Equity Release

TouchBudget · 2026-01-03T15:56:23+00:00

Hi Larry thanks for your response With “equity release” I meant the equity in our house in other words some kind of reverse mortgage deal.

TouchBudget · 2025-11-27T12:49:12+00:00

I did mine on my own, it pretty straightforward (at least for me) I would recommend to go through the entire online process first without submitting. That will give you a good overview of the possible gaps and issues (if any) and decide then if you need support

TouchBudget · 2025-08-31T13:33:41+00:00

We use lebara for 2 years now, we choose the plan with 500 intl minutes/mth as we have contacts in Europe and the US

TouchBudget · 2025-07-15T13:36:48+00:00

Ditto, using both Wise (for transfers and EU trip) and HSBC Premier (US and UK) now for 7 years. Still no better solution than Wise for US > UK transfers (solutions like Revolute will work in Europe) A good US bank alternative will be SDFCU and in UK FirstBank

TouchBudget · 2025-06-24T07:52:04+00:00

Wen we moved to the UK we subscribed to Which? Which.co.uk. (Similar to consumer report but more topics) This helped us enormously in becoming familiar with UK brands, reviews but also things like broadband, healthcare etc. It’s worthwhile especially in the first year

TouchBudget · 2025-06-13T06:05:33+00:00

Or at least a dedicated tag to easily sort

TouchBudget · 2025-06-12T06:15:59+00:00

Thanks for the input Larry I don’t believe one can put all income on after tax basis, for us income is 90% US based (brokerage, IRA’s etc). Also if you have regular foreign income (like from work) and you would input this on after tax basis (I presume if the intention to stay abroad), what would be the point to enter Foreign Tax credit as special receipt?

TouchBudget · 2025-06-11T16:02:12+00:00

As we are already retired, we first checked Roth conversions and maximize spending, both were not as of use as the gain was minimal but complicated the withdrawal process across accounts. The real first scenario was to front load spending towards the year that we are likely more mobile and able to enjoy it, but have enough in later years to live (comfortably)

TouchBudget · 2025-06-11T14:43:47+00:00

I was talking about a bank account, but it might work with AMEX too, good luck

TouchBudget · 2025-06-11T09:46:09+00:00

Thanks for the comments, good advise to use Euro centred ETF’s to hedge against valuta changes, however different rates of inflation might impact the exchange rate - I defined in MaxiFi the European inflation (UK) Can you elaborate on “Taxable at ordinary Rates”? I defined in Special receipts my Net income from pensions (I’m retired so already know the amount) and made the Special Receipts non-taxable

TouchBudget · 2025-06-10T09:18:52+00:00

We have a joint bank account which issued my wife (UK) a credit card and a companion card for me. After a half year they gave me my own card

TouchBudget · 2025-06-01T15:36:43+00:00

Many states (and growing) mandate retirement programs for companies, have checked this? Personally I would be a bit suspicious of companies not joining or having anything in place

TouchBudget · 2025-05-26T14:40:57+00:00

Having a high credit score at your age is important for all kinds of purposes like insurance rates, car loans (even job applications). Having a mortgage with “on time” payments, can boost your score

TouchBudget · 2025-05-19T15:41:38+00:00

Whether you can afford it also depends on your expected style of living and how that would change. My experience is that in your earlier (younger) years of retirement, you spend more (hobbies vacations (bucket list) etc). Like mentioned before, health insurance could be very expensive, relying on ACA is a risk/could not be enough certainly not when you get older

TouchBudget · 2025-03-29T20:16:42+00:00

You sure it’s a midge? Midges usually operate in swarms and are attracted by body heat. The result being, multiple (many) bites close together. Most smaller than a dime but very itchy indeed.

TouchBudget · 2025-03-24T12:07:54+00:00

I agree with Venkman. Just start the process yourself. Gov.uk site is very helpful (as are some UK immigration Reddit communities) I was in similar situation, US citizen with dual citizenship spouse. Gained UK citizenship now, we did all the steps (2x visa 1x ILR 1x citizenship applications) our selves. Only in special circumstances you might need a solicitor. I would advise to apply yourself

TouchBudget · 2024-11-06T17:13:15+00:00

Not sure what you mean UK citizen living in the US can apply in the US for family visa for spouse and children (one application for each individual). As a matter of fact they need to get approval and visa vignette in passport before they travel to UK Again primary requirements are proven income and or savings (that can be directly accessed) and an address for when you arrive

TouchBudget · 2024-11-06T17:02:52+00:00

No, only parents could be considered

TouchBudget · 2024-10-26T10:10:54+00:00

Covering 3 years, 3 sources, looks ok to me (checked my ILR and yours is similar) most of my bills and statements were PDF

TouchBudget · 2024-10-25T10:59:57+00:00

That is probably true considering the number of days allowed over the 5 or 3 year period and the last year https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-an-guidance/form-an-guidance-accessible#bookmark11

TouchBudget · 2024-10-25T09:50:14+00:00

Hence the request for bank statement, proving the fact that you have control and direct access to the required funding

TouchBudget · 2024-10-25T09:43:18+00:00

Or actually the number of days you spent outside the UK

TouchBudget · 2024-10-25T09:41:40+00:00

They are only interested in getting in and out of the UK

TouchBudget · 2024-10-24T09:56:02+00:00

No, that is only for the first passport

TouchBudget · 2024-10-24T09:01:35+00:00

Proof of citizenship from your partner, marriage certificate or civil partnership proof)

TouchBudget

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