Melbpom

Unfortunately a no deal is not looking good https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/nov/28/bank-of-england-says-no-deal-brexit-would-be-worse-than-2008-crisis

I'd recommend forgetting about pork pies and trying Vietnamese pork rolls instead.

Maybe check your credit score before applying. Look at the government's website, www.moneysmart.gov.au for agencies that do this for free.

It seems at the moment that it's worse than expecting to be fed and watered, it seems like people are merely trying to survive. Since returning to the UK I've been shocked by the callousness of the roll out of Universal Credit which is driving people into homelessness, poverty and mental illness. How can the government justify withholding payments for weeks on end to the most vunerable who survive day to day.

I thought I heard somewhere that the "5th largest economy" is based on the money flowing through the London financial services sector (other peoples' money) rather than any real productivity.

There are a couple of members here who are thinking of returning to the UK with disabled family members. I'm currently in the UK but will be returning to Australia because of the lack of support and services available. I'd rather not post personal details here but if I can help, please PM me.

Off topic, but don't let go of British passport, easier to renew than start all over again. Metoo, love the pool. Will you need fencing?

Yes but what about Trump as president for life https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-xi-jinping-us-president-for-life-maralago-estate-a8238896.html

Interesting. Loved the phrase "crisis of profound cowardice". Let's hope Republicans will listen to one of their own.

Rachel, I would recommend following Marisa's advice and wait until you qualify for the Australian Aged Pension. You can't be sure that there won't be issues with the Disability Pension. My son's was dramatically reduced (by 80%) after we had been out of the country for six months. I wondered if Centrelink was trying it on. I had to ring and query the reduction because nothing had changed in his health or circumstances. They said it was an error on their part and it was reinstated but it was a nuisance having to chase them from the UK. I would also be extremely careful about any Social Care you might need. My experience has been that is it woefully inadequate because of the recent period of austerity.

There is a safety net if you keep a record of all the prescriptions you pay for over a year, then once you get to a certain limit then future medicines are a discounted rate. Just google Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme safety net.

Not sure your 50inch TVs will work. Maybe check before shipping.

I know the new builds are attractive but a lot costs are hidden and the whole process to takes a long time to complete and only then can you tackle driveway and landscaping. Take a look at review sites such as productreview.com.au to look at what other people think about the local builders. Make sure you investigate the current housing stock which is usually on larger blocks and closer to amenities and transport.

I'm considering ping ponging back to Australia having previously transferred the proceeds of a house sale to the UK. The rate at the time was fairly good, about 60 pence per dollar. If I transfer money back to Australia and make a small gain would I be liable for capital gains tax either in Australia or the UK?

Be aware also of Lifetime Loading on private health insurance. Basically it is a measure brought in by the government to encourage people to take out insurance while they were young and healthy and to encourage them to keep it going. This loading starts from the age of 30 and if a person doesn't have private health insurance then they will pay an extra 2% for every year above this age when they take out insurance. So a 40 year old taking out a policy for the first time would pay an extra 20% on their premium than they would have done if they had always been insured. Also if you earn over a certain amount (don't know the figure) and you don't have hospital cover then you would get charged a Medicare Levy Surcharge. So for a lot of people it's cheaper to have the insurance.