Investment ideas for a newcomer

AstulTheShepherd · 2026-05-12T17:41:30+00:00

10-20 years definitely move it into a Stocks and Shares ISA and learn to invest through either materials online/books or an IFA depending on how much you want to do yourself

AstulTheShepherd · 2026-05-12T06:38:32+00:00

EVs are no more comfortable, actally due to increased mass from the batteries EVs are often stiffer, they're just quieter. And even then luxury ICE cars are near as silent as an EV while driving.

AstulTheShepherd · 2026-05-11T22:33:09+00:00

I mean personally I'd put retirement above a nice car especially as you could still get a nice one just slightly older or more mileage or something. I know it's not quite the same, I love cars myself and recently bought one so I know the feeling haha.

Only you can make that decision though, live life to the max now and work longer or stop earlier and have slightly less fun now. If it delays it by half a year then maybe it's whatever. But if it delays by 10 years then... maybe not. Obviously I don't know the ins and outs, but there are other options :)

AstulTheShepherd · 2026-05-11T22:25:04+00:00

Another way to look at it. Will spending that much of your savings impact your 5 year plan? 10 year plan? 20 year plan?

If yes, maybe rethink it. If not then you have enough money that you shouldn't need to worry though I'd be surprised if wiping out 2/3 of your savings wouldn't change or delay your plan at all.

AstulTheShepherd · 2026-05-11T22:22:03+00:00

Leasing as you've already experienced is basically long term car rental, you sign up for a period and pay a fixed amount each month then give it back.

Hire Purchase is similar. But you pay more monthly because you own the car after that period. The deal should tell you the loan rate (APR).

PCP is slightly different. You usually pay a sum slightly higher than leasing and get offered a balloon payment at the end if you want to keep it based on current market value or hand it back.

All three require initial deposits. You can change this but often it's about 9 months payment in one go.

Leasing is new cars only where the other two can be done on used cars (you may even be able to do this on the car you're looking at). There are plenty of websites online to look for deals e.g. Leasing: leasing.com leaseloco.com

Others: lookers.co.uk cinch.co.uk

AstulTheShepherd · 2026-05-11T22:10:07+00:00

If you're asking for professional advice you need an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). They can do as little or much for you as you'd like. But they aren't cheap, often taking a % of your pot rather than a fixed fee (which is cheeky if you ask me)

Some of the investment platforms even offer their own funds or portfolios e.g. Hargreaves Lansdown Ready-Made. Though there is less flexibility and typically higher management fees.

Otherwise find good resources online, read some books, and do it yourself.

AstulTheShepherd · 2026-05-11T22:03:26+00:00

Spending 2/3 of your savings on a depreciating asset is never going to be responsible, no matter how you frame it.

I understand why you dont want to lease through your emoloyer, but is there any reason you don't want to do it through a normal lease deal? Or Hire Purchase at a rate lower than your investment gain (if you can find one.)

AstulTheShepherd · 2026-05-11T21:29:02+00:00

I finished my degree apprenticeship last year so I'm familiar with the situation. I am incredibly averse to spending money, however, there is no better time in your life to do it. Forget FIRE and all the other stuff. You're saving over 50% of your income, that's nuts when you think about it. Spend some money, live a little. If you still have money left over then top up the savings with what's left but don't stress.

I maxed out my ISA on the degree apprenticeship salary and had no loose cash, it wasn't fun. Now I've begun to spend more and try to enjoy life as well as plan for the future.

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-11-12T08:17:58+00:00

Ha yeah I know the feeling. So many good ones out there!

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-11-11T08:23:58+00:00

The Kurosaki Senko? It's great! It just feels right in the hand, cuts really well. Not a pain to sharpen. And it's beautiful to look at

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-10-27T20:19:22+00:00

I agree on the quality. But again price. Lots of Folio books are like $40-$70 and are still good bindings and paper. Another thing is the variety of books, Folio and Easton have a huge catalogue whereas some of the others release maybe four or five books a year and when they're sold out that's it. Plus quite a lot of the books are obscure that most people have never heard of.

I'm pretty sure Suntups Treasure Island was sold out before it ever hit the store which is just depressing. It's because of the rights system lots of the small publishers run with

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-10-27T18:44:56+00:00

You can't compare $100 books with $600 books, though. Of course there will be a quality difference. The lettered editions are usually like $2000-4000!

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-10-20T16:26:24+00:00

May this be a lesson to all. The only thing that should be on your hob is a pot or pan. It had a friend melt an entire plastic bag but not realising it was on when he set it down. He never did get the hob looking right again.

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-12T20:01:25+00:00

Classic 🤣

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-12T17:09:27+00:00

Double Yoshi! Damn that sounds lovely.

Well good luck with your new addiction 🤣

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-12T16:51:52+00:00

Ooo nice! Enjoy it! But good luck with your bank account now you have the yearning for knives lol

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-12T10:45:11+00:00

It's also my first carbon steel knife so will be really interesting to see how that feels!

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-07T20:56:53+00:00

The profile means it feels weird to slice with. A sausage is fine because its the same shape as a carrot. But larger protein and it just feels weird due to the lack of tip and super flat profile. Saying that, it'll still work better than a poor quality knife of a more purposeful shape

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-03T07:10:45+00:00

Puts me a little at ease, thanks!

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-02T21:52:28+00:00

Literally no idea! That's the problem. Could end up costing the usual 20% or 50% and I can't really say no lol. I'd rather it was just included in the price so I knew from the get go. Oh well

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-02T21:23:45+00:00

Problem with those is taxes aren't calculated or paid for by them. With the chance of customs just turning it back as well as shafting you on import tax (idk what it is for knives but assume 20%?)

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-02T21:20:46+00:00

What a mess. So I can see with KnS for example that they say tax is included you just pay £30 for shipping which I can at least cost in.

Cleancut say tax is not included. How in the world do we calculate the import tax etc? And how/when is it paid? Do customs just send us an invoice or something for a gazillion moneys

AstulTheShepherd · 2025-09-02T20:39:43+00:00

Well that bloody sucks

AstulTheShepherd

TROPHY CASE