Dec 12 2008
Christmas is an "ideal" time to make contributions to child trust funds (CTFs), an expert has said.
According to Tony Vine-Lott, director-general of TISA, there is still "plenty of scope" for parents to make contributions to such funds within the maximum limit.
He added: "Family and friends will often give money rather than risk buying a present that may be unwanted, so Christmas is an ideal opportunity for parents to top-up CTF accounts and give their children a present that will grow in value over the years."
Figures produced by the organisation suggest that nearly 549,000 of its customers' funds received monthly direct debit contributions, with the average sum standing at £21.99.
Research conducted recently by Family Investments suggested that more than half of parents surveyed would rather that grandparents invest in child's saving accounts over the festive period than give other gifts.
However, 64 per cent said they felt too uncomfortable to bring up the subject.
