Ktnewell

Hi all,

So after 5 years in the US, I have decided that it is time to move back home to the UK and this time I will be taking my US citizen husband with me. We are targeting summer next year and I am trying to plan the financials behind this. Mainly, how much money do we need to have to make this happen. I was hoping for some advice and ballpark figures from those of you who have done this.

We have a 2 bedroom apartment. I plan to sell what we can and only ship the necessities. We will sell the cars. I am looking to relocate to Greater London, to be near family. I know the local rents - so thats fine - mainly need some input in the following and also if there is anything I am missing...

- Husbands visa cost - circa GBP2000?
- Cheap car - circa GBP2000?
- Car insurance - circa GBP1000?
- 3 months rent - circa GBP4000?
- Annual train ticket (commuting) - GBP2000

My husband plans to stay behind for a few months while I set things up, I am hoping to relocate back with my company and I am targeting a minimum $40,000 salary to be able to support us both while he job hunts. Does this seem feasible?

Any advice would be great.

SanDiegogirl

You need to read the following document carefully, to see under which category you can apply:

https://assets.publishing.service.go...ment_Final.pdf

Depending under which category you qualify, will determine whether you can apply now and travel over together, you go to your new job and only apply after 6 months, whether you apply under Cat A or B or whether you use savings etc.

Wilto

Yep what SDGirl said, basically securing the Visa and the financial aspect will be the driving force behind all of your plans and timelines.

Cape Blue

Look for a car insurance company that will take you USA no-claims years - I think Aviva do this from memory (needed proof, check what form Aviva require from your US insurer and obtain) - this should bring your insurance down to more like £500 which can be paid monthly by DD rather than up-front. Don't forget "road tax" - depends upon the car.

Rent - my experience as both a landlord and as a returning Brit tenant was that six months in advance was the norm for someone who has a missing credit-check. Plus the 1 month deposit - that would move your £4K up to north of £9.5K to get in the door.

Usual bills - council tax, elec, gas, water, TV, internet etc - £400+ pcm

You might want to stick that £40K into a tax calculator to see what your take-home would be - I suspect you'll cough up the best part of £10K in tax and NI, leaving you nearer £30K pa take-home.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/tax-calculator/

You also might want to enter your data into a benefits calculator to see what you will be eligible for - often surprising how much the government gives out in in-work benefits (although at £40K and no kids it might not be anything).
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Good luck

Pulaski

She said "$40k", and I have been wondering if she meant "£40k", because £30k won't go far in London. Of course in an ideal world she would have started work in the UK in January and paid little or no income tax for FY2018-19.