RetireJapan

I made a one-off transfer from a UK bank account in December and received the update of fund allocation over the weekend. So approx 15 weeks maybe? God spede!

Thanks! Great info to have to hand. So come June/July I'll chase this up if not by then reflected on my Government Gateway page.

I periodically think about looking into making NI back payments, but from people's experiences relayed to the Forum, I really wonder if I can be bovvered with all the hassle. Shame to leave money on the table though.

Max wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 5:47 am I periodically think about looking into making NI back payments, but from people's experiences relayed to the Forum, I really wonder if I can be bovvered with all the hassle. Shame to leave money on the table though.

Simply put, it’s worth the hassle.

Gareth wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 6:20 am

Max wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 5:47 am I periodically think about looking into making NI back payments, but from people's experiences relayed to the Forum, I really wonder if I can be bovvered with all the hassle. Shame to leave money on the table though.

Simply put, it’s worth the hassle.

Yep. 2 government pensions vs 1.
It was a no-brainer for me (and I was a skeptic at first too)

Max wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 5:47 am I periodically think about looking into making NI back payments, but from people's experiences relayed to the Forum, I really wonder if I can be bovvered with all the hassle. Shame to leave money on the table though.

Best investment I know of. Almost definitely worth the time/hassle.

RetireJapan wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 7:56 am

Max wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 5:47 am I periodically think about looking into making NI back payments, but from people's experiences relayed to the Forum, I really wonder if I can be bovvered with all the hassle. Shame to leave money on the table though.

Best investment I know of. Almost definitely worth the time/hassle.

Can I take credit for pointing you in the right direction about 6 or 7 years ago?

Although the state pension is almost approaching 1000 pounds a month, it doesn't really go that far in the UK, but due to the cost of living differentials in Japan, it really is a bonus being it paid in Japan. And as for class 2 NICS you are a winner to none. Needless to say I am class 3.

I often talk to Aussies, Kiwis and Canadians about their state pension schemes, and they can't believe what a great deal we have got in Japan with the British state pension.

Max wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 5:47 am I periodically think about looking into making NI back payments, but from people's experiences relayed to the Forum, I really wonder if I can be bovvered with all the hassle. Shame to leave money on the table though.

It depends if paying them would top you up to the 30ish years required to get the full pension, and if you are likely to pay compulsory NI in the future.

Max wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 5:47 am I periodically think about looking into making NI back payments, but from people's experiences relayed to the Forum, I really wonder if I can be bovvered with all the hassle. Shame to leave money on the table though.

It's the best investment any expat Brit can make unless they've already qualified for a full state pension.

Wales4rugbyWC23 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 12:15 pm Can I take credit for pointing you in the right direction about 6 or 7 years ago?

Absolutely! I was pretty stubborn about it at first too