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The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
Best savings accounts in July to earn on your money before expected interest rates cut this summer
Earning as high an interest rate as possible on your money is always the ideal situation, but it becomes even more important when inflation is running high, as it is in the UK right now. The value of cash is eaten away by inflation, so one way to protect your overall wealth is to make sure your savings are earning a greater rate whenever possible - right now, that means at least 3.5 per cent. Thankfully, that's very much achievable at the moment whether you want to lock cash away at a fixed rate for a specified length of time, or even if you need easy and quick access to funds but still want it to be earning more money for you. However, with the Bank of England expected to cut interest rates once more when they meet in August, it's vital you check out where your money is right now and make sure that you're getting a good deal. If not, here's our round-up of the best savings accounts at present - though always remember to ask your bank or building society if they have even higher rates available, as some banks offer specific deals for regular savers only available to existing customers. Rates are correct at the time of publishing, and all brands mentioned are FSCS protected. Best cash ISA accounts You may have seen the news recently that cash ISA limits are to be cut soon. There's no confirmation on what level they will go to, so at present, you can still put £20,000 per person each year into one. Plum is giving a market-leading 4.95 per cent at present for an easy-access ISA, with three penalty-free withdrawals allowed each year. This includes a bonus rate, so be sure to note dates it expires to switch if needed. Note, this isn't a bank - it holds your money in places like Lloyds and Citibank. Moneybox pays 4.65 per cent and also includes a 12-month bonus rate. Again, three withdrawals are allowed without impacting the interest rate. Tembo offers 4.64 per cent, slightly lower, but allows unlimited withdrawals which can take a couple of days to process. Be aware of ISA rules - none of the above are flexible ISAs so if you put money in, take it out again and then want to put it back in, that counts towards your limits twice. The best rate flexible ISAs are around 4.1 per cent from the likes of Skipton Building Society or Wealthify. Of course, all these interest rates can change due to competition or bank rate changes. Best easy-access savings accounts For normal, standard savings accounts, we've found three options which are currently offering above 4.5 per cent. At that level or lower, there are a whole host of names, big and small, which are competing at a similar level. Choose by the terms which matter most to you. For the higher options, Atom Bank is at the best level right now with a decent 4.75 per cent rate - remember, the Bank of England's base rate at present is 4.25 per cent, so this is a fair bit higher for now. However, it's designed to encourage consistent saving: you get that headline rate in months you don't make a withdrawal, and a lower 2.5 per cent rate in months you do make one. Cahoot, owned by Santander, offers 4.55 per cent. Clearly that's a bit lower than Atom, but the trade-off is that the rate is not impacted if you need to withdraw money - cash can go in or out whenever you like. Though if you happen to have more than half a million pounds, it doesn't pay interest above that level... Finally, digital bank Sidekick is offering 4.51 per cent, which includes a 12-month bonus. It offers unlimited next-day withdrawals and partners with OakNorth Bank to hold your funds. Best fixed-term accounts For fixed-term deals, it really depends on how long you are keen to have your money locked up for. The trade-off is this: the longer term you choose, the longer you can't access cash for. However, with interest rates heading downward, you can benefit from a guaranteed higher rate for much longer than the rest of the market gets. Also, be aware any interest you earn is taxable in the year you receive it - worth bearing in mind if you take a two-year lock-in or longer. For six-month deals, several banks, including Nottingham Building Society, offer 4.47 per cent. On 12-month options, Marcus, by Goldman Sachs, has a 4.55 per cent deal. If you want monthly interest payments instead of at maturity, Vanquis offers 4.52 per cent. And for two-year deals, GB Bank offers 4.43 per cent, with a minimum opening balance of £1,000. Be sure you don't need access to your money before choosing longer-term deals.
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Plum house deemed uninhabitable after grill fire
A family in Plum has been displaced from their home after their grill sparked a fire this weekend. With the Fourth of July holiday, countless families will host cookouts in the coming days. If you're not careful, you could be in the same situation. Larry Wood was sitting on his deck when he heard a loud noise Sunday evening. "It was just like a poof," Wood said. He then heard a woman screaming and turned around to see a fireball on his neighbor's porch. "I ran over to see what I could do to help," Wood said. It was coming from the grill leaning against the home on Greendale Drive off Old Leechburg Road. He quickly decided to run back to his place and grab his fire blankets to cover it. "That kept the fire from going up, but it still was burning the grease and everything underneath," Wood said. The gas line was also melted. "I asked him if he could turn the gas off, and he said, 'I can't reach in, and I can't touch it because it's too hot,'" Wood said. Before they knew it, the propane tank caught fire, and flames spread to the roof. Unity Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Glenn Kopec Jr. said the man who lives there with his wife was treated at the hospital for minor burns. A firefighter also received care for heat exhaustion. "It sounds like there may have been a leak from the propane tank while they were using the grill, and the propane ignited from the tank, thus causing a little bit of an explosion," Kopec said. The home was not condemned, but ruled uninhabitable. The Allegheny County fire marshal's office told KDKA the fire was determined to be an accident. "You should have it anywhere from 5 to 10 feet away from the building," Kopec said. Kopec said that's one step the homeowners could have taken to protect their home, but it's unclear whether they conducted any maintenance. You'll want to check if any animals got inside if you leave your grill out year-round, make sure your ignition is working properly, and if not, shut off the fuel source. Also, clean your grill if there is any grease left behind, and if there's a fire inside with food, leave it closed until first responders arrive. Take these steps, because as Wood said, the homeowner told him, 50 years of grilling with no problems can go up in flames in seconds. "It takes just an instant," Wood said. It's also important not to leave the grill unattended and keep an eye on it if you're using it, and if you're manning the grill, be responsible with alcohol.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Kelsey Plum delivers blunt message to fan wearing Caitlin Clark top at Sparks game
Kelsey Plum isn't having any Caitlin Clark-related things in Arena if the Fever aren't in the building. As the Sparks were set to host the Sky on Sunday, Plum spotted a fan sporting a Clark shirt while sitting courtside. The three-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champ proceeded to trot over to the fan and, with a twinge of sarcasm, said, 'You can't be wearing that in the gym,' proceeding to hand the fan a Sparks T-shirt. 4 Kelsey Plum confronts the Caitlin Clark fan before a game between the Sparks and Sky. X @SportingTrib 4 A courtside Caitlin Clark fan quickly puts on the Sparks shirt given to her by Kelsey Plum. X @SportingTrib The fan quickly put on the shirt and took a photo with Plum, who said, 'Next time, do better.' The fan then posed for a photo with Plum and said, 'Oh my God, this is so awesome!' Last week, when the Sparks beat the Fever, 85-75, Plum seemingly tried to get the officials to give a technical foul on Clark, who was sitting out with a left groin injury but was very vocal for her team from the sidelines. 4 Kelsey Plum tells a fan to do better after wearing a Caitlin Clark shirt to a Sparks-Sky game on Sunday. X @SportingTrib 4 Kelsey Plum takes a photo with two fans. X @SportingTrib During a break within the game, Clark stood up to argue with the referees about a call. Plum took notice and somewhat jokingly went to the same ref to argue that the 2024 Rookie of the Year was illegally stepping onto the court, with one of her shoes across the line. The official wasn't having any of it from either player. On Sunday, the Sparks did not pull off the win over the Sky due to a double-double night from Angel Reese, with 24 points and 16 rebounds. She also had seven assists, one steal, and two blocks. Plum, who joined the Sparks in the offseason in a big trade from the Aces, had 22 points with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. The Sparks are 11th in the league with a 5-12 record, just ahead of the Wings and rock-bottom Sun. They will face the defending champion Liberty on Thursday at Barclays Center.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Would Rachel Reeves cutting the cash Isa limit matter to you?
The content below isn't financial advice. Savers are worried that cuts to the cash Isa allowance are on their way after months of speculation. The rumours of a reduction in the amount people can save into cash Isas stem from Chancellor Rachel Reeves refusal to rule it out, combined with the government's desire to increase investment into the stock market. Currently, people can put as much or as little as they like of their annual £20,000 Isa allowance into either a cash Isa or stocks and shares Isa. But there is speculation that the amount that can be saved as cash could be trimmed back, perhaps even as far as £4,000. While the Chancellor has said that she will not lower the overall £20,000 Isa allowance, she has declined to confirm that she won't reduce the cash element. We spoke to saving and investing expert, Victor Trokoudes, founder and CEO, of Plum to find out more about how such a move would affect people. Why do cash Isas matter? Victor Trokoudes replies: A cash Isa is a type of savings account that also protects savers from income tax on interest earned, which is why some people refer to them as 'tax wrappers'. Cash Isas offer attractive savings rates currently, and remain a very popular product with the amount put into cash Isas increasing by almost 20 per cent in April 2025 compared to the same month in previous year. In fact, £14 billion was put into Isa accounts with banks and building societies during that month, which was the highest since the Bank of England started recording this information. Would cutting the cash Isa allowance matter to all savers? Victor Trokoudes replies: Whilst cutting the limit may not matter to savers who can't afford to pay in the full allowance of £20,000, it will have important ramifications for many cash Isa users. If it's cut to £5,000 that's a huge allowance cut for savers and they may feel it limits their savings goals, especially if they are a higher rate or additional tax rate payer as they have a reduced or no savings allowance respectively. That makes it more likely they will have to pay tax on their interest. Should more savers consider investing? Victor Trokoudes replies: Investing isn't a suitable option for those who are building their emergency financial buffer, or don't want to take on any risk because they have a particular goal in mind for the very short-term. For example, if you were saving for a special event like a wedding in the next year, you likely wouldn't want to put your capital at any risk in the stock market. But there is a clear rationale for encouraging more people to invest rather than save. Investing in the stock market has historically often been the best long-term option to secure higher returns for your money. What should you consider before you invest? Victor Trokoudes replies: You should only invest money that you'd be comfortable to put at risk as the value of investments can go up or down. So, while you could make a profit, you could also get back less than you put in. This can be particularly true in the short term. You shouldn't invest money you're likely to need within the next five years. How can people move from saving to investing? Victor Trokoudes replies: If you want to start your investing journey it's worth researching beforehand and seeing what funds or stocks are performing well. Start with investing small amounts of money - some apps let you start with as little as £1 - to see what results it yields. If you decide you want to invest some of your cash Isa, you can transfer your money into a stocks and shares Isa, which is the type of Isa account you can use for investing. However, it's important to use the official transfer process to move money from a cash Isa to stocks and shares Isa, so it remains within a tax wrapper and you don't have to pay tax unnecessarily. Plum is the trading name of Plum Fintech Limited and Saveable Limited. Plum Fintech Limited is registered and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 836158). Saveable Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN: 739214).
India.com
25-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
Best Face Serums for Bright, Clear, and Even Skin Tone
They can be used as a standalone treatment or layered under moisturizers for enhanced benefits. Whether you're looking to brighten your complexion, boost hydration, or address signs of aging, the right serum can significantly improve skin texture, tone, and overall health with consistent use. 1. Cetaphil – Bright Healthy Radiance Serum with Antioxidant C & Advanced Peptide Image Source: Order Now Cetaphil's Bright Healthy Radiance Serum is a dermatologist-developed formula designed to brighten and even out skin tone. It contains Antioxidant C, a stabilized form of vitamin C, and Advanced Peptides that work to reduce dullness, fade dark spots, and improve skin radiance over time. Key Features: Stabilized vitamin C (Antioxidant C) for skin brightening Advanced Peptide technology to improve skin tone and texture Suitable for sensitive skin Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula Cons: Results may take time to show on deeper pigmentation Premium price point May not be hydrating enough on its own for very dry skin 2. Plum – 5% Niacinamide Face Serum with Amino Acid for Bright Skin Image Source: Order Now This gentle yet effective serum by Plum contains 5% niacinamide along with amino acids to reduce blemishes, fade acne marks, and improve skin clarity. Ideal for beginners, the formula helps control excess oil, improves skin texture, and leaves a smooth, radiant finish. Key Features: 5% niacinamide to brighten and even skin tone Amino acids for skin repair and barrier support Suitable for oily and combination skin Lightweight, non-greasy texture Fragrance-free and vegan Cons: May not be strong enough for stubborn hyperpigmentation Slight purging possible for sensitive skin in the initial phase Needs consistent use for visible results 3. Minimalist – Vitamin C 10% Face Serum for Glowing Skin Image Source: Order Now Minimalist's Vitamin C 10% Serum uses Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable and potent form of vitamin C, to brighten dull skin and even out tone. With added acetyl glucosamine and centella extract, it also supports skin repair and soothes inflammation, making it great for beginners and regular users alike. Key Features: 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) for brightening Gentle formula suitable for sensitive skin Lightweight and non-oily Supports collagen production and improves skin texture Fragrance-free and transparent ingredients Cons: May oxidize over time if not stored properly Slight tingling on first use for very sensitive skin Requires consistent use and sun protection for best results 4. Beauty of Joseon – Glow Serum with Propolis & Niacinamide Image Source: Order Now This cult-favorite Korean serum combines propolis extract (60%) with niacinamide (2%) to deeply nourish, soothe, and brighten the skin. It targets inflammation, controls sebum, and enhances skin glow, making it perfect for acne-prone and dull skin types. Key Features: 60% propolis extract for anti-inflammatory and healing benefits 2% niacinamide to brighten and reduce redness Hydrating and calming formula Ideal for acne-prone or irritated skin Lightweight texture with a subtle glow finish Cons: May feel slightly sticky on very oily skin Fragrance-free but has a natural honey-like scent Not ideal for those allergic to bee products Face serums are a powerful addition to any skincare routine, offering targeted treatment for specific concerns like dullness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and uneven skin tone. Whether you're looking for the brightening effects of vitamin C, the barrier-boosting power of niacinamide, or the soothing benefits of propolis, there's a serum tailored to your skin's needs. Options like Cetaphil and Plum are gentle enough for sensitive skin, while Minimalist offers effective actives with a clean formulation. For those seeking hydration and glow, Beauty of Joseon's Glow Serum stands out with its unique blend of propolis and niacinamide. With regular use and the right match for your skin type, serums can visibly improve texture, clarity, and overall radiance. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
