Am I stupid or are savings accounts just useless?

I’m currently using Halifax for my regular debit card and noticed they are promoting various savings accounts, including ISAs and fixed-term accounts.

I took a quick look to see which one had the highest interest rate and found a fixed-term account that allows you to save £250 a month with a 5.5% AER. If you save £250 every month, resulting in £3000 per year, Halifax claims the gain would be £82.50.

Am I missing something, or does this seem like a waste of time? I have just under £5,000 in my bank and realized that at 20 years old, I should probably start investing or saving more wisely. This Halifax account is the first option I found.

What are your thoughts on savings accounts in general? Are there better options out there, or is Halifax not a good choice?

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Savings accounts are safe but not great for high returns. The 5.5% AER from Halifax is decent, but investing in stocks or index funds could offer better growth. Savings accounts work for short-term goals, but for long-term gains, investing is usually smarter. Consider talking to a financial advisor to explore your options.

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You’re focusing solely on minimal returns and feeling dissatisfied!

Here’s what Halifax offers: a “regular saver” for new savings, like saving £250 monthly for 5.5% interest. Nationwide offers 8%, better but not game-changing.

But you’ve got £5k saved. You need easy access or fixed term accounts. Easy access: OK rates, instant access. Fixed term: better rates, locked funds. Flexibility costs in easy access: lower rates.

You think £82 isn’t worth it yearly. But it’s free money. Combine it, compound it. Save £250 monthly for 20 years: £60k. At 5.5% interest: £109k. That £82 adds up!

Savings aren’t useless. Halifax’s account isn’t for you. Find the right account with better rates. See how 5.5% grows over time!

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