₦airaland Forum

Falzdbadtguy1:
Whoever reported should feel free to do so again....its a free world.
Just be a man and not a back stabber

Just a suggestion,why don't you try to PM the lady & take it from there,or go to the other uk thread, mention her name and continue your gist?I bet no one would report your posts there.Cheers!

If you are gay,Scotland is great as people are open and welcoming,a very good proportion of Members of parliament are gay so they are very active with LGBT issues.

They are also championing transgender issues and calling for gender neutral uniforms.

They also plan for a named person scheme where each child has a named guardian who looks after the welfare of your child & may have more authority than you over your child.

Smacking is going to be criminalised here soon in line with other European countries- for those who have hands of iron.

Smoking is a bad habit and not viewed as a sin,our pastor is a smoker and divorce`.To be honest when I first landed in the church and this man came to welcome us smelling of smoke,I was like maybe my nose has problem,but he actually told us his history himself as he was coughing and had been in hospital with a chest infection.He said he can't quit .
That man is amazing,kind, charitable and gives so much to his community.You may also find that your reverend is gay.If you cannot cope with all this, research church properly before joining to avoid high BP.

You will learn to forget naija instilled right and wrong basically become more open minded or if not you learn to keep your opinions to yourself.

Can the knowledgeable ones enlighten us on stocks and shares,planning for retirement & how to go about it?
Do you register with Hargreaves& co and just start paying?etc..

I think it's better to invest in stocks than let spare money stay in accounts?

Have tried to read monevator website but no time to really digest.

Claremont ,Efemenaxy had touched on this slightly but can information be given on how to go about it?

Cheers!

Spacyzuma,

I just wrote only my income somewhere ,not my combined family own.You don't have to write yours at all ..
You could just do a budget for her using any figure so she can have an idea.
It would be great to see different budgets using different amounts..

My dear buying house is the answer o.You can see I've been advised seriously to stop wasting money on rent..
If nothing is stopping you,start venturing small ,better to buy,sell and buy again instead of dashing landlord money.

fatima04:
Madam d madam, u too sure. Thanks for the reply. Quite interesting saw you on the other thread and I have really learnt from you and advise given.

That renewal thingy is one major stuff I have been thinking about but God dey sha. Make I take it one step at a time.

Funnily also not thinking of moving to scotland anymore. Trying to decide on birmingham or someplace else *maybe newcastle or northern part sha.

Suggestions !!!! I am particular about low cost of living in England and anywhere dre r either construction or project mgt jobs.

Madam the madam,I don't know anything about England at all so can't suggest places.

I heard Chester,Greater Manchester,Kent,Harrogate, Round hay, Ilkley,York,otley,horsforth are good.Most listed are in the North,I'm not too sure yet .I'm looking for correct pointers to the right places before we enter UKIP zone by mistake.

Scotland is beautiful oo.if you go to the suburbs it's better,green and quiet,places for kids to play etc.
Its also cheaper ,houses cheaper,slower way of life.
If not for certain issues I'd have stayed back,don't discount Scotland oo.
Hopefully you settle in well,welcome ma.

This was by dupsyshoo:

If the couple are both working. It will be a lot easier to save if they plan well in unity.
The wife's earning can take care of all expenses while the husband's earning will go into family' savings.

Approximate expenses for my family of 3:

mortgage £440, electricity and gas £67, council tax £110, tv and internet £30, mobile phone for 2 £50, annual car insurance and road tax for 2 cars (£1500), fuel cost per month (commute a long distance to work) £300, food (We do African shopping in bulk (buy meat every quarter from abattoir, wash and package per cooking, buy boxes of ingredients) and also buy things in bulk from Costco) average of 300-400, child care cost used to be £500 but now about £200 cos of govt free 30 hour free childcare.

So total expenses for a family of 3 is around £2k per month, which either of our salary can easily take care of and we get to save the rest and the other salary. It will also be easier to support family members in Naija.

So, marriage is not all woes.

Please note that this will only work if you are not hoarding money from each other.

Final goodnight

My monthly bill..could be less

Rent-£1k
Council tax-£250
Electricity&gas-130
Fuel-£300(distance to work is far)
Train(£250)
Life insurance-105
Income protection- £40
TV license-12
Grocery-400( could be more)
Swimming class -105 for 5 lessons
Football(child)-58 for a block
Nursery-500( when family around)
ISA for kids-£100
Stocks for kids-£200
TV& internet- 44
Nanny-£800 when family not around
Haircut-£30
My own hair-£60-100 plus manicure&pedicure
Eating out-£100 (depends on what's happening)
Outings -£100(soft play,zoo & co)
Church offerings-£100-200
Charity foodbank-£50
Miscellaneous just incase of wahala-£100
Pocket money-300(150 for each of us)

Saving up for holiday-£100-200

Investment -£500pcm
Nigeria maintenance-xpcm

Saving-10% of income.
MOt,servicing,car tax, insurance- once a year varies wildly car tax-110,insurance -350,MOT- can't remember ,its what happens after MOST that counts.fixing all the faults ,same with servicing ,can range from 200 to any amount if the car has any issues.



Good night

sharpboyus:
@imconfused .... you don port abi

Yes o,we derailed the other one..
I go faint for work tomorrow,Kai!

Dupsyshoo please when you have time,I’d like to know about Manchester.The good areas etc.Ideally quiet ,low crime ,green and great for kids
Someone has mentioned Kent..lemme weigh options and choose where to buy this very house

* Your visa application experience /adjustment status experience: not exciting,came in as a tier 2 dependant straight after uni..pretty straight forward,there was no nhs surcharge at the time.Just went to Uk embassy in the country I was in and it was granted.We were freshly married ,kids born here.

* Picking up your BRP (disadvantage of not travelling within the 1month vignette and protocols to follow in picking it up): don’t know

* Travelling experience (airlines and airport to use): British airways ,don’t have energy for wahala

* What are the immigration rules to follow?: No recourse to public funds on tier 2 visa,can’t think of anything else

* Visa renewals and what you are entitled to after 5yrs: We had to renew yearly at one point 6 monthly cos of Dhs work..It was a nightmare,the cost..not like we had any money o,I wasn’t working..hellish time.After 5 years,citizenship.I think lower incomes get some benefits like child ones or so ? I don’t know oo but I believe after citizenship you can claim some?

* Can you open a bank account while still in Nigeria and what bank has the best customer service and plan): I don’t think you can.It even a bit tricky to open an account as a new migrant..Got our first break with hsbc,they were the only ones that agreed back then

* Which State/suburb did you settle in and why? Scotland,due to Dh work,we are leaving soon.Its a great place to live though,beautiful..unfortunately it’s not giving us what we need for now.we will return for the free uni if it still exists when the kids are ready

* Public Transportation Vs Driving in the UK: All join,train and buses are great,I’d say better to drive for convenience.

* Driving in UK? How long can you use your Naija driving license before you get a license?: didn’t

* Where you live and why you like it or don't like it? Tips on choosing the right neighborhood.(Internet plans, electricity company to use, setting up a house): Good schools are the pull for me,nice area ,hardly any crime,filled with professionals and grannies.Downside:A bit too quiet and hardly any African presence..

*Renting Vs Mortgage (pitfalls to avoid when choosing mortgage): I’m still in the renting web..they have finished me on the other thread,have saved up for a mortgage,hope to buy ASAP after move.

* Using a credit card (things to avoid): use and pay ASAP,to build your credit

* Childcare for kids below 5 (cost and how do you go about choosing a minder): this one is the killer.i have 2 under 5,my eyes are seeing my ears.Both attend nursery,budget £800-1000 if in private nursery for one person,when child is 3,there’s free 30 hours,then you can pay for extended hours..I try to invite family over (pay for visa and ticket) they stay 3-5 months a pop.That saves me cash..you also have to budget shopping money and thank you for coming money.
Used a Nigerian nanny from agency in England..very bad experience.the mama was too old,tired and full of tall tales.My kids didn’t like her either.Id rather pay for 100 flights and have a cool mind when going to work.

* Business Tips you can do both over there and abroad: don’t do any

* How do you send money home (without much loss): people always coming and going so send a healthy amount at a go then it’s paid into my account in Nigeria,I disburse from there.

* What does the NHS fully cover?Everything here.

* Tips on raising kids in a western environment as an African: I don’t know o..my own are still in naughty phase.I would say engage them..museums,going’s to the park,swimming,football,dancing classes,plenty books ,library ,zoo etc

* What culture shock have you experienced?Already had my culture shock in other places,nothing new here

* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather: wrap up well,hats,nice coat,warm boots and gloves.I like Zara,H&M,Gap (for great cotton,)next for kids.Not a primark fan,the clothes never last.Zara sizes are small,H&M kids come up bigger.Sainsbury kiddie range (Tu)great.

* Nigerian restaurants and market in your location: Don’t go to Nigerian restaurants,my MIL is my Nigerian restaurant.

* How much does your family survive on in a month?my monthly outgoing Is on the other thread,varies from family to family depending on monthly income.When we came in,we started on about 2,600.It was just the two of us and we were ok but had barely any savings.I used to swear that once we get more I’d be saving the whole world,Lai lai ,our bills have increased so much with increase in salary..Mortgage is the answer.

* Developing Nigeria from Abroad (How to go about it): don’t know for now,make I save myself first

* Nigeria Community in Glasgow: I don’t know,no time..work work work any free time is spent with family doing something

* Fun things to do : google things to do in Glasgow..I love going to Hotels & eating out.. for restaurants try 5pm dot co dot Uk there are deals to Be had



Despite people laughing at my long list budget,I think it’s worth having a spreadsheet to see your outgoings and squirrel away money which can be used for a treat.I prefer to use budget apps.

Ps: I think being here has made my Dh&i (plus kids)so close.I would say you (any new migrant)and your partner/husband/man /woman (anyone)have to work together and plan around each other if not life will be very difficult for you.I also think combining income is fantastic,you know how much you have and work with it.No point planning for Brazilian hair if you have only £10.People differ income planning wise but when there’s cooperation life is amazingly beautiful and the togetherness makes any struggles worth it.

wonlasewonimi:
Oh I see. There are so many opportunities now in IT. It's a shame Nigeria is in disarray now. We could have been tapping into this goldmine instead of India. When you call all these service providers, their call centres are all located in India and you can't even understand half of what they are saying. Jobs that Nigerians can do eloquently! Anyway, oyinbos don't trust us with their data because of these yahoo boys and most importantly, NEPA.

IT awaits you! Godspeed..

Thanks sir..will join you guys soon..

Falzdbadtguy:
I heard Canada and Australia are good too.
If its not too late to do GP for 3yrs and relocate to either.
Infact Govt will even give you 20k just to do GP training in some places up north

Already have a Gp,not doing it.
I'm interested in head issues.. absolutely fascinating so will pursue it with everything.

Canada & Australia I heard are great o.Will port to either one once I'm done if we still have the zeal.You are going in for GP ,once done you can move..better pay,better work life balance.
If not for my choice in specialty we'd have gone sooner.
I saw in the Canada thread on NL here that there are pathways to get into Canada with 2 years UK work experience but I think it's better to complete GP training then move after that.

Lexusgs430:
Affordability is very relative in scope and dimensions......

People are still buying and selling in all areas.....

Check rightmove for price comparisons......

Will do,thank you

Falzdbadtguy:
Strong woman!
That was the original plan, couldn't discipline myself to study when i got here
All this reading for this and reading for that since 2002.

Abeg, make i remain my lane jeje and try simpler things

If I list the exams I've taken here,you will faint.
There's no option really, to prepare for this one sef,no motivation.Kids running around like spiders.But I won't stop till my combined household income pcm is at least 20k after taxes
Point is we must keep pushing,as hard as we can while still young and alive and also remember to enjoy and breathe while able

Lexusgs430:
I think Kent is one of the best boroughs for Grammar school education.......

Primary schools don't expect you to rely completely on their teachings. The onus is on the parent or guardian to provide extra education/tuition for their wards........

Is Kent affordable?Houses are so costly..shebi you guys have adviced me to buy today today..

Please give me 3 places,I don't mind going northish too..not Scotland though.

wonlasewonimi:
How do you intend to combine all these studies with IT?

Not taking USMLE ooo. One exam soon to enter core training,then 3 exams & I'm done with exams for good.
All these hopefully 3-4 years..After that I intend to just start learning this IT thing..its just something I've been thinking of.Dont have time for now but at least I now know where to start.
Will I be a doctor forever? Burn out is real,I'm looking into alternatives

famzynet:
Nigeria is just a joke,you mean to tell me that earning £10 per hour is too small? Shai! Why did I even end up being born in this country? Of all countries,why Nigeria? I am 7years post medical school graduation and my boss feels he is overpaying me at £1.03 per hour. Attempts at government work failed because of nepotism and even the formerly open north complain of no budget from government to employ . I am tired of running from states to states,spending limited resources to get residency with my west African primary in surgery that will soon expire. I have really learnt a lot from this post. I just have to hasten my preparations to join you guys. Enough is enough! I will not tolerate this beyond next year!

Do & move,no point wasting time..you can even state work here, prepare & take USMLE then port to the US.once I become a consultant,I'm escaping from UK..that's my long term plan.

Lexusgs430:
Grammar schools are probably the next best thing to private secondary (and it's free).......

No grammar in Scotland unfortunately..the way things are going,the plan is to keep dumbing down academics so everyone will be equal and all round fairness will rule the land.
Good state primary and private secondary would be the best way forward..fees will increase though as private schools are being stripped of their charity status abi perks.

If I may ask,where are the nice affordable areas in England where kids can be raised..good schools,not necessarily grammar..I no too trust my pikin and book for now..

wonlasewonimi:
Wahala wa o.

Depends on which area you want to go:

But I always advice people to go learn the CompTIA trinity - A+ N+ S+

If you can get through that, you will get a direction.

Thanks a lot..have gone to Google.
Cheers!

wonlasewonimi:
You can become anything you wanto be with passion, dedication and discipline.

Where can I start from? The basic skills?Courses and co? Pretend like I've never seen a computer before

Is there anyway a medic can acquire IT skills?
Where can one start from as in olodo levels?
Abi this is it for me?

dupyshoo:
Hehehe!!! A lot of engineers that I know earning over £500 per day were not affected by IR35. They are still paying as low as 10-15% tax overall.

Lord save your pipuuu

Falzdbadtguy:
Hmmn...well, i don enta this contract already, as per the phone.

Device is 18 pounds/ month rather and airtime is 25 pounds
Mobile wifi 1 pound/ month device, airtime is 15 pounds....i use this for my tablet, when i don't have wifi at work or wherever i am

na only you waka come?
£15 SIM only, unlimited calls,texts and data with 3

dupyshoo:
Don't mind him, I know loads of naija guys that earn £500 per day and don't even pay much tax cos they are contractors. Once you are not under any visa restrictions, it is easy to make money in the UK.

IR35 is coming

Falzdbadtguy:
GP

I’m also taking exams but for mental health.Im pretty sure you will get in,there’s a huge shortage..
Good luck.

And if by some twist of fate you are married to an idiot his idiotic decision should stand because he is the ‘authority’?
Respect is earned,it cannot be forced nor is it given by reason of genit alia.
If you conduct yourself with integrity,dignity and have a healthy dose of self worth,you won’t need to say too much for people to respect you.
Anyone waiting for automatic respect because of his privates is in for long thing.This is 2018,get with the programme.

Falzdbadtguy, which exam are you taking?

Lexusgs430:
So all those saving £2000, when they receive a call from Nigeria requesting financial assistance...... Do they give or ignore?

Nigerian people get monthly budget x 6 months at a go.If something comes up they can sort from there and I reimburse if need be.
Again that’s why a budget is beautiful..there’s always spare money for unplanned expenditure,this rolls over and becomes savings over time
Thank you YNAB

Ralphlauren:
I think you are stylishly trying to find out how much I earn

Why not come out straight and ask instead of all these your dilly dallying?

You suddenly changed the savings argument from £1k to £2k.

He’s trying to get people to pinpoint their exact income

Lexusgs430:
And still able to save £2000 a month?

NB: I need to enter UK b dat......

He is a high earner ..

Ralphlauren:
I have a vacation at least once a year and that vacation usually includes a trip to US.

I buy all my “designer” outfit from the US (Ralph, tommy, etc) because it’s cheaper.

I’m not a person that stuck on a budget. I’m usually more financial disciplined when I’m saving towards a goal (maybe buying a house, etc). Apart from that, I couldn’t care less if the money for clothes, etc comes direct from my monthly pay cheque or savings.

Budget is life..

Lexusgs430:
What about all the Ralph Lauren's in your cupboard? All before or after savings?

What exactly is your point?
Generally people heat their houses when it’s cold,people go out to eat,people go on holidays etc