kato33

We are just starting the process but the OH is panicking already about our finances. Should we settle all before we go? Can we carry on paying some when we are out there? Shall we open a bank account form here?
What did you lot do? Any advice?

Sorry about sooo many questions!!

Nici

Australia_bound?

Get em paid off now saves so much messing about later, I shall be debt free within 12 months so I know no one will be knocking on my door after anything, will be a very nice feeling! Then I will begin saving to get visa and have enough in the bank to cover us for the first 6 months on Aus!

Yes you can carry on paying from there BUT you'll probably find when in an Australian wage that the payments seem so much more! Plus you have to pay to transfer the money making it miore expensive anyway.

Sara1970

Hi Nici - we plan to clear them all before we go - will be nice to start with a clean slate and as the previous poster says it will seem more expensive from that end.
Sara

ianandhelena

Personally I'd prefer to clear everything so you don't leave any loose ends-if you end up defaulting and you want to go back to the UK it may come back to haunt you.
As posted by someone else, once you come here paying UK bills costs more!

kato33

Thanks for the advice. Will start raiding the piggy bank now and get the headache tablets ready for when I go through all the paperwork!!!!!

Australia_bound?

If your debt is quiet high I'd recommend you get onto the national debt helpline, can try and get interest frozen and agree payments to your creditors. But this depends on your circumstances and I'm not prying lol Good luck with sorting everything out.

mand8002

We paid our debts off by using some of the proceeds from the house sale. It is a good feeling to not have them anymore.