Summary of "My 2026 Investing Plan (I Stopped Investing in My Pension)"

Summary of Finance-Specific Content from “My 2026 Investing Plan (I Stopped Investing in My Pension)”

Accounts, Assets, and Instruments Mentioned

Trading 212 General Investment Account Mostly free shares from promotions, including large-cap stocks such as Tesla (TSLA), Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), Rolls-Royce (RR), Nvidia (NVDA), and Google (Alphabet, GOOGL).
Free Trade Free Shares Previously received but less curated, involving more random companies.
General Investment Account (GIA) Planned to build up to £100k–£150k, aiming for 5–10% annual returns. Utilizes the tax-free dividend allowance (previously £12,000, now reduced to £3,000).
Lifetime ISA (LISA) Current contributions around £1,000 (down from the usual maximum), invested primarily in the Vanguard All-World ETF and an HSBC mutual fund. Platforms mentioned include Hargreaves Lansdown (HL), AJ Bell, and Dodel.
Stocks & Shares ISA (S&S ISA) Currently worth approximately £182,000, invested via InvestEngine using a two-fund strategy:
- Developed World ETF (~90%)
- Emerging Markets ETF (~10%)
- Overall fee around 0.13%
Pensions
- InvestEngine pension account: ~£65,000, same two-fund strategy as ISA.
- Vanguard pension account: ~£135,000, invested in Vanguard Developed World fund.
Crypto ETPs Recently launched but with complex regulatory status. Cannot currently be held in an ISA but may be allowed in an Innovative Finance ISA after April 2026; can be held in a SIPP. Considering a small satellite allocation (~1–2%) in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
Business Cash Investments Money market funds and plans to invest business cash in global index funds.

Key Numbers and Timelines

Tax-free dividend allowance in GIA reduced from £12,000 to £3,000.
Current GIA goal: £100k–£150k.
Current ISA value: ~£182,000.
Pension total combined: ~£200,000.
Lump sum pension tax-free withdrawal limit: £268,000.
Estimated pension value at retirement (age 58): ~£1.45 million.
Inflation-adjusted pension target: £1 million today ≈ £1.71 million in 21 years.
Monthly ISA contributions: ~£500 (aim to increase).
Lump sum pension contribution: £42,000 recently invested.
Portfolio expected to reach ~£3.4 million by retirement if current investment continues.
Portfolio dip example: 10% drop equals £40,000 paper loss.

Investing Strategies and Methodologies

General Investment Account Strategy
- Use free shares as a starting point.
- Build GIA to generate 5–10% returns.
- Use tax-free dividend allowance for income or to top up ISA.
Two-Fund Strategy for ISA and Pension
- 90% Developed World ETF.
- 10% Emerging Markets ETF.
- Low total expense ratio (~0.13%).
Pension Investing
- Consider lump sum investing versus pound-cost averaging.
- Frontload pension contributions to maximize compounding.
- Monitor tax efficiency regarding pension lump sum limits.
Risk Management
- Keep 90% of portfolio in broad index funds for stability.
- Allow 5–10% in individual stocks for engagement/fun but acknowledge higher risk.
- Small satellite crypto allocation (1–2%) recognizing high risk and speculative nature.
Market Timing View
- Always a good time to invest.
- Use market dips to buy cheaper units.
- Consistent investing preferred over lump sums unless large cash available.
Business Investing
- Use company structure to manage income and tax.
- Invest business cash in index funds and money market funds.
- Potential for business assets to generate income (e.g., rental properties or investments).
Portfolio Tracking App
- Building a personal app to track all portfolios across platforms.
- Planned features: historical data retention when switching platforms, progress tracking for retirement, portfolio news.
- Self-funded, bootstrapped project with no external fundraising.

Macroeconomic and Tax Considerations

Pension tax-free lump sum capped at £268,000.
Risk of moving into higher tax brackets if pension withdrawals exceed tax-free allowance.
Reduced dividend allowance in GIA affects income extraction strategy.
Inflation considerations for retirement savings goals.
Uncertainty about future tax rules on crypto ETPs and pensions.
State pension assumed but plans made conservatively without relying on it.

Portfolio Construction and Income Planning

Primary wealth built in low-cost index funds.
Income in retirement planned from ISA (tax-free), pension (taxable beyond lump sum), and GIA.
Business income and investments potentially to supplement personal income.
Early retirement goal balanced with need for income from multiple sources.
Considering lifestyle balance: travel goals, property renovation, and personal enjoyment alongside investing.

Disclosures and Recommendations

This is not financial advice; the personal strategy is shared openly. Crypto is high risk; small allocation only recommended if comfortable. Encourages consistent investing rather than market timing. Notes tax complexity and reporting requirements when selling shares. Transparency about portfolio imperfections and evolving strategy.

Presenters and Sources

Presenter: Chris (YouTuber and investor)
Platforms Mentioned: Trading 212, Free Trade, InvestEngine, Vanguard, Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, Dodel
Funds Mentioned: Vanguard Developed World ETF, Emerging Markets ETF, HSBC mutual fund
Stocks Mentioned: Tesla (TSLA), Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), Rolls-Royce (RR), Nvidia (NVDA), Google/Alphabet (GOOGL)
Crypto: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH)

Overall, the video provides a candid, detailed overview of a multi-account, diversified investment plan with a focus on tax efficiency, risk management, and personal lifestyle goals, including new ventures into crypto ETPs and business investing.