Money Tips Daily By Charles Kelly, Former Ifa And Author Of Yes, Money Can Buy You Happiness.

A few days ago, I talked about how women are saving a lower proportion of their income than men. Today I discover that savers are failing to take advantage of a new UK Government scheme, as figures reveal that more than 96% of those eligible are missing out on a 50% top-up bonus worth up to £1,200. The Help to Save account, launched last September, was designed to encourage people on low incomes to save for their future. However, statistics released by HM Revenue & Customs show that only 132,000 of the 3.5 million people eligible have opened an account. The scheme allows people on welfare benefits, such as working tax credit and universal credit (combined with certain level of household income) to save up to £50 a month, or £600 per annum, for four years, which will be topped up by the Government by 50p for every £1 saved. The Help to Save accounts can be held for four years, with a maximum of £2,400 saved with a further £1,200 paid in by the Government. Anna Bowes, of Savings Champion, the comparison sit