Originally Posted by DDL

Well everyone's situation will be different, but we're going back with some clothes, a few books, a small box of household bits and bobs, and somewhere between £15,000-£20,000. Once we get there, we'll be starting over from scratch. We are in our 50s.

We've spent the last 2-3 years just hanging on here in the States because we didn't think we had "enough" money to return. In the meantime, my husband's father in London (who longed for our return) died very unexpectedly. If we could do things over, we would have gone back sooner with whatever we could have scrounged up at the time.

As it is now, we're selling everything we have/cashing in everything we have in order to make the move. It's risky and there are no guarantees - but we are going to give it our best shot.

Originally Posted by aes1

Yes, super idea, everyone come visit and we can have a grand reunion!!! Rodney, look at Ryanair prices, I came with them (yes they add on charges for ridiculous things, but still are pretty cheap) and it cost me £26 one way before taxes. If you don't check in baggage you can save money too. That price was from Leeds/Bradford, so I think it would be less from London. Of course it all depends on the season, the prices the following week were more, so you have to check around. I can recommend a nice hostel up the road from me at 30 euros a night with continental breakfast (check on line Comfort Inn Sliema), also there is the Days Inn further down and I think that is the going rate for here. If you want something more upscale and in a different area I am sure there are plenty of choices. And I have 2 spare bedrooms!!!!

Denise, you are right about money. You have to just dive in and make the decision to leave, senseless putting it off, life goes on whether we move or not. There is only this moment to enjoy, everything else is totally beyond our control. As you say, the grandchild was not planned and unexpected. Yes, it is tough for you to choose to leave family behind, but I have found in the past, if I stay in a place for fear of losing my friends/family, I find that they go and move instead of me!!!! Unless we want to continue following our loved ones around the world for the rest of our lives, we don't really have a choice. Always, always, go with your instincts and everything else will fall into place.

As for News from Malta. Yesterday I learned it is not a good idea to leave your washing hanging on the roof overnight. Especially when there is a strong wind blowing. I had left a couple of items hanging because they were not yet dry and when I went back up to retrieve them, one was missing!!!! My new yellow nightgown from M & S (bought before I left the UK) came loose from its clothes pegs and had flown away over the roofs of Malta in the wind I only wish I had seen it go!!! What a sight that must have been!!! Later on I saw my first sunset over the Med. Some of the expats I have met so far and I drove over to the Northwest coast of Malta and watched the sun come down over the water. So beautiful. Today I am catching the bus into Valletta to browse around the Sunday market in the search of a wooden spoon. Hard to find and expensive - 4 euros for one!!! Unfortunately, on an island, everything is imported and so it costs more. So if anyone comes to visit me, I have a long list of similar items to bring with you please!!!

Happy Mothers' Day to everyone!!!

Originally Posted by fulwood

For those who moved back without meanng to be too intrusive - aside from 401k, pension monies etc how much did you have or take in liquid savings to return to UK? I think about doing it but not sure how much would be needed..

Originally Posted by fulwood

For those who moved back without meanng to be too intrusive - aside from 401k, pension monies etc how much did you have or take in liquid savings to return to UK? I think about doing it but not sure how much would be needed..

Originally Posted by J.J

If you are planning to move back to UK to retire then here is a published article that may scare the pants off you if you are waiting til you have got enough................... but before you read it remember to keep a level head, also the figure they state (unclearly) would include pensions income over retirement..... and it seems slanted to encorage readers to buy annuities.

The article sets the stage .....but of real value and for answers to your question of "how much is enough" then be sure to read the diversity of comments posted under it by real people living in the UK
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/pension..._id=6&ito=1723

Originally Posted by DDL

Well, as if my move to England won't be hard enough leaving my 3 grandsons (the twins are 9 and their older brother is 11) - today my son and his wife announced that she is expecting their first child in December!!!!!!!!

Have you ever cried tears of joy and sorrow at the same time?

I now have.

Originally Posted by Boodles

Relocateme, do you mean the very first original passport you ever got, or your current one? Elizabeth

Originally Posted by fulwood

For those who moved back without meanng to be too intrusive - aside from 401k, pension monies etc how much did you have or take in liquid savings to return to UK? I think about doing it but not sure how much would be needed..

Originally Posted by aes1

For those who are still reading my posts........update on the nightgown! It has been returned. I left a note by the post boxes in my building (only 4 flats), and when I came home today, there it was, all neatly folded!!!! Goodness only know how found it, but I am grateful to him/her

As for the quest for the wooden spoons........it continues. Took the bus into Valletta where I hoped to find them in the Sunday morning market, but - I chose the day of the Malta Grand Prix by mistake. No market, just a race of classic cars all day (saw an E type Jag!). Always an adventure here, you never know what to expect next.