marke

Hi folks, I wonder if someone can help me.

My brother and I will be relocating to Melbourne towards the end of 2007. Once we are settled, we would like to bring our mother over too.

I understand the immigration requirements, but I am trying to ascertain what kind of money she will need for monthlies. So far, my forum research has suggested that with living in a small two-bedroomed place on a cities outskirts, with modest needs, A$500 per week (with A$175 going towards rent) is what is needed.

what do you think of this?

My mom is a lady of simple tastes, and tends to live VERY cheaply, but she is quiet mobile and active. Naturally myself and my brother can make up any cash flow differences.

I realize that this is a how-long-is-a-piece-of-string question, but some kind of broad input would be appreciated. Other factors to consider; she is 62, has a solid pension, and can put down A$100 000 towards property.

Wol

Some things will depend on what visa she has.

Healthcare can be quite expensive: I have had to spend several thousand dollars these last few weeks. Medicare doesn't cover it by a long chalk, and my private fund only coughs up a small proportion of the costs even after the excess.

NSW has a Senior's Card which entitles you to cheap public transport etc, but it's a minor part of the overall cost of living.

loz

A big factor in the equasion which helped my in-laws decide to come with us was the fact that they were still being paid (pensions) in sterling.
After 6 months here they say it means they are a lot better off than back in England.

Sleeping Beauty

so did they just contact the pension people, and let them know they were coming over? how do they get it paid, into a uk bank account? sorry for the intrusive questions, but my parents will need to know this.