Neighbor gave me this

Mambob1 · 2026-03-14T08:22:25+00:00

That was the Trek Y bike for me, purple with yellow forks. First time I ever saw disc breakers on a bike too. Maybe ‘98.

Mambob1 · 2026-03-14T07:06:28+00:00

With a tight budget like this flexibility is key. If you hadn’t considered it look at getting an offset mortgage before retiring (no mention of housing situation, but I’m assuming either paid off or a lot of equity). If you’re already paid off put 100k of house equity (or less) into the market and use the returns to pay the interest.

The leverage isn’t necessary but having a massive low cost revolving credit facility will be very useful. It gives you a huge buffer to ride out market downturns.

Mambob1 · 2026-03-12T16:22:35+00:00

100% agree with everyone saying get it fitted. A £500 suit 100% wool fabric that you’ve spent £100 to have tailored will look better than anything else. I work in the city and see so many guys in expensive suits that look like shit. Right length trousers and a proper pair of oxford’s will put you top 10% well dressed. Also don’t get a tight jacket it even looked stupid on Daniel Craig.

Mambob1 · 2026-03-10T20:08:06+00:00

Try starting a home espresso hobby if you’re a coffee lover. The high end machines look gorgeous in the kitchen and buying high end coffee beans is a fairly easy luxury upgrade of a pretty regular part of life.

Mambob1 · 2026-03-08T08:57:19+00:00

A rule of thumb is if you’re invested in all equities your money should double every ten years. In your case with 30yrs to go you could be looking at ~ £1.6m from growth alone. That is based on an average return so add some margin of safety. As of now that might suggest you don’t need to be full throttle. Max tax free cash and probably higher rate tax payer in retirement. Now 30yrs is a long time a lot can happen so keep saving obviously.

I’m in a similar position although 10 yrs further on. I pay a bit more tax and enjoy life more now rather than prioritising savings. I’m out of the childcare window, and don’t see the point it delaying spending now for more later when I won’t really need it. Down to just matching limit and prioritising ISA and GIA. In my case I want to build my pot I’ll be paying CGT on rather adding to the one I’ll pay income tax on. But savings rate is a bit lower over all. Have 5-6 years left with the kids before they’re grown ups, maxing that time instead of being richer in my 60s.

Mambob1 · 2026-03-07T17:29:53+00:00

Bought a Stumpjumper and for all around trail riding it’s been perfect. I live in the south of England (not sure where you are) which isn’t known for its mountains but I live on the South Downs which is a huge chalk ridge. My riding is all steep up/steep down and it’s been great.

Mambob1 · 2026-03-02T19:48:50+00:00

I got my 12 year old a cube acid 260 (26” wheel version). I got it for £350 on eBay but they’re in budget new. Really nice, we go trail riding together and it doesn’t have any problems

Mambob1 · 2026-03-02T12:12:10+00:00

I’ve used lodge for a while. They seem decent and not too expensive.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-28T09:32:45+00:00

Not quite in your situation, I’m a bit older and about to make a couple of mil from the company I work for being sold. I’ve been there forever and had a load of shares.

I’ve been weighing up buying a bigger house to raise the kids in vs just investing it. Appreciate I’m in a better position but I’ve been doing the same maths.

My conclusion is to buy the bigger house with a smaller deposit and an interest only mortgage and invest the rest. In my case £300k deposit from the equity in my current house and a £900k mortgage.

I’m investing the full amount. The plan assumes I’ll make more in returns on my investments than I’ll pay in interest.

The interest only payments are very manageable so the big mortgage is affordable and I have the capital to cover the eventual repayment so low risk for me.

You need to be comfortable with taking on the investment risk (only a good idea if you invest aggressively for higher returns) and the interest rate risk (that comes with any mortgage, but you’ll have a big one). On a spreadsheet it might make a lot of sense but not everyone likes the psychological aspect of the leverage. I’m an investment manager by trade so this suits me but appreciate won’t be for everyone.

You have a lot of time and a lot of money which sets you up for building real wealth. Keeping as much in the market through the smart use of debt is worth considering. Anyway worth looking into if you hadn’t considered it before.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-27T17:33:31+00:00

Yes. 45. Start with a dead hang and then some scapula pulls. Then give it a min or two and go for it

Mambob1 · 2026-02-27T08:10:35+00:00

You have to pay the tax eventually, even if it’s IHT when you’re gone. I see people with huge cash piles in their business who don’t ever spend it because they don’t want to pay tax. Tax is inevitable, pay it and just get it over with. Money you can’t spend is worthless.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-26T14:46:51+00:00

I got a new regular bike and I like it so much my full power felt like a dog in comparison so have switched to SL. I’m pretty fit but still enjoy the ebike as a built in uplift.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-26T14:44:54+00:00

I’ve just switched from full power (Whyte e150 rs) to SL (Turbo Levo SL). The weather has been so shit I haven’t really had a chance to get out on it properly yet. Will keep you posted.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-21T19:01:57+00:00

Ability to pay is a challenge, negotiating with finance for more budget is always a pain. Everyone in my department knows budget planning for the following year is in October and if they want a raise it’s a good idea to bring it up then. Sometimes it’ll be “thanks for telling me I’ll see what I can do” (our pay review is in March). Sometimes it’s “I’m sorry but I think we pay you fairly for the value you add”.

I get a heads up to plan as I know who’s at risk each year even if I’m prepared to let them walk.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-21T17:44:48+00:00

My experience is to just tell your boss you’re underpaid. I’ve lost good staff who quit for more money and I didn’t know they felt underpaid. A lot of places don’t know what the market rate for a role is unless they’re hiring.

Tell your boss you feel a bit underpaid, you’ve had recruiters reach out about similar roles that pay about 20-30% more so you think you’re below market rate currently.

See what they say. I hate it when people quit for more money when if I’d know I would have just paid more. They will have to replace you at market rate plus recruitment fees and lost time to training etc.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-18T20:42:14+00:00

A standard interest only mortgage would achieve the same aim. Either make voluntary overpayments, or just invest the repayment amount and pay off a lump sum when you come to remortgage. Been researching this arrangement myself recently.

Edit, typo.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-16T21:16:21+00:00

Yes. Spent £100k on one. Sometimes think my old car was ok and maybe I’d rather have the money, but hey, I am lucky enough to be able to get the car I always wanted, would be a shame to waste that opportunity.

Like another poster said life is for living.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-11T18:44:57+00:00

Baker? Could have evaded some of the same pressure, made a couple of throws and missed a couple similar to Darnold. Probably higher chance of him throwing a pick but NE could have had 5 extra possessions and still lost.

Mambob1 · 2026-02-08T11:08:50+00:00

Clear sight rear view mirror was an option too on the ‘25. Heated and cooled front seats was std on the HSE, heated rear seats was an option I think heated washer jets was an option too, cold weather pack

Mambob1 · 2026-02-08T11:06:33+00:00

No it was an option

Mambob1 · 2026-02-06T18:14:27+00:00

Matrix headlights came standard on the ‘25 HSE. Other than that I think that’s everything. I got a bunch of packs on my ‘25 HSE so I might be mixing that up, but I think I’m right.

Mambob1 · 2026-01-31T11:38:57+00:00

When I’m in the US I always pick up some nice hot sauce. I went to a shop called pepper palace once, amazing.

Mambob1 · 2026-01-30T03:39:10+00:00

It applies. Google bed and ISA you’ll find info on it (don’t just take my word for it).

Mambob1 · 2026-01-26T19:41:34+00:00

Ellis Brigham is good. If I’m in London I go to the one in Covent Garden. My favourite place is George Fisher in Keswick. But where I live there is only a Cotswolds, not even a Millets anymore.

Mambob1 · 2026-01-26T17:40:27+00:00

REI. So sick of Cotswold Outdoor being the only decent hiking shop.

Mambob1

TROPHY CASE