If – like many Pounds and Sense readers – you’re over 50, you may not have come across Vinted before – but chances are your children or grandchildren have!
This fast-growing online marketplace has become hugely popular among younger people for buying and selling clothes, shoes and accessories. Yet it’s not just for the younger generations. Vinted offers some real opportunities for older individuals too – both men and women – to declutter wardrobes, make extra money, and save on clothing costs.
What is Vinted?
Vinted is a website and mobile app that lets people buy and sell second-hand clothing and accessories directly to one another. It’s a bit like eBay, but focused specifically on fashion and lifestyle items.
Unlike eBay, though, Vinted doesn’t charge sellers any fees. You keep 100% of the sale price, while buyers pay a small fee for protection (covering refunds if something goes wrong). This makes it a simple and transparent way to trade unwanted items.
How Vinted Works
Selling: You list your unwanted clothes, shoes, or accessories by uploading photos, writing a description, and setting a price. When someone buys, you’ll be sent a prepaid postage label. All you need to do is package the item and drop it off at a collection point. Once the buyer confirms they’ve received it, the money is transferred to your Vinted wallet, ready to withdraw.
Buying: You can browse thousands of items, from high-street bargains to premium brands. Prices are often a fraction of what you’d pay new, and you can even make offers to negotiate a better deal.
Why Vinted Appeals
For the over-50s, Vinted offers several key attractions:
Decluttering with purpose – Many of us have wardrobes full of clothes we no longer wear. Vinted allows you to turn them into extra cash instead of sending them to the charity shop or letting them gather dust.
Saving money – If you’re looking for quality clothes without the price tag, Vinted is full of bargains. It’s not unusual to find items barely worn, or even brand new with tags.
Sustainability – Buying second-hand is an environmentally friendly choice, reducing waste and giving clothes a second life.
Ease of use – The app is designed to be simple, with clear instructions and prepaid postage, making it less daunting than other online marketplaces.
For men as well as women – Although many users are women, Vinted has a huge range of men’s clothing and accessories too. Whether it’s a hardly-worn suit, branded jeans or sportswear, there’s plenty on offer.
Examples of Bargains on Vinted
To give you an idea of what’s out there, here are some typical deals you might come across on Vinted:
High street brands – Marks & Spencer blouses or trousers for £5–£10, compared with £25–£40 new.
Designer bargains – A barely-worn Barbour jacket for £60, versus £200+ brand new.
Footwear – Men’s Clarks leather shoes for under £20, often with very little wear.
Occasion wear – Ladies’ Phase Eight or Hobbs dresses for £25–£30, compared with £100+ in the shops.
Sports gear – Branded sportswear like Adidas, Nike, or Under Armour for £5–£15, perfect for the gym or walking.
Accessories – Leather handbags, belts, or scarves for £10–£20, often still in excellent condition.
It’s not uncommon to find items that are “BNWT” (brand new with tags) – meaning they’ve never been worn at all. Many people sell clothes that don’t fit, were impulse buys, or were received as gifts, making Vinted a treasure trove for bargain hunters.
Tips for Spotting the Best-Value Listings
With so many items available on Vinted, it pays to know how to separate the true bargains from the rest. Here are some simple tips:
Check seller ratings – Every seller has a profile showing reviews from previous buyers. Stick to sellers with consistently positive feedback to ensure reliability.
Look for “bundle deals” – Many sellers offer discounts if you buy two or more items from them. This is a great way to cut down on postage costs as well.
Search by brand and size – If you have favourite brands (e.g. M&S, Next, or Barbour), searching directly for them can quickly reveal hidden gems. Filtering by your size saves time too.
Use “new with tags” filters – If you prefer unworn clothes, you can filter results to show only brand new items, often at a fraction of the shop price.
Compare prices – Before buying, check the going rate for similar items. Some sellers price higher, while others just want to clear space and will accept offers.
Check item photos carefully – Clear, well-lit photos from different angles are a good sign the seller is genuine. Blurry or limited pictures may mean the item isn’t in the best condition.
Don’t be afraid to make an offer – Buyers can often negotiate, especially if an item has been listed for a while. A polite lower offer is sometimes accepted straight away.
Closing Thoughts
Vinted might be better known among 20- and 30-somethings, but there’s no reason over-50s shouldn’t benefit as well. Whether you’re looking to make some extra money, save on clothes shopping, or simply embrace sustainable fashion, Vinted offers a friendly and straightforward way to do it.
If you haven’t tried it yet, it could be well worth downloading the app and having a look around. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how easy it is to sell your old clothes – and perhaps bag yourself a bargain or two along the way.
Many thanks to my sister Annie for suggesting this article!
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As I write this, the UK is enjoying a period of fine summer weather; but of course autumn and winter will be along soon enough.
With energy prices continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever to explore ways to cut your home heating costs while staying comfortable.
An increasingly popular solution is a smart thermostat. But what exactly are these devices and can they really save you money? In this post I’ll try to answer these questions and discuss my own experiences with one.
What is a Smart Thermostat?
A smart thermostat is an internet-connected device that allows you to control your home’s heating (and sometimes cooling) remotely via a smartphone app, tablet or computer.
They may use advanced technology such as machine learning, motion sensors and geolocation to optimize your heating schedule, based on your habits and preferences.
Unlike traditional thermostats, which require manual adjustment or rely on fixed schedules, smart thermostats can automatically learn your routines and adjust your heating to ensure comfort and energy efficiency.
Smart thermostats will work with most (but not all) boilers, including gas, heating oil and electric boilers. It is also possible to use them with heat pumps, but you will need a special type of smart thermostat that works a bit differently. In this post I will concentrate on smart thermostats for ‘traditional’ heating systems. This article has some useful information about smart thermostats for heat pumps.
Benefits of a Smart Thermostat
Energy savings – Smart thermostats can significantly reduce energy wastage by heating your home only when needed. For example, they can lower the temperature when you’re out and preheat the house before you return.
Remote control – Forgot to turn off the heating before leaving the house? No problem. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust settings from anywhere using your smartphone.
Insights and reports – Most smart thermostats provide detailed energy usage reports, helping you understand your consumption patterns and identify opportunities to save money.
Smart integrations – Most models integrate with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, allowing for hands-free adjustments.
Top Smart Thermostat Brands
Here are the three most popular smart thermostat brands available in the UK, along with their pros and cons.
1. Nest Thermostat (Google)
Pros
sleek design and intuitive interface
learns your habits and automatically creates a heating schedule
works seamlessly with Google Home and integrates with other smart devices
energy-saving features like ‘Eco Mode’ when you’re away
Cons
higher up-front cost compared to some competitors
limited compatibility with certain heating systems
2. Hive Active Heating (British Gas)
Pros
easy to use and install
works with a wide range of heating systems
excellent app interface with multiple scheduling options
offers add-ons like smart radiator valves and light bulbs for a complete smart home experience
Cons
lacks advanced learning features compared to Nest
some additional features require a monthly subscription
3. Tado Smart Thermostat
Pros
strong focus on energy efficiency with geofencing and open-window detection
offers granular control with smart radiator valves
provides detailed energy-saving reports
compatible with almost all UK heating systems
Cons
subscription required for premium features like geofencing
simpler design might not appeal to those looking for a high-tech aesthetic
My Experience
I got a Hive smart thermostat for my gas central heating in October 2024. I chose this based on the advice of my regular heating engineer, Dave. He has a Hive himself and recommended it for its simplicity and ease of operation.
I paid Dave to supply and fit the device, for which he charged around £300. If you’re a keen DIY’er it’s perfectly possible to install a smart thermostat yourself, maybe with the aid of an online guide and/or YouTube video. Personally I was happy to leave the manual parts of the job to Dave, though I assisted with the electronic and online aspects.
With a Hive (and I assume other smart thermostats) you basically get three components. There is a hub you have to connect to your router using a cable; the thermostat itself, which I have on the wall of my living room (though you can detach it and move it from room to room if you like); and the main control unit, which is where my old controller used to be in the kitchen. You’ll also want to download the relevant app, so you can control the heating using your phone.
Set up was pretty straightforward. The only delay was when connecting the app. For some reason this took a few tries (Dave told me this was common in his experience), but we got there eventually.
I set up a weekly schedule for my heating and hot water, and after that basically let the thermostat do its thing. I’ve found the insights page on the app really helpful for seeing temperature changes in the house throughout the day and when the heating has cut in and out. This works far more efficiently than my old manual thermostat ever did, and is undoubtedly saving me money by only heating the house to the temperature I require.
One small issue I experienced was that initially I kept getting a message on the app that the internet connection was weak. After a bit of research I discovered this was being caused by the fact I’d left the Hive hub too close to my router. Once I moved it a couple of feet, the problem vanished and never returned.
Hints and Tips for Making the Most of Your Smart Thermostat
Here are some tips on maximizing the energy-saving potential of your smart thermostat.
1. Let it learn your routine
If your smart thermostat has a learning feature (like the Nest), give it a week or two to adapt to your schedule. Avoid making constant manual adjustments, as this can interfere with its ability to learn.
2. Use geofencing features
Many smart thermostats, such as Tado, use geofencing to adjust the heating when no-one is home. Ensure this feature is activated and that your phone’s location services are enabled for the app.
3. Set realistic temperatures
Aim for a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature, typically around 18-21°C. Lower the temperature slightly at night or when you’re away to save more.
4. Take advantage of zones
If your system supports zoning (e.g. Hive with smart radiator valves), heat only the rooms you use regularly. For instance, keep bedrooms cooler during the day and focus heat in living areas.
5. Schedule around your lifestyle
Use scheduling tools to preheat your home only when necessary. For example, program the heating to turn on 30 minutes before you wake up or arrive home.
6. Use insights to adjust habits
Review the energy usage reports provided by your thermostat’s app to identify patterns of wastage. Adjust your settings accordingly to reduce unnecessary heating.
7. Integrate with smart home devices
Pair your thermostat with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for convenient control. You can also integrate it with other smart home devices, such as lights or sensors, for automated routines.
8. Utilize holiday modes
Going away? Use the vacation or holiday mode to keep your home at a low but frost-protecting temperature while minimizing energy use.
9. Check compatibility with your boiler
Ensure your boiler and heating system are compatible with your chosen thermostat. This will avoid efficiency issues and ensure full functionality. Personally I have a traditional heating system with a separate hot water tank, but others will have a more modern combi boiler. It’s essential to purchase the right smart thermostat for your system (Hive have two different versions for traditional and combi systems, for example).
10. Stay updated
Keep your thermostat’s firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to improve efficiency, fix bugs or add new features.
Bonus Tip: Combine with other energy-saving measures
Combine your smart thermostat with energy-efficient practices, such as proper insulation, draught-proofing and using energy-saving curtains, for even greater savings.
In addition, try turning down your thermostat by one degree. According to the Energy Saving Trust, this can save you up to £145 annually on your heating bills.
Closing Thoughts
So can a smart thermostat save you money? My short answer is yes – though how much will depend on your usage habits and the size of your household.
By reducing energy wastage, offering precise temperature control, and providing actionable insights, it is estimated that a smart thermostat can lower your energy bills by 10-20% annually. This can translate to savings of £100-£200 a year.
While the initial investment for a smart thermostat may seem steep (ranging from £100 to £300, plus installation), for most people the long-term savings should outweigh this. Additionally, some energy providers offer discounts or schemes to help with purchase.
A smart thermostat isn’t just about saving money, though. It’s also about convenience, comfort and doing your bit for the environment by reducing your energy consumption.
Whether you opt for Nest, Hive or Tado, investing in a smart thermostat should set you on the path to a more energy-efficient and comfortable home.
As always, if you have any comments or questions about this post, please do leave them below.
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As we get older, our health needs inevitably become more complex – and that’s when many of us (me included) start to wonder: Is private health insurance worthwhile?
In the UK, we’re fortunate to have the NHS, which offers free healthcare at the point of delivery to everyone. But with increasing waiting times and growing pressure on NHS services – not to mention strikes and other disruptions – growing numbers of older people are wondering whether it’s time to consider going private.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons, and key questions to help you decide whether private medical insurance (PMI) makes financial sense for you.
✅ Why Consider Private Health Insurance?
1. Shorter Waiting Times
Waiting for an operation or diagnostic scan can be stressful—especially when you’re in pain or worried. One of the biggest attractions of private health insurance is the ability to skip long NHS queues for consultations, scans and treatments.
2. Access to Private Hospitals and Specialists
Private cover often gives you access to a broader network of consultants and hospitals. This can be particularly useful if you want to see a specific specialist or prefer the amenities of a private facility.
3. More Comfortable Experience
Private rooms, flexible appointment times, and continuity of care are common benefits of going private. If you value comfort and control in how you’re treated, insurance can help deliver that.
4. Extra Services
Many policies include extras like physiotherapy, mental health support, or complementary therapies—services that can be hard to access promptly (or at all) on the NHS.
⚠️ Things to Think About Before You Buy
💷 It Can Be Expensive
There’s no getting around it—health insurance becomes more expensive as you get older. If you’re in your 60s or 70s, you could be looking at £100 to £250+ per month, depending on your cover level and health history.
If you’re living on a pension or fixed income, it’s important to weigh up whether the cost is sustainable long term.
⚕️ Pre-existing Conditions May Not Be Covered
If you’ve had health issues in the past—as many of us over 50 have—be aware that these may be excluded from cover, at least initially. Some insurers offer “moratorium” or “full medical underwriting” policies, so be sure to understand the terms.
📜 Not All Treatments Are Included
Private insurance usually doesn’t cover emergency care, chronic disease management (like diabetes or heart failure), or maternity services. These are still handled by the NHS—so PMI should be seen as a complement, not a replacement.
🏥 You’ll Still Use the NHS
Even with private insurance, many people continue to rely on the NHS for things like A&E, cancer care, and follow-up treatment. The NHS remains an essential part of your healthcare safety net.
💡 Who Might Benefit Most?
Private medical insurance may be worth considering if:
You value fast access to treatment or want more choice in who treats you.
You have the financial means to comfortably afford the monthly premiums.
You have health concerns that may require ongoing monitoring or elective procedures.
You want the peace of mind that comes with having private options available if needed.
🏥 Comparing Health Insurance Providers
If you’re over 50 and considering private health insurance, choosing the right provider can feel overwhelming. Below is a comparison of five well-known UK insurers, focusing on how they stack up for older adults.
Provider
Pros
Cons
Bupa
– Trusted name with a wide hospital network
– 24/7 GP appointments via phone or video
– Tailored cover options, including cover for mental health and physiotherapy
– One of the more expensive providers
– Some policies have strict limits on outpatient care
AXA Health
– Offers a 24/7 health helpline with nurses
– Includes mental health cover and diagnostics
– Often good for families and couples too
– Can be costly if you add multiple optional extras
– Some treatments may require pre-authorisation
Vitality Health
– Rewards scheme offers discounts on fitness, gym, travel and health-related spending
– Offers some cover for pre-existing conditions after a waiting period
– Complex rewards system can be hard to understand
– Requires engagement (like activity tracking) to get maximum benefit
Aviva
– Competitive pricing, especially for older adults
– Strong focus on modular plans—pay for what you need
– Digital tools and fast claims process
– Fewer perks and extras compared to some rivals
– Limited cover for some complementary therapies
Saga (underwritten by Bupa)
– Specifically designed for over-50s
– No upper age limit on new policies
– Includes access to private GPs and specialists
– Can be pricey, especially for comprehensive cover
– May still require medical screening depending on age and conditions
Health Insurance Cost Estimator
As a rough guide, here is an online tool that will give you a ballpark estimate for how much health insurance might cost you, based on your age and type of cover required. It assumes you are a non-smoker with no chronic health conditions.
🧮 Private Health Insurance Cost Estimator
Note that this tool gives an approximate cost only. Prices vary by insurer, health status, where you live in the UK, and exact policy terms (including the excess you’re willing to pay). Always get a personalized quote before purchasing cover.
When comparing policies, keep these key factors in mind:
Outpatient limits – Do you get full cover for scans and consultations?
Excess options – Choosing a higher excess can lower your premium.
Cover for pre-existing conditions – Look closely at what’s included and excluded.
Hospital list – Make sure your preferred hospitals or clinics are included.
Added-value benefits – Think virtual GP access, helplines and therapy sessions.
💡 Extra Tip
Most insurers offer a cooling-off period (usually 14 days) after purchase, so you can change your mind. It’s also worth calling insurers directly to ask about over-50s discounts, flexible policies, or joint plans with your partner.
Private medical insurance is a personal investment—and choosing the right provider can make a big difference in both your care and your costs.
💷 What About Health Cash Plans?
If the cost of full private health insurance feels out of reach, health cash plans could be a more affordable alternative—especially for those in their 50s, 60s and beyond who want help covering everyday healthcare costs.
🩺 What Is a Health Cash Plan?
A health cash plan is not the same as private medical insurance. Instead of paying for private operations or hospital stays, cash plans reimburse you for routine healthcare expenses such as:
Dental check-ups and treatment
Eye tests and glasses
Physiotherapy and chiropractic care
Prescription costs
GP consultations and health screenings
You usually pay a fixed monthly fee—typically between £10 and £30 depending on your level of cover—and can claim back part or all of the cost of certain treatments or services.
🏥 Popular Health Cash Plan Providers
Provider
Typical Monthly Cost
Key Features
Benenden Health
£11.90 (flat rate)
– No age limit or exclusions for pre-existing conditions
– Offers access to private GP, mental health support, and diagnostics
– Not-for-profit mutual organisation
Medicash
From £7.50
– Cash back on dental, optical, and therapy treatments
– Family cover available
– App with virtual GP and health tools
Health Shield
From £10
– Offers wellbeing support, counselling, and claim-back options for everyday healthcare
– No medical underwriting
Simplyhealth
From £10
– Long-standing provider with a range of plan levels
– Can cover optical, dental, chiropody, physiotherapy, etc.
– Optional extras for higher-level plans
👍 Pros of Health Cash Plans
✅ Much more affordable than private medical insurance
✅ Ideal for managing common or routine health costs
✅ Often no medical screening required
✅ Useful for retirees managing a fixed income
✅ Can offer peace of mind for dental, optical and therapies
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
❌ Cash plans won’t cover private operations or major surgery
❌ Most plans have maximum claim limits per benefit each year
❌ You usually have to pay upfront and claim back later
✅ Is a Health Cash Plan Right for You?
For many over-50s, particularly those without serious ongoing health issues, a health cash plan offers a practical and low-cost way to stay on top of everyday health needs.
If you’re happy using the NHS for major treatments but want support with dentist bills, eye care, and physiotherapy, this could be a smart middle-ground—especially when budgets are tight.
🧮 Closing Thoughts: Is PMI Worth the Money?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Private medical insurance can offer convenience, faster access and a better experience—but it comes at a cost.
Ask yourself:
Can I afford this now and in 10 years’ time?
What do I want most from my healthcare—speed, choice, comfort?
Would I get peace of mind knowing I can go private if I need to?
For some, especially those with complex health needs or busy lifestyles, private insurance can be a good investment in their well-being. For others, the NHS may still offer all the care they need—at no additional cost.
You also have the option to self-fund one-off private treatments instead of paying monthly insurance premiums. You might also use the NHS for most care, but go private for specific issues—like orthopaedics or diagnostics—where waiting lists are longest.
If you’re considering private health insurance, it’s well worth using a comparison service like ActiveQuote, GoCompare, or Compare the Market to explore your options. You may also want to speak to an independent financial adviser to help decide if it’s the right move for your health and your wallet.
If you have any comments or questions about this article, as always, feel free to post them below. I’d also be interested to hear about your own experiences with health insurance and health cash plans, and whether you recommend them or not.
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Today I am looking at the new income investing option recently introduced by UK robo-adviser platform Nutmeg. This is designed for people who want to receive a regular monthly income while keeping their money invested (and hopefully still growing).
As a long-term Nutmeg investor myself (you can read my in-depth review here), I have already taken advantage of this opportunity. I will discuss my personal experience (so far) in more detail below. But first, here’s how it works in a nut(meg)shell, how it compares with Nutmeg’s traditional growth portfolios, and who might benefit the most.
How Nutmeg’s Income Portfolios Work
Powered by J.P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM)
Nutmeg has collaborated with JPMAM to construct five risk‑rated portfolios, built around actively managed income-focused ETFs – including the JP Morgan Equity Premium Income strategy – so you’re investing in income-optimized assets while staying diversified.
2. Five Risk Levels to Suit You
You can choose from five different risk levels, ranging from 1 (cautious) to 5 (adventurous), based on your circumstances, goals and appetite for risk. Each level offers a different blend of equity and bond exposure to balance income generation with capital stability.
Here’s a table describing Nutmeg’s five income portfolio risk levels in simple terms…
Risk Level
Description
Equity Exposure
Income Potential
Capital Risk
1 – Cautious
Prioritizes stability over returns
Low
Low
Very Low
2 – Conservative
Aims for modest, steady income with minimal volatility
Low to Moderate
Low to Medium
Low
3 – Balanced
Balanced mix of bonds and equities for moderate income and risk
Moderate
Medium
Moderate
4 – Growth-Oriented
Greater focus on equity income for higher payouts
Moderate to High
Medium to High
Moderate to High
5 – Adventurous
Maximizes income potential with higher risk tolerance
High
High
High
📌 Note: All portfolios are actively managed and diversified, but the mix of assets changes based on your selected risk level. Income smoothing and monthly payouts are available across all five.
3. Monthly Payouts with Optional Smoothing
One standout feature is income smoothing. This spreads out income across the year, so you receive consistent monthly payments – even if dividends or yields vary from month to month. This feature is optional, however – you can turn smoothing off if you’d rather receive income as it’s earned every month.
4. No Nutmeg Management Fee for 2025
These portfolios are available via ISA or General Investment Accounts (non-ISA) and have no Nutmeg management fee for the rest of 2025, though underlying ETF costs apply. A minimum investment of £10,000 is required.
5. Capital Remains Invested
Your core investment stays fully invested in the market – providing the potential for capital preservation or growth alongside the monthly income stream.
Income vs Growth – What’s the Difference?
The difference between the two approaches is summed up in the table below.
Income Portfolio
Growth Portfolio
Objective
Provide regular monthly income
Maximize long‑term capital growth
Payouts
Paid out monthly, with optional smoothing
Reinvested automatically for compounding
Yield Focus
Uses dividend and income-focused ETFs
Focus on market growth; income secondary
Suitability
Later-stage savers, retirees, cash flow needs
Long-term goals like retirement, wealth accumulation
While Nutmeg’s growth-oriented portfolios reinvest dividends to compound, the income portfolios are specifically structured to generate ongoing monthly payments. This is ideal for those needing a regular income rather than capital appreciation (though some capital appreciation will hopefully occur as well).
Who Are These Portfolios Best For?
Retirees or near‑retirees needing a dependable income stream without selling assets.
Those reducing work hours or with varied income, using the monthly payouts to smooth out earnings.
Investors frustrated with traditional bond/dividend returns – Nutmeg’s own research shows 69% of UK investors prioritize income, yet many are unhappy with current options.
Investors seeking simplicity – You set your risk level once and Nutmeg then handles asset selection, portfolio rebalancing and (optional) income smoothing. As with all Nutmeg investments, you can change your risk level later if you wish (though some extra costs may be incurred when doing so).
Pros and Considerations
👍 Pros:
Monthly income stream without selling investments
Income smoothing for consistent payouts
Actively managed by experts at JPMAM
No Nutmeg fees until 2026
⚠️ Considerations:
Requires £10,000 minimum to start
Still carries investment risk – capital isn’t guaranteed
Fund fees apply for underlying ETFs
If you’re focused purely on capital growth, growth portfolios with reinvestment may outperform long-term
My Experience
As you will know if you read my July 2025 Investments Update, in June I transferred most of the money in my Nutmeg Fully Managed portfolio (just under £25,000) to a new Nutmeg Income Portfolio. As my money was already invested via a Stocks and Shares ISA, my new income portfolio will enjoy that status as well, meaning income payments will be made without any deductions for tax. Likewise, any capital appreciation will not be taxable.
I selected a risk level of 5 (the maximum). That aligns with the risk level of my other Nutmeg investments, which should make it easier to compare them. More importantly, though, I have other investments that are lower risk, including my Bestinvest SIPP (personal pension) and – of course – my state pension. With my Nutmeg investments I hope to maximize their income and growth potential and am comfortable taking a few more risks to this end. As I have other, less risky investments, any reversals with Nutmeg shouldn’t be disastrous. Obviously as I get older – or if my circumstances change – I may revisit this.
For similar reasons, I chose not to select the ‘smoothing’ option. The income from my Nutmeg income portfolio will be in addition to other regular income streams I already have, so I can’t see any particular reason to have these payments smoothed out. Obviously I will monitor this and might change my mind in future, but for now I quite like the idea of having a variable extra payment each month. If it’s large, I may allow myself a few extra treats that month. If it’s small, I will adjust my expenditure accordingly.
Of course, the above is solely my personal perspective and should not be construed as financial advice. Everyone’s circumstances are different. You should always do your own ‘due diligence’ before investing and seek professional advice if uncertain how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.
As the screenshot below shows, my Income portfolio is already showing a profit of over £400, which is obviously welcome. It hasn’t yet generated any income, but that is unsurprising. It can take a while for investments to qualify for dividend payments, so I am keeping my expectations modest, initially at least 🙂
I will update PAS readers on how my Nutmeg income portfolio performs in my future monthly investments updates.
Closing Thoughts
In my view, Nutmeg’s new Income Investing portfolios are a valuable addition for UK investors seeking a regular income, backed by diversified, actively managed ETFs. They offer monthly, optionally smoothed payouts, managed via Nutmeg’s simple, user-friendly interface. The fact that there is no initial Nutmeg management fee through 2025 is a further attraction.
If your priorities include current cash flow, retirement‑style income, or smoothing irregular income, this could be a good fit. If you’re younger or focused on maximizing long-term growth via compounding, however, Nutmeg’s established growth portfolios (e.g. Smart Alpha) remain compelling options.
If you have any comments or questions about this post – or Nutmeg more generally – please do leave them below. As always, bear in mind that I am not a qualified financial adviser and cannot offer personalized financial advice. As with all investments, your capital is at risk and there are no guarantees of profit. If in any doubt, consider speaking with a financial services professional.
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I’ll begin as usual with my Nutmeg Stocks and Shares ISA. This is the largest investment I hold other than my Bestinvest SIPP (personal pension).
A major change in June was that I transferred most of the money in my Nutmeg Fully Managed portfolio (£25,000) to the new Nutmeg Income Portfolio. I will talk more about this is in a separate post, but basically money in this portfolio is invested to generate an income from dividends and other sources. This is then paid monthly. Capital appreciation is targeted as well, but basically these portfolios are aimed at older people (and others) who want/need their investment to generate a regular cash income.
As the screenshot below shows, my Income portfolio has only just been set up, though it’s already showing a small profit. It hasn’t yet generated any income for me, but that is unsurprising. Income is due to be paid in cash to my bank account on the 24th of each month, so hopefully I may have some income accrued by then (check out next month’s Update to find out). Of course, it can take a while for an investor to qualify for dividend payments, so I am keeping my expectations modest, initially at least!
You do have the option to select a ‘smoothing’ option, where Nutmeg works out your likely monthly income from the size (and performance) of your investment and pays the same amount every month from then onward. For various reasons I have opted not to do this for now, however.
Finally, you can select a risk level from 1 to 5 for your Income Portfolio. After some thought I selected the maximum 5. Depending on how things go, I may reduce this in future.
I still have a smaller growth-oriented pot using Nutmeg’s Smart Alpha option. This is now worth £4,164 (rounded up) compared with ££4,059 a month ago, a rise of £105. Here is a screen capture showing performance for the year to date.
And at the start of December 2023 I invested £500 in one of Nutmeg’s thematic portfolios (Resource Transformation). In March 2024 I also invested a further £200 from referral bonuses. As you can see from the YTD screen capture below, this portfolio is now worth £827 compared with £804 last month, a rise of £23.
Finally, I still have a small amount left in my original Nutmeg Fully Managed portfolio. I have kept this largely for comparison purposes. Here’s a screen capture of how it stands now.
As you can see, June was another decent month for my Nutmeg investments. Overall I was up by £478 or 1.58%.
I am up by £236 since the start of 2025, so the April 2025 fall (caused largely by Trump’s tariffs) has now completely reversed. I am also up by £1,750 or 6.05% since the start of July last year. Considering the recent volatility of the markets (and world affairs generally) that’s not a bad result.
As I always have to say, some volatility is to be expected with stock market investments, but over the longer term they tend to even themselves out (and generally perform better than bank savings accounts, although that is never guaranteed). In general the worst thing you can do is panic and sell up when downturns occur (as happened in April). You are then crystallizing your losses rather than giving the markets time to recover. This is something I had cause to discuss recently in this blog post.
You can read my full Nutmeg review here. If you are looking for a home for your annual ISA allowance, based on my overall experience over the last eight years, they are certainly worth considering. They offer self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), Lifetime ISAs and Junior ISAs as well.
My investments with Housemartin continue to generate steady returns. Housemartin focuses on lower-risk properties (e.g. sheltered housing). I put an initial £100 into this in mid-February 2021 and another £400 in April. In June 2021 I added another £500, bringing my total investment up to £1,000.
Since I opened my account, my HM portfolio has generated a respectable £256.94 in revenue from rental income. I have also made a net profit of £0.57 on property disposals. Capital growth has slowed, though, in line with UK property values generally.
At the time of writing, 16 of ‘my’ properties are showing gains, 2 are breaking even, and the remaining 18 are showing losses. My portfolio of 36 properties is currently showing a net decrease in value of £53.93. That means that overall (rental income and profit on disposal minus capital value decrease) I am up by £203.58. That’s still a decent return on my £1,000 and does illustrate the value of P2P property investments for diversifying your portfolio. And it doesn’t hurt that with Housemartin most projects are socially beneficial as well.
The net fall in capital value of my Housemartin investments is obviously a little disappointing. But it’s important to remember that until/unless I choose to sell the investments in question, it is largely theoretical, based on the latest price at which shares in the property concerned have changed hands. The rental income, on the other hand, is real money (which in my case I’ve reinvested in other HM projects to further diversify my portfolio).
To control risk with all my property crowdfunding investments nowadays, I invest relatively modest amounts in individual projects. This is a particular attraction of Housemartin as far as i am concerned. You can actually invest from as little as £1 per property if you really want to proceed cautiously.
As I noted in this blog post, Housemartin is particularly good if you want to compound your returns by reinvesting rental income. This effectively boosts the interest rate you are receiving. Personally, once I have accrued a minimum of £10 in rental payments, I usually reinvest this money in either a new HM project or one I have already invested in (thus increasing my holding). Over time, even if I don’t invest any more capital, this will ensure my investment with Housemartin grows at an accelerating rate and becomes more diversified as well. I did, however, withdraw £50 from my earnings in June to assist my cashflow in what was an expensive month for me 😮
In 2022 I set up an account with investment and trading platform eToro, using their popular ‘copy trader’ facility. I chose to invest $500 (then about £412) copying an experienced eToro trader called Aukie2008 (real name Mike Moest).
In January 2023 I added to this with another $500 investment in one of their thematic portfolios, Oil Worldwide. I also invested a small amount I had left over in Tesla shares.
As you can see from the screen captures below, my original investment (total value £888.36 in pounds sterling) is today worth £1,020.09, an overall increase of £131.73 or 14.83%.
Note: eToro now displays the value of investments in your native currency, although you can change this if you wish.
As you can see, my Oil WorldWide investment is back in profit now. But my copy trading investment with Aukie2008 has been doing a lot better, with an overall 47.31% profit. To be fair, I have held this investment a little longer.
My Tesla shares, which I bought as an afterthought with some spare cash I had in my account, are down a bit this month. But they are still showing an overall profit of 186.32% since I bought them. If only I had put a bit more money into this!
You might also notice that I have small holdings in Prosus NV, a Dutch internet group, and South Bow, a Canadian energy infrastructure company. To be honest I don’t understand how I acquired these, but I assume they are some sort of bonus I was awarded. In any event, I am happy to have them in my portfolio!
eToro also offer the free eToro Money app. This allows you to deposit money to your eToro account without paying any currency conversion fees, saving you up to £5 for every £1,000 you deposit. You can also use the app to withdraw funds from your eToro account instantly to your bank account. I tried this myself and was impressed with how quickly and seamlessly it worked. You can read my blog post about eToro Money here. Note that it can also serve as a cryptocurrency wallet, allowing you to send and receive crypto from any other wallet address in the world.
If you would like more information about setting up an eToro account, please click on this no-obligation website link [affiliate]. Don’t forget that you also get a free $100,000 virtual portfolio, which you can use to experiment with trading and investing strategies. I have certainly earned a lot from mine.
As an experiment, I recently put £50 into an investment ISA with Trading 212. As mentioned in my recent blog post about dividend investing, I put it into the (Almost) Daily Dividends Portfolio, a ready-made portfolio or ‘pie’ on Trading 212. As you can see from the screen capture below, my portfolio is now worth £52.06, an increase of £2.06 or 4.12% (by my calculation) over the three-month period. It has even accrued a grand total of 18p in dividends!
I am quite impressed with how this investment has been faring, despite the small amount I put in (which means I may be missing out on some smaller dividends) and also because you need to have held shares for a certain period to qualify for dividend payments. If I increased my investment I would almost certainly become eligible for more dividends, and even more the longer I remain invested. If I had any spare money at the moment, I would consider doing this. Of course, I do now have a dividend-focused portfolio with Nutmeg as well (see above).
Moving on, I published various posts on Pounds and Sense in June. I have listed below those that are still relevant.
The Many Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument in Later Life isn’t about personal finance. But as someone who has actually done this (ukulele) it’s a subject I feel quite passionate about. In this article I set out the many (sometimes surprising) benefits of learning to play an instrument as a senior, and offered a few tips based on my personal experience.
In What Are Bonds and How Can You Invest in Them, I explain what bonds are and their pros and cons compared with other investment vehicles. As I say in the article, bonds can play a key role in a well-rounded portfolio, especially for those – including many older people – who are seeking predictable, regular income and/or lower risk.
In How to Reduce Your Water Bills I discussed various ways you may be able to cut your water bill, including getting a water meter and (if you’re on a low income) applying for a reduced-rate social tariff. With water bills rising substantially in many parts of the country, it’s well worth checking what options you may have to cut them.
Is It Worth Getting Over 50 Life Insurance? is another sponsored post. It focuses on a type of life insurance specifically designed for people aged over 50. Such policies offer a guaranteed, fixed cash payout when the policyholder dies. Over 50 life insurance policies are generally “whole of life”, meaning they last until you pass away, as long as you keep up with premium payments. They’re often used to help cover funeral expenses, outstanding debts, or to leave a small inheritance.
Finally, How Social Tariffs Can Help You Reduce Your Household Bills looks at discounted tariffs that may be available for people on low incomes and/or certain means-tested benefits. Specifically, it covers broadband, water bills and energy bills. Do check this out if you are struggling with these bills at the moment.
I’ll close with a reminder that you can also follow Pounds and Sense on Facebook or Twitter (or X as we have to call it now). Twitter/X is my number one social media platform and I post regularly there. I share the latest news and information on financial matters, and other things that interest, amuse or concern me. So if you aren’t following my PAS account on Twitter/X, you are definitely missing out.
I am also on the BlueSky social media network under the username poundsandsense.bsky.social. Twitter/X remains my primary social media platform, but I will also post details of my latest blog posts, third-party articles and other financial news and resources on BlueSky for those who prefer to follow me there.
As always, if you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them below. I am always delighted to hear from PAS readers
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified financial adviser and nothing in this blog post should be construed as personal financial advice. Everyone should do their own ‘due diligence’ before investing and seek professional advice if in any doubt how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.
Note also that posts on PAS may include affiliate links. If you click through and perform a qualifying transaction, I may receive a commission for introducing you. This will not affect the product or service you receive or the terms you are offered, but it does help support me in publishing PAS and paying my bills. Thank you!
If you enjoyed this post, please link to it on your own blog or social media:
When people think about investing, their minds often jump to stocks and shares. But bonds – a less glamorous but more stable option – can play a key role in a well-rounded investment portfolio, especially for those seeking predictable, regular income and/or lower risk.
In this article, I’ll reveal what bonds are, how to invest in them, and the main pros and cons to consider.
What Are Bonds?
A bond is essentially a loan from you to a government or company. In return, they pay you interest (known as the “coupon”) over a set period (typically annually or semi-annually). When the bond reaches the end of its term (maturity), you get your original investment back.
There are several types of bonds, including:
Government bonds (gilts) – issued by the UK government
Corporate bonds – issued by companies
Inflation-linked bonds – designed to rise with inflation
Foreign bonds – issued by overseas governments or companies
How to Invest in Bonds
There are a few ways you can invest in bonds:
1. Buy Individual Bonds
You can buy gilts or corporate bonds directly through:
The London Stock Exchange
Brokers such as Hargreaves Lansdown or AJ Bell
The UK Debt Management Office for new gilt issues
Buying individual bonds gives you control, but requires a higher initial investment and comes with more risk if the issuer defaults.
2. Bond Funds
Instead of picking individual bonds, you can invest in a fund that holds a basket of bonds:
Bond Unit Trusts and OEICs (Open-Ended Investment Companies)
Bond ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) – such as iShares UK Gilts or Vanguard Global Bond ETF
These offer instant diversification and lower entry costs, and can be held in tax-efficient wrappers like Stocks & Shares ISAs or Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs).
WiseAlpha is a UK fractional bond platform that allows retail investors to buy fractional corporate bonds – essentially, small slices of high-yield bonds that are normally only accessible to institutional investors. This opens up access to a wide range of corporate bonds from major companies (e.g. Travelodge, HSBC and Asda) without the need for thousands of pounds to get started. This can be a good middle ground if you want more control over your bond investments than is offered by a fund but don’t have the capital required to buy full bonds.
See also the comparison table of UK bond platforms at the end of this article. This also reveals which platforms allow you to buy bonds within a tax-efficient ISA
Pros of Investing in Bonds
1. Reliable Income
Most bonds pay regular interest, making them a good source of steady income, especially for retirees.
2. Lower Risk Than Shares
Bonds are generally less volatile than stocks, so they can act as a buffer during market downturns.
3. Capital Preservation
If held to maturity and the issuer doesn’t default, you’ll get your money back.
4. Tax Efficiency
UK government gilts are free from Capital Gains Tax, and interest from bonds can be tax-free if held within an ISA or pension.
Cons of Investing in Bonds
1. Inflation Risk
Fixed bond payments may lose value in real terms if inflation rises sharply.
2. Interest Rate Risk
When interest rates go up, bond prices usually go down. If you need to sell before maturity, you could get back less than you paid.
3. Credit Risk
With corporate bonds, there’s always a risk the company could default on payments.
4. Lower Returns Compared to Stocks
Over the long term, bonds typically offer lower returns than equities.
Who Are Bonds Suitable For?
Bonds can be a great choice if:
You’re approaching or in retirement and want regular income
You want to reduce your overall portfolio risk
You’re saving for the medium term and prefer more stability
Younger investors, or those with a higher risk appetite, may prefer a smaller bond allocation in favour of higher-growth assets like equities.
Bonds vs Dividend Investing: Which is Better?
Both bonds and dividend-paying shares (as discussed in this recent blog post) can provide regular income. But they do so in different ways, and each has its own risks and benefits.
Here’s how they compare:
Feature
Bonds
Dividend Stocks
Income Type
Fixed interest (coupon)
Variable dividend payments
Predictability
High – payments are usually fixed
Medium – dividends can fluctuate or be cut
Capital Risk
Lower if held to maturity
Higher – share prices can be volatile
Inflation Protection
Limited (unless using inflation-linked bonds)
Better – companies may increase dividends over time
Tax Treatment
Interest taxable outside ISA/SIPP
Subject to dividend tax outside ISA/SIPP*
Growth Potential
Very limited
Potential for capital gains and increasing income
Ease of Access
Widely accessible via funds or platforms
Also widely accessible via funds or direct shares
Note: *There is a tax-free personal allowance for dividend income of £500 a year (2025/26)
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose bonds if your priority is stability, capital preservation, and predictable income, especially in the short to medium term.
Choose dividend stocks if you’re comfortable with a bit more risk and want potential for both income and long-term growth.
Many investors choose to hold both as part of a diversified portfolio, using bonds for stability and equities for growth and rising income.
Final Thoughts
Investing in bonds can bring balance to your portfolio, reduce volatility and provide income. Whether you go for government gilts, corporate bonds, or a diversified bond fund, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits and how bonds fit with your investment goals.
And as always – consider holding your bonds in an ISA or pension for maximum tax efficiency.
Comparison Table: UK Bond Investment Platforms
Platform
Bond Types Available
Minimum Investment
Suitable For
ISA Available
Notes
Hargreaves Lansdown
Gilts, Corporate Bonds, Bond Funds, ETFs
£100+
Beginners to experienced investors
✅ Yes
Well-established platform with wide fund and bond choice
Unique access to high-yield bonds from major companies
Note: *As of now, WiseAlpha does not offer an ISA wrapper, so income and gains may be taxable depending on your personal circumstances.
Please bear in mind as always that I am not a registered financial adviser and cannot offer personal financial advice. You should always do your own ‘due diligence’ before investing and seek professional advice if in any doubt how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.
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Today I have a guest post for you from my friend Carla on behalf of the FreeStuffSpot website.
If you like getting freebies delivered regularly, as Carla explains below, this is a site you definitely need to check out!
Imagine this: You’re sitting comfortably at home, watching a movie in your pyjamas, getting cosy with a nice cuppa, when the postman suddenly brings free beauty products to your home. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? It might even seem unreal. But I’m here to tell you that I’ve lived the dream. Let me help you learn about freebies.
I’m a huge fan when it comes to makeup. That’s been true as far back as I can remember, and it’s not likely to ever change. I could empty an endless bank account on makeup shopping, but sadly I don’t seem to have one of those. To keep my infinite appetite for makeup satiated, I always keep my eyes and ears open for ways to save money on the best beauty products. When I discovered that I could start getting free makeup sent straight to my home, I was more than a little interested. I was exhilarated.
You might not know this now, but there are many different makeup and beauty products sent to UK homes all the time, including free hair products, toiletries, perfume samples, and cosmetics. Think about it. You can try a current or new brand, all without spending any cash, or even leaving your home! Can it get better than that? Here are my insights about using FreeStuffSpot to get free makeup and beauty products on top of other freebies I already enjoy.
Why Are Beauty Brands Giving Free Stuff Away?
Businesses are always trying to get prospective customers to try out their products or brands in exchange for some feedback. These arrangements bypass the middlemen that normally do market research. Given how many businesses are moving towards the social media giants, namely Facebook and Twitter/X at least, they now can speak directly to consumers while listening to their concerns.
They can also reach out to many new customers at the same time.
So How Do You Get Free Beauty Products Of Your Own?
It’s not hard. I just registered for a newsletter from FreeStuffSpot, guaranteed to have nine brand-new freebies every single day. This newsletter covers things from free samples, competitions, and just generally free stuff. The day after I signed up for the newsletter, I got an email with giveaways, offers, and even restaurant vouchers.
What Other Kinds Of Freebies Are Available?
The website has more categories than just the beauty products I love and adore. You can find food and beverage, kids and baby stuff, free pet things, and freebies for just about anyone in your home. You don’t want to keep such a great thing to yourself, right?
FreeStuffSpot doesn’t just do freebies. They also have tricks to save money, advice on how to make money, and tips about getting more savvy in terms of money overall. The next time I plan to eat out, I’ll be using the page for restaurant vouchers for sure. The free days out category is great for us as a family, since we have young ones that love being out where it’s open. We can have a fun family day outside our home without emptying our bank account.
I’ve also joined the fan group for FreeStuffSpot enthusiasts. This perky community is a place where members post pics of the freebies they get. Sure, some of it is bragging, but it’s also about letting everyone else know about freebies and offers they don’t yet know about.
Just How Easy Is It To Use FreeStuffSpot?
If you want to start enjoying freebies, it’s very simple:
Visit the website at FreeStuffSpot and register to receive their daily newsletter full of freebies.
Browse the website and then apply for freebies you like the sound of.
Then just wait for the freebies to show up at your home!
My Verdict Is In…
I’ve really enjoyed looking through FreeStuffSpot since I started writing online. I’ve already got a perfume sample that I fell in love with, to the point of buying the actual full-size product. I’ve also got a tea towel, face wipes, and even teabags!
Many thanks to Carla for her enthusiastic endorsement of FreeStuffSpot. If you’re a freebies fan I hope you will take a moment to check out the site for yourself.
As always, if you have any comments or questions about this article, please do post them below.
This is a sponsored guest post.
If you enjoyed this post, please link to it on your own blog or social media:
I’ll begin as usual with my Nutmeg Stocks and Shares ISA. This is the largest investment I hold other than my Bestinvest SIPP (personal pension).
As the screenshot below for the year to date shows, my main Nutmeg portfolio is currently valued at £25,323. Last month it stood at £24,532, so that is a rise of £791.
Apart from my main portfolio, I also have a second, smaller pot using Nutmeg’s Smart Alpha option. This is now worth £4,059 (rounded up) compared with £3,934 a month ago, a rise of £125. Here is a screen capture showing performance for the year to date.
Finally, at the start of December 2023 I invested £500 in one of Nutmeg’s new thematic portfolios (Resource Transformation). In March 2024 I also invested a further £200 from referral bonuses. As you can see from the YTD screen capture below, this portfolio is now worth £804 compared with £770 last month, a rise of £34.
As you can see, May was a good month for my Nutmeg investments. Overall I was up by £950 or 3.25%.
I am still down slightly since the start of 2025, with the value of my investments decreasing by £242 or 0.08% since 1st January. On the other hand, their value has grown by £1,813 or 6.39% since the end of May last year. So, as I always say, the recent ups and downs do need to be taken in context. Some volatility is always to be expected with stock market investments, and over time they tend to even out. In general the worst thing you can do is panic and sell up when downturns occur (as happened in early April). You are then crystallizing your losses rather than giving the markets time to recover. This is something I had cause to discuss recently in this blog post.
You can read my full Nutmeg review here. If you are looking for a home for your annual ISA allowance, based on my overall experience over the last eight years, they are certainly worth considering. They offer self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), Lifetime ISAs and Junior ISAs as well.
Moving on, I also have investments with P2P property investment platform Assetz Exchange. As discussed in this recent post, the company recently rebranded as Housemartin.
My investments with Housemartin continue to generate steady returns. Housemartin focuses on lower-risk properties (e.g. sheltered housing). I put an initial £100 into this in mid-February 2021 and another £400 in April. In June 2021 I added another £500, bringing my total investment up to £1,000.
Since I opened my account, my HM portfolio has generated a respectable £251.16 in revenue from rental income. I have also made a net profit of £0.57 on property disposals. Capital growth has slowed, though, in line with UK property values generally.
At the time of writing, 16 of ‘my’ properties are showing gains, 3 are breaking even, and the remaining 18 are showing losses. My portfolio of 37 properties is currently showing a net decrease in value of £47.34. That means that overall (rental income and profit on disposal minus capital value decrease) I am up by £204.39. That’s still a decent return on my £1,000 and does illustrate the value of P2P property investments for diversifying your portfolio. And it doesn’t hurt that with Housemartin most projects are socially beneficial as well.
The net fall in capital value of my Housemartin investments is obviously a little disappointing. But it’s important to remember that until/unless I choose to sell the investments in question, it is largely theoretical, based on the latest price at which shares in the property concerned have changed hands. The rental income, on the other hand, is real money (which in my case I’ve reinvested in other HM projects to further diversify my portfolio).
To control risk with all my property crowdfunding investments nowadays, I invest relatively modest amounts in individual projects. This is a particular attraction of Housemartin as far as i am concerned. You can actually invest from as little as £1 per property if you really want to proceed cautiously.
As I noted in this blog post, Housemartin is particularly good if you want to compound your returns by reinvesting rental income. This effectively boosts the interest rate you are receiving. Personally, once I have accrued a minimum of £10 in rental payments, I reinvest this money in either a new HM project or one I have already invested in (thus increasing my holding). Over time, even if I don’t invest any more capital, this will ensure my investment with Housemartin grows at an accelerating rate and becomes more diversified as well.
In 2022 I set up an account with investment and trading platform eToro, using their popular ‘copy trader’ facility. I chose to invest $500 (then about £412) copying an experienced eToro trader called Aukie2008 (real name Mike Moest).
In January 2023 I added to this with another $500 investment in one of their thematic portfolios, Oil Worldwide. I also invested a small amount I had left over in Tesla shares.
As you can see from the screen captures below, my original investment (total value £888.36 in pounds sterling) is today worth £996.80, an overall increase of £108.44 or 12.21%.
Note: eToro now displays the value of investments in your native currency, although you can change this if you wish.
As you can see, my Oil WorldWide investment has recovered a bit since last time and is at least back in profit now, although it’s not exactly setting the world on fire (excuse the bad joke).
Thankfully my copy trading investment with Aukie2008 has been doing better, with an overall 39.64% profit. To be fair, I have held this investment a little longer.
My Tesla shares, which I bought as an afterthought with a bit of spare cash I had in my account, have done particularly well since I bought them, with an overall profit of 211.13%. If only I had put a bit more money into this! As a matter of interest, I do find it quite strange that my Tesla shares keep going up in value, despite all the stories in the press and social media about consumers boycotting Tesla. Go figure.
You might also notice that I have small holdings in Prosus NV, a Dutch internet group, and South Bow, a Canadian energy infrastructure company. To be honest I don’t understand how I acquired these, but I assume they are some sort of bonus I was awarded. In any event, I am happy to have them in my portfolio!
eToro also offer the free eToro Money app. This allows you to deposit money to your eToro account without paying any currency conversion fees, saving you up to £5 for every £1,000 you deposit. You can also use the app to withdraw funds from your eToro account instantly to your bank account. I tried this myself and was impressed with how quickly and seamlessly it worked. You can read my blog post about eToro Money here. Note that it can also serve as a cryptocurrency wallet, allowing you to send and receive crypto from any other wallet address in the world.
If you would like more information about setting up an eToro account, please click on this no-obligation website link [affiliate]. Don’t forget that you also get a free $100,000 virtual portfolio, which you can use to experiment with trading and investing strategies. I have certainly earned a lot from mine.
As a bit of an experiment, I recently put £50 into an investment ISA with Trading 212. As mentioned in my recent blog post about dividend investing, I put it into the (Almost) Daily Dividends Portfolio, a ready-made portfolio or ‘pie’ on Trading 212. As you can see from the screen capture below, my portfolio is now worth £51.69, an increase of 3.3% over the two-month period. It has even accrued a grand total of 9p in dividends!
I am quite impressed with how this investment has been faring, despite the small amount I put in (which means I may be missing out on some smaller dividends) and also because you need to have held shares for a certain period to qualify for dividend payments. If I increased my investment I would almost certainly become eligible for more dividends, and would qualify for more the longer I remain invested. If I had any spare money at the moment, I would certainly consider doing this!
Moving on, I published various posts on Pounds and Sense in May. I have listed below those that are still relevant
Why a Financial Remedy Order is Essential on Your Divorce is another guest post from my friends at HCR Law. If you are unfortunate enough to be in this position, this article contains important advice and information on how to ensure your personal financial security going forward.
Where to Get Pension Advice contains important information for anyone who may be coming up to retirement age, which of course includes many Pounds and Sense readers. This collaborative article includes details of six potential sources of pension advice, including the pros and cons of each.
Could You Benefit From Help to Save spotlights a lesser-known government scheme which, if you’re eligible, can give your finances a valuable boost. It’s an initiative aimed at helping people on low incomes (typically those receiving Universal Credit) build up their savings. Offering generous tax-free bonuses, this scheme can provide significant benefits for qualifying individuals.
How to Save Money on Rail Fares With Split Ticketing discusses a money-saving hack that savvy travellers can use to reduce their rail-fare costs – often by a substantial margin. Split ticketing involves breaking a journey into two or more smaller segments, purchasing separate tickets for each segment rather than one through-ticket. With the help of apps such as those discussed in the article, the process becomes simple and automated.
Finally, in What Are ETFs And How Can You Invest in Them? I shine a spotlight on these increasingly popular investment vehicles, explaining what they are, how you can invest in them, and how you can maximize the benefit by investing via tax-free ISAs.
I’ll close with a reminder that you can also follow Pounds and Sense on Facebook or Twitter (or X as we have to call it now). Twitter/X is my number one social media platform and I post regularly there. I share the latest news and information on financial matters, and other things that interest, amuse or concern me. So if you aren’t following my PAS account on Twitter/X, you are definitely missing out.
I am also on the BlueSky social media network under the username poundsandsense.bsky.social. Twitter/X remains my primary social media platform, but I will also post details of my latest blog posts, third-party articles and other financial news and resources on BlueSky for those who prefer to follow me there.
As always, if you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them below. I am always delighted to hear from PAS readers
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified financial adviser and nothing in this blog post should be construed as personal financial advice. Everyone should do their own ‘due diligence’ before investing and seek professional advice if in any doubt how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.
Note also that posts on PAS may include affiliate links. If you click through and perform a qualifying transaction, I may receive a commission for introducing you. This will not affect the product or service you receive or the terms you are offered, but it does help support me in publishing PAS and paying my bills. Thank you!
If you enjoyed this post, please link to it on your own blog or social media:
Today I am focusing on Exchange Traded Funds, or ETFs for short. These have become increasingly popular among investors seeking a simple, low-cost way to build diversified portfolios. But what exactly are ETFs, and how can you invest in them, especially in a tax-efficient way?
What Is an ETF?
An ETF is a type of investment fund that holds a collection of assets – such as stocks, bonds, or commodities – and trades on stock exchanges much like individual shares.
Most ETFs are designed to track the performance of a specific index, such as the FTSE 100, S&P 500, or MSCI World Index.
Because they bundle together a broad range of assets, ETFs offer instant diversification. If you buy an ETF tracking the FTSE 100, for example, you’re essentially investing in the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Why Choose ETFs?
Low cost: ETFs usually have lower management fees than actively managed funds, because they typically follow a passive investment strategy.
Diversification: A single ETF can give you exposure to hundreds or even thousands of securities across sectors or regions.
Liquidity: As ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, they can be bought or sold during market hours just like individual shares.
Potential for dividends as well as capital appreciation: If the value of shares in an ETF goes up, so does the value of your holding. Likewise, if the underlying shares pay dividends, these are either distributed to ETF investors as cash or reinvested to boost the value of your holding.
Transparency: Most ETFs publish their holdings daily, so you always know what you’re investing in.
Are There Any Drawbacks to ETFs?
While ETFs offer many benefits, they’re not without potential downsides:
Market Risk: Like all investments, ETFs can go down in value. If the underlying assets perform poorly, so will the ETF.
Tracking Error: Some ETFs may not perfectly replicate the performance of their target index due to fees or imperfect replication strategies.
Liquidity Issues: While most ETFs are highly liquid, some niche or low-volume ETFs can have wider bid-ask spreads, making it more expensive to trade them.
Over-Diversification: While diversification is usually a strength, owning too many overlapping ETFs can lead to a diluted portfolio that mirrors the overall market without any clear investment direction.
Currency Risk: If you invest in ETFs that hold assets in foreign currencies, exchange rate fluctuations can impact your returns. Of course, this applies equally to other types of investment as well.
Understanding the risks and how they relate to your investment goals is key to making informed decisions.
How to Invest in ETFs
Choose a Platform: First, you’ll need to open an account with a brokerage or investment platform that offers access to ETFs. Popular UK platforms include Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell and Interactive Investor. InvestEngine specializes in ETFs and offers commission-free trading in a wide range. Trading 212 and eToro are other popular platforms that offer commission-free ETF trading.
Select Your ETFs: Decide on the asset classes and regions you want exposure to. For example, you could choose a global equity ETF, a UK government bond ETF, or a sector-specific ETF (such as technology, healthcare or renewables).
Place Your Order: ETFs can be bought and sold like shares. You can place a market order (buy at the current price) or a limit order (buy only at a specific price).
Monitor and Rebalance: Over time, you may need to adjust your portfolio to maintain your desired level of risk and diversification.
Consider Automated Services: If you don’t want to pick your own ETFs, many platforms offer ready-made portfolios (though these may entail extra fees and charges). Robo-adviser platforms such as Nutmeg – which I use myself – invest your money in ETFs and offer fully managed and fixed allocation portfolios.
Using an ISA for Tax Efficiency
One of the most tax-effective ways to invest in ETFs in the UK is through a Stocks and Shares ISA.
An ISA (Individual Savings Account) allows you to invest up to £20,000 per tax year (as of 2025/26) without paying any tax on your investment returns. The benefits of investing in ETFs via an ISA include:
No Capital Gains Tax: Any profit you make from selling ETFs within an ISA is tax-free.
No Dividend Tax: Any dividends paid by ETFs held in an ISA are also tax-free.
No Income Tax: Likewise, no Income Tax is due on returns from your investments.
Simplicity: There is no need to declare ISA investments on your tax return.
Final Thoughts
ETFs are a powerful tool for building a diversified, cost-effective investment portfolio. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, they offer flexibility and efficiency. And by investing through an ISA, UK investors can enjoy significant tax advantages, maximizing their returns and helping their money go further
Always take into account your investment goals and tolerance for risk. And do your own ‘due diligence’ – or consult a financial adviser – before investing. All investments carry a risk of loss.
As ever, if you have any comments or questions about this article, please do post them below. Bear in mind that I am not a qualified financial adviser and cannot provide personalized financial advice.
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Rail travel is generally a comfortable, environmentally-friendly way of getting from A to B. But it can also be expensive, especially for longer journeys.
However, there’s a money-saving hack called ‘split ticketing’ that savvy travellers can use to reduce their fare costs – often by a substantial amount.
What is Split Ticketing?
Split ticketing involves breaking a journey into two or more smaller segments, purchasing separate tickets for each segment rather than one through-ticket. With the help of apps like Trainsplit, this process becomes simple and automated.
With split ticketing you still travel on the same train and follow your intended route. But instead of buying a single ticket from your starting point to your destination, you buy multiple tickets to and from stops along the route. This can result in significant savings without any need to change trains.
For example, say you’re travelling from London to Edinburgh. Instead of buying a direct ticket, you could split the journey into sections like London to York and York to Edinburgh. The train stops at York anyway, so you’re not inconvenienced, but the price could work out considerably cheaper.
Note that split ticketing only works if the train you’re on stops at the intermediate destination/s on your tickets. If it merely goes through them without stopping, this won’t be allowed.
Why Does Split Ticketing Work?
The UK rail fares system is complicated and confusing, with different pricing structures and promotional fares on offer for different parts of the same journey.
These pricing inconsistencies mean that splitting a trip into smaller segments can bypass some of the more expensive through-ticket fares. It’s a loophole in the system, but one that is perfectly legal. I have even had ticket inspectors comment approvingly when they see I am doing this!
How Do Apps Like Trainsplit Help?
Apps like Trainsplit do all the hard work for you. They automatically search for the best combination of tickets to get you to your destination at the lowest price.
You enter your starting point, destination and travel time, and the app generates options showing where you can split the journey and how much you will save.
If you have a Railcard that offers a discount (see below) this can be incorporated by the app as well. Just ensure you have the Railcard with you when you travel.
Example Savings
Let’s take a few real-world examples to illustrate just how much you can save with split ticketing.
London to Manchester
Standard fare: £90 (for a direct ticket)
Split ticketed fare: £65 (splitting at Milton Keynes and Stoke-on-Trent)
Savings: £25 (about 28%)
Edinburgh to Birmingham
Standard fare: £80
Split ticketed fare: £55 (splitting at Newcastle and York)
Savings: £25 (around 31%)
Bristol to Leeds
Standard fare: £85
Split ticketed fare: £58 (splitting at Birmingham New Street)
Savings: £27 (about 32%)
In each case, the split-ticketing options allow you to stay on the same train, without changing platforms or worrying about missed connections, while saving a significant percentage on your fare.
The app will show you the best split-ticket options, along with the potential savings.
Purchase the split tickets directly through the app.
The app even takes care of booking all the individual tickets at once, so you don’t have to make multiple transactions.
Other similar apps, like Trainline and RailEurope, also offer split ticketing features, though Trainsplit is especially focused on this. In my experience it typically offers the best savings, though you can of course try other apps as well to see if you can find a better option.
More Tips for Saving Money on Rail Fares
While split ticketing can make a significant difference, there are other ways as well to reduce the cost of rail travel:
Book in advance: Advance tickets are usually released 12 weeks before travel and are often much cheaper than buying on the day.
Travel at off-peak times: Fares are usually lower during off-peak hours (generally outside morning and evening rush hours).
Use a Railcard: If you’re eligible, a Railcard (such as the 16-25 Railcard, Two Together Railcard, or Senior Railcard) can save you up to a third on fares.
Check GroupSave offers: Some routes offer GroupSave discounts for groups of three or more travelling together.
Save on days out: Certain tourist attractions offer reduced-price admission (or two-for-one) if you go by train. For example, visitors to Madame Tussauds in London can get a third off the admission price if they travel by train. Check out the National Rail website for this and other offers.
Closing Thoughts
Travelling by train doesn’t need to break the bank, especially when using smart strategies like split ticketing.
With apps like Trainsplit, the process of finding the best deals is automated, making it easier than ever to save. By investing a few minutes in checking split-ticket options, you could potentially save a significant amount on your next journey, leaving more money in your pocket to spend at your destination!
As ever, if you have any comments about this post, please do share them below.
This is a revised and updated version of an article first published on Mouthy Money.
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