Martin Lewis is urging millions of Britons to put just £1 into a savings account as soon as possible before it is too late.
The Money Saving Expert has issued a call for anyone between 18 and 39 years old to deposit just £1 into a Lifetime ISA immediately.
The financial journalist delivered the warning on his BBC Sounds and Spotify podcast earlier today, responding to government consultation plans that could see the LISA scrapped entirely.
Mr Lewis said: “This is an important warning for anybody aged 18 to 39. If you do not have a Lifetime ISA, get £1 in one now.”
The host of The Martin Lewis Show Money Live has issued a stark warning to savers
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GETTY / ITV / THE MARTIN LEWIS MONEY SHOW LIVE
The financial expert explained that once ministers close the scheme to new applicants, those without an existing account will lose access permanently.
Notably, the LISA operates as an unusual savings vehicle offering a 25 per cent government top-up on contributions.
Savers can deposit up to £4,000 annually, with the state adding as much as £1,000 in bonus cash each year.
On the podcast, Mr Lewis explained: “The state will add a grand, either to use towards your first property as long as it costs under £450,000, or to use towards retirement savings once you’re aged 60.”
Rachel Reeves is making changes to the ISA tax regime | GETTY
Mr Lewis offers financial advice to savers on his podacast
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BBC
Ministers are currently consulting on replacing the LISA with a new First Time Buyer ISA, which would be restricted solely to property purchases.
Mr Lewis added: “For retirement savings, there won’t be any equivalent.”
Existing LISA holders would retain access to their accounts even after the scheme closes to newcomers.
The financial journalist shared: “What they’re suggesting is, for first time buyers, you’ll be able to get the bonus on a LISA and the new First Time Buyer ISA.”
Treasury has confirmed a 22 per cent tax on cash held in stocks and shares ISAs in major savings shake-up
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GETTYHe acknowledged the LISA typically falls short of workplace pensions for retirement saving, but noted it remains useful for self-employed individuals or those unable to contribute to employer schemes.
Adam Nasli, the head broker analyst at BrokerChooser, urged investors to use the transition period wisely: “Rather than waiting for the deadline to approach, use this transition period to take stock of how your cash is currently allocated within ISA wrappers, as it will no longer be a bulletproof tax shield.”
He cautioned that approximately 66 per cent of savers currently depend on cash ISAs for their straightforward nature.
The incoming complexity risks alienating less experienced investors who have treated ISAs as a simple, low-friction wealth-building tool.