'You just never know what will crop up in life'

CUSHIONING baby Olivia against the worst of life's rollercoaster is a top priority for proud dad Ross Corry and mum Danielle, and why from day one they began saving regularly for her future.

Ross, from Edinburgh, said: "You just never know what will crop up in life. But you can make sure you have some cash set aside to deal with most eventualities."

Ross and Danielle were given gifts of cash from parents and grandparents when the baby was born six months ago, as well as 250 from the government in the form of a Child Trust Fund voucher.

Ross, who works for Sky, said: "We opened a Child Trust Fund with the voucher and put some of the cash into that. But we were mindful that we might need money regularly as she grew up."

So they opened a Halifax regular saver paying 6 per cent with some of the money left, and are also injecting 50 a month on top.

"My wife, who is a nursery nurse for Edinburgh Council, is on maternity leave at the moment, but we expect her to go back to work part-time after Christmas.

"If she does, not only will she be earning less, but we will have to pay nursery fees ourselves, so we want to build up some cash to help cushion against that blow."

Saving is a priority for the couple, who recently moved into a larger house ready for Olivia's arrival.

"We have always saved. But we used much of our savings on the deposit for our new home, and also for improvements. Right now they are depleted, but we are determined to build them up again.

"When it comes to Olivia's funds, I noticed the announcement about the Junior Isa so would hope to maybe move these funds into it once it's launched, assuming the tax-free status rolls over when they reach adulthood."