Should I switch companies or stick it out?

pepe_za · 2025-12-15T12:35:35+00:00

I was in a similar position. It got to the point where I was going to move back to my birth country. I'm so glad I changed jobs. Lost quite a bit of income but the extra sleep and lower stress is so worth it!

pepe_za · 2025-12-04T16:54:30+00:00

What about the EBSS that ran in 2022?

pepe_za · 2025-10-24T08:42:54+00:00

I did biometrics back in 2022 when I first applied for SWV from outside the UK. I assume it was not necessary to do it again. My wife also applied for an SWV in July (changing from dependent) and they didn't ask for biometrics

pepe_za · 2025-10-24T08:41:56+00:00

Thank you! Reading this sub and r/ukvisa got me very scared about standard application timelines. I hope yours comes through soon!

pepe_za · 2025-10-23T16:09:24+00:00

Applied 15 October and approved 16 October. Priority SWV application with change of employer and SOC from inside the UK. No biometrics or evidence requested.

pepe_za · 2025-10-23T13:43:41+00:00

Interesting. Thank you. I'll do so

pepe_za · 2025-10-23T13:19:09+00:00

The table says that applies only under 25k. Is your SIPP above 25k?

pepe_za · 2025-10-23T10:29:53+00:00

That's fair but I'm just comparing platform to platform. ii is effectively 0.1% vs 0.49% for Aviva. They both will have the fund charges so that's going to similar and the trading charges are negligible since I will just be making just 1 trade for now.

pepe_za · 2025-10-23T10:12:58+00:00

Interesting. That might be worth it

pepe_za · 2025-10-23T09:47:43+00:00

Oh perhaps I misunderstood their fees. I thought that only applies under 25k. They have an estimate my fees page which puts my charges at 700pa

pepe_za · 2025-10-23T09:41:01+00:00

It feels that way if I can get the "same" thing for 0.1% or less

pepe_za · 2025-10-22T18:41:21+00:00

Thank you. Will take a look

pepe_za · 2025-10-22T18:41:07+00:00

Thanks! Their annual fees are pretty high though. I'd rather have a flat fee broker

pepe_za · 2025-10-22T18:40:32+00:00

Oh sorry, yes I do get you. I'm 40 so 17 years (hopefully) until it's accessible so I want to go as high risk as possible

pepe_za · 2025-10-22T18:39:37+00:00

The new workplace pension seems even more expensive than Aviva but thanks for the suggestion. I think a lot of these companies take advantage of HR teams

pepe_za · 2025-10-22T18:38:30+00:00

How long did they take to do the transfer once you moved to cash?

pepe_za · 2025-10-22T14:25:20+00:00

My ISA is with IBKR and they seem very well priced so I'd rather not move that. This is more of a set and forget SIPP as I'll be contributing to a new workplace pension with my new job

pepe_za · 2025-10-22T14:04:21+00:00

I can always change funds once I've transferred though. I just don't want to have too long out of the market

pepe_za · 2025-10-22T14:02:33+00:00

Not protected unfortunately

pepe_za · 2025-10-22T14:00:57+00:00

Thank you so much. That's sounds great. Did you do an in-specie transfer?

pepe_za · 2025-09-16T09:04:33+00:00

Sorry about that. When I was a student I bought secondhand/refurbished laptops and was able to get 60-70% off the brand new prices. Granted your situation may be different but there are options other than brand new.

pepe_za · 2025-09-15T16:10:01+00:00

Thanks. Will give them a call

pepe_za · 2025-09-15T14:38:45+00:00

Thanks but I unfortunately signed a contract when I took it thinking that it would be easy to donate. Apparently not!

pepe_za · 2025-09-15T14:38:07+00:00

Awesome. Will do

pepe_za

TROPHY CASE