Hello All,
My company has offered a temporary (2 yrs) move to Henley-on-Thames, where our UK office is located. The offer consists of:
* Housing allowance (2500 GBP pcm)
* Utilities allowance (210 GBP pcm)
* Car allowance (300 GBP pcm)
* 2 trips home/year for family
* One time lump of $10k USD (net after tax)
* Tax equalisation and preparation assistance
I would continue to be paid in USD w/a proposed COLA that equates to a 43% increase (net) over my current net pay. My initial thoughts are that this is too low based on initial research and the current exchange rate of > 2.
We will be keeping our home in Houston and will likely not rent it out, instead trying to have a family member stay in it. We will continue to pay mortgage, bills, etc.
We have 2 young children ages 6 and 3.
Questions for all:
* Our 6 yr old just completed kindergarten. I understand that the UK school system is much different than the US. Will she be very far behind in the UK, and likewise when we return? I can't seem to find any American schools near Henley.
* Living in Houston we enjoy a very low cost of living. Given the huge jump in COL with a move to a ritzy suburb of London I am concerned that the COLA is not enough. Since London is twice as expensive I am assuming that Henley will be even more so (no large supermarkets, dept stores, etc.) Any insights or feedback here would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for any responses.
My company has offered a temporary (2 yrs) move to Henley-on-Thames, where our UK office is located. The offer consists of:
* Housing allowance (2500 GBP pcm)
* Utilities allowance (210 GBP pcm)
* Car allowance (300 GBP pcm)
* 2 trips home/year for family
* One time lump of $10k USD (net after tax)
* Tax equalisation and preparation assistance
I would continue to be paid in USD w/a proposed COLA that equates to a 43% increase (net) over my current net pay. My initial thoughts are that this is too low based on initial research and the current exchange rate of > 2.
We will be keeping our home in Houston and will likely not rent it out, instead trying to have a family member stay in it. We will continue to pay mortgage, bills, etc.
We have 2 young children ages 6 and 3.
Questions for all:
* Our 6 yr old just completed kindergarten. I understand that the UK school system is much different than the US. Will she be very far behind in the UK, and likewise when we return? I can't seem to find any American schools near Henley.
* Living in Houston we enjoy a very low cost of living. Given the huge jump in COL with a move to a ritzy suburb of London I am concerned that the COLA is not enough. Since London is twice as expensive I am assuming that Henley will be even more so (no large supermarkets, dept stores, etc.) Any insights or feedback here would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for any responses.
