The Lemon Fool

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Considering your goal for pension savings, ETFs can be a solid choice. but diversifying with a mix of stocks and bonds may provide a well-rounded portfolio. Seeking advice on specific ETFs or other alternatives would be beneficial.

Hi, put the lump sum into an ISA for easy access. Into a pension not worth it at this early stage in your investing career. Remember pension only worthwhile if your employer is putting in their contribution. Pension - you'll pay 15% ( 20% tax on 75%, the remaining tax free).
Getting 20% tax relief on your initial investment involves a lot of paperwork i.e. your time and this is only 5% reward. Remember abrdn pension review report is coming out in next couple of years and pension changes likely.
I suggest Vanguard ISA for their low fees & global funds. VUAG (USA companies) or VHVG (global companies).
Very low fees will avoid your £5k losing too much in fees.
Then set up a monthly direct debit and look at for first month and not until 1 year later.
Then read more about Passive investing. It's the way, in my view, to go with your ISA and your company pension.

I am a recent college graduate who has just entered the workforce. I plan to set aside a portion of my monthly income to earn some extra money while learning investment strategies and techniques. I understand that investing carries risks, but keeping my money in the bank at a low interest rate doesn't even earn enough to buy a bottle of water each month.

Of course, what I want is long-term, stable returns. I want to make money to buy the car I like and provide a better life for my parents.

I would suggest starting off by using an ISA and investing your monthly subscriptions in one of the global investment trusts, like F&C or Alliance.

Back in 1958 I did that with the then Investment Trust Units. Knowing what I know now, I would have been better off saving directly into one of those ITs. You could try tracker funds or ETFs, but you can learn about them on the way.

ITU provided the deposit for my current house, as the builder would not wait until he had completed construction. House prices were just starting to rise rapidly in 1978.

TJH

Another global IT I like is JGGI. I would also say it wouldn't be wrong to put some into Fundsmith and / or Blue Whale, although the latter is arguably higher risk so limit the amount.

I would not argue against a tracker either, but the main thing is to start. I'd use an ISA and a platform rather than direct to aid flexibility in the future.

For long term best returns historically equities have been the place to be, but stable it won't be so you need to be aware of that and decide if they are the best for you. Generally speaking the more stable the lower the return.