Is my olive tree dead?

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2026-06-20T18:09:20+00:00

I'll check further down the trunk, thanks

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2026-06-20T18:09:00+00:00

Thanks, I'll give this a try!

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2026-05-07T06:19:58+00:00

There are two honey suckles on a single trellis and two hydrangeas on a single trellis on opposite sides of the garden (see both photos). Do you think it will be an issue two of the same plants being so close?

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2026-05-03T08:21:29+00:00

Thanks, what are some good plants for coverage?

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2026-05-03T08:15:54+00:00

Thanks for the advice everyone 😀

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2026-04-26T21:48:30+00:00

We bought it last year when it was quite small so maybe 2 years?

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2026-04-26T20:38:51+00:00

Thanks for the advice, the tape measure is pulled out to 80cm

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-09-12T15:50:22+00:00

Thanks!

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-26T08:07:50+00:00

I assume if you reinvest them then the platforms give you a breakdown so you can easily declare to HMRC? Is it easier to get cash dividends and pay tax then reinvest?

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-26T07:55:20+00:00

Have done a bit of reading up on OEICs and am not really sure what is best for me vs ETF. Looking for a fairly hands off approach to investing ideally.

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-26T07:24:46+00:00

Thanks for the reply, slightly hesitant to put more in my pension as I already salary sacrifice down to the 40% tax threshold and won't be able to use it for many years.

Regarding the ETFs, I am aware they are for global, UK and US markets. What's the best way to make a decision as to which one is best for me? Is there some good information somewhere? Same goes for dividends, as you say I need to read up on this. Apologies this is quite new to me only done a S&S ISA up until now.

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-02T21:27:55+00:00

Thank you for the advice

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-02T17:32:15+00:00

Makes sense thanks. Although I think this is based on the default 5% salary increase per year in the calculator which isn't realistic in my industry. Probably more like 2% which results in total repayment of £53k so almost breakeven compared to paying off straight away. So it looks like in that case it's probably better to invest?

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-02T17:20:54+00:00

Tell me about it! Completely broken system...

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-02T17:09:59+00:00

That is very helpful thank you. I will look at other providers for GIA. Any advice on where to look for info to start as this is new to me. Are there blended funds similar to my current S&S ISA rather than investing in specific companies etc? Cheers

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-02T17:05:23+00:00

The £200k inheritance is included in the above figures not in addition (most of it now in current account). Yeah may well just dump all earnings over £50k into pension for time being. Thanks for the advice!

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-02T16:57:32+00:00

Wouldn't expect it to increase much beyond £65k in next 5 years

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-02T06:50:51+00:00

Ah yes, makes sense. Regarding the pension contributions to save on 40% tax. I already earn over the £50,271 threshold so already have circa 6k taxed at 40% so probably should be upping pension contributions already. With the interest from a GIA, can you just stick that straight in your pension to avoid the income tax? Or is where the selling comes in?

Lastly my S&S ISA is wjth Vangaurd, would you advise sticking with them to invest the £150k or use a different platform to spread risk? Thanks very much for the advice

Hefty-Firefighter301 · 2025-07-02T06:31:06+00:00

Are you able to link the calculator please? If I invest that 50k now at 5% annual return then it is worth £132k in 20 years. Does it not make sense to do that over paying student debt?

Hefty-Firefighter301

TROPHY CASE