15,000.
The core of Peter’s savings sits in a Cash ISA, which he describes as “guaranteed, tax-free growth that’s easy to track and monitor”.
The ability to top it up Cash ISAs regularly or withdraw when needed increases its appeal. “It’s simple and gives me peace of mind.”
Peter’s motivation for saving is rooted in the unpredictable nature of life and the economy. “I started saving to make sure I have the ability to weather financial storms.
“Watching the news and having some financial awareness makes it clear that having savings is more necessary than ever.”
While some of his savings will help fund his qualifications as a tree surgeon, Peter has bigger dreams, too. “If I can save enough, I’d love to take an extended holiday to India.”
But he’s keeping his feet on the ground. “Some will also go towards essentials like car insurance.”
Peter’s forward-thinking approach stands in contrast to the broader public. Savers have more than £300billion sitting idle in non-interest-bearing accounts.
Around 15% of household savings are earning no interest at all. That’s potentially costing households nearly £15 billion a year in lost interest, Plum’s research shows.
Ella Mower, senior content editor at Moneyfacts.com, said top savings rates have remained resilient despite wider stock market turmoil. “During previous economic shocks, the savings market has consistently rebounded.”
Today’s best buy savings rates are typically offered by smaller challenger banks, and may only be available to those saving online or via mobile phone app.
Chip pays a variable rate of 4.75% on £1 and above with easy access, while for those wanting a one-year fix, Isbank pays 4.65% via savings platform Raisin UK on £1,000 and above.
These rates could change at any time.
Close Brothers offers a two-year fixed rate savings bond paying 4.58%, and also offers a market leading five-year fixed rate paying 4.55% a year, although the minimum balance required is high at £10,000.
Cash ISA rates have fallen back, with Shawbrook Bank paying 4.12% fixed for five years.
However, with Reeves rumoured to be considering a cut to the £20,000 Cash ISA allowance, possibly as low as £4,000, savers may consider prioritising their tax-free allowance today, to secure it for the future.
