@worriedatthistime
I totally understand that there are times when even £5 a month is too much. And if there is debt, that should definitely be cleared first. My point is that even substantial debt can be cleared/managed, even if bankruptcy is required. But that if you manage to live past those years, you can reach a different point, where investing even small amounts can make a huge difference in the future if you INVEST rather than save, and keep on adding. And in fact it will make a bigger quality of life difference if you are poor than if you are relatively wealthy.
@Babyroobs
I actually completely agree about that risk of the child blowing it all. It was just so stark to see the different amounts, even where people hadn't added, just invested rather than left in cash plus interest. Because its from the same starting point the comparison is so clear.
My kids are too young for CTFs. I am worried their JISAS are going to be too big at 18, for the reasons you state plus they need to be grounded, so I've redirected some into a junior pension, which i will start for each at age 8 (fairness is important to me). I do realise I am very fortunate to have the money to invest in this way. But actually I'm not investing much. But with another 20% from the government, over 60 years that will have some compounding. In fact I don't want to take away their need to work for themselves in the future, which is another risk. But still, even if they are total dimwits with money, this will give them something for their old age (but not enough for luxury, they will need to work themselves for that).
BTW I didn't used to understand this stuff. I got scared when we had kids about how we would pay for everything. But understanding investment and money has been hands down one of the most empowering things I've ever done, and will have HUGE benefits for our family. I honestly can't recommend it enough, especially for women.