Returning to Australia
I have been living in Europe for five years and am considering returning to Australia. I am 73. Whilst here I married. My wife (64 years) is Ukrainian and has a small pension from there. My single pension was reduced to half the married rate as a result. (I still find that an inexplicable decision, but so be it.)
I could afford a house in country Victoria ($150,000) and I would have $170,000 left and allowing for furniture and car etc I could invest $150,000. If I can get 5% this gives me $7500 per year and which is just inside the pension income threshold. So we would have about $26,000 per year to live on ($18300 pension+$7500). If we have to spend more on a house, then we would have less to live on.
My questions are: Is $26,000 feasible for a couple? Whilst we are both in good health, health care is a concern for us. What health care would I be entitled to. (I have a DVA card for specific illness-cancer). What health care would my wife be able to access? What other concessions could we access to reduce costs?
Thank you in advance.
16 comments
I cant help with specifics but an overall feeling.
We have recently returned to Australia from five years in France. We were both born UK but lived most of our lives in Australia so have both passports. Brexit seriously stuffed us, as soon as it was voted for we sold our french home toute suite (friends now are having all sorts of issues selling) and travelled a bit then finally returned here to Aus in March this year. Not sure I am happy or not, some things are better some worse. Easier to speak with locals in English (my French is 50%) but I miss the history and the ease of travel of Europe. I can say that everything is more expensive here in Aus. Centrelink has been less than helpful, and has reduced myself to tears, my husband almost. We have bought a lovely old house in Bundaberg which seems a nice town with reasonable prices. We miss a lot about Europe and hope we can go back, Brexit allowing, one day. You are lucky to have an EU passport.
In your situation I think Id plan to come back for six months or so and rent. Then decide if you want to come back here. I am split between France and here, not sure where I will end up. Good luck whatever you decide.