Don't know what to do with money

room512

It sounds like you know already what you want to do with the money and that is go to Australia so do it! Everything else can wait but time doesn't stand still and people aren't around for ever so go home and see everyone whilst you can! That's my opinion anyway! x

coffeebeen

If it were me, I would 100% go to Australia and see your family. You obviously want to, and why not?! People are what is important in life- you'll never regret going, but you might regret not.

Tiddlywinks

OK, so you go to Oz - you'll have great memories but will that feed the need to go more often? Will it reawaken you homesickness?

Anyway, let's assume that you spend the money on a trip and have nothing left over but the great memories. Then the central heating packs up, or the gearbox goes on the car, someone gets sick or has a baby back in Oz and you want to go and see them......

Life is full of surprises both good and bad. If you spend this money now will you have enough money in reserve to cope with the bad surprises?

Lexxi

You do know that the condensation in the window just needs new panes not a whole new unit? BIG difference in cost. (it would save money too so it cancels any spend out)
If the kitchen is sturdy enough you can replace just worktops/doors/tiles/paint.
Have you priced up any flights? If you're staying with family and you get 6 weeks off in the summer then it's not just an average two week summer holiday like any other, you could get to really spend some time with them.
I've lived away from my parents but 2-4 hours away it's very difficult being away in the same country I can't imagine how it would be factoring time zones and the distance

Gigervamp

Go back to Oz and see your family.

If the car has problems or the boiler packs up, you'll sort something out. But as your family are so far away and it costs a lot to visit, use the money on that.

Spendless

Is the work that needs doing within the house liveable with and can be done over time?

Is the situation with the car manageable if not ideal?

You mention going out to Australia in 2014 for your Dad's 60th. Is that going to be affordable if you are planning to start a family next year?

Blue_Elephant

Australia without a doubt. Or rather your family without a doubt. The whole dynamics of your family will change once you have kids. in 5 years time if the choice is between going to Oz and buying stuff your child needs, I think I know what will win. So for now you need to do what you need.

My brother's in Oz, mums side of family in India. I have some idea how you feel.

onlyroz

To be honest, it's not a "life changing" amount of money, so unless you have debts which need to be paid or urgent repairs that need doing I'd be tempted to say go on your holiday. You'll gain some experiences which you'll remember for years to come, which won't really be the case if you spend it on double-glazing.

KiKi

gunsandbanjos wrote: »

Return flights to Oz are about £1k+ per person generally:eek: Unless you find a crazy good deal.

Who on earth do you fly with?!

I go to Aus 2 / 3 times a year. I've never paid more than about £750, return, direct with Qantas. Including in Aus Summer. You can get it even cheaper if you're prepared to fly with a dodgy airline like China Air or Mayday Airlines.

Qantas website, about 15 weeks in advance. Prices plummet. Get the grid up and you can see which flights cost what on which day, pick the two cheapest.

Go and see your family. You didn't have the money before, you'll have some left over. Enjoy it - you might get knocked down by a bus tomorrow, and the windows or floor in your flat really won't care.

KiKi

Barneysmom

Go to Australia, and take hundreds of photos to bring back with you.
You need to see your family.
People matter, not cars or kitchens.
Something might happen in the future to stop you seeing your dad on his 60th (pregnancy maybe) so go now, then start saving again when you get home.