Would second pension damage my affordability

System

My mortgage is my bond! In my mind having bonds in funds is sense if the fund is a large part of your assets, which for me it isn't

And in my mind 100% equity is just like having a little leverage, magnifying everything. If you're happy with the idea that stock gains offset losses there's no need to be half hearted about it

Possible that I won't draw on the pension at all, and leave it as an inheritance

System

Having a small amount in a 100% equity and some spare cash is like having a larger amount in a safer 50% equity

AnotherJoe

MatthewAinsworth wrote: »

Joe - expensive as in lost opportunity, the fund performs well:

http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/funds/snapshot/snapshot.aspx?id=F000005OPT

And half of what I put in comes back as extra tax credits

I suppose I could just top it up later, or use a broker maybe

Have been tempted to borrow more to invest but am saving that for crash opportunities

Indeed. Lets say you are saving £200 a month. Stop that for 3 months, it drops off your bank statements, money accumulates in bank. Mortgage is granted at that point, and starts, restart regular pension payments perhaps after 6 months, plus a lump sum of the £1200 not added during the gap. So not expensive at all

System

Thank you, wasn't sure of time period to suspend for

Thrugelmir

Pension can only be withdrawn when you retire. Mortgage is repayable until settled. How secure is your job? Few people have jobs for life. How good will your health be in years to come? There's a balance to be made. Being mortgage free removes the single biggest outgoing in your working life.

As the pension contributions are discretionary cannot see an issue. You can flex them as you wish.

System

The s&s is my easier access than pension pot, and will be more liquid than mortgage overpayments. The better average performance should further help reduce risk. Admittedly I could put more into good cash accounts