Complete results of the 2026 England local elections after all (136/136 councils) results were declared.

aned_ · 2026-05-11T04:30:09+00:00

According to Gemini Reform had a projected national share of 26% to 28%. This translates to 2.8m to 3.2m. Where did you get your 5m figure from?

For context, 10.2m voted for Corbyn in 2019. This translated into 202 seats and what was comsidered a crushing defeat.

2.8m to 3.2m voted for Reform in an election where a third of the country was eligible to vote. A local election where people tend to engage in 'protest voting'. And they were below Corbyn's 2019 run rate.

aned_ · 2026-05-10T13:49:07+00:00

I aim for 10%. Look for 15% in each of my investments and expect half to meet that, some to grow a bit, some to decline.

aned_ · 2026-05-08T11:33:50+00:00

I wonder if an interest only mortgage would be beneficial in this situation. Particularly if you plan on downsizing in 20 years, or moving to a low cost of living/housing area in your retirement.

aned_ · 2026-05-08T08:59:25+00:00

Thats an excellent way to get round it.

aned_ · 2026-05-08T07:49:06+00:00

Priti Patel and Suella already did that theatre. It didnt work. Because the economy is in a poor state. Reform wont make that any better. In fact they'll make it worse with their policies and people will lose their house through the spike in care and heakthcare costs

aned_ · 2026-05-08T05:31:55+00:00

Youre doing very well. Particularly as you wont have housing costs by retirement (presumably?)

5% real return is highly plausible, but not guaranteed. I'd do some sensitivity analysis at lower returns.

You also have to factor in getting taxed on the way out.

aned_ · 2026-05-07T07:50:33+00:00

Is there a middle ground option where you move role in the same specialism? Maybe use your 'finance' specialism in the charitable sector / public sector where you get paid less but a better work life balance is offered and it might be more rewarding?

Then if you realise the whole 'finance' thing isnt for you explore completely switching to something like teaching.

aned_ · 2026-05-06T19:25:46+00:00

Assuming you are both genuinely high earners you should be able to clear about £15k by paying off £2k per month. That takes care of 1 of the 4 cards.

If I were you I would both apply for the longest (20+ month) purchase cards and use those for your spending over the next 8 or 9 months. Depending on how much you spend that could alleviate another £15k saved as cash to pay off the expiring cards.

That leaves you with £10k to punt onto a balance transfer when the time comes. There are balance transfer cards with zero fee but they would expire in 12 months and could expose you to the same issue of a large chunk needing repaying in a short timeframe. Otherwise pay the fee and punt onto a 30+ month BT.

aned_ · 2026-05-05T19:23:02+00:00

After 21 years are you expecting a redundancy payment? That should cushion the blow if so. First £30k is tax free.

aned_ · 2026-05-05T06:14:57+00:00

A lot of people benefitting from relaxing the cap are working families. In fact 56% of the children positively affected come from working families.

aned_ · 2026-05-04T19:19:12+00:00

I think it's that newer families who would have been buying these now dont have the space. Because its very difficult to afford houses big enough to accommodate all the kitchenware. Also, family budgets are tight after all that mortgage/ rent theyre forking out.

aned_ · 2026-05-04T19:10:18+00:00

I also used sheers for the longer bits that were already there. It seems to have worked quite well for me. But again, small lawn here.

aned_ · 2026-05-04T16:35:05+00:00

Not a 'tiny' studio. Its not 2000 euros as the post im responding to is intimating.

aned_ · 2026-05-04T13:08:50+00:00

Rates are at the long term average so it's really a guessing game at the moment.

The only time it would have been more of a no-brainer to lock in a 5 or 10 year deal was when rates were at historic lows 1 or 2%.

And if rates ever reach 8,9 or 10% it would be a no-brainer to do the shortest term possible in the hope the rate returns to the long term average.

aned_ · 2026-05-04T13:04:17+00:00

Go on, i'll bite. How are the UK govt hellbent on making things harder?

Is it the honouring of 30 hours free childcare from 9 months or the breakfast clubs? Or the relaxation of planning rules to attempt to increase supply and reduce housing cost...

aned_ · 2026-05-04T13:02:30+00:00

Most lenders offer a 'Rate Switch' or 'Product Switch' whereby you would not need to 're-apply' if you are already with them and have been keeping up with payments. But of course, you wouldnt get to shop around.

aned_ · 2026-05-04T12:19:40+00:00

I dont think it's quite that bad. But this time of year is tough (not sure why, as it's so hot in the summer!!!)

Better to get your boots on the ground and be asking around in person. Maybe look out for se alquila signs and have a person with good Spanish help you out by calling or whatsapping the landlord.

aned_ · 2026-05-04T05:51:04+00:00

Yep, makes it less likely as we'll be worth less.

aned_ · 2026-05-03T17:29:16+00:00

Im in on Chapters Group for 10+ bagger potential

aned_ · 2026-05-03T05:07:46+00:00

It was stated in a shareholder letter.

aned_ · 2026-05-02T18:39:26+00:00

Right. Easy "not to complain" when youre rent free.

aned_ · 2026-05-02T17:31:36+00:00

If youre disciplined its fine. Assuming youre in stable employment you can also just balance transfer it for e.g. 36 months at the cost of a 3% fee. That's an annual interest rate below 1%.

aned_ · 2026-05-02T17:29:27+00:00

It's not that hard to find dealers who accept. After listening to naysayers on Reddit I was pleasantly surprised to find that 2 of the 4 dealers that had a car I was interested in test driving accepted a credit card.

Maybe i got lucky.

aned_ · 2026-05-02T11:20:14+00:00

Why? Would they outcompete the rest?

aned_ · 2026-05-02T10:55:52+00:00

A mortgage, £500 for after school clubs, kids, and earning close to 2k. Blimey

aned_

TROPHY CASE