Savings

The Chancellor pulled a rabbit out of his Budget back pocket today, which is probably why he's been sitting uncomfortably for so long. The shock news is that from 1 July, cash and shares Isas are to be merged into one new, much bigger £15,000 tax-free savings and investing pot.

Special Pensioner Bonds paying "market-leading" fixed savings rates will be available from January 2015 to all over-65s, Chancellor George Osborne announced in today's Budget.

Savers will soon be able to stash away more cash in premium bonds after the Chancellor announced the current limit will rise - but it is likely the chances of winning will fall, to pay for more £1 million victors.

Major banks have pledged to provide current account data in a standardised format. The Government hopes it will encourage comparison sites that could help consumers check if they're getting the best deal.

Savings rates are at an all-time low. But with less than a month left to take advantage of this year's Isa allowance, should you be using it?

Teachers in England are being encouraged to use cartoon videos and other resources to teach children about the dangers of using loan sharks, along with how to manage their money wisely.

If you're over 55, live in England or Wales and have yet to make a will, then March is Free Wills Month.

NatWest, RBS and Ulster Bank are banning introductory bonus rates to get back to basics with simpler products. But MoneySavingExpert.com creator Martin Lewis says the move could result in even lower returns and less certainty for savers.

If you're an HSBC current account holder, you can now get up to 1.6% AER interest on your savings with the bank's new Isa – but it's not a market-leading deal.