Saving For Children is a site dedicated to helping you learn about how to give you and your children the best financial head start in life. We provide information and free brochures on many aspects of child savings.

With the rising cost of education, it is becoming increasingly important for children to have savings to fall back on. The earlier you start saving, the better placed you and your child will be for the future.

The Child Trust Fund

Child Trust Fund	Stakeholder	Minimum Contribution	Charges	Features
	Yes	£5	1.5% p.a.	Easy to Apply	Apply
	Yes	£10	1.5% p.a.	Easy to apply online	Apply
	No	£25	1% p.a.	Active fund management	Apply
	Yes	£25	0.5% to 1.25%	Choice of fund investment	Apply
	Yes	£10	1.5% p.a.	Online Account Management	Apply

For more information on the Child Trust Fund click here.

Making the right investment choice − factors to consider

When choosing suitable savings plans or investments for your child, many of the same considerations apply as for adult investors.

  •Timescale − find out if the investment is suitable for the timescale you require, short term or long term.
  •Accessibility − if you think the money may be needed at short notice, make sure there are no withdrawal penalties.
  •Risk − Depending on your attitude to risk and the product you chose you may get back less than the amount you originally invested.
  •Charges − even if you are saving only a modest amount, it is important to ensure that you are not paying excessive charges.

Many thanks to F&C Management Ltd, Helen Pridham and Sarah Modlock for their contributions to savingforchildren.co.uk