YOU HAVE YOUR SAY

EVERY week Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails about our stories. Here are some about savings accounts that pay a pittance. IF YOU still put your hardearned money into a savings account you need to wake up. If you have time on your side, a low- cost global tracker is probably the best solution.

S. N., Manchester. I, FOR one, am glad the banks are paying poor interest rates — it has forced me to stop and think about where I put my money. I invest what I used to save in cash Isas. Over time, the returns are far greater.

R. P., Bradford. PREMIUM Bonds are a good option if you buy at least £10,000 worth. They are handy for stashing cash away over a short time period and you can sell them online very quickly. The money will be back in your account within three days.

W. M., Winchester. SOME people who have money in savings accounts don’t put it there for the interest rates. We have about £2,000 in our bank’s saving account earmarked for a big purchase. We invest the rest and earn about 6 pc each year.

S. J., by email. WHEN the banks cut interest rates to refill their own coffers, we assumed it was a temporary measure. Years later, the rates are still dropping. Pensioners who saved to supplement their income have been robbed.

C. B., Lancashire. I STARTED collecting gold bars 12 years ago. That was because I knew interest rates would not yo-yo. Overall, gold is a good investment. The best High Street rates I have found are on the Costco website!

B. P., Birmingham. IF YOU’RE concerned, you should investigate what rates are on offer and be prepared to switch to an account which pays out more. If you don’t look after your money, it won’t look after itself.

J. J., Farnborough.