Live SV logo

Life & Success

The Biggest Mistake Most People Make With Their Health

Americans are not the healthiest bunch. From cosmopolitan Washington, D.C., to the rural reaches of Wyoming and everywhere in between, Americans share the unfortunate trait of having (on average, anyway) unhealthy lifestyles. In some places (like D.C.), they drink way too much; in other places, they eat way too much. Almost everywhere, they don’t get enough exercise.

All of this has made Americans unhealthy. The typical American is overweight, and many are obese (it’s an epidemic, actually). Many Americans are suffering from mental illnesses, including addiction. That’s thanks in part to the country’s horrific opioid epidemic that average life expectancy in the United States has declined over recent years.

Most Americans struggle with all different aspects of their health. But there’s one mistake that is too common and all too severe. The biggest mistake that most people make with their health is failing to consider their mental health at all.

Stigma, ignorance, and mental health

Most Americans make it to the doctor on more or less the schedule that they ought to. Problems with our health care system aside, most Americans are also relatively conscientious about heading to their doctor or to a hospital when they are sick or severely injured. Most people understand that, without professional help, it’s next to impossible for broken bones to heal properly or serious illnesses to resolve positively.

When it comes to mental health, though, all of this common sense seems to fly out the window. Many Americans have mental health issues that go entirely untreated; some of them don’t even know that they have mental health issues.

Part of the problem is outdated stigma; we’re afraid to go to the psychologist or therapist because we think it makes us “crazy.” Part of the problem is ignorance. We don’t know how helpful therapy can be, even to those who do not have an ongoing mental health issues. Whatever the case, Americans are making a big mistake.

Mental health is not something you should try to manage on your own, explain the experts at therapygroupdc.com. Like physical health, mental health should be managed through regular healthy lifestyle choices and professional health care.

It’s all tied together

You can be thin and, to an extent, even physically healthy without having a clean bill of mental health. And you can be mentally healthy and still be physically ill or obese. But these are exceptions to the rule, which is this: Physical and mental health are closely related.

When you’re properly nourishing your body and releasing endorphins through exercise, you’re going to feel better and think more clearly. Eat nothing but junk and sit around all day, and you’re more likely than your active counterparts to deal with issues like anxiety and depression (studies prove it). The reverse is true, too: The healthier your mind, the easier you’re likely to find it to make the right decisions regarding diet, exercise, and other health essentials.

This isn’t to say that the obesity epidemic and other issues in America all come back to mental health care; obviously, that’s not the whole story. But it’s also undeniable that these things are related. The biggest mistake that most people make regarding their health — to ignore their mental health needs entirely — contributes to a host of other health problems that can further complicate anyone’s big-picture health. So don’t make this common mistake. Recognize that your health includes both physical and mental aspects. Get yourself the mental health care that you need, and live the healthy life you deserve to have.

Join the discussion on this topic with Live SV by visiting our contact page.

Your Guide to the Cabin Lifestyle

Living in a log cabin is a great option for people who want as much freedom as possible. Whether you’re buying a cabin or building your own, they have plenty of appeal. Living in a cabin is generally economical, and most who follow through with the idea find that it leads to less stress than the traditional rat race.

Building a cabin is also more environmentally friendly than other types of houses, and the lifestyle is a great way to go green in general. You’ll be closer to nature, have high energy efficiency, and potentially experience a lifetime sense of achievement from cabin living.

Regardless of your reasoning for your desired lifestyle change, the following are the essentials you’ll need to know for living in a cabin.

Floor plan

When thinking about a log cabin, you may be envisioning the days of old, where there was a single room dwelling with a stove and fireplace to keep everything warm. While you can still find those items in a modern cabin, today’s cabins generally come equipped with the advantages of the modern home.

This point applies more to those planning to build their own cabins, but it means that there is no “one size fits all” floor plans for cabins anymore. These days, a two story log cabin is a possibility, and they’re often reinforced with stone or other, more sturdy materials.

You can also consider adding a porch or deck for cooking or other recreational activities. Your cabin’s floor plan should be similar to that of a modern house, and a cabin in the North Carolina mountains won’t be missing anything that you would find down in Raleigh houses.

Location, location, location

As with pretty much any real estate endeavor, the location of your cabin is extremely important.

If you’re considering a cabin, then you’re probably already thinking about a rural landscape away from the hustle and stressors of cities and towns. There are several suitable states for a log home, and looking for cabins for sale in North Carolina or other mountainous states is a good first step.

You want to take the climate of the area into account as well. Depending on how the cabin is built, you might want to choose a more arid climate to prevent damage to the logs. At any rate, you’ll want generous roof covering to protect from the rain.

Décor

When it comes time to furnish and decorate a cabin, many owners decide to go with an overall theme.

It’s perfectly fine to go with a rustic look with some classic amish furniture, but you don’t have to let your imagination end there. You could go green with a nature theme or decorate based on your location. While wooden furniture is fine, you’ll likely want a softer couch that should match the wood of your cabin.

Speaking of furniture, you’ll need some outdoor stuff as well. This will let you enjoy the natural beauty of your location more and make it easy to relax outside. Rocking chairs and hammocks are good choices.

Outdoor living

As you would expect, you’ll be living much of your life outdoors when living in a cabin. Hunting and fishing are common activities among cabin owners, as is recreational shooting. Of course, if you aren’t a fan of these, you have plenty of other options depending on your location, like hiking or rafting.

These days, there are even plenty of social media options for those with outdoor lifestyles, so it’s easier than ever to find like minded people. The cabin lifestyle can be a bit of an adjustment, but if you’re looking for a change in life, it may just be the best thing you could do.

 

Unsure If an MBA is Right for Your Future? Steps that Can Help the Decision-Making Process

When it comes to choosing your future career path, for many people, it isn’t an easy process. Often there are no right or wrong answers, rather it is about weighing your options and figuring out what will offer you the most pros for your life, your goals, and your expectations. If you’ve been on the fence as to whether or not an MBA is right or even necessary for you and your future, there are some steps and questions you can ask yourself. These are meant to make the path clearer, and help you to make a confident decision.

So, before you let the stress overwhelm you, and even worse yet, make a decision that you end up regretting later, here are some questions and steps you can use in the decision-making process.

What Type of Career Excites You?

One of the first things you’ll want to do is give thought as to what type of career excites you. What field or industry are you interested in, that you feel you could spend many years in without growing tired of it? If you haven’t given much thought about a career up to this point, you can even browse through job posting boards just to start reading about different positions and their responsibilities. This can help you narrow down your options.

What Skills, Experience, and Talents Do You Have?

Often, the career that a person ends up doing best in is one where they tend to have the skills, experience, and talents that mesh well with it. This doesn’t mean you need previous job experience; rather you just naturally match up with many of the talents and personality traits needed in that position. For example, if you are a people-person, have excellent communication skills, and love meeting new people, then perhaps a job in sales or even marketing could be ideal.

Research What Your Dream Job Requires

Now that you have narrowed it down to a dream job, or even a couple you have your eyes on, it’s time to research what it requires in terms of education and training. This is where it can become very clear whether that MBA is needed. Keep in mind that even if the job doesn’t specifically state that an MBA is necessary, it can still help to give you a leg up on the competition and make your resume stand out. There’s also the fact that those who get their MBA tend to make more during their working years.

Try an MBA Tour

Another rather enlightening step to take is to attend The MBA tour. What is The MBA tour, you may ask? The MBA Tour is meant to give prospective students a chance to meet up with admissions representatives in face-to-face small group settings. There are panels that discuss how you can improve your application and how to finance your degree. You will learn about the different programs and get a chance to network with, not just admissions representatives from various schools, but also fellow applicants and even alumni.

The more information you can gather, the better it will be for your decision-making process. Learning about these various schools and programs can help you to narrow down your options, and really pick the one that will guarantee you’re able to succeed in your goals.

Don’t Base Your Decision on What Others are Doing

One tip to keep in mind is that you should never base such a big decision as your future career on what everyone else is doing. Just because all your other friends or family members may have gotten their MBA and it was right for them, it doesn’t automatically make it right for you.

This needs to be a personal decision that is mulled over based on your individual thoughts, goals, and feelings. When you follow the crowd without listening to your own self, chances are you won’t end up happy or fulfilled in the end.

Ask Yourself If You’re Ready to Give the MBA All Your Time and Energy

Finally, you want to ask yourself if you’re ready to give the MBA program all of your time and energy. This isn’t just something you can give half effort to and cruise through, rather you’re going to have to pour everything into it. It is a huge time and financial commitment to make, so being honest about that will help guarantee more successful results. Remember, this is a drop in the bucket in terms of how much value the MBA can end up giving you in life.

A Decision You Feel Confident In

By asking these questions, taking these steps, and truly being honest with yourself, you’ll be able to make a decision you feel confident in when it comes to whether or not an MBA is right for you and your future.

Top Ways Therapy Helps with Social Anxiety

The most common mental disorders in Americans center around anxiety. Each year, variations of anxiety affect 40 million Americans, yet less than half of these patients receive treatment.

One of the most common forms of anxiety disorder is social anxiety. For many, attending therapy on a regular basis can aid in handling triggers in the future and relieve daily stressors. Read on for more information.

What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) affects more than six percent of Americans, which is nearly 15 million people. While many people may feel a slight rise in nerves at the onset of social interaction, for those with SAD, the response is much more serious. People living with social anxiety disorder may experience difficulty in the following situations:

  • Speaking in large crowds
  • Attending an event in an unfamiliar area
  • Going to a new place or event unaccompanied
  • Initiating or participating in conversations, especially with strangers
  • Maintaining eye contact during a conversation

There is a slew of additional triggers for social anxiety, each of which are unique on a patient-to-patient basis. These occasions spark fear of embarrassment, judgment, and direct attention.

As a result, patients may experience an increased heart rate, lightheadedness, restricted breathing, increased sweating, or stomach irritability. These symptoms are not limited to the moment in which the trigger occurs and often last for an extended period of time.

How can therapy help?

There are various ways to manage SAD symptoms. Many choose to medicate; others seek holistic remedies through meditation or yoga. The most effective long-term treatment for social anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. While medication is often a quick remedy, it has less long-term effectiveness than regular therapy attendance.

Cognitive behavioral therapy works by identifying the thought processes causing anxiety and forming a plan to alter them. The main concept behind this is the powerful connection between a person’s thoughts and behaviors. Patients typically attend 12 to 16 sessions, once a week, for roughly an hour to an hour and a half.

Each cognitive behavioral therapist will assess the ways in which SAD affects their patients to determine which form of CBT would be the most effective. There are plenty of options when it comes to CBT, including individual sessions, group therapy, at-home practices, and journaling.

Therapists will often introduce roleplay during individual and group therapy. This method allows patients to act out frequent social triggers and alter the scenario. When they face said challenge in the future, they’ll have a history of playing it out in sessions with the proper coping skills to handle it more calmly.

When the therapist feels the patient is ready, they will assign “homework” to implement these coping skills. These assignments might include attending an event in a new space, introducing themselves to new coworkers, or giving a small speech in a public setting.

Another effective form of CBT for social anxiety is known as exposure and response prevention, or ERP. Under the therapist’s supervision, patients are exposed to the triggers that spark social anxiety and taught how to respond in a healthy, relaxed manner. While it may seem like something that can be done without the aid of a therapist, repeated exposure to triggers can cause further damage when improperly monitored.

Professionals encourage their patients to confront their triggers and refuse to engage in them. This eventual lessening of anxiety as a result of continuous exposure and subsequent lack of response is known as habituation.

While each individual case is unique, there are a vast array of therapy techniques for those dealing with social anxiety. While medication and holistic remedies should not be overlooked, therapy is often the best choice for those seeking long-term results.

Learning to track down the source of triggers and practicing ways in which to disengage is the greatest benefit of weekly therapy, and can result in lasting relief from social anxiety.

What Does It Take to Open a Small Day Care Centre

 

Do you love working with kids? Are you willing to spend every day taking care of them while their parents are working? Do you like teaching and telling great stories? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you should consider building your own daycare centre. Nowadays, there is a continuous need for this kind of business because it helps prepare toddlers to gain essential knowledge that will help them move to formal education.

Daycare students usually range from three to five years of age, and this is the best age for them to learn how to socialise with kids their age. Kids are taught values in the class. If you want to start this kind of business here are some helpful tips to get you started.

  1. Look for a good location

For starters, you can cater to kids who live around your area or neighbourhood. You can start your business right next to your home. You can build a big classroom where you can accommodate all of your students. You can use prefabricated materials for your class so it can be built in no time and at less cost. Check out websites like wintechmodular.co.uk for more details.

Building your daycare next to your home has an advantage. The parents know where you live, which makes them trust you more. It also allows you to maximise your earnings because you no longer need to pay for rent.

  1. Secure the business permit

Before you can start accepting students and processing their enrollment, you need to comply with the government by registering your business and getting a licence to operate. You need to fill out several forms and pay a minimal fee. Companies that do not have permits are considered illegal, and they can be ordered to shut down operations as soon as possible.

  1. Hire the right people

Running a daycare centre is not an easy task. You will need the help of people that are experts when it comes to handling children’s behaviour. Make it a point to hire only qualified applicants. Aside from having the skills, your staff should also possess other amazing qualities like patience, being energetic and fun, and kindness and should be passionate about teaching kids.

  1. Start shopping for things and supplies

You will need things like tables, chairs, mats, books and different toys for your students. To keep them occupied, you should also look into art materials like water colours and crayons. You can add several kitchen items like a refrigerator and a microwave oven for their snacks.

  1. Promote your business

If you are new in the market, you need to exert more effort in promoting your daycare centre. Give out your company brochures and fliers that show all the types of services that you can offer.

Lastly, if you want to be successful in this type of business, you need to show genuine love and care towards your students. Parents will continue trusting your day care if they see that their kids are happy.

Join the discussion on this topic with Live SV by visiting our contact page.

Throwing a Memorable Party

Life is all about the moments. Studies upon studies have shown what many of us already intuitively know to be true: That experiences and memories are more valuable that material goods or money. That’s why, when we are given the chance to plan a party, we want it to be as fun and as memorable as possible. Whether it’s our child’s birthday party, spouse’s retirement party, or an anniversary bash, you should make your next party a great one.

That’s easier said than done, though. Planning parties can be stressful, and it’s easy to see why event planners are always so stressed out. For us non-professionals and mere mortals, planning a party can end up feeling like something that we just want to get over with. You don’t have to give in. Instead, lower your stress levels and enhance your party with these great party life hacks:

The simple secret of party planning

Ask any great party planner how to lower your stress levels and get a better party, and they’re likely to tell you pretty much the same exact thing: Plan early and start soon. The more time that you take to plan out your party, the more time that you’ll have to nail every detail and, crucially, overcome the unexpected obstacles that are sure to crop up along the way. 

While you’re planning, stay organized. Keep information in one spot, and maintain a spreadsheet or checklist to make sure that you’re not doing conflicting things or repeating the same tasks multiple times. As Murphy’s Law states: whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. Planning will take more time than you think it will, so get moving!

Location, location, location

Perhaps the most important decision about your party is also one of the most basic: Where is it? Your party’s location will change everything about the feel of the event and your priorities as you plan it.

Moving your party to a restaurant, bar, or resort can take a lot of pressure off of you. Experts who run one casino known as a “site for shore eyes” say vacationers and locals alike turn to their facilities for events. Just be sure to contact the establishment you’re thinking of if you are planning to bring a big group. On the other hand, you may decide that your party is best kept in your own home. That’s fine, too. 

Rent it, don’t buy it

There are some things that it makes sense to buy. Your house, for instance: You’ll gain a valuable asset, stop having to pay rent, and so on. If you ski a lot, you should rent skis instead of buying them. You should buy (or lease) your car instead of renting from Hertz every time you go to work. Just use common-sense in as many cases as you can.

What about a dunk tank or photo booth? Unlike your house or your car, these are not valuable assets that you are likely to use every day. It’s pretty unlikely that you are going to use a dunk tank so often that, after the hundreth rental, you’ll be saying, “I wish I’d bought that!”

You can really improve your party with over-the-top games and goodies if you rent big-time party equipment that you’d never choose to buy. Particularly for kids’ parties, these additions can be massive hits say experts who offer photo booth rentals and other party-related rentals on New York’s Long Island.

What makes the perfect party? That’s hard to say, and everyone’s answer will be different. We do know, however, that if you plan early, stay organized, pick a great location, and add great and memorable party games or installations, you’ll be on the right track.

What is CBT and How Does It Work?

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is one of the most widely-used forms of treatment in the world of psychotherapy. While every patient is unique in their individual needs and their reception to treatment, the idea behind CBT is applicable in a vast array of cases.

What is CBT?

This particular method of therapy was created based on the link between a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychologists believe that these three elements work in a circular pattern, each of which can be either the cause or the effect of various triggers.

The ideology behind this form of treatment is all about how to lessen the impact of stressors by aiding patients in creating thoughts and behaviors to combat them. For some patients, these sessions can last six to 12 weeks, while for others, it’s a continuous process.

Ultimately, a cognitive behavioral therapist enters each session with the goal of altering the thought patterns and consequential behaviors that cause unhealthy symptoms in their patient.

How does CBT work?

CBT works differently for every patient in terms of duration. The average length of sessions for cognitive behavioral therapy is roughly between an hour to an hour and a half.

This difference in effectiveness is based on the reasoning behind the therapy. For patients with short-term difficulties like situation-based anxiety or insomnia, six to 12 weeks of CBT can be enough to resolve the problem. For others with extensive distress, recurring appointments may be necessary.

As the name states, cognitive behavioral therapy is rooted in the connection between thoughts and behaviors. The process of CBT begins with identifying a patient’s unhealthy thoughts and emotions.

Once these have been established, a plan is set between the therapist and patient to address these initial thoughts or emotions and the ways in which to engage or disengage with them. Over time, the goal is for the patient to recognize an unhealthy thought or emotion and work through it before it has the chance to result in unhealthy behaviors.

What is CBT used for?

There are a variety of reasons why a therapist would choose CBT for their patients. Most commonly treated with CBD are anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, and PTSD.

With each of these disorders, the first step is identifying the unhealthy behavior. For example, patients who live with an anxiety disorder may feel a sense of fear and thoughts of failure when faced with something unfamiliar.

Patients are often encouraged to document these thoughts and emotions in a journal to review with their therapist. Moving forward, the patient is encouraged to take their thoughts and rethink them in a more logical way, separate from the circumstances.

Instead of thinking, “I can’t attend this event, my anxiety is unmanageable”, patients are encouraged to change their thoughts to, “It’s normal to fear an unknown place, but it doesn’t have to be the reason I don’t attend. I’ve gone to new places in the past successfully, I just have to take the first step. I can always leave if I feel unsafe or uneasy”.

Many therapists also practice CBT in their group therapy sessions. In these groups, patients are able to bring forward a common trigger in their lives and act them out with others. In playing the scenarios out, the therapist can provide the patient with multiple variations of the scenario with various outcomes. This provides patients with the ability to think through their situations and come up with a plan to execute them in the healthiest way possible.

While every patient is unique, and their individual needs are evaluated from the first appointment, it’s not uncommon for a therapist to suggest a treatment with CBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy is growing more popular as a way to help patients evaluate their thoughts and emotions in order to produce healthy behaviors.

 

5 Tips for Finding a New Hairstylist

The most daunting task about moving to a new city is leaving your stylist’s safe hands for the unknown. Finding a hairdresser doesn’t have to feel like placing your tresses on a sacrificial altar, though. Thanks to modern technology and word of mouth, you can prevent a hairdo freakout by following these tips. 

Ask around

Ask and you shall receive. If you spot a friend, acquaintenace, or even a fabulous stranger rocking a haircut or a color you admire, ask them what salon they went to and which stylist performed the service. Not only are you giving them a lovely compliment, but you’ve the chance to chat firsthand with someone about their salon experience. Definitely seize these opportunities when the person has a similar hair texture to yours. You can relax knowing you’re likely to leave the styling chair with comparable results. 

Use an app

With revolutionary electrical engineering services and the rise of technology, it’s no surprise that society has become overly-reliant on services and apps to help deliver the best results possible. This is no different when it comes to beauty. Use applications to your advantage when on the hunt for a trusted cosmetologist. Apps like StyleSeat are a simple way to discover and book hairservices online. Professionals display their work, and as a client, you can discover services and providers, read reviews, and book appointments. Users can find makeup artists, eyelash extensions, eyebrow experts, fashion stylists, and more. 

Trendy salons are also likely to have at least one active social media account. Instagram is an especially nifty tool for locating a hairstylist. Search hashtags like [your city] + hairstylist or hair. For example, #LAhairsylist #LAsalon or #LAhairartist are great hashtags to try. Facebook is also another rich resource for gathering more information about a business.  

Research

Use everyone’s favorite search engine and type in “a hair salon near me.” Narrow your options to a few likely candidates and read their Google and Yelp reviews.  Visit the salon’s website and explore their Facebook page to determine if the establishment’s vibe would be a good fit for your personality. How favorable are the reviews about the salon and its staff? All of this can help you determine if the salon you’re considering is a good option.

Most sites also feature the stylists’ biographies highlighting their specialties and experience. 

So if you’re looking for a master at box braids or an expert colorist, read those biographies. Doing your research before choosing a place greatly increases your odds of locating a winner. 

Use the consultation

Call the salon and schedule a consultation before committing to an appointment. This meeting gives you the opportunity to meet the stylist, discuss your hair vision, and decide if you want to go through with the appointment. Your hairstylist will also analyze your features to determine the best cut, shape, and color for your face shape and skin tone.

The number one result of unhappy salon clients occurs when there’s a misunderstanding between the professional and a client about a service  Discuss your expectations with your hairstylist even for routine services like a trim or face-framing layers. 

According to Forbes, active listening is a skill with tremendous communication payoffs. Listen closely to your hairstylist when he or she is speaking, so there’s no confusion about your desired look. A quality stylist will also repeat back what you say to verify they understood your request.  

Be sure to bring pictures. Hairstylists are visual artists, so the more images you bring depicting the look you’re hoping to achieve, the better. 

Thanks to technology, initiative, and asking around, finding a reliable professional in a new city takes little effort. Armed with the right tools, you’ll leave the styling chair confidently sporting a new ‘do.

Are Online Schools and Universities Trustworthy

 

The rise of online schools and universities has made education accessible to a lot of people. Even those who are working full-time now have the chance to pursue a different career or step things up. The problem is that some of these schools are unreliable.

Therefore, you might worry that if you pursue an online course, it won’t give you the results you hoped for. Before you turn down the idea of online learning, you need to understand that many people have succeeded in achieving their goals because they pursued an online degree.

Look for online schools with an actual campus

Some universities receive authority from the government to open an online school. Given their accreditation, you can rely on them to provide you with the quality of education you deserve. If the university has been around for years, you won’t have to worry about the certificate or degree that you receive. Employers will probably accept your degree in the same way that they do with people who finished their programs in a conventional school.

Check the ratings and accreditations

Different accrediting bodies check both conventional universities, online schools, and mixed programs. If the online program received accreditation from a reliable accrediting body, you can trust that it will be suitable for you. The ratings they receive from their current students are also crucial in determining if you can trust the school.

Ask the current students

If you’re unsure if the university or school can offer quality education, you can ask around. Talk to current students and ask them if they’re happy with the training they receive. If the feedback is generally positive, you can pursue the plan.

Check the detailed description of the program

Find out which online school can offer the program you want to pursue. For instance, if you wish to receive nursing certification online, you can find quality schools that offer this certificate. Read the detailed description of the programs provided to find out if it suits you. Don’t rely only on the title of a program since the name might vary from one school to another. As you delve into the descriptions, you can decide if a program is worth pursuing.

Give it a shot

As long as you can confirm that the university is legally operating, you can continue with your chosen course. You also need to talk with the program coordinators if you have any questions. You can also discuss with them your status. For instance, you’re working full-time, and you are a mother of three. They will then find a way to match the program to your needs so you can still finish it.

Online programs are flexible. As long as you choose the right school to pursue your degree, it will work for you.

Once the program is over, you can decide how to use it to your advantage. You can apply for a promotion or consider other careers to pursue.

If you want to learn more about our blog, please click here.

The Essential Facts You Should Know about UK Pensions as an Expat in the UK

 

As an expat in the United Kingdom, you may already know that you can be eligible for receiving a state pension if you reside and work in the country and you make contributions to National Insurance through your employer. Ideally, you can acquire your pension once you retire or reach the state pension age, which is currently 65 (although this is set to increase in 2020 to 66 years of age). But what else should you know about how the pension system works in the United Kingdom, and what are the most important facts and factors you should keep in mind? The following are the essential facts you should know about UK pensions as an expat in the UK, so you are well-informed.

Will you receive a full pension?

If you would like to receive the full pension, you need to have a contribution period of 35 years, meaning you would need to have made NI contributions for 35 years or more. But even if you have only made contributions for ten years, you can still receive the state pension, although it will not be in full. This is referred to as the pro-rata amount, which is calculated based on the total amount of contributions you’ve made for those 10 years, or more.

If you haven’t continuously resided or worked in the United Kingdom, you will be happy to know that your eligibility for the UK state pension doesn’t have to follow ten consecutive years. For example, if you are living and working in the UK for three years, move abroad for the next two years, and then go back to the UK and work for another seven years, you can still be eligible for the state pension. Bear in mind, though, that if you have gaps in your NI contributions for a few years, then you should purchase voluntary contributions (class 3), so you can fill in the gaps. Once you do this, you should be able to claim a higher amount from your UK state pension.

What more can you expect as an expat?

As an expat or foreign individual residing and working in the country, there are different terms when it comes to your entitlement for a UK pension as well. Fortunately, as an expat, you should be able to claim the pension once you reach your age of retirement, as long as you have contributed for more than ten years. But if you want more options when it comes to pensions for expats (and a more comfortable retirement), you can also opt for private pension schemes or workplace pension schemes if you aren’t part of your company’s automatic enrolment.

What about retirement outside the United Kingdom?

If you would like to retire outside the United Kingdom, some taxes or restrictions may apply. You may have to contend with taxes, for instance, and the rates for tax will depend on the agreements between the country where you are planning to retire or reside and the UK. In certain cases, you may have to pay tax for both countries, for example. In this kind of situation, though, you have some options: you can leave your pension in the United Kingdom and then withdraw your pension from another country, or you can move your pensions to another country; you can also do a combination of each option. It’s important that you seek help and advice as the tax implications can make a significant dent in your pension entitlement.

If you want to learn more about our blog, please click here.