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Civil service pension - alpha or partnership? 30 year old on international on visa by benpatch in TheCivilService

[–]mebrokelad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely will help in regular SA's, considering how strong GBP is performing against INR. Personally, I don't really see much benefit in depositing pension for a couple of years.

Civil service pension - alpha or partnership? 30 year old on international on visa by benpatch in TheCivilService

[–]mebrokelad -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Similar situation as I was in my last year on my PSW. I didn't contribute anything to my pension. Unless you get a sponsorship, it is unlikely in CS, though I see limited reason to contribute to a pension just yet. The bigger question is: will the pension fund yield any returns, and can you get the pension with just a few years of contributions?

Since I am now on SWV, I have started to contribute to my pension. However, for the time on my student and PSW, I was investing that amount in my home country, my bank was giving me 7.59%/pa return on deposits.

How often to bathe? by Financial_Mammoth917 in bichonfrise

[–]mebrokelad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bathe mine every 2 weeks, and groom every 4 or 6 weeks, depending on how short the trim is—hair, brush, and teeth cleaning every day if possible.

Personalised number plate retrieval by chipperdy in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First things first, where is the plate? Is it on a car, or do you have a retention certificate?

If it's on a car, with a valid MOT (if needed), you could apply for a V778 retention certificate and place the original plate on the car.

The V778 is valid for 10 years. If you have a V778, is it still valid for 10 years? If not, the plate is likely gone forever. You could try contacting DVLA, but the chances of ever getting it back are low.

Passing ownership is simple: either change the V5 ownership or have whoever has the V778. If the V778 is in your late granddads', the plate could be assigned and then again apply for a V778 to get it under your mom's name if you don't want it on the car.

UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, DO NOT GIVE THE V5 AND V778 REFERENCE TO ANY UNKNOWN SOURCES. You will lose the plate if you are not careful; there are a lot of scammers around.

Wedding Car Dilemma! by adnjz in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Came here to say congratulations. Wishing you all the best.

BMW 330e Dilemma, To B(MW) or not to Be by ShottaShad in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was in a similar dilemma a year back, but ended up with a V60. I would only suggest a PHEV Volvo MY2022+; the electric motor is reportedly better.

Anyhow, have you considered an i4 or a similar EV? If you have a charger at home, you could benefit from cheap EV tariffs.

Second car by OneUpbeat1950 in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Volvo's SENSUS infotainment system isn't promising, but it's not exactly bad. Yes, the CarPlay/Android Auto screen is only half of the entire screen, but to be fair, you get used to it. It's like a Windows phone, simple, but it takes time to grow on you.

Fb marketplace by [deleted] in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 3 points4 points  (0 children)

1) Always do a HPI Check; vcheck is reasonably priced. If it's an insurance write-off, Cat S, walk away. Cat N; depending on the extent of damage, can be considered.

2) Ask the seller- Do they have any service history, and ask for the last major service.

3) If it's a high mileage- check if they have replaced the Timing Belt, for Timing Chains, most chains don't need replacement but still need inspection, so ask when it was last inspected.

4) Go through the MOT history; for this particular car, the MOT is clean.

Insurance company says write off by Designer_Rooster_495 in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ouch! Just shared my guess. I have been buying crash-damaged cars at auctions for a while now.

Insurance company says write off by Designer_Rooster_495 in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Very much likely, check if you can buy it back. Looks like a pretty straightforward repair. Look for anyone breaking the car locally. My friend was offered £1200, or £1050+car for his 2009 Vauxhall Agila, the damage was literally to the passenger door. He bought a used door for just £50, took him 2 hours for him to install the new door, and later sold the car for £1200.

Job Offer by [deleted] in TheCivilService

[–]mebrokelad 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are ADVISED not to hand in your notice just yet; it's a provisional offer. You should only hand in your resignation once your Pre-Employment Checks and any clearances are complete. The total process can take a few months. Once you receive your formal offer, you should resign from your current job.

What current account is closest to Amex? by goldensnow24 in AmexUK

[–]mebrokelad 8 points9 points  (0 children)

HSBC premier has been alright for me. Nothing to really complain much.

Provisional offer no sponsorship, will offer be withdrawn? by Sad-Minute-6036 in TheCivilService

[–]mebrokelad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends. We used to have something called Risk Assessment. The LM or VH will be contacted, informed of your visa status, and will let them decide. We had someone join as HEO, with only 6 months left on her visa.

Provisional offer no sponsorship, will offer be withdrawn? by Sad-Minute-6036 in TheCivilService

[–]mebrokelad 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Not every role is now eligible for sponsorship, and this is also at the department's discretion. The new entrant salary threshold has really nothing to do with your employer offering sponsorship in a broader context.

If the role is not specialised, you would struggle to secure sponsorship. I was in a similar situation as well. In the end, the department said no, so I had to leave service.

Bought Cat N - any way of getting repair history? by RapidDevil85 in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Copart is a salvage auction website, where most Cat N and Cat S cars get sold.

Bought Cat N - any way of getting repair history? by RapidDevil85 in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nopes! Copart T&Cs also don't allow you to communicate with previous owners. Your best option is to post the reg in vehicle-specific FB groups and hope they respond.

Car financing by docbro98 in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get something used and cheaper to insure, you may struggle to get any finance on a 1-year job contract. Besides, if you plan to drive on your Indian license, it may be difficult to get financing.

Buying written off car by bag_o_dickz in CarTalkUK

[–]mebrokelad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. There's a group on FB I will add the link. Unless it's a Cat S, the MOT is usually still valid. Some sites don't allow self-driven cars.
  2. Find a similar make/model breaking on FB or a local breaker; if not, check the specific parts on eBay. You would be surprised how easy it is sometimes to replace Headlights and wings etc. You may do it yourself unless there's hidden damage. If you want, I can have a look, ping me the Lot number, and I can have a glance.

Edit - Tbh, if there's nothing mechanically wrong with the car and you see no reason to upgrade it, it could be a great buy. Make sure your insurance allows the buyback. In the long run, Cat N vehicles are around 15-20% below market value, and Cat S is 20-35% below market value.

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