How much would you keep in instant access and how much in s&s isa?

[32inchtv]

I just recently started off my first stocks and shares isa with £500 spare and a direct debit of 100 going in each month as that’s what I could afford

I had an instant access savings of £4K which was to clear a loan.

I now no longer need to clear this loan

Do I keep some in my instant access and put the rest into stocks and shares?

If so how do I know how much to keep in my instant access

(As a family we have emergency savings of £2.5k in a joint savings instant access with a direct debit of £250 into it each month)

We aren’t saving up for anything but will eventually need to extend or move to give the children a bedroom each (within 5 or so years)

£2.5k in emergency fund seems low to me. If you look at that representing 6 months of expenses, does it cover it?

People say I am too cash heavy, as I have about 20 months of expenses in my emergency fund. I don't worry about money though, and was made redundant from my main job back in April and I'm not that fussed at getting another job anytime soon (have an interview next week so you never know).

Try to work out what amount would mean that you don't worry about money.

You can always add to emergency fund and to investments at the same time, build them both up.

A good rule of thumb is to keep 3-6 months of living costs in an emergency fund, so £2,5k might be a bit short. Depending on your wider situation - are you both employed or self employed, or freelance? Do you feel secure in your current role?

As opposed to Nannynick, I'd go lower on the emergency fund (3 months of living costs, not income) and invest the rest in index funds. For 5 years +, you can keep funds for your extension invested for now.

I am an accredited Financial Coach and happy to give you a more accurate response of you give me some more info on your overall situation.

I'm wondering about this too.

I have £35k to invest and want to put it into s&s ISAs but don't know how to choose which funds to invest in.

We're looking for long term investment of 10 years and capital growth not income.

Was thinking of putting £5k into 7 different funds or 6k into 5 but I can't even choose one fund as there are so many to choose from.

We have junior ISAs in a FTSE 250 tracker with bang which has increased 19% in 3 years.

I'd really appreciate some advice on what to look out for when choosing funds. Thank you!

I would build up the savings pot to 6 months of spends (or 3 months of income), and then divert more into the ISA.
Basically, you never want to be in a position where you need to access the stuff in the stock market "now".
So, thinking about buying a new car in the next 6-12 months gives you time to take money out of fund as appropriate. Need a new boiler tomorrow - best from cash, as you might not want to withdraw without loising money at that point in time.