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The headline rate is only one part of the decision. Compare AER for savings accounts, whether interest is fixed or variable, how long any bonus rate lasts, minimum and maximum balances, withdrawal restrictions and notice periods. A slightly lower easy-access rate could be more useful than a higher fixed rate if you may need your money soon. Also consider whether interest may be taxable outside an ISA and whether your deposit is eligible for FSCS protection. For example, if a £5,000 balance earns 4% rather than 3.5% for a full year, the difference is approximately £25 before tax; restrictions and fees may outweigh that difference.

Calculate the total cost of holding your actual portfolio: platform or custody charges, underlying fund charges, share-dealing fees, foreign-exchange costs, and any exit or transfer fees. For illustration, a 0.25% annual platform charge on £20,000 is £50 before fund and dealing charges. Check whether you need a Stocks and Shares ISA, SIPP or general investment account; the investment range, customer service and transfer process also matter. Review diversification and risk: investment values can fall, and FSCS protection does not reimburse ordinary market losses.

Start by listing all workplace and personal pension pots, your own and employer contributions, and your expected retirement age. Check your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK and consider any gaps in your National Insurance record. Estimate annual retirement spending, including housing, bills, travel and healthcare, then compare it with expected income. Run several scenarios for investment growth, inflation, fees and how long retirement may last; even small differences in assumptions can materially change the outcome. A pension calculator provides illustrations, not guaranteed returns or income. Before consolidating pensions, check for safeguarded benefits, guarantees and exit charges.

No. A comparison helps you understand common features and questions to ask; it does not assess your personal financial circumstances or recommend that you buy a specific product. Provider eligibility, available rates, fees and protection can change. Read the provider's current key information and full terms, confirm that you are dealing with the genuine firm, and compare at least one alternative. For major pension transfers, complex investments or protection needs, consider appropriately regulated financial advice.

Search the FCA Firm Checker for the exact legal entity, its reference number and the permissions relevant to the activity you are considering. A firm appearing on a register does not mean every product is protected or suitable. Fraudsters may impersonate genuine firms, so independently verify the website, telephone number and payment instructions rather than relying on a link in an unsolicited message. Check FCA warnings, and contact your bank promptly if you suspect fraud.

No. FSCS eligibility depends on the financial activity, the authorised firm and the customer's circumstances. From 1 December 2025, the standard deposit protection limit is £120,000 per eligible person per authorised firm; accounts with brands sharing the same banking licence may count together. Temporary high balances may qualify for additional protection subject to conditions. Investment and insurance compensation rules are different, and FSCS does not cover ordinary investment market losses. Check the exact legal institution and product using the FSCS checker to check the applicable protection and any exclusions.

Compare the full cost over the period you expect to use the product. For bank accounts, look at monthly charges, overdraft interest and foreign transaction fees. For borrowing, compare representative APR, arrangement fees, the total amount repayable and early repayment charges. For investment accounts, include platform, fund, dealing and foreign-exchange costs. For savings, check withdrawal penalties and introductory-rate expiry. Example: a £5 monthly account fee costs £60 a year even before any transaction charges. Also check minimum balances, cancellation rules and whether promotional benefits have conditions.

MoneyHelper provides free, impartial guidance on budgeting, savings, borrowing, pensions and protection, plus tools to help plan next steps. For debt difficulties, contact StepChange and National Debtline for free, confidential debt advice. They can help identify priority bills, assess income and expenditure, explain possible debt solutions and the consequences of each option. If you are behind on rent, mortgage, council tax or essential utilities, seek help early rather than taking out additional borrowing to cover repayments.