u/georgejk7

Hi all,

Any new codes for free items over the last month or two ?

Can we get a code or two made ? Everyone likes freebies!

Buzzing! Thank you!!

Just been invited to Google screenwise select . I guess it's the same or very similar to the panel I'm already on, ipsos incompass, where you download a VPN and it collects all the data from your phone and surroundings in exchange for rewards.

Anyone currently using Google screenwise? What's it like? How much do you get paid?

With ipsos it's £10/month + £2.50 per additional device .

Thanks.

Hi all,

I am considering buying a shared ownership house.

I am a solo first time buyer, using a H2B ISA (£3k bonus).

• 60% Share (£144k) of a house valued at £240k.
• Rent payable would be £200/month and Service charge is £35/month
• Mortgage would be around £700/month.
• The property is only a few years old, very modern, with a nice garden, 2x parking in front (side by side, so no awkward adjusting every morning/evening).

My current (strict) budget (excluding fun money and savings): (using budget planner website).

• Income: £2100~
• Spending: £1700 (Rent = £755)~
• Left over: £397~ (which can be used for savings, eating out, etc...)

New place:

• Income: £2100~
• Spending: £1853~
• Left over: £246~ (for saving, going out, emergencies).

Approx. a £150 difference.

Planning on living there long-term (over 10 years).

Pros and cons I've got so far:

New House	Current Flat
Pros	Garden, Parking right outside for 2 cars, Building some equity each month. newish build (maybe less costly to maintain)
cons	£150/month more /month. Rising rents and service charge , Long term commitment, would wipe out my hard earned savings - leaving me with around £8k left after all the fees of buying/moving.

I am here for some ideas and suggestions.

I do not want to commit without doing my research. I'm very cautious of this "shared ownership" set-up but I can't get a mortgage on the full £240k. anything I can get a mortgage on will need work doing to it.

This house feels already done up, and would need minimal maintenance.

I have a phone call with the Estate agent tomorrow to find out more. We viewed the property and liked it. but I need to know the fineprint.

Like can I eventually own 100% including the freehold, how much does it cost to extend the lease, etc....

Please share your thoughts, thank you so much.

Edit to add: My partner has limited income but she might be able contribute £100-£200 /month for things such as going out/leisure activities, savings, emergencies etc... I have not included it in calculations because its not guaranteed.

My partner and I are first time buyers and have seen a really modern shared ownership house that we like, it's affordable for us and will gain us 2x parking spaces and a garden compared to our current flat, which we do enjoy.

I did the math and compared it to our current rent and it works out about an additional £200/month. (This includes mortgage, rent and service charge).

However I read a lot of horror stories about shared ownership and it's definitely causing me some hesitation.

It would be great to hear some positive experiences with shared ownership so I can make a more informed decision.

Thank you.

To add some detail: The rent on the property would be £200/month The Service Charge is £35/month And it is a shared ownership house not flat.

I think we have lost the return envelope so I need to write the address myself.

I have two letters from ESA both with different addresses.

CROYDON BSC ESA

MAIL HANDLING SITE A

WOLVERHAMPTON

WV98 2HA

and

ESA St Austell

Mail Handling Site A

Wolverhampton

WV98 2AY

any idea which one to use?

thanks

Hi all,

Posting on behalf of my partner.

Her bladder has not been working (no "need to pee" sensation, and inability to actually go).

She had her third endo surgery a few months ago, hoping that would solve it, but its still not functioning.

She has had a wee bag /catheter and there are no signs of improvement. (started self cathoterising and then due to complications went to having a bag)

Anyone else had or has this issue? any suggestions on causes, remedies etc...

The nurses have tried several times to remove the catheter and test the bladder function, with no success.

No one really knows why, similar to with everything going on - getting passed from one department to another.

Thank you.

EDIT: we are going to see a uroligist tomorrow. To be clear, the bladder actually gave up before the surgery, so not caused by surgery.

Seriously I've got the x300 and really enjoy it but it messes me up every single time I get a notification, I have no idea what the notification was for because it gets lost in the other notifications.

I'm guessing notifications are in alphabetical order instead of order in which they arrived? Idk for certain but still man it sucks.

Any way to change it?

Something to amend in an update? Thanks.

Here is the link to the fees: https://app-static.algbra.com/fees-and-charges.pdf

I completely missed the notification/email about the fee change so I'm sharing with you in case you also missed it.

Major changes from what I notice is FX fees being introduced. Cash withdrawal fees too.

Account inactivity fee is also coming.

Not huge fees but it certainly will not be as competitive for foreign transactions.

Examples:

• Cash withdrawal in pounds in the UK: Per Transaction 1.00% of the withdrawal amount per Transaction
• Convert money from one currency to another currency: Per Transaction FX Fee: 0.50%
• Inactivity fee: Your Algbra Account has been inactive for 6 or more months and we maintain your Account in dormant status. We anticipate charging a maximum £1.00 per calendar month from the end of the 6th month of inactivity onwards until the Account’s Available Balance is reduced to £0.00 or the Account is closed.
• Debit card payment in a foreign currency: Per Transaction FX Fee: 1.50%
• Cash withdrawal in foreign currency outside the UK: Per Transaction FX Fee: 1.50%

Best alternatives?

Hi all,

I recently got a promotion in an office environment for a large corporation, but moving into a more senior position.

Previously it was smart casual, work branded polo shirts and chinos/jeans plus non flashy trainers, however in this new position it is more senior so it is expected to wear slightly more formal.

I don't really know what to go for to be honest.

Perhaps I am over thinking it.

I need new shoes anyway as mine have worn out, so I'm trying to kill 2 birds with 1 stone here.

Will still be wearing polo t-shirt or plain t-shirt (work branded).

Not exactly smart shirt attire.

Thank you all in advance.