Amusing typo: “We will have a track on improving both individual and collective epidemics” :)
Rasool
Karma: 439
Intro to EA Virtual Program: my review
I also thought this was impossible, so ended up creating a new account with my name as my username. In fact even now I can’t see how to do it, I don’t see an option in either my profile or account settings?
Great!
A similar story exists here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30351690
Tyler Cowen believes you should have more children in order to combat climate change...
Donating a kidney: UK process
This exists here (https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/votesByYear/2022), not sure if that is documented anywhere, I found it elsewhere in this thread as a comment
A way to report users for deletion.
There are a few spam accounts like this one (https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/users/msreeyaa) but I see no way of reporting them to the moderators.
Since they aren’t posting or commenting the way in which they have an effect is when searching the forum. (You’ll just have to take my word for it that I wasn’t searching for ‘escorts’ when I came across that profile...)
Reading time estimates on older posts.
If I’m not mistaken, posts before a certain date do not have the estimated time in minutes to read the post near the publication date and author’s name at the top.
Scott Alexander has a riff on this, in the context of doctors being afraid of prescribing drugs that have strong evidence and have been approved but aren’t being prescribed by other doctors.
I think your EA dedicates link should point to: https://thingofthings.substack.com/p/ea-dedicates
Thanks for writing this!
Your pre-screening steps look a little different to mine, which could be a regional thing given we were both in the process at around the same time.
Your guide is excellent! (And I have added a link to it from my much more hurried post :))
I love the donation live-streams on your website!
UK Personal Finance Tips & Info
I do agree that MSE leans towards risk-free products, but I totally appreciate that stance given that 34% of adults in the UK have £0-1000 in savings and 65% have less than 3 months worth of savings.
In terms of accuracy and usefulness, I don’t know of any resource that is as good on say consumer rights, insurance, travel, loans, household bills, benefits and other day-to-day stuff.
So yes I agree that 100% adopting its approach is suboptimal but as a first pass I think the people would be much better off following MSE, and then deviating when they are in a position where they can afford to take risks.
One analogy I often use in situations like this is someone asking whether the Earth is round. My answer would be initially yes, just to make sure that we are on the same page about the Earth not being flat, and only then could we get into the fact that it is technically an ellipsoid.
Sure, and if you are in a high-paying job you do have a decision about whether to make voluntary payments to clear the debt early, but you should consider whether you will be taking a career break (either by choice[1] or not[2]) or moving into a lower-paying job in the future.
MSE has some advice on whether and when to voluntarily overpay back your student loan.
Thanks that is a good point, I’ve adjusted the wording.
Agreed with the interpersonal transactions (in fact it’s amazing being able to bank transfer your acquaintances instantly and for free!), and with rent, but I must say I don’t see it offered that commonly with regular companies—do you have any examples?
With utilities there is the bank transfer option but one is better off trying to use direct debit for extra protection via the Direct Debit Guarantee
No first hand experience I’m afraid, but the /r/UKPersonalFinance wiki has a good breakdown
Hey Max, great website! I randomly came across it a few days ago (possibly via hackernews?), didn’t know you hung out here!
The folks organising EAGx Cambridge might be interested in chatting to you, I can connect you with someone there if you’re interested
Thanks for this guide!
One thing about the UK is that it is very easy to set up a company (almost too easy...)
I had some feedback though:
Why did you recommend https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/? If mainly for the use of their address, many accountants (including osome) provide this service. Osome (and many other accountants) will also do the company formation (often for free!)
I prefer Starling over Tide. Starling is totally free, whereas Tide take £0.20 for every transfer. I like Mettle too, particularly because it gives you FreeAgent for free.
I love FreeAgent. Like it will handle 90% of bookkeeping, account reconciliation, and tax forms for you. Very simple interface and good documentation.
Step 3 reeks a bit of “draw the rest of the owl”. I might have liked a summary of your responsibilities as a director, key accounting dates, VAT, expenses etc.
If you wanted to write a longer guide with some more detail then I’d be very happy to help out!