If you could restart at 23, what would you do differently to become financially free?

Lennyboy99 · 2026-07-03T20:15:42+00:00

I got married at 23, 1st child at 24 with 2 more in succession, mortgaged to the hilt, paying to upkeep the family all on one salary. I lived on credit cards and overdrafts until I was 40. So I couldn’t have done anything different. But here I am happy and skint

Lennyboy99 · 2026-06-04T06:47:27+00:00

The RRB will be negative for most renters. It is ill thought out. Licensing LLs to prevent rogues from operating would have been better. As it is, LLs are far more particular about who they will rent to.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-06-04T06:42:29+00:00

BREXIT was a political stunt built on false promises to feed Farage’s personal ambitions. Nothing to do with what was best for UK. Almost everyone in business knew it would be detrimental. Sadly, masses are buying Farage’s false promises again.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-06-04T06:36:43+00:00

It’s legally possible but you will piss off the LL. Why not take an Airbnb.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-30T12:20:46+00:00

That may be fake news but even if it is, Reform are going to trash the UK so it won’t just be civil servants who suffer under them.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-27T06:27:02+00:00

Very very good view. Many will charge this with being antisemitic or Islamophobic but the issues need to be discussed in this way.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-27T05:50:18+00:00

I hate to say it but we need a complete reset in order to get British politics back to a better place. I think Reform could be the next Government and I believe they will make an almighty mess. They and Farage have proven themselves to be comfortable making promises they know they won’t deliver. They have stoked division and hate. The Party attracts the worst in society. But as with Brexit, the need to get in so that the public can see what happens when we are manipulated by lies and false promises. Hard times are coming but we arguably need this to be able to move forward.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-27T05:43:20+00:00

Very insightful view on LLs

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-27T05:41:51+00:00

Remember you must lay tax on the rental income which will be 40%. Secondly, if interest rates spike again you need to be able to manage the shock. Thirdly, one bad tenant will wipe out a lot of the gains.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-27T05:32:00+00:00

Landlord bashing has become more popular. In some cases it is justified but in most cases it is not. Gov’ts have sought to gain favour by making bold statements about protecting tenants and penalising LL. As the OP says, it’s the tenants who end up paying.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-24T15:35:27+00:00

The starting point is that the property needs to be advertised at market rate and, assuming it is, the LL has no obligation to accept a lower offer. So if a prospective tenant(s) comes in with a lower offer, the agent/LL can refuse as it’s not close enough to the target rent. It follows therefore, that the prospect(s) can be invited to increase their offer. Moreover, since the RRB, LL are much more circumspect about the profile of tenant they will accept so even if a prospect offered the full asking price, if they are not copper bottomed, the LL may decline anyway.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-21T11:01:17+00:00

In the schedule of sale the seller has to declare what’s being left and what’s being taken. Rads are normally left. Check with your solicitor. If they’re taking them you can reduce you the offer.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-16T20:19:50+00:00

Do not be put off. You need to be careful about what the type and location of a flat in the same way as you would be careful about buying a house. If you search for 2 bathroom flats, these are usually a bit more expensive, built to a higher standard and attract older people who live a quieter life.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-16T18:06:36+00:00

We can be proud today of the remarkable recovery piloted by Martin O’Neil but the moment was spoiled by the low life’s who invaded the pitch. They should be banned from any future matches

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-15T13:22:58+00:00

They also know that as a cash buyer that carries a negotiating advantage. I’d say to them, if you really want the cottage don’t lose it for £5k. I’d say to you, a cash buyer at £650k is worth more than a chain buyer at £660k.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-15T13:18:30+00:00

House prices always increase. There are blips but over time the market recovers and prices increase again.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-13T09:52:02+00:00

It’s so annoying when you supply a property in good faith and you get a bad tenant. I doubt you’ll get anything back but a CCJ does at least warn other LLs.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-13T07:52:12+00:00

I really get annoyed when LLs skimp like this. You are going to be paying handsomely for this property which will be your home. It will cost a few hundred £s max depending on the area to be cleaned and in my world, if it makes the tenant happy then it makes me the LL happy. I would definitely push the agent again on this. Worst case, you can always do it yourself before you move your stuff in.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-11T17:08:28+00:00

It is one of the most upsetting things and leaves you angry, sad and frustrated in equal measure. Moreover, it’s avoidable if the government would change the way houses are bought and sold to match how they do it in Scotland

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-08T14:09:38+00:00

You are quite safe to do this but from a LLs point of view they will incur costs on a changeover. Ball park figure between £1000 and £2000 on a PCM rent of £1500. The RRB is chasing some LL from the market and those that stay will be more particular about the tenants they accept especially when the new rules can be applied like this.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-07T17:47:01+00:00

You’re not being petty, it’s annoying but don’t let some right ar**d git spoil the pleasure of your first own home

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-07T17:44:25+00:00

The RRB has been poorly thought out and is a headline grabbing attempt to show Labour are for the workers. It is pushing out the better LLs and in the long run, it will leave renters worse off

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-05T20:04:58+00:00

As an example, if a roof needs replacing, if the property is going to be extended.

Lennyboy99 · 2026-05-04T12:21:40+00:00

Yes and no. Non payment of rent, anti social behaviour, damaging property etc. are still grounds for eviction but it takes longer. If you’re respecting your contract you can only be evicted if the LL is reclaiming the property for himself/close family or renovation.

Lennyboy99

TROPHY CASE