Tony's Lifetime ISA story

Company director Tony Drew and his wife Emma are, like many people in their 30s, saving for a house deposit to make that first step onto the property ladder.

The 32-year-old, from near Ely in Cambridgeshire, says that dream is now much closer after he followed in Emma’s footsteps and opened a Lifetime ISA.

After visiting our Chatteris branch to do exactly that, face-to-face with a friendly and expert Customer Services Consultant, he told us why it had given the couple fresh impetus to save more for the deposit that will ultimately secure them their first home.

Tony, who helps run Emma’s blogging business, explained: “The opportunity to talk about a Lifetime ISA with an expert, to ask questions and have everything explained, was absolutely brilliant. It helped me feel much more informed about the account I was opening.

“Now my account is set up, we’re getting double the benefit which is a great feeling, as Emma already has a LISA. The goal of getting our first home feels closer now – and we are even more determined to make it happen.

“These days there are many people in their 30s who are still working out how they can save enough deposit to get on the ladder. I would say to them that it’s worth going to talk to someone about a LISA because it could be the prompt they need. We’re excited about seeing our first bonus* payments boost our savings.”

Tony and Emma rent their current property but have their sights set on being in an owned place, possibly just over the border in neighbouring Norfolk.

However, to get to where they want to be there will need to be even more frugality in their lifestyle – something that is a key aspect of Emma’s blog. A few of our recommended #SavingSwaps may come in handy, too.

Tony added: “We’re always looking at everything across our lifestyle to see how we can cut back on aspects of our spending to boost our savings.

“Now we’re married, buying our own place is the next milestone so it’s our main focus where money is concerned. Our motto is ‘Make money, save money, live the life you want’ - so we’re living that ethos and always seeking to grow our business, save more and make our dream a reality.”