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Finance, Careers & Personal Development New Year, New You Why money needs a plan in 2026
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James Cox from Quilter Invest outlines why investing for the long term can be more effective than saving in cash
According to recent research, 15 mil- lion UK adults hold a staggering £610bn in cash savings1
that could be working
harder elsewhere. And the latest cuts to cash ISA rates may make it even harder for everyday savers to see real growth on their money. 2 Although this ‘cash-first’ mindset is
ingrained in British culture, it doesn’t always serve everyone well. Nearly a quarter of people doubt their financial skills, suffering from ‘financial im- poster syndrome’, and only 16% hold a stocks and shares ISA3
. Te result?
Money is left idle, potentially losing val- ue as the cost of living rises.
WHAT DO PEOPLE MISS OUT ON BY NOT INVESTING? Over the past 10 years, inflation has quietly eroded the purchasing power of cash. If you’d put £10,000 into a cash ISA in December 2010, its real value would have shrunk to £7,800 by August 2025. In contrast, the same amount invested in a global equity fund would be worth almost £22,500, even after accounting for inflation. In fact, over 30 years, glob- al equities have grown more than 13 times their original value4.
So why do so many people still ‘play it
safe’ with their savings? Tis habit, while understandable, can be counterproduc- tive. As goods and services become more expensive, relying solely on cash can risk the value of your savings not meeting your future needs. Dipping into savings too frequently and losing track of ac- counts are other common mistakes that can undermine financial security.
BREAKING BAD FINANCIAL HABITS IS EASIER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK Te good news is, if you’ve fallen into these familiar patterns, there’s another way. As 2026 begins, it’s the perfect time to give your money a plan. Te solution doesn’t need to be lengthy or complicat- ed. It can be as easy as starting small and taking advantage of regular investment features. And remember, it’s never too late to learn; financial confidence is built, not innate. Quilter Invest offers a simple, acces-
sible way to break old savings habits and start investing for the future. Te app allows users to open an investment account in minutes from just £10, with no hidden fees. Whether you’re a begin- ner or looking to grow your knowledge, Quilter Invest’s Learning Hub provides clear, jargon-free resources to help you learn as you go. Features like Auto In- vest make it easy to stay consistent,
while expertly managed funds help your money work harder. Don’t wait for permission or perfection
— just giving your money a plan can help you take control of your finances. Down- load Quilter Invest free today and make 2026 the year you start your journey to- wards a brighter financial future. Your capital is at risk. Te
value of your investments can go down as well as up; you may get back less than your original investment. Approved by Quilter Invest on 5 December 2025.
quilterinvest.com
1 BARCLAYS: THE UK INVESTMENT GAP, MAY 2024 2
HTTPS://MONEYFACTSCOMPARE.CO.UK/NEWS/SAVINGS/CASH-ISAS-UNDER-THREAT-DESPITE-MILESTONE- YEAR/#:~:TEXT=INDEED%2C%20BANK%20OF%20ENGLAND%20DATA,LOWEST%20LEVEL%20SINCE%20JULY%20202 3 BASED ON A NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE SURVEY OF 2,000 UK ADULTS, CONDUCTED BY OPINIUM FOR QUILTER, SEPTEMBER 2025. 4
HTTPS://WWW.QUILTER.COM/4AACD6/SITEASSETS/DOCUMENTS/GUIDES/Q25-0529-MONEY-NEEDS-A-PLAN-GUIDE.PDF
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