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All you need to know about Isas

What individual savings accounts (Isas) are, how you can use them, and lots of ideas for what to put in them
February 24, 2012

You have until 5 April 2012 to use your individual savings account (Isa) allowance for this year. You should try and do so - Isas are a great money-saving investment product provided you follow some simple rules. Our Isa guide for 2012 has lots of ideas for how to structure Isas, and what to put in them.

Just follow the links below for more information. We'll be publishing lots more articles in the run-up to April 6, so keep refreshing this page for the very latest. All the links should open in a new window, so when you're done reading, just close that window and this article should reappear.

Isas vs Sipps - which wins? Isas give you more flexibility, Sipps give you tax relief

Isa basics - get these things right. The key rules and limits, what you can and cannot do.

Junior Isas - they're a huge improvement on Child Trust Funds, but be aware of the remaining drawbacks with these children's savings vehicles

Bonds for your Isa - the tax benefits of Isas are more valuable for bonds than they are for equities. So why not put some fixed-income in your Isa?

Asset allocation in an Isa - how to get the right asset mix for your particular circumstances.

The true cost of investing in funds - a reminder of the importance of keeping costs down, not that the funds industry makes it particularly easy!

Income for your Isa. How to use funds and shares to construct an income-generating Isa. Tax free, of course!

Early Isa planning - why you should use up this year's allowance quickly.

Aim shares for your Isa - if you thought you couldn't put Aim shares in an Isa, think again. The ones below, you can, according to Barclays Stockbrokers. And our small-cap resources specialist Martin Li picks out the best of them.

Shopping for the best Isa provider. You may have chosen your fund investments, but where is the best place to buy them. We explain the ins and outs of fund supermarkets.

Talk of 'Isa season' encourages bad practice. Consider setting up a regular Isa savings plan.