Thistle13

I actually can't remember the reason/s why I came to Oz in 1988..... People ask and I say..better weather, more prospects for my sons etc, but I think I just wanted the adventure of trying something different. I hated it, but I did rt want to go back with my tail between my legs, the whole town were there to wave us off. I did t want to be a failure. So I stuck it out, and just became accustomed to my new life, but I never really felt like I belonged. So here I am 25 yrs later, planning on going back to Scotland, can't wait. I don't regret coming and giving it a go, but I wish I'd gone back years ago.

Sorry I didn't clarify. Yes she has to stop at Heathrow for 6hrs and vet checked etc, but the price I was quoted included transporting her thru to Glasgow, so they will have to put her in her crate (good luck with that one I say) and send her on the last leg of the journey.

Sorry patsmb just saw your message. I have a small Skye Terrier (the runt of the litter) so I took her to Animal travel in western Sydney and they were very friendly, real doggy/cat people, very open and answered all my questions without making me feel like a fussy owner (which I am). She quoted me $3300 pickup west Sydney to Glasgow airport, that included supply of crate. i felt they were running a genuine, efficient, caring animal transport business, rather than just running a business transporting whatever would make them money (if that makes sense). Their phone number is 02 4572 7736 they're in Luddenham. I got a quote from Jetpets, and it was a bit more $ but for me it's not about the $. If you are on Facebook, animal travel have a page there, or check their website http://www.animaltravel.com.au. Hope this helps.

March 2014...... Approximately 35 weeks....wish it could be sooner, but had to coincide with a lot of crappy logistical schtuff. Dog transporter is arranged, deposit paid and crate purchased. Just feel like I'm twiddling my thumbs now, which is sooooo frustrating.

for anyone thats interested in checking for lost super. The ATO has made it easy by introducing a brand new whoopy doo portal to check for yourself. go to their website at http://www.ato.gov.au. under online services, register as an individual. You will need some info like your TFN as identifiers, once logged in, it will give you info about lost super reported to the ATO and gives you the option to request an electronic transfer from closed super accounts to your active ones.

Thanks heaps Winter. That's another option for me...an annuity. I really want to just the the H*ll out now. Like I said, I can take 12months off work unpaid leave and that will let me go and still be tecnically employed when I turn 60 next year. That's when I can consider if I want to take my Super out tax free. What I find fascinating, is how do parents in their 50's and 60's of migrants who arrive after their children in either country with none of the super/pension, seem to get all the benefits and money to live.

Feeling so depressed bout all this pension/super info. Spent the weekend wondering if I should just give up my wish to return to UK. Rules change but unfortunately people caught in the middle are the biggest losers. Turning 60 next year with 25yrs full time working life here and 9yrs in Scotland. With some Super that I stupidly salary sacrificed into hence reducing my savings. So I can't get a full Aussie pension if I go back, can't get a full UK pension, can't take out my Super as there's no longer a DASP (departing Australia super payment). Does anyone know of an advisor who specialises in this subject in outer Sydney area, it's so complex, I'm fearful of making the wrong decision. I have the option of taking upto 12months off work and plan that until I turn 60 when my super would be tax free here.....lots of options. Arghhhhh pulling my hair out

This is a great question and so relevant to baby boomers heading back to the UK. I am trying to figure out that is going to be the best option for me but it's so confusing when you have to consider Aust and UK tax. Overall none of us want to pay more tax than we have to, but making the wrong choice can result in just that. I have written to both tax depts asking for a more tailored answer based on my specific circumstances. Not holding much hope for anything other than gobbledygook, but will respond on here if anything interesting comes back. Yes I have Super here and have sold my house and have a term deposit. Do I pull the lot out and take it, or just the savings and draw the super as a pension when I get to the UK, or transfer it to a super find in Uk. Lots of options. Check your preserved age too, that will tell you whether you can draw your money out of super here and the rate it will be taxed at. Preserved age is dependent on the year of your birth. If anyone wants to know where to find their preservation age, let me know.