#GrinUpNorth: Savings accounts for children at the Cumberland
As a parent, my biggest worry in life will always be my children, closely followed by our finances. As a large family with just one main income, I worry a lot about money and how we will provide for the children, not just now but as they grow, supporting them through college and university, helping them with their first car, their first house or funding their weddings. We have been very lucky that my parents have helped us out in so many ways and I would love to do the same for my children in the future.
For that reason we have been looking into opening savings accounts for each of the children, somewhere to add a little something each month.
I was invited along to The Cumberland to find out what they had to offer. For those of you living further South than I do, you may have never heard of The Cumberland building society, and I’ll be honest, until a couple of weeks ago, neither had I.
As a building society, The Cumberland is different from a bank. Firstly it is an independent and mutual organisation entirely owned by, and run for, its members. Based in the North of England, and creeping into the Southern borders of Scotland, The Cumberland has more branches in Cumbria than any other bank or building society. And unlike almost any other building society it offers bank accounts. Secondly, The Cumberland is environmentally conscientious and hugely charitable. In the last year The Cumberland has donated more than £100,000 to local projects, something that really does stand them apart.
Yesterday I went along to my local branch in Preston where I met with the most helpful and friendly member of staff, Alistair. Unlike other banks where the service can feel very impersonal, I was met with a warm welcome, offered a cup of tea or coffee, and taken into a quiet side room where I could discuss my banking needs privately. The thing that struck me the most was just how laid back our appointment was, there was no pushy sales patter, no flurry of information, facts and figures, or slating the opposition, just a friendly face and a man who clearly loved his job.
Alistair explained to me that The Cumberland has the products to offer a lifetime of finances to each individual. Starting with junior savings accounts, current accounts and mortgages, right through to savings accounts and ISA’s. And I love the idea of coming full circle, the fact that some of the longer standing members of staff at my local branch have witnessed the babies for whom they opened savings accounts for as newborns return to the building society to open accounts for their own children many years later.
Although my visit to The Cumberland was with junior savings accounts in mind, whilst there I spotted a poster supporting the #GrinUpNorth campaign challenging those needing a mortgage that if the Cumberland isn’t cheaper* they’ll give you two free cinema tickets. I think it speaks volumes about the confidence in their products, and although we are currently tied in to our mortgage for another twelve months, I will undoubtedly return for a quote next year.
After leaving my appointment with Alistair I felt completely clued up, focused, and safe in the knowledge that should I choose to place our investments with The Cumberland, the service provided would be second to none. Alistair hailed The Cumberland as a “hidden gem” and I have to agree. It comes as no surprise to hear that The Cumberland took first place in the Fairer Finance awards for having the happiest banking customers in the UK, and that really is something to be proud of.
Although I had not heard of the building society until recently, and I had walked past their building countless times over the years, unlike other banks and buildings that overpower you with advertising, with hard sell and constant endorsements, The Cumberland is confident that their products speak for themselves. And, as always, the biggest thing for me as a blogger is to only ever recommend the things that I truly believe in, and I am more than happy to put my money where my mouth is and return to The Cumberland next week to open up our children’s savings accounts.
* If the total cost of your monthly mortgage payments and arrangement fee during the initial product term (i.e. 2 year fix, 5 year variable etc.) is cheaper than the Cumberland’s equivalent mortgage product, you’ll get two tickets to the cinema. Terms and conditions apply.
This post has been completed in collaboration with The Cumberland. This article should not be relied upon when making investment decisions. Always obtain financial advice.
I’ve not heard of The Cumberland before, but I like that they let their products talk for themselves instead of mass advertising.
I hadn’t either! In Cumbria it’s hugely popular but here in Lancashire we are the most southern branch. I’m really impressed with their services! xx
It sounds a refreshing change not to be pushed products and nice that they concentrate on the friendly touch x
It really was! I felt as though they really listened to me and offered me what was best for MY family, not them! xx
Sadly too far away from me as they sound great. The Tubblet is a saver and takes after her dad. I’m terrible with money so this is a bit of a relief!
My husband is great with money but sadly we have too little of it to save at the moment. I would like to a little away for the children though, otherwise it’s going to get costly when they hit 18!! xx
I’m far down south so that’s probably why I’ve never heard of The Cumberland. I like it when sales people aren’t salesy and just let their products do the talking.
When my daughter was born we opened up a children’s ISA for her. I’m rubbish with money so having the account means I can put some in whenever I remember to.
Yes I’m the same, I like being able to put money away when we have it for the kids! xx
I have never heard of these guys before however wish I had know about their mortgage offer before we took our new one out which was only few weeks back. Thats great isn’t it.
Their mortgages are great! We renewed ours last year too so we have another 12 months to wait! xx
I think I live too far south to have heard of them but they do sound really good! I agree that they must be totally confident in their mortgage products to offer the free tickets 😀 x
Their most southern branch is Lancashire so any further and you definitely wont have seen them around. I’m definitely happy to have our banking there! xx
I’ve not heard of The Cumberland before. Sounds great!
I’m so impressed with it, we will definitely be banking with them from hereon in! xx
This is interesting, we are hoping to move soon and need to start looking at mortgage projects
If you have the opportunity they are definitely worth trying for a quote! xx
It’s definitely important to start saving for them early! We set up a bank account when ours were born so that even though we don’t have a lot now, we will hopefully be able to give them a little nest egg in the future.
Yes I agree, even if you just add a little over the years, it will add up for when they need it! xx
They sound like a really great children’s accounts provider – so important to get our children saving young and finding the right account for them
I agree, saving for them whilst they are young can help to set them up when they are older! xx
I have been reading a lot about finance and trying to sort mine out so thanks for this post. Have a lot more to add to my to-do list. Will check out these accounts for the kids.
The childrens savings accounts look great. I’m opening them up for my four. xx
Not heard about this financial society but love that they are conscious, run by members and have many products to offer. Thanks for introducing them to me as I am evaluating my finances too
I really trust in the Cumberland, I think trust is very important when it comes to your financial investments. xx
Interesting. I’ve not heard of the The Cumberland before. I really need to sort out our finances on the whole! Thank you so much for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost
It’s a northern building society, I am really pleased with the services offered. xx
I opened bank accounts for the kids within the first month 🙂 we might not managed to save much but at least it will be something for them to get started in life
Even a little adds up over the years, we are hoping to have enough to help them start their lives at university or towards a deposit on a house or car. xx
I think it’s really important to save for your children even if it’s only a little each month. We opened one for Lucas when he was born and instead of birthday and Christmas presents we ask family to pay into that x
I agree, they have so many toys and I’d much rather family gave them money for their accounts! xx
We’re from the South Coast and haven’t heard of Cumberland- thought they were a sausage?! Sounds like a good deal, and the best thing my mummy did for me was open up a Kids ISA for me as it’s already amassed a small fortune and I’m only 4! Anything that gets people saving is good!
Kids ISA’s are great! And yes, to those down south a Cumberland is more known as a sausage – which I also love! Haha! xx
I opened 2 savings accounts for my daughters when they were babies at the time I could afford to put a little each month aside but then with me working less hours I just had nothing to spare. My poor son doesn’t even have one and I’ve been looking at opening one for him. Sarah #FabFridayPost
It’s hard to save for yourself, let alone the kids. Even just a few pounds every month is something though, I’m hoping we can save a little nest egg for them! xx
I have not previously heard of The Cumberland. This is a timely reminder that we need to double check our arrangements as all plans were made before the arrival of our second son. #KCACOLS
It’s so important to have a building society or bank you can trust, and also grow with. I’m very impressed with The Cumberland! xx
I’ve never heard of this business before. Thanks for sharing with #KCACOLS please come back again soon.
I’m really impressed by the services they provide! xx
I think its essential to teach kids the importance of saving. I think that using smaller, local building societies is much more personal than some of the large chains.
(Craig helping out)
I totally agree, I love the more personal service! xx
This is really interesting. I don’t have a savings account for my daughter but I think it’s time we should sort it out. I will have to see it there is a branch by me #kcacols
Savings accounts are always a great idea, even if its just a couple of pounds as and when you have it, it all adds up. xx
We have these in the States,only here they are called Credit Unions and they are so much better then banks,we swapped out from a normal bank to a CU and never have looked back. The staff was very understanding and supportive in helping me after my wife passed.
Ah that sounds great, they are such more personal than a bank. I’m sorry to hear about your wife Patrick. xxx