Anyone new to investing will have heard of the term Isa but may not know that it is based on a branch of medieval philosophical thinking named after Queen Isabelle of Spain (C12th). It involves hypnotic chanting and monkey carcasses. This is, of course, utter rubbish. And not funny (sorry about that). But the investment industry seems to go out of its way to confuse and abuse the public with jargon and complex nonsense. It may as well be about foreign royals involved in ritual sacrifice.
At its core, investing is a simple concept. And an Isa is a part of the process that comes with certain tax advantages.
This lunchtime check out:
Top Isas for 2008 - as chosen by a selection of investment experts.
(For beginners, expert investors and risk-takers)
>> What is an Isa
(Beginners' guide)
>> Is my £100 a month going to the best Isa?
(Ask an expert)
By far the best tip is not to buy whatever ISA was popular last year. Sure, you may occasionally strike it lucky, but in general last year's hot ISA is this year's dud. Think of all the property ISAs that were sold 12-18 months ago. Or the huge wave of tech ISAs shifted in 2000...
Posted by: Monevator | 03/01/2008 at 12:15