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From saving to budgeting: Ask Plum's experts your family finance questions. £200 voucher to be won!

35 replies

geemumsnet · 11/09/2026 11:29

It’s been a long (and probably expensive!) summer keeping the kids entertained or going away on holiday, and now everyone’s heading back to school, it’s a great time to think about getting your family finances back on track.

Whether you're thinking about university costs, saving for Christmas or your next holiday, managing childcare costs, or simply want to get better at budgeting, our experts Will and Susanna are here to answer any money questions you may have!

How to enter:

  • Share your question in the thread by 11th October
  • One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice
  • Will and Susanna will be back shortly to answer a selection of your questions

Meet the experts

Will Bryant is Director of Wealth Strategy at Plum. He's a former financial adviser and dad of three boys, so brings both financial expertise and plenty of first-hand experience of family life.

Susanna Wood is Communications Lead at Plum and, as a parent herself, cares passionately about making money matters accessible to all. She'll be bringing a practical, everyday perspective to your questions about managing family finances.

About Plum

"When it comes to money, families need to make every penny count, but finding the time and energy to sort your finances is tricky.

We describe Plum as the ultimate smart money management app, because it automates those parts of personal finance you might find difficult or don’t have time for..

Our app can help you automatically set more money aside, choose saving and investment products that can grow your money over the long-term and analyse your spending so your money is working as hard as you do!

And for an extra boost, we'll give you a £10 welcome bonus when you deposit £1 into any Plum ISA within your first 3 months. T&Cs apply."

From saving to budgeting: Ask Plum's experts your family finance questions. £200 voucher to be won!
OP posts:
Kentishbirdlife · 11/09/2026 12:04

What are the advantages of a stocks and share ISA vs a cash ISA?

MayCottage · 11/09/2026 18:59

I think saving for a long term goal (Uni) and annual goal (holiday) and Christmas is beginning to overwhelm me - any advise to save for all three, where to save - would you invest in a DC's name for Uni - a high interest long term account.
We are high earners but of high bills - I just need to make sense of my savings goals.

TheKestralNextDoor · 12/09/2026 13:13

A stocks and shared ISA is a long term investment - I get it - what would you say is a good return over 15 years of peaks and troughs and advise to hold my nerve if there is a stock market jitter (eg Truss-economics)

Haleyscomets · 14/09/2026 08:35

I’m considering taking a career sabbatical to retrain, but it would mean relying on my DH’s income while I study. We have rent, household bills and family costs to cover, and although we have some savings, I’m worried about how quickly they would disappear. How would you work out whether living on one income for 2–3 years is financially realistic, and what funding, benefits, grants or budgeting strategies should I look into before taking the plunge? I’d hate to give up on the opportunity purely because I’m scared of the financial sacrifice. I have savings of 10k.

sharond101 · 14/09/2026 18:40

Whats the best way to save for my children's future?

Kweenxo · 14/09/2026 21:50

I've seen a lot of apps lately that supposedly help with budgeting. What can they do that I can't do on excel for example?

ruqiya1965 · 14/09/2026 22:09

What makes Plum different to other money management apps?

saffysabir · 14/09/2026 22:47

What's the main thing you'd recommend to someone who wants to get better at budgeting?

salemaxo · 15/09/2026 22:13

When trying to budget, with any savings left over after bills are taken, how much would you recommend to put aside for an emergency?

alshareif · 15/09/2026 23:40

What should someone do if they're in quite a bit of debt? What should they prioritise?

MyDadIsTheGreatest · 16/09/2026 02:03

I'm likely to inherit some money soon. What's the best way to invest it so as to have it available to support my children in adulthood, but without handing it over to them at 18?

junkoenoshima · 16/09/2026 11:40

Is there such a thing as a 50-50 ISA 50 stocks and shares higher return and 50 in a lower interest but lower risk?
Do I need to separate ISA’s for them?

Captivatingcapybara · 16/09/2026 22:38

How can I support my 17 year old to best save please? Best options?

ifone · 17/09/2026 13:25

At what age should I start my child's first savings account?

JacCharlton · 17/09/2026 18:01

For a 10 year old - how much would you save a month (can afford £50 a month for now) to enable them to have a good amount at the age 18, where would you invest it - and how can it be transferred to them when they need it ?

orangegato · 19/09/2026 15:51

Is a joint account the most practical way to share family finances or does it make more sense to keep separate accounts for each person or purpose?

Runningshorts · 19/09/2026 20:24

How much should I be saving for university costs if they would be starting in 5 years time?

BringOnTheLogBurner · 20/09/2026 08:51

What's the differences between a stocks and shares isa and a global tracker fund? I've been recommended both my colleagues due to compound interest. But I don't know the difference and if either is more risky than the other?

ahagwearsapointybonnet · 22/09/2026 19:50

Can you give some advice on what women can do to protect themselves (and children) financially in relationships, e.g. against financial abuse, being left high and dry when a partner leaves, etc?

Fisu · 22/09/2026 20:21

What’s the best product to use when saving for retirement? I have a pension through work but worry it might not be enough & would like to save a little extra. ! would like to retire in 15 years aged 60 if able.

Em7890 · 22/09/2026 22:35

What is the best savings account or is an ISA best for children. Could you tell me more about Bonds. There's so much choice it's hard to know what is the best option. Also any savings advice, to save per month?

Partickthistle · 23/09/2026 02:19

Just retired with a £25k lump sum. I want to save/invest to provide a little extra income for future to top up my state pension. I'm considering saving £20k for security and investing £5k for potential better returns, what might be sensible to invest in? Would I be likely to get more than the top savings rate with bonds or should I look at something a little riskier?

MommaDuck · 23/09/2026 11:49

What 3 top tips would you give to your children when teaching them financial literacy? I am having these conversations with my teenagers at the current time and I’m trying to help them “future proof”.

Avasmummy24 · 23/09/2026 18:38

slightly early I know!
What are a good few tips/ideas for making my little ones Christmas special? family of 3 She’s 2 now :)

chickenpotnoodle · 24/09/2026 18:40

What are you best tips for saving for a goal, both long term (Uni) or short term - Christmas, I try to save, but something always crops up where the money I have earmarked for saving is only tiny or I cannot manage to put any away.
I have a spreadsheet, have gone over all my DD's - nothing can be reduced or stopped - don't have sky or any steaming service.
I need more discipline I guess but how ?