MoneySavingExpert's Money Tips Email

a) We've just seen a new top 4.75% easy-access savings account launched, on top of a host of other hot easy-access deals. 4.75% is the highest since summer, when base rates were cut, so for safety's sake, CHECK NOW what your savings pay to see if you can switch to a better rate.

b) Last week's inflation numbers weren't quite as bad as expected, holding at 3.8%, so while most analysts suggest the Bank of England will hold the UK base rate at 4% in its meeting next week, they think it's more likely they'll be cut either in the Dec or Feb meeting to 3.75%. This is unlikely to yet be reflected in savings rates, so it's a good time to do it.

Below I'll run you through the top deals & key info on...
- 4.75% easy-access (variable) savings: Withdraw when you want.
- 4.5% fixed savings: Lock money away at a guaranteed rate.
- Three ways to boost your interest to up to 50%.
- Three ways to minimise tax, including cash ISAs & Premium Bonds.

... remember, you can pick 'n' mix as many savings account as you want, to combine terms that suit you.

Before saving... 3 important questions

Got costly debt? If so, it's usually best to use spare cash to clear it first. A grand's debt on a credit card at a typical 25% costs £250/yr, while the same saved at 5% earns £50. Pay off the debt with the savings and you're £200/yr better off. For more on how to do this safely, see Should I pay debt with savings?
Mortgage rate the same or higher than you can earn in savings? If so, check our Mortgage Overpayment Calc to see whether it's worth you overpaying (though do always keep a savings emergency fund of a few months' worth of bills). Most can overpay 10% a year penalty-free, but do check. Full help in our