No GBP debts here, just savings. Bleh.

I got my company to start paying me in dollars again in anticipation of moving back, and at my old salary. It's equivalent to a raise of 45%. Should have asked months ago.

Hey, don't worry. You'll have another chance in the future for a proper return on any monies you transfer. (Maybe... )

Same boat exactly!

I recently went to the UK, and the Dollar, in my view was worth very little. I could not buy as many goodies as I used to.

Thats just a reflection of how expensive the UK has become.

Suerly it's just a reflection of the approximately 40% drop in the exchange rate? Things aren't much more/less expensive in the UK now than they were 12 months ago. Same for the US, presumably ...

I would say it is a bit of both, the exchange rate and inflation. I must say just seeing the UK again, was worth it though. Walking on the pavement, red buses and the sense of humour etc.

I have to ask. What do you walk on when you're not in the UK???

Most states that I have been to, do not have walking pavements you have to drive everywhere.And, if you do find one, you are looked at as a layabout.

If you layabout, you'll get walked on.

I don't understand how it could be the exchange rate. Right now the dollar will buy more pounds than almost any time in the last ten years.

Me neither... but then I also dont understand how you can be thought of as a layabout when you walk rather than drive... perhaps Im just tired and confused?

I don't know, I asked DH because after all I'm the Yank. Well, he wasn't so sure either.

Walking in the 'burbs is interesting - you often end up walking on grass verges because the footpath will just stop. In addition you get all kinds of strange looks from people driving by because pedestrians are so few and far between - I suppose when they see you walking they assume that you can't afford a car, are lost, are up to no good, or all three.

As for the exchange rate - I continue to think in GBP, so even though I am "better off" when I convert my US salary (even though I spend it in the US) I feel less well off because everything is so "much more expensive" - and yes, I know I am an idiot.

Not only all that, which seems to be universal, but for 6 months out of the year, its so horribly hot here that you sweat buckets just doing the damn lawn. Who on earth would actually enjoy a walk along the sidewalk when its hot enough to boil a monkey's bum (your Majesty)???

I once passed thru Phoenix in July and it was so unbelievably hot, I was told that the locals only went outside for any length of time in the evening. Like vampires.