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Building Your Financial Safety Net: A Support System for Filipino Workers in the UK

29 May 2024


Worried about your financial safety in an unknown land like the UK? Relocating to the UK is a dream of hundreds of thousands of Filipino expats. But this dream can turn into a nightmare if you don’t know how to manage finances across borders and make money transfer to Philippines. Remittances are vital to the Philippines’s economy, yet failing to navigate these financial hurdles can result in substantial monetary losses.
 

However, this transition can be smoother and more rewarding with the proper knowledge and a reliable remittance service provider. This article will discuss essential tips and strategies for understanding the UK's financial system so that you can effectively manage your finances. By mastering these insights, you can safely, efficiently, and swiftly remit money back home and enhance your OFW experience to its fullest potential.

Understanding UK’s Financial System

The rise in remittance flow has revolutionized money transfer technology. And now, the UK’s financial system offers diverse options for sending money to the Philippines. To effectively navigate this landscape, you need to understand bank account types and tax implications. Read on to understand these essential factors:

Banking System of UK

Opening a bank account as a Filipino worker in the UK lets you manage your finances effectively. It ensures easy access to funds for withdrawals without restrictions, akin to having cash readily available. Various account options in the UK cater to different needs:
 

  1. The basic bank account is convenient for those who don't qualify for other accounts but need additional benefits.
  2. The current account facilitates routine online money transfer to Philippines with a debit card for easy access.
  3. The savings account offers annual interest on deposits influenced by economic policies but doesn't allow debit card access.
  4. An international account is ideal for frequent international Filipino workers as it provides global financial services for easy overseas transactions. 

Tax Implications in the UK

The UK has a distinct tax system for expat workers, which is primarily based on income. Here are some of the tax types in the UK: 

 

  1. With a significant 2023 value of 246.8 billion, income tax is the most important type of tax in the UK. Staying over 183 days in the UK exposes you to paying a specific amount of tax based on your average income. The basic income rate is 20%, ranging between £12,571 and £50,270. However, earnings exceeding £50,270 are taxed at 40%.
  2. All UK residents are subject to national and healthcare taxes, deducted annually based on income to fund healthcare needs.
  3. As a substantial income source since its introduction in 1973, a maximum of 20% Valu Added Tax is implied on goods and services. This tax is payable by buyers and submitted by sellers to the government. Paying these taxes allows you to initiate a safe UK-to-Philippines money transfer.
  4. Filipino expats in the UK must stay informed about residency tax policies applicable if residing or owning property in the UK for over 183 days.
  5. If you own a vehicle in the UK, Vehicle Excise Duty is compulsory and varies based on vehicle type and cost. 

Developing a Budgeting Strategy as a Filipino Worker in the UK

Living in the UK as a Filipino expat requires developing a budgeting strategy. This is the only way to manage money effectively. Here are tips to create a budgeting strategy.

Create a Detailed Budget

Start by listing your income and expenses. You can use spreadsheets or note it down in your diary. This way, you can idealize where to hold money and refrain from spending to save as much as possible.

Prioritizing Spending

Categorize essential expenses separately. Focus on vital costs such as housing, utilities, food, and transport. 

Track Your Expenses

Track your expenses to identify where you can cut back without sacrificing your health and necessities.
 

You can also leverage mobile banking apps having built-in budgeting tools, like ACE Money Transfer. This mobile banking app aids in monitoring spending habits, sticking to your budget effectively, and transferring money back home.
 

Read more on Managing Your Finances as a Filipino Expat Worker here.

Building a Financial Support Network of Filipino Workers in the UK

Research suggests that a strong support network reduces stress and enhances mental health. Establishing meaningful connections in a foreign country is crucial for well-being. Here’s how Filipino expats in the UK build a support system.

Build Local Networks

Building connections within the community lets Filipino expats establish a sense of belonging. You can engage in local UK networks through neighborhood gatherings, cultural events, and community programs to facilitate deep relationships and foster an understanding of the local way of life.  

Join Online Support Filipino Communities

Virtual support groups via Zoom and Skype offer real-time conversations and forums for Filipino expats. These platforms facilitate open discussions about challenges, successes, and valuable advice for acclimating to life in the UK.
 

Filipino workers in the UK can also connect through dedicated forums and social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and create a supportive online community and resource network.

Build Overseas Connections

Attending social gatherings and events is a proactive method for expats to forge connections. Filipino expats can build lasting relationships, exchange advice, and share insights at community festivals and expat meetups, finding secure ways to send money to Philippines from UK and cultural functions.
 

Language exchange initiatives also help Filipino expats improve language skills while fostering bonds and connecting Filipinos in the UK for language learning. Engaging in clubs like sports or reading clubs can also expand social circles and foster meaningful relationships with like-minded Filipino workers in the UK.  

Manage Finance with ACE Money Transfer and Build a Support Network Without Worry!

Traveling to the UK as a Filipino expat may pose multiple challenges, such as adapting to a new culture and understanding the financial system in a foreign land. In such times, a reliable support system can transform the experience into a rewarding one. ACE Money Transfer serves as your financial companion, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions during this transition.
 

Ready to kickstart your journey of friendship in a new land? As you forge new connections and establish a sense of belonging, ACE Money Transfer stands as your trusted partner. With secure and efficient services, ACE Money Transfer lets you send money online to the Philippines hassle-free, allowing you to concentrate on building genuine relationships. Connect, explore, and thrive with ACE Money Transfer by your side.

FAQs

What are the tax implications for Filipino expats in the UK?

Filipino expats in the UK are subject to income tax, national and healthcare taxes, Value Added Tax (VAT), and residency tax policies if residing in the UK for over 183 days.
 

How can Filipino expats create a budgeting strategy in the UK?

Filipino expats can create detailed budgets, prioritize essential expenses, and track spending using spreadsheets, diary notes, or mobile banking apps with built-in budgeting tools.
 

How can Filipino expats in the UK establish a support network?

Filipino expats can build local networks through community activities, join online support communities via Zoom and Skype, and attend events and gatherings to connect with other expats and locals.
 

How can ACE Money Transfer help Filipino expats in the UK manage their finances and send money to the Philippines?

ACE Money Transfer provides seamless cross-border transactions, allowing Filipino expats to concentrate on building genuine relationships while facilitating hassle-free money transfers from the UK to the Philippines.
 

What types of bank accounts are available for Filipino workers in the UK?

The UK offers various account options, including basic bank accounts, current accounts to send money online to Philippines from UK, savings accounts, and international accounts for global financial services.


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