What is a good salary in UK at present?

sidimmu said:
Sounds like you guys are being a bit more frugal than you maybe need to be?
Maybe take ya wife out for a slap up dinner sometime, buy yourself a fancy merc and get a bigger house, ya bloody cheapo!
Only jesting.
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Ha.
I grew up on a farm and money sense has been drilled into me.
We never had fancy stuff. I genuinely do not like fancy places, especially food.
I like my sea kayaking, boarding and mountain biking and going to pub after for food.
This is relatively cheap.



Part of frugalness is because 3 years ago we bought our first house (260k) and I was on 35k.
I don't see the need for a bigger house. But it's small to most people. (80sqm I think).
But any more and it's more cleaning, more clutter buying, more hassle.

After buying the houseI had zero savings for first time ever.
So I've had to build that up. And I wanted 2-3 years of buffer if I was out of work.
I have that now.



This is my first year of spending. So I'm buying a van in March. Which is my first big purchase. And spending more On holidays.

But I couldn't do it before I had my savings buffer.

I don't drive to work and don't really care about flash cars anymore. They don't fit my lifestyle.
 
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413x said:
Ha.
I grew up on a farm and money sense has been drilled into me.
We never had fancy stuff. I genuinely do not like fancy places, especially food.
I like my sea kayaking, boarding and mountain biking and going to pub after for food.
This is relatively cheap.



Part of frugalness is because 3 years ago we bought our first house (260k) and I was on 35k.
I don't see the need for a bigger house. But it's small to most people. (80sqm I think).
But any more and it's more cleaning, more clutter buying, more hassle.

After buying the houseI had zero savings for first time ever.
So I've had to build that up. And I wanted 2-3 years of buffer if I was out of work.
I have that now.



This is my first year of spending. So I'm buying a van in March. Which is my first big purchase. And spending more On holidays.

But I couldn't do it before I had my savings buffer.

I don't drive to work and don't really care about flash cars anymore. They don't fit my lifestyle.
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I respect that all of the above and your own needs and understanding of whats needed/ whats above my lifestyle or needs. Apologies if you thought I wasnt jesting in my previous reply. It all makes sense and I see some similarities in how you manage your money and how I manage mine.

Money sense was drilled in to me from a young age along with parental arguments and as a result, suffer with money anxiety due to it. I am not comfortable sharing my numbers in here, but I am at a place now where I am comfortable in my current outgoings and it allows me to treat myself a bit more now, so I choose to do that when I can and with what I fancy, of course we all have limits.

Once my tax bill is sorted, I'll have a new batch of savings money which will be more than I have ever held in a savings account. Sounds sad, but I cant wait to see it grow and continue to build it for my next stage of life.
 
sidimmu said:
I respect that all of the above and your own needs and understanding of whats needed/ whats above my lifestyle or needs. Apologies if you thought I wasnt jesting in my previous reply. It all makes sense and I see some similarities in how you manage your money and how I manage mine.

Money sense was drilled in to me from a young age along with parental arguments and as a result, suffer with money anxiety due to it. I am not comfortable sharing my numbers in here, but I am at a place now where I am comfortable in my current outgoings and it allows me to treat myself a bit more now, so I choose to do that when I can and with what I fancy, of course we all have limits.

Once my tax bill is sorted, I'll have a new batch of savings money which will be more than I have ever held in a savings account. Sounds sad, but I cant wait to see it grow and continue to build it for my next stage of life.
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No it's fine. I knew you were jesting! :D

I'm happy to Share numbers as mainly I find when people aren't open about salaries it's harder to know what to do.

I never knew science was so badly paid vs IT at a similar skill level for example. People didn't talk about it.
Its good to know that you can earn fairly decent whack in IT with not too much hassle.

I get it's sensitive to some people. But I'm not sure why. We all know there are people on 100s of k and those on minimum wage. But if you don't know what other jobs are really Paying. Or that you're being under paid in your role, it's hard to make decisions.
 
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413x said:
No it's fine. I knew you were jesting! :D

I'm happy to Share numbers as mainly I find when people aren't open about salaries it's harder to know what to do.

I never knew science was so badly paid vs IT at a similar skill level for example. People didn't talk about it.
Its good to know that you can earn fairly decent whack in IT with not too much hassle.

I get it's sensitive to some people. But I'm not sure why. We all know there are people on 100s of k and those on minimum wage. But if you don't know what other jobs are really Paying. Or that you're being under paid in your role, it's hard to make decisions.
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Yeah agreed, the reason I didnt want to share numbers is due to it being my own limited company and well I dont want any nosey nigels getting involved or causing nuisance. I dont want anyone thinking I dont pay right levels of tax or X Y Z you know!
I'll take home about 3k a month, now a couple of years ago that would have sounded a lot to me, but these days it just really is not with where I live and then the costs of it all.

Over half of my monthly wage is gone on just rent, Gas/electric, council tax, broadband, water/sewage. Then you look at additional of car costs, insurances, travel costs, phone bills and the main kicker of it - Food+Drink
Then what you left with, you are meant to have a life with it, save money for a property, save for holidays etc etc.

I do wish to own, so all additional money that I can take out the business goes into savings, still a number of years off from owning.

Yeah I found that about general sciences when I was younger and glad I sucked at them!

I have always tried to ensure there is communication between me and employees doing the same thing at prev business' when it comes to wages. Tbh without this, I would still be in my prev role, rather than find out that an inexperienced ex forces member joined our company, had to get 6 months intense training to bring up to speed, but still with 0 years experience, got put on the same wage as me.
I get why people are sensitive about it, but there needs to be some communication about it internally or between friends here and there to ensure no one is getting a **** end of a stick.
 
Despite earning a higher than average salary I'm still frugal (other than holidays). I hit a bad time in my life when I was in a huge amount of debt close to £30k... and it took me years of hard work to get out of that, and promised myself I'd never let it happen again. This is why I put so much into my pension, so that I basically can't touch it.

I think now with kids I'm probably more responsible, but I've got so used to not having a huge amount left every month it makes me more sensible with money. Maybe I could put less into my pension, but I want to be able to retire and be comfortable, and retire as early as is sensibly possible, and be able to support my family to let them live the life they want, and give them the opportunities they can.
 
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Freefaller said:
Despite earning a higher than average salary I'm still frugal (other than holidays). I hit a bad time in my life when I was in a huge amount of debt close to £30k... and it took me years of hard work to get out of that, and promised myself I'd never let it happen again. This is why I put so much into my pension, so that I basically can't touch it.

I think now with kids I'm probably more responsible, but I've got so used to not having a huge amount left every month it makes me more sensible with money. Maybe I could put less into my pension, but I want to be able to retire and be comfortable, and retire as early as is sensibly possible, and be able to support my family to let them live the life they want, and give them the opportunities they can.
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Genuinely.. I do not know what else there is to spend money on (free money) than holidays.

Nothing else seems rewarding.

A while ago I looked at a new front door. 1.5k.
I can't justify that. It's a damn door.
I asked the price chop down a small tree.. It was cheaper to buy a chainsaw. So I bought it and did it myself.


I guess a lot would say that about holiday. But a holiday for me is a life long memory.

Everyone is different and that's great. But without holidays (let's say flying was banned) I don't think I'd have any motivation to work
 
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413x said:
Genuinely.. I do not know what else there is to spend money on (free money) than holidays.

Nothing else seems rewarding.

A while ago I looked at a new front door. 1.5k.
I can't justify that. It's a damn door.
I asked the price chop down a small tree.. It was cheaper to buy a chainsaw. So I bought it and did it myself.


I guess a lot would say that about holiday. But a holiday for me is a life long memory.

Everyone is different and that's great. But without holidays (let's say flying was banned) I don't think I'd have any motivation to work
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It's so easy to spend stuff on gadget and gizmos. However for me holidays are key - as they're the way I get to see my family.

I'd love to have nicer cars, but we live in the countryside and there's lots of bushes and hedges on the roads, potholes, and so on, so having a nice car would just get scratched and trashed.

I tend to spend money on getting stuff done that I can't be arsed to do.

Also doing stuff with kids, whilst not expensive, does build up after a while.
 
Great thread for UK salary and expenses. Gives me a bit on an idea on what to expect when we move to the UK early next year.
I'd like to check what I wrote down VS what is realistic if someone doesn't mind? This is what I am expecting to spend each month:
  • Rental : 2000 - 2500 *
  • Rates, Taxes, energy, water: 500
  • Internet: 30
  • Fuel: 200
  • Car insurance: 55 **
  • Child Care: 1000 ***
  • Food: 400

* We need a place with a yard and 3 rooms in the South East - this seems to be the budget for that. Can't buy yet.
** Just a rough idea if we were paying it monthly (Not sure if that's an option) - Both drivers 35+
*** I've gathered day care for our 18 month old (Will be 2yrs old when we move) is expensive. So this is just an estimate for a few days a week

Are these estimates reasonable or completely off the mark?
 
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413x said:
Genuinely.. I do not know what else there is to spend money on (free money) than holidays.

Nothing else seems rewarding.

A while ago I looked at a new front door. 1.5k.
I can't justify that. It's a damn door.
I asked the price chop down a small tree.. It was cheaper to buy a chainsaw. So I bought it and did it myself.


I guess a lot would say that about holiday. But a holiday for me is a life long memory.

Everyone is different and that's great. But without holidays (let's say flying was banned) I don't think I'd have any motivation to work
Click to expand...

I agree with regards to the holidays. Not many people go abroad for holidays here in South Africa for various reasons; but it's something we plan to do a lot once we've settled in the UK.
 
Priapus said:
Great thread for UK salary and expenses. Gives me a bit on an idea on what to expect when we move to the UK early next year.
I'd like to check what I wrote down VS what is realistic if someone doesn't mind? This is what I am expecting to spend each month:
  • Rental : 2000 - 2500 *
  • Rates, Taxes, energy, water: 500
  • Internet: 30
  • Fuel: 200
  • Car insurance: 55 **
  • Child Care: 1000 ***
  • Food: 400

* We need a place with a yard and 3 rooms in the South East - this seems to be the budget for that. Can't buy yet.
** Just a rough idea if we were paying it monthly (Not sure if that's an option) - Both drivers 35+
*** I've gathered day care for our 18 month old (Will be 2yrs old when we move) is expensive. So this is just an estimate for a few days a week

Are these estimates reasonable or completely off the mark?
Click to expand...
Probably need to add more for food. I do £100 a week just for myself!
 
Priapus said:
Great thread for UK salary and expenses. Gives me a bit on an idea on what to expect when we move to the UK early next year.
I'd like to check what I wrote down VS what is realistic if someone doesn't mind? This is what I am expecting to spend each month:
  • Rental : 2000 - 2500 *
  • Rates, Taxes, energy, water: 500
  • Internet: 30
  • Fuel: 200
  • Car insurance: 55 **
  • Child Care: 1000 ***
  • Food: 400

* We need a place with a yard and 3 rooms in the South East - this seems to be the budget for that. Can't buy yet.
** Just a rough idea if we were paying it monthly (Not sure if that's an option) - Both drivers 35+
*** I've gathered day care for our 18 month old (Will be 2yrs old when we move) is expensive. So this is just an estimate for a few days a week

Are these estimates reasonable or completely off the mark?
Click to expand...
It's about right. Just be mindful what you rent. Older houses typically cost a fortune due to poor insulation. Don't let it sway you primarily but don't consider a house with single glazing, a 40 year old boiler etc...

The biggest variable is rent itself. Consider proximity to work etc and travel costs. Commuter belt will give you a lot more for your cash but a train ticket for the year will be like 3k.

I'm not sure if foreigners are entitled or when but 1k a month should get you a decent chunk of hours.
 
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Priapus said:
Great thread for UK salary and expenses. Gives me a bit on an idea on what to expect when we move to the UK early next year.
I'd like to check what I wrote down VS what is realistic if someone doesn't mind? This is what I am expecting to spend each month:
  • Rental : 2000 - 2500 *
  • Rates, Taxes, energy, water: 500
  • Internet: 30
  • Fuel: 200
  • Car insurance: 55 **
  • Child Care: 1000 ***
  • Food: 400

* We need a place with a yard and 3 rooms in the South East - this seems to be the budget for that. Can't buy yet.
** Just a rough idea if we were paying it monthly (Not sure if that's an option) - Both drivers 35+
*** I've gathered day care for our 18 month old (Will be 2yrs old when we move) is expensive. So this is just an estimate for a few days a week

Are these estimates reasonable or completely off the mark?
Click to expand...
best of luck with your move.
In regards to your pricing side of things;

Rent - yeah thats about right.
Rates, energy etc - depends on the type of place you get, 500 should cover it, but it might not due to current gas/electric prices.
internet - about right, dont expect 100gb line.
fuel: depends on how far, what your driving etc
car insurance - too dependent on individual and type of car
child care - probably about right
food - might need a bit more if you want some night outs or shop at waitrose etc.
 
Priapus said:
Great thread for UK salary and expenses. Gives me a bit on an idea on what to expect when we move to the UK early next year.
I'd like to check what I wrote down VS what is realistic if someone doesn't mind? This is what I am expecting to spend each month:
  • Rental : 2000 - 2500 *
  • Rates, Taxes, energy, water: 500
  • Internet: 30
  • Fuel: 200
  • Car insurance: 55 **
  • Child Care: 1000 ***
  • Food: 400

* We need a place with a yard and 3 rooms in the South East - this seems to be the budget for that. Can't buy yet.
** Just a rough idea if we were paying it monthly (Not sure if that's an option) - Both drivers 35+
*** I've gathered day care for our 18 month old (Will be 2yrs old when we move) is expensive. So this is just an estimate for a few days a week

Are these estimates reasonable or completely off the mark?
Click to expand...
If you're not allowing for this it Should be OK.

Rent is the only curve ball. Small differences in geography can make huge swings in rent.
 
I cleared some debts in August and thought I'd be more well off then ever.. Then every month since our cars have cost us on average £500 for services, tyres and mot work.

Glad my debts were gone so I could handle it but it's like the second you get some disposable something comes up to rinse you.
 
dlockers said:
It's about right. Just be mindful what you rent. Older houses typically cost a fortune due to poor insulation. Don't let it sway you primarily but don't consider a house with single glazing, a 40 year old boiler etc...

The biggest variable is rent itself. Consider proximity to work etc and travel costs. Commuter belt will give you a lot more for your cash but a train ticket for the year will be like 3k.

I'm not sure if foreigners are entitled or when but 1k a month should get you a decent chunk of hours.
Click to expand...

Thanks - some useful tips there.

Both my son and his mother are British citizens. So I think they would qualify?

sidimmu said:
best of luck with your move.
In regards to your pricing side of things;

Rent - yeah thats about right.
Rates, energy etc - depends on the type of place you get, 500 should cover it, but it might not due to current gas/electric prices.
internet - about right, dont expect 100gb line.
fuel: depends on how far, what your driving etc
car insurance - too dependent on individual and type of car
child care - probably about right
food - might need a bit more if you want some night outs or shop at waitrose etc.
Click to expand...

Thanks. A lot will be happening in the coming months.

I currently have a 100Mb line at the moment. So anything near that will be fine.

As for food; take outs and such come out of our left over fund after bills. But good shout
413x said:
If you're not allowing for this it Should be OK.

Rent is the only curve ball. Small differences in geography can make huge swings in rent.
Click to expand...

Yeah we can only buy once I have built a credit score. So will have to rent for now.

My work is all remote and I may have a potential to stay with current employer as they have a UK HQ.

We are limited to staying in East Sussex really as we want to be close to family (the whole point of moving) - but will see if we can at least be near a station that is the main line to London.

Appreciate all the help and feedback.
 
Priapus said:
Thanks - some useful tips there.

Both my son and his mother are British citizens. So I think they would qualify?
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How much do you/they earn? Up to £100k adjusted net (i.e. after tax, pension, etc) you can get £2k tax free top-up (split over the year). When your kids 3, from that September onwards you also get 15 or 30 hours free childcare.


Priapus said:
I currently have a 100Mb line at the moment. So anything near that will be fine.
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With regard to the house search, do a quick postcode check to see if they are on decent internet. Virgin Media or EE will give you coaxial/cable and copper/fibre estimated speeds. A lot of houses here are still stuck on <10mb.



Priapus said:
Yeah we can only buy once I have built a credit score. So will have to rent for now.
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Vanquis or Aqua card will pretty much give a card to anyone. Sign up to one of those; really crap limit but pay it off in full regularly and keep using it. Within 6 months or so you'll start to be eligible for better cards. AMEX Platinum gives you most cash back, but not all places take AMEX, so I generally back it up with a BarclayCard.
 
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