Is This Enough Money??

Okay, I'm getting plans for the move firmed up (coming from Sweden, an American-Swedish dual citizenship, so don't need to move on the basis of relationship).  I've talked with several employment firms in London specializing in the legal business, they are extremely anxious to talk to me the second I set foot on British soil, BUT I'm trying to figure out how much money to bring with me to hold me until I get a job.

I'm planning on getting one of those short-term rental places, I realize they will want a deposit, etc., and I'm figuring I'll have to be paying about 120-150 GBP per week.  I'll get an underground pass, eat cheaply and from the sounds of it, I should have a good job offer or two within 4 to 6 weeks.

So what do you think, will 3,000 GBP be enough to tide me over until I get employed and get a paycheck, assuming that I am incredibly frugal, won't be going out to clubs, shopping, except for food, etc.

I would think so - I was looking into applying for the Working Holiday Visa at one point and UK immigration wanted me to have roughly 2,500 GBP as 6-8 weeks "startup" money before being employed....so I'm thinking 3K is fine for a month in London.

more lawyers!  just what we need!!

pretty soon that '£3000' figure will become your consulting fee! - I've worked for a USA IT firm specialising in Law Practice Management software, looked after 17 of the top 20 UK firms, and I've seen EXACTLY some of the figures you lawyers charge!

£3K should be plenty for you to live on for 4-6 weeks - as you've already mentioned, by staying frugal and cutting out non necessary expenses you'll manage that easily. I guess you're biggest outgoing will be rent & utility payments. To knock those expenses down a bit, consider a house share or something?

Good luck with the jobhunting!

Dennis! West London & Slough UK!!

do you have access to credit cards if it gets tight? I am one of those worst case senarios people... (good thing I am because my paycheck was mailed to me instead of direct deposited the Friday before Christmas and I was travelling to the states... and my rent was due!)

I came with cash and credit and a relocation allowance.

My b&b was £30 a day x 7 = £210... are short term rentals in London 120-150? I tend to budget on the high end just for the slush.

Then was the deposit (6 weeks) and 1st month's rent and all that swallowed my relocation allowance. I used my cash for day to day stuff and credit for setting up my new home. I still keep a good sum in my account at the end of the month for the what ifs.

I'd be a tad apprehensive about not knowing when my next paycheck was coming in. As Dennis mentioned, deposits, rent and utilities pop out of nowhere and can put a dent into your frugal plan. Have you priced your travel card yet?

With an emergency credit card you should be FINE!! No worries, enjoy your move!

I'm not a lawyer, I'm a legal secretary, so I'm not totally black, just a dingy shade of grey.

I am currently living in Sweden, my husband will still be here while I'm getting a job and settling in, so we have our bank accounts here and I have the debit card to both our accounts if need be, but I'm trying to set up a proper budget.

I have found several places that will rent in the 100 to 150 GBP a week range for a studio, less for sharing, but I'm 55 and don't fancy sharing any more (other than with husband and hound).  These places are in the Willesden Green-Kilburn-Queens Park areas, which used to be what we'd call shabby gentile back when I was in the UK before.  I am, needless to say, going to check with them for any hidden fees, processing fees, deposits, etc. as well.

The one thing I'm not terribly up on is the current food prices, but I would be cooking for myself to cut costs as well.

hee hee, I am 29 and I don't fancy sharing with anyone either!! It is sooo worth the extra expense just to have my privacy.

I cook for myself. Food prices are not too bad. I don't buy meat (usually/hardly ever) and that can eat up a budget quickly.  I shop at either Sainsbury's or Waitrose, my locals. I bake my own bread and tend to make most things from scratch instead of out of cans, jars or package mixes. I like the farmer's market for my veggies, although it is just one guy in a stand selling all sorts of veggies and smaller other stand selling fruit.... hardly a proper market! But I HATE  buying fruit in veg in the store because most are prepacked... adds expense, landfill waste plus you really have to look hard to make sure nothing is off and spoils the rest.

Go for Queens Park of all three - I like it the best...plus there's an awesome farmers market on Sundays on the main drag & a great local pub and diner!