The astonishing thing about George Osborne’s Budget on March 17, was that it was astonishing.

Attention has mainly been focussed on the dramatic pension changes. However, there were big changes to Individual Savings Accounts.

From the beginning of July, the maximum permitted annual contribution rises to £15,000, and you can invest as much as you like of this allowance in cash, stocks and shares, or a combination of the two.

These new ISAs are to be called NISAs. Yes, I know, but it wasn’t my idea!

It will be much simpler than before. Any interest on cash, held within a stocks and shares NISA, will be free of tax. So, from the first of July you can have just one NISA, rather than separate cash and stocks and shares NISAs. Simpler all round.

Those of you who have built up large amounts in your cash ISA accounts will be able to manage your savings much more easily.

Because we all handle money every day, it is easy to assume that looking after investments is simple.

However, there are factors that need to be taken in to consideration. These include: what you want the money to achieve for you; your attitude to risk; your age which will affect the timescale over which you want to invest; and many other considerations.

What this boils down to is that you need professional advice to ensure that you are moving in the right direction. You need to speak to a qualified adviser, such as the financial planners here at Kymin.

Whoever you’re talking to, make sure that they can show you their 'Statement of Professional Standing'. If they can’t, why are you seeking their advice? There are a number of 'ghost advisers' out there, who do not have the qualifications, so take the time to satisfy yourself of your adviser’s credentials. Money doesn’t look after itself.

Meanwhile, enjoy this great weather.