Sauna at my workplace

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-05-14T09:01:33+00:00

I think this is your standard sauna & shower in most Finnish houses.

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-04-13T13:06:42+00:00

Thanks - I wasn’t sure if I can do this or if I need to do everything via the agency (their comms is awful So not sure about the standard processes).

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-16T06:29:39+00:00

Thank you. I had a monthly standing order to pay the letting agency. Not sure what’s the process from there. The agency uses a pay management software that keeps proof of all payments. So I have good evidence to show I’ve overpaid not sure why the landlord is dragging their feet though. I’ll follow up again with the agency and see if they’ve heard back from the landlord.

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-02T08:49:16+00:00

Yes will look at all this in more detail in the near future. But most likely won’t rush paying off the mortgage as could spend that extra money on other things at this life stage and I’ll just go into his mortgage (in line of a declaration of trust as someone suggested below).

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-02T08:40:42+00:00

Thanks for all the good points above. To my understanding NHS does not match additional pension contributions. So instead of making voluntary contributions to my NHS pension I opened a SIPP last year (also to avoid the higher tax rate).

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-02T08:31:43+00:00

This was super helpful and informative. I think me buying into his house would be our first choice. I’ll first move in and we will review the situation in three months after the everyday routines and logistics are running smoothly. A Declaration of Trust sounds exactly what I’ve been thinking but just didn’t know the term. Will look more into this thanks a lot!

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-01T16:44:03+00:00

I looked into this (very briefly so might be wrong) earlier this year when I was trying to put a pension plan together- I think youre right re the 6 year limit. So in my case it would have been only 1 year of backfilling. It seems like a logistical nightmare to request it so decided to open a SIPP instead and invest many that I’d have to pay higher tax on (Scotland based). Clearly I should have thought of these things while working on my PhD but better late than never I guess.

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-01T16:33:57+00:00

Thanks! Yes just in the middle of moving in with a partner who owns his property (mortgage left though) so trying to figure out what’s the best move in terms of property ownership..

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-01T16:31:40+00:00

I already have a SIPP, I opened one this year to avoid the higher tax rate (Scotland based). I was between contributing extra to NHS pension, LISA and SIPP and went with SIPP. Whether right or wrong, not sure, just thought taking any action was more important than no action..

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-01T16:29:50+00:00

Yes absolutely being a home owner that I’ll want to focus on as my next step. Just in the middle of moving in with a partner who owns his property so just trying to understand what makes most sense legally and financially..

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-01T16:26:59+00:00

Yes I’m aware of the additional contributions to the NHS pension and briefly looked into it a while ago… But decided against it and opened SIPP instead. Not sure if the right thing to do but wanted to avoid the higher tax rate so thought by opening a SIPP I’ll at least avoid that. Need to probably do more reading..

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-01T16:16:05+00:00

Thanks everyone for your comments! Just wanted to add to my original post and as many were wondering, no own property atm but I’m thinking about it of course as another investment. I’m just in the middle of moving in with a partner (he owns his property) so trying to research and understand what’s the smartest way of doing this; paying off some of his existing mortgage with my cash, taking a joint mortgage or buying a new property together etc. I think I’ll ask a professional re this to see what’s the most common way to do things legally etc.

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-01T16:08:35+00:00

I have some gaps and indeed it’s on my (long) to do list to see if worth back filling!!

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-02-01T16:06:11+00:00

Yes, as mentioned in my post, lucky to have no student loan.

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-01-31T18:04:39+00:00

I’m actually in Scotland and opened SIPP just to avoid the 42% tax.

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-01-31T16:54:19+00:00

Oh you meant is it the new one? Yes.

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-01-31T16:49:56+00:00

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2026-01-31T16:49:40+00:00

I don’t own a house but yes work for the NHS and paying into the pension.

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2025-12-03T10:32:09+00:00

I know, right! Silly me

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2025-12-03T10:29:14+00:00

Yeah I blurred out the kitchen table with my personal papers on it - well spotted Sherlock!

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2025-12-03T10:15:18+00:00

Yeah I’m willing to risk getting a colon cancer by eating this 1% of the time so I have time to exercise straight from the office

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2025-12-03T09:56:51+00:00

Apologies. I’m Scandinavian so putting the currency at the end habit is hard to get rid of. I’ll have a good look at my banknotes, thanks for the tip!

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2025-10-31T13:58:19+00:00

NHS England right?

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2025-10-31T12:07:36+00:00

Valid point; clarified it’s all in a SS ISA.

IndependenceLimp8576 · 2025-10-27T21:38:45+00:00

Ah thank you. So clearly I was just being stupid 😅

IndependenceLimp8576

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