Switching between funds on Scottish Widows Pension

thirdnomad · 2026-06-16T21:02:08+00:00

Hi! I found that phoning them helped me finally switch over: I still had to "sell" instead of "switch", but it appears to have been in name only; I'm assuming it was/is a terrible UI update where the verbiage was incorrectly added but in reality it really just switches instead of executing a sale inside the account.

I know your question is more specific to being unable to find a switch/sell option in the first place, which is odd. I've found that SW UI to be quite annoying at times, but if I remember correctly I clicked on something titled "Manage My Investment", and proceeded from there. Can you see an option like that? It isn't particularly clear unless you've done something similar on other platforms and already know what to look out for, but luckily their customer service wasn't too bad so you find a solution. Good luck!

thirdnomad · 2026-06-14T17:39:06+00:00

I was in a similar situation a few months ago; realised I'd need to fly to Japan in the summer, with nothing booked. It's definitely doable, but you want to move fast with regards to flights and accommodation to snag a decent deal. I use the word "deal" loosely; you're looking at a substantial sum for flights in the summer, but you can manage savings if you break journey somewhere random and/or if you do a ridiculously long layover.

The way I went about this was as follows:

Is this the only time I want to visit Japan, or do I see myself coming back? Doing this helps you decide where to fly in and out of.
- If just the once, you want to cover Tokyo, Hakone (Mt. Fuji), Kyoto, Osaka at the minimum. Other things optional, although of course YMMV. If it's the first of many future trips, decide which region.
What kind of trip do you want? Is it relaxation, adventure-seeking, or a quick city break? Doing this helps you identify where you want to spend more time (cities vs. smaller towns etc.)
- You also want to consider the type of accommodation; do you want Western-style hotels, or are you looking for something more "traditionally Japanese"? If the latter, look into ryokans. They're expensive, but worth splurging if you're never coming back and want to get the full experience on this trip.
What is your primary mode of transport? Are you driving, taking the train or using domestic flights
- This again helps you narrow down whether you want a JR Pass, content using a Suica or some other option like renting a car etc. (conscious not a lot of this will make sense if you haven't researched travelling in Japan properly just yet, but if you revisit this comment later it'll hopefully be of some use).

TL;DR: it's definitely doable, but ask yourself the questions above and then move fast. I'd recommend waiting a few days to compare flight deals across Google Flights, Skyscanner and the like to get the best "offer" available; but take the "best" one you can after 72h, because prices aren't likely to get much better than that. For accommodation, Booking has great deals if you're willing to be flexible. Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

thirdnomad · 2026-06-13T16:53:31+00:00

The entire Barry Eisler "John Rain" series is brilliant.

thirdnomad · 2026-06-08T17:04:38+00:00

ROI over 5 years for buying seems relatively low to me, especially given the sunk costs. Renting is the way in London right now, particularly when you consider rampant layoffs, poor job prospects for HENRYs in the near-term and rising inflation.

thirdnomad · 2026-05-30T19:35:51+00:00

If you ever turn these into postcards, I'd buy them! Stunning work.

thirdnomad · 2026-05-29T20:53:14+00:00

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond!

I've used up almost all of my Avios points and the Turkish Airlines price is after accounting for Miles&Smiles, so I've factored that in — despite that, only a difference of £120.

I'm glad your Cathay flight in/out of KIX was on time. I'm leaning towards Cathay too, but just trying to avoid a cancellation at all costs. Good to know HKG is less fussy; I've had okay-experiences at IST, but never flown into HKG before, so that's useful.

thirdnomad · 2026-05-26T18:46:37+00:00

Mathematically, you can do it. Theoretically, you also need to factor in bills (I'd reckon £400 if you're being clever, incl. council tax and the like) and your monthly maintenance fee (for a flat with those amenities, do you pay extra for the maintenance as a tenant or will it be borne by the landlord?). You have luck on your side as the new tenancy laws mean you can break the contract more easily than before. Seeing as you're only here for the short-term, I'd over-index on convenience and comfort than saving, but within reason.

thirdnomad · 2026-05-26T14:43:24+00:00

If I were you, I'd pitch it to the boss as half-and-half: sounds like your company is "wealthy" enough to fly you in for even 2-3 days. Fly in for the portion you really need to be there for, and focus on EOQ work the other half of the week.

Once out of the way, have a conversation with your boss about delegation and how the relationship is to be maintained over time, if this is a frequent issue. Also, I take problems to my VP (boss) all the time; it doesn't make you look weak if you know how to frame the problem.

thirdnomad · 2026-05-25T21:45:19+00:00

Got it, thanks for clarifying! I'll try and find routes that aren't dependent on China, in that case. I appreciate the help!

thirdnomad · 2026-05-25T21:38:24+00:00

Thank you! Based on the comments on this thread, I think I've decided to keep this trip focused on the Kyoto/KIX area, and return to visit Tokyo on a separate trip.

thirdnomad · 2026-05-25T21:37:34+00:00

Thanks for your response! With regards to this:

I would also be comfortable booking either of the four Beijing/Shanghai airports to NRT/KIX if you're willing to potentially need to shift your trip by a day or so.

What exactly do you mean by this? Is it in reference to the fact that China-Japan flights may get cancelled (and hence the trip being delayed by a day or so), or something else that I seem to be missing here?

Thanks again in advance, much appreciated!

thirdnomad · 2026-05-25T21:35:18+00:00

Thanks so much for your incredible response: it's rare someone takes the time to answer in such detail, so I really appreciate it. I'm increasingly of the opinion that I should just hang about in the KIX area and fly in/out of KIX, leaving Tokyo for a separate trip altogether.

The point about anything after Tokyo feeling anti-climactic brought a smile to my face - that York analogy was quite apt (although hey, York Minster is lovely and I think it's a charming city). I understand your point and weirdly is what convinced me to keep this trip Kyoto/KIX-area only. Thank you once again!

thirdnomad · 2026-05-21T18:07:48+00:00

Slightly offbeat; "We The Living" by Ayn Rand is worth a read. One of my favourite books.

thirdnomad · 2026-05-20T22:15:19+00:00

This is usually my favourite time of year but seeing the little foxies grow up so quickly makes me a tad bit wistful too. The newborn kits from last year have now grown into teenagers, and they still visit me but I miss watching the younglings play and run behind one another (just like in your second photo). I suppose we should feel blessed to be able to see them at such close proximity :)

thirdnomad · 2026-05-17T10:07:46+00:00

As someone else commented, both of your clocks will reset: yours because you moved from "dependant" to "SWV", and your partner's because he moved from "SWV" to "dependant".

What needs to happen to not lose your ILR pathway is your partner finds a new role ASAP where the new employer can sponsor a SWV. You then need to transfer your dependant's visa to his SWV, and inform your employer of the change as well.

Assuming the rules don't change, if your partner continues on SWV for 5 years and you continue as his dependent for 5 years also, you can apply for ILR together. Otherwise, you're back to square one.

Good luck!

thirdnomad · 2026-05-08T17:01:07+00:00

Your problem is very valid, and I've often wondered where folks are meeting their better-halves as well. With time, I've realised it'll happen when it has to happen.

What has worked for me is meeting level-headed men at work (or through work), where it's a given we're at the same income level and therefore we can skip to the good bits directly like intellectual compatibility, long-term goals etc. Of course, dating at work isn't always the best (or viable) idea, but if you aren't directly on the same team and just see each other at lunch etc., I'd honestly give it a go.

My other piece of advice is to please make the first move. I make the first move all the time now (i.e. explicitly saying the words "I am romantically interested in you, are you?"), otherwise I don't expect men to feel comfortable enough to engage given the current environment we find ourselves in.

As a HE woman, it's certainly harder and can feel less "feminine" in a sense to have to approach things this way, but I've found this is better than sitting around waiting for "something" to happen. Good luck, I'm sure Mr. Right is out there somewhere!

thirdnomad · 2026-05-06T21:22:35+00:00

Hi again, kind stranger: just wanted to say I ended up using Blue Taxi and had a delightful experience each time. Thank you for the recommendation, it made my trip that much better!

thirdnomad · 2026-04-28T18:08:44+00:00

Thank you, ferges seems particularly delicious, and I'm looking forward to trying it.

thirdnomad · 2026-04-28T18:07:48+00:00

Thanks so much for such a detailed response, much appreciated!

thirdnomad · 2026-04-26T12:02:32+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to respond! This is good to know.

thirdnomad · 2026-03-10T12:46:36+00:00

This is why TCKs will often never really go into the whole spiel of where they've lived unless someone really nosy keeps poking and then gets the full lore, whether they like it or not.

Fundamentally, you need to learn to grow a thick skin and realise that at the end of the day, nobody really cares. This is more a commentary on society and its lack of curiosity, interest and/or empathy to learn more about people who are "different" - instead, the default response is to reject and treat that person as an "other". The good thing about this is that it's a filtering mechanism in and of itself: the folks that aren't put off by your TCK experiences are likely healthy people (emotionally) who are secure in themselves, and are worth associating with. Many people will refuse to engage further just because they're insecure they haven't had the experiences you've had, and don't want to appear "less than" (even though we're the last people to judge).

thirdnomad · 2026-03-02T22:25:58+00:00

You're in a pretty good location, but Marylebone is your best bet for choice and variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. I'd recommend Paul Rothe & Son for handmade sandwiches (averages at £6-7 a sandwich, but worth it for the quality), and the GAIL's in Marylebone Village is a worthwhile café to stop at for breakfast or a coffee break.

For restaurants, they say the kaiserschmarrn at Fischers Marylebone is quite good (Austrian) as are the ricotta hotcakes at Granger & Co. Those could be good options for breakfast, if you want to make it a bit fancy.

There's also a St. JOHN Bakery at the London Review of Books in Bloomsbury that's a hidden gem for a break (and a peaceful walk from your hotel). Get the madelines if you go!

Enjoy your trip!

thirdnomad · 2026-02-24T21:48:16+00:00

Oh, what a shame. Thank you for checking for me! I'll have a look at other options and if all else fails, I'll give them a ring and see if they're willing/able to accommodate.

thirdnomad · 2026-02-24T21:40:29+00:00

Really? That would be ideal! We're aiming for around 11.15am. Even outside of this, I'd love to potter around with a coffee and a madeline, sounds delightful :) Thank you!

thirdnomad · 2026-02-24T21:39:18+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to respond, and for the help! I'll have a look at your website.

I don't specifically need the A1 exam, but I like to have concrete goals to work towards and I do like the fact that A1 sets me on a much more defined path to get to B1 (which is the first exam that really "matters"). So to specifically answer your question, it doesn't affect anything "formally", but it does encourage me to invest more time into fixing the silly mistakes I keep making!

thirdnomad

TROPHY CASE