however just in case they matter...

Our superannuation is a hell of a lot more complex. And a right pain in the ... if youre not going to retire in australia, and want to take the money with you. I believe they've opened it up a lot more now, where if you prove you have no intentions to reside in australia you can have it paid out after you've left, however I think they do the normal painful tax. Great for us really, gives us a bigger share of your money after your gone, but not so great for you. Also, you can move it into schemes in other countries, but I believe the ruling is that it has to be virtually the same as an australian super scheme, i.e. no touchy till you've got enough time to knit an Afghan. Also, if I remember correctly, you can borrow up to half your 401(k) plan depending on who its with and use the remainder as the collateral. Fat chance here. Once its been put in, it disappears.

And I believe the non-resident tax status is only for someone who spends less than 6 months in country, after that you are considered to be a yokal by the ATO, and taxed accordingly, and all excess tax comes back from Mr Carmody. Eventually.

I'm sure I've half stuffed up some of the super issues, but really thats the thing about super. I'm quite sure no one knows exactly how it works. (If you do, could you please explain to me why mine always makes me cry).

And as for where to live... let me enter the fray and say I lived in Mt Eliza and the drive to the city could be a pain in the ..., but it afforded a different lifestyle than city living. Naturally when all the new roads are complete I'm sure it will be cheaper to live in the city than bother to pay tolls, but living down the penisula is always a nice alternative (please feel free to now tell me what a twit i am )