Banking & Savings

Premium Bonds vs Savings: Which Wins?

The prize rate is an average most holders never see. Who they genuinely suit and who is better off elsewhere.

Easy

Divide the balance by the 0% months and set a direct debit. The fee maths, and the mistakes that undo it.

Some effort

Highest rate first costs least; smallest balance first keeps more people going. How to pick honestly.

Some effort

Top rates, but on a rising balance - so the cash return is about half what people expect. Where they fit.

Easy

There is no universal score. What genuinely helps, what hurts, and the myths worth dropping.

Easy

Overdraft rates often beat credit cards for cost. Three realistic routes out of a permanent overdraft.

Some effort

Most budgets fail by design, not willpower. The irregular-costs step almost everyone skips.

Some effort

An ISA only helps if you would otherwise pay tax on interest. Many savers would not. How to work out which you are.

Easy

Forget three months of expenses. Start with a target you will actually hit, and where to keep it.

Some effort

Banks pay cash to win your current account. How the switch guarantee works and where people lose the bonus.

Easy