Drawing up a budget for visa?

This may be a dumb question to ask, but still...what exactly would we need to put in a "detailed budget" for the spousal visa? With all the recent hub-ub about the co-sponsors, I don't know if we can afford it alone, which scares the hell out of me, because then I don't know what we would do...

So what kind of things go in the budget, and around how much do you think each costs on average? I've never drawn up a budget before, so I don't really know. I know you need things like food, transport costs, council tax...but I don't have a clue what else, nor do I have a full idea of what any of it costs from a US standpoint. Any help (and words of encouragement, no less, since nearly everything for the wedding is booked and paid for now...) would be greatly appreciated...

I'm going to do a sticky on this, if you can hold off for half an hour.


Vicky

Yes, no problem, thanks so much Vicky.

I'm sorry I don't have any advice, I just wanted to say THANK YOU! for posting this as we're in the same situation. We've just been married, H headed off back to the UK and now we're trying to get everything together for the visa. This is a fantastic post!

Also, should the budget be drawn up in GBP since it'll be a UK budget? (meaning should I convert my US savings/funds/payslips/loan payments to pounds, too?)

Also, should the budget be drawn up in GBP since it'll be a UK budget? (meaning should I convert my US savings/funds/payslips/loan payments to pounds, too?)

Yes, it should be in GBP since you are submitting a budget to live in the UK.

I think it's a great idea to draw up a budget.  I always had my clients use the ONS tables to make them realistic.

If there's to be sustained interest in this topic, it might be better situated in one of the finance forums. 

I can probably dig out some budgets people used in "real-life" if that's any use to the forum there.

That would be great, garry, whenever you get a chance.

(And if this topic should be moved, by all means, get it moved to where it will be of better use/on topic )

I think Vicky was going to do a sticky on drawing up a budget.  Perhaps we could attach a sample budget to whatever she writes up?

That would be great, garry, whenever you get a chance.

(And if this topic should be moved, by all means, get it moved to where it will be of better use/on topic )

Dear vnicepeeps (etc),

Can we get this topic moved over to the Personal Finance board?  It may have sustained interest beyond the immigration thingie.  In fact, it actually should.  

Thanks!

In terms of a budget this is what I usually take into account per month (not sure if it helps or if it is detailed enough)

Income:

Expenses:

Electric
Gas
Water
Net
Council Tax
Telephone
Mobile Calls
Food
Clothing
TV License
Savings (if any)
Any Health Policy/Insurance/Medical Expense (contact lenses for example)
Any payment protection thingies
Entertainment
Digital TV?
Magazine subs
Rent (that's the big one!)
Haircuts
Travel (Local and further)
One off expenses
Credit Card payments
Loan repayments
Prescriptions/Medical costs
etc ...

Then I do Income - Expenses = whatever is or isn't left over.

Does anyone have a physical example of what they sent with a spousal visa (or similar)? When I think of drawing up a budget to send, my mind swirls with things like piecharts and percentages  You don't have to include real #s of course, but more examples would be helpful. Or could I just make a list like saj has and list the amount next to it in pounds?

Also, if we are living in his mother's house (which we will be getting from her a few months after we move over there...just not taking it right away, to save some money) at first, can we cut out expenses such as council tax, tv license, gas/water/electricty? He currently pays her 200GBP / month as a rent type of deal, but it's just a verbal agreement between them...do we have to list that?

TIA

I think Carrie posted a budget she made when she applied for her spousal visa last August...you could try searching for that.

Hi,
I can also help with this and when I get some time I'll add to anything Vicky or anyone else posts up. I think 'overall' budget items would be needed rather than getting right down to budgeting for haircuts and the like - but there again, how 'detailed' of a budget is required on the spousal visa application?

I'll monitor this thread and pop back with useful stuff ...

Cheers! DtM West London & Slough UK!

Is this the one you're thinking of, andrea? http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=26775.0