coxfamuk

when we arrived in the UK 8 years ago from south africa, we only had £2800 to our name and we managed. We rented, bought a clapped out old jalopy with no heating and had food on the table. Slowly, we managed to build ourselves up and we are now going to Australia with substantially more money in our pockets as we were lucky with the housing boom thing in late 90's, but we are still going to have quite a large mortgage when we buy over there.

I don't think it really matters how much you have, you just cut your cloth accordingly and build yourself up as much as you can. You will manage, I promise you.

Good luck with it all.

Sarah

steandleigh

Have always wondered myself about those who are fortunate enough to come over with 100,000's of thousands of pounds, buy brand new 'status' vehicles, huge houses etc, makes me wonder what they are leaving the Uk for - when you have so much money and are that fortunate, I don't think the same issues really apply, as they do to the 'average joe'. Ok, they could be going to have more free time to spend with their families and I wouldn't knock anyone for that but I can't help thinking that for those who 'status' symbols are so important in their lives, they won't generally find the same kind of satisfaction and 'pat on the back' for it here, as they would in the UK.

We have a huge mortgage (for us) but live well within our means. Nothing on credit (bar the mortgage). No aspirations to have the bigger and better things.

cranni

stop worrying, you will be fine, just be careful when you get here, you are so young and have lots of time to build a great life here.
ok we brought a good amount of money with us, but we are in our 40s so we dont have as much time as you.
Our friends came here 15 years ago, had a couple of thousand, she worked but he struggled to get a job, after 2 years they where desperate and down to their last 20 dollars, then he got a job offer, guess what , they have a beautiful 5 bed house with pool in a place near Perth overlooking the indian ocean, you work hard and you will do really well, i wish we had come here 20 years ago. Denise Bunbury WA

lawlaw

Thanks to all for your informative, honest and friendly posts. Its been really reassuring

JG04

Hi! We had all the good intentions of saving! No house to sell and unfortunately we like a social life, decided to get married last year, so didn't save as much as hoped but nevermind. Hubbie and I are happy, looking forward to the move, feeling positive as we travelled round Oz for a year on £3000. It lasted (yes we did work for a few months) but did loads of stuff. I know it will be different this time round but it is what you make it isn't it?

lawlaw

Sorry missed your post yesterday. Thats our problem too, really hate saving. Good luck and have fun

jarv

will have saved £15k this year plus proceeds from house sale (£70k profit) debt free and looking forward to it !!!!!

wildmark

I'd rather have the problems that are associated with money, than without it