Established in 1826, Shepherds Friendly Society is a UK friendly society and one of the oldest mutual insurers in the world. Now with over 100,000 members, Shepherds Friendly Society has changed from a traditional insurance provider to a modern diversified financial services organisation, offering a range of savings, protection and insurance plans for its members.
Stocks and Shares ISA
Shepherds Friendly’s Stocks and Shares ISA is a tax-efficient plan that helps you save for your future over the medium to long-term. Watch the value of your investment grow, free from income and capital gains tax. You can save from £30 per month, or make payments online in single lump sums, up to a maximum allocation of £20,000 tax-free.
Shepherds Friendly invests your premiums in a pooled With-Profits fund, which is primarily invested in the Royal London Multi Asset Strategies Fund (MAST) which has holdings in gilts, bonds, equities, commodities and cash. Expert fund managers will make smart investment decisions on your behalf.
Junior ISA
Similar to the Stocks and Shares ISA, this junior version is a tax-free investment for children under the age of 18, with returns free from Capital Gains Tax and dividends sheltered from higher rate tax.
It allows parents or guardians with parental responsibility to plan for a child’s future; they maintain control of the Junior ISA until the child reaches 18, but as soon as a subscription has been made, the money becomes the child’s. The maximum allocation into this ISA is £9,000 with many investment opportunities available.
Top-ups can be made by anyone at any time; the minimum saving rate is just £10 per month.
Other Services
Shepherds Friendly offers related financial and savings products and services including stocks and shares, child trust funds, life insurance, income protection, savings plans and more.
Shepherds Friendly Reviews and Ratings
Online reviews for Shepherds Friendly are very good with 95% of reviewers recommending the company. Users are very happy with the high customer service levels, the helpful and accommodating staff and the easy to navigate website and slick online process.
Trustpilot – 4.3/5 (based on 257 reviews)
Reviews.io – 4.66/5 (based on 2,499 reviews)
Pros
- One of the oldest and most respected mutual insurers in the world
- Excellent customer feedback and reviews
- 5 Star Defaqto Rating
- An excellent, easy to navigate website with clear information
- Quick easy online setup
- Expert fund managers make investment decisions for you
- Handy online Resource Centre
- Free £50 Love2Shop voucher for new customers
- Award-winning: Moneyfacts 2019
Cons
- Stocks and Shares ISAs only
- Cash ISAs, Lifetime ISAs or other ISA products not offered
- Fund managers will make smart investment decisions, negating any desire for self-servicing
- Investments only in the pooled With-Profits fund, which is primarily invested in the Royal London Multi Asset Strategies Fund
- Contact centre not open on weekends
Website: Shepherds Friendly