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Chartered Financial Planners
for Farmers and Rural Businesses

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Investments Retirement Taxation 

Are you aware of the differences between a Cash ISA & Stocks and Shares ISA?

Amy Woolliscroft29th October 2025
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In the realm of personal finance for farmers and other business owners, understanding the nuances between various investment vehicles is crucial, especially bearing in mind that investing beyond your business may be key to helping to secure your future.

Two common types of Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are Cash ISAs, and Stocks and Shares ISAs. While both offer tax advantages, they cater to different financial goals and risk tolerances, so it is important to work with your financial adviser to decide which one is best for you.

A Cash ISA is essentially a savings account where the interest earned is tax-free. This means that any interest you accumulate does not count towards your Personal Savings Allowance or your taxable income. Cash ISAs are a suitable home for emergency and shorter-term spending access (1-5 years), as well as for risk-averse investors who prefer stability and predictability in their savings.

In contrast, a Stocks and Shares ISA allows investors to invest in a range of assets including stocks, bonds and mutual funds. While they come with an increased risk, the potential for higher returns makes them attractive to long-term investors.

One of our Chartered Financial Planners, Joe Moricca MSc APFS, said: “Keeping your money in cash might feel safe, but it’s like trying to fill a bucket with a slow leak. Inflation is that leak - gradually draining the real value of your savings, even if the number stays the same. Investing isn’t without risk, but history shows it has the potential to keep your bucket topped up and could even overflow.”

To find out more, download our free guide to Cash ISAs v Stocks and Shares ISAs, here.

To book an appointment one of our financial advisers, please call 01832 279170 or email accession@sjpp.co.uk  

The value of an ISA with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested. An investment in a Stocks and Shares ISA will not provide the same security of capital associated with a Cash ISA.

The favourable tax treatment of ISAs may not be maintained in the future and is subject to changes in legislation.

Cash ISAs are not available through St. James's Place.

SJP approved 29/10/2025