Investment and savings strategy - help!

chequeout

Hi there and thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

I'm a single, 35-year-old male earning decent-ish money (44k per year) and after all my expenses, rent, day-to-day spending cash, beer-fund etc is paid, I'm left with around £800 per month free to do with as I want. Part of my monthly expenses (not included in the £800 left over) includes a £50 monthly payment to a S&S ISA and £100 into a workplace pension scheme.

I don't spend a huge amount of what is left over and usually try and save most of this £800. Most of this will be put aside to maximise the yearly cash ISA amount and anything left over I tend to put towards the "next" year's cash ISA amount and leave it in my current account to have a year in hand, as it were.

I don't like the idea of risking loads of money in a S&S ISA hence only I put £50 a month regular contribution, and whilst I realise the importance of a pension, I don't like the idea of not being able to touch it until my age dictates - hence I only contribute £100 a month into this - and I am quite disciplined and not likely to empty my cash ISAs at the drop of a hat, so they should be safe from my grubby hands til I need them.

Do you think I'm doing the right thing? I'm interested in anyone's top-line thoughts and will welcome any advice or musings.

Thanks

jem16

chequeout wrote: »

whilst I realise the importance of a pension, I don't like the idea of not being able to touch it until my age dictates

That's the whole idea of a pension - to have it ready for when you retire.

hence I only contribute £100 a month into this

Does your company contribute and would they contribute more if you do so?