Blue Manna

Some people never settle. Even if they move back, it's not the same. Pandora's box. Sometimes it's safer just to never move. Ah, but until you do, you'll never know. There's no win win here. Just find the best compromise you can live with.

Just what I was about to say. Plus, could they go back to live in Australia for a holiday long enough to declare residency (6 months?) when they are around 65-67 to get a full Australian aged pension?

That will put a lot of pressure on an already struggling health system.

I get my glasses online, and I pay a quarter of what my optometrist charges . From the UK actually, but the far east would probably be cheaper.

Are the Welsh a healthy people?

I identify as a retired woman.

I stand corrected. I didn't know that. I had thought it was the 25%, but you are quite right. As long as you don't take taxable income you can still contribute the full allowance.

It is true though, that if you haven't made enough NI payments then you won't get a full UK pension, regardless of how much you have paid in tax. This can be very relevant for those who spent some time in Australia but have returned to the UK. So while the pension isn't funded by NI alone, NI determines whether you get it.

At least you all have options which is good. I've always thought it a choice not a compromise between Australia and the UK, and I've always wondered what horrible things must have happened to those poor souls who run either of the countries down.

Good advice. But one point I will add is that if you take the 25% lump sum from your UK pension, it severely limits the amount you can salary sacrifice later on. So you don't want to take the 25% until you are in a position where you will retire, or still be working but not want to overpay your pension any more.

You'd pay $10-12 for a pint of peroni in a pub or a restaurant in Australia wouldn't you? Can't stand the stuff myself. More of a real ale person.

It's depressing the state of UK politics. Just depressing. Might vote greens so at least the poor sod can get their deposit back. At least in Australia they change their parties and leaders quite regularly. Been a long time since I've been to Glasgow, but I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone I knew ran it down against Edinburgh, but I quite liked it. I take it it's gone downhill since my last visit, which must have been twenty years ago?

Haven't felt well for all of December. Cold after cold. Or one long cold. Not sure, but felt like two. Haven't been sick sick, but just bloody miserable. Been walking, but nothing too strenuous. Coughing and continuously blowing my nose. Finally seems to be drying up. Maybe next week I might be able to do some proper exercise. Still. It's a good excuse for drinking whiskey. Tried monkeys shoulder for the first time. It's not a bad drop for a blend.

No pleasing some people.

Maybe for the next global financial crisis they should let the banks fail, not bail everyone out and let all the prices reset? Maybe, I don't know. I just don't see how this can go on.

We have had quite a bit, but the garden isn't boggy, which is unusual. So maybe we haven't had as much as I thought.

I was going to query that as my youngest was offered them free in the UK.

I still haven't had a merry Christmas message from my father. He wasn't always a miserable old bastard. He was young once. He did send me a message to moan that I'd used all his broadband allowance up when I came to visit. So I can't complain I guess. Christmas was never much when I was young. But I try and make it special for my family. The meal is the big thing. Presents not so much now they are older. Quizzes and games all day. Cards in the evening. Continues into boxing day, and again on new year. My wife is really into it, and the kids love it. I hope they continue the traditions when I'm gone. We can but hope.

If you cook, then you certainly don't do dishes. Are your family Australian? Australians aren't subtle. They don't take a hint. You have to be blunt.

That's not necessarily true. But you would need to go through a specialist, and it would cost more. You're run of the mill insurance company probably wouldn't cover. The cost may make you consider other alternatives, but it's probably worth getting a quote. I think even some of the comparison websites may do non UK residents.

I do too, but the hassle of collecting bags and going back through check in is a turn off. Did someone mention airport pods? Would be interested if people have experience of those.

Jesus! I don't know what would be worse. The journey or the destination?

Why would I do that?

I just use my father's concession card. No one has ever questioned it. Not sure if I should be worried about that?

Most of them just nick it. Should tell her to shove it down her pants next time and tell them she's trans if anyone questions it.