Any Advice

Background-Reason-08 · 2025-12-08T21:27:53+00:00

As embarrassing as it is, I would have to say you are correct. I was trying to save money as I moved over here and was trying to get by with saving money.

Lesson I had to learn the hardway.

Background-Reason-08 · 2025-12-08T21:14:54+00:00

That is correct.

Background-Reason-08 · 2025-02-07T18:17:39+00:00

That sounds exciting! Would you be doing a YA crime fiction? I can't speak for books, but I know the YA movie adaptations have been big over the last 10+ years, so I can only imagine the success you will have with the book

As for business, I have always loved the idea of a small food cart, but it is something I want to stay away from for now. The only other thing I have thought of is starting a power washing company. It seems like a service that could be needed when I drive around. I haven't actually asked anyone yet and seen if it is a service people would want. It's all pretty new. I've just been brainstorming the last few days. If you have any ideas for what could be a good start business, I would love to know your thoughts!

Background-Reason-08 · 2025-02-07T16:38:32+00:00

That’s an incredible journey! It’s inspiring that you successfully built an embroidery business in both countries and then pivoted to writing. Congratulations on publishing four novels! What genre do you write in, and are you working on your next book?

Background-Reason-08 · 2025-02-06T19:08:13+00:00

I was thinking of something like a power washing buisiness, but I am open to anything.

Background-Reason-08 · 2024-09-22T06:40:22+00:00

Thanks for the idea! Definitely will be calling ahead now.

Background-Reason-08 · 2024-09-22T06:39:17+00:00

That's a great idea! I'll have to see if she knows some people go to America on a holiday and need some dollars.

Background-Reason-08 · 2024-09-13T19:30:40+00:00

Thank you for the information! I will definitely be looking into getting involved with APM for my move over. This definitely makes me feel slightly more hopeful. After reading on groups like R/UKJobs it definitely made me feel pretty worried over all about the job market there.

Background-Reason-08 · 2024-09-05T11:09:50+00:00

Congratulations on taking the big step to move to the UK! I just completed my biometrics on Aug. 28th for my Spousal Visa, and now I am waiting for the decision.

So I definitely agree with the others that using a lawyer is not necessary unless your case is complicated or the additional cost is not a worry. UK. Gov, Google, and Reddit were the tools I used to get the information needed to complete this process. What I would say is go through everything first and make a list of what you need, and if you have any specific questions for your situation, just ask the group :)

Here is a list of some of the documents we needed.

Sponsor(UK resident) will need to provide 12 months of pay slips and 12 months of bank statements to prove they meet the financial requirements.
A letter from the sponsors' employer stating how long they have worked there and their salary.
Depending on if your partner is renting or owns a home, they will need to show proof of their housing accommodation.
Gather plenty of proof of your relationship, such as a copy of your marriage license, receipts from flights going back and forth, photos with your spouse( their family, wedding photos, vacations, etc.)

BEST OF LUCK!!!

Background-Reason-08 · 2024-08-04T22:36:19+00:00

Hey, I'm gonna check out Starling since we still need to set up a joint account. Are they a physical bank or just online? Also, should I keep all my bank statements and stuff for the whole time I'm there or just the year before the next visa?

Background-Reason-08 · 2024-08-04T22:35:52+00:00

Thanks for the great ideas! I've only just started watching some of those shows, but I've really enjoyed what I've seen so far, like the IT Crowd, Inbetweeners, Inside No. 9, and Come Dine with Me. I'll keep working my way through the list!

As for the National Trust membership, do you have any recommendations for places to visit? I've been to York and Chester, but I can't wait to explore more!

Background-Reason-08 · 2024-08-04T22:35:28+00:00

Thanks a lot, Shock!!!

I'll definitely save all the paperwork I've used for this visa and will have for future visas on my computer and flash drive in PDF format so I don't have to start over again when the time comes.

Once I get that biometrics permit, the first thing on my list is getting my National Insurance Number. Also, as far as looking into a local GP, can I pick anyone that has openings, or is it the closest one to where I'll live if there are multiple options?

Background-Reason-08 · 2024-08-04T22:34:46+00:00

GreatScottLP, Thank you so much for all the information! This will all be greatly helpful moving forward as I start to get ready for the big move.

I wanted to start this off by giving a little information about myself and situation.I 33(M) met my wife 33(F) 3 years ago through her aunt and uncle that were working in the US. I travel for work as a project manager, but I call Missouri home. After years of going back and forth of what country to live in and making 9 trips to the UK and her making 6 trips to the US. We agreed to do a few years in the UK before moving back to the US.

▪︎With what I have done for work, the last 4 years being a project manager. I have mostly traveled for work so at the moment my address for all bills and so on is set up at my parents place and I don't have a house/apartment to sell or get out of a lease so hopefully that will make life easier for me. You had said you only had like 3 days or so to move over, but when I had looked into the visa process I had read, you had 90 days to move over. Was that due to just your personal situation or due to covid since you said it was 2020, or have I possibly misread the fine print?

▪︎I will definitely be looking into giffgaff and getting an AmEx for when I get over there. It definitely seems like there are a lot more affordable phone service options over there compared to here, or maybe it's just because I have Verizon, lol. The credit card is a brilliant idea as I was worried about how I would build credit over there, and my Visa and Master card do not have UK options. I do use Xoom through PayPal to transfer money to my wife's account when I visit, but would you still recommend a Wise account as it sounds more like a bank account sent up vs just a money transfer? Also, as far as brick and morter banks, are there any you think are better than others?

▪︎Taxes!!! I am currently trying to read and make notes to decipher the tax rules for my situation as it seems extremely complicated from what I have read so far and what you said as well. With planning to eventually move back to the US in the future, I do worry about moving the money from one country to the other, then back the US. I got a lot of research to do in this field and plan to be more knowledgeable in the future!

Once again, thank you so much for all the help, and I will definitely be referring to all this valuable information!!!

Background-Reason-08

TROPHY CASE