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You can earn money each year through alternative investments such as Innovative Finance ISAs and peer to peer investments. With a range of savings products available, you can maximise your savings and receive added benefits such as cashback and cash bonuses.
The highest returns are available when you make the largest contributions such as £500 or £1,000 and ideally keep your money locked in for the entire loan term. There are tax-free options available, allowing you to use your £20,000 ISA allowance to its fullest.
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Cash ISA: This is where you have ‘easy access,’ to withdraw money as you please – but you may get a lower return for this convenience. Putting money into a Cash ISA is rather like putting your savings into a traditional bank or building society savings account, except with a Cash ISA, you don’t pay tax on the money you deposit.
Fixed Rate ISA: Your earnings are fixed at a rate, such as 1.7% AER, and you are charged a penalty if you want to withdraw money at any point. Generally, a Fixed Rate ISA is for one to five years, though some providers may offer greater flexibility. The interest rate will typically depend on the length of your term.
Innovative Finance ISA: An IF ISA works by lending your money to borrowers in return for a set amount of interest. The calculations are based on how long you’re prepared to leave your money untouched for. You’re allowed to pay your full ISA allowance into your innovative ISA, if you choose to. For the 2020/21 tax year, the ISA allowance is £20,000 in. The tax year runs from 6th April to the 5th April.
You can invest in peer to peer investments and earn a high percentage per annum, with tax-free earnings, using your £20,000 ISA allowance. Essentially, you can directly lend to borrowers, whether they be individuals or businesses, and earn a return on your investment. There are risks associated with this type of investment and you should consider them all carefully before you make any decision.
Peer to Peer Investments: Invest in other borrowers looking for personal or business loans using a peer to peer lender or portal. This is not tax-free and you will need to declare any earnings on your self-assessment form. The riskier the borrower, the higher the return.
With banks offering very low rates - around 1% or 2% - more and more consumers in the UK are looking for alternative investments where they can maximise their hard-earned savings.
You can make the most of your ISA allowance of £20,000 because this means that any earnings up to this point are tax-free – so you can truly earn as much as possible.
There are also added incentives, with some providers offering cashback or bonuses if you deposit a certain amount or refer a friend.
You are also protected through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme for up to £85,000, so even if the bank or provider goes bust, you can still reclaim your earnings.
No, Innovative Finance ISAs are not protected by the FSCS, however, all other ISAs are protected by the FSCS so you will always be able to recover your savings even if the company or bank goes under.
For peer to peer investments, you are not covered by the FSCS but every lender will have their own compensation scheme. But be aware that this could be capped at a certain limit and may not provide the full amount.
Yes, all ISAs are tax-free, using your allowance of up to £20,000. You can only invest in one ISA per year, but you can invest in other things like stocks and shares and peer to peer investments at the same time. ISAs are portable and transferrable, so the amount you invest can be easily moved elsewhere.
It’s easy to find a list of the best alternative investments which allow you to open an account with an investment of just £100. Though the highest returns may require you to deposit much more.
One of the best ways to compare investment options is through a comparison site. Go Compare offer a great comparison service when it comes to investments, as well as lots of helpful information for you to read. If you’re thinking of investing via a bank or building society, you can also contact them directly to discuss your options.
When you compare investments, consider whether you need to access your money easily or if you would prefer to have your money locked in to earn a greater return. You also need to consider any risks associated with the investment.
Find the best investment for you, then simply click on the deal and you will be able to open an account online. And best of all, you can start saving immediately.