My son is about to go to university and has saved £10,000 from his gap years work. He is going to try to work while a student and hopes not to touch his 'nest egg' for the three years. What is the best low risk way of stashing it, he will need access to it if he gets desperate but could probably put half into a longer term scheme? I have no idea of the choices and suspect if he talks to his Building Soc. they may be biased!

For most decent returns you need to lock away the cash for a few years. High interest savings account with instant access would be one possibility for the first half. Second half could be invested in a bond which ties the money for 5 years or so. Alternative long term are premium bonds - no return unless you win, but your initial investment is safe and can be withdrawn. I suggest a visit to www.moneysupermarket.com as a first port of call.