DEAR TRICIA

money@mirror.co.uk Need some practical financial advice? YOUR MONEY Editor Tricia Phillips and her team can help

QI have a NEST pension fund with my old company. I started a new job in September and both my employer and I are making contributions into a pension. Does the old pension just sit there until I retire or should I join the two pensions together?

You have the option of either of these. However, should you transfer the old pension into the new there is likely to be associated costs and charges. If it’s only a small pot it may not be worthwhile.

AQI have two granddaughters and want to get them Premium Bonds. I’ve been told I can’t open a joint account, but wouldn’t want one to win and not the other. Is there a way around this?

The simple answer is no. I’m afraid, you cannot buy Premium Bonds in joint names. As only a nominated parent or guardian will be able to manage and cash in the Bonds, you could ask them to share any winnings between your two granddaughters.

AQHave I left it too late to set up an ISA using this year’s allowance? I’ve just got an unexpected inheritance and hoped I could invest some now, and the balance in the new tax year.

You are cutting it a little fine but, if you act very quickly and invest by this Friday, you can still use this year’s ISA allowance – and top up savings from next year’s allowance from April 6 onwards.

AQI’ve taken out a mortgage and been asked if I want to take out