HMRC live online chat was pretty good when I was sorting out my child benefit tax a few years ago. I Always try and use a live chat for most things these days. You're not bogged down on the phone and you usually get the chat transcript after you finish which can come in handy
Quick and likely overly simplistic question. Have a work pension and put in enough that I benefit from all the employer contributions etc. If I want to pay more into my pension (I can as I am not near the allowance), would I be better topping up the work one (they give me the choice) or opening a private one..? I would generally opt work for ease etc but am I missing a trick? Ta.
If your firm offer a salary sacrifice scheme, and as part of that scheme they pass some of their NI savings into your pension, that'd be an absolute no brianer. Work asking your HR if they offer such a scheme.
They may offer a salary sacrifice scheme but don't share their NI savings with employees. That's still worth doing too if you're a 40% or 45% tax payer, cash goes in the pension from gross pay so no messing about claiming, and waiting, for tax relief from HMRC.
My firm offer me to pay their contributions, and my sacrifice contributions, into their pension scheme or into my SIPP., whichever I prefer. Worth asking your place what they can do. But if you're looking at smallish amounts probably easier for all concerned to stick it all in their scheme, a bespoke employer-to-SIPP request is generally an admin ball ache for employers (as my firm told me, ha!).
Quick and likely overly simplistic question. Have a work pension and put in enough that I benefit from all the employer contributions etc. If I want to pay more into my pension (I can as I am not near the allowance), would I be better topping up the work one (they give me the choice) or opening a private one..? I would generally opt work for ease etc but am I missing a trick? Ta.
If your firm offer a salary sacrifice scheme, and as part of that scheme they pass some of their NI savings into your pension, that'd be an absolute no brianer. Work asking your HR if they offer such a scheme.
They may offer a salary sacrifice scheme but don't share their NI savings with employees. That's still worth doing too if you're a 40% or 45% tax payer, cash goes in the pension from gross pay so no messing about claiming, and waiting, for tax relief from HMRC.
My firm offer me to pay their contributions, and my sacrifice contributions, into their pension scheme or into my SIPP., whichever I prefer. Worth asking your place what they can do. But if you're looking at smallish amounts probably easier for all concerned to stick it all in their scheme, a bespoke employer-to-SIPP request is generally an admin ball ache for employers (as my firm told me, ha!).
Would the saving be worth it if you are invested in a crap fund ? No point being invested in a fund giving you 5% returns when a similar external fund is returning 10%.
Quick and likely overly simplistic question. Have a work pension and put in enough that I benefit from all the employer contributions etc. If I want to pay more into my pension (I can as I am not near the allowance), would I be better topping up the work one (they give me the choice) or opening a private one..? I would generally opt work for ease etc but am I missing a trick? Ta.
If your firm offer a salary sacrifice scheme, and as part of that scheme they pass some of their NI savings into your pension, that'd be an absolute no brianer. Work asking your HR if they offer such a scheme.
They may offer a salary sacrifice scheme but don't share their NI savings with employees. That's still worth doing too if you're a 40% or 45% tax payer, cash goes in the pension from gross pay so no messing about claiming, and waiting, for tax relief from HMRC.
My firm offer me to pay their contributions, and my sacrifice contributions, into their pension scheme or into my SIPP., whichever I prefer. Worth asking your place what they can do. But if you're looking at smallish amounts probably easier for all concerned to stick it all in their scheme, a bespoke employer-to-SIPP request is generally an admin ball ache for employers (as my firm told me, ha!).
Would the saving be worth it if you are invested in a crap fund ? No point being invested in a fund giving you 5% returns when a similar external fund is returning 10%.
Difference being, the saving is guaranteed. The returns are not.
My workplace pension has a vast amount of different investing fund options should you wish to switch it about a bit
Quick and likely overly simplistic question. Have a work pension and put in enough that I benefit from all the employer contributions etc. If I want to pay more into my pension (I can as I am not near the allowance), would I be better topping up the work one (they give me the choice) or opening a private one..? I would generally opt work for ease etc but am I missing a trick? Ta.
If your firm offer a salary sacrifice scheme, and as part of that scheme they pass some of their NI savings into your pension, that'd be an absolute no brianer. Work asking your HR if they offer such a scheme.
They may offer a salary sacrifice scheme but don't share their NI savings with employees. That's still worth doing too if you're a 40% or 45% tax payer, cash goes in the pension from gross pay so no messing about claiming, and waiting, for tax relief from HMRC.
My firm offer me to pay their contributions, and my sacrifice contributions, into their pension scheme or into my SIPP., whichever I prefer. Worth asking your place what they can do. But if you're looking at smallish amounts probably easier for all concerned to stick it all in their scheme, a bespoke employer-to-SIPP request is generally an admin ball ache for employers (as my firm told me, ha!).
Would the saving be worth it if you are invested in a crap fund ? No point being invested in a fund giving you 5% returns when a similar external fund is returning 10%.
Difference being, the saving is guaranteed. The returns are not.
Point taken, but only if there is any NI saving.
But my advice still stands. Check what funds are available.
US markets dropping again after the Government confirm tariffs of 104% from tonight on Chinese goods coming into the country.
And we thought Truss was bad !!
Is there a limit as to how high Trump will raise tariffs? I'm assuming if China retaliates Trump will contiue raising tariffs until they finally acknowledge they are in the wrong.
Such a brilliantly thought through policy. Amazing nobody has done this before....
Dow Jones rose then dropped over 2000 points from its intraday peak. Picked up a bit later, but still down over 800 on the day. I blame china. (I don't, but it makes a change)
Really think China will win out on this. The general population of China would be scared to death to exert the kind of pressure on Xi that the people of America will pile on Trump when the shit really hits. Xi can play the long game here.
Quick and likely overly simplistic question. Have a work pension and put in enough that I benefit from all the employer contributions etc. If I want to pay more into my pension (I can as I am not near the allowance), would I be better topping up the work one (they give me the choice) or opening a private one..? I would generally opt work for ease etc but am I missing a trick? Ta.
If your firm offer a salary sacrifice scheme, and as part of that scheme they pass some of their NI savings into your pension, that'd be an absolute no brianer. Work asking your HR if they offer such a scheme.
They may offer a salary sacrifice scheme but don't share their NI savings with employees. That's still worth doing too if you're a 40% or 45% tax payer, cash goes in the pension from gross pay so no messing about claiming, and waiting, for tax relief from HMRC.
My firm offer me to pay their contributions, and my sacrifice contributions, into their pension scheme or into my SIPP., whichever I prefer. Worth asking your place what they can do. But if you're looking at smallish amounts probably easier for all concerned to stick it all in their scheme, a bespoke employer-to-SIPP request is generally an admin ball ache for employers (as my firm told me, ha!).
Would the saving be worth it if you are invested in a crap fund ? No point being invested in a fund giving you 5% returns when a similar external fund is returning 10%.
Good question, I was going on the basis AC doesn't sound too unhappy with current contributions going to the company scheme. Maybe I misread between the lines.
In my previous job their default was decent, so left it as is. My current employer's default is Nest, expensive and not decent, so I rerouted all contributions direct to SIPP, but that needed quite some effort from me and payroll as I was the outlier in the firm for being different.
I think for AC best thing to do is see what the employer can or can't offer and take things from there.
Really think China will win out on this. The general population of China would be scared to death to exert the kind of pressure on Xi that the people of America will pile on Trump when the shit really hits. Xi can play the long game here.
Trump is a complete fool. What is he expecting China to do?
Really think China will win out on this. The general population of China would be scared to death to exert the kind of pressure on Xi that the people of America will pile on Trump when the shit really hits. Xi can play the long game here.
And that is exactly why Trump admires people like Putin and Xi. They have the authority to do things that he could only dream of.
I moved previous combined workplace pensions into a SIPP a few years back and am in a higher-rate tax band. Have worked for the NHS since and have left that as it is. Not sure if/how I’d work a LISA into my current mix (I’m 38). Sounds like I’m better off sticking as I am but not sure.
I moved previous combined workplace pensions into a SIPP a few years back and am in a higher-rate tax band. Have worked for the NHS since and have left that as it is. Not sure if/how I’d work a LISA into my current mix (I’m 38). Sounds like I’m better off sticking as I am but not sure.
A LISA could become tax free income for you at 60. Which depending on the level of your other pensions could save you 40% tax. Think of it like a long term S&S ISA which you get a 25% bonus on.
Surely US ports are going to become completely clogged? The boats would have set off from China around 30 days ago, when tariffs were "normal" but now they are going to be at over 100%, I can't see people deciding to take the goods....
Surely US ports are going to become completely clogged? The boats would have set off from China around 30 days ago, when tariffs were "normal" but now they are going to be at over 100%, I can't see people deciding to take the goods....
Surely US ports are going to become completely clogged? The boats would have set off from China around 30 days ago, when tariffs were "normal" but now they are going to be at over 100%, I can't see people deciding to take the goods....
The new tariffs, it seems, do not apply to goods that were already loaded and in transit.
Surely US ports are going to become completely clogged? The boats would have set off from China around 30 days ago, when tariffs were "normal" but now they are going to be at over 100%, I can't see people deciding to take the goods....
The companies would have already agreed a price for the products before this madness. Going forward, a lot of dock workers will be having a lot less work to do which will lead to job losses. I don't think the word disaster does this justice.
The markets are in turmoil. I doubt that matters much to OAP’s or those on the minimum wages. It will feel like churn out there somewhere, outside their experience. Trump promised tariffs and is now delivering them. Wanting to be called sir and have his arse kissed. Capitalism, you gotta love it huh? Most people struggle to get by and many will take delight in watching the economic playground in a tailspin. I feel most ordinary people are concerned about the cost of eggs, and getting their rubbish collected. One good investment is in Union membership.
Surely US ports are going to become completely clogged? The boats would have set off from China around 30 days ago, when tariffs were "normal" but now they are going to be at over 100%, I can't see people deciding to take the goods....
The new tariffs, it seems, do not apply to goods that were already loaded and in transit.
But didn’t Trump say yesterday the tariffs were already bringing in billions of dollars? 🤔
Surely US ports are going to become completely clogged? The boats would have set off from China around 30 days ago, when tariffs were "normal" but now they are going to be at over 100%, I can't see people deciding to take the goods....
The new tariffs, it seems, do not apply to goods that were already loaded and in transit.
But didn’t Trump say yesterday the tariffs were already bringing in billions of dollars? 🤔
Would appreciate some very banal HMRC advice. Never had to deal with them directly as always had an accountant, no longer needed. However I want to start taking lump sums from my SIPP, and I am UK tax non-resident. I have my SIPP with H-L and they gave me the sound advice to only withdraw a symbolic amount first and see what tax code HMRC apply. Sure enough it was an emergency code, and not the NT code that H-L need so as to avoid applying withholding tax. It falls to me to get HMRC to officially inform H-L of my non-res status.
So my question is what's the best way to engage with HMRC nowadays? From all I've heard, getting anyone to pick up a phone there is pretty much a fool's game. Is it not possible to make this simple request on-line?
Do you have an HMRC online account? I find messaging on there the quickest, otherwise it is call and wait.
I don't because up to now accountants filed everything for me, but I noticed it on the gov.uk page so I guess I'd better open one and use that. Thanks, (also @carly burn) I was wondering about whether people use that.
Surely US ports are going to become completely clogged? The boats would have set off from China around 30 days ago, when tariffs were "normal" but now they are going to be at over 100%, I can't see people deciding to take the goods....
It's almost as if nobody has thought this through
Plus Musky has fired all those Government admin folks. I’m guessing that is going to have some effect on arranging collection etc. The Billy Smarts tribute act rolls on …
most World leaders surround themselves with experts in various fields who advise them, apparently Trump got rid of them and surrounds himself with sycophants who say what they think he wants to hear
What's the best to invest in right now...... surely some shares a going to do a massive bounce back
If you can get that blood out of this particular group of stones then let me know!
If you follow my progress on this thread you will see I'm very much in the inexperienced/novice camp. I had quite a big exposure to US stocks in ETFs and my own hand picked losers. I would never give anyone advice on matters like this and even people who know what they are talking about don't know whats going to happen next.
Gold, as a commodity has kept me in clover as well as copper and the Royal mint responsibly sourced gold. BAE have also helped and that will only go up as one of the biggest military suppliers and manufacturers of new ways to vaporise human bodies during conflicts.
I've been gambling a bit on the Nasdaq and now fully appreciate the term "trying to catch a falling knife" however the lower the go the more widgets I pick up and see that money in the same way I would money on a blackjack table.
The best investment at the moment is to open a bonus high interest (lol) savings account, thats only being outperformed monthly by my modest premium bonds holding. My ETFs are fucked, ambitious stocks and shares ISA is fucked
Surely US ports are going to become completely clogged? The boats would have set off from China around 30 days ago, when tariffs were "normal" but now they are going to be at over 100%, I can't see people deciding to take the goods....
The companies would have already agreed a price for the products before this madness. Going forward, a lot of dock workers will be having a lot less work to do which will lead to job losses. I don't think the word disaster does this justice.
You might have agreed the price, but the tariffs is paid by the importer (in almost all cases when it's wholesale) when the product arrives at port. This will cause madness.
The point I'm making is specifically that the price businesses thought they were going to pay for the products, actually is not the price they end up paying... This is going to cause a huge problem at ports, I am sure of it
Comments
I Always try and use a live chat for most things these days. You're not bogged down on the phone and you usually get the chat transcript after you finish which can come in handy
They may offer a salary sacrifice scheme but don't share their NI savings with employees. That's still worth doing too if you're a 40% or 45% tax payer, cash goes in the pension from gross pay so no messing about claiming, and waiting, for tax relief from HMRC.
My firm offer me to pay their contributions, and my sacrifice contributions, into their pension scheme or into my SIPP., whichever I prefer. Worth asking your place what they can do. But if you're looking at smallish amounts probably easier for all concerned to stick it all in their scheme, a bespoke employer-to-SIPP request is generally an admin ball ache for employers (as my firm told me, ha!).
My workplace pension has a vast amount of different investing fund options should you wish to switch it about a bit
But my advice still stands. Check what funds are available.
And we thought Truss was bad !!
Such a brilliantly thought through policy. Amazing nobody has done this before....
What a guy!
(I don't, but it makes a change)
The general population of China would be scared to death to exert the kind of pressure on Xi that the people of America will pile on Trump when the shit really hits.
Xi can play the long game here.
In my previous job their default was decent, so left it as is. My current employer's default is Nest, expensive and not decent, so I rerouted all contributions direct to SIPP, but that needed quite some effort from me and payroll as I was the outlier in the firm for being different.
I think for AC best thing to do is see what the employer can or can't offer and take things from there.
They must be laughing at him.
The new tariffs, it seems, do not apply to goods that were already loaded and in transit.
I doubt that matters much to OAP’s or those on the minimum wages.
It will feel like churn out there somewhere, outside their experience.
Trump promised tariffs and is now delivering them.
Wanting to be called sir and have his arse kissed.
Capitalism, you gotta love it huh?
Most people struggle to get by and many will take delight in watching the economic playground in a tailspin.
I feel most ordinary people are concerned about the cost of eggs, and getting their rubbish collected.
One good investment is in Union membership.
Its just a rambling policy that no one can trust.
Trump telling porkies? Shurely shome mishtake ;-)
If you follow my progress on this thread you will see I'm very much in the inexperienced/novice camp. I had quite a big exposure to US stocks in ETFs and my own hand picked losers. I would never give anyone advice on matters like this and even people who know what they are talking about don't know whats going to happen next.
Gold, as a commodity has kept me in clover as well as copper and the Royal mint responsibly sourced gold. BAE have also helped and that will only go up as one of the biggest military suppliers and manufacturers of new ways to vaporise human bodies during conflicts.
I've been gambling a bit on the Nasdaq and now fully appreciate the term "trying to catch a falling knife" however the lower the go the more widgets I pick up and see that money in the same way I would money on a blackjack table.
The best investment at the moment is to open a bonus high interest (lol) savings account, thats only being outperformed monthly by my modest premium bonds holding. My ETFs are fucked, ambitious stocks and shares ISA is fucked
The point I'm making is specifically that the price businesses thought they were going to pay for the products, actually is not the price they end up paying... This is going to cause a huge problem at ports, I am sure of it