Investing for your child’s future

Even small amounts can build up a substantial nest egg

Decided it’s time to start saving for your little one? Putting money aside for your child is a great way to prepare them for their future, and can also teach them valuable lessons about their managing their finances.

Whatever hopes and dreams you have for your children or grandchildren, it’s reassuring to know that you can help make this happen by setting them on the path to financial security when they are young. To fund the future you want for them, it’s crucial to start saving early.

Building wealth for your children or grandchildren

Junior Individual Saving Account (JISA)

Junior ISAs share the same set of rules as adult ISAs, though with a lower annual limit on contributions, currently £9,000 (2020/21 tax year).

This means they’re a tax-efficient way to save in your child’s name. The money cannot be withdrawn before the child’s 18th birthday, so cannot be used for certain expenses, such as school fees. The child will take control of the money, and can make their own investment choices, from the age of 16.

Bare trusts

As with a Junior ISA, a child can withdraw money from a bare trust in their name once they turn 18. However, withdrawals can also be made for the benefit of the child before this age. So, it can be used for school fees, for example.

A second difference is that there is no limit on how much can be paid in. While it is not protected from tax (as a Junior ISA is), it will be taxed as if it belongs to the child, so will often fall within their personal allowances.

Discretionary trusts

Discretionary trusts offer more control and flexibility to the trustee. It is possible to establish one in the name of a group of beneficiaries (named or unnamed), for example, all your grandchildren. The trustee retains control over the money and investment choices and sets the payment terms.

However, the tax treatment is more complex than for bare trusts, usually resulting in higher taxes and more administration.

Junior Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)

Junior SIPPs operate according to the same rules as other pensions, except that they have a lower £3,600 annual limit on contributions (2020/21 tax year).

This means that, like other pensions, tax relief is added to contributions, and no tax is paid on income and capital gains. It also means that, currently, withdrawals are not possible until the child reaches age 55. So, while they offer very little flexibility, there is potential for even small investments to grow significantly.

Want to discuss investing for your children?

As the costs of private education, university, getting on the property ladder and weddings continue their relentless upward march, investing for your children early is crucial. If you’d like to discuss the best way to save for the next generation, contact us for more information.

TRUSTS ARE A HIGHLY COMPLEX AREA OF FINANCIAL PLANNING. THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY DOES NOT REGULATE TRUST ADVICE.

TAX LAWS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND TAXATION WILL VARY DEPENDING ON INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

THE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS AND INCOME FROM THEM MAY GO DOWN. YOU MAY NOT GET BACK THE ORIGINAL AMOUNT INVESTED.

PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT A RELIABLE INDICATOR OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.