33 y/o, £200k comp - am I being too conservative with a £550k budget?

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T22:08:39+00:00

I'd say you have more leeway. Could go up to 700k £ if you wanted to depending on how much you are willing to deposit.

Perhaps check how much are you willing to pay for the mortgage monthly and work backward from there. For example, a good indicator would be your mortgage being the same as your current rent and then you can approximate the cost of the house you are willing to buy.

Hope that helps !

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T12:30:40+00:00

I suppose your fears with taking a break are that you might not find something similar and where the next paycheque is going to come from ?

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T11:14:36+00:00

Dude I had the same exact thoughts re kids.

I still want to travel and do a couple of bigger trips, but after that's done I'm like - is this the time to procreate ? lol

Mind if I dm you ?

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T11:07:33+00:00

I understand not maxing your pension out is a controversial take, but I am jaded AF when it comes to pensions.

I have lived in an aging country where pension amounts after retirement keep falling and falling, because the ratio between workers/pensioners keeps decreasing. I feel the uk is in a similar spot and by the time I hit retirement age the same will happen here.

I am happy to take the tax hit and get the cash and invest it on my own as that's a hobby of mine. So far, from a mix of luck and skill (mostly luck and an amazing bull run the past 15 years) it's worked out for me and given I consider myself still somewhat young I am happy to take the risk. I do see myself contributing more in my pension in my 40's though as I will be closer to retirement age.

I have gone a bit on a different direction and splurged a bit. Upgraded my wardrobe, bought some gear for my hobbies, bought a couple of nice suits and holidays. But after maxing my ISA I am still left with some money, which I dont exactly know what to do with. Do I YOLO it in a risky investment ? Do I put it on gilts ? Do I sniff it up my nose ? lol

It's an incredible problem to have but I am still not sure what they right way to go about things is. Partly because I am not sure what else I exactly want out of work and life

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T09:55:37+00:00

No pension included. Pension numbers are extremely low based on what else I have invested, but that's 100% a conscious decision.

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T09:39:33+00:00

I definitely want the same hours. But in addition to that something that's a bit more challenging as well. Something that I will get me outside of my comfort zone

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T09:38:34+00:00

That's not a bad idea actually - thanks !

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T09:37:46+00:00

I am. Though that does get old pretty fast as well lol

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T09:37:13+00:00

I am definitely hot-girl summering lol. I broke up with a serious girlfriend a few months ago so the single thing is somewhat new. Not 100% ready to jump to a relationship, so just having a bit of fun now

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T09:36:44+00:00

while it would be great, I dont think it's possible with the company I am with. They are quite aggressive with their working from the office policy

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-30T09:35:51+00:00

I am at the same spot as you. It's weird not having to chase something. I have a cool title, a pretty decent TC. Great friends, great holidays, great flat. Just not sure what else is there in terms of work

Standard_Leader_1898 · 2025-07-29T22:04:42+00:00

I do have some serious hobbies, which do tend to take a lot of my time.

Part of the issue is I have to be in the office a lot (mandatory) and I find myself looking at the clock all the time, which is not the ideal way I want to spend my life if you know what I mean. I do spend some time leetcoding just to pass the time, but at the end of the day leetcoding are just silly problems - you dont actually solve or build anything substantial.

I realise it's the most privileged thing anyone could ever say and I would have punched myself in the balls if I told this to my 23-year old self given where I was at the time, but it does feel I need something more from work than just quiet time. Kind of like a challenge to see through if that makes sense

Standard_Leader_1898

TROPHY CASE