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I’ve been living and working in London since 2022, shaping a new country into home. This blog brings together my experiences, missteps, and practical guidance on navigating life in the UK β€” from bureaucratic paperwork and daily routines to the moments of discovery that make the journey worthwhile.

  1. UK pensions Part 2: SIPP, tax-efficiency, and ISA strategy

    April 08, 2026

    Master your UK retirement savings with a SIPP. Compare SIPPs vs ISAs, understand tax relief for high earners, and learn how pensions help you avoid the 60% tax trap.

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  2. UK pensions Part 1: employer match and qualifying earnings

    April 05, 2026

    Confused by UK pensions? Part 1 explains workplace & state pensions, the 'qualifying earnings' trap, and how to maximize your employer match.

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  3. From Krakow to the ocean: how we searched for a home in three countries

    March 28, 2026

    Interview with Nastya on emigrating to Spain via Poland and Bulgaria. Finding housing, taxes, the digital nomad visa, and overcoming 'life on pause.'

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  4. What I love about London and what I miss from home

    March 17, 2026

    Comparison of London vs Kyiv from an expat perspective. Discover what's amazing about life in London and what you'll likely miss from your home city.

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  5. London cost of living: how much you need per month (2026)

    March 08, 2026

    How much money do you need to live in London? From shared flats to solo renting, here's a detailed 2026 monthly breakdown and required salary guidance.

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  6. The UK property buying process: a step-by-step conveyancing guide

    February 25, 2026

    A practical guide to the UK property buying process. Learn when to instruct a solicitor, why buying a flat takes longer than a house, and understand the key conveyancing steps from offer to completion.

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  7. Ukrainian restaurants in London: a local's guide (2026) with a map

    February 15, 2026

    Craving borsch, varenyky or elevated Ukrainian fine dining in London? Here's my personally tested guide to the best Ukrainian restaurants and cafΓ©s across the city β€” from home-style spots to refined dining

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  8. Netlify vs AWS Amplify: why I switched and what I learned

    February 08, 2026

    Burned through Netlify's 300 free credits in days? Here's why I migrated my Gatsby site to AWS Amplify β€” comparing pricing, build times, serverless functions, and the vendor lock-in trade-off.

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  9. Best class-based gyms in London: Equinox, BLOK, 1Rebel & more

    January 31, 2026

    Comparing London's best class-based gyms β€” Equinox, BLOK, Victus Soul, 1Rebel & Barrecore. Rolling memberships vs class packs, pricing breakdowns, and which gym fits your lifestyle.

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  10. Moving to London as a Spanish expat: interview with Miguel on career, housing & returning home

    January 25, 2026

    A Spanish software engineer shares his honest experience of relocating to London β€” visa paperwork, sky-high rent, building a social life, career growth at a scale-up, and why he ultimately moved back to Barcelona.

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  11. UK investments for beginners: ISAs, LISAs, Premium Bonds & savings explained

    January 02, 2026

    New to investing in the UK? Learn about savings accounts, Cash & Stocks and Shares ISAs, Lifetime ISAs for first-time buyers, and Premium Bonds β€” a practical guide for expats and newcomers.

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  12. 7 British Christmas traditions that surprise newcomers

    December 19, 2025

    From Christmas dinner at lunchtime to paper crowns and pigs in blankets β€” discover the quirky British Christmas traditions that catch every newcomer off guard.

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  13. UK property buying: 8 key concepts you must know

    December 05, 2025

    Planning to buy a UK home? Understand freehold vs leasehold, stamp duty, mortgage rates, and the 'marriage value' trap in this complete newcomer's guide.

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  14. React Advanced London 2025: how AI is reshaping software engineering careers

    November 28, 2025

    Key takeaways from React Advanced London 2025 β€” does AI actually make engineers more productive? Insights on AI coding tools, senior vs junior productivity, and how hiring practices are changing.

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  15. UK tax system: tax brackets, PAYE & 60% tax trap

    November 18, 2025

    Confused by UK taxes? This guide breaks down income tax brackets, the 60% tax trap, National Insurance, and tax codes with real-world examples.

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  16. UK supermarket ranking: from Waitrose to Aldi

    November 15, 2025

    Find the best UK supermarket for your needs. We rank M&S, Waitrose, Tesco, and Lidl by quality, pricing, and loyalty schemes to help you shop smarter.

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  17. How to open a UK bank account: best banks and tips for expats

    November 08, 2025

    Open a UK bank account as an expat: compare high street versus digital banks like Monzo and Revolut, understand fees, and build your credit history.

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  18. London Rental Guide: how to find a flat

    November 01, 2025

    Find a flat in London: complete guide to rental websites, zones, and navigating the competitive market.

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