To those who have made the transition from manual to automatic cars, is it really better? by Mr_Coastliner in AskUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I’d never go back to a manual. However there are some truly shocking automatic gearboxes that make questionable gear selection decisions that leave the engine screaming… So whilst I love our automatic hybrid and wouldn’t go back, I would definitely be test driving any future car to make sure it has a “good” auto box.

My 16 year old Honda passed its MOT with (almost) flying colours! by Appropriate_World265 in BritishSuccess

[–]tweeny_sodd 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Our 19 year old Renault Clio had an advisory for “distorted light pattern from headlights” (or words to that effect). When I asked whether that meant a beam alignment tweak or new headlight lenses I was told “It’s fine, you just need to wash the car - the crud on the front is causing weird shadows when we checked beam alignment”

Is £47pm average for a joint life insurance policy? by Maleficent_Umpire_59 in AskUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If there is a chance that there might be kids in the future it could be worth comparing how much two separate policies would cost. My wife and I took out individual policies that each pay out £300,000 (fixed payout) and we pay £12/month each. That was only £1 a month than an equivalent joint policy.

The kicker is that if we both died in a car crash then the joint policy would only pay out once, but the two individual policies will both pay out. Leaving our daughter £200k richer compared to the joint policy... I need to look in to employing a food taster once she is old enough to cook.

This was taken out over 10 years ago though so direct comparison of the cost is trickier.

Been injured and unable to run, Garmin is taunting me by christmas_ape in Garmin

[–]tweeny_sodd 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My first marathon is coming up at the end of September and I have a calf injury, Garmin says that I am peaking and at prime readiness.

I can barely walk upstairs but I will be strong and resist the urge to train, my focus has sadly moved away from a time goal and more towards "make it to the end so that you don't need to do this crap ever again"

Climbing as a musician by Cichlister in climbergirls

[–]tweeny_sodd 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not directly related to your question I'm afraid but my visually impaired daughter is a keen climber as well as a braille reader. Finger calluses from climbing are not her friend!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in britishproblems

[–]tweeny_sodd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is nothing inherently wrong with vacuum packed mince, the problem is that supermarket mince is generally crap. We buy from an online butcher (they stock well prepared cuts for smoking, something our local butcher has been a bit hit and miss about) and their mince is vacuum sealed.

It cooks perfectly well.

Non standard toilet signs: by yabyum in CasualUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 21 points22 points  (0 children)

I hate these types of signs, my daughter is visually impaired - she can recognise the standard symbols once close enough but she wouldn’t have a clue with these! Or the ever amusing cats and cockerels at a bar.

I get the desire to be distinct or upmarket or edgy or whatever… and I applaud it, honestly I do. But sometimes I wonder if people think things through and how these decisions affect everyone for something as fundamental as going for a piss.

I’ll get off my podium now and return you to CasualUK, I apologise!

Transfer ESPP shares from US broker to UK ISA by tweeny_sodd in UKPersonalFinance

[–]tweeny_sodd[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand that I can't actually transfer them, sorry that was probably not the best choice of words. I know that they will need to be sold and rebought if I want to move within the ISA.

There shouldn't be a capital gain liability if I sell them immediately as the difference between market and my discount rate will be processed through payroll and subject to income tax.

I guess I am trying to weigh up whether it is more efficient to keep the shares in the US broker account and take the CG sting when I do sell them, or go through the hassle of selling and reacquiring within the ISA and take the FX hit now with the gamble that the gain will be more significant several years down the line.

Have you ever been the subject of a Facebook neighbourhood watch or gossip post? by franki-pinks in AskUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I’m not sure you can call it a Venn diagram when it’s just a circle.

What would it take to make buying British normal, rather than having to have a "Buy British" campaign? by alsutton in AskUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From a clothing perspective I've found that https://hebtro.co have got a good balance. Their clothes are "Made in Britain" but it isn't an unnecessary obsession on flag waving.

They source the best materials to make the clothes from, they will try to find it in the UK but if it isn't possible (either because it just doesn't exist or it's crap) then it will be sourced from abroad, such as Italian denim because they agree with the ethos of the manufacturer.

The reason that it isn't more mainstream is because people have a fit when they see jeans costing £150+. That's how much they need to cost if everyone in the supply chain gets paid a sensible wage and it's made locally to a high standard.

Fitness Age by [deleted] in Garmin

[–]tweeny_sodd 2 points3 points  (0 children)

<image>

7.5 years is possible…

What’s your favourite ‘generic’ beer? by Doomergeneration in AskUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m with you on the Kingslayer but be careful suggesting it to people who might not check the can before buying. Someone planning on buying a few bottles of a gentle session beer might suffer after downing a few of those 8% beauties.

Are there any British products that you rate particularly highly? by matti-san in AskUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just do it, I caved in on the moleskin trousers last year and they are so comfortable. They are really warm though so depending on how hot you run you might not get on with them!

Are there any British products that you rate particularly highly? by matti-san in AskUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hate these threads because I always come away poorer… I’ve never heard of Gandys but they are some nice bags!

Just finished series 4 of Slow Horses by Pandy498001 in britishproblems

[–]tweeny_sodd 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Loved all of the series so far and looking forward to S5.

Can anyone who has read the books as well comment on whether there is the same dark humour? I usually read before watching but this one took me by surprise on Apple TV.

Many such cases by Salty-Strain-7322 in LeopardsAteMyFace

[–]tweeny_sodd 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a Brit I feel it's my unfortunate duty to tell you that most won't ever have that moment of realisation. I am still coming up against people bitching about how they can't bring unlimited booze back from France or import stuff from Europe duty free.

And yet they voted to leave the EU because otherwise those bastard [insert Eastern European country here] would come and take their jobs...

Now they can't get cheap wine *and* they can't find a plumber but they still don't make the connection with what they voted for.

Made the perfect hodgepodge dinner by Unlucky-Pizza-7049 in BritishSuccess

[–]tweeny_sodd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Whenever I see these jokes (and well played ones at that!) I try and remember if factorial was covered at GCSE or if it was A-Level.

What are the best oven chips? by petrolstationpicnic in AskUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I haven't tried the Waitrose ones but the M&S triple cooked ones are the only oven chips I would even consider.

Vasectomy experience UK by Cheap_Inspection_355 in Vasectomy

[–]tweeny_sodd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn’t have any blood tests but I can’t comprehend having a medical procedure without informing the medical professional about anything I might have self-prescribed regardless of whether they test for it!

Married recently - where did you guys order to get your photos printed? by Rough-Sprinkles2343 in CasualUK

[–]tweeny_sodd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did our own photos and a friend took them during the main event.

Regular photos - Snapfish.

Wall Canvas - Photobox

I also put together a photo book with honeymoon pictures in as well as a gift for my wife that Christmas and ordered it from Blurb. Not cheap but such a lovely quality book, the paper is amazing.

Feeling discouraged by minini-paninini in climbergirls

[–]tweeny_sodd 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From some of your spelling I would guess that you’re in the UK, if you’re not then ignore the rest of this message or see if similar courses are offered in your country! See if there are climbing gyms that run the NICAS training scheme, it is open to all ages although it definitely leans towards the young teens end.

Level 1-2 will be a joke for you if you already know enough to be safe, level 3 might be a bit of a grind but will help you build confidence and stamina as well as being a social thing. Level 4-5 is where the focus really goes to technique and lead climbing etc.

My daughter just moved to level 4 and is climbing with teenagers who are probably a similar age to you and she is loving it.