Re: The Hypothetical 1 million pound question

So let's say you were given 1,000,000 tax-free tomorrow.
> > What would you do with it? > > Myself, I would probably split it into thirds ...

Sounds about right. Me too.

...and have 333,333 > invested in properties; 333,333 invested in low-risk stocks; 333,333 > in cash.

Personally, I'm concerned about the property market right now. I'd invest two thirds in high yielding shares and fixed interest instruments which, at 4.5% yield, would yield an annual pre-tax income of about 30K which, without a mortgage or other debts, would do me.

(I don't think I would give up my job)

I envy people like you who enjoy their jobs, or is it that you think you'd not know what to do with yourself without work? I've just started working again after a 2 year voluntary career break and it was the best year and a bit of my life (I only intended it to last for 18 months so towards the end I was beginning to worry about ever getting back into work which took away the fun somewhat). After that experience I know that I would give up my job in an instant if 1M came along. What do you do for a living?

- Julian

A net yield of 4.5% looks very good. Almost *too* good. I would speculate that the "safest" investments would only give up a maximum of 5% gross. If you are as risk-adverse as I am, that figure would drop even lower.

What kind of high-yielding shares and fixed interest instruments were you thinking of?

Assuming I live the full average of 71 years, that would mean I would have 43 years left, or 15,000 days to fill. I'd imagine I'd go insane if I didn't have an occupation of some kind. I have a job in IT which I enjoy but the hours are tough.

Finding a job you enjoy doing and being remunerated for it is surely everyone's ultimate goal. It must be the worst thing looking back on your life to think "if only..."