rammygirl

$7k about 5 years ago. Paid back in less than three years. A good investment for our retirement going forward. Even on dull days enough UV to make a difference. The best way to save is to use the energy as it is produced as feed in tariffs are pretty low now. Making even more savings since we replaced the aircon unit as the old one stopped working. This one is much more efficient and uses much less energy.

Our total energy bill for the year is currently about $1000 . All electric with solar, reverse cycle, induction cook and two ovens (I cook a lot) electric hot water. AGL in SA Most of the year zero monthly bill and build up credits, this year could well be less than $1000. My tariff hasn’t changed yet I pay higher rate for use but lower supply charge and controlled load for HW. The maths to work our taffifs isn’t straightforward! The lower supply charge would have been more expensive overall for me as we utilise solar as much as possible. Our bills before solar were around $5000 pa. we have extra insulation and double glazing too, 4 bed 2 living house. Prices in the Uk are very high but less in summer I would hope.

Medicals and police checks are not required to submit the visa, unlike skill assessment and English tests. If everything else is there I would submit now then add police checks and medicals later. Only reason to wait would be if you are concerned about the results.

I’m guessing if it is like here in SA each council area has its own rules and application process. Best way is to check the areas you are interested in. Most will have good info on the council website, if not give them a ring and ask the question. Glad to see you are planning to contain your cats. This is now becoming a common requirement along with registration and de sexing. Cats in our council are very smart, they know to be home by the evening curfew……………..

You should get PR straight away basically both visas are awarded if you meet the criteria with no wait in between. Do not assume that just being long married with kids is enough though. You still need to include other evidence of the relationship and create a full application.

If there is an issue you will be referred or asked to provide more details or specialist reports. They won’t hide a medical condition or concern from you.

I argued this once with Nationwide. I wanted to open a better account with them…. With money they already had (and for some time). They couldn’t give me a coherent reason and fell back to regulations and policy etc…… No new bank accounts for overseas customers full stop. I wonder what Barclays will do with overseas mortgages and associated accounts. We have replied to several letters re overseas residency in the past. Haven’t had one for some time now. They are welcome to tell HMRC and the ATO we are not hiding anything.

My neighbour doesn’t have a passport, can no longer drive. He has recently been told he must get an ID. Card from service Aus. By his bank. So far he has managed with Medicare card and belligerence! Born and raised in Australia and fortunately well known in the area! But rules are rules say the new manager……

It can make a huge difference when you retire so check your super , it isn’t hard to switch.

Problem with shopping around is they all want to do the x ray stuff again and that costs. See if they will give you them, after all you paid for it. I have found a local dentist who only does the necessary treatment. The hygienist is extremely thorough (better than NHS in UK) but always wants to put a “treatment” on my teeth. I asked how much and she said $40 - I said no thanks! Teeth have been fine for 6 decades without it. She was a bit miffed as she had already prepared it, sorry not my problem. I have learned to always ask the price and to shop around for everything here. My neighbour who is too embarrassed to ask pays through the nose then complains loudly. Those prices are not excessive but ask exactly what the treatments are for and if absolutely necessary.

I don’t think you can claim the points for your wife until the paperwork is received though.

As above for the visa application, choose the one that is best for points/ease of application etc. The point still remains that to actually work in the medical field she will still need to get registered and jump through the hoops. So this will still need to be explored via the appropriate bodies in Australia and also in the State as they can vary.

Our situation was different we moved back to the UK having sold there and rented in Aus. We regretted it and decided to buy a plot of land we had seen in Aus anyway. Buying from the UK via FIRB (our provisional visa was cancelled). We built a house there that we would eventually live in (all being well visa wise) and rented it out whilst living in UK in our new PPR. After 7 years we returned to Australia selling our UK home and after a few years renting finally moved into the house we built. This is now our PPR but if we sell I believe the time it was rented May be subject to capital gains. The Australian home was financially worth doing as it wasn’t mortgaged so was a positive income stream and has had excellent capital growth.

Worth investing in an accountant that is licensed in both countries. We rented our Australian house while living in UK. The ATO tax income arising in Aus by their rules and rental income has many possible deductions (this is where an accountant can actually save you money) the final net amount is then taxed at the higher rate - all of it no nil rate band. Then HMRC assesses the same income by their (less favourable rules) we did have a bit extra to pay. If you paid more to Aus than they assessed as owing that amount cannot be offset against general income in the UK as it can in Aus. So you only get a rebate if you have rental income arising in the UK. This is as I remember it although rules may well have changed but the UK still has less favourable deductibles and no general offset like the ATO allow.

Canberra is not cheap. Property is expensive there look at the average price of a family home, maybe not central Sydney but similar if not higher than central Melbourne. You don’t get much for less than a million bucks. Plenty of culture and great countryside nearby. We visit a lot as son lives there and lots of options.

I agree, I will still go out walking in 40 degrees in Adelaide or go to the beach. I used to love the heat in Spain too. It amazes me that people come for the weather then complain it is too hot! I do find it cold in the winter here though, don’t mind wrapping up but usually fly north to Queensland for a spell.

No idea if you will have tax to pay but just because none in UK doesn’t mean none here. The double taxation would allow any tax paid in UK to offset tax due to ATO. The ATO rules now apply. Seek advice from an accountant to ensure you apply the correct deductions.

How do you intend being able to stay in Australia long term if you are too old for a skilled visa? A short term sponsored visa will give you a few years but won’t lead to permanent residency if you can’t qualify because if age. You sound like you want the move to be permanent for you all that’s all.

It does vary if course. Was speaking to my sister last night who lives in the North of England. Her hubby has a hernia, causing him problems and he can’t keep working (renovating property) or fly to their second home overseas. Waiting list in NHS is 2 plus years as not critical and at age 70 they see it as unlikely to alter his life! Not everyone stops living an active life at 70 for heaven’s sake! (Some people never really are active at all). Even going private there is a long wait as more people are doing this and most surgeons do both NHS and private work. He has had to employ labour and cancel two trips so far. My sister is ex NHS and daughter is a physio and they know the ropes and who to speak to but can’t get things done quicker……… They really have no option but to pay for private care and that means extra scans etc. If an active man at 70 stops he will lose muscle quickly and find it harder to regain it, making his life less active going forward. As a man who has always done physically hard work and looks much younger and toned than many 50 year olds he is now also depressed to add to his woes.

It is even busier inHahndorf (usually is!) because of the AFL. Game in the new Mt Barker oval so people making a weekend of it in Hahndorf it would seem.

No need to declare a traffic fine. I may have done the same before my citizenship application……………

That would really depend on his skill area. What does he do? Otherwise I do feel the pmv would be the way forward. A consultation with a good agent would help you to explore all possible options. Personally if I was him and a skilled visa was possible I would go for that as a more secure option…..

Just to say the 25% lump sum will not be tax free in Australia.

Do remember that prices for fruit and veg is much more seasonal here than in UK. Out of season or shortages equal higher prices but in season it will be much cheaper, markets almost give away stuff in a glut. Embrace the seasons and enjoy fresh local produce.

Sure you need sunscreen in summer I check the UV ratings usually worse between 10 and 4. At this time of year I rarely use sunscreen though. Hats and tops to cover neck and shoulders are good.