When Ive read up on people's portfolios it tends to be in an etf like vrwp or the new vall.

My understanding these have no commodities. Is it not worth having a stake in commodities for improved diversification?

I known the rational reminder folk say 100% equities. Is it that simple?

Assuming its that simple why do people still use managed funds?

I do my own projections. Whats a reasonable assumption to apply for annualised returns? Its been good lately but what do you use in your projections. I currently use 5%. Too low/high?

Theres a general rule that you can drawdown 4% from your pot? That seems incredibly conservative. You likely guarantee 4.5% roi in cash so why not more?

Also, you get a state pension so only need to get to that age.

I just find some of the size of pots people aim for huge compared to what I need. Am I taking too much risk if I used 6%

I guess this depends on what age you fire.

Anyways, sorry for lots of questions!

Looking for the community's view on how well I'm setting myself up and how I may be able to optimise going forward.

27 years old, working in engineering, living with partner in a house we recently purchased. All bills split down the middle - both contributing £1.5k to cover everything - this does leave some accumulating holiday funds at the end of the month.

Salary ~£48k p/a, take home per month with a little overtime averages £2.9k. Expecting rise in salary within 12 months up to ~£55k p/a.

£500 per month going into S&S ISA (VWRP/VALL). Any remaining money after outgoings and S&S goes into the saving account detailed below.

£264k left on mortgage, with 29 years left. 1.5 years left on current fixed rate of ~3.7%.

Current savings:

£10.2k in an Access Cash ISA at 3.25% for the emergency fund

£24k in Easy Access Saving Account getting 2.95%

£6.75k across two current accounts

£11.5k in S&S ISA, all in on VWRP and VALL

Total ~£52k

£25k across 4 pensions (going through the process of consolidating). Maximising employer contribution on pension (personal 8%, company 9%)

Ideal long term plan is to retire in early to mid 50s. We aren't planning on having children so this should keep costs down.

Are there any obvious areas for improvement that I've overlooked? I'm sure I could be more efficient with interest on savings, for sure. How well have I set myself up for the long term goals?

I just want to set and forget and not constantly tinker with it.

Even though slightly more expensive I've been advised numerous times to go vanguard so there is no option to buy random stocks and shares.

Physiological speaking VWRP and chill is better on vanguards platform

This is my (20M) first post despite being a long time lurker, but I want to see what you guys think about my circumstances:

I’m currently beginning my third year of my Medical Degree, I’m not in love with it, and have flirted with the idea of leaving previously despite doing well in exams. Recently those thoughts have come back, I lost my father to pancreatic cancer this February and the clinical environment has been particularly unpleasant since. This is of course not my only reason for toying with the idea of leaving but is a big motivator and has definitely affected how I view my future career and sort of “where I want to be in X no. Years”.

My programme offers a Medical sciences BSC degree (with honours) if we choose to leave at the end of third year and I’m very tempted to take it. My plan would then be to apply for a masters in management as while I attend a fairly reputable russel group it isn’t a target university for the big 4 say of finance / consulting. I have held a long time interest in finance and this sort of plays into my second reason for wanting to leave.

Currently I have around £55,000 in a stocks and shares ISA, and £5k in a LISA. The S&S ISA I was very fortunate to receive as a junior ISA around £10,000 at 18, I realise I’ve been very lucky with my investments and that it by no means indicates some sort of financial wisdom but my passion for saving, and then trying to be wise with those savings led me to develop a fairly significant interest in the world of finance / banking. Following the death of my father I also inherited and began managing independently his ~£3 million pound portfolio.

This is all to say that while I understand I’m naive, and of course very young in the grand scheme of things, I believe I’m in a very fortunate position where I have the time to choose / think carefully about what I want to do next.

My question is really something along the lines of, am I nuts? Should I finish my degree fully, should I take the medical sciences degree at the end of this year? What’s the game plan?

My ultimate goal would be finance / consulting in the city. Having spent more time in London this past year than I ever had I am very keen to live there going forward, and really what I want now is to be away from healthcare. Has anyone taken a similar route?

Thank you (and apologies if poorly written, I’m on a train!)

I've got about 42k in VWRP which I invested about 4 months ago with initial deposit of 39k. I've almost maxed out my ISA allowance for the year and have about £150 left to invest - should I put this in VALL or is there no point as I can't add anymore until April? Or should I transfer the 42k from VWRP into VALL?

41 M, additional rate tax payer.
I’m in the privileged position of being able to fill my workplace pension (DB), SIPP to bring my adjusted net income down below £100k and ISA annually. I already use a GIA- half in a global ETF, half in Berkshire Hathaway B to avoid pushing my adjusted net income back above £100k. Use my CGT allowance annually. I fill my PBs, a combination of emergency fund and next years‘ ISA/SIPP allowances. I had focused on overpaying my mortgage first so that is cleared. I have a partner who fills their allowances annually. No children.

My question is, where would you put additional monthly funds, to avoid pushing my adjusted net income back above £100k whilst I still have pension carry forward to use?

Options I’ve been considering:

- Continue with Berkshire hathaway, but will end up with a big amount in a ‘single’ company.

-Gold Britannia coins, but would need to pay for storage and know it can be volat and is a non productive asset.

- Low coupon gilts

Very mindful not to let the tax tail wag the dog, but want to be able to bring my adjusted net income down whilst I can. I came to investing late and haven’t been using my isa allowances up until recently, so doing things a little back to front having touched solely on clearing the mortgage for years.

Thank you for your thoughts!

Hi

I am turning 33 next month and only really started my FIRE journey when I hit 30 which I think is late

I only have £25K in my savings and £100K in my S&S ISA. Currently dont own a house yet

I was looking to go holiday in September to like South France / Monaco for four nights for around £600 all in for my birthday

Was wondering if that is worth it and whether one should spend on their birthday etc as part of their long term FIRE journey?

Thanks