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Seeking advice on how to improve finances

7 replies

curiousbaby234 · 09/02/2026 14:49

Hi all,
I’m 26, working a grad job in London, and currently living with my parents, not paying bills or rent.

I’ve managed to save about £32k total split between a LISA and an ISA.
No property yet, no dependents. Student loan still outstanding. Living at home has obviously helped me save faster, but I’m trying to sanity-check where I’m at compared to others my age and whether I’m using this money sensibly.
Main questions:

  • Is £32k at 26 considered “on track”, ahead, or behind in the UK?
  • Does it make more sense to keep prioritising ISA/LISA, or should I be thinking about something else (e.g. pension, moving out, etc.)?
  • Any obvious mistakes or missed opportunities people in a similar position usually make?
Not looking for flexing or doomposting—just want a reality check and some perspective. Thanks.

EDIT: I am on 40K per annum salary, pension is quite low 3k so far, I save a bit more than 1000 per month, my take home is 2.4k after taxes and student loan

OP posts:
WarmHare · 09/02/2026 14:51

Just copy & paste that into ChatGPT

Hermyknee · 09/02/2026 14:54

Make sure you thank your parents and do your share of the chores. You will be costing them their savings because their bills will be higher. You are on track.

Eileen101 · 09/02/2026 14:54

I don't think there is such a thing as "on track" at any age.
Check out rebel finance school on you tube for the LISA/ISA/pension question.

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DeQuin · 09/02/2026 14:58

The “on track” is a weird question. On track for what? What are your goals? Have three children you support through uni a big house in London and have three sunny holidays a year in retirement gives a very different on track than live on a canal boat and create meaningful art.

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 09/02/2026 14:58

What’s your goal with housing? Are you happy living with your parents (are they happy?) or is the £32k working towards a deposit on your own place? If it is, how much do you need as a deposit and how long do you think it will take you to get there?

Personal goals - do you want kids? Financial advice needs to fit with your personal life. If you don’t want kids, I’d focus on house first and then pension.

curiousbaby234 · 09/02/2026 15:05

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 09/02/2026 14:58

What’s your goal with housing? Are you happy living with your parents (are they happy?) or is the £32k working towards a deposit on your own place? If it is, how much do you need as a deposit and how long do you think it will take you to get there?

Personal goals - do you want kids? Financial advice needs to fit with your personal life. If you don’t want kids, I’d focus on house first and then pension.

I am more focused on houses and maximising wealth than saving for kids

OP posts:
WillWalkForSnacks · 09/02/2026 15:36

No real advice but there's a good flowchart on r/UKPersonalFinance if you're on reddit. I'd also recommend r/FIREUK if you're looking to maximise wealth and the Making Money podcast.

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