Live webchat with Alvin Hall, financial guru, broadcaster and author, Thurs 29 March, 11am to 12noon

[RachelMumsnet]

Following on from the discussions about last week's budget, we're joined tomorrow morning at 11am by Alvin Hall who is returning to mumsnet to answer questions on saving and investments.

With bank accounts rarely staying ahead of inflation and pensions unable to sustain us in retirement, many people are looking at the stock market as a way of maximising returns. You may already have investment in the stock market in the form of a stocks-and-shares ISA, a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) or an endowment mortgage, but do you understand how it works?

In his latest book, The Stock Market Explained: Your Guide to Successful Investing, Alvin gives a clear and practical explanation of how it works and types of investments available to you. He'll be taking your questions about the stock market, saving and investing tomorrow from 11am. If you can't make it you're welcome to post your question in advance to Alvin here. All those who join in the webchat will be entered into a draw to win one of five copies of Alvin's latest book.

[AlvinHall]

@Calypso

Just remembered about this and hope you have time to help...Back in 1996 when we bought our first house we took an endowment mortgage and pay £200 a month to I think it's now Aviva. Don't know how much it's worth but am guessing not that much. Would we be better just to keep on paying in and hoping one day we get something from it, or would we be better cashing it in (know you don't get much if you do that) and investing that sort of money elsewhere. We can afford to "save" it - just want to know we're "saving" it in right place.

You need to contact Aviva to find out where you stand and what is the value of the endowment. You can make no decision until you know that fact. As a general rule, a repayment mortgage, for most people, will be better than an endowment! Because you're paying off the principle every month. This is a more prudent approach, I think. And it involves less speculation about the future. Before you decide your next step, get the information you need from Aviva so you can make an informed decision.

[RachelMumsnet]

That brings us to the end of the hour. Thanks so much to Alvin for joining us and helping out with such great advice. We've really enjoyed having you here today and do hope you'll visit mumsnet again soon. Thanks to everyone who joined the webchat today, we'll be announcing shortly the five winners of Alvin's latest book The Stock Market Explained

[AlvinHall]

I've enjoyed this, and all your questions have been interesting and stimulating! I wish I could have answered all of them. In fact, I wish I could meet all of you and sit down with you and talk through your issues in person. I'm sure that that conversation would open doors to other information and personal goals that would help you develop the plan you really need to achieve the financial security you desire.

Thanks so much for an informative hour on the internet. In some of my future columns and books, I'm sure the questions you have asked will influence what I write!

[Cathynclaire]

Thank you for your answering my question Alvin.

[BoffinMum]

I wish you were Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alvin, because we would all feel a lot safer with someone in charge who had a real sense of how family finance works. Thank you for coming on.

[BoffinMum]

PS "You just can't afford it!" in an Alvin voice is actually our family motto, would you believe it.

[mrswoodentop]

Alvin thank you for answering my question ,especially as your answer was so thoughtful and simple.I feel ridiculously excited that it was answered ....and all for free too!

I wonder should"you just can't afford it' be available as a ring tone ,I would like it to play every time I open my purse

[RachelMumsnet]

Congratulations to: Abitwobblynow, gazzalw, piffpaffpoff, TrumpHair and TheMulberryTree, you've all won a copy of Alvin's book, The Stockmarket Explained. We'll be PMing you to get details of where the books should be sent out.

[Alibabaandthe40nappies]

Alvin thank you for answering my questions :)

We will definitely go and get some proper advice, and keep using our ISA allowance in the meantime!

[BoffinMum]

It's the way he says it!

I feel Alvin is there with me spiritually every time I shop. It doesn't get better than that.

[Doobydoo]

Thank you so much for answering my question Alvin.I shall take your advice and rest assured I will never do it again!

[LottieJenkins]

[BoffinMum]

That is brilliant. Alvin is the consummate professional!

[NewHouse]

What a great web chat.