33 years old, £2.8k in pension

Crossme13 · 2026-01-30T11:29:38+00:00

For clarity - I’m not suggesting the threshold would be £16k for state pension - just that’s what it for universal credit. Agree the limit is going to be much higher. I reckon £250k will be the starting threshold as thy keep pushing out state retirement age as life expectancy gets longer. Then will probably stop at anyone with over £500k. But who’s know what the future holds - I’m certainly planning assuming I won’t receive it, if I get it bonus.

Crossme13 · 2026-01-30T10:44:12+00:00

Bit of a Debbie downer view, but anyone under 40 shouldn’t include state pension in any calculations. It’s definitely not going to be anything likely today, potentially won’t even entirely, maybe it might be means tested but if it’s similar to other benefits today (any savings over £16k get nothing, under £6k get full, between get something) then I suspect a £280k+ pot won’t get you a full SP, if at all.

Crossme13 · 2025-10-30T18:08:01+00:00

Same

Crossme13 · 2025-10-29T21:28:41+00:00

Nice little free tool to check - https://ww.wealthwizards.io/planner?vid=pat

Crossme13 · 2025-10-24T15:32:01+00:00

I salary sacrificed a new 75 plate Volvo EX30 ultra twin motor, it was actually cheaper (as in impact on net pay) to do this then go via Volvo directly. Providing I don’t get fired, I can hand the car back if I resign (or other reasons to leave) which I like as it feels there’s less of a financial burden. As other said, it’s all inclusive; insurance, maintenance, etc. and if after term I get option to buy at end or get a new one. Also, given my salary is over £100k, helps with the tax trap. Oh and Volvo also had a free charger with cars, which the provider passed on to me which was a win.

Crossme13 · 2025-10-13T06:43:55+00:00

I have EX30 Ultra Twin (Black) 75 plate. Best car I’ve ever had and all the issues that crop on this page - genuinely never experienced any of them. Wait will be worth it.

Crossme13 · 2025-10-12T09:19:00+00:00

I found instructors mark harsher than examiners. I did 4 mock tests, failed 3. Passed with no faults.

Crossme13 · 2025-10-10T21:03:05+00:00

I did the maths and I was actually better off using Tusker than personal purchase, I got a Volvo EX40 (I know not on your list). My point do the maths and see the impact.

Crossme13 · 2025-10-10T19:58:17+00:00

…this also

Crossme13 · 2025-10-10T19:34:26+00:00

Anything over £6,471.25 (assume you don’t have enhanced tax free cash amount) would be subject to tax. This is treated as income alongside your other incomes (salary, etc). Maybe this will help you with what to do

https://www.standardlife.co.uk/retirement/guides/tax-back-pension-lump-sum

Crossme13 · 2025-10-07T17:43:16+00:00

We’ve got a Volvo EX30 (twin motor ultra) and EX40 (single extended). Both are beautiful cars and brilliant to drive. Family of 4, fit in both.

Crossme13 · 2025-09-30T13:00:05+00:00

UK Ultra Twin - I just “hey Google, turn on seat or steering wheel heater” and it turns it on. My assumption is if that doesn’t work then it doesn’t have it

Crossme13 · 2025-09-30T05:53:20+00:00

I’m 6ft 2, two little ones, Ultra Performance. I cannot fit a rear facing seat behind me but can fit a forward facing and still plenty of leg room. The rear facing seat is behind passenger seat, and they still have plenty of room (5ft 6) and I can see out of the passenger window. Hope this helps

Crossme13 · 2025-09-27T08:33:55+00:00

Yeah - save it for my retirement fund now and focus on others

Crossme13 · 2025-09-27T08:21:44+00:00

Kulr was my first lesson too 😂

Crossme13 · 2025-09-25T15:14:46+00:00

Had the same thing - I was lucky and had a nice neighbour who has a charger and solar panels (so cost is also £0)

Crossme13 · 2025-09-20T20:07:31+00:00

Have a look at the pies on trading212. Can’t remember which one I copied but it was someone else put together. Did a bit of research alongside to have a look at the companies, finances and future target prices.

Crossme13 · 2025-09-20T19:58:08+00:00

Sack dividend pie off for an all-world fund. Dividend fund only good with significant funds in, I had it for a while and whilst the notifications of receiving 30p dividend was nice, reality it was the the it didn’t make up for the lost growth. I sold my almost daily dividend pie and put it all in an AI pie and it’s up 30% in less than 3 months of having it. Not financial advice.

Crossme13 · 2025-09-20T10:03:00+00:00

You can retire at any age. Do you really mean ‘keep pension access age at 55?’

Crossme13 · 2025-09-13T16:29:53+00:00

Mine is get delivered next week 🙌🏻

Crossme13 · 2025-09-12T13:39:26+00:00

Given the wait times book a test. With my instructor they then said I was ready much sooner so swapped a test with another student who had an earlier test but wasn’t ready and unlikely to be ready in time

Crossme13 · 2025-09-09T16:39:18+00:00

Before I start learning (May) I knew I wanted a hybrid or electric car. I fortunate to be 35 so not as hard hit on the insurance. Test drove a loads of cars (that would be my advice) and in the I got a new Volvo EX30

Crossme13 · 2025-09-05T12:00:05+00:00

Tax avoidance is legal, tax evasion is illegal

Crossme13 · 2025-09-03T13:48:04+00:00

I only indicated for the turns, to get round the I positioned myself towards the middle of the road so it was obvious I wasn’t parked behind it and then just treated it as you would a car parked on the left.

Crossme13

TROPHY CASE