I just spent my last £9k of dads inheritance getting a new block driveway laid. The temptation to spend it onProperty improvements can recoup the cost several times over, if the circumstances are right. Usually just before deciding to sell, if bits of it are looking tired.
as an isa or other investment tool..you most likely wont see F all from 5k worth of premium bonds , cats chance in hell of a decent win , bank interest wont be nothing on that , mrs has 5k in barlclays that pays 5% and its £20 a month !
id say pay off any credit cards etc first
I got my lathe that way. Seller's wife had left him and he found mountains of debts in joint names so he was selling everything off just so he could keep the house. I paid £500 and he gave me the purchase receipt as it was only a few months old so under warrantee. This was around 20 years ago.I've seen a few 'bargains' ie someone is selling a welder cheap because they have bailiffs on the way because the car finance is overdue.
I'd spend 50% of it on women and drink and waste the rest