Quick and easy online searches for all yourinvestment needs I have saved up over £100 and want to invest it. Presently I have most of my money in my bank account and some at home. I am wondering what a safe but interesting way would be to invest my money. I would like to invest in shares with the big names that you see in the high street, although I want to do it cheaply. I only want to invest about half of my money in shares so that I still have some left to spend.

Please help me.AH, Edinburgh (aged 10) It is possible for you to hold shares, although as you are not yet 18 years old, one of your parents will need to sign any forms on your behalf It will be you that owns the shares, though. If you do decide to invest in the stock market you should be aware that, unlike the savings in your bank account, the value of your money can go down as well as up.It is probably not sensible for you to buy individual shares. There are two reasons for this, the first being that you will be paying a minimum stockbroking charge of £10 per deal. Therefore each share you choose will cost you about 20 per cent of the total money you have to invest, which is too much Also, buying individual shares is very risky. If you invest all your money in one particular share and that share does badly, then all your money does badly.A better approach would be to invest in a unit or investment trust. These funds will invest in a big range of shares and so will spread your risk.

Unfortunately, the minimum single investment into most of these funds is £500 or more. However, you could set up a monthly savings plan and pay each month until you have invested all the money you want. I would suggest the M&G unit trust savings plan, where the minimum investment is just £10 a month. You could then put money into M&G's Index tracker fund or Blue Chip fund, both of which include "big names".Please write to Sindie at the Business Section, Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, or email sindie independent.co.uk Queries will be answered by an IFA Do not enclose any documents you wish to be returned. We cannot give personal replies, or guarantee to answer letters.

We accept no legal responsibility for advice given.This week, Sindie received advice from Patrick Connolly, associate director at independent financial adviser Chartwell Investment Management (01225 321700).. Shopping around is crucial if you want the best deals on your mortgage and savings. But the new breed of bank accounts, which enable you to pay less interest on your mortgage by offsetting it against your savings, are persuading customers to stick with the same provider. MoneynetmortgagessearchShopping around is crucial if you want the best deals on your mortgage and savings. But the new breed of bank accounts, which enable you to pay less interest on your mortgage by offsetting it against your savings, are persuading customers to stick with the same provider. First Direct launches Smartmortgage tomorrow, the latest interactive product on the market.

Customers must hold their current account, mortgage and any savings accounts they have with First Direct. The accounts will be kept separate but counted together when it comes to calculating interest. Some other combined accounts, such as Virgin Direct's, give customers just one overall balance.Traditionally we have been brought up not to put all our eggs in one basket, and many people don't want to view a huge debt every time they check their balance."Our research showed that people don't want to have all their money in one account or go to an ATM and see that they're £80,000 in the red," says Alan Hughes, chief executive of First Direct. "Our linked account gives people separate pots while keeping things simple."Interactive banking links various products, usually a mortgage and savings, so you can offset money you have against any that you owe. The amount of interest you pay on your debts declines, as does the tax you pay on your savings.