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MyEggNest:
Child Trust Funds
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Family Investments Child Trust Fund
By Family Investments
Family Investments offer a choice of tax-friendly children’s savings products to help you save for their future. Find out more and apply online here.
This product is issued by Family Investments Ltd
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Reviews
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 May 2012 by michelle walker
Good Points: very easy friendly service
Bad Points: minimum to pay in is 10 pound a month
i was very please with this when my 3 yr old was born and it seems to be growing already, i was just disapointed i did not receive a grant to open one with my second child last year, all of the advisers were very helpful too, it is just a shame that a minimum you can pay in a month is 10 pound as i think that it should be anything you like to put in a month for families with low income, you do not get your statements on a regular basis too so it is always a boost when your statement comes and you see how it has grown
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Mar 2012 by Melissa Strange
Good Points: Very easy to navigate.
Clear pages, information presented simply.
Bad Points: None
After researching the various different providers for the child trust fund, this one ticked the most boxes for us. It had a simple and clear website to use, offered the best range of products and we gained comfort from the various awards it had won. Also we wanted to be able to rely on the provider being in existence for a long while to come and we think that Family Investments will fulfill that role. We have not been disappointed with what we have seen and the communications have been very useful. I would definitely recommend the provider to others.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2012 by Darren Simons
Good Points: Easy to set up as a regular investment. Provides good nest egg for future
Bad Points: Limited amount that can be saved per year - seems quite low. Limited control over how it can be used once a certain age is reached
This is a good way to make sure money is put aside for our child. Disappointed the government no longer puts money into it but it's still a start maybe for a home, education, travel. More should be done to make sure children have a good nest egg to start their adult life with. It is a bit disappointing that you can't set what to do with it once the child reaches a certain age as that is the time when peer pressure will be spend it badly, perhaps on a car or other things. But then... the job of parenting is to make sure the values are right so that this doesn't happen
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2012 by Nichole York
Good Points: Very easy to set up
Bad Points: none
Very easy to set up and a great idea for any new little ones in your family. Staff are always very friendly and the whole experience was very easy to complete. With the current state of the british economy everyone is feeling the squeeze and who knows what may happen in the future, so it is really good to be able to provide a secure savings plan to ensure your kids will not be burdened by significant money troubles in the future. I would recommend this to anyone looking to provide a little security and invest in their childrens future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 Nov 2011 by Lyla Brown
Good Points: The staff were really friendly when I had to contact them by email and phone.
Bad Points: I was really confused about the Bonds and how they worked. The information helped, but I still needed to contact them to figure it all out and speak to someone.
I was undecided about whether to do the Bond or ISA from Family Investments. In the end we did a bit of both, but the bond seemed a bit more confusing to me. I guess I know how ISAs work since I have them for me and my husband, but the Bond was something I never looked into before. It really made sense for us in different ways to do the Bond which is why we did both. The staff were really friendly and helpful with all my questions and never made me feel as if I was asking silly things. I would recommend Family Investments to friends and family.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Oct 2011 by jade summers
Good Points: Very fast to answer calls, very informative all information given in plain english so easy to understand
Bad Points: Staff always seem in a rush
Really easy to set up, phones are answered quickly (that's rare these days) the account is a great way to ensure your childs future, the staff explain everything in plain english which makes it easy to understand the account is easy to check on only thing is staff always seem in a hurry to get on to next call can almost seem impatient at times but overall a very good service you can feel comfortable with, money can be added to the account but I think there is a maximum limit per year, I would recomend you call for info before opening an account anywhere else
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 24 Sep 2011 by WILLIAM
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
A child trust fund is a good way of helping childeren get a good start in the furture because this money could be used as collage funds or even uni funds because this money would help them buy equipment such as books pens laptops and any other equipment they might need. where as in england the child trust fund cheque what was free from the goverment has been stopped this year there has been childern in the past that have recieved it so them childern will now have a chance to have good start in the furture where as other childern dont witch is not fair and the free cheque was good because there are familys out there that cant afford to save money every week or month for the child in the furture .
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Sep 2011 by claire harrington
Good Points: easy to open
Bad Points: interest rates not great
the child trust fund is a great idea and encourages children to start saving at such a young age. It gives a good head start to the future away from debt. The funds are easy to open and send you regular statements so that you know the status of your childs bank balance, the only problem which is a problem for all at the moment is that the interest rates are so low you are not making the best profit out of your funds. This said it is good to set up a monthly DD as given the option to input yourself each month I would probably miss a few!!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Sep 2011 by Jo Campbell
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
They offered the best deal at the time compared to the other childcare providers. However on my last statement it looked like the money had not increased and there was no clear explanation as to why - I don't really understand the investment. It has online access too. If you set up a direct debit you can get a voucher for boots - cancel the direct debit if you want and be quids in! Not much else to say really, they are okay but I have nothing to compare it too. Hopefully there will be more money at the end then the start!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 13 Sep 2011 by Perry
Good Points: Everything! *
Bad Points: * apart from being on hold on the phone sometimes.
They are a very good service to use.
Personal service with quality and care for you.
Childrens services are very important to everyone. I'm glad i turned to these people as i am very confident i made the right choice.
They help you out when you need it and i called up to sort out my child, bonni, an account for her. This has helped her to gop to university by saving money and i hope other people decide to use this service as a matter of reading this.
I can not thank them enough for this service i recieved. Bonni is very happy i decided to go through with this when she was very little.
Thanks again.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 12 Sep 2011 by hannah
Good Points: very helpfull
Bad Points: no bad pouints
the staff were all very friendly and extremely helpfull towards me and my family. there was somebody always able to help right away the child trust fund is fantastic and can help to save familys a lot of monrey by oppening a child trust fund or joining with them. i would definitly use this company again as the service that they provided me and my fzmily was really good and well structured and organised i do not have anything bad or anything that dissapointed me about this company they are so helpful and very friendly i would definitly reccommend them to other family as the service is excellent value
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Sep 2011 by Mrs Boulter
Good Points: Easy to apply online
Bad Points: Had to take birth certificate into Branch
We filled in our application form online and waited for the forms to arrive via the post. Once the forms were signed and sent back we received another letter asking us to take our daughters birth certificate into a branch. Not a big deal but the staff in the branch doesn't seem to know what to do, the first member of staff was a trainee so had to get a more experienced member of staff to help, but even then he was unsure what to do. It was all resolved but I must have been in the bank well over 20 mins and with a newborn who is hungry that is not fun.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Sep 2011 by naomi norman
Good Points: everything about the page was good. everything was easy to read and follow.
Bad Points: no bad points atall in my point of view
my general comments are that i found this page very usefull due to the ammount of information given on this page. i found it very easy to read even though there was alot of information. it has shown me alot of things i dodn't know before abount family investments which will be very usefull to me in the future. and as i already have 1 child it will be also great it i have another child. there was nothing what so ever bad about this page in my point of view and the staff were great when you needed help with something you were not sure to do. thanks.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 08 Sep 2011 by Nicole Main
Good Points: Simple application form. Good customer service on the phone.
Bad Points: I was only sent one application form despite asking for 2.
I have recently opened two child trust funds with the Yorkshire Building Society. This trust fund offered a good interest rate and was very easy to open by simply posting off an application form sent to me in the post following a brief phone call. Although I asked for two forms I was only sent one, but photocopied this and the photocopy was accepted - my trust funds were opened less than two weeks after I posted the application forms and the money transferred in from a different fund without any problems. Overall I would recommend this trust fund even if you don't have a local branch near you as it was very easy to do over the phone/by poste.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Sep 2011 by victoria garfitt
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I regularly receive post containing letters and updates of how my son's child trust fund is progressing more. I think it is a great way to keep me reminded that there is an account there set up for my son. It is good to know that it is a tax exempt saving plan and that although i opted for the stock market based investment there is a guarantee that my son will receive exactly what has been put into the account. It would be great if the stock market went well so that the money in the account continues to rise.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 Aug 2011 by Lina
Good Points: Savings for your child until they are aged 18yrs old, wont effect child tax ctedits or benifits.
Bad Points: Could be varable on the market so interest wouldnt be great at the end of 18yrs.
I found it very easy to go in the Building Society, The staff helped with the option I had, gave me a pack and I fill out application form with what type of CTF youd like to open and send it off the the voulcher, staff were very helpfull with any questions I had. I waited for a month and the cerfiticate came through the door. Now I can pay any birthday money or up to £1200 or nothin, family or friends if Id like and until my childs 18yrs old , at least there be an sum of money for him.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2011 by lynsey warnes
Good Points: good for my children to have some cash to start them off in later life
Bad Points: bad as i am not informed exactly where the money will be how we will get it eventually and i am not kept updated either
i have two children and have had two child trust funds made available to me now, and to be honest its nice to know that when my children reach a certain age they will have funds in which i hope they will invest wisely. both of my trustfund vouchers have been given to societys that i am unaware of to be honest as the government invested them for me so im not to sure how i find out where they are invested. i am hoping that i can find out somehow so that my children wont miss out because i am never really informed of how the nest egg is doing or anyhing so has anone got any idea of how i can find this information out please? thanks
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Aug 2011 by lucy
Good Points: general good service but always choose the right option for you and your baby
Bad Points: none
general good service but always choose the right option for you and your baby. not had any probs so far and recieve a updated statement twice a year. interest rates are fine. ive had no problems with this service and have been ver y happy with it. i have to be honest the mumble jumble at the start when you first take out the account can be a little confusing but generally the staff were easy going and very helpful with signing up and making sure i had any answer to any questions i may of ha d.S ITS NOT LETTING ME UP LOADTHIS BECAUSE OF THE WORD COUNT FOR SOME REASON SO PLEASE IGNORE THIS BIT.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Aug 2011 by charlie rose
Good Points: friendly and very easy to understand
no complications
Bad Points: none that i have found yet
something i always said i would do for my children and it was one of the first things i done
i highly reccommend this company
i feel they are easy to talk to and always very polite and there is no complications
a very very easy place to deal with and if there is something you dont understand they go through it properly until you understand properly
real people at the end of a phone and not robots
its like phoning a neiughbour for a chat they make you feel very very human
made me welcome from day one and i still feel welcome
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Aug 2011 by dina gregoy
Good Points: they keep in regular contact
Bad Points: none
i enjoy this trust fund as they keep in touch with you but not too many letters come through which is good thing. also they let you know in a letter thats clear to understand wheather the money has gone up or down. they also wish the children happy birthday which is a kind thing to do. they also give a credit card type of information to give family and friends that stats the childrens name and account number so instead of pressies family and friends can give money to them. i also get a clear letter to state how much my children could earn with regular payments into the account.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Aug 2011 by cara crosby
Good Points: i think this service is really easy to use and will be very effective in the long term for my child, the staff are very polite.
i would like to recieve all the offers and promotions from this site and will look forward to any news letters.
i will let all my friends know
about this excellent service
Bad Points: no bad points
i will let my freinds know about this great service i recived from your company and will look forward to hearing about the lastest updates and news letters from your selfs. i think the service is really easy to use and will be very effect ive in the long term for children a very good investment and should be promoted more to the welfare. i hope i carry on to recieve weekly or monthly newsletters from you as i am very interested on all the offers you promote and how they will help my child in the future
thank you cara
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 13 Aug 2011 by haylee buckley
Good Points: The staff are so helpful and friendly.
Bad Points: you dont know weather the funds will go up or down.
The child trust fund is a very good idea, giving our children a little booster when they're older. this fund will help towards university costs, maybe a car, rent? who knows? but this investment one i put my daughters in is shares, which means every year the funds could go up or they could go down. my childs is in HSBC they are a very good bank and they always send me yearly statements. I put £10 a month in my daughters trust fund to boost her credit for when she is old enough to take the money out of her account.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Aug 2011 by Lucie Eadon
Good Points: Really straight forward and accessible information.
Bad Points: None so far
The website is really easy to navigate. The information is very easy to read and understand. The different accounts are explained simply. If there was one critique it would be the explanation of how the government voucher work. I was unaware that the voucher wouldn't show immediately on the account and I am still unsure if the voucher will accrue interest. Although this government scheme is now coming to a close a more detailed explanation on how it works would be very handy. The only other critique would be the correspondence is only done through letter, which is very slow.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Aug 2011 by chanel campbell
Good Points: easy to use
Bad Points: 0845 telephone number
every family memeber can get a chance to put money in to the bond and if you reach the yearly limit it can be saved until next year, when i joined i recieved 10 boots voucher,you also get a statment every year just before your childs birthday to keep you up to date on what has been happing on the account, if you are pushed for cash it is easy to amend or cancel the direct debt.
the rate changes every year so you never know what to expect unil your yearly statment comes and even if your money is going down hill you cant change the account but you do have a chouce at the start of opening the account.
i cant wait for my daughter to get older so she can have her uni moiney, its a good idea for any parent to open this account weather it be for uni or car etc .
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Aug 2011 by Jen Rowe
Good Points: when i went in to the bank to open my sons bank account, the staff were extremley helpful, polite and well mannered. they explained to me in great detail that there were two different bank accounts that i could open for my baby using the voucher sent to us. even though the bank nationwide was busy, the very helpful staff offered me a seat and we sat and talked and she took the time to explain the two bank accounts, what benefits he could have if i opened the stocks and shares and what benefits he could receive if he opened a normal savings account.
Bad Points: waited along time for information to come through
i opened my sons account a few weeks ago now, i opened his account at nationwide with the £50 voucher given him by the goverment. When i went into nationwide, i was approached by the staff that were extremley friendly and helpful and took me to another staff member who could help me better, she was incredibly friendly too. we sat down and she explained to me that for my voucher there were 2 diffrent accounts accounts i could use the voucher for to open the account. a shares account or ctf, i choose the ctf. opened the account there and then with some identification. my sons birth certificate and some id for myself. its been easy to pay money in and give family details to pay money in, as a few weeks later they send you an info pack and it has cars that you can put your childs info on to hand out to family.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Aug 2011 by Joanna
Good Points: The account is good and the information was useful
Bad Points: You could only do it by going into the branch
The Nationwide Child Trust Fund is easy to use, you recieve yearly statements and cards for other members of the family to pay in to it.
The interest rate was also quite good at the time of opening the account.
The paperwork that you had to fill in at the time was very simple and self explainatory.
The only down side to the account was all had to be done by going in to the branch non of it could be done by post or on the internet.
Over all i would recommend this child trust fund account to any one thinking of opening one
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Jul 2011 by lusy
Good Points: evrything is good.
Bad Points: nothing.
it is a very good thing to invest your money in such a investment because you can plan and save money for future and for study in collage. so this is a plan in advance to dave money for future for your child. and the monthly you can pay and it;'s not a big deal . I also suggests my friend and family to save money for future for their children. so i found everything ok and nothing bad point .so don't think so much because it's not a big deal. but make your child future bright and do .
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Jul 2011 by Louise Armstrong
Good Points: Helpful staff
Information easy to read
Information arrived when they said it would
No long queues and UK call centre
Bad Points: None
From the very first phone call the whole experience has been like a breath of fresh air. No longwinded options to pick from or a queue to get to speak to someone. A real person answered straight away and they could deal with my request - I wasn't passed from pillar to post like in other call centres when no one wants to help you. The information I requested arrived within a couple of days and then when I called back to take up the trust fund I was given all the information I needed without being overloaded or rushed through. I was also told at the beginning of the telephone conversation how long it would take. What a refreshing change to speak to someone who knows what they are doing - not some goon who has had a couple of hours training and then thrown in at the deep end. Even when I sent in some cheques with a letter asking them to acknowledge receipt I duly received the acknowledgement within a few days of me sending in the letter - not even my own bank acknowledge receipt of my cheques! So far I cannot fault Family Investments - now all I'm hoping is that they grow my son's investment to give him something to look forward to on his eighteenth birthday!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Jul 2011 by Agnieszka Chmieliauskas
Good Points: It was easy to enroll using internet
Online account - love it
£30 for setting DD - nice present - spent on baby's milk :)
Bad Points: None
I hope that when my daughter will be adult person she will be able to use the money that I am going to save for her and hopefully you will increase to go to university or to pay deposit for her own house (although I would prefer if she decided to live with me and her dad forever). It would be nice to have a little symulation showing how much money she will have when she becomes adult and able to use it. I haven't had a chance to speak to any of your staff yet so I left 5 out of 5 eggs as I wouldn't like to give you 0. I am hoping that staff is very friendly. Thanks you
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Jul 2011 by Nicola Smith-Lee
Good Points: Being able to manage my child's Trust Fund online is a huge benefit.
Bad Points: Can't think of any!
The process of opening a Child Trust Fund was very easy with Family Investments and they offer a great range of options, we decided to open an ethical stakeholder account as we want encourage our Child's money to grow whilst he is young and move it to more secure investment as he approaches 18 years old. The online wizard is very useful because we can track our child's invest online and easily make investment decisions as it clearly shows what availability we have to invest for the rest of the tax year. The online wizard is easy to use. We spent a few months researching CTF's and are pelased that chose Family Investments.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Jul 2011 by victoria king
Good Points: We transfered out of a with profits Child Trust Fund with LV at the bottom of the market and joined Family Investments. Has worked out really well as the LV wasn't growing at a great rate (but being with profits wasn't loosing money). As it was LV closing all their accounts no Market Reduction Value was applied and we bought many more units in the FI fund than we would have done if we'd done it when the market was high. The overall value has gone up by 11% this year so far... not bad!
For all those moaning about performance over the last 2 years, this is market based investment.
Bad Points: If you are in the first years of the plan, the market being low is GOOD news. For each £20 you add you are buying many more units, which when the market picks up (which it is already doing) your fund will be worth much more.
Great service and great web site. i really dont like the policy of family investment,they keep changing the rules but fail to apply it proper rules onto the customeraccounts,and keep delaying my investigation regarding the charges they have been applying on my funds.my fund is far less worth than the money i have been paying in,because their annual charges and other fund charges are very high which leaves the value of my accountr low,but they are getting the easy free money out of mY pot"! If you don't want this risk then it's best to choose a cash account. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 11 Jul 2011 by Adam Owen
Good Points: Good service, very friendly and helpful. No question too difficult.
Bad Points: Do not have any bad points to mention.
Have set up two Child Trust Funds, one each for our middle and youngest children. They were very easy to set up. We reasearched it quite thoroughly before commiting to invest with them. We top them up each month via a direct debit. They earn a good rate of interest (return). It is a great way to reinvest child benefit or even child tax credits. We are regularly updated via information in the post, which encourages you to continue investing. Some months it is hard but the money could so easily be spent on clothes or toys. We really feel we are saving for our children's future. Just wish we could also set one up for our eldest child.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 11 Jul 2011 by
Good Points: Good service, very friendly and helpful. No question too difficult.
Bad Points: Do not have any bad points to mention.
Have set up two Child Trust Funds, one each for our middle and youngest children. They were very easy to set up. We reasearched it quite thoroughly before commiting to invest with them. We top them up each month via a direct debit. They earn a good rate of interest (return). It is a great way to reinvest child benefit or even child tax credits. We are regularly updated via information in the post, which encourages you to continue investing. Some months it is hard but the money could so easily be spent on clothes or toys. We really feel we are saving for our children's future. Just wish we could also set one up for our eldest child.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Jul 2011 by Maz L Pope
Good Points: I know I'm providing for my child's future, I know that money will be secure.
Bad Points: The restrictions and guidelines can be confusing.
I chose the Child Trust Fund because it seemed like the best option for my child's future. I found it quite an easy choice and think it was the best decision. I can rest safe in the knowledge that there is money available for my child no matter which way her life goes and that will be there to help her with whatever she chooses to do when she is older. Having the money in her name also guarantees its protection and means that it is dedicated to her no matter what happens to me or my partner in the meantime.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Jul 2011 by laura manns
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I originally set up my CTF with santander. very easy to do! Thats the good points over with. The fund was then transferred to Family investments. As yet i have had no paperwork and had to ring up for a statement to be sent. I cannot believe why trust funds do not come with a savings book. Now You have to post you cheques to them and prey that they get delivered by the ever failing Royal Mail. No wonder this countries on its backside. Choose an account where you can go in and pay money/cheques etc, your kids will learn to understand it and appreciate it more, rather than posting it. as for customer care - forget it. Stay away from Family Investment. Good riddence
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Jul 2011 by jolene napper
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I feel that only being sent out statements once a year isn't enough. I also do'nt think it's fair that you are only allowed to use certain banks. I feel this is a good scheme as children will have a little bit of money behind them when they are 18 so it doesn't matterabout their family situations. I think the good pionts about this trust fund is that when you open the account the staff are very friendly and if you want to set up direct debit they are helpful in assisting this. They will also tell you how much your child will have when they are 18.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 03 Jul 2011 by Lucy Ward
Good Points: Was very eay to use and the service was good
Bad Points: Took a while to get my head around what it was about
I found that the customer service was really good in the place where i went to get my child trust fund. I feel that the amounts that i put in are the correct amounts every month and that i am getting a good return on all of my amounts in the future. I have also recommened it to some of my friends as they are also expecting children and they are looking to start up a child fund, as they were unsure of where to go for advice. overall i found that it was simple to use oince i got my head around it.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Jul 2011 by Kerry Pierce
Good Points: Easy and straight forward to set up. All done at my request for age of withdrawral. Yearly update, excellent
Bad Points: None, superb service
This was so easy to do for all of my four children, excellent and efficient service. Would certainly recommend to others. There is a yearly update which is clearly set out and I am aware of exactly how much the fund has grown including the amounts of any bonus' that have been added. I was able to, on application specify the exact ages that I would wish the children to recieve the fund I have saved, which was carried out to my wishes. The setting up of the direct debit was easy and very hassle free. I would certainly recommend this company to many of my friends
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 Jun 2011 by Emily Abbott
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I chose this trust fund as it was recommended to me by both friends and family and has affiliations with organisations i approve of such as national childbirth trust and york shire bank. The literature was easy to use and it appeared quick and simple to join up with the government cheque i'd received for my son when he was born over a year ago now. It took a while to receive an email through and the format was a little odd when i opened it on my computer but the information seemed easy to understand. i haven't had to speak to anyone yet so can't comment on that.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Jun 2011 by issy ripley
Good Points: very easy to use
ecellent UALITY OF INFORMATIOM
indescribable amount of staff friendlyness
Bad Points: nothing!!!
it was so so so soso so so so soso so so so so so so so so so so o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o oo o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o oo o o o o o o o o o o o o o oo o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2011 by Clara Kent
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
When i had my child i wanted to ensure that i could provide for him in the future, i looked at several options and decided on the child trust fund. I was given very clear information and the information given was easy to understand. the Staff were very helpful in enabling me to choose this trust fund and were able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of having a child trust find. They talked me through the options of different accounts and the differences between shares and stakeholder accounts. overall very please with the service and looking forward to seeing what the trust fund grows into.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2011 by Maria Wills
Good Points: Child trust funds are worthwhile investments
Protecting your childs future
Best by your child
Friendly,helpful and informative staff when setting it up
Bad Points: I honestly do not see any bad points to having a childs trust fund. That would be like saying humans cannot survive without water - the thought of it is just a no go.
With a child trust fund I know I am doing right by my child, as he is my first I went by the experiences of me and my partner - which led to us opening up a trust fund account for him. In the long run, I believe this is a worth while investment because putting a bit of money in the account every month, or even a few times a year will build up the pounds - and that is not including interest yet. Also it is a good thing that we can set the age limit/restriction of when he can first touch the money that is in the account so he does not spend it on silly little things, but can use the money to create his future and do right by himself. Afterall with university fees being what they are today because of the new government, how can we not afford to have a child trust fund?!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2011 by sandy howells
Good Points: None
Bad Points: Wasnt made clear that i would loose money due to stocks and shares market!
Wasnt made clear that i would loose money due to stocks and shares market! Lost hundreds of pounds! wouldnt go to that kind if i had known and they didnt make it clear until after i had lost over six hundred pound. Wasnt made clear that i would loose money due to stocks and shares market! Lost hundreds of pounds! wouldnt go to that kind if i had known and they didnt make it clear until after i had lost over six hundred pound. i was young at the time, 18 infact. really not happy with the service at all
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2011 by katrina stevenson
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I have 2 children aged 2 and 4 and must admit that their trust funds have shown a loss over 2010 and much of 2011. However, having put in the maximum for both, they are now gaining good profits and long may it continue. One positive factor about when the markets were low and combined with a CTF of only a few years, you were able to accumulate more units which are now performing well. Good website and customer service too. Family Investments Child Trust Fund has Excellent customer service over phone. User friendly online access. Good choice of payment methods. Simple for family members to pay into account.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Jun 2011 by kimberley rostron
Good Points: brilliant idea
Bad Points: None
really good idea to save money for your little ones, i find it easy as you can start it up really easy and quick and will become helpfull in the future so you dont need to worry about money problems as you have helped them out with eg, drivin lessons, college fees , holidays, car etc etc also they can only have the money after a certain age which is a good idea. but i really think its a good idea as it will help them alot with problems i wish i had 1 of these for when i got to that age
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Jun 2011 by N Frost
Good Points: Clear information.
Not misleading.
Bad Points: None
We used the Family Investments Trust fund after finding all the information pack enclosed within our bounty pack. Though we had been recommended them already from friends that had also invested with them.
It was very quick and easy to complete all the paperwork required. After having a baby, to not have to over think many questions and provide answers was wonderful!!
All the paperwork was processed very quickly. When we received confirmation that the account had been completed, they also sent cards that we could pass onto family members should in the future they wish to contribute to these savings.
We have 2 children, both of which we have invested the same.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Jun 2011 by jolene bond
Good Points: With this you just leave them to deal with everything and every year they send you an update of how much is there! My sons account made £300 last year alone!
Bad Points: Only problem would be that the amount in the account can go down if they invest wrong but havent had it happen to me yet!
All you have to do to start the account is send them the first cheque you recieve for your child off the government and they do all the rest. I love the fact that i can watch my sons money grow without havent to worry about where to invest it myself. My brother pays in reguarly for him as well so that helps it grow even more so that when he turns 18 he will have enough for maybe a car or uni fees. I love the fact the every year i get a little surprise when i open the envolope with that years update and see how much my son has tucked away for him.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Jun 2011 by CHARLOTTE
Good Points: ITS EASY TO DO
Bad Points: NO BAD POINTS
I THINK THAT THE CHILD TRUST FUND IS AMAZING, I SET UP MY LITTLE BOYS AS SOON AS I GOT THE LETTER, IT HAS HOWEVER GONE DOWN TO 50 POUND BUT THAT IS STILL A GREAT AMOUNT, THE AMOUNT CAN EITHER GO UP OR DOWN BUT IM SURE THAT MY LITTLE ANGEL WILL STILL HAVE MONEY LEFT AT THE END. I ADVISE ALL NEW PARENTS TO BE TO OPEN UP THIS ACCOUNT AS IT IS A GREAT OPPURTUNITY FOR YOUR CHILDS FUTURE. BELIEVE ME I SHOULD KNOW. THIS OFFER IS ABSOLUTLEY AMAZING AND FREE OF CHARGE FOR EVERYBODY ENTITLED. HAVE FUN
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Jun 2011 by Lina
Good Points: Great as it a free starter for a child's savings, which can't be accessed until 18 yrs old.
Bad Points: Shareholders intrest may go done or up as IRS within the market.
Look to invest in this account. The Family Investments Child Trust Fund
We offer a Stakeholder Child Trust Fund account which invests in shares, and gives you a choice of investment funds:
Our Stakeholder Child Trust Fund
Our Ethical Stakeholder Child Trust Fund
A Stakeholder Child Trust Fund account is the type of account the Government will automatically choose for you if you don't invest your child's voucher within 12 months.
This kind of account meets all of the Government's guidelines, which are aimed to try and reduce the risk of investing in shares and which cap the annual management charge at 1.5%, although this doesn't mean that the Stakeholder account is suitable for everyone or that returns are guaranteed.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Jun 2011 by A Sutherland
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
The staff that I encountered were ever so helpful regarding setting up the finances and the system is very easy to use, which I initially did not think it would be. It would be better if more information was available before setting up the account, however once it was set up, there were no problems. I can access the account any time that I wish, which is comforting to me. I have recommended the system to all of my friends and family members, as it is a great idea for the future. It is a relief to know that I have set something up that will help my children in the future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Jun 2011 by Gillian Shiel
Good Points: I set a child trust fund up with the Halifax building so five years ago, and it is doing very well increaing every year. I also receive yearly statements keeping me informed. and leaflets and information about their other procducts and services
Bad Points: None
I set a child trust fund up with the Halifax building so five years ago, and it is doing very well increaing every year. I also receive yearly statements keeping me informed. and leaflets and information about their other procducts and services. The staff are also very helpful via the phone or in the local branch.
I set a child trust fund up with the Halifax building so five years ago, and it is doing very well increaing every year. I also receive yearly statements keeping me informed. and leaflets and information about their other procducts and services. The staff are also very helpful via the phone or in the local branch
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Jun 2011 by r.barran@btopenworld.com
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
Good interest rate, it was recommended by a friend who said that it was trustowrth investment no risks incolved which makes it great!! Easy to sign up to very helpful advisors me and husband wanted advice on the phone and call was tranferred very quickly. Ive done this for my little kid billy and hi 18th brithday and its a great way to make sure i can save in small amounts for his life, im hoping i can set up a direct debit too to make it easier for us. Overall i think its a great idea for everyone and to help our childrends future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 13 Jun 2011 by donna killen
Good Points: This is the best place to open any child trust fund account if your kids are lucky enough to have been born before it stopped ....
It is an easy simple way to do it with peace of mind of knowing that it is safe.
All that join receive a free gift which is great for the little ones lol. Overall alot easier than the childrens mutal now that is a con......
Bad Points: Overall there is NO bad points that i can list very easy to apply easy to add to and easy to find your account balance...
This is an excellent easy place to apply to open an account It is very easy to do with no hassle and no pressure into adding to the account if you cant afford to...
It is overall the best solution to finding your kid a place for there money it is also very safe which puts alot of mothers and fathers at ease all you have to do is sit back and not worry about a thing...
I would recommend this to any parent or gaurdian for those precious littles ones money..... Please add your childs trust fund account to this site it is brilliant i have 3 kids and only 1of my kids money is in here i have 1in the childrens muetal and i have had nothing but bother with them and false advertisen is one of the most common They offer a free gift then it doesnt get sent out! they also asutre you that the wont loose any money yet my son's has lost £200!! In here None what so ever!!!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 13 Jun 2011 by jovy
Good Points: Ease of use
Bad Points: too many choices
We are so pleased that we join the family investments for our child trust fund. This is the best way to inspire a lot of parents on thinking for their child's future. The best gift idea too for our children from our relatives, families and friends who contribute as their presents. This is not only a good start for them when they grow up but a very good example to save and use money wisely since it came from special people that is been part of their life to start with.
I top them up each month via a direct debit. They earn a good rate of interest (return). It is a great way to reinvest child benefit or even child tax credits. We are regularly updated via information in the post, which encourages you to continue investing. Some months it is hard but the money could so easily be spent on clothes or toys. We really feel we are saving for our children's future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 12 Jun 2011 by chloe taylor
Good Points: Easy to add money
Bad Points: Statements every six months
its easy to use, very easy. Its good to deposit money in and build up that fund for your child. They send clear and up-todate statements which explain everything in great detail thats very easy to understand! The only bad things that i can thik of is that the statements are every six months and that can frustrating if family or friends put money into the account or if like us we have put ours in one where it goes up and down with the stocks and goverment bonds so that can also be frustrating if its taken a nose dive but you cant read the recent statement although i am told you can either ring up and check or you can check online which i dont have internet access at home so that does'nt apply to me :)
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 12 Jun 2011 by Louis Edmonds
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I originally set up my CTF with santander. very easy to do! Thats the good points over with. The fund was then transferred to Family investments. As yet i have had no paperwork and had to ring up for a statement to be sent. I cannot believe why trust funds do not come with a savings book. Now You have to post you cheques to them and prey that they get delivered by the ever failing Royal Mail. No wonder this countries on its backside. Choose an account where you can go in and pay money/cheques etc, your kids will learn to understand it and appreciate it more, rather than posting it. as for customer care - forget it. Stay away from Family Investment. Good riddence
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 12 Jun 2011 by Lj
Good Points: Easy to set up good information given
Bad Points: Took some time to start to receive the information and the bank who set it up took. Ages to sort out information process
I think that having a place you can invest money in for your child to have when there 18 is really good it gives stability for future and enables you to have a good piece of mind I think investment plans are better for a child than an open bank account That you or child could access I also feel that there is good information given when you set up an investment your kept in contact how the investment is going and how the trust fund is building I also feel it's easy to add funds to the trust account
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2011 by nisha khan
Good Points: the account allows you to just put money in. therefore its a good investment for your childs future........
also the kids dont have access to account untill they are18th birthday......
Bad Points: if u need money in emergency u can not take from this account.
i have opened the account.....but now they only give 50 pound cheque
where as before it was 250
the account only lets u put money in to account
no money can be taken out from the account
child has access to the account only after 18th birthday
you can add more money to the childs savings
so that is all. no more to say
what else to say
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Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Jun 2011 by laura mcneil
Good Points: is something for my childs future
Bad Points: dont know whats haening with it
i have two children under five and the both have a child trust fund set up for them. when we recieved the grants i was unaware of what to do with it. my daughter got her and we put it in to an account in our bank only to find out a year later it was worth half the price it was the year before. the bank didnt advise us on what to do with it, so when it came to my sons we studdied all the diffrent accounts you could use and what was the best on offer. i would advise any one who is about to set their child up to fully investigate it and check out what suits them best before the decide on any thing
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Jun 2011 by A S Dominic
Good Points: - Ease of account opening
- Online maintenance
Bad Points: - Limited information on underlying funds that the Trust is invested in
Very easy to open account and maintain it online. Handy reminders on how much one can contribute each year to the account. Opportunity to be part of a Family Panel that helps improve the product and website. One of the better sites running a CTF, we have been member since 2008 and no complaints to date. I would highly recommend their services and look forward to opening a Junior ISa with them for our second one. CTf has appreciated well over the last three years but Family Investments would do well to provide more information on the underlying funds that the CTF is invested in
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Jun 2011 by anna
Good Points: lower income families entitled to 250 pounds extra from government
Bad Points: none
cant be touched until children are 18 which is an advantage and means it can be kept quiet until then!
good way for a savings account to be started
and for high interest to be gained from having opened this type of account and is also tax free just like that of an isa savings bank account
there is also unfortunately a fee for changing accounts which is a pain but there isnt a limit on how many tranfers you can make or how many times you want to switch the provider
annual statments help you keep a record of how much is in the savings account
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Jun 2011 by Claire Clements
Good Points: I felt that the literature was easy to look through (very important when juggeling a newborn!) and I found it very easy to understand the information without too much jargon.
Bad Points: I would opted to do £20 pcm to get the Boots Voucher incentive but it would have been helpful (at a time when money is very tight) to have the option to start off with a smaller amount and then increase it when returning to work. I would have been happy to sign something to commit to this.
Overall I am happy that have chosen to invest with Family Investments and look forward to seeing my daughter's investment grow. I felt that as your leaflets were everywhere (in magazines, hospitals, bounty packs etc) you came across as a professional company who I could trust. I knew very little about investments and am pleased that she was born just within the limit to get a voucher from the government. If this had not have been the case, I probably would not have got round to investing until a lot later and although it has been hard to find an extra £20 pcm at the moment, I am sure it will have been worth it in the long run!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Jun 2011 by caron whitlock
Good Points: brilliant investment for the future
Bad Points: None
I found it very simple to sort out my daughters tust fund,I went to my local building society and was taken aside and was spoken to at great lenth about the fund and what it ment, where the money went and how it was used or would be used in the future and what is was for and all about. I happy to know my daughter will have "something" when she is of age. I like that I have, or grandparents,aunts, uncles, ayone have the feedom to add as little or much as they want to the fund. It gives children the initiative to start to think about saving for the future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Jun 2011 by angela lau
Good Points: There is one close to my house.
Bad Points: Does not come with saving books
have to post own cheques to them
Terrible customer service
At first, it seemed to be extremely too very easy. I did not recieve any paper work, so I ended up calling them and WAITING forever in their customer hotline. Worst part of it-it does NOT come with a cheque book. This is something that I really want my child to learn, to write a cheque!!
I tried to visit their branch (because there is one close to me, that WAS THE REASON WHY I opened an account with them in the first place). Other than helping my husband and I with this children's account thing I have with them, they tried to sell me on to something else!!!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Jun 2011 by sarah robertson
Good Points: great investment in my childs trust fund
Bad Points: nothing
after a great deal of searching through all the different information i could find to do with the child trust fund i finally settled on the ethical child trust. this seems like a good choice for my child because of the sensitivity towards the companies which the Ethical Child Trust fund choose to invest my son's money in. i set the account up on the internet and all i had to do from then was to post the cheque along. i was also able to set up a small direct debit into this account so that it would grow year on year, so hopefully one day he will have a few pounds to spend as he chooses. all in all i can't find any downsides to this account only good. lets see how it performs now and the review may well change!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Jun 2011 by melissa kimpton
Good Points: the staff are friendly,
You can view your account online.
Bad Points: you dont get regular statements,
its not a bank you can only deal with them online or over the phone.
my sons Child Trust Fund was with abbey bank it then got transfered to family investments trust fund i didnt know much about them at the time. it's good in the way that you can view your account online but if you dont have access to internet or phone this can be a nightmare as you dont get regular statements. the staff are very friendly whenever i ring up, and its easy to change your details with them if you move and stuff, i think they could be better with the way they send statements and stuff but i would recommend it to other people.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Jun 2011 by becky
Good Points: easy to use, contact you about info, help you set it up.
Bad Points: None
I found that it was simple and easy to set up, great advice and tips with a list of banks to choose from.
Monthly updates on how it is going for my child from phonecalls to letters.
Staff really friendly and helpful if have any queries.
Monthly statements etc
I would definately recommend to any one out there who is thinking about setting one of these up for their children. Obviously look in to all the information first and decide what is best for you, but this is what is best for my child and me.
Hope you find what you need to ..
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Jun 2011 by Amy Lowe
Good Points: Great saving plans
You know where you stand with your money!!
Fantastic!
Bad Points: ---
I am very glad i opened a child trust fund for my daughter, it gives me peace of mind that when she turns 18, there will be money to kick start her future!
I have found you can be flexible with it also. You can put in as little or how much as you'd like which is very helpful.
I opened the account with a little hesistation, but when i received my yearly statement, i was pleased to see how much money was already saved. My parents did one for me and i am glad they did! Thank you!!
Extremely pleased parent!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Jun 2011 by sharon ansell
Good Points: good start for saving for my child
to be honest with you - free money
Bad Points: To be totally honest with you, there were no bad points of my experience with the child trust fund.
I was advised about the child trust fund and when I wasnt sure where to invest it I spoke to a number of different banks that will accept the voucher and found Brittania to be the best. It was easy to open the account and pay the cheque in, and the staff were really happy to help. Since investing the money I have numerous updates on how much interest we have made. I think there are so many different options to new parents and Britannia were definately the best option for my investment. To be totally honest with you I feel sorry for new parents that arent going to get as much as we did. But free money cannot be too bad.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Jun 2011 by Stacey
Good Points: Every question i had was followed by a prompt and friendly response.
Bad Points: The whole process is rather hard for me to grasp.
My partner had one of these for her daughter. In times where money is hard to come by and computers answer phones, this gives us a greatly secured feeling. The staff has always been friendly to either of us when we've called with questions or concerns. We are able to talk to a real human being who could take the time to explain what we were signing up for. i would recomend this to anyone who wants to leave a little something behind for thier true treausures to utalize. i know our daughter will appreciate this gift and hope that i can do this agsin for any future children we may have.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Jun 2011 by Robert Hockey
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
It was very and easy to find all the information that you need on the website and it is written in a very easy and simple manner to read. To sign up is also very simple, just by entering the voucher number, your details and childs details your done without a long list of pointless questions. Within minutes the account was setup all over the internet without the need for posting forms or endless phone calls. Also once you have set up its very easy to log back on to the website and see details of the account, manage it and add funds to it as and when you wish to.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Jun 2011 by samina chumber
Good Points: i get information every six months on my account progress.
Bad Points: i do not get enough information explaining the account or switch over of my childrens account
i think the idea of an account for children to have funds when they become 18years old is a brilliant idea. as i am a single mother of two boys i am unable to save as much as i would like for my sons therefore it is a brilliant idea to save slowly and be unable to touch the money myself, no matter how tough things get for me. it is just a comfort to know my children will haVE ENOUGH money for college or even university. i wish i had an account or an oppertunity to do the same but am very grateful that my sons will get to get further in things they love
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 03 Jun 2011 by Marissa King
Good Points: Easy to register for my daughter's trust fund. staff are very friendly and helpful to talk to on the phone and are efficient when i have a query.
Bad Points: None
I am very happy with my choice to register with Family investments for my daughter's child trust fund. Family investments was recommended to me by family members who also have registered their childrens' ctfs. Also, since working for the Post Office it has been part of what my job entails to know what the company is about and recommend Family investments to customers as the Post Office's CTF is done through this provider. I also think the staff couldn't be any friendlier or more helpful when i have had the odd enquiry. The fact that i can check the account online is also very helpful, can't get that service anywhere else as far as im aware.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Jun 2011 by Jodie Gittins
Good Points: It was so simple to complete, the staff were very friendly and the information which was sent to me was very informative and up to date. The turn around time was fantastic.
Bad Points: The staff contact lacks face to face interaction and is alot of form filling.
I think the process (speed, quality) was fantastic and the information is very good. The customer experience is phenomenal and I would definately go down the same path if I were to have another child. The child trust fund is the last thing you think about as a new mother and the ease that you experience makes it one less worry off your mind. The only thing that I found was that the gifts which were raved about before were lacking in every organisation, not that this matters at all, but I remember the companies offering alot of competitive gifts before.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Jun 2011 by James Benafield
Good Points: Brilliant customer service.
Bad Points: Havent come across any yet.
I opened up a family investment trust fund for my nephew who is almost 7 years old. I opened this up almost 5 years ago and have had no problems with the service I have received. I am always comforted by being able to contact customer service for their support and advice should I have any queries or problems. To date I have had no problems using them and would recommend them to anyone wishing to set up a trust fund for their child or family relative. My little nephew will be one lucky man when he can use it!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Jun 2011 by clair ryan
Good Points: easy to set up - good breakdown to statements.
Bad Points: Such low interest rates make growth very slow!
Opening this account was pretty straight forward. I decided to take a slight risk and opt for the shares option as the interest rates at the moment are so low for all accounts. So far our investment has increased ( not massively - but more so than if we had opted for a std interest account) and more importantly has not lost us any money. I am pleased with the way I am sent statements which breaks down in an easy to read format what has happened since the last statement with my childs money. Overall I am very pleased with this.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Jun 2011 by Danielle O'Neill
Good Points: The forms were easy to fill out
Bad Points: There were few options on which type of account I could set up
I set up my sons Child Trust Fund account with the Halifax. I found it quite easy to fill out the forms and set up the account however I was really rather annoyed when I discovered that the only option of accounts I could choose was a stockholders account - and it did not state which stock in particular. I was very frustrated when I recieved a letter about the account balance as it showed that some of my sons original £250 had been lost and tried to have his account changed but have not yet found a suitable replacement. i do not wish for my sons money to be gone before he is old enough to make use of it and so I am still searching for a new account for him. I would not recommend the Halifax to anyone.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Jun 2011 by Aykea
Good Points: I think that the most best and well presented point with opening this account, was that it was easy to use, safe, useful, and was opened up vey quickly.
Bad Points: I didnt think there were any bad points about it at all.
Firstly i'd like to say thankyou for this website for sharing the reviews of other customers, its helped me very much. The Account for my child was very very easy to open, and the staff who helped me to open it were very friendly, so the preocess was very fast and quick. When the account was fully open and money was able to go into it, there were very fast transactions, and we were able to put large amonunts of money in. Everything went smoothly, the account is very easy to use, and will be a great help to my child in the future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Jun 2011 by Oliver Hillier
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
the child trust fund is a really well thought out scheme and deserves an award of it own. I love the website too, its colourful, child friendly, easy to use and the information is very very useful. i havent seen another website so detailed and thorough. well thougt out people, well thougt out. well done. im just rambling on now to get a free gidt because im looking for work and have been for a few months now. everywhere looks for experience but i dont have any :( i was also wondering if you could please help me with getting a job. thank you.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Jun 2011 by marisa
Good Points: makes you save a liittle for your loved one, it guves you a push start
Bad Points: none
i think it was a great idea to come up with and it gets you started to save up for the little ones. also when the relatives and friends and family run out of ideas for birhday and christmas presents they often give money, so the parents have somewhere to save up for there children, a little nest egg for them. for waht ever reason a computer or a game console or when they get older driving lesson and a car. maybe help them with there careers with further education. or a holiday to treat the parents for a thank you!!!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Jun 2011 by Christie-Leigh Chater
Good Points: Staff were extremely friendly, and it was easily accesible.
Bad Points: Slightly complicated to get your head round which company to choose.
Finding the right place to set up the trust fund was extremley difficult, see as policies keep changing. Obviously having a small baby doesn't leave with much time to shop around, especailly when you want to secure they're future straightaway. Finding one with an online application was great and simple, and makes it easy to keep a track on. I'd definatley reccomend this to other people, and urge other young parents such as my self to help your childrens future now. Due to the current climate returns and intrests are great, but it'll be worth it in the long run.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Jun 2011 by becki
Good Points: i think the good points are that u can have a future for your kids if u invest in them! this way when the future comes theres money in the bank.
Bad Points: payments could be expensive every month
This is a good way to invest in your childs future this way when yout child wants to go to univeristy or college theres money in the bank no worry of getting it out there should be a age limit on it so that no money can be transferred or moved and so that it all stays there also the intrest over years would be great this is a really good way to in vest in your childs future if we all done this we wouldnt have to be paniking when are children are older and need cash its a very good investment.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Jun 2011 by
Good Points: i think the good points are that u can have a future for your kids if u invest in them! this way when the future comes theres money in the bank.
Bad Points: payments could be expensive every month
This is a good way to invest in your childs future this way when yout child wants to go to univeristy or college theres money in the bank no worry of getting it out there should be a age limit on it so that no money can be transferred or moved and so that it all stays there also the intrest over years would be great this is a really good way to in vest in your childs future if we all done this we wouldnt have to be paniking when are children are older and need cash its a very good investment.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Jun 2011 by barry hope
Good Points: easy
Bad Points: could be more money
excellent easy peasdy lemon squeezy i found it really easy to do i just walked on in there to my local yorkshire building society that is they sat me down on a nice comfy chsir and ran me thru my options of which there were a few i chose the one i liked that sounded good for my child and they helped me cfill out the forms and then it was all done i was happy that my childs money was safe for her for when she was older so overall i would count this as a good easy experience.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Jun 2011 by Monika Lagova
Good Points: Great start for your children when they'll need it most.
Bad Points: you have to pay it yourself :)
The best thing about opening Child Trust Fund was that they gave me high street vouchers if I started to save £10 a month or more. I got £40 worth of Boots vouchers and used them to get all the stuff I needed for my new baby (nappies, wipes, cream etc). As I lost my job very short after having baby, I had to cancel the direct debit but I never had to return the vouchers, I'm looking forward to day I can renew the direct debit again and start saving as I think this is very useful and shows your child that you did care. Thanks guys
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by michelle mclaughlin
Good Points: Easy to understand, and great explanation about how it works. No usual jargon, just basic facts giving you all the information you need in a simple and easy to understand manner
Bad Points: i really cant think of any to be honest. thought this was great
I found this product to be the best that i researched by far. it had simple concise informative booklets that told the consumer exactly what they need to hear. i found there to be very little confusing jargon which i thought was great as in other products from different companies is what put me off. i had found other literature quite patronising and i was glad to find a product that sounded fair to me and my partner that would meet the neeeds of both us and our children for whom this product is for. i really cant reccomend this product enough. it is definitly worth the research
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by stacey wroe
Good Points: can money in anytime i want.
Bad Points: if others want to put in they have to give me the cash first.
when i had my son we did alot of shopping around to find the best child trust fund, we went from bank to bank for different appointments and even then we were confused, in the end we went on which one we thought best. we were told that anyone the family could put money in but since have found out that only i can deposit cash in to the account as i am a signiture holder on the account, if we had known this we would have chosen a different fund for my son, but at aleast he can have his cash at 18 and thats all that counts.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by Jordan Oudart
Good Points: user friendly, no nonsense approach.
Bad Points: none.
Hello everybody, just a few words about this service we signed up for. I just wanted to say that I was very pleased with the service we received, I thought it was brilliant. We were looking to make an investment for our daughter and I think we found exactly the right one, the service is fantastic, and their user friendly, no nonsense approach exactly what we needed. The quality of the information received was second to none. I would absolutely recommend that product to anybody, and I am not just writing this to get a free Mr Men plaster kit, I mean it!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by David Childs
Good Points: Telephone enquiries very easy, professional and helpful.
Website easy to navigate
Bad Points: Paying money in to account is through one parent is very easy but not both.
A good product website up to date with expectations on maturity of your child and their savings.
Helpful and friendly staff on phone.
Easy to check amount added each birth year.
Email reminders good to top up accounts at birthday, and christmas time.
Password and security sufficient and not over the top like some systems now online.
I wish my eldest daughter qualified for the savings bond backed by the governement I beleive it is a good system that encourages saving from the start rather than waiting till you have time to do so.
If expensive for government to manage.
Overall I'd recommend to others.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by jane smith
Good Points: its a friewndly service when it wants to, its very easy to use also comes with many brouchures to provide information.
Bad Points: its not very friendly at first
its a friewndly service when it wants to, its very easy to use also comes with many brouchures to provide information. but when you are wanting to complain they are not very helpful. i love that i can put any money oin at any time at all I also like that any of my family can put money in there for my children, but that also means anyone can put money in there for my chikldren but also take it out. Also chocolate is the best as it helps soothes my children. love it ! ! ! ! thanks you
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by Bernadette O Malley
Good Points: £25 voucher for Boots
£35 cashback through Quidco
Choice of Ethical Account
Choice for Paper free service
Easy online access to account
Nice website
Bad Points: I have not yet come across any
I opened this account through quidco and not only got £35 cashback I also got £25 voucher for Boots for paying a direct debit of more than £20 into the account. It was really easy to open online and you have the choice of going paperfree with the statements which I prefer. The website is nice and bright and the online application is easy to fill out and to follow with the added benefit of benig able to set up the direct debit into the account straight away when opening the account is always a plus and one job made easier and quicker.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by Amy
Good Points: easy and fast to do!
Bad Points: no bad points really
all good except the amout has gone down since having my 2nd child and i find it bad as my oldest will have more thank the youngest! sef edsfwe feeawf efeeaw wf se aefsef ewfdw effdwa fsdsa few se wqe efefa f qa edd qad w qwe d qwe f ea f k jik hi ji ihj ik j k ik jioh iih oh ih ij io h ih li h h ilj oij oij ij i h i hihih ihihi ihijm ,mo jk ni nk,ji 'lllik hi hh ihhhuggu iu h hh h h hj j j sad fe
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by Hywel Lloyd
Good Points: Regular updates on the performance of the child trust fund
Bad Points: None Really
Excellent company to deal with which has a very good reputation and comes highly recommended by independent financial advisors.
I have two of these trust funds set up for my daughters which were originally set up with Abbey and then transferred across to Family Investments.
I am regularly kept informed of the performance of the fund and receive regular correspondence both through the post and via e-mail. The funds themselves also seen to be performing well as have other financial products that I have had with Family Investments in the past. All in all I would highly recommend this company for your child's trust fund.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by Gavin White
Good Points: We have ours invested with Asda,they give yearly updates on how the fund is progressing & how much it will be worth on maturity
Bad Points: Not earning enough!
We have our childs trust fund invested with Asda & get yearly updates on how it is performing.It was a safe investment & one we could trust,although the yield is'nt as much as what we could have got.We can also add our own investments to the fund along with friends & family who want to contribute,with a simple form from Asda,whenever & to the amount of choice.It also gives you an estimation of the childs fund at maturity which is handy if you want to plan on how to use the fund on maturing.All in all were quite happy with it.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by christina littleson
Good Points: good start for me to start saving for my child and good encouragement to start saving for my child
Bad Points: staff at nationwide weren't too friendly or helpful
I think child trust fund are a great encouragement and a great start for saving for your childs future. I have put money in every month for the past 7 years and hope it will be a good future start for my child. I also hope it will encourage my child to continue saving in the future. I think banking staff could be a bit more helpful and informative and could have been a bit more friendly. In general I think this is a really good idea. I have heard that the goverment is getting rid of the child trust fund and this would be a bad idea.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by Simona Stjopockina
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I just wanted to say that this is a wonderfull organization and it is doing a very important job.
Children are oure future and we need to give them the best. Everything we can give them and learn them they will be able to give and teach there own children. We need too think about their future today, becouse tomorow is gonna be here so soon and we are not gonna even notice it. If we all start thinking about it as soon as we know there is gonna be a nother person in our family we will not have to worry in 15 years about what to do if we do not have anything at the moment.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by Jess
Good Points: It was very easy to use and the staff explained everything to me very well as i didnt understand what to do at first.
Bad Points: One time i rang up to ask about something but one of the staff members was extra rude and i was on hold for around 50 minutes, however, every other staff memeber i have spoken to was lovely .
Overall they were very good and i would use this service again, when i went to set up this account for my children i didnt know how to do it or if it would work well but after lots of help from the staff at the banking societies i can say tha i managed to set it up very easily and have been putting money into my childs trust fund regularly for a while now. I am very happy an would definately choose this in the future. The only mishap we had was the rude member of staff but everything outweighed that.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by job handley
Good Points: very informative and easy to understand and encourages starting a fund
Bad Points: overall good
i feel that this is a fantastic site with very knowledgable staff. it also provides brilliant advice ang guidance to those thinking of setting up a fund of any kind. i shall be looking to set up a fund for my children soon and feel that this site is probably the one for ma and i shall also be recommending it to friends too. not only does it offer offer great deals and service it also provides you with a very sophisticated method in which to do so. i went fishing 3 times last week,once in the rain and once in the sunshine and i thoroughly enjoyed it
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by sam
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
i think the childrens trust fund is good becaus i helps raise money for te cildren in need that could be ill or badly injured or have some sort of disease an terefore we can elp raise money towards helping the cildren , the staff are very friendly towards te children and everyone else and the have alot of information.i think the childrens trust fund is good becaus i helps raise money for te cildren in need that could be ill or badly injured or have some sort of disease an terefore we can elp raise money towards helping the cildren , the staff are very friendly towards te children and everyone else and the have alot of information.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 May 2011 by Mark Wheeler
Good Points: great rates, easy service to use.
Bad Points: staff niether friendly or rude. information on changes could be alot better.
we find it really easy to put money into this type of investment and see great results after only a few years. its really enjoyable to see this is working out for the best interests of our child. you dont get as much information as we would like on changes to investments that will affect our account with the company and the staff are just normal they dont seem to be friendly or rude, which dont really make you feel over joyed at the prospect of what you are investing into. overall would recommend this to other family and friends.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by claire barker
Good Points: The account is easy to use and can be added to at any time.
Bad Points: Havent found any yet.
It is easy for the family to invest money for your child this way. You are able to add in extra money and it is also earning interest. The account was easy to set up and no hassle to keep on top of. Would definately recommend it, the child trust fund is great and should definately be utilised for each child as it will help with their future and if it isnt put in an account it will go to waste. it cannot be removed which until the child reaches eighteen years of age which is great so they have a good start in adult life.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by rachel mander-mcgregor
Good Points: none
Bad Points: everything they are not helpful or good at answering questions which i asked as i never understood anything its all confusing
everything is confusing they are not helpful do not explaine things at all in any way when asked on the phone they do not answer the questions as i did not understand any of what was said to me at all in any way also they dismiss the questions asked no matter what i asked them they always try and avoid what is said and go on and on also the time waiting on the phone just to get threw to somone is rediculus and using a mobile eats away at my credit not happy at all with anything and would never bother with them ever again a waste of goverment spending
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by karen simpson
Good Points: is easy to arrange and gives peace of mind that u get a statememt every yr to see how its gettin on i'l defo do it for my unborn child as a gd start in their life
Bad Points: none
is a very good thing to do for your child is easy to arrange and u can pay in small amounts which all birth day money ect can be paid into
will build up to a decent size nest egg for to give them a good start in life i like that you get a statement every year so you can see how the account is getting on
its amazing how little amounts of money help to acculmilate a large amount of money that cant be touched till shes 18 and will help her get a car or help in uiversesty or a deposit on a house its a shame the goverment wnt b doing this any more but i will defo b openin one for my next child
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by Claire Hobday
Good Points: A good way to save money for your children that can't be taken out until they are 18.
Bad Points: Minimum of £10 a month.
Can only pay in by chq via the post or DD
Opening up the account was easy enough although I couldn't do this in the bank I had to fill in the form and post it. The only negatives are that you have to put a mimimum of £10 a month in which if you have more than one child might be too much for some people. I also wanted an account that I could put money into if someone gave money to us (i.e a small amount of pocket money or birthday money). Also you can't just pay money in over the counter you have to send a cheque and as not many people give you cheques these days it seems like a lot of hassle so I am also looking to open another savings account that you can pay into over the counter.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by tracy titchener
Good Points: very easy to get hold of and update you with emails
Bad Points: i forgot my password to log in and i couldnt request one online i had to go through the process of phoning them up and giving my details for them to send me a new password
when i first signed up i was sent a big info booklet with everything i needed including contact numbers to call them and they have sent me updates every year since, they also sent me little cards so that if family or friends wanted to top up my daughters trust fun they had all the info on the card to keep to log online and add funds. Also if you give them your email address they will send you statments via email which is easier then loosing paper at home, i would recommend the company to anyone thinking of using them, also its very easy to add payments to the trust fund.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by ashley curtis
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
genially a brilliant product with a great edge, brilliant information and very easy to learn how to use and happy to use over again. a trust fund is something im very interested in starting to save for my daughter who is due in august so would be great to set something like this up for her. what else should i write im not even sure what to write in the first place m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m
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Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by wayne broon
Good Points: it saves for the future
Bad Points: i cant find any
i would just like to say i think it is a great little investment for the future and gives you piece of mind that your chiid has money when they are older i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i ii i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i ii i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by Laura Jeffers
Good Points: Absolutely Excellent
Good Way to Save For the future
Bad Points: None
Excellent Service from the customer service team, brilliant way to save towards your childrens future for university or a car or anything else you could think of. As the uni fees have gone up i decided to open up an account for my child. The amount i have saved is amazing as i have decided to put in £15 a week. You could also put christmas and birthday money in as when they are young it tends to get spent on things that children dont need or wont really play with. I personally think it is an amazing way to save and think everyone should get one for each of there children!!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by Jade
Good Points: It was good they gave me all the appropriate information i needed.
Bad Points: It wasnt that easy to use and it confused me
I think doing a trust fund was a good idea but it really was difficult to use and it was rather confusing to figure out but i got there in the end. I thought the staff there were very friendly which was useful as the information was rather confusing and they helped a lot. Overall the trust fund i thought was a good idea and i am very glad i done it. I really think if you are going to set up a trust fund then to do it with these people, the staff are lovely there and i would recommend them.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by kaylei wilyd
Good Points: staff were so kind whilst opening the trust fund and i found great reviews on my egg nest.com
Bad Points: none as of today
i wanted an easy way to save for my childrens future and found this the easiest way. every month i put as much as i want in to my daughters trust fund. It was easy to set up and easy to put money in especcially with being a young mother. i had alot of advice of my egg nest.com and found it alot more easier to make my decision once i had read all about it on here, im very happy with the survice i recieved and have piece of mind knowing my daughters money is safe in a trust fund until she is old enough to reciece the money.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by danielle cous
Good Points: friendly staff easy to get in touch with
Bad Points: not very good interest rate
i have had no problems with this bank my little girl is nearly 5 so i have had it a long time and had no problems. only problem i do have is they dont send you letters very often which i would prefer if they sent them monthly. apart from thati am very happy with them. my little girl isnt allowed it ou till she at least 18 but i would prefer that she had it when she was 21, then she wouldnt spend it all on rubbbish. i would prefer a better interest rate also but nowits in i cant move it to another
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 May 2011 by Marianne Pope
Good Points: Protecting the money for the future.
Bad Points: A lot of bureaucracy.
This was opened with donations from the grandparents and other family members under the stipulations that the money would only become available on completion of the child's full time education. It is also to be put towards the paying off of student debts and costs incurred for education.
Knowing that the money is there for the future gives peace of mind, but the bureaucracy is complicated. Due to the requirements set upon the account it can not be dealt with by the child until they finish they're education even if they are in their 20's or 30's when they do. This means that someone else must take responsibility for it until then.
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Reviewed on 29 May 2011 by Jordan
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Bad Points: ghjggj hgjn
i found that it was a very good investment and i would recommend this to anyone this is very useful for later life to pass on sdfhjf nsfhjd fm jdf g nfbng fjh h h ghbn bn h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h njghn vbc bh hbfn cnbvhf ncx vhfvmxc vhjcvudvmcbvjfv ghfvn fnhb cvjkvnm jh h h h h h h h jhk jhjkbjg y jk hjhy j nh gjh njk h kl mm fklj vjh jdf mh bchg fhgj nfnmvbg hbjbn jb m j nn b dfjb jgn m fjn m ngj gmb vf jh gnj
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 May 2011 by Mariam Sadeghi
Good Points: Its a good investment for my daughter's future.
Bad Points: No information. No book.
I was given next to no information about the account or how it works. All I received was an account number. Since I opened it two years ago I received no extra statements. It would have been nice to receive a book or some way to be able to follow it up.
I also wish there was a way to choose a risk free option. The way it is now there is no assurance that she will have any investment in the future. It would also be good if I could have access to the fund or at least be able to choose where to buy shares from.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 May 2011 by Kathryne Lakin
Good Points: Clear information
Bad Points: Contact time to speak to an advisor
The chids trust fund is an easy way to save for the future. With easy direct debit available, the payments are made without having to think about saving.
The regular statement clearly outlines the amount invested to date. The statement clearly outlines the amounts the trust have for interest rates and future projections.
If we want to add extra to the account or if other members of the family want to add to the account, there are simple instructions and guidance on how to achieve this.
It is good to know you are building for your childs future and their security.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 May 2011 by tasha winning
Good Points: good savings account for children
Bad Points: none
Ideal for my daughter following the changes made by the government. Good saving account which pays out when she is 18. Vouchers given on birth and also when she is 7 years of age. You can add additional funds on a monthly basis, £10.00 minimum. Good idea should my daughter want to go to go to university or higher education. This will assist with the fees and also towards her educational material. You can also open an account as a general savings account for children, and are able to cash in at anytime. You also have the abiloty to set the term of payments.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 May 2011 by andrea brown
Good Points: good investment for when my child is older
Bad Points: none
Ideal for my daughter following the changes made by the government. Good saving account which pays out when she is 18. Vouchers given on birth and also when she is 7 years of age. You can add additional funds on a monthly basis, £10.00 minimum. Good idea should my daughter want to go to go to university or higher education. This will assist with the fees and also towards her educational material. You can also open an account as a general savings account for children, and are able to cash in at anytime. You also have the abiloty to set the term of payments.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 May 2011 by Sarah Carpmail
Good Points: The trust fund was very easy to set up, the information was very thorough and gave lots of examples of how your money could grow (or shrink)
Bad Points: Lots to read!
The trust fund was very easy to set up, the information was very thorough and gave lots of examples of how your money could grow (or shrink). The leaflets and information is sent with annual account updates to show the value of the money and forecasts for the future. Sometimes if you don't understand financial jargon it can be a bit heavy reading through the information and understanding what's what can be tricky! The annual statements are easy to understand and have information in about what to do if you have any questions. I would recommend researching as much as possible first!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 May 2011 by Ara
Good Points: The products are very good...it is wasy to go arount the website and llook for the riggh things....The products are very good..there are helpful reviews which give you an idea of the quality. The post comes ion a few weeks which id very good.
Bad Points: None
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wh gh h d h h h h The products are very good...it is wasy to go arount the website and llook for the riggh things....The products are very good..there are helpful reviews which give you an idea of the quality. The post comes ion a few weeks which id very good.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 May 2011 by Clare velosa
Good Points: Really straightforward information, easy to understand. fast to return documents and reply to queries.
Bad Points: none
am very pleased with the service received. i found the process of setting up my childs trust fund very straightforward. the staff were all very pleasant and helpful and gave promt replies to any queries that i had. the speed of replies and returning of documents that i had sent was really good. i think that the company has a very proffesional image and sets out information in a very clear and easy to understand way. i found them very helpful and prompt when updating our address due to a recent house move. I am happy with the investment for my daughter, and look forward to seeing its progress over the years
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 May 2011 by Rachel Stark
Good Points: easy to use
friendly staff
regular infomation
Bad Points: None
I originally open ed my first child trust fund with a building society and when it changed to leeds i was fully informed of the change and what it would mean for the account and i was given it option to move it. All three of my children with the same trust fund. I found the leeds building society very easy to open an account with and the staff was very friendly. A ll i needed to do was take take the voucher with me. On the day i opened it received my passbook and confirmation forms. I still regularly receive regular information with what is happening with the accounts. I would highly recommend this building society.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Michelle Aldridge
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I wasn't at all sure about how to start a trust fund or if there was going to be a good return for my children. I spent ages looking into this and trying to understand the various options available, I optd for the School Teachers Friendly Society in the end and am incredibly happy with my choice.I have to say this is a really great way to save for the kiddies future, you get regular updates to let you know how you're investment is doing and is very easy to add to it when you can/ want to and you can sit back and watch it grow as the kids do :).
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by laura
Good Points: i love the fact my child has always somthing to fall back on
Bad Points: none
As my (electronic) bank manager will tell you, saving has never been one of my strong points. But when you have children you do have to think about the future. The Child Trust Fund helps with that, of course. And someone told me the other day that if you could save just an extra £5 a week for a child, that works out as £260 by the end of the year - and within 10 years that would be £2600, which, let's face it, would come in very handy when they started university, and a fiver isn't much, is it?
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Kirsty King
Good Points: They are very helpfull with everything you ask and are very polite
Bad Points: sometimes seems like ages for them to answer the phone
brilliant, really helpfull and polite with everything and even if you ask stupid questions , they don't laugh or patonise you.
I needed help with entering details onto a form for extra money into my childrens accounts and they were brilliant, telling me exactly what i needed fast and accurate.
they send regular updates and your account and it is always clear and easy to understand.
i know i can trust these people with my childrens money and know that if anything went wrong, it would be sorted straight away with out any fuss or to much hassle.
would reccomend to everyone.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by greg seymour
Good Points: staff were really friendly and helpful. they served us quickly and didn't mind that the little one was making a lot of noise!
Bad Points: not really easy to monitor payments and interest rates on line.
i think that this was one of the best ones for us as there were local branches that we can contact for help however i would have liked a bit more choice when deciding where to invest.
the satff were reallly friendly and we were seen to quickly even though the branch was busy. the interest rate at the time was quite good but i am not so sure that it is that competative now.
it is easy to pay money into this account and were were given some cards that asllow other relatives to aalso deposit money of they should wish to do so,
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Karen Cook
Good Points: RBS CTF fund was easy fund information about and explained in details how it worked
Bad Points: It is not possible to pay in a cheque made out in my child's name or pay in branch
I am fairly happy with the Child Trust Fund with RBS, the information booklet that was sent out was very informative and at the time they offered a discount booklet worth £250 if a direct debit was set up. On receiving the booklet there was really only a maximum of 2 offers that I realistically would have used and these I didn't take advantage of anyway. My major frustration is that I cannot forward a cheque to them that has been made out to my daughter (birthday gift) , instead I have had to open another account to pay this not and then transfer to my account to then raise a cheque payable to RBS. I cannot pay in branch either
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by dawn kirby
Good Points: I found that Family Investments always provided an excellent customer service agents, very friendly and a pleasure to speak to. What i really love about Family Investments are the clear, easy to read and very informative yearly statements. I have three children and I use Family Investmenst for their trust funds as i like the flexibility to add funds whenever I decide, also other family members have their own cards with the details on so they can add money as and when they choose to. Pefect for birthdays, or christmas. I would recommend Family Investments to any of my friends and family, infact I already have done in the past. Excellent Investment.
Bad Points: n.a
I found that Family Investments always provided an excellent customer service agents, very friendly and a pleasure to speak to. What i really love about Family Investments are the clear, easy to read and very informative yearly statements. I have three children and I use Family Investmenst for their trust funds as i like the flexibility to add funds whenever I decide, also other family members have their own cards with the details on so they can add money as and when they choose to. Pefect for birthdays, or christmas. I would recommend Family Investments to any of my friends and family, infact I already have done in the past. Excellent Investment.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Helen Greatorex
Good Points: Was relatively straight forward to set up
Bad Points: They did manage to set up the linked account as one that pays tax as my daughter had only just been born we were not quite sure how they managed to do this??
We decided to set up the Child Trust fund with the Halifax, mainly because at the time they were offering a linked account paying around 10% interest for the first year only. The account was set up quickly and since the account was for one year (it then moved into a savings scheme) we have continued to send money via direct debit on a monthly basis. I must admit the choice of which account was a bit mind blowing to begin with but once narrowed down the other bonus with this scheme was the ability to set it up and check it online.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Emma Bentley
Good Points: Simple to do. Friendly staff.
Bad Points: None.
We made the choice to put all of our three children's Trust Fund vouchers into Nationwide accounts after doing a lot of research at many other organisations. The Nationwide branch staff explained the whole process the easiest and made what could seem a very complicated process, very simple indeed! All the information we needed was explained concisely in a booklet. After filling out the necessary forms in branch we received the account information through the post very promptly. The end of year bonus was very appealing to us and also the fact that we received little cards with the account details on that we could give to family members and friends should they wish to add some funds to their accounts.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Janine Hercock
Good Points: friendly staff on the phone
Long-established business
Family-friendly
Boots vouchers as a thank you
TCM cashback incentive
Bad Points: Can't think of any
Opening my child's trust fund was very easy and I have always found it easy to get in touch with an advisor on the telephone. The £20 Boots vouchers sent as a thank you were a nice bonus too. Every time it is nearing my son's birthday or Christmas I receive an e-mail with details so family and friends can add to it which is useful. Recently the company have joined forces with TCM cashback which means that if you go on this website and shop at any of the hundreds of retailers you can have cashback sent straight into the trust fund.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Cara Quinn
Good Points: Lots of information is available about this Fund.
Automatically paid out.
Automatically set up, even if you don't go ahead and set it up yourself.
Bad Points: Rates and circumstances have changed.
If your first child gets Child Benefit and your subsequent children were born on or after 1 Sep 2002 and 3 Jan 2011 then those subsequent children are entitled to a £250 payment, if not, then it is only a £50 payment.
This is worth setting up as it entitles your child to an amount of money they can't touch until they're eighteenth birthdays. Family and friends can pay into the account, too, as well as parents topping up whatever is in the account.
It is very easy to set up and the government will even set it up for you if you forget to do it yourself - which in my case did happen. If you set up the Trust Fund before the deadline then a £50 top up payment may be made into the account depending on your circumstances so it is worth setting up the account ASAP.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by laura blundell
Good Points: Easy to do, quick
Bad Points: none at present
We got this for Daughter and found it a very good investment. Quick to deliver information and get it up and running. previously used another bank and wasnt too happy as we had to request balance statements they were not just atomatically sent to us. We put any spare money we have at the end of the month into the trust fund and it is suprising how quick the balance builds up. It is a reassuring feeling that we have made a start in saving for our daughters future so she can do the things she wants to. I would recommend anyone to open an account.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Rebecca Sweeney
Good Points: very helpful and friendly
Bad Points: none
if think it's brilliant, I decided to open one so that I can put money by for my child's future, whetehr this be put towards paying for their university fees, putting soe of it towards a first car or if they move out and need help to pay their rent, this money will always be there for them. I have made sure that only I can acssess this account, my children will only be able to acsess it when they are eighteen. I plan on putting money in to this account every month so that my children will benefit from it when they are older.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Shamim Akhtar
Good Points: Family Investments are a established company. This was my 2nd CTF, and FI provided all the information clearly and concisely.
Bad Points: None.
This was the 2nd time I opened a CTF, the first was with a another company. After doing some internet research I came across Family Investments. I contacted them by phone. The member of staff was very polite and helpful and explained everything in detail but in simple language. I even received a £15 Boots voucher for setting up a direct debit which was a added bonus. I have contacted them a number of times since opening it and each and everytime they are been polite and helpful. It is easy to contact them too which was an important point for me. I can also manage my account online.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by karen
Good Points: people friendly on phone and communicated well what was the options
Bad Points: not kept up to date enough ie whats in account how interest is would be nice maybe to be sent in post this information a month prior to each birthday as a reminder
generally good cannot fault information i recieved in post about scheme before i joined but should be more regular afterwards. then its a reminder of what can be put into account i would advise all parents to put savings in for their children. i wish more was given for child ie maybe when they are 4 years old ie a payment of 200 pounds to help child for the future as cannot always afford to put money in or some sort of scheme whereby you help environment local schools etc to gain points for cash for account maybe. hopefully this is an idea for the future
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 May 2011 by Nasima Aktar
Good Points: Great company - - well known.
Clearly explain the different type of bond account.
Help set up quick and easily.
Offered me a £10 gift voucher for setting up £10 standing order.
Bad Points: None
Family Investment is a great company -- they were really helpful, explaining to me how the account will work and helped me to understand the different between stock, share and save account.
I am happy with the service I recieved with them. The explained to me the advantage of setting up a standing order and gave me differerent examples of how much money I could have saved up if I put a certain amount in - very convincing when you think about it in the long run. They have even given me a boots voucher for setting up £10 standing order. I would definitely think about going with them when I have my second child. They give their information clearly and are well known and trust worthy.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Kelly Morton
Good Points: Good information Pack at the start and the cards are handy for when family want to give the kids money instead of presents.
Bad Points: None so far.
I found this very easy to apply for. I was sent an information pack detailing all aspects of their account. Every year just before my 2 childrens birthdays I am sent an account update which shows all the details for the year including start balance and end balance. I also recieve a sheet of cards that state all the account information that I can then give to any family members that want to give them money instead of presents for their birthdays. All in all the accounts have proved easy and hassle free and I have no complaints. Although this website seems to be providing more trouble!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Gemma Austin
Good Points: Gives our children a helping start to start saving for their future as every little help.
Bad Points: The only bad point is how it has now been abolished.
The child trust fund was an excellent program run by the goverment. I was very lucky that my daughter was born just before the new year and managed to recieve her £50 voucher. I have since opened an account for my daughter with Halifax. It is a children's regular savers account with an interest rate of 6%. You can top it up by £10 to £100 per month. Its great just to have the voucher from child trust fund just to start it off. It is also brilliant how they can not withdraw the funds until they are 18 as this money will give them a start in university or buying a car.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Anna M Hibbert
Good Points: Really friendly and great use of initiative.
Bad Points: N/A.
The company is really friendly and never seem to be aggresive like others can be on the phone. Really nice to speak to an actual person not an automated one when on the phone to the company. I would recommend this company to my family and friends. If at any time you have a question in which you are not sure of the answer, they are always happy to help. If it is savings that you need for your children or any other children I would definately recommened them and never a bad word about them when it comes to customer satisfaction.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Gemma Provis
Good Points: Just simple and easy to use.
Bad Points: None
This is a great way for use to save for you little girl. We use the Direct Debit each month, but more than that the cards we recieved to pass on to other are fab. It means that our little girl can recived money gifts from friends and family. Taking the pressure off thank you letters for gift that go unused. By doing this please giving the gift of money know that when our little girl is older they are helping her towards a better start when she needs it and it's not going on another toy that she will soon lose interest in!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by julie ann rafferty
Good Points: great way to invest in your childs future,as you cannot touch the money untill your child is 21,
Bad Points: that you could lose money,but you could gain to .
good idea for your childs future,but the only bad thing is if you go in shares you loose some of the money you put into the account,but you or your child cannot touch the money untill he,she is 21 years old,i think every parent should have a child trust fund for their child it is a good investment for your child future and the staff are really friendly and will send you all the advise you will need ,you get statements every 3 months to let you now everything thats going on in the account,i would advise you to open a child trust fund if you have a child
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by laura kennaway
Good Points: Easy enough to use
Information given is what's needed, and is easy to understand.
Bad Points: Nothing
I would recommend this to a friend. When you call, you don't have to wait for a long time in the queue, there are not a lot of menu options to direct you to the 'correct department (like a lot of call centres, which I find very frustrating), and the people who anwer the calls are polite, knowledgeable and professional. Correspondence received through the post is regular, relevant and easy to understand. I feel confident that my childrens' trust funds are being looked after well, and I would not hesitate to take out more products in the future. to take out more products in the future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Deb Alexander
Good Points: Easy to set up.
Bad Points: None
Opened a Child Trust Fund or (CTF) for my eldest son when he was born and are very pleased with the results so far, To start with we wearnt sure which one to go for but in the end we went for the one conected to the stock market and have been pleasantly surprised! Staff were very helpful with my endless questions! Also your family can top up the account which I think is a very good idea and can only be good for when they get older. I would highly recommend this product for anyone one with children!! I like everything about it and wouldn't be without it now or the yearly reviews which are good.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Paul Green
Good Points: Kept informed as to how the fund is doing on a regular basis.
Bad Points: There are none.
It was a simple fund which is easy to follow and add more payments to from family members. It gives our son the possibilities of reaching 18 and having a nice starting sum in the bank with which he can use to start himself off in life, which is something neither one of us had.
He will be able to either use it to help towards his education, or be able to put a deposit down on a house or go travelling. He will get as much advise as he needs from both us and the fund on how to use the money or reinvest.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by oredola balogun
Good Points: it is very easy to open a child trust fund with egg.com.
Their forms are very explanatory, knowledgeable and easy to understand.
Bad Points: The interest rate is not fantastic but it is competitive and variable with the index rates in england.
The trust fund is considerably good for opening a child fund and is still a safe investment for the child particularly nowadays when most banks are closing up.
Egg child trust fund have good customer service officers who are enthusiastic, friendly, knowledgeable and are always keen to help all customers.
The interest rate is competitive compared to other banks and you can top up the account anytime as it is internet based and security is very secured.
i have introduced my friends and families to the various trust funds, junior isas, savings account and the feedback i have received back has been positive.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by zoe
Good Points: updated regular
regular statements
free gift for additianal savers
Bad Points: i cant think of any
when my first son tyler was born we wanted to give him the best start in life so we decided to shop around to chose a trust fund invester to start his savings. we decided that lloyds tsb suited us the best you get regular statements and you can chose any amount you want to put in each month by direct debit, so it makes it hassel free. they also send you slips so that family members can also add to your childs trust fund easily, they also get a £20 gift voucher from lloyds as a thank you for there contribution. i highley recommend lloyds tsb.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Alexandra Dickson
Good Points: This is so easy to use. there are no withdrawals allowed so i can put money away every month on direct debit and not have to worry that it will be taken out in any way. an excellent way to save until your child is 18.
Bad Points: none
This is so easy to use. there are no withdrawals allowed so i can put money away every month on direct debit and not have to worry that it will be taken out in any way. an excellent way to save until your child is 18. i have found that the cash trusts funds are better as they dont rely on shares so they will never lose money. they may not pay as much as the stakeholder trust funds but are you willing to gamble with hard earned money that you have set aside for your childs future. This is only my opinioon though
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Ash Ahmed
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I have found that since I have set up a Family Investments Child Trust Fund this has provided me with some ease in relation to my two children's future.
Firstly, setting up the Family Investments Child Trust Fund is very easy and I found the application to be one of the most simplest from other providers out in the open market offering a similar product.
Secondly, the ease of setting up a monthly direct debit provides with the unnecessary hassle of having to make payments to the account when these can be done from my account each month on a date when I know funds shall be available and thus cleared.
I would thus recommend this product to those interested in investing for their children's future as I sure believe in the product and the benefits it offers.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Ash Ahmed
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I have found that since I have set up a Family Investments Child Trust Fund this has provided me with some ease in relation to my two children's future.
Firstly, setting up the Family Investments Child Trust Fund is very easy and I found the application to be one of the most simplest from other providers out in the open market offering a similar product.
Secondly, the ease of setting up a monthly direct debit provides with the unnecessary hassle of having to make payments to the account when these can be done from my account each month on a date when I know funds shall be available and thus cleared.
I would thus recommend this product to those interested in investing for their children's future as I sure believe in the product and the benefits it offers.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Jane Chapman
Good Points: Lots as per general comments.
Bad Points: Can't think of any.
The information was very clear and precise, easy to read and straight forward. The staff were very friendly both on the phone and by e-mail. Their rates of interest seem to be good too and I know I can put more into the account myself but they don't pester me to do this. My daughter is 5 now but I think I received the information in one of my Bounty packs or perhaps it came direct I can't quite remember but decided this was the best place for my daughters Child Trust Fund money, I don't think there were many other options available at the time anyway.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Sarah Callaghan
Good Points: - Quick and simple
- Friendly Staff
- Proffesional
Bad Points: I have no complaints about this service.
All in all, the customer service was very satisfying, staff were eager to help and went to great lengths to ensure I had the information I required. It took very little time for me to get the information I needed, something very important to parents who are always in a rush! Staff were also friendly, polite and when issued with a small complaint handled it professionally and to a standard which is admirable. I think the quality was brilliant, very professional and easy to use. I would praise it to anyone who enquired and rate it highly.I have no complaints about this service.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Kirsty Ward
Good Points: Quite easy to use, Good information, staff are really friendly.
Bad Points: There are not many mainly that it could be a little bit easier to use.
I opened a Child Trust fund for my nephew and we have all been depositing money in there for him, its great because you get little cards to give to your family and friends and they can deposit money at any time. We use it mainly for birthdays, christmas and easter but we also put the occasional 'pocket money' in there for him. The good thing about trust funds is that the child cannot spend the money until they are old enough and responsible enough to use it properly. My nephew is going to have a great start in life because we have done this and I feel privaliged knowing i, amongst others, have been a big part in making that happen. Brilliant idea!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by miss kirsty sellars
Good Points: easy to use
friendly
Bad Points: none that i found
It was easy to use and you received little wallet or purse sized cards to pass to grandparents ect showing your childs fund details so if they ever wanted to contribuite to your childs savings by either setting up a monthly or weekly payment or a one off payment it could be easily done.
i also found it easy to change to amount of money i put into my sons account so i could cut back during the hard times and top it up a little more when we had a little spare cash.
i would easily recommend using this trust fund for your child.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Amandeep
Good Points: Excellent literature provided. Colourful and easy to read. Very easy to apply for this account.
Bad Points: No incentives compared to other child trust fund Investors who send free magnets etc.
I found it really easy to set up an account online. The website was very user-friendly and the information pack I received in the post was easy to understand. I receive regular yearly statements and email newsletters from the investor.
I chose to go with them because their branding was very warm, bold and colourful.
I have rang the company a few times and it is always easy to get through. The staff are very helpful and friendly. I am considering setting up a direct debit.
I received some vouchers in the post for joining, which is an excellent incentive
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by michelle williams
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
It was an easy account to open for my son. Although i did not meet any of the staff face to face, they were always there on the phone. They were always happy and cheerful and williang to help with any queries that i had. Before i opened this account i knew nothing about child trust funds, even though i already have one open elsewhere for my eldest son. they explained everything to me that i need to no about what happens to the money once its paid in and how it is carefully watched with a keen eye to make sure it is not lost.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Christopher Taktak
Good Points: Nice staff
Good Website
Bad Points: Bad opening hours
Nice, not the best though I would personally choose another company as this company just werent enough for me and my family to feel satisfied with and feel comfortable with. Overall good experience with some bad points , but maybe just not enough for the typical family , woman , husband , and their needs. The child trust fund were good and i enjoyed my time with them whilst i had it, hope to see them again and do some fundraising for them like a bake sale or so. So enjoy the Childs Trust fund and I hope this review helps!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by zara whatcott
Good Points: ease of use - is safe i know where i am with my little ones trust fund.
Bad Points: Nothing
I was a bit apprehensive of having and using my childrens child trust fund vouchers - we werent entirely sure whether to save or invest for them, then having chosen to save we are completely happy that we will know where we are with our little ones money/savings that we may add to this, as we are hoping they will want to go to university.
Plus as we have now 2 children it was easy to make the same decision with our second childs trust fund voucher.
I/we would recommend using this service for anyone wanting to save their childs trust fund and add to it over the years or until the child is old enough to accept the money.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by andrea
Good Points: easy to use and staff is great by helping you to decide what option to choose
Bad Points: none
It is easy to use, it opens an idea of how to invest for your own child and how to save for his/her studies later on.Any other saving can be transferred into child trust fund. It is great that the government itself has a small participation when opening the account and if you dont have an idea what to do you stil have some options where to open the account. You dont pay interest so this is another good point and you can deposit as much as you can with no fuss. The beginning amount is a good one .
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by anon
Good Points: brilliant for saving money for child when older.
Bad Points: nothing
my grandparents have opened 6 accounts and have been giving us £2.50 per week from when we were born untillwe were 18. this was a brilliant idea for all or us grandkids as it really came in use when we wanted driving essons and a car.
deffo a good idea also as it was a surprise for us and when we got our first jobs and had to open a personal bank account it was under our name so we were told when we opened our account that we had a huge amount of money for us. cheers for your time when reading this hop you found it helpful.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by yasmin salam
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
It is very easy to set up and to use and you get regular updates about your fund and the amounts which are being invested and how they are used.
There could be more financial incentives and freebies to attract new and existing customers, although the £250 start up amount is very generous. Also, I think there should be an option as to when the cash fund can be released to parents to use towards the child's education and other expenses, if not in a lump sum, then in large amounts. It is extremely important to have this sort of account so that you have saved for the future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Ashley Chapman
Good Points: A great way to start a savings account for your child and family.
Bad Points: No bad points at present
A great way for family to support the new born. You always know you will have a decent amount of money to support your new born through there stages of growing up. I have never had any problems with the trust fund and i think it is a fantastic idea, It does help your child out a lot and your able to buy your child the things they really do need. Without this i dont think i would of been able to cope so i am great full that this has been set up as it does help me out a lot
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Sarah Whittaker
Good Points: The yearly statements are good
Bad Points: Cannot pay money over the counter at the bank to put into my childs account so had to open a seperate account for her
Interests rates are poor so the fund has lost money. Very poor way of saving money. The trust fund is at Santander used to be Abbey.
Its very bad that I cannot pay money into the account over the counter in the bank. They simply told me to put it into and envelope and send it by post. This is not helping my daughter to save as I do not want to send money and cheques by post! I had to open another savings account for my daughter just so that she can save her birthday and christmas money and get used to using banks.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by lisa love
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
My son has a britannia child trust fund which was set up not long after he was born when I was given a government funded amount of money for being on a low income. The staff didn't really know much about thier trust fund that was on offer and wasn't that friendly, however with the stress of having a new baby I didn't have the energy or time to shop around. I just handed over the cheque. They informed me I would get something in the post. This I did. I flimsey bit of paper. They don't provide books, just statements once a year. Recently I wanted to transfer the fund to another building society nearer to home but this could not be done. Not all Building societies/banks do these trust funds, I found out. The interest is pretty good and funds are tax free. You can pay in a certain amount each year and the money cant be touched until your child is 16. Good long term investment on birthday money etc.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Leanne Shelton
Good Points: Easy to set up and annual reports on the girls account which helps us to plan how to save for them in the upcoming year.
Never had a problem with their accounts and despite the recession they are doing well.
Bad Points: None.
Excellent service. It was Easy to set up, with no difficult forms to fill out. I receive annual reports on the girls investment so we can plan ahead for the following year with regards to the girls savings.
I was scared that the girls would lose out with the recession but with this account their accounts are still doing well.
I feel that for the last 6 years of using Family investments for both of my girls child trust funds that I have never had any problems and even when moving house their service was professional and changes were made without a hitch.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by lee
Good Points: Info available
Bad Points: None really, can be a bit daunting
Overall a really good system, I found simple enough but my wife got a little confused but once I had shown her the ins and outs it was sorted. I would recommend this to new families and even to people who have already built a family but might be looking for alternative ways to arrange good investments for their little ones. I already have a son and I will be looking into this for him as well as my new born girl. The setup could do do with a direct person to person option as people like to ensure good service
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Emily
Good Points: Easy to understand and set up.
Bad Points: i would persoinally prefer more statements than the current yearly one i recieve.
Overall i found it very ease to set up. Information was readily avaliable whenever i needed it. I think it is a brilliant idea and with a direct debit that goes out of my bank and into my childs trust fund mnonthly i can save for my childs future hassle free. It is an encouragment to do this when the child recives a voucher off the government when they are born and im sure if this wasnt the case then i would have never actually have gotten around to setting up a trust fund for them. It defienetly gave me an incentive to 'get on with it'
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Steph Edwards
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
Very easy to set up - I received the info through the post shortly after my daughter's birth. Very little contact from them apart from statements and offers after the initial set-up. When I did talk to the staff they were friendly and helpful and quite happy to explain the couple of things I didn't understand. I hadn't heard at the time that there were many other companys offering the same kind of fund - I thought this was the only one. Even so, I am very glad I went with them - I couldn't ask for better service. The only down side I can think of is that we sometimes forget we have the thing as there is very little contact.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Navjot Singh
Good Points: The staff told us the details, and intrest that will be credit to the account. They also said if we put in £1000.00 a month the bank would give you £5.00 free.
Bad Points: None
A childs trust fund is an essential thing for a child as if the parent or carer of the child is having one of those days or is low on cash atleast they can have some money saved up for a rainy day.
Another good reason for having a childs trust fund is as the child reaches the age of 18 they have some financial backing as you would have put in some money as they would have been growing up. This is a great way to save for your child even a little bit of money at a time.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Maddy Becze
Good Points: easy to set up and great information.Easy direct debit set up service.
Bad Points: None
I found the child trust fund very useful and easy to set my direct debit up with the teat off slip also found the tear of slips for other members of the family very useful. Staff on the end of the phone very polite helpful and proffesional. I think the child trust fund is a great idea encouraging you to save for your childs future wito dthout it being to much trouble to do it. The statements sent in the post are also very useful and simple and easy to follow. My experience with the child trust fund is very positive.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by sian evans
Good Points: Very easy to set up
Bad Points: None
When i first had my child I found out about the Childrens Trust Fund when I got a letter through the post. I thought it was an excellent idea to start an account for your child for when they are older.
Due to loads of things going on, I misplaced the letter so could not return the form, I was worried that I would loose out on the fund for my child. I found out later, that if we don't put the money into a specific account, then they do it all for you! Brilliant!
Excellent service that is offered! Thankyou!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by BENJAMIN
Good Points: Quick & easy to set up online.
Gift Incentive.
Information provided quickly and clearly.
Bad Points: Interest rates not the best.
If you don't log in to manage your account after a relatively short period you get locked out.
It was very easy to open the account as everything was done online. The company offered a free gift of Boots Vouchers which was a great incentive. They were very clear on how to log in and manage the account online and the whole process was very quick. I was provided the account details and made my first deposit almost straight away! The only minor drawback is that you must log in to your account online fairly regularly otherwise you get locked out and you need to obtain new details, (once every two months I think). Staff are very helpful and freindly.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by paula longfield
Good Points: the staff were very helpful and gave good advice of which plan to follow.
Bad Points: the written information was quite hard to digest.
i had being looking for a good childs savings plan,and as i have more than one child i wanted to know if i would be able to take out seperate plans or if i would beable to open just one joint account to include all of the children on theone policy,luckily for me there were staff available to advise me of the most suitable way to proceed and they didnt give me a load of speal just to get me to open plans which i did not need,they gave me truthful opinions and helped me decide the way to go forward,so i am extreemely happy with what i decided upon. thankyou.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by laura louise armstrong
Good Points: this is the easiest option. easy to use and understand
Bad Points: when u agree to the terms and conditions you agree that if the shares of the goverment go down so does the money in the account however if shares go up so does the intrest
The account allows you to create a stable start to saving up for your childs future, its often interpretated that there are so many other options avaliable you become almost overwhelmed by it all, but this is the easiest option. lots of help with the account and it doesnt take very long at all for you to be able to see the results for yourself, all over a great account and im very happy that my two year old will benefit from this and gain a well earned future with the help of this account made it all possible :)
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Hildur Eyfeld
Good Points: Very easy and good service.
Bad Points: Jargon, I didn't understand some of the brochure.
It was very easy to open and the staff was friendly. As I said in bad points I didn't understand all of the brochure but everyone was very helpful and I felt confident that they will handle my daughters finances properly, I was also helped to add extra money and given some slips for the grandparents and aunties and uncles to top it up. I receive quarterly statements and advise on how much the investment is worth and always get advise on how to top it up. The whole experience has been very easy and quick and I am very happy with the service.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by kayleigh foster
Good Points: Family investments have always been very helpful, right from the very start when i had quieries about starting off the answered all my questions in a polite manner and knew exactly what they were talking about.
A safe bet for anyone ready to start their childs funds off, your money will be in safe hands, i promise :)
you can find out as often as you like how well your childs fund is doing and any questions you have will be answered, i would reccomend these to anyone.
Bad Points: none
Family investments have always been very helpful, right from the very start when i had quieries about starting off the answered all my questions in a polite manner and knew exactly what they were talking about.
A safe bet for anyone ready to start their childs funds off, your money will be in safe hands, i promise :)
you can find out as often as you like how well your childs fund is doing and any questions you have will be answered, any problems would be resolved before you think twice about them!i would reccomend family investments to anyone wondering where to start!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Caroline Harrison
Good Points: Process was nice and simple/quick to use.
Bad Points: Information about the different types of investment can be limited. Considering banks etc. cannot advise you on which type of investment to make you would think there would be more info to help you decide.
The whole process is very simple (once you have decided which financial establishment to use). You fill in a form, hand over the voucher and they sort the rest out for you. A few weeks later the certificate of your investment arrives and the process is complete.
Choosing which bank etc. to use was the most time consuming part. The return on your investment differs quite a lot between them. Unless you are going to add more to the original £250 then to be honest, you're not going to get a huge monetary figure at the end of the investment, so the choice might not be so hard to make. However if you decide to add to the original amount then taking your time when choosing might be a better option for you.
At the end of the day, your child will be at least £250 better off down the line (although whether that will actually get them very much is another question!!)
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by katrina whyte
Good Points: it is something for your child to look forward to an
Bad Points: None
its some thing that ur kids can loojk forward to in later like and u dont have to worry about them at all. i think its such a easy thing to do and blam u set. no hassle with very helpful and friendly staff who will go that extra mile for u and ur childeren. i find it hard to save as it is but with this i know my child will always have money and i wont worry about her when im gone.its a great tax exempt savin plan with no confsung payment plans or annoying people oin the phone
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by christina
Good Points: easy to use
easy to explain to the children
Bad Points: None
I found that the Family Investments - Child Trust Fund was very easy to set up, i know thisbecause i set them up for every child i care for to ensure that they have a bit of money at the end of their care. This also ensures that they can carry on saving their money - this giving them the opporunity to know that they have saved th money, found somthing they wish to spend the money on and then spending the money on the item they have chosen. i found tat this way children understand the importance of saving for things they want rather then them thinking that they will get wantthey want when they want it.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Alina Esquivel
Good Points: Easy set-up on-line.
Bad Points: Took long to get set up.
It takes long to get the money credited.
Difficult to read information on how it works in terms of finances.
In our case, it was easy to set up an account as we did it on-line, so I practically didn't have to do much apart from filling in a form. It took quite a long time to set up, but I guess it was the bank's fault. I decided to set the account up in my own bank as it the information that I received wasn't clear enough on what difference could make to set it up somewhere else. I also had to call the bank as they misspelt my daughter's name because the on-line form is not prepared to take 2 surnames. I can't score the friendliness as I didn't really talked to anyone.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Emma Hope
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I am looking in to opening saving accounts for my daughter as i would like to be able to help her with university, wedding car etc when she is older as i see that it is very hard to do it alone i hope this will be able to help me to save money formy daughter. so i amvery interested now in opening the account just need some help how i do this and i think i need it to be easy so that all the family can add money for her when they like to as we all want the best for her.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Clare Wheat
Good Points: Very easy to set up and use. Clear information given, easy to read annual statement
Bad Points: None!
Family investments website is clear and easy to use, the ability for other people to add to the account through the year for special occasions is a good idea, they even sent little cards to pass to people with my child's account details to make these payments easy. You can add to your payments or lower them at any time by altering your direct debit and are sent confirmation to keep through the post which gives the re-assurance that it has been done properly. If you call the staff are very polite. Overall, a very good start to a child's savings.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Joss Tye
Good Points: Lots of information given about the different types of CTF's.
Bad Points: Lots of information given but was overwhelming and took us ages to decide. Also didn't understand about the different types until we spoke to someone personally so info could have been simplified.
I personally had never had a savings account, so when it came to choosing a child trust fund one for my son I was very confused. I didn't really understand about the different types and even reading through the many websites of information was still confused until I spoke to someone and they explained to me in laymans terms what all the jargon was about. We wanted one we could add to via the Internet if we wanted to and there weren't many out there to choose from, wentwith HSBC in the end, have been very pleased so far as it's only been open a year and it's already made some money.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by claire Baker
Good Points: it was easy to set up
Bad Points: very hard to change details ie moving home
i like the way that it is set up for my childs future but where i have it set up you never get statements so you never know where you are with it. the only way of getting these is if i contact them.. i think the best way forward is just a saving s account instead of trust funds. the other reason behind this is what you actually save you save and make interest on. on the child trust fund accounts there is no security to your money as you could lose it. i think a child trust fund should be what it states. TRUST fund you should always get back out of it what you put in
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Gintare
Good Points: opens an account for children. you can choose the age you want them to be able to touch the money which helps them have more money for the future and that they are mature enough to spend it wisely.
Bad Points: interest is neither here or there.
i found that the child trust fund is very helpfull for my child because i can put money in if and when i can which is beneficial to me and the child i am supporting. i believe that the child trust fund is one of the better things the goverment has done because it has helped my child have a good start in life and helped me save money for my childs future which is a bonus if my child ever wants to go to university or travelling around the world. i strongly recommend that every parent with a new born use this head start to the fullest. thank you
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Nicole Foulia
Good Points: Easy Website, Previous Statements Online, Lots of Information
Bad Points: Not 100% keen on the 'Shares' account but its been ok so far.
When I was originally looking to open my sons Child Trust Fund, I wanted one that was just savings, I wasn't keen on the idea of it being one of these 'Shares' ones. However, I have bank with Santander (Abbey) since I was a child and when I spoke to them about it, this was the only one they offered and after doing research, I actually found it quite difficult to find a 'Savings' one so I went with Santander which offered the Family Investments one. So far I have been happy with it, me and my partner both do a regular direct debit to it to build the money up and I like knowing that no one can touch it until my son is 18 and if we carry on with the direct debit, he'll have a lot in there by the time he can touch it. When the government announced that Child Trust Fund was being scrapped, I was worried about what would happen to the account and it is something that still plays on my mind.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Michelle Clingan
Good Points: easy to set up and understand
Bad Points: None
I have been with family investments for almost 6 1/2 years now, both of my children have child trust fund accounts. I found it very easy to set up, it is all very clearly laid out what you need to send in and the forms were simple to fill in. I get a yearly statement sent out yearly around the time of each childs birthday which is laid out clearly and easy to understand. They also send out little credit card sized cards with the account details to give to family and friends so that they can choose to add to the account instead of maybe birthday and christmas presents. They also give you an estimated growth chart with different amounts depending on if you decided to add any extra, which you can either with a regular direct debit or with one off payments.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by hannah
Good Points: very easy and quick to set up. easy to make one off payments also.
Bad Points: None
I have opened trust funds for both my girls and each time I exoerienced no difficulties. I was also able to make a one off payment into each account with minimal fuss. I wiuld recommend this trust fund to family and friends. The staff on the phones when I have rung through have always been polite and helpfull. I like the website because it gives a clear indication of how the monies will grow, this can be altered to give demonstrations of different amounts saved each month to give a overall total at the end. I am really happy with the product.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Jeff Wheeler
Good Points: I originally set up my CTF with santander which was very easy to do! Thats the good points over with.
Bad Points: As yet i have had no paperwork and had to ring up for a statement to be sent. I cannot believe why trust funds do not come with a savings book. Now You have to post you cheques to them and prey that they get delivered by the ever failing Royal Mail. No wonder this countries on its backside.
I originally set up my CTF with santander which was very easy to do! Thats the good points over with. The fund was then transferred to Family investments. As yet i have had no paperwork and had to ring up for a statement to be sent. I cannot believe why trust funds do not come with a savings book. Now You have to post you cheques to them and prey that they get delivered by the ever failing Royal Mail. No wonder this countries on its backside. Choose an account where you can go in and pay money/cheques etc, your kids will learn to understand it and appreciate it more, rather than posting it. As for customer care - forget it. Stay away from Family Investment. Good riddence!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Claire Williams
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
they have 35 years experience in helping 1.7 million people in the uk invest in their family's future. They are not just investments specialists they are family specialists aswell. they understand that one of the things common in all families is the desire to do the right thing. they also understand that families have limited resources, so they have financal solutions suitable for all. they are not owned by external shareholders. they are an award wining company and in 2010 won the investment life & pensions moneyfacts award for best child trust fund provider. this is why i choose them.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by miss lendon
Good Points: great bump start
Bad Points: shame its ending
its a great idea to start off a savings account for your little one. gives you that bump start for their future, like to go towards your child education especially for the lower income familys who can find it hard to even start planning and thinking of their childs future. i had one for my child and have started putting ten pound a month in, so when she is 18 she will have the choice to be what she wants to be and it should be plenty to cover her. which is what any one wants for there child. i think there a great idea.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by charlotte moore
Good Points: good ease of use
Bad Points: dont get information on how its doing
when i had my daughter 5 years ago, we we didnt know which saving bond to use so we waited untill they chose one for us, i get a statement from them like once every 6 to 12 months, which is ok but would like one like every 3 to 6 months.
its doing ok, growing like a slow plant, it strted at £250 and over the past 5years its at about £425, which i think is ok.
i would reccomend this service to family and friends as whenever im mailed or spoken to, the staff are friendly and polite and very helpful
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by jocelyn bray
Good Points: i think its a great oppertunity for everybody to start saving even if it is just a couple of pound a month it will soon add up to a nice amunt for your child,its easy to use you can set up a direct debit or just pop in the branch and you will get a statement every couple of months.
Bad Points: none
great start for your child in life,a couple pf pound a month will soon add up for your child to start driving lessons or even save up for a car put it towards a deposit or college,some companies charge a minimum amount per month if you cant afford that look around there are plenty of companies that dont charge a minimum even a couple of pounds make a big difference over a long time.with the voucher of the government you have a big head start,even with money from birthdays etc just pop it in the account,great and easy way to save and have a great return for your child,they will be happy when they reach the age they can withdraw the money!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Lisa Coate
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
Family investments makes it easy to keep tabs on banking and investments in one place and to not have to bother with another bank. Some banks will call out of the blue, but Family never bother you with calls, marketing rubbish or emails. The language and processes that they use makes it really easy to comprehend what you are investing in for your child's future. I found it really confusing trying to figure out and understand the best savings for my child.
You can just log in, and see how your investments are at your convenience online. As long as you don' forget your password, its trouble free. I'm confident my child will get a good return when time nears to take the money out in many years time. We are really happy with the return thus far and my child is just 7!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Becky Pearce
Good Points: info pack explains everything
Bad Points: have to set up direct debet to open account
opened up trust fund account with netwest found information pack very usefull answered all questions and was not left confused on how to open it or how to add extra money plus no secret team and conditions which i found with some other ones plus seem to have a good investment rate. Only down side i did find was had to set up direct debet to open the account for regular money to go in and any extra money from family members was goin to be a very long winded process of sendin it to bank in cheq form due to not being able to go in to a brunch. But over all i found the staff to be very friendly and always will to help any way they can.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 May 2011 by Joby Jasper Mageean
Good Points: great customer care
Bad Points: slightly confusing information
I have 1 child he is now 5 years old, Unfortunately the money I put in to start with has made a slight loss over the past couple of years especially in 2008 where we made a considerable loss.. things are starting to pick up again now and slowly we are gaining over our original amount although this is only due after switching to the maximum amount bracket. Other than that however I have found the customer care of the service very professional and helpful with staff talking us through our account every step of the way. I have recommended the service to many of my friends :)
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 May 2011 by katie
Good Points: Child trust fund. good start in life.
Bad Points: knowing where to put it into.
I had the child trust fund for my daughter just over 7 years ago. They gave her £250 pound to put into an account, I didn't really know much about where was the best place to put the money into so the account i choose was hsbc as i am a customer of them myself and thought it would be easier to put it in the same bank as i was banking.
I had a statement from them a couple of weeks ago and my daughter now has just over £900 in her child trust fund.
I now feel that i made the right decision to go with the same bank as myself.
I think the child trust fund is a very good start for children in life as being a parent and having day to day cost of living you don't always have money to put bye for your childs future, therefore i think it's a fantastic thing that can help a lot of children for when they are older.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 May 2011 by emma thomas
Good Points: Really easy to deal with every thing was very straight forward and easy to understand. really like the fact i can monitor online.
Bad Points: None
Really happy with this Child Trust Fund I recently opened for my son. very user friendly, make you feel more involved by allowing you to monitor funds, and keep in touch regularly. Account opening process was very easy and straight forward, was all done quickly online. very happy with this Child trust fund. when i opened my daughters Child trust fund went with Natwest bank, which was not any where near as good as family investments, only get a statement once a year and any correspondence has to be by letter, i will be switching my daughters child trust fund now ive found family investments.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 May 2011 by RICKY ARORA
Good Points: EASE OF USE AND VOUCHER AVAILABLE TO SPEND AT BOOTS
Bad Points: I DID NOT KNOW UNTIL RECENTLY THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE TO SWITCH WHERE I PLACED MY CHILD TRUST FUND AND NOW UNDERSTAND THAT A FEE COULD APPLY IF TRANSFERRING FROM AN INVESTMENT OPTION TO A SAVINGS PLAN. ALSO THE FEES DEDUCTED BY FAMILY INVESTMENTS IS NOT CLEAR.
I INVESTED IN AN INVESTMENT BASED CHILD TRUST FUND FOR MY FIRST SON RATHER THAN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE RETURN OVER AN EIGHTEEN YEAR PERIOD WOULD BE FAR GREATER DESPITE ANY SHORT TERM UPS AND DOWNS. I CHOSE THE FAMILY INVESTMENT CHILD TRUST FUND BECAUSE OF ITS POPULARITY AND THE OFFER OF VOUCHERS TO USE AT BOOTS. TWO YEARS ON I AM REVIEWING THE INVESTMENT FOLLOWING THE BIRTH OF MY SECOND SON AND DESPITE THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE THERE HAS BEEN A REASONABLE RETURN. INTERESTINGLY THE ETHICAL FAMILY INVESTMENT CHILD TRUST FUND HAS OUT PERFORMED THE STANDARD OPTION I HAVE AND AS A RESULT I WILL BE CHOOSING THAT OPTION FOR MY SECOND SON.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 May 2011 by Sophie
Good Points: A friendly service!! They provided all the information I needed to trust them with my daughters money.
Bad Points: None as yet and hopefully I won't come across any.
When I telephoned I found the service friendly and informative. They were confident in their service and sent me an information pack straight away. They provided me with all the information I needed to trust them with my daughters money. Since opening the account they have kept me up to date and I especially liked the cards with mg daughters account details so I can had them out to friends and family.
As yet I haven't got any negative points to make, this is quite unusual hopefully I won't.
All in all my experience had been a good one and I'm glad I chose Family Investments.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 May 2011 by Rob Eardley
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I found the Family Investments - Child Trust Fund webpage very easy to navigate. It was through a Google search link that listed the F I C T F as one of the best service providers for my daughters trust fund. We received a great user pack that included labels I could give to parents and family friends, making it easy for them to donate to this trust fund, excellent for birthday or general gift ideas. We also received a free £50 Marks and Spencer voucher for opening the account - even more reason to be happy about my selection of trust funds!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 13 May 2011 by claire huelin
Good Points: Opening a child trust fund is a good idea because it means later in your childs life he/she will have money to help with university, learning to drive...
Bad Points: remembering where you opened the child trust fund and how to find out the balance of your child trust fund
Every child is given a trust fund from the government, it's good because it means your child has a growing balance which will come in very handy for later life, it's less money for you to falk out and anyone can add money to your childs trust fund account, I personally pay £10 a week into my little boys trust fund account, I think the government give £250 when your child is born so each year i'm paying £520 into my childs trust fund account so when Thomas is 18 he will have without interest £9610... like I said, very useful.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 12 May 2011 by ibiwumi salako
Good Points: nice wellcome voucher
Bad Points: telephone number is expensive
nice people to talk.
but the telephone no is very expensive.
please make it a little more hassle to move ctf provider.imean transfer of accounts
please do always send xmas present to children.
lovely people.good gestures.ease of use. staff friendliness.savings account.along term investment.free gift.quality of information.family investment.helping kids to grow.little egg nest account
telephone is expensive,
littlegift, helping in writting a will,critical illness cover for the family.
insurance provider,and family finance provider ,advise on mortgages.
all these count towards good customer relation but the telephone number you provide makes it limited for your clients to reach you as they would have love to talk to you more.
please take note and help get general landline telephone number.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 12 May 2011 by Vicky Russell
Good Points: It is peace of mind to know that you're child will have some money when they need it to get started in the world.
Bad Points: none
When you open a child trust fund for your child, you can rely on the interest, however interest rates are fairly low at the moment, so you need to look around for one with the best rates, it would make sense to add to it, possibly set up a standing order or direct debit to add a small amount each month you won't notice it and your child will have some savings at a time in their life when they will really need it, for education costs, a car, moving out on their own, or possibly to travel before starting college or uni.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 May 2011 by michelle griffin
Good Points: fantastic way for us to put money away for our first baby's future which we are expecting in September.
Bad Points: none so far
we set this account up not after we had our first scan, as we wanted to be able to money away for our childs future as and when we could afford to. Also it helped if family want to give cash gifts when the baby is born, it will all go towards our childs future.
it is also reassurance for us to know that there is money being put aside for our baby and that the little pot of money is growing and being kept separate.
I would recommend to all parents to ensure a brighter future for their child.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 08 May 2011 by Emma Dyer
Good Points: The fund is easy to set up and doesn't take long at all to do so. I found the whole process pretty easy if I do say so myself, and that's saying something! Also, the fund is really useful and relevant, it's something that's worth doing as you WILL see a return, i.e it isn't a waste of time and effort.
Bad Points: No bad points, apart from a few little glitches that I had when trying to explain the fund to my other half!
An easy to set up fund that secures, or helps to secure, your child/ children's future(s). A useful way for you/ your child to save for the future. Useful for university fees, cars, deposits for homes and/ or holidays. The fund is versatile and is a nice little nest egg for your offspring. You can save as much as you like when it comes to the amount of money in your fund. The fund is easy to pay into, no complicated process when it comes to depositing money into the account. I will continue paying into the fund until my little girl is 21, then she will (hopefully) have a better idea as to what she will buy/ do with the money.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 08 May 2011 by ASH
Good Points: *Account very easy to open.
*In-depth information provided on the account enabling an informed choice prior to making a decision.
*Account offers flexibility of payment choice.
*Ease of saving for our childs future.
*Added benefits along with the saving element.
Bad Points: *Nothing negative experienced thus far.
I have found the Family Investments - Child Trust Fund account very useful in terms of an investment vehicle for my child's future. There is ample literature on the account itself in order to make an informed choice as to whether this savings account is sufficient to cater for your child's future needs, for us this was the perfect choice from the number of savings accounts we looked into. The flexibility of saving with the added benefits provides a safeguard for us knowing that we shall accrue enough monies to secure our child's future whether this is for education or otherwise.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 03 May 2011 by tracey frazer
Good Points: very good with info through the post. good updates of balance
Bad Points: None
very good with communication through the post, very informative. very good with sending updates on my children's balances in there banks . very good bank i am very happy with this trust fund for my children and will continue to use them untill the trust fund is ready for cashing in at 18 years of age. and hope the money will be usefull for them then for college or driving lessions . overall results of this bank is very easy to use and set up more payments if i want to. very happy indeed thanks for the good service :)
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 May 2011 by Rashi Gadia
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
Applied for the account online and they accepted the voucher online. I didn't need to post it to them. The necessary account paper work arrived in a good time. It is a very fund account which can be viewed online from time to time. Applied via www.quidco.com (cash back site) they offered 35 pounds as cashback. Plus, received 25 boots voucher when I set a monthly direct debit.
The first direct debit was collected in the first month as the account opening formalities were not fulfilled from their end. A letter was sent well in advance to communicate the same thus avoiding the hassle for me to contact them.
Overall a good experience.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 May 2011 by kate holdsworth
Good Points: The level of service provided by staff is always excellent
Bad Points: There could be a little more information provided to people who are wanting to know about different options for opening an account
The service provided by staff is always excellent. The staff are friendly and always willing to go the extra mile to help us. The account is easy to use and we will recommend it to our friends.
We wanted to open an account for our child in order to save for upcoming times in his life. this account was perfect for us as it allowed us to put away a little at a time and we really saw the benefits.
The level of service that we receive from the staff is always excellent and they are very friendly both in person and over the phone.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2011 by Claire halliday
Good Points: Online use.
Bad Points: Value can go down
This is great as u can manage ur childs money online and add money when u can. It is exciting that also the value of ur childs investment can rise but also a little worrying that it may go down.
This is great as u can manage ur childs money online and add money when u can. It is exciting that also the value of ur childs investment can rise but also a little worrying that it may go down. I am looking forward to watching the money level rise in the account and seeing my childs face when he gets it.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2011 by George Wright
Good Points: Easy to manage. online accessability
Bad Points: Not available for children born this year
Setting up the account and getting it started was very easy, and the staff were very helpful. Adding money into the account thereafter is alright, but unfortunately can only add up to £1,200 per year. which meant when grandparents inheritance wanted to go in, couldn't put it all in at once. Children now do not receive an additional government payment when they are 7. And although the government have pulled out of this commitment, you are not allowed to as this money can still not be touched until the child is an adult. 18 or over. which is inconvenient. So in conclusion, the account is okay, but the lack of government contribution is upsetting.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2011 by Kirsty Henry
Good Points: I like the idea of these savings plan, and facilities to top up at on my requirements. The Company seems approachable for contact questions, etc. The post office were great when setting this up.
Bad Points: Not come across any yet, not looking forward to my child losing money, with these things there are up and downs, hopefully more ups.
I am looking forward to watching my child's account grow for her future. The post office was very very helpful during the set up process and answered all my questions and I had quite a few. Hopefully my child will not lose out and will benefit from this investment and it will make a difference to her future. I have not come across any issue I have as it is very early in the investment as my child is still very young and it will need a few years for it to start making a difference. It will interesting to watch it develop.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2011 by Dave
Good Points: I had a problem and spoke to someone on the phone. I subsequently received a written full apology and explanation.
Bad Points: My only observation is that the fees to be paid are not that clear. I assume that when I get my first year statement they will be shown.
The facility to top up is great as I did not want to be tied down to a direct debit. In practice this year I paid the full amount early to maximise the potential earning revenue. Overall the CTF was very easy to understand it is managed and the risk profile is very easy to see how it will work. I can forget about reducing the risk in future years as it will all be handled for me. With a little more openness about the amount of fee taken I believe that the Nest Egg when my little boy turns 18 will be a real worthwhile investment.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2011 by Howard Josephs
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
We chose family investments for our child's trust fund account due to the fact that they offered some very interesting incentives to join. We were also tempted by the fact that they are a mutual, which means should they ever de-mutualise, we should be in line to receive a windfall payment. We have been very happy with all aspects of the fund so far, including the ease of use, quality of information and the friendliness of all of the staff that we have encountered. The quality of communications that we have received about our child's account have been of a very high standard too.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2011 by Laura Hutchinson
Good Points: really easy to apply online, quick service
Bad Points: none
I have previously used a different provider but was very impressed with the level of service from family investments. The account is very easy to manage and the information recived before account set up was very easy to read and gave lots of useful information. The online application was very easy to use and the response time was excellent. I got email confirmation and then confirmation through the post very quickly. I have two other trust fund accounts with different providers but find this the easiest to manage and like that they only send you the important stuff, not all those adverts that some providers do!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2011 by Kirsty Cunningham
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I found Family Investments a great help as it was the only company that actually got in touch with me after having my baby girl, Holly, at a time where there is so much to remember and take in, I found it a weight of my mind not having to shop around for somewhere to invest Holly's Trust Fund money. It was easy to deal with and all the leaflets and information was really easy to understand and assured me that I needed to look no further to find somewhere to put Holly's cheque. I've given her account details to her grandparents so her nest egg will grow.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2011 by Therese Nelson
Good Points: Friendly staff easy to set up over phone
Bad Points: None
CTF with this company was very easy to establish the staff member I spoke to on the phone spent a lot of time explaining product. He also described how I could top up the account and the benefits of doing this. He also offered to set up a direct debit to ensure regular payments to the account. They then sent out a form that has all the relevant information about your child and additional information about the type of account it is you have opened. All you have to do is sign and return the form and the account is open. Easy
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2011 by Rachel Le Sauvage
Good Points: Easy and quick to set up
Bad Points: None
Excellent investment option, there are so many to choose from but family gave a lot of information which helps you decide if this is how you want to invest for your childs future. I received a good response from my online application and the paperwork was sent very quickly. It was also helpful that I could pay my voucher in online which saved further delays with the start up process. The paperwork has provided me with all phone numbers and I feel confident that I have made the right choice with my childs investments. I was also grateful for the gift vouchers for boots and have brought my little boy some more outfits.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2011 by Asfa Bashir
Good Points: Able to manage my Childs account online.
Bad Points: Not having something similar to a paying in book allowing for cash sums to be placed onto the account which would be helpful especially at times like birthdays etc....
Overall I am quite pleased with the service offered by this CTF particularly the ease of being able to manage my Childs trust account online. In comparison to other funds it was more appealable to me and my husband when we looked at setting up the fund. We also hope that in the near future the growing investment from the account allows for a greater return than would have been had we opted for just opening a savings account for our child. I overall would like to thank the team for their overall service that has been provided by them.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2011 by Fran Cropper
Good Points: Very easy to use and information relayed well.
Bad Points: None so far!
I have been really impressed with the family investment fund- the online checking facility is excellent and is always up to date which is reassuring with a shares based account. The website is easy to navigate and clearly worded.
I like the little cards you get sent when you open an account which I have distributed to friends and family to make contributions for our sons future.
The NCT gift vouchers were a very good choice for new parents- with a wide range of products and also a charitble element to it.
I have recommended this company to numerous friends.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2011 by claire ranson
Good Points: Good website, easy to see information on account.
Bad Points: Non encountered so far!
I have only just taken out this account but so far i have not encounteed any problems. I recieved the welcome pack extremely quickly, which contained very handy cards with the account information on - should any friends or relatives wish to add to her account. I also often receive general interesting information via email, which is handy as it keeps me up to date on things. I like the fact that you can look at the account online as this enables you to log into the account and keep a personal check on things once in a a while. . .
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2011 by Lisa Johnson
Good Points: Fast, informative,
Bad Points: none
I have chosen Family Investments for all three of my childrens child trust funds, and have found them simple and effective to use. Brilliant on-line tool so I can keep up to date with wjat is happening quickly and easily, and updates everytime they have a birthday. Aldo easy to add extra funds to, and good easy to understand projections. Would highly recommend this trust fund to anyone as they have been so helpful and a joy to use. Cannot think of a bad thing to say about them, helpful, friendly and do exactly what you need them to do.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2011 by Michelle Edwards-Norcisse
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
Great that I can monitor the CFT online and the staff were very friendly when I called for assistance. This is important as i spend a lot of tome online and gives me easy access to the account. Only downside is that there is not an easier way to reset my password if I forget it. I need to call customer services to do this. I picked Family because of all the great reviews I read about how well their funds perform. Also the 25 pounds Boots vouchers i got on opening the account as also another incentive to open the account.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2011 by William Team
Good Points: Literature and payment methods very good.
Bad Points: would prefer to have monthly statements or more detailed yearly ones with graphs of performance and projections for the future.
very clear, easy to read and understand literature not overloaded with jargon making chosing the correct account option very easy. I had previously held a child trust fund with another provider which was transferred over to Family Investments with no issued at all. I have now opened a new Child Trust Fund for my Daughter and have received the same high level of service as previous. I would have no issued in recomending the services of family investments to friends and family and am currently looking at other savings options availible through them to help save for my familys future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2011 by Andy Maunder
Good Points: Helpful staff
Manage Online
Top us with Nectar Points!
Bad Points: None so far
I signed up for the fund over the internet using my CTF voucher from the government. The sign-up process was straight forward and the account was opened without issue.
I had cause to contact Family Investments recently to establish how to deposit Nectar points into the account (let's face it, £50 from the government isn't going to go far!). They were very helpful and friendly and gave me the information to deposit on the Nectar website. The biggest benefit for me is to be able to view the account and make deposits online. I can also see how the fund is performing and make changes. Great service!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2011 by Debra Derbyshire
Good Points: The Staff were really helpful in the Nat West. Talked us through all the different options
Bad Points: Not the highest interest
We wanted to set up a child trust fund because saving is important. We searched the internet and went to our local branches to get all the information we needed. Some of the information was confusing to us and some of the staff in certain branches spoke so quickly that it left us more confused than we were before going in to see them. The Nat West however we found to be very helpful. Every parent has a responsability to provide for there child financially. We are very pleased that we took the time to go around and research these on the internet first. Well worth it though for the peace of mind and not stressing about the future. Would recommend one to any parent.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2011 by Yatin Arora
Good Points: I think a Child Trust Fund is great efficient and very helpful for the average British family. I think the customer service was excellent and the efficiency of the actions was very well done.
Bad Points: Personally I couldn't find any fault, but would like to see more interaction with the child, after all the money is his/hers.
The Child Trust Fund is great and very efficient for the average british family, because it was unique, safe and had that quintessential touch to it. I think the customer service of my provider was excellent, because the saying of the customer is always right was efficiently shown. I would recommend more child-interaction, because I would see the child being the main bearer / propertier / owner of the money. My child is still young to understand the meaning of money savings investments ecetra. But this great service really emphaises the current financial climate and what we can do to bge secure.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2011 by kate bottrill
Good Points: the interest rate is reasonable, quality of the staff is good , they are friendly and approachable. Time spent in queues is reasonable
Bad Points: Its a shame that this is being stopped, my family do not have a lot of money and this has really helped boost our childs funds for the future
the interest rate is reasonable, quality of the staff is good , they are friendly and approachable. Time spent in queues is reasonable
Its a shame that this is being stopped, my family do not have a lot of money and this has really helped boost our childs funds for the future. Just the 250 pounds along with inetersy over the years will amopunt to quite a reasonable sum in which my child will be able to buy her first car or put some money towards college/university tuition which will now be costing the parents and setting more people up for debt
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2011 by Bethany England
Good Points: -Easy to use and apply.
-Paperless statements
-online username and password to check on the progress.
Bad Points: None that i can think of.
I have just set up a child trust fund for my daughter with family investments. It came up on a google search and came with a free £15 boots voucher because i set up a direct debit.
There was loads of information on the website which answered all my questions as well as being able to choose from a stakeholder or an ethical stake holder trust fund. The online application was quick and easy as long as you have the voucher details to hand and only took me 5 minutes to complete.
Direct debit was also extremely easy to set up as long as it is in your name.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2011 by George Bass
Good Points: Very easy to do
Bad Points: do not come with a saving book
I originally set up my CTF with santander. very easy to do! Thats the good points over with. The fund was then transferred to Family investments. As yet i have had no paperwork and had to ring up for a statement to be sent. I cannot believe why trust funds do not come with a savings book. Now You have to post you cheques to them and prey that they get delivered by the ever failing Royal Mail. No wonder this countries on its backside. Choose an account where you can go in and pay money/cheques etc, your kids will learn to understand it and appreciate it more, rather than posting it. as for customer care - forget it. Stay away from Family Investment. Good riddence
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 08 Apr 2011 by Daniela Piffer
Good Points: money saved so in case of a crisis it is there
Bad Points: you can only retrieve it at a certain stage
investing in a child trust fund is vital especially in times of crisis like the present. If it is tax free its a bonus. The only snag is that if a child trust fund is bound to eb released only when the child is 18 then the bad news arrive, in case a single parent comes into a financial negative situation. Normally this can be avoided by looking at the agreement with the bank or the instituion.
A child trust fund if linked to an investment that looks at multiple investments can actually loose value, so you should make sure you rather opt for an investmetn which guarantees a return and does not loose value.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Apr 2011 by Jade McDowall
Good Points: plenty of information
Bad Points: nothing
When i applied for the information about the child trust fund i received it within days which was brilliant. the information was clear in a booklet form and made it easy for me to read in different sections. It helped me to decide how secure my little ones future would be and how. When my little one is here i will apply for this fund and start to save up for their future ahead of them. And the fact i can apply online makes it easier for me as it will be alot quicker for me. would recommend this to everyone.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Apr 2011 by tara austin
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
i found the team extreamly helpful and they explainer the whole plan extreamly thoroughlt. This is my first baby and i was really nervous and unsure how to go about things. The team put my mind at rest then things didn't seem so scary. Once it was all sorted out it felt like was a huge wieght was lifted from my shoulders, i would deffiantely reccomend this service to any new mums, especially first time mums as it was so easy to do and it gives your child a head start in life. I would like to thank the team for making this such a wonderful experience.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Apr 2011 by natalie
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
i have opened a isa with nationwide bulding society and found it was easy to gain access to opening an account by producing childs birth certificate and sending offer the pack which gave you information about the types of account you could open and also how they worked for example a cashbuilder lets you put in a certain amount each year but doesnt use your childs money for shares and other investments. all i had to do after deciding on what type of account was send off the info pack with childs details and they got back to me within a week.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Apr 2011 by sam
Good Points: a good idea towards the future
Bad Points: bad
it is a brilliant way of giving the children a head start into the futur as a well mature aduult learning to stand free. it gives them the oppurtunity to do things that i never did because i didnt have the money. this willl help the children to learn the importance of money and ots role in life today a a a a aa a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a aaa a
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2011 by Billy pinches
Good Points: It took little time to set up and the staff were very cooperative, now my child has reached 18 they have found it easy to go to university due to the funds and has been very grateful towards me and my partner
Bad Points: It took a few days for my son to access the account after he turned 18, other than that it was all fine!
I would highly recommend this to any parent, it's very quick and simple and has enabled my son to go onto further education with ease. The staff were great and highly cooperative, making the application incredibly easy, therefore giving me peace of mind with my money, you would be missing out on a great opportunity if you don't do it quite frankly. I only put in a relatively small amount but that was still greatly appreciated by my son when I told him about it on his 18th birthday. He now has hardly any student loans, making it easier for him in later life, not having to pay much back
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2011 by imrana
Good Points: generally i'm not very good with finances! the staff at yorkshire however made me feel very confident and comfortable with my choice.
Bad Points: none
Although there is only one branch, having read other reviews on this site i called ahead and made an appointment which saved time. staff are fantastic and is refreshing to walk into a building society that is welcoming and quiet! it s a shame that i had not come across yorkshire when opening an account for my older child, instead i went for the first option i had whihc then caused alot of aggrevation as there was alot of waiting around for paperwork, not getting any direct answers. so thank you yorkshirre! if child trust funds were still available i would most definetly recommend to friends and family. i am now consdering opening other savings accounts with yorkshire.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2011 by emmalc1982@hotmail.com
Good Points: Its a great way to save for your childs future
Bad Points: Losses if cashed in early, theres risk involved reliant on shares.
This is easy to setup and great being tax exempt. A fantastic way to save for your childs university fund. However no guarantee that tax advantages will be a permantent thing, and with the turbulent market need to be wary of how share prices will affect the fund. Slight concerns of cashing early as not only do you not gain money but may lose. Would be better if you were guaranteed at least the amount invested back regardless of when the fund was terminated and just lost profit. May be better putting in a bank account to gain interest regardless of when the cash was removed. Overall a pretty good service and a good idea for those who struggle to save.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2011 by becky fraser
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I have recently opened a 2nd child trust fund account with family investments and would like to state how pleased I am with the service, it was so much at ease to complete. I did not have to go in branch it was all done by post. I must say this is at the easiest when you have a 4 year old and a 9 month old. Each year they send you an update of how much money is now in the account. I have reccommended friends and family members to complete account applications with family investments thank you for serving your promise
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2011 by sarah
Good Points: children in need get alot of support from these funds who wants to see a child get beaten or neglected? no one thas why these support groups and things are open to all children if hey werent who knows what would happen
Bad Points: i cant think of any bad points at this moment
children all over are being negleced and misstreated by their parents, someone close to them or even total srangers this is why thr childrens fund should stay running as part of our help to stop the cruelty and help children grow up to acchieve what they want in life, if there were no children there wouldn be a human race, each child diserves a good n happy life shouldnt they get it? they didn ask o be born i was the parens reponsaility but unfortunatley there are cases where children were not planned and the parents couldnt handle them a big hnk you to everyone who helps out the cildren.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2011 by Michelle
Good Points: Quick, easy registration and opening of account.
Bad Points: Not much paper correspondance
I opened a Child Trust Fund at Family Investments for my son in 2009. I found opening the account very quick and easy and loved the fact that the account could be managed online. Registering to manage the account online was also very easy to do. The website is easy to navigate and an account summary is available whenever it is needed. The initial welcome pack is great with lots of great information about the different accounts available and how to invest extra in to the trust fund. I haven't had any problems with the account or with family investments and would recommend to all.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2011 by abbie
Good Points: start savings for kids at a young age
teach them valid information on life
Bad Points: n/a
it is a very easy system to get your child used to saving money. the child will start to save money from a young suitable age and watch their account grow with savings to treat them to toys and games
it is an excellent service to my childs funds it has helped save her money the intrest and quality of staff is great every time i send a cheque or despoist my money it is accepted easily defintly a service to recommend to any parent that haS children wh wants to get them to start saving their money. chuilds trust fund is a great service :)
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2011 by Tammy Davies
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I wasnt aware that it was down to me to find the right place to put my daughter money. When the cheque came through i was totally clueless as to where to invest her money.
I kepted on getting letter through the post reminding me that i had to post it with a long list of places that i could go to. i didnt do anything with the cheque and then i got a letter to say that it had been invested for her via the gonverment, i was very happy with this as i think they would have made a better choice than i. Hope this helps someone.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2011 by Jonathan Earl
Good Points: So easy to setup with great communication.
Bad Points: None yet!
I looked around long and hard for the right investment for my son. After doing alot of research I found that Family Investments returns were good and they seemed to offer a great service. All in all I am very happy with the service that I received. They kept me informed from day one and did everything that they said they were goingto. I even received a free gift just for joining what I researched as being the best possible option, you cannot say fairer than that! I would recommend family investments to anyone and am sure to use them for the next one due in a couple of months!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2011 by NECLA EVANS
Good Points: Rapid response
Clear and concise information
Bad Points: NONE SO FAR
The service I have received in setting up this account has been exemplary, the set up of the account was very quick and efficient. We were also eligible for boots vouchers as a complementary gift which arrived rapidly and without prompt from us. The information has been clear, concise and user friendly so far. Customer service has been rated low because I have not yet dealt with a helpdesk or an actual person. The account is more online oriented but most accounts are nowadays and this one is a very good example. I would recommend this account to others and hope that the service continues to impress!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2011 by G. Cobb
Good Points: Efficent and speedy.
The freepost address is helpful too.
Bad Points: none found yet
Out of all the many providers I sorted through to find a child trust fund for my young daughter, I found this provider to offer the most concise and easy to understand and complete package. I would recommend them to any one else in a similar search situation. Although many other similar companies and businesses including banks offered products of a like nature the information I requested was promptly sent and well set out so as not to make you feel like you were drowning in financial jargon and set out all the key points clearly but without missing anything that you needed to make an informed choice.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2011 by Laura Thacker
Good Points: I think its a great idea it is a peace of mind that your child is getting the best start in life
Bad Points: You hav
The child trust fund is great your child is going to get the best start in life and if you choose wizley in where you put it,it will soon grow.The other thing that i sugest is once you have decided in where you are putting it eg: bank or building soicity get it in there as soon as the faster you get it in the more money your child will get.It is not alway best to put it in with the highest intrest because after a few months that intrest will drop dramaticly get one that the intrest at the same level as it wont be a shock to you when it drops.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2011 by LEANNE TOSH
Good Points: Very eady to use and are frequesntly updated with account details
Bad Points: none
On recieveing details of the trust fund the paperwork was extremely easy to complete and the paperwork and account details were sent to us within a week. As part of the pack we recieved some gift cards which were distributed to family and friend who were easily able to contribute to the fund. It was to set up the find and we recieve frequent statements to tell us exactly what has been put into the account and what the account will be worth when our child is 16/18. The direct debot we set up was easy to complete and we are fully aware of what the fund will be worth when it matures. A nest for our childs future and very reasurring to know ther are funds ther when she goes to university
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2011 by Sonal Rajpara
Good Points: Got lots of information.
Was given booklets.
Easy to open the account.
Bad Points: The information was a lot to take in.
We had to wait in the que even though we had an appointment.
We went to Nationwide to open the account, but we had to wait in a que although we had an appointment. At the start we were given loads of information which was a lot to take in. At the appointment the staff was very helpfull and the information was then explained to us in a very easy way and we were able to open the account staight away. After a week we got a welcome pack through the post and it had the account number on and all the information that was expained to us on the day of opening the account. We were very happy with what we had done and knew that our money was in safe hands.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2011 by Rachel
Good Points: It was good because it made me want to set up a bank account for my daughter even more as i had something to put in it. It made it alot easier to set up an account with the information given to me.
Bad Points: It had the wrong date of birth on the voucher
I think the child trsyt fund is really good and has really helpfull information about the different types of account you can set up. As a first time mum it really helped and encouraged me to set up a bank account for my daughter. Even though the date of birth was wrong on the voucher my bank have given me a number which i need to call to get it changed so the bank have also been very helpful. I think the child trust fund voucher is a great help when starting up a new bank account for a new son/daughter.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2011 by michael penderton
Good Points: easy and straight forward to apply, plenty of info and a re-assuring ammount of contact
Bad Points: haven't experienced any
Very easy and straight forward to apply. Plenty of information and a re - assuring ammount of contact, for example, not too much and not too little, a good balance.
Would be more than happy to reccommend this type of child trust fund and was quite excited to get the first statement. We are now in our second year of growth and it is good to know that we can top up should we wish too. Another benefit was that we were given small, business card sized, card'swith the child's account information on to give to relatives should they wish to top up for birthday's christmas or any other occasion.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2011 by Michelle Donaldson
Good Points: lots of information available.
online help available.
Bad Points: none to mention
When trying to decide what to do with the Child Trust Fund money that arrived through the door after having my daughter, i was unsure what to do with it or where to start. The book which arrived with the cheque did outline all the choices i had and all the options there is to top up my childs Trust Fund, but was still unsure what company to invest in. In the end i decided to log onto my own bank website as i have been with my bank for over 16 years now and had no problems with the service they provide. I figured by placing my daughters Trust Fund with this reliable bank it will be ok to sit in a savings account for the next 18 years and i can top up straight from my own bank account. Choosing the savings account was the easiest option as i didn't fully understand the Stocks and Shares route and didn't like the thought of getting out less than i put in and knew savings was the safest option in the long term for my daughter's future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2011 by Carol-Anne Burns
Good Points: helpfull friendly and straight talking and informative
Bad Points: none at all
When I called the person I spoke to (can't remember their name - sorry) was very pleasant, helpfull and knowledgeable. They explained everything to me and in a manner that even I understood. It took about 10 minuted to give them all the information they needed to set up my child's trust fund and answer all my questions. As they took the details over the phone there was no need for me to complete any paperwork or even send the certificate away to them. I would like to thank them for their courtious and efficient service and look forward to the annual updates letting me know how much I was saved for my child.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2011 by Clare Butterfield
Good Points: Friendly staff
ease of use of information
Bad Points: Unable to sign up online
They offer a very good service that provides a quick and very efficient communication of the state of our children's personal investment bonds.
We receive regular up dates on statements, additional payments made and direct debits.
The website is very easy to follow and use and always has an expert to help out with any problems or queries with the accounts.
We are always receiving additional offers and opportunities to invest our children's money and how to get the best deal on investment.
We feel this is a great opportunity that every parent should look into to give a solid financial start to their children's life.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2011 by charlotte lloyd
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I chose to put my daughters child trust fund voucher with family investments because of the quality service i received with my first daughter. once again i have received fantastic customer service and it was so very easy to set up it only took a matter of minutes to set up the account and the paperwork was sent out very quickly. the person who dealt with my account was very polite and very quick she made sure i understood everything fully. i will definately be recommending this company to all of my friends in the future. thank you very much.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2011 by Natalie Backes
Good Points: one of the few good CTFs around
Bad Points: None
On receipt of the child trust fund voucher the general public in my opinion have great difficulty in understanding what to do and how to invest the voucher. Considering this is the first financial decision they have to make for their child everyone wants to make an informed decision to make the most for their childs future. I found contacting several companies and asking for information on their various funds was informative and gave a relative variety of choice . I work in this field so I no what to look out for in a fund and hope that I have made the right investment choice. However I think the information to the general person is very complicated and people will not entirely no what they are investing in and just invest based on the one or two factors when all points should be considered.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2011 by ian butterfield
Good Points: excellent website
good and efficient service
Bad Points: One can not register online to use the account
They offer a very good service that provides a quick and very efficient communication of the state of our children's personal investment bonds.
We receive regular up dates on statements, additional payments made and direct debits.
The website is very easy to follow and use and always has an expert to help out with any problems or queries with the accounts.
We are always receiving additional offers and opportunities to invest our children's money and how to get the best deal on investment.
We feel this is a great opportunity that every parent should look into to give a solid financial start to their children's life.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2011 by Elaine Mazurkiewicz
Good Points: Easy online account access and easy to navigate menus. Good recent fund performance.
Bad Points: None so far, hopefully fund will continue to do well.
I first discovered information about the Family Investment website through leaflets received with a Bounty pack. After further checks online I decided that this was one of the best Child Trust funds to go with. There is a handy calculator for seeing potential value of fund in the future. It is easy to pay money into the account, or make additional small deposits from generous family members and friends. Also the customisable account web page, makes it feel more personal. I have only been a member for 3 months will hopefully be as content with fund in 5 years. Very pleased with £25 vouchers for baby!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2011 by James Webb
Good Points: -Easy to use and set up
-Easy to change direct debits
-Good to be able to see expected savings at different ages
Bad Points: Took a while for online account to become available
I have been very pleased with the Child Trust Fund we have set up for my son. We now know for certain that money will be set aside for him when he becomes an adult. It was very easy to set up a direct debit which we can use to pay money into his account and the website is useful as it allows us to see his nest egg growing. It is also useful to be able to see the expected amount he will receive when he comes of age. It has been a very easy process to set up his account and I would recommend it to others.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2011 by kym Dalziel
Good Points: Encourages children to take an interest in finances and saving from an early age.
Staff are keen to explain any queries you may have about the account.
Bad Points: None
I opened a child trust fund for my daughter shortly after she was born. When my relationship with her father broke down shortly afterwards the trust fund provided us with a mutual place to deposit money for our daughter which would benefit her as she got older and would be beneficial purely for her. With the price of education and setting up home rising all the time the trust fund will give her a lump sum which she can decide how to use best when she is at an age to do so. We can deposit varying amounts at times that suit us which will all go towards providing her with a good start in her adult life
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2011 by nevin sengunes
Good Points: account cannot be touched until the child is 18
£250 is paid when they are born and a further £250 when they are 7
Bad Points: not all children all eligable
this is a good account to have and it's nice to get the extra money towards your chil/childrens future but some people all not eligable, depends on when your child was born, if eligable you dont do anything and it automatically gets send to you, there are also different types of accounts to choose from and the money cannot be touched until they reach the age of 18. another good thing for these accounts is that other people can contribute to the savings, so you can get any member of your family and friends to add money each month to the account.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2011 by leanne costin
Good Points: the provider/ keeper of my child's trust fund was Very informative, welcoming, inform me a balance and potential future balances, also very helpful when setting up a direct debit.
Bad Points: i haven't really experienced any as of yet
I am very happy to say that the provider i chose for my daughter's trust fund are very formative, they write to me annually to inform me of the balance of the trust fund. I was also pleased with the cards detailing payment instructions for the trust fund that could be handed out to relatives and friends I am also pleased with the actual idea of the trust fund as when i was a child this was none existent and i had nothing to build my future with but for my daughter this will be different as she will have the help o both myself and the governments child trust fund to help her to build a future for herself.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Mar 2011 by sarah
Good Points: i've used child trust fund since 2003 it is by far the best way to put money in to their accounts i've used this service for all of my children except one as she to old which is a shame butt would highly reccommend especially if your poor with money you can pay as little as £10 a month
Bad Points: can't fault them so no bad points for me
as said above this is a good way too pay into childrens accounts i've done so with all mine except one
you can say as and when you want to pay money
you can get other people to pay in to their accounts too its really good highly reccommended
you do't have to pay anything in if you don't want to
my kids iu've done for when their 21 as will be a little older and wiser and won't waste it as much and hope they spend it wisely
and you get to choose their age either 18 or 21 to get it out
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Mar 2011 by craig
Good Points: this child trust fund is very good for the children that fit into the age group toqualify to recieve it
Bad Points: this is the problem ive come across lots of times children that dont fall into the age group to get a child trust fund but there older or younger brother or sister do get it
if you have more than one child and the older or younger child dont recieve a child trust fund and there sibling or siblings do and you come from a family with limited means and low funds who cannot afford to open an account for there other children like so many of my friends i do not think this is fair as there will be jelousy and animosity between brothers and sisters i think for people on benifits who dont or cannot work should recieve a child trust fund for every child that they have liveing with them at home to save sibling rivelary
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Mar 2011 by soraya
Good Points: this child trust fund is very good for the children that fit into the age group toqualify to recieve it
Bad Points: this is the problem ive come across lots of times children that dont fall into the age group to get a child trust fund but there older or younger brother or sister do get it
if you have more than one child and the older or younger child dont recieve a child trust fund and there sibling or siblings do and you come from a family with limited means and low funds who cannot afford to open an account for there other children like so many of my friends i do not think this is fair as there will be jelousy and animosity between brothers and sisters i think for people on benifits who dont or cannot work should recieve a child trust fund for every child that they have liveing with them at home to save sibling rivelary
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Mar 2011 by sam mcvay
Good Points: really helpful and relaible
easy to read terms and conditions
Bad Points: None
i like this as the letters sent out are easy to understand and are really helpful. The letter explains in detail what money is in the fund and when it went in it also shows you when the next lot of installments of the money is going in too so you can keep up to date with the payments. Letters are sent just after you get the money in the child trust fund also so you know exactly whats what. the easy layout on the internet is also very helpful and easy to use this is why i think that the fund is really good.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Mar 2011 by gemma
Good Points: friendly staff
easy form to fill out
clear information
Bad Points: None
after i had researched a lots of different places on the internet for the best interest rates i searched a number of sites for competetive prices. i found that this account was one of the better ones they seemed very attactive and i also had a generally friendly easy service with clear information that i needed. friendly and helpful staff on hand which is what you need when arranging this sort of an account with good rates. the webiste is also very helpfull with easy clear information and the form isnt complicated. i think this account is a good choice to consider
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 03 Mar 2011 by Drew Kearney
Good Points: Very clear, concise and easy to understand information.
Bad Points: Could do with outlining the government regulations on saving for your child
Having worked in the financial services for a number of years I feel I am very knowledgeable and understanding of many financial facilities on offer to the general public. This meant researching many of them whilst looking for a savings account for my child. The process was very easy to understand with everything laid out as clear as day in front of me with none of the jargon that the big banks and corporations use. This will be a service very much recommended to friends and colleagues who are looking forward to having a child and is a service and facility that is well worth looking into in great detail.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Mar 2011 by Abbey Titchner
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I found these realy good and easy to use, i already have a daughter of 4 who has a chld trust fund, i had alot of trouble finding the right one to invest her money in, i found this really easy and the staff really helpful and friendly. I really wish it had been as easy as this before so i didn't have to get so stressed out and could have done it with ease. I would like to recommed these to anyone who is interested in the company and thank all the staff for their support in helping me make my decision.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Mar 2011 by chaku
Good Points: everything gud
Bad Points: nothing bad
child trust fung is better optin to think about your child future .you can save for your child at regular basis that is very important if you get fix term salary amd have only one income source .so i would like to suggess everyone who has child .if they want to save for their children this the best way to save and plan in advance for your child .You get different benefits for different trust but this the best i have heard fri=om different people and plab=ning for all of my childrens . and also sugess to my friends who has a child .
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Mar 2011 by Kristina
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
we choose the family investment child trust fund as it was the Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts award for Best Child Trust Fund Provider 2010. We used the child trust fund voucher to begin with & plan to add to it monthly by direct debit. The initial set up was easy, just a few forms & the timescale to set up was also quick so that the investment started earning interest as soon as possible. We plan to also add money from presents to the fund to hopefully get to the £1200 mark each year giving our child the best options we can.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Mar 2011 by david groom
Good Points: setting my child up for the future
Bad Points: nothing
i was pleased with the child trust fund until i found out it was going to be axed what happens with the money i have already paid into this. I think we have voted the wrong people into power and we have made a our own bed and should basically not winge and moan if we have lost this then it is our own fault. i am looking into getting a better deal for a child trust fund from a priavte company as the goverment scheme is awful my childs future is what is important and a trust fund is what is needed.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2011 by Kerry
Good Points: very smiely
Bad Points: over helpful
Though the quality of servie was great, i hower did not like the constant fuss and i felt the need to do things alone and i didnt want the majprity off the fuss that i was given and it was not very good at alll...i was otherwise happy with the service i was given and i hope that any other customers would be beniffical to theservice with the smiels ...
no well being person would think any different... i enjoyee it and will use it again if you will have me that is of course thankyou much very , kerry
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Feb 2011 by Gemma Lacey
Good Points: I don't know much about Trust Funds but the staff at Family Investments were so friendly. In November I decided to stop making direct debit payments so I could save some money for Christmas and it was so easy to do and they were very helpful.
Bad Points: I had trouble making payments to start with as I wanted to make one off payments for birthdays etc and they told me that it would be easier to set up more regular payments. So therefore, it was tricky for family members to make direct payments and instead the money had to go into my account and then into my sons, even though the pack I received made it look more easier than it was. didn't recieve any Boots vouchers either when i set up direct debit payments.
Overall, I am pleased with Family Investments, as they are very helpful and every year I recieve a letter saying how much is in the account and what the estimated amount will be in a years time if the payments are regular. Luckily the money has risen all the time, even though the account is variable. I think when i use the company again I would definately make sure to mention any free vouchers that you should be entitled to when you sign up. I am expecting another baby and am definately going to set up an acount with Family Investments and would recommend it to other parents.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2011 by Joanne Claire Cameron
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I was very keen to get an ethical child trust account for my daughter, and this is one of the few on the market. The one that we prveiously had for my son, a few years previously, with another provider has now been withdrawn. The application process was straight forward and speedy, and I have been happy with everything received. It is good to know that it is an ethical account. It is also good to have facility to easily top up the account. I'm glad that we choose this option. I could recommend it to others wanteing to pursue this option
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2011 by Iiris Halmari
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
The telephone staff were extremely friendly when I called to change my address. When calling you receive an unusually small amount of telephone options to choose from, which means you get to speak to a person quickly. This is a rarity these days. When you receive your welcome packet, it includes little slips with the account details that you can give to relatives so they can add money to the child's acccount easily. Everything has gone smoothly with setting up the account and also with adding money to it. It would have been handy to amend address details online, but the telephone worked just as well.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2011 by Miss Cowen
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
Very easy to use website everything straight forward and easy to understand. Follow up emails explaining how to add additional funds were clear and useful. Also follow up emails on how to manage account online with the online wizard also very clear and useful. The cards that came in the information pack were really handy to give to family so they can add funds on special occasions. I checked online before I opened this account and it is one if the to performing childrens trust funds, even during the last few years of financial crisis. Overall a very good standard of customer service received so far.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2011 by Marie leonard
Good Points: Friendliness and service
Bad Points: None as yet
I was very surprised and pleased with the initial telephone call I made. It was much clearer and friendlier than other trust funds I had approached. The information was sent quickly and was easy to follow and complete. Overall a very smooth process. I looking forward to making annual contributions into the fund and watching my sons account grow. The Internet access makes this much easier and means I can go online at anytime to complete any transactions. I am very pleased that it has been possible to open an account which invests on my behalf and where the fees are set at a reasonable level. It is just a shame the government won't allow additional investment levels tax free!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2011 by Colin Byron
Good Points: Easy to apply
Bad Points: None
I applied for the Family Investments Child Trust Fund as they had an an ethical investment fund option that was available to use through the government child trust fund voucher, this was an easy product to apply for and the information available was clear and understandable.
The documents for the Family Investments Child Trust Fund were received in the post quickly and were again clearly set out and provide the information in understanable way.
The Family Investments web-site was well laid out and was quick.
In conclusion this was easy to apply for and there were no bad points that I could identify with this product.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2011 by Peter McKelvey
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I would highly recommend Family Investments.
The Child Trust Fund they offer is clearly and positively presented. Their correspondence is always easy to follow and gets to the point, not cluttering your desk with unnecessary waffle.
The website, which incorporates access to your account (including the trust funds of multiple children) is very easy to use, and it is obvious and straightforward how anyone can make contributions to your children's future.
I have only had cause to speak to a Family Investments employee once, but I found him polite and courteous.
Additionally, I believe the ethical option which they offer sets an example to other companies as to how finances should be invested.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2011 by Emma Howe
Good Points: ease of use
easy to setup
Bad Points: none so far, direct debit goes out, all the information about the account is close at hand
we were looking for a quick and simple account to invest money in for our daughter. for me the best method of looking after it would be online, it was quick and easy to apply online - the paperwork came thru in a couple of days and we were up and running. the direct debit choice for payments means we dont need to remember to keep topping the account up and the online payment system means other family members can do it as well to ensure she has plenty of money when she turns 18. long way off yet tho
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2011 by Victoria Jackson
Good Points: Easy to set up online.
Easy for friends and family members to add to the account.
Bad Points: None
This account was very easy to set up and maintain online. Free boots voucher also for opening account. Good that friends and family can add to the account online or over the phone. Both one off and regular payments are accepted. The online wizard allows you to keep track of your investments. You are able to add a photo of your child.
If you open the account via nectar you get 1000 points and then a further 1000 points for setting up a direct debit.
Very impressed so far and government funds appeared with 3 weeks. Would, and have, recommend.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 06 Feb 2011 by Billie Jo hancock
Good Points: None
Bad Points: It has stopped now.
Thank god we got our child test fund in, I hear they have now stopped it?
Our son will now have a nice little nest egg to get him started in life which we can add to.
We went with Barclay's which was very easy to do.. We just requested an application form, filled it out and posted it back.
Two weeks later all his account details and paperwork.
Just a shame they don't get the next one? Well for our kids we get 50 I believe, were just have to pit the rest in... .
Its realy Not fair that it's stopped.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 06 Feb 2011 by Mark Craddock
Good Points: Very easy to use website, I havent had the need to contact by phone but the website makes easy use to navigate and use
Bad Points: As yet nothing
I had looked into our First child Harrison's options for a savings plan and that also looked after the long term needs required, on researching it appeared that alot of policies available were very similar but the investment and service given by Family Investments seemed to meet all the needs and I hoped that with the plana and advice given that Family Investments was the right choice to go with.
it also meant that friends and relatives were able to go online and add small gifts into the fund throughout the term and that this would be invested for Harrisons future resoponsibliy
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Feb 2011 by katie cresswell
Good Points: can look at your childs trust fund online and manage it there too
Bad Points: they only send you a letter once a year
only got with them as my daughter was with addy and they changed her to family investment when they became santander, as she was in a savings account
overall ive had no problems with them and the staff are friendly when you call up which i find a good thing, last thing you want is to talk to someone horrid.
the letters are not very helpful and i find them hard to understand sometimes, they need to send them out more offten then they do.
the wedsite is also very confusing and i tend to stay away from doing it online at all.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Feb 2011 by lu
Good Points: its good.
Bad Points: its not bad.
good with saving money in doesnt let you take out and other money so not tempted to take out of the bank has a average interest rate which is good over a period of time also doesnt allow the money to be realised untilthe child is 18 which will be good for the children in the near future as they can purchase what they wish. the fund is reliable and trustworthy and when opening the offer you the best deal and were very helpful with the good points of it..i been with them a year and saved already for my kid.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 03 Feb 2011 by rachel farrall
Good Points: None
Bad Points: paid money in on via direct debit and return in the same day
The paper work was easly to complete, but i have found it increasingly difficult to pay money into the account. I would be much ealier if i was able to walk into a venue and pay money in over the counter eg post office or bank.
It would be useful to be able to put both parents details in the paper work, and in my case both addresses (single mother, but co-parent with daughters father). This would able her father came feel that he is more involved in saving for her future.
I would like to recieved regular (quarterly) statements or to have access to the account on line.
i did find the card to give to friend and releative useful, but i have not given these out, as i have had trouble paying in myself.
I would be usefull to understand how the changes that the goverent has annouced to be comunicated to parents in simple lanugage.
I did find it odd recieving a "Happy Birthday from your extended family" email. i thought it was spam to start with and i did not open the email for a couple of days, to ensure it was nothing bad, it would be more useful to received this via normal mail.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Feb 2011 by elizabeth atkinson
Good Points: easy to set up.
Bad Points: found it hard to change details.
i chose this company for my son because i was told it was good and it is i dont have any problems with them only i need to change my sons details as i changed his name when i got married and havent been able to change his name with the company yet as they are asking for some one to sign the form and i havent been able to find any one and i never get time to phone everything else is ok i dont need to do anything i get regular statements so i know whats what i have recomened them to my sister.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Feb 2011 by liz ashley
Good Points: I was ill after having my baby and setting up a trust fund was put on hold. Automatically it was set up for me with family investments. At first i was a little worried as id had no information on the company but i have to say they seem great. I get sent statements frequently and its made simple for even myself to understand how to invest more money towards my sons trust fund. I have no worries for the future and when i called to see how i could invest monthly towards my sons fund the people on the end of the phone was very helpful.
Bad Points: I was ill after having my baby and setting up a trust fund was put on hold. Automatically it was set up for me with family investments. At first i was a little worried as id had no information on the company but i have to say they seem great. I get sent statements frequently and its made simple for even myself to understand how to invest more money towards my sons trust fund. I have no worries for the future and when i called to see how i could invest monthly towards my sons fund the people on the end of the phone was very helpful.
I was ill after having my baby and setting up a trust fund was put on hold. Automatically it was set up for me with family investments. At first i was a little worried as id had no information on the company but i have to say they seem great. I get sent statements frequently and its made simple for even myself to understand how to invest more money towards my sons trust fund. I have no worries for the future and when i called to see how i could invest monthly towards my sons fund the people on the end of the phone was very helpful.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2011 by S
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
We are very pleased to have chosen this investment fund for both our sons. The biggest benefit to our chosen financial investment is we can check the details, progress and facts and figures of on line at any time. When we contacted the helpdesk to add our second child they suggested we join the statements so we can see both of our childrens financial progress in one go. A really useful tool. The website has password security, so nice and safe too. Would reccomend to anyone after all there is a list of so many investments to chose from. Great customer service, good clear information on line.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2011 by angela bunday
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I was ill after having my baby and setting up a trust fund was put on hold. Automatically it was set up for me with family investments. At first i was a little worried as id had no information on the company but i have to say they seem great. I get sent statements frequently and its made simple for even myself to understand how to invest more money towards my sons trust fund. I have no worries for the future and when i called to see how i could invest monthly towards my sons fund the people on the end of the phone was very helpful.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2011 by Nikki Bettison
Good Points: Have kept me informed in a timely manner
Bad Points: None
From looking into what CTF is all about and the various options open to parents considering investing, from start to setting up my daughters account I have found the whole experience with Family Investments very user friendly, knowledgeable and professional.
The website and online access is a great idea, especially for working parents and it is fairly easy to navigate around with is a bonus in saving time!
I haven't needed to speak with anyone direct yet so it is difficult to know about staff friendliness but the level of written communication has been more than adequate for the correspondence todate
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2011 by Jade Hanson
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I chose Family Investments after I had my son in 2008. They had good reviews and the customer service was good. I invested his CTF voucher and started a monthly Direct Debit. It was all so easy to do! When I got the first annual statement I was quite pleasently surprised at how well Alfie's investment had done. It was 3 times better than some of my friends childrens accounts. As soon as I had my daughter last year I didnt even bother searching for another provider - Family Investments were my first choice and I have recommended them to lots of other new mums. Their customer service is amazing and their website is so easy to navigate around. The brochures and leaflets are simple to understand too - no complicated jargon!! Thanks FI
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2011 by praful depala
Good Points: easy to use website. clear presentation of information. nice example of future cash projection. timely emails.
Bad Points: none that I can think of.
I opened my son's account with Family investments as I am a barclays customer. I have had regular information and the website is easy and clear to use. I have had no complaints with them. They were helpful with my change of address as well. overall they explain in simple terms what can be a daunting process.
it is reassuring to know that a respected company is in charge of my son's future savings fund. I am always reassured knowing that my son can look forward to a nice tidy sum when he is older. I would reccomend Family Investments to others.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2011 by jennifer redpath
Good Points: really easy to use and understand
Bad Points: None
In general i found the website very easy to use and to understand. You explain things in lamen terms so that normal people like myself can read and understand.
I would like to receive general emails to tell me how his trust fund is progressing, is there a way that you keep in touch every year or every quarter for example. i woiuld very much like to know how his investment is progressing. ALso can i access this or is it just Sam that can access to it.
Also i am finding it very hard to have anything else to say here and i am a little unimpressed that i have to write 100 words to get beyond this page.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2011 by catherine ball
Good Points: Trusted source through the post office. Easy on line, quick, simple, so many to choose from and I just wanted a simple one to fill out on line.
Bad Points: None!
Easy to use, quick, available on line so you can fill out at your own convenience. Good communications via email and post. Provide small cards with account details to give to family., these were useful. Very useful to have access to the account on line to see how the account is progressing. At the start there was a clear explanation if rhe different types of accounts. I haven't heard if family investments but trust the post office as the introducers to this company. It was important for me to do from hime as it took me about four months to set it up!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2011 by D Richards
Good Points: Quick and easy to set up. Sufficient information provided as the application progressed.
Bad Points: None. Seems like there will be gentle nudges to keep on investing and to encourage your family to also invest. But I can ignore those!
Seemed to be the best trust fund we could find which was a responsible way to invest this govt. bonus. We even decided to top it up with a modest direct debit. I had forgotten that it had been mentioned in the details but I was pleasantly surprised to receive some Boots vouchers in the post the other day, not long after the govt. paid in their money and the online access was established. The online access is very easy to manage and allows us to see how our daughter's fund is developing in more detail than I would have expected. A good deal for us, we think, but it's all dependent on the markets anyway!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2011 by forhana
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
overal it is ok but what I expected was to reciece regular updates on the account rather than recieving an annual statement which at the end of the day is nothing than a statement and you kind of hope to recieve regular information about what is happening, ups and downs of shares, what the effects could be and what the plan on doing with the childs trust fund for the benifits of these share holders.
we can only imagine the loss and worry if our children are going to gain from this sort of gambling as I see it.
i hope that there will be a bright sum in the future for our children to look forward to.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2011 by oksana
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
i have ride your side and i like it!it is perfect instruments!and i wood like receive from you eny interesting items!thenks for your all work!so you can all times go to world and i wish you good biznes!i have ride your side and i like it!it is perfect instruments!and i wood like receive from you eny interesting items!thenks for your all work!so you can all times go to world and i wish you good biznes!i have ride your side and i like it!it is perfect instruments!and i wood like receive from you eny interesting items!thenks for your all work!so you can all times go to world and i wish you good biznes!i have ride your side and i like it!it is perfect instruments!and i wood like receive from you eny interesting items!thenks for your all work!so you can all times go to world and i wish you good biznes!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2011 by chantelle webb
Good Points: i think this is a fab company they have kept me up to date every step of the way.
Bad Points: erm none really maybe i could of got more imformation before hand
i feel that the family investments child trust fund is genrally a good company and i have referred alot of my friends and family for this i wouldnt do that unless i thought they were absalutly brilliant. i have another child who also have a child trust fund but he is with bounty child trust funds im going to be opening an account with family investments for my son to get a better start,also i thik family invetments is good because youyr child/children cannot touch there money untill they are 16. thank you very much i have really enjoyed doing this survey.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 06 Jan 2011 by Daisy
Good Points: The service was fast.
Bad Points: The whole thing seemed a little netural.
I don't really have any comments, except it's worth going here for a Trust Fund.
I was completely put off by the first impressions I recieved, but I got over it, and here I am.
Family Child Trust Funds are also simple and easy to get, and very useful for any family interested in them.
Family Investments aren't such as bad as they seem, so don't let that put you off.
The staff friendliness was a little awkward though, I suggest improving that.
Plus I feel as though I am not grateful enough, though I actually pay for this service.
Oh well, that's life for you.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Jan 2011 by vince hussey
Good Points: very easy to open on-line and a free gift of £25 Boots vouchers!
Very easy to navigate around the site
Bad Points: None as yet
I opened this via Topcashback and (hopefully) will also be due just over £30 cashback. That is on top of the Boots vouchers. It seems to have quite a decent return and the reviews have all been positive. You can also set up a direct debit amount from as little as £5 (though to qualify for the Boots vouchers, we set up a direct debit for £20 per month).
The website is very user friendly and it was really quick to set it up. If only finding a decent bank account for a child was as quick and as easy as this.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 04 Jan 2011 by Catherine Thompson
Good Points: simple to set up
NICE WAY TO BUILD A NEST EGG FOR MY SONS FUTURE
Bad Points: incorrect web info
ticked a box online for the type of investment i wanted for my son but a different account was set up. I didnt realise this for a while and when i queried the mistake i was told that type of account didnt exist!? i like the fact it works for itself and i dont have to keep an eye on it. I just check the account online every now and again which is easy to do. I can also add to it if i choose to but havent as yet. looking forward to seeing what return my son gets in a few years!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 03 Jan 2011 by michelle depledge
Good Points: Fantastic and easy to use. Set up via the internet and pack recieved in the post quickly. No hassle or anything, lets you chose whether to set up direct debit or not and free vouchers if you do set up a regular d/d
Bad Points: hard to chase them up via phone if you need to talk to them and no contact via internet.
i have 4 accounts with these now for my children, receive regular update statements and a trusted and good company as its through the post office. Fantastic and easy to use. Set up via the internet and pack received in the post quickly. No hassle or anything, lets you chose whether to set up direct debit or not and free vouchers if you do set up a regular d/d. Hard to chase them up via phone if you need to talk to them and no contact via internet, would love an email address or something to be able to contact them.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Jan 2011 by Rachel Davis
Good Points: i was very confused at first which account tochoose for my sons trust fund but the information i received about the account i chose was straight forward and easy to understand. It was also very easy to set the account up and i also receive regular updates on how my sons account is progressing, which keep me informed and puts my mind at rest in the current economical climate!
Bad Points: the account lost money in its first year
I was very confused at first which account to choose for my sons trust fund but the information i received about the account i chose was straight forward and easy to understand. It was also very easy to set the account up and i also receive regular updates on how my sons account is progressing, which keeps me informed and puts my mind at rest in the current economical climate. i was very worried when i had a update about the account and found that the account had actually lost money i was also thinking about changing the account to another company but i was soon informed that this was just due to the economy and they assured me it would soon improve which it did and the account is now making money.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Jan 2011 by big daddy c
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
Looked through all of the options for investing money for my childs future. All of the companies seemed to offer much the same service with various registration gifts for investing your money and your government cheque. I chose this company because the vouchers seemed like a good deal as they always come in handy. The interest rates all seemed very similar across the board so am reasonably happy with my choice. It is easy to log in to your account and to track progress of the savings. All in all a good company or so I believe. ta ta Looked through all of the options for investing money for my childs future. All of the companies seemed to offer much the same service with various registration gifts for investing your money and your government cheque. I chose this company because the vouchers seemed like a good deal as they always come in handy. The interest rates all seemed very similar across the board so am reasonably happy with my choice. It is easy to log in to your account and to track progress of the savings. All in all a good company or so I believe. ta ta
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Jan 2011 by Parham Mostaeddi
Good Points: good product
Steady growth
Bad Points: n/a
Since I started up this account for my child, it has shown steady year on year growth which is fantastic considering the economic climate over the past few years.
Initially my trust fund voucher was lost in the post, but family Investments talked me through the process of obtaining a replacement.
I completed the process by post, not sure if you can do over internet or by phone, but would prefer alternative method, especially considering voucher was lost in post so had hassle of replacing.
At time i set up account I had no experience of managing such finances, but since then I have gained such knowledge through a change of career and am more confident with such accounts.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2010 by hayley middleton
Good Points: Easy to intially set up
Bad Points: Only 1 statement a year
difficulty paying in
It was quite easy to set up at the start and the intial government voucher went in very quickly. However, cash cannot be paid into the account it has to be done through a bank transfer. My family were unable to set up standing orders as their banks could not find my sons child trusf fund account. Also i only get one statement a year so if proof of savings is required it makes ot difficult to obtain an up to date statment. I have therefore set up a seperate account for my son that can be accesed and managed a lot more easily
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2010 by Emma-Louise Farrell
Good Points: Easy applied for
Great help and assistance if needed
Easy to use
Bad Points: None so far
Im really pleased with the service and help i recived, its so easy to obtain a child trust fund and is a great benifit to my child, its easy to put money in such as birthday or christmas money that my child recives, ive no complaints at all and wil be doing the same if i have more children. I would highly reccommend that if your considering a child trust fund then do it, its great to have for the future of your child and gives you and your child security for the future. Highly reccommended that you get one.!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2010 by lisa clarke
Good Points: very happy with the sevice and always get sent information on how thw account is doing
Bad Points: have no bad points to add
very happy with the service they provide they send me updates of the account regualy which iam happy with the intreast is very good so i cant fault the service i would recomend them to any one they have very friendly staff when you need to make a call and they are very understanding i would always give them a good rating i never had the chance to put my eldests money in the saving as it only came out when i had my second child i have told alot of people to go to the same family investments and the intrest is very good also
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2010 by vikki
Good Points: Great service, very friendly staff. I look forward to the rewards my daughter will receive when she comes of age.
Bad Points: None
I have had really great service from this company, very nice and friendly staff. I will look forward to the rewards which my daughter will receive when she reaches the required age of eighteen. I have given my family members and friends the little cards, which were enclosed with my documents, as they make it so much easier for them to make contributions to the savings account. It is so nice to have that little piece of mind that there is something put in place for your loved ones to give them the best chance in life. Thank you for your help in making this happen.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2010 by Aimarge
Good Points: Simple to set up
Bad Points: Have done poorly in the market for the last couple of years
No specific problems with the company just hard to get a good investment rate in these financial times. Better to accept the risk than to accept the poor interest rate set up by banks in the child trust fund scheme. Family Investments does take 10% of your money for fees and sends you statements at the end of the year to let you know how much you have earnt or lost. I have only invested the minimum because I don't know if I can trust this company just yet but you can invest over £1000 each year tax free but not risk free.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2010 by Alan Ward
Good Points: Easily understood information. Good website. Well known provider.
Bad Points: None really
We transfered out of a with profits Child Trust Fund with LV at the bottom of the market and joined Family Investments. Has worked out really well as the LV wasn't growing at a great rate (but being with profits wasn't loosing money). As it was LV closing all their accounts no Market Reduction Value was applied and we bought many more units in the FI fund than we would have done if we'd done it when the market was high. The overall value has gone up by 11% this year so far... not bad!
For all those moaning about performance over the last 2 years, this is market based investment. If you are in the first years of the plan, the market being low is GOOD news. For each £20 you add you are buying many more units, which when the market picks up (which it is already doing) your fund will be worth much more. If you don't want this risk then choose a cash account.
Great service and great web site.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2010 by wendy waite
Good Points: it is brilliant that my child will get money whn he is older
Bad Points: shame it wasnt started years ago and also a shame its now ended
i think this is a brilliant scheme and i am so glad my son qualified for this the account was so easy to open and the staff at the abbey national were so helpful when i opened the account.my son will be able to do driving lessons with the money when he is older its just a shame that the scheme has now ended and my son will not get the other 250 pound when he reaches 7 but hey cant grumble at least he obtained some unlike my 3 older children as they didnt get anything.i have also added to my sons funds.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2010 by SK Narayanasamy
Good Points: Very good policy
Bad Points: not much information available on this easily
After researching the trust funds available we decided to go with Family Investments for our second child. They are the UK's largest provider of child trust funds and have been doing it the longest - both of which inspire confidence. They are also the provider used by the government to invest your money if you don't choose your own fund, and they seem to be used by a number of banks as an investment partner - again, this all inspires confidence. Their website is very user friendly, and they are the only provider which allows you to view and manage your account online. I always feel that I look after my investments better if I can see what is happening, so this feature really appealed and I think it will also be a really nice way of teaching our daughter about the nest egg that is growing for her. Having chosen Family Investments, we looked at their different funds - they have a general fund, and an ethical fund. Having a little person to think of this seems more important than ever - and looking at the performance tables, the fund has actually outperformed the other, so it made sense all round. We set up the account and everything was sent out very quickly and efficiently.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2010 by SP Sivabalan
Good Points: Very good policy
Bad Points: None
After researching the trust funds available we decided to go with Family Investments for our second child. They are the UK's largest provider of child trust funds and have been doing it the longest - both of which inspire confidence. They are also the provider used by the government to invest your money if you don't choose your own fund, and they seem to be used by a number of banks as an investment partner - again, this all inspires confidence. Their website is very user friendly, and they are the only provider which allows you to view and manage your account online. I always feel that I look after my investments better if I can see what is happening, so this feature really appealed and I think it will also be a really nice way of teaching our daughter about the nest egg that is growing for her. Having chosen Family Investments, we looked at their different funds - they have a general fund, and an ethical fund. The ethical fund doesn't invest in airy fairy hippy things (as I suspect my father assumed when I mentioned it to him!) the main difference seems to be that they do not invest in companies which are damaging to the environment or human rights. Having a little person to think of this seems more important than ever - and looking at the performance tables, the fund has actually outperformed the other, so it made sense all round. We set up the account online and everything was sent out very quickly and efficiently.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2010 by garry naldi
Good Points: easy to access online
Bad Points: do not offer savings account
Since setting up a child trust fund for my daughter in June 2010 with family investments i have only had positive feedback. I initially deposited 300 pound and have a regular direct debit set up which currently shows an increased growth.
the ease of being able to log on using internet is immensely beneficial as enables frequent checks and makes it easy to ammend direct debit deposits or deposit one off ammounts. I have also been given business cards with account information to pass on to friends and family which i hope will boost the final financial outcome. overall good experience thus far.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2010 by anna chodkiewicz
Good Points: the trust fund send me a statement every year on my childs birthday to let me know how her money is developing, easy to veiw online.
Bad Points: None
the child trust fund was very easy to set up, i just filled in the form sent it off along with the £250 goverment cheque and within a week i had recived information on my childs account what type of account it was being put into ect. also they sent me 12 cards with all my childs account details on to give to family mambers should they wish to contribute. every year on my childs birthday i recive a paper statement through the post with information on how my childs trust fund is or isnt delveloping. also i have online access to the trust fund at all times to check on the development, add money to it or set up a direct debit. the online service is very straight forward and easily accsessed. i would recomend all my family and friends with children to use barclays family investments.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2010 by Nicola
Good Points: Easy to open, all online.
Bad Points: None
I opened my account and also recieved cashback. I Chose this supplier as it is family friendly and all dealt with onlinr. It also comes with fun things for my child and little cards to give to families who wish to contribute to the account. I like to deal with finances online and not have sales people throwing lots of other things at me. Since joining I have also had regular email updates (not too regular that they would annoy me) letting me know about any changes or new offers which I may be interested in. I have been very happy with the service we have recieved.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2010 by Avinash Jha
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I got the details for the child trust fund managed by the Family Investments while doing the Google search, and i came to the conclusion that among the various service providers, they are among the good ones,
if not the best.The basic criteria of having the child trust fund is that your investment is managed in the manner wghich provides good return after the considerable period of wait, and the family investment mn ages with good fund managers who invests your investments within the statutory framwork in best possible investments,proividing good return on investment. They also top it with some Boots vouchers.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2010 by Suzanne Dumbleton
Good Points: website is extremely easy to use
It's easy to find the info you are looking for.
I opened both a new trust fund & transfered an existing one & the process couldn't have been easier for both tarnsactions.
Bad Points: I didn't find this for my first child!
I love that you can access information online for your fund & that others can make additions to the fund online too, rather than having to send cheques etc. I was sent all the paperwork quickly, it's easy to understand & they send little cards you can give to friends & family at Christmas etc ehrn people ask, they can then make the payments themselves. There are choices of the funds that you can have including an ethical fund which was good. All in all, a simple yet effective process, which took minimum effort - well done Family Investments! Highly recommended
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2010 by C D
Good Points: easy to use website, good ratings wtith financial reviewers, simple language and paperwork, all set up in quick time
Bad Points: None
Overall I was very impressed with the structure of the site. With the Government's contribution dropping to £50 it was important to find the best option to make our money work as hard as possible. Family Investments website easily showed the possible options for investment dependent upon the level of risk you would like, plus the amount you would like to invest per month, and provided an estimation of the amount you would receive in 18 years' time. There were also environmentally friendly options too. I am very pleased with the service received so far - would recommend it, with or without the Government's contribution.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2010 by Deanne Bowmont
Good Points: Easy to set up. really quick and efficient
Bad Points: None
I found the information for this child trust fund within my bounty pack that i received shortly after giving birth. once i had received my child trust fund voucher i had no concern or delay in thinking who i would open my sons account with. i decided to do it all online and just cant believe how quick and easy it was. it literally took about 5 minutes and the online registration was all complete. within a week i had received all written confirmation. i am so pleased with the efficiency and look forward to them managing my sons account
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2010 by stuart jones
Good Points: easy to use
Bad Points: absolutely none
setting up was easy, my investment has made money even after 2 months, i know it can lose money but you must be willing to. I am hoping that over the 18 years the money is invested that it makes a good return. They send you small cards with the account details on which you can give to family and friends. I have given them to my immediate family and they have said on birthdays and christmas they will depsoit money into the accoutn which is alos easy, you can phone, set up a direct debit or send a cheque all in all this account is great
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2010 by Mark Aspinall
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
Overall the service received has been of an excellent quality. The transfer of information between us and Family Investments has been easy to manage and the communications from Family Investments have been of a generally high standard.
Overall, we have been very happy with how easily we were able to open our child's trust fund account with Family Investments and we would have absolutely no hesitation in making additional recommendations to friends, family and acquaintances who are looking to make sound and sensible investments for their own children's futures.
The online services are also excellent and I can't fault the timeliness of the whole operation.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2010 by Rebecca Horsley
Good Points: Simple web site
Can enter your CTF voucher online and it automatically credits account for you
Easy Direct Debit set-up
Bad Points: Takes over a month to credit CTF voucher
This trust fund looks to be the best in the market and the set up is really simple as it can all be done on line. When I queried why my CTF voucher had not been credited the staff responded very quickly by email and hence were able to resolve my query really quickly. The direct debit was set up quickly and the money was coming out of my account less than a month later. When I forgot my password I was also able to call, so dont worry that it is just an online company who you cant contact. £25 of Boots vouchers as well if you set up a deent DD
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 Nov 2010 by S Hilts
Good Points: nice colourful inviting site.
Bad Points: account still says "pending" over a week later. but im sure its just the government cheque clearing.
easy colourful interesting site. on line child trust fund accounts seem few and far between, this seemed to be one of those few but very easy to use. The pack arrived promptly and was full of useful info such as small cards with account details on which you can give to family and friends, and all the terms and conditions. i searched around for ages trying to find info on what was the best Child trust fund but came back to this one as it seemed to explain things really easily, oh, and dont forget to go through your favorite cashback website
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2010 by marie
Good Points: It is good because they explained every thing to me and made sure i understood before agreeing also they came accross as being well informed about every think i wanted to know like they definetly knew what they where on about.
Bad Points: There isnt any but i have had only 1 letter in two years i dont no if that is a good thing or a bad thing i think if i wanted any info i could of asked?
I think this is a great place to put your child/childrens money,the staff are very helpfull and they explained all the type of trust funds they had they had other accounts if i was interested but wasnt at the time.They made sure i understood every thing before sighning anything also the didnt feel at all pushy towards me they were polite and kind the whole time and offered me a drink as well.they spoke to me,my partner and kids.they told me the risks and how much i could get whith my investment..Whith my 1st letter it told me my balence and i was really happy it had gone up and that was before id put extra in their from family and myself,we want our children to have something to fall back on and i feel safe knowing that my hard earned money is with them.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2010 by ASHLEY OBAITUA
Good Points: i love the fact that you can check your account online.
I like the sticker things the y send and the slip with the account number on it to give friends and family.
Bad Points: no vouchers like some others if u dont apply online
its the best to me.i don't regret choosing them.They are very good with keeping in touch,i think that should also be added to their good point like every other it not a savings account,they help invest your money buying stock and sell off for you.So by the time your baby is ready for the money it might have appreciated or depreciated, I am OK with them didn't have any problems contacting them and opening the account, so given the choice again I will open the child trust fund account with them again.But they could add alittle touch though by adding a little gift when you go through the banks like i did
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2010 by Denise Barr
Good Points: Website is easy to use
Bad Points: That you cant change your mind about the type of account
When I first applied the £250 to the trust fund I didnt chose the one i wanted.
I picked the steakholder, which was a big mistake because my daughter could end up with less money when shes 18. on the other hand it could also go the opposite way and she could end up with more. I contacted the company andasked to change it because an error was made, however this was not possible so I would say to people to be very careful with what they choose incase they make the same mistake as I did. Fingers crossed when my baby is 18 she wont have lost out becauseof my carelessness.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2010 by vici ford
Good Points: can track the trust fund online which is brilliant and so easy to do
Bad Points: not found any yet
Got this for my son thanks to the goverment. Really easy to set up and once set up can view the account online. I think this is the only child trust fund that offers this option. Can choose to make monthly payments, and Xmas and childs birthday time they usually send some information with little cards just in case you have any family members that want to give the child money. Its really good. No problems so far, but only had it for a year approx. Would definately recommend using this company if you want to set up a child trust fund
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2010 by J Alburey
Good Points: Availability of online monitoring of the account, user friendly, easy to apply, only ethical fund I could find.
Bad Points: Can only have one direct debit going into the account.
There is a real shortage of providers offering ethical investment for CTF's. I was pleased with this one and found it easy to apply and monitor online, but would have preferred for my husband to be able to set up a direct debit to the account as ell as my own but it will only accept one DD. This also means any payments by other family members have to be one offs rather than regular payments unless they are prepared to put them in individually each time. I wouldn't put the funds anywhere else however as feel strongly that money invested for babies shouldn't be risked falling into areas that could fund arms etc and damage the lives of other children.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Nov 2010 by michelle lewis
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
It was a very straightforward website to use, the information I needed was all there and made it easy to make the choice of what type of CTF account to go for. The account set up was very quick and easy. The confirmation of set up and the completion documents came through quickly. I also like the convenience of being able to review progress and make changes on the internet rather than having to go into a bank or deal with it by post.
The statements on line are clear and easy to understand.
I would recommend Family Investments to other parents.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Nov 2010 by Heidi J Wadsworth
Good Points: Friendly and helpful staff, answer the phone really quickly.
Applying on line was quick and easy.
Bad Points: A bit pushy about topping up.
Friendly and helpful staff, they answer the phone really quickly. They answer all questions immediately and accurately.
Applying on line was quick and easy. and the acknowledgements came through straight away.
But they are a bit pushy about topping up. Without topping up the returns are pretty poor, my eldest son's CTF is still worth less than when I set it up, as the 1st year it halved in value and hasn't really recovered yet. I haven't topped up as I would rather invest in shares that I choose, or keep my money "safe" in a bank.
A useful way of investing CTF voucher, but not worth topping up.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 Nov 2010 by Jane McCall
Good Points: so easy to use so convenient to do online especially when having a young baby to contend with -
Bad Points: none i can think of
just thanks for a great service-i hope to make the investment grow more in the next few years but a good start! It was so easy to use so convenient to do online especially when having a young baby to contend with - i could log on and set up the account no problem whenever i got the chanceto do so and i found it has been incredibly straightforward to do if i had to go into town to do this it probably still would not be done!! It is east to follow and the website is great and uncomplicated!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 Nov 2010 by Chris Mace
Good Points: Great easy to use service.
Bad Points: Haven't found any.
Having looked in to the world of Child Trust Funds, all the research led me to the conclusion that this product offered the best mix of risk, to provide a good return and a safe pair of hands. With the profits being reinvested in the business.Whilst investing in shares at the moment may be a little risky, with a depressed market. looking at the longer term, then the overall trend is for the market to grow, hopefully for the benefit of our son . So that when he gets to eighteen he has a good return on our investment in him.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 Nov 2010 by Helen Hunt
Good Points: I was very pleased with my CTF it was very easy for my family to transfer funds and for me to set up a direct debit, and I was very pleased with the voucher I received to.
Bad Points: It took a while to receive the paperwork so we could start putting money in for my daughter.
It is a very good account to set up to give my daughter a good start when shes 18. It was also a good idea that I got sent cards with her account number on so that I can give it to my family if they want to put money into it which alot of them do. I did think that once I had set the account up it took a while to get it confirmed and get the paper work through so that we could start saving. but overall i am very happy with our choice of account. But i got a voucher at the end to spend at boots so i was very happy.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 Nov 2010 by Stacey smith
Good Points: Great service
Bad Points: None
The CTF are brilliant, it's really easy to set up, they provide an easy to use online service so you can check how much is in your trust fund instead of having to wait for the 6 monthly statements. If you sign up for their emails they send you regular offers to help boost your trust fund, they currently have got "kidstart" running which gives you a small % back on things you buy and puts it into your Child Trust Fund account which doesn't cost you anything, you can also register credit cards with them so when you use your card in certain stores it also adds money to the account, you can add up to 10 cards which means family and friends can also add to the account when they spend. The offers and service provided by the Child Trust Fund account is second to none and I have already reccomended it to all of my friends with children.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2010 by Alison
Good Points: Easy to open account online, even with just the £50 trust fund voucher. Free Boots vouchers when setting up regular DD, plus cashback if opened via cashback website.
Bad Points: None so far. Haven't needed to contact customer services so only scored staff friendliness 3/5 as I don't yet know either way!
My son was born on 2nd August 2010 so he just missed out on the £250 voucher. With the £50 voucher we found less providers offered any incentives such as the gift vouchers we got when we opened our daughters account previously. We were pleased to find family investments offered £25 of Boots vouchers if we set up a regular DD of £20 per month, and these vouchers arrived quickly in the post. The whole process of setting the account up was very easy online, in contrast to other providers which won't let you set up online if you only have the £50 voucher. As an added bonus, by going via the cashback website "topcashback" we also got £35 cashback for setting up the account as well!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 06 Nov 2010 by natasha mcwatters
Good Points: very good communication and so simple set up for keeping track of the accounts online. five stars
Bad Points: None
very happy glad to be with them and to know that they are looking after 3 of my childrens accounts. Have had no problems ar all with them and found everything regarding setting uop their accounts online very easy and straight forward. Have called them once to change a minour mistake and they were sincerly appologetic and put it right dtraight away. Very happy to be a customer of family investments and would highly reccoment it to other parents looking to set up a trust fund for their child dmdmdn dhuaidj djsakfsj fbhajf gagah hsjshsj hagd dhajsh bbbsa dhaiid hdiadhas hfs fhshf sjhs fjs hsjauf auf asjk fhjkausfg uagfuag guia uas ud ahusd aud iagh fsjsjajakihjskah child
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2010 by KERRY SLATER
Good Points: SO EASY TO SET UP + NAVIGATE GOOD INTEREST
Bad Points: NONE
DIDNT KNOW WHAT CHILD TRUST FUND TO COOSE AND FOUND THIS ON A COMPARISON STE, IT SEEMED TO HAVE A VERY GOOD RATE OF INTEREST AND I COULD EASILT APPLY ONLINE. THE ONLINE APPLICATION WAS SO QUICK AND EASY AND REALLY USER FRIENDLY. THERE WAS AN OPTION TO TOP UP THE CHILD TRST FUND WITH A DIRECT DEBIT AND IF YOU TOOK THAT OPTION YOU'D RECIEVE A VERY GENEROUS £25 OF BOOTS THE CHEMIST VOUCHERS WHICH WAS A REALLY GOOD OFFER ALTHOUGH I DIDNT WANT THAT OPTION. WITH A NEW BABY I LIKED THE OPTION OF DEALING WITH IT ON LINE. FAB + EASY
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2010 by Alison Henderson
Good Points: Help save for my child once she leaves school
Bad Points: Interest could be more.
I think this is a very good scheme run by the government. I was unsure what to expect really but was pleasantly surprised at the amount of interest my child's trust fund accrued in the first year of investment. my friend had one with a similar company which actually lost money. In the next year or so I hope to be able to make payments myself on behalf of my child as the interest rate appears to be very good. This is a very good way of saving some money for your child once they leave full time education and have a little bit of money to help them get started in life.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2010 by helen
Good Points: The staff are friendly when you contact them,
they send email updates
and they send a statement once/twice a year (although please see bad points)
Bad Points: on a few times i have requested information to sent out regarding my sons trust fund to which i never seem to get but yet i always get details of my daughters trust fund.
please look around before opening a trust fund as its for your childs future at stake. I have found since opening my childrens trust fund that this company are very sercure on the privarcy policy as i had contacted them one time and couldnt remember my password so i was unable to gain any details on the childrens account, untill i wrote them a letter (nothing big) just informing them of my new password and confirming details of the children and there new address, which i felt was very good on the fact that they weren't just going to take my word over the phone
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 19 Oct 2010 by Rachel Eden
Good Points: Very simple process and easy to set up
Bad Points: None so far!
I used Family Investments to open a Child Trust fund for my daughter (we just scrapped in with the £250), and found it very easy and straight forward. They also have kept the range of products wider than other providers. I particularly like the ease of use of their technology and the option for an ethical investment. My father inlaw also found adding a lump sum to the account very striaght forward with good communication throughout. I will use them again, assuming I have anything to invest! I guess some people might find not having branches a downside, but it doesn't bother me.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Oct 2010 by Warren Smith
Good Points: very easy to understand and use
Bad Points: hard to gain appropriate information off staff
We transfered out of a with profits Child Trust Fund with LV at the bottom of the market and joined Family Investments. Has worked out really well as the LV wasn't growing at a great rate (but being with profits wasn't loosing money). As it was LV closing all their accounts no Market Reduction Value was applied and we bought many more units in the FI fund than we would have done if we'd done it when the market was high. The overall value has gone up by 11% this year so far... not bad!
For all those moaning about performance over the last 2 years, this is market based investment. If you are in the first years of the plan, the market being low is GOOD news. For each £20 you add you are buying many more units, which when the market picks up (which it is already doing) your fund will be worth much more. If you don't want this risk then choose a cash account.
Great service and great web site.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Oct 2010 by James McGreevy
Good Points: Easy to open account online,
Bad Points: none yet
not alot to say other than pleased so far! The service has a quick response to queries by email and excellent idea for people to deposit birthday gifts via their giftcard idea! I emailed to amend my DD details and received a response within two days by post. The return on the account to date has been very good with I think £8 added to teh £270 invested which is at least a 3.5% return. All in all a recommended product and a good return to date. Emma seems to like it too as she has been slabbering over her forms which is the reason I requested new ones.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Oct 2010 by miss sian lowe
Good Points: very easy to understand and a fast regiatration process
Bad Points: took a while before we could see what was happening with the investment online.
we are very happy overall with our choice to use family investments. The website had all the relevant information and made it much easier to understand where our childs money would go. The fact we can view the account online at any time makes us feel much better. we also liked that you could choose to have a tree planted instead of recieving vouchers to spend, a lot of people are very concious of the environment and that option is definately appealing. The staff are very helpful and its definately a company who genuinely care about our chilrens future. I have recommended them to all my friends.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Oct 2010 by savinaraju
Good Points: regular updates
Bad Points: lots of jargon
I was opened the account as i totally forgot to cash in my first daughters £250 voucher. I ahve receved regulr updates on the products available and other ways in which i can make changes tomy daughters account. Each year i receive an update of the balance on the accunt which also includes and interest. The statement also indicates how much of the savings are tied up in bonds and shares. I think the only disadvantage is that sometimes the feedback and information from the company has alot of jargon which needs to be put into laymans terms for parents.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Oct 2010 by claire tasker
Good Points: Easy to open
easy to understand
Bad Points: some parts a little longwinded in booklet
I found the account was easy to open once i had read through all the details carefully,as you sometimes wonder what the catches are.I felt the paperwork was straight forward to fill in,and the benefits to this particular acc was good.Once i had chosen the correct account for my child i found that the staff were helpful and friendly and generally have no complaint at all with the acc.I think the scheme is a good idea and is great for the childs further education helping piece of mind in what at the moment and possibly for the forseeable future is currently a difficult climate through a tough recession.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Oct 2010 by marie shaw
Good Points: you can save anytime you want
Bad Points: there is nothing
i think it is a briliant way to save you have no times or dates when you have to put money into the account you just put your voucher in. you dont even have to add on to the voucher you can just leave it. i think its good that children have an head start in life and will have some money for when they want to go collage. its hard being a single perant and paying for schooling alone this is a great big help and i dont have to worry now about were money going to come from.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 06 Oct 2010 by Victoria Upton
Good Points: Easy to set up
Bad Points: non really
My husband and I decided on opening a trust fund for our daughter with the family investments child trust. We opted for this via Barclays and we got a fair bit of information from the person we spoke to as well as the information booklet we were given. After a search of other child trusts we felt that the one we chose which invests in the stock markets was the best one at the time as the value of stocks was currently low which in turn should give a fair return once our daughter reached eighteen. We did not set up a standing order but thought when we have some spare money we could invest it in the trust.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 05 Oct 2010 by nicola hands
Good Points: Annual Statements
free gifts
Bad Points: fees
investments
you do not need to do anything to the account it is all taken care off for you with annual updates and statements. Although I have only just found out that they are actually charging the account a 1.5% fee and on looking at the statements which have come out in the last year or two the trust fund is now actually worth less than the year before... i will be looking to move the fund, overall i don't think trust funds are good value for money, you would be better off putting the money in a childs saving account.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Sep 2010 by Leanne Dempsey
Good Points: Easy to navigate the site and open the trust fund. Always kept updated on any changes, and can check the share prices and the value of your trust fund whenever you need to!
Bad Points: None
I am very pleased with this trust fund and find no faults whatsoever with the service that I have received and all the information that I have got from them. I can keep an eye on the share prices on a daily basis.
It is also easy to add money to the account whenever I like. There is also the possibilty of setting up a direct debit. You get £25 of boots vouchers when you apply online and set up a direct debit with them.
You are also able to see what the value of the trust fund could be when your child reaches 18.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Sep 2010 by amy newman
Good Points: Yearly statements
Bad Points: None
I have 3 children qualifying for the child trust fund and have used the same account for each one of them as I have found that it seemed to be the best on the market at the different times I have been looking to invest the government child trust fund voucher. I have had different periods of income over the duration of time that I have invested in the accounts and had both periods of financially adding to the nest egg and periods of time where there has been solely the government investment. In all aspects I have been happy With the account but I do worry that in fifteen years time its value will be retrospectively little for the dependants
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Sep 2010 by ruth
Good Points: Easy to set up on line
Helpful polite staff .
Further investments easy to make and send you some cards with account details on to pass on to friends and family .
However you are not pushed to make extra payments if you don't want to
Bad Points: None so far
Easy to apply online , no difficult forms to fill in .
You can also log on to your childs account through the online system and have an update on where the account it up to .
I was sent some little cards with all the details of my daughters account on . These can then be sent out to friends and family so that they can add to the childs account for presents at birthdays and Christmas if they wish too .
Have had no problems so far and the account is now just ticking over nicely .
Staff on helpline very helpfull and quick to respond
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Sep 2010 by helen edmunds
Good Points: None
Bad Points: there are no bad points
the trust fund was easy to set up for my two girls - I only wish I could have had one for my self, set up for me. My oldest daughter has had the maximum paid in from the government as she was one of the first to have the trust fund vouchers.
I HOPE THEY CONTINUE TO GROW AS WELL AS THEY ARE DOING. and that lots of other children are lucky enough to have on in the future as I didn't get on fr my older child.
I also receive regular statements about the trust funds to show how well they are doing
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Sep 2010 by Sophie Thompson
Good Points: This was very easy to set up.
Bad Points: None really.
This was easy to set up. Easy to obtain details, posted off for it and the fund details were sent back quickly. We get regular updates and emails and annual recommendations for increasing the fund total plus little incentives to increase, like M&S vouchers or something similar.
I've never had to call them but the service I've had by post and electronically has been excellent.
I recently needed to reduce the amount I put in. This was done quickly and efficiently, no confusion, no money taken incorrectly (as can sometimes happen) and I know that i can increase just as easily again when I'm able.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Sep 2010 by Claudia Mitrofan
Good Points: That's a great site, user friendly. All the family enjoyed it
Bad Points: should be more colourful maybe
I would definetely browse again on the website and check the updates. I have told all my friends about the Child Trust Fund, and they were all impressed with it. I assume more and more people will join and support this great trust. It's indeed remarkable that there are people who support children, which are the most important part of pur lives. I am totally impressed. I will try and volunteer for them and dedicate some of my spare time, just to feel that I make a difference. I will either e-mail my friends or spread the word about Child Care Trust.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Sep 2010 by beki
Good Points: it is very eassy to use, they pay out quick at the end of the policy.
Bad Points: not much intrest.
well where should i start i think these are a really good idea. i am not a perant. i am a child who has benifted from one of the accounts. i think they are really good i thank my perants for doing this for me. they have helped me so much to set up my life and i advise them for anybody. my perants could afford it because it was done accoreding to how much they can spare. they really think of the custemer. they have really good custmer servicess. thumbs up for the family investment child trust fund :)
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Sep 2010 by jemma dickens
Good Points: quick and simple to set up
Bad Points: not alot of information
there isnt a lot of information given when joining this branch as you can choose whether it goes into a bond etc but doenst explain how the pay out or loss could affect the voucher , also you cannot go in store to add money to the account has to be done by direct debit only which has been a problem for me , also they only send statements every year on the childs birthday apart from that easy to communicate with them over the phone providing you have your account information , overall 7/10 rating for this trust fund account
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 14 Sep 2010 by Gail Jameson
Good Points: easy readable statements
Bad Points: None
in a nutshell very good value for money easy statements to read and understand options to switch funds easy access to money you can cash in your bond at any time information on how to contact them if needed on statements montly payments at next to nothing so you dont actually miss the low payments every month plus a nice lump sum after a few years.recommend to anyone you can even extend your premiums if you wish to they are invested in stock market base fund so the value can rise and fall in line with fund performance but you are informed
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 11 Sep 2010 by Michelle
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
It was abit confusing to start with but eventually i got the hang of what to fill out and what to write! I especially like how you can put ur own extra money in,i do it every month and so does my mum and my gran mother! I think its great that they now have the child trust funds as im due my 2nd child in March,its good to know they'll always have this little nest egg ONLY for them for when there older,no matter what happens with me and their father! Keep up the amazing work and great ideas! Thanks! x
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 29 Aug 2010 by Laura Courtney
Good Points: Annual summary given at child's birthday each year
Opportunity to top up cards sent to give to relatives etc
Bad Points: Investments not secure and during current economic climate losses have been made on investments
Easy to manage trust fund which can be managed by phone or online Call centre staff are knowledgeable to a point but investments are not secure and in long term losses could be made. I used this company for two of my children's funds and then switched for my last child to see if there was any better return in a different fund. It is probably much the same any stocks and shares fund will fluctuate with economic climate as it is. I have found Family Investment ok but future returns will remain to be seen for quality of investments.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 27 Aug 2010 by Ailsa O'Shea
Good Points: You can manage the account online, when you enrol you get some handy cards showing the childs account details. You can give these out to the family to keep and if they would like to contribute on a birthday or christmas they have all the information without having to ask you! You can easily set up a direct debit each month when i did this i got free gift vouchers to spend! Also whenever someone contributes you get a letter telling you how much has been invested.
Bad Points: There is risk like most that there is chance that the value can go down as well as up. You can only put £1,200 a year so if did want to add more for what ever reason you couldn't!!
This was a really easy account to set up. It is daunting especially at these times, as your money isn't necessarily making anything in a bank but once my child is 18 years old there'll be a nice amount for her to do something with! It helps that neither you or the child will be taxed on any income. They are the UKs favourite Child trust fund which says a lot, i think! I feel that the money is safe and in expert hands. It makes it so easy to save for your childs future, giving them a better start when they are ready to stand on their own two feet but i never want that day to come just yet!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2010 by Caroline Hall
Good Points: Contacted me at a very busy (and fogetful) time and was able to sort everything out on the phone there and then.
Very friendly staff.
Added my second son without having to go through all the details again.
Send a yearly statement through the post.
Bad Points: Difficult to get through on the phone at busy periods - was asked to phone back rather than being dealt with immediately.
Would recommend these due to the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. I feel confident in their ability and they keep you informed. Help with additional savings for your children but don't badger you to put in additional funds.
Contacted me at a very busy (and fogetful) time and was able to sort everything out on the phone there and then rather than filling out long forms and sending off paperwork.
Very friendly staff.
Added my second son without having to go through all the details again.
Send a yearly statement through the post.
Difficult to get through on the phone at busy periods - was asked to phone back rather than being dealt with immediately.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 24 Aug 2010 by Nicola Beeston
Good Points: Very prompt with dealing with queries and requests. Always friendly when I speak to staff on the phone.
Bad Points: Although the staff have been really helpful over the phone, it would be reassuring if there was someone I could talk to face to face, like I would do with my bank.
The online facility is fantastic - I can check both of my children's investments online. They also accept cheques which has been handy when relatives send cheques for birthdays etc. They also have a facility where family and friends can top-up my children's investments direct. The information that is sent out is clear and easy to understand for someone who isn't very knowledgeable about finances - e.g. me! I get sent a statement near to each of my children's birthdays to tell me how each trust fund is performing. Overall I have had a positive experience with Family Investments and would reccommend them
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 24 Aug 2010 by shamilah
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
Good long term investment especially for child's education. Easy to use as has online facility. i have joined for my 2 other children who's money i save and am trying to invest. This makes education more affordable also teaches child value of money and spending wisely. good way of saving and planning finance , can also use it for childcare support. system is user friendly easy to use quick and fast reliable. Save for your child's future with a child trust fund. Which? reveals the best child trust funds on the market today. We also give you a rundown of interest rates and bonus rates, and provide information on share-based and stakeholder child trust funds.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 01 Aug 2010 by manoj ravindran
Good Points: VERY USER FRIENDLY
Bad Points: NONE
When you have a small baby and don't have much time I this site is exactly what you need! I have decided on Familty Investments Ethical for my second daughter The online application couldn't have been more simple and only took a few minutes, you can also keep a check on how it's tracking online. I would recomend this.
I FOUND THE APPLICATION PROCESS VERY SIMPLE AND COULD FINISH IN LESS THAN 5 MINS. A TRUSTED PROVIDER WHO HAS HAD GOOD PREVIOUS REVIEWS AND EXCELLENT RATINGS. THE INCENTIVE PROVIDED IN TERMS OF VOUCHERS WAS ALSO EXCELLENT. WEBSITE INFO WAS GOOD AND CLEAR.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2010 by James
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
With all trust funds and accounts it is very important to know what is being offered to you. You have to ask them to specify all information and tell you exactly what is being done to insure that you get the most out of your investment. the main thing is to find the bottom line of your trust fund. At the end how much you will gain from it and how much do you have to invest. That is the main details that are needed. Make sure that you are getting a far better return then what you are investing!1
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2010 by Paul Wilson
Good Points: Easy to use and plenty of information through the post keeping us up to date with any changes with the account or future changes.
Bad Points: None so far!
Only been a year or so but in general I would reccomend this account to anyone and have already suggested to friends about the use of this acount. We touyed witht the idea of several different options that were available to us but in the end we opted for this after talking it over with my wife`s business financial advisor.
Still a long time for something to go wrong, I know when its your childrens interests your looking after its not always easy.
We and relatives of ours found it easy to add money to the account to which is very helpful for birthdays and such occasions when in my family the kids get spoilt rotten
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2010 by donya legge
Good Points: easy to set up
Bad Points: bad inflation
in 3 years my daughters fund has gone down instead of up which i find appalling therefore i would not reccomend this to anyone. It was so nice and easy to set up which was one thing but for it to lose money rather than gain i found terrible. I didnt really know what i was doing when i set it up as most new parents dont and just thought ye thats nice and easy so ill set one up however i know regret it and it has been a total waste of time which is why i dont pay anything into it anymore. I wouldnt reccomend this trust fund.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2010 by daniel mason
Good Points: its fantastic and makes me happy!
Bad Points: no bad points at all!
its amazing and ive never been soo amazed with this extraordinary trust fund. it must help so many people like its helped me before. to think that you get a free book which educated my young kids to is a great way to help to. it is a great way to help every person whos struggling these days. the staff are really friendly to anad its very very very easy to use aswell. it gives you soo much quality to help. id highlt recommend this to anyone who has any sort of problems. thank you soo much. daniel mason !
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2010 by daniel
Good Points: its fantastic and makes me happy!
Bad Points: no bad points at all!
its amazing and ive never been soo amazed with this extraordinary trust fund. it must help so many people like its helped me before. to think that you get a free book which educated my young kids to is a great way to help to. it is a great way to help every person whos struggling these days. the staff are really friendly to anad its very very very easy to use aswell. it gives you soo much quality to help. id highlt recommend this to anyone who has any sort of problems. thank you soo much. daniel mason !
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2010 by emma
Good Points: easy to use
easy style to understand
Bad Points: not enough info
i think that the trust find is very easy to use the font is easy readible and informative also the staff is friendly if your planning on spending hours on the phone finding out more information about what you are doing with your money as the pack is not informative enough x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xx x xx x x x
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2010 by lindy muirhead
Good Points: Very simple to start
big packet of info.
seems secure
Bad Points: would like more infomation about how the money is used and would like some staments
over all good but you have to contact them when you want to find if the money is growing.
It is very easy for you to open they do most of the forms for you. They help fill them out over the phone. At the moment I am very unaware of how much money is in the trust fund. I opened it with the £250 voucher from the goverment which was easy just to send to the trust fund.
I'm not sure what rate of interest is at the moment as I said the is a lack of infomation being sent about the trust fund funds.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2010 by Julie Oram
Good Points: Good company to start your childs fund with.
Bad Points: Does not seem to be making any money.
In the beginning it was a attractive deal, setting it up was very easy. They keep you informed annually as to how the shares are doing. The staff are extremely helpful, but it seems that this company does not seem to be making any money. As my child's trust fund is important I will be changing this company to a different one real soon. At the time this company was very convenient, and with the rush of having a child there advertising was in nearly every papers the hospital handed out, so we done it very quickly without researching the other options that were available to us.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2010 by emma lynch
Good Points: was easy to set up
Bad Points: bit confusing at times!
I found out about this company for my 7 year old lewis. There was a leaflet in mother and baby magazine and it sounded like a good option. to be honest there was'nt many options I could have had. I get yearly balance account statements and it shows how much its wortha t the time and how much it will be worth when he is 18. I could do with more information about it. you can also set up direct debits to add money to it mounthy as you wish. Would recommend it but then I havenothing to compare it to
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2010 by Kerry Marie Doherty
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I have never had a problem with family investments they have been very quick with up to date information, I have had to change my address now a couple of times due to a bigger family and they have been very helpful with my change of address. I also had to ring them because I forgot my internet log in password details and after a couple of minutes i was back up and running on the web site I was that pleased with them I opened another account for my son, so now i have two trust funds with them. Opening the second account was even easier than the first as they had my details saved already
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2010 by claire walker
Good Points: They advertise everywhere! and seem to be a stable company
Bad Points: the value of my account dropped quite sharply and when i rang at the beginning of the recession to try and change the type of account i had i was told i was unable to do so and just had to "deal with it!" which i found very unacceptable i would not use (and did not use for my second child) this account again.
Difficult to get hold of
I would not recommend this company to invest your child trust fund. I have found the staff unhelpful and at times rude. If possible i would have opted for a totally different type of account but was told i was unable to do this. Their communication with you is minimal and i dont even get annual statements sent out to me anymore. Due to the unhelpful nature of the staff i did not use this company for my subsequent children and have been looking to move the account i currently have with them. On the plus side they do seem like a stable company
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2010 by Louise sneddon
Good Points: you can put as little as £10 per month and as much as £120 per month and save for your childs future its fantasic and you can pay by direct debit
Bad Points: None
this is a fantasic way to save for your childs future you can save as little or as much as you like you can also get your ther members of your family to save also ie aunts uncles grans papas and friends an other members of your family it is also good to hav as this can help your child when he or she is college etc as it will help through out this time or it can be for a deposit for a car i or for driving lessons there is lots of things he or she can do with the money when they are 18.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2010 by Darren Cameron
Good Points: Easy to set up
Access online
Top-up online
Other people can add money
Bad Points: None!
The first thing that surprised me when setting up the Child Trust Fund was how easy it was! I had never heard of CTFs before my wife became pregnant, and whilst she was pregnant it seemed like another "ISA / Shares / savings" hassle-filled nightmare that was looming in the distance. I imagined forms, phone calls to people giving you big terms for minute details, general confusion!
Imagine my surprise when I received a pack detailing the different options available - and I could do everything online! I browsed the various offered accounts, selected the one for me, and sat back to wait for the papers. They arrived swiftly and were clear and easy to understand - no legal mumbo jumbo to translate, just plain English! I filled out and signed the forms and posted them back with the Little One's cheque - and that was it!
I chose the Family Investments Child Trust Fund as it is accessable online; meaning I can watch his fund grow monthly, weekly, even daily if I want to. And all of my family can add money to it online too! I have compared my chosen CTF against my sister's choices and I can honestly say that I think I chose the best for my son :)
I am 100% happy with FI and would recommend to all (and already have!).
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2010 by shazia aslam
Good Points: The family investment child trust fund, is one of the best child trust funds around at the moment.
I think it offered me the right kind of investment i was looking for, for my child.
I would definately recommend it to others as it is not a high risk investment like some other investments.
Bad Points: I think the website can be improved a little.
The family investment child trust fund, is one of the best child trust funds around at the moment.
I think it offered me the right kind of investment i was looking for, for my child.
I would definately recommend it to others as it is not a high risk investment like some other investments.
I think the website can be improved bymaking it a bit more user friendly, apart from that the website has a lot of useful information.
Apart from that, i was satisfied with the overall service the family investment child trust fund offers to everyone and i would definately recommend it to others over other investment funds.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 07 Feb 2010 by helena watcham
Good Points: the account was easy to open
Bad Points: money has not gone up recently
i cant believe just how much money has gone down in the account. the government put £500 in the account and it has lost over a hundred pounds. i appreciate that there was some risk as it is a stocks and shares account and we are i a resetion (however you spell it) but if i had put my own money into the account i would be gutted. luckily i have chosen to save in an ISA. I am pleased with the yearly statements and all the information is clear and easy to read. I would recommend that parents choose the account with no risk.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2010 by n stewart
Good Points: None
Bad Points: Takes 6 mins to answer phone,staff not helpfull,
I put my sons voucher in to Abbey National account,who were very pleasant in November they
stopped the account and put in to family investments.When contacting Family investiments
i waited over 6mins for them to answer having to listen to music,the woman that i spoke to was not very helpfull,i was asking er about the new account i felt like she was not intrested.I will be transfering my voucher to a different fund.I would also prefer a fund where i have the option to go and speak to someone human without having to hang on to the telephone or get frustrated with the computer .
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2009 by shammi banger
Good Points: always kept informed
Bad Points: child has lost out on his money after only 1 year
one of the reasons we chose family investments was because they are associated with the post office. the other reasons were because family investments have over 30 years experience in helping families invest for the future and they are currently the uk's favourite child trust fund provider with over 600,000 accounts. we get a statement every year just before our sons birthday and if we have any questions the company do the upmost to explain in laymans terms what is going on rather than jargon that we might not necessarily understand. we are totally satisfied that we made the right choice.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2009 by theresa hamblin
Good Points: the company keep you fully informed of everything that is going on with your childs investment
Bad Points: not sure that the money is being invested in good shares as after 2 years she has quite a lot less than she did to start with
when i first received my childs trust fund voucher i looked at many companies and i dont know about other mums but i found it all to be a little confusing. there is so much paperwork to read through and so much to consider and as a parent you want to do your best for your child. i decided to go with family investments as they have over 30 years experience in investing for families, are the uk's leading child trust fund provider and hold over 600,00 accounts. they are recommended by the post office and i get yearly statements just before my childs birthday.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 03 Dec 2009 by R case
Good Points: Easy to set up
Easy to deposit money
Bad Points: Unable to view balance
Staff do not email you back
Calls cost 12p a minute if you want to speak to someone about the account!
dont bother, Im upset about this account. A few people had put some money in the account through the various options and we are unable to see how much is in the account as it hasnt been set up properly by them.
I have emailed requesting they send me the balance information and they do not return the emails. Calls cost 12p a minute from a normal BT line. Should have gone somewhere else... I wouldnt bother opening an account with this company. They are holding my daughters money and wont tell me how much she has. Shockingly bad customer services as well.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 09 Oct 2009 by Lucie Fogo
Good Points: Very easy to open even over the phone
Bad Points: None
The lady i spoke to was very freindly and helpful. I had to pick up my older daughter from school in 15 minutes and she said i could open the account online in 12 minutes. The account was opened and when i hung up it was 12 minutes and 30 seconds....fantastic. I have both my accounts with them now as my eldests account had made money each year including this one when there is a finacial crisis on. They answered the phone in a speedy manner with no waiting in a queue and she was very thourough with explaining the types of accounts and what would happen with the money. It was a very positive experience.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Oct 2009 by Sarah Small
Good Points: Having spent some time researching all the many different Child trust Funds, I found this one to be the most reassuring. A company that you can trust to do the right thing for your child. The fun Mr Men statements appeal to my daughter and there are frequent incentives to set up regular direct debits. I am very hapy and would not change this account.
Bad Points: Obviously, at this dificult time economically no one can really expect to make bucketfuls of money on any account, but I am confident that when my daughter turns 18 she will have enough to set her up in her young adult life.
This account, was chosen extremely carefuly for my daughter, and having spent hours researching on line and picking up all the literature i could lay my hands on in banks and building societies, I stumbled across, what happens to be the most popular Child Trust Fund Account! I have never looked back, and am extremely pleased that I made the right decision for my daughters financial future. it is a comfort to know that when she turns 18 years, she will not suffer the financial burdens and anxieties that I did, and this will help her to positively and carefully plan what it is she wants to do in her life, without money stopping her from doing so. I am confident that the most popular provider will reap the rewards for my daughter's future, and have no plans to change this account. i hightly recommend this account to anyone baffled or confused, as, i know, when you are a first time mother, there is an overwhelming amount of worries to make sure that your new baby has the best of everything.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 28 Sep 2009 by Kerry
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
I didnt no which child trust fund to choose for my little girl so i had a search on the internet and found this website from reading the reviews i decided to choose familt investments child trust fund i found it really easy to use and only had a quick application form it was really reassuring that other people had recommended this one. hopefully it will be a good choice but in the end i think they are all pretty much the same any way really but we will see in 18 years whether the choice paid off or not hope this review has helped and good luck in your choice everyone
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 21 Sep 2009 by Rhian Frecker
Good Points: Staff were very helpful, answered all questions.
Bad Points: Information packs were a bit hard to understand.
I have just had my first baby and had no idea where to invest all the money we had received for him, I called the child trust fund helpline and spoke to a lovely lady who advised me on what type of account would suit me best, where i could go and she made everything sound so easy. When i called the helpline i didnt have to wait long to speak to an advisor and when i did i didnt feel silly asking certain questions like what does this mean, how does this work. i would recommend any one who was a bit unsure to call the team as they helped me make my mind up.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 18 Sep 2009 by dawn
Good Points: its simple and straight forward and I recieve statements often as to how my childs money is doing. There is also an option for direct debit so that I can add money into my childs account if I so choose. The staff are always helpful if I have a question and they get back to me quickly.
Bad Points: can't really see any bad points
I think this is a terrific idea and it helps to set my child up for the future. With this money she can use it for college, to buy a new car or pay rent on a flat. I think it will make the transition from childhood to adulthood so much easier for her.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Sep 2009 by Larry Barker
Good Points: Every thing laid out for ease of use.Able to find relevant details i wanted to check on.
Bad Points: Short on graphics/Graphs.
Very good site,details very clear and precise.Customer care seems to be very important to them.Able to find most details i required,and also able to actually speak to customer care advisor about things i was unsure about.Compared this company with quite a few others,and found that this company seemed to satisfy all my current requirements.Very friendly site,and very friendly feedback.would definately recommend to others looking for the best.Five stars all round !!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 02 Sep 2009 by samantha
Good Points: i actually had to go to the post office as its through them but on behalf of family investments and i always find the staff there polite and helpful,it made sense as they have been around forever!!
Bad Points: queue
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2009 by chantelle webb
Good Points: let meknow whats going on
Bad Points: not sure how to contact them
i think that it is good to have achild trust fund but you must be able to trust who your dealing with i trust family investment alot. i am glad i am with them although they could email me a little more but i can contact them if needs be.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2009 by chantelle webb
Good Points: let meknow whats going on
Bad Points: not sure how to contact them
i think that it is good to have achild trust fund but you must be able to trust who your dealing with i trust family investment alot. i am glad i am with them although they could email me a little more but i can contact them if needs be.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2009 by BECKY JANE SMITH
Good Points: Friendly staff.
Like humans, not robots.
They answer phones quickly.
Bad Points: The left hand does not know what the right hand is doing.
Bad communications.
lake of clarity.
This is the second CTF that I have become involved in, but my 1st with this organization. I feel that there are less good points, which is unfortunate as I like to write nice things. The best point of positivity is thst the staff are really friendly and bubbly!!!!! They do seem to endeavour to help! Unfortunatly, I have a bit more to say in this section; the promotional offer of vouchers took soooooooooo long to arrive and I had to contiuously 'chase' them up and information was inaccurate! The information that I recieve by post is very infrequent and and unhelpful except with regard to my anybody else wishing to contribute to my son's fund. I wouldn't recommend this service to friend and I am alredy reserching other options for my son'd investment.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2009 by michelle white
Good Points: that this is one of the main top ten child trust funds that most people use. wellthis is the child trust fund that i am using for my son,and when you do decide which one that you want to use to invest your childs money in for the future in then it has to be the best one that you think is the best anyway and that is why i choose this one as i believe that this one was the best out of the main ones, which this is one of the main child trust funds.as i idnt want to just go for one like asda as why invest your childs money in a place where you would buy your weekly shopping from? but i think this is the best as the other ones i was looking at said that in the time the money was being invested my child could loose money and why should family but money into a trust fund nowing there is a chance they could end up losing money.but with this one you are guarenteed not to lose any money which i think is really good.
Bad Points: thw only downfall is that you can only get a statement showing how much is in there account every year which i think you should get a statement every 3 months or when you ask for one.
as this is one of the main top ten child trust funds that most people use to open there child trust funds to invest there childs money for the future in, is the reason why i choose to invest with them for my child, and i personally think( just like most parents with parental rights) that you shold use a child trest fund that is a most popular one as this is where your childs money is being held and invested for the next 18 or so.its also good as if you need to speak to an adviser concernind the trust fund they dont have you waiting for ages on the phone like alot of companies do these days and there employes are very friendly and helpful to, the only problem that i find is(and i think all child trust funds are like this so its not just this one)that you only get astatement every year saying how much is in the account,when i think you should be able to request one when you want to, or get one sent to you every three months.but if someone asked for my afvise on who the sholud use to open there child trust fund then i would recommend family investments child trust fund as i have never been unsatisfied with them and it does take alot of talking and thinking things over with your partner on which trust fund you sholud use to open your childs trust fund, as again it is a big step as they are the ones who will be looking after you childs money for the next 18 years and more, so you need to now you can trust them 100%.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2009 by Mary Beckett
Good Points: Quick and Easy on line form to fill in - Simple just what a mum of 4 needs, no hassle and straight forward.
Bad Points: Nothing I can think of, okay the returns aren't great just now but thats the way finances are just now due to the economical climate
After having a look and deciding on this one, we applied on line and we found it was very easy to understand the on line form. There were helpful pointers along the way that clearly told you what information was required. At the next stage the paperwork arrived promptly and was all correct. Also as promised the gift voucher for taking out the plan arrived shortly after the monthly direct debit payment was confirmed and the first one had been made, so all in all a really straight forward thing to do. Beats filling in pages of paperwork and pleased to find a company that did do what it was supposed to without having to chase them for results..
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2009 by joanna stephenson
Good Points: easy to find out the balance
friendly staff
regular mailings
Bad Points: the account lost quite a bit of money
I receive regular mailings from them to tell me of products they have and to keep me up to date with things, they send me a statement of account once a year.
It is easy to call them to ask questions or check the balance, it is also easy to check the account online.
It is easy to put money into the account, early on they sent me cards to give to people who give my child birthday/ christmas presents which told them how to put money into my child's account, very handy.
Due to the credit crunch, my child's account lost a significant amount of money. I did not realise as I hadn't checked the account for a long time.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2009 by lianne osbourne
Good Points: Great to know that i can save money for my sons future in a good quality saving account for when he turns 18.
Bad Points: most money that ive put in and every april i get a review of his account. half the money ive put in its been lost.
it is very very good knowing that you can save money in your childrens account. It helps to save for their lifes and give them a better future and a greater start in life. more than what i had. there wasnt none of this when i was younger but at least now there is such a great savings account for my son when he reaches 18 years old. i will still continue to save in my childs trust fund as i know its for his future and its great. this scheme should of came out years ago when i was little. I would of loved turning 18 and having a little money for purposes. Its great for driving lessons etc.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2009 by Katherine Chaytor
Good Points: None
Bad Points: None
There were so many choices of a child trust fund when I was looking. I really didn't know what type at first; I was trying to set up a trust fund for my first child. I went to the Family Investments website. I thought the webiste was very clear and precise and made an enquiry. In return they sent back an information pack which was very useful. I was looking for a good incentive like a voucher too. The offer of a Boots £10.00 voucher was also a great benefit when setting up a direct debit. I set it up straight away with a direct debit. So far it has all gone smoothly. I am very pleased with familu investments. I can make one off payments as well. They give out some cards with details which enables you to do this online.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2009 by josephine montague-lock
Good Points: easy to use
Bad Points: none
i have been entirely satisfied with this product and hope it gives a good return for my son. it has been easy to use with good information sent in the post so you can see how your child's money is progressing. we add £20 a month to top up the amount and opted for a high risk as it would give the best return. we direct debit monthly and add any extra we can. any change of details is easy with them sending you a form to fill in and free post back. would recommend. all my friends have chosen the same place to put there childs cheque.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2009 by josephine montague-lock
Good Points: easy to use
Bad Points: none
i have been entirely satisfied with this product and hope it give a good return for my son.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2009 by Claire Willoughby
Good Points: I set my daughters up early last year and it was really easy to do nad I got some Boots gift vouchers for my efforts!
Bad Points: None
I already use Family Investments for other investments adn they are really helpful and friendly when you contact them.
I've always had good returns on the investments too and if you keep investing with them (on some products) they waive the 'joining fee'.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Aug 2009 by Mel
Good Points: can access account online whenever you choose
Bad Points: non really (downfall due to credit crunch not family investments - i hope)
After a lot of web searching I came across eggnest.com and with its help I choose Family Investments CTF as it was the one that seemed to meet my needs best. It was quick and easy to complete online and the paper work I received within a few days of completing online.
I also received forms to send to family and friends if they had asked to contribute towards to fund. One the good things about Family Investments CTF is that you can access the account online when ever you need to. I only wish I had found eggnest before. thank you eggnest.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 15 Aug 2009 by Melanie Young
Good Points: The best bit is that you can check on your acc online when ever you wish. Everyting is easy to complete and easy to use.
Bad Points: none so far. (as the downfall is to do with the credit crunch)
After lots of searching I came across myeggnest.com and with its help I choose Family Investments.
I found everything very easy to use and complete and received all the paper work through the post within a few days. The great bit is that you can go online an check you acc whenever you wish. I only wish I had searched more before I opened my eldest account as hers is not as good as my sons (thanks to myeggnest.com)
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Aug 2009 by Billy
Good Points: The online set-up was easy and the information on their website was enough
Bad Points: Nothing yet
I've chosen Family Investments after a long search and a lot of thinking. Have to say that My EggNest helped me a lot in making my desision. I've had my account for a whille and I have to say that having in mind the current conditions it's doing rather well. I was very impressed that they offer an Ethical Trust Fund (one of the main reasons I've chosen them). Also they update me regulary on how my account is doing without sending me spam letters or e-mails (as often happens when you do something online). I also find their website rather helpfull- there is enough information there, plus the option to keep track of your investments online is also very helpfull
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 26 Jul 2009 by Stacey
Good Points: I have had a family investments account set up for my child for the last three years and can honestly say that everytime I have spoken with them they have been polite, helpfull and informative.
Bad Points: I really dont think that there are any?!
Overall I would recommend the family investments trust fund to any parent looking to invest money for their child.
The staff are very friendly and helpfull, they have a very good customer service (no long call centre waiting or people that give you indirect answers!) and I am happy that that I have invested into my childs account is safe. They provide plenty of information about the different types of account that you can deposit your money into and if applicable the type of return that you can expect see receive in the future.
I invested into a plan where my childs deposits where put into shares, for the first two years this did fantastically well but has unfortunately slowed down slightly this year... I am able to track everything taht goes into my childs account with the online banking service that they provide which is no different to on-line banking it has pretty much all of the same facilities, its fantastic!
I am generally very happy with the service that has been provided to me on behalf of my child.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Jul 2009 by Alice Robertd
Good Points: very quick and easy to set up
Bad Points: need internet to track regular progress
after looking around a few websites and brochures i decided on a few i wanted to investigate. i requested information pack to be delivered to my door...added bonus they send a free thermometer for bathtime. the trust fund was very very very easy to set up, took minutes! i completed the online form and within days had been sent all the paperwork. it is easy to set up the wizard which helps keep track of your account online. there are certain benefits to topping up your account by direct debit - vouchers for high street retailer. i personally havent participated so cant comment! we have had no problems with our new account and look forward to watching it grow for baby daughters future.
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 10 Jul 2009 by bianca
Good Points: great ivestment in my childs trust fund
Bad Points: no bad points at all
i found when looking for the right place to save my childs money was a real struggle so i decided on family investment and it was a great choice i put a little bit of money in each month what ever i can afford knowing that once my child is 18 he can have enough money for a car house or universaty. its the greatest desision ive made yet!
Website: Visit the website for this product
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2009 by Marian Durand
Good Points: Easy to set up
Bad Points: Money put in might not get added to the account.
I was putting money in by direct debit which i thought would be increasing the amount in the account but after putting in £100 i received a statement and was shocked to see that the amount had only increased by £10 since the last statement.I feel like i've just thrown £90 away and have now cancelled my direct debit and want to change to a savings account so i know the money will definately be in my childs accont.
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