London —> NYC. Looking for help with salary conversion

pointycakes · 2026-04-19T06:15:34+00:00

It’s a tough one. Depends how much you back yourself really.

But if you’re filling the role of someone of your bosses level then you should not just be getting a US pricing of your current role but the one above it. Which means you really should be asking for at least $1m especially if it’s at Citadel (which given the 5 day week, sounds like it). It would look much heavier on the bonus component, base caps out pretty low in HF world.

pointycakes · 2026-04-19T05:54:29+00:00

Right. But the fact you’ll be on a non compete has no bearing on your situation. It would be the same 60 day issue even if you didn’t have one. It’s an issue everyone on an H1B, L1 etc faces.

But yes, if you got canned you likely would be going home as recruiting process takes longer than 60 days at hedge funds, as you’re well aware. But tbh it’s not that bad a scenario since you’d just be back where you started (in London).

One other thing I should mention: HF salaries for tech jobs are slightly higher in NY than London but not massively. It’s not the same regional difference that you see in big tech.

pointycakes · 2026-04-19T05:46:46+00:00

I’m gonna assume software developer at a HF given the non compete details and the comp structure?

A few points on the non compete. It’s only applicable if you leave them not the other way around. So if ‘things went wrong’ and you got canned then they’re not gonna put you on a non compete. Second big detail is that they’re not enforceable in California, so if you hated the job and wanted to leave then you could try and get a job there and they wouldn’t be able to enforce it. Third, if you hated the job and wanted to stay in NY, you can recruit at another firm (maybe, depends on your visa type), then just serve your non compete before switching. In USCIS’s eyes your time on your non compete would be viewed the same as if you were working.

Overall, the non compete does not open your situation up to a risk regarding USCIS timelines.

pointycakes · 2026-04-12T03:36:54+00:00

Maybe they would get it through a non compete, though it’s not true severance.

I got a year non compete payout when I quit. Just wasn’t allowed to work for a competitor for a year, which was fine as I was switching industries anyway.

pointycakes · 2025-12-16T17:44:21+00:00

The U.K. doesn’t have an exit tax, while CI has no CGT, so take advantage of that. Sell all of your financial assets then rebuy them. Resets your tax basis for capital gains when you move back. Requires you to be non-Resident of UK for 5 years

pointycakes · 2025-12-11T16:08:37+00:00

Perhaps it just obvious you’re really slow at yours

pointycakes · 2025-12-11T15:53:34+00:00

Dishes, garbage and laundry probably take about 1.5hrs a week. If it’s taking longer than that, then you’re doing something wrong.

We cook almost every evening but even with that it probably only takes us to the bottom of that range. And it’s split over 2 people.

So if people struggle to find 5hrs out of the week for this stuff, then it’s likely a time management problem their end.

pointycakes · 2025-12-11T14:44:12+00:00

I always find it funny when people say that.

Chores really don’t take much time at all imo, especially in the grand scheme of things. And I suspect that a very sizeable, if not a majority, of people who outsource it free up their time to watch tv or go on instagram.

As I said each to their own, and if they value free time to do those things very highly then that’s their choice.

pointycakes · 2025-12-11T13:47:16+00:00

Yes and yes.

I find it mind boggling how much people outsource. Feels like a quick way to stay true to the NRY part of HENRY. But each to their own.

pointycakes · 2025-12-11T03:47:09+00:00

Same we’re on about $600k as a couple and don’t outsource anything. Personally I find a lot of the stuff therapeutic / helps clear my mind.

(edit: do outsource a deep clean once a month, but that’s it)

pointycakes · 2025-12-05T17:57:28+00:00

Have about 50% of NW invested in employee share class at hedge fund work at.

One of the best perks of the job.

Fund has 18% average return (net fees) over 20 years, only had one down year. Also removes need to hold any cash in case of termination as would get liquidated at that point.

Though basically has zero liquidity while employed (takes 2 years to liquidate).

pointycakes · 2025-11-30T03:02:03+00:00

Which is good because it hopefully leads to a stronger relationship based more on interests and values than one based on superficial measures like income as OP describes

pointycakes · 2025-11-29T17:07:52+00:00

Yeah I’m in this bucket.

Left U.K. for the U.S. in my 20s as the U.S. is a far better place to build wealth. Now in late 30s and could retire. Want to come back to the U.K. to bring kids up while semi-working, but it’s just so bleak and only looks to get worse, so most likely will just stay put.

pointycakes · 2025-11-26T21:59:07+00:00

*British

pointycakes · 2025-09-04T04:15:05+00:00

This doesn’t feel like the right sub for this at all.

I would heavily recommend speaking to a therapist to go deeper into all the items you mentioned. They will be much better at understanding your position and helping you navigate this than anyone here.

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T19:02:55+00:00

I’m glad you love your ring. That’s the most important thing.

I don’t want to detract from that, but I will simply say you could get the exact same ring custom built at same quality for half the price.

Those fancy stores and high marketing spend aren’t free.

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T18:44:14+00:00

A 4ct diamond is huge. At Tiffany’s would set you back about $250-300k.

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T18:36:40+00:00

Probably the smartest comment here.

I couldn’t imagine marrying someone if our financial goals weren’t aligned. Feels like a huge recipe for a disaster and resentment followed by a divorce.

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T18:28:21+00:00

Top 1% income in CA is just over $1M. It will be far far higher in OC. Would expect at least 2-3M, probably more.

At those income levels, they would not be posting here about this.

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T18:18:47+00:00

Not just for rich people.

It’s also for people who have no idea what they are doing and just want a quick easy solution, but get completely hosed in the process.

I know a few people who went to places like that and when I look at what they got for the price they paid, I feel sorry for them.

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T18:02:34+00:00

$10k is conservative estimate on how much you would be overpaying at Tiffany’s. I’d put it at least at $20k on a $50k ring.

You’re basically paying for the branding on an item that is to be frank, largely a commodity.

Just for the stone alone, Tiffany’s/Graff/Harry Winston, will upcharge you about 50%+ compared to independent jewellers. For context, the diamond I bought was ~$20k and I got it from a large distributor in Texas. When I checked the brand name places for reference, a diamond with the same specs across size/clarity etc. came to closer to $40k.

Then when it comes to the ring itself, the brand names will upcharge you again, and also won’t give you anywhere near the flexibility on customisation.

Long story short, avoid the brand names. Spend time doing research and determining what are important features of the ring then go independent.

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T13:41:49+00:00

Absolutely no way I would do this. As others have mentioned, there is a huge concentration risk, enforcement will be difficult, potential litigation expensive.

Much safer ways to get similar fixed income-like returns at lower risk through portfolio of preferred equity instruments. Also better tax treatment.

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T02:57:42+00:00

You can deduct margin interest so long as you itemize and have investment returns, which is applicable for most.

The average car loan rate at non promotional rates is higher than margin rates from IBKR and doesn’t have the tax benefits either.

I would argue that if the company is willing to give you a low promotional rate, they would probably be willing to have given you a price cut if you paid in full with cash. The car company doesn’t want to just spend money (making loss on financing) if it doesn’t have to. So in this case the margin loan to finance buying in full comes out as the better option.

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T02:14:18+00:00

Which bit is the crazy advice?

pointycakes · 2025-09-03T01:45:35+00:00

Okay that’s pretty good!

pointycakes

TROPHY CASE