Our recent 'special edition' newsletter focussed on the fallout from Northern Rock and we would like to continue with this theme. Northern Rock and what comes next for savers is still receiving a huge amount of media coverage... for instance, Argyle's September newsletter was featured in a national financial publication. Consumer confidence in banks and building societies is low and many savers are confused about exactly what type of accounts they have their money invested into... whether it really is safe... whether they should move it and, if so, to where?

The Government have gone some way to helping restore confidence and stem further withdrawals by first guaranteeing all existing Northern Rock accounts and by ultimately announcing that all savings up to £35,000 will be 100% safe when held in banks and building societies. However, what about investors who have more than £35,000 invested?

One alternative is to simply divide your money into segments of £35,000 and spread the cash amongst a variety of banks or building societies. The downside for this increased security is that you will now have far more accounts to monitor and look after. You might also receive different rates of interest and a variety of paperwork each year. The onus will be on you to remember what you have and where it is. In effect you will now be managing your own portfolio of cash accounts ... potentially time consuming and somewhat daunting! Do you want this additional responsibility and ultimately, will it be worth the effort?

Argyle can offer you a range of cash or cash equivalent funds (with the same level of security and access) as part of your existing portfolio. Another alternative to cash is to invest in Government Bonds (Gilts) as they are fully guaranteed and this can be achieved through specialist Gilt funds. No Gilt has ever defaulted and there is no upper limit on compensation levels.

The positive response to our last newsletter has encouraged us to offer you a Cash Account Health check, which would be similar to our review of your existing investments. We are proposing to put together a personalised summary of any cash, bank or building society accounts you have, so you can see exactly what you have invested, with whom and how it has performed. We will also undertake a rate and access comparison to see if you are getting the best possible returns.

There will be no charge for the Health Check so, if you would like to take advantage of this service, please email us now at : advice@argylefinancialgroup.co.uk

www.argylefinancialgroup.co.uk