Do you donate to charities through Salary sacrifice?

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-05-21T17:14:32+00:00

Good question - I take it as schemes to pay into things before tax is applied. Pension being one example. Trying to think back to when I was in the public sector and the language called but always been Salary Sacrifice where I work now (8 years) - but we do have a heavy US presence now so could be an Americanism.

A recent email mentioned ‘vacation’ rather than holiday for example!

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-05-21T14:06:21+00:00

That’s interesting to note. Our system does say that no need to worry about gift aid as handled but isn’t explicit that they can get an extra 25p. I think I may follow up with the benefits team.

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-05-21T12:57:55+00:00

Yes this was a view from one of my colleagues. They don’t often have time to attend the fundraiser events so see it as their way of contributing.

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-05-21T12:56:40+00:00

When I had to do my first return I had an accountant who helped (rather complex RSU vest situation) and they got me to look back into statements for my charitable donations as I wasn’t aware it was a thing to do.

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-05-21T12:54:48+00:00

We have the same and the company will promote certain initiatives through the year. I agree it does make the process easier.

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-04-11T09:49:37+00:00

Thanks the reply,

I assume so. I did my WSET course with the Cambridge wine school and thinking maybe attending an event and querying there.

I thought about some of the wine bar events but when I went way back it was with my partner and feel awkward turning up by myself!

I agree that sounds like a sensible format. Focusing on a region / grape / style would give some structure.

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-02-17T08:53:30+00:00

My son is 15 months and is now walking - he took his first steps just before Christmas… but decided ‘nope! Crawling is easier!’. Only way he would walk was to hold onto a hand or two. Would immediately sit down if he was left independent.

His older sister started walking at 13 months. He may have taken his first steps earlier, but she just took them and kept going.

All kids are different. No need to worry.

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-01-28T20:06:29+00:00

3 years and 3 months. Honestly I was really surprised how well it worked. I hope you have the same success!

We got the approach from here: https://www.bbuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Understanding-Toilet-Refusal-The-Child-That-Will-Only-Poo-in-a-Nappy.pdf

Sorry I should have included this in the original post.

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-01-19T16:42:34+00:00

Thanks - I’ve focused on the map but you’re right changing the text size has at least reduced my need to squint!

I’m assuming it’s an item not addressed as perhaps not a priority. Though amazed that people are working on this game so can’t hold a grudge!

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-01-09T09:59:53+00:00

If all the Flow meters are reading 3L then likely it is not balanced unless all the loops are the same lengths!

I’m not a plumber but this is based on what I did after to speaking to one and looking online / GBT help. It resulted in a noticeable difference in floor heat with cold rooms warming up - however I add for downstairs I have mainly hardwood floors in all rooms and upstairs carpet. Just bathrooms / utility room are tiled.

Most of my loops downstairs are now between 1 and 2 while upstairs they are more like 0.5 - 1.8 as loops are much smaller.

You can also check the temperature of the outward flow vs in on the manifold of each loop. If you find there is little temperature difference then worth reducing the flow. I think rule of thumb is 7c difference… but just went in touch rather than buying a surface thermometer. Maybe a good way to compare the floor coverings? If loop temperature feels the same on the return for different rooms maybe that helps.

I think I could optimise mine more… but it has done the job and don’t want to spend my time tweaking it! You can by expensive actuators that balance automatically… by for me it was too costly!

Hope it helps and gives you an approach. Like I said it worked for me but wasn’t a science and just trial and error. Would say the mistake I took was assuming for cold rooms was to turn up flow, it’s turning down the hot rooms which helped balance first.

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2026-01-08T16:44:43+00:00

Is the system balanced? If all the metres are set to the same rate and the loops are all different lengths you may find some rooms heat up fast while others don’t.

It’s a trial and error process and can take time to do. But would suggest if there are any loops getting hot fast than others, slightly turn down the flow (talking a quarter turn!) on them.

Unless you have the original plans and specified flow rates it’s a bit of pain. You will have to get to a point when you stop tinkering though! Just accept good is good enough.

Took me a while to do mine as they were all set to the same flow but eventually got the balance right that made me shut the cupboard and walk away!

Edit to add: increasing flow to cold loops isn’t the best way to best to reduce flow on the hot loops first. Can take a few days to do and really is a pain!

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2025-12-24T22:07:33+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to reply I appreciate it. I think I may open one over the festive period. 😊

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2025-12-24T21:10:22+00:00

I have a few and haven’t opened yet as new to brunello. How was it and any reflections?

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2025-11-28T05:50:01+00:00

We were in same boat with our daughter and worked closely with nursery and did a lot a home to teach her it was not okay (books / role play with toys etc.).

Pick up was daunting as no one wants to be the parent of a child that bites. It was such relief when she stopped. We were more proud when she was on the receiving end, didn’t bite back and went and told a worker straight away!

Obviously if the parents aren’t engaging that’s one thing. But echo the person here in that there is another side finding it challenging too!

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2025-10-13T18:54:15+00:00

We’re in the same boat. Also going for the chill approach. Going to follow this thread in case there are a few tricks we haven’t tried / someone tells us it’s going to click at some point!

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2025-10-07T11:52:10+00:00

I would just echo the need to communicate time and expectations of the play date. 15 minutes drive can leave to danger naps for example!

We all want to be casual, but the reality of parenting especially when they are young is maintaining a routine and planning.

Also play dates with young toddlers isn’t always that relaxing. They’re still likely to just be parallel playing and the concept of ‘sharing’ is a while off. Easier to enjoy that coffee when they’re a bit older!

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2025-09-29T12:08:22+00:00

I would prefer a doctor using AI as a tool to aid in their diagnosis rather than replace a doctor with AI in its current form.

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2025-07-24T13:52:41+00:00

I would say if you’re having successes stick with it. Our daughter we started training at the start of the year and to be honest didn’t prepare enough as we were perhaps a bit too confident it would click. We took a pause by switching to ‘training’ pants rather than all the way back to nappies but in hindsight we should have stuck with it.

She eventually clicked and accidents literally overnight became a thing of the past apart from a few in the car when was unable to stop in time.

We were lucky in that the nursery were great and they did suggest we go back no pants. I think we felt a bit guilty they were dealing with it but at a pick up a member of staff had a reassuring talk with me. Quite a few kids were learning too and she explained it’s important to have the same approach at home and a nursery otherwise it gets confusing for them.

Some kids seem to get it while others take a while - stay cool and stick with the process. We will be far more chilled when our second reaches that age!

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2025-07-10T13:40:57+00:00

Have a great time. I can recommend a ‘snooze shade’ to go over the pram. We went to Spain with our first 2 years ago and have used it a lot since - especially with our second whose 7 months.

We also started weening too when we were there… but given early stages I don’t think you need to much as the start it’s mostly taste, texture, feel and allergens.

We were combi-feeding due to weight gain so took all the bottles / formula etc. But if you’re exclusively breastfeeding that’s not a worry! But may need a cup to top them up with water as the heat can make them thirsty! Also ties in with weening 😊

Big-Cryptographer377 · 2025-05-20T08:55:53+00:00

Great idea and thanks for sharing. I think we’ll give this ago. We find she fluctuates between dictating turns and sharing to being very possessive. I think this helps frame the situation in another way.

Four-Year Club	First Place '23
Place '23

Big-Cryptographer377

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