We know that saving for the future makes sense - whether it's for children's further education, home improvements, a new car or just for a rainy day. However it's also wise to look for savings opportunities that can see your money grow more tax-efficiently. This is where ISA's come into their own; by saving each year right up to your maximum ISA limit as allowed by Government regulations, the money you invest and its growth will be free from income or capital gains tax, yet you can still have access to your cash whenever you might need it.

Shepherds Stocks and Shares ISA offers savers a flexible option to suit your requirements; anyone aged over 18 can invest regular monthly premiums to suit their circumstances (from a minimum of £30 a month) and/or lump sum investments when finances permit (from a minimum of £500 at a time), as long as the total amount invested does not exceed the limit for that particular tax year. You can check the current ISA savings limits on the HM Revenue and Customs website or call us at Shepherds Friendly to confirm.

So if you'd like to invest a set amount each month with the option to top this up with lump sum investments when circumstances allow, our ISA provides a flexible and tax-efficient savings option.

Your ISA will grow when it receives a share of the profits from the Shepherds investment fund which is made up of a mixture of assets whose value can move up or down from time to time. However we recommend that you view your ISA as at least a five year investment with no tax to pay on interest earned, no capital gains tax on any profits and no need to include your Stocks and Shares ISA on your tax return.

You will have instant access to the money you've invested if required, as long as you withdraw a minimum of £100 at a time. You'll find applying for a Shepherds ISA is quick and easy and you can also transfer any existing ISA in to Shepherds by completing a simple transfer form; we'll contact the existing ISA provider and take care of the details for you.

Start an ISA today and make sure that you are saving for the future in the most tax-efficient was possible.