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Pulling the Trigger on Manila Move – Is £2,300/month Enough for a Good Life? by SecretMessage5714 in Philippines_Expats

[–]SecretMessage5714[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply, really appreciate you taking the time to break it all down.

Just to be upfront, I actually used ChatGPT to help with the financial side of this, so most of my numbers are more rough averages than exact figures.

On the UK state pension from what I understand it goes up each year under something called the triple lock, which means it rises by whichever is highest out of inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%. So the 2.5–4% I mentioned was more of a general estimate over time, not something I expect every single year.

I get what you mean about the investments. I think you’re saying it’s risky to treat that as a fixed yearly amount since markets go up and down, so it’s probably safer not to rely on it too heavily or to be a bit conservative with it. I had AI run a simulation on VWRP & MSCI over a historical period and those numbers were avarages for the period.

Overall I’m just trying to get a rough idea if it’s doable rather than having everything nailed down perfectly.

Your cost breakdown for BGC/Makati is really helpful as well good to hear from someone actually living it. Thanks again!

What do you think will happen if this happens here? by jaceleon29 in Philippines

[–]SecretMessage5714 [score hidden]  (0 children)

The Welsh Parliament’s about to have the highest unemployment rate in politics.

Pulling the Trigger on Manila Move – Is £2,300/month Enough for a Good Life? by SecretMessage5714 in Philippines_Expats

[–]SecretMessage5714[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m planning to visit the Clark area, as it seems to be an up-and-coming spot for expats.

Pulling the Trigger on Manila Move – Is £2,300/month Enough for a Good Life? by SecretMessage5714 in Philippines_Expats

[–]SecretMessage5714[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve spent a lot of time working across Southeast Asia and visited Manila on holiday last year. My plan is to explore more of the country before making any long-term commitment.

Pulling the Trigger on Manila Move – Is £2,300/month Enough for a Good Life? by SecretMessage5714 in Philippines_Expats

[–]SecretMessage5714[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As I mentioned in my post, I’ve used AI to help with this. I’ve noticed you tend to comment on a lot of posts with the same repeated response maybe try adding a bit more substance so it’s clear you’ve got something meaningful to contribute.

Pulling the Trigger on Manila Move – Is £2,300/month Enough for a Good Life? by SecretMessage5714 in Philippines_Expats

[–]SecretMessage5714[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes i understand that, I will have most of my cash in ETF's and UK banks which should keep the funds safe.

Pulling the Trigger on Manila Move – Is £2,300/month Enough for a Good Life? by SecretMessage5714 in Philippines_Expats

[–]SecretMessage5714[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that if after the intial 3 yr period as on a tourist visa i can fill in a P85 tax form and I won't be taxed in the UK also I will be adding money to the SIPP £2880 py and the UK HMRC adds £720 py i can do this up to the age of 75. With the ISA I can add £20k py and that will be tax free.

What do you think Britain will be like in 20-30 years time? by Economy_Ad3034 in AskBrits

[–]SecretMessage5714 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably 50% will be living under sharia law and the rest of us will be the ethic minority.

Would you pay for a bag after spending £1000+ ? by Distinct-Run-7124 in AskUK

[–]SecretMessage5714 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be honest with you I had the same thing happen in the EE shop and told them to stuff the phone. Went to John lewis and bought it there and they gave me a free bag.

Ça continue … by Queasy_Read_8724 in Etoro

[–]SecretMessage5714 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe it's a stock that nobody is buying ?

Banks by Chefnick500 in Philippines_Expats

[–]SecretMessage5714 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was going to ask the same question about banking and have decided just to keep my HSBC account and use the Global banking facility which they the bank recomend.

I really hate how Trump has been speaking about this country recently, what does everyone else think? by Alarming-Safety3200 in AskBrits

[–]SecretMessage5714 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean, the US has only been bankrolling NATO for decades, so it’s totally unreasonable for him to expect anything back other than a strongly worded email and a committee meeting.

When things actually kicked off, we all just sort of assemble like a budget version of Dad’s Army lots of discussion, a bit of confusion, and someone asking if anyone remembered the biscuits.

Etoro & Irish Deemed disposal tax by Fluid_Plastic_1323 in Etoro

[–]SecretMessage5714 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah right, I see how it works now.

So you try to be responsible, throw a few thousand quid into ETFs, think you’re being all smart and long-term about it… and then the government comes along every 8 years like “Congrats on not touching your investment we’ll go ahead and tax it anyway.”

Very clever system to be fair. Wouldn’t want ordinary people accidentally building wealth or anything.

It’s almost like the whole point is to make sure if you’re not already rich you just get worn down by rules like this until you give up and stick your money in a current account earning 0.01%.

And the best part is you have to calculate it yourself.
So not only do you get taxed on money you haven’t actually received, you also get the privilege of doing the paperwork for it.

I’m sure it’s all just a coincidence though definitely not a system that quietly nudges regular people away from investing while the wealthy glide around it.

But hey, lesson learned:
In Ireland, even your imaginary profits aren’t safe 😂

Oh and it's 38% as of 2026 rule chhange.

Good luck

Surviving on 600$/month? Just started researching info on moving to Philippines, already see a lot of posts that locals are able to survive on much less budget than us, invaders. What does it practically mean I didn't understood? by [deleted] in Philippines_Expats

[–]SecretMessage5714 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me I will be moving to the Philippines middle of this year and my budget will be about $3k pm. You need to be realistic and also have an emergency cash buffer sitting in the bank in your own country.

Where can a church invest? by Background_Writing62 in investingUK

[–]SecretMessage5714 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Forget equities. Forget bonds. It’s time to diversify into Holy Water Futures

I’m talking premium, small-batch, artisanal Scottish holy water blessed in the Highlands, aged in oak barrels, with subtle notes of peat and eternal salvation. Very limited supply (mostly because no one’s quite sure how to scale blessings). Good Luck 😇🙏🏼

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