It's been a ghastly night with strong and ice-cold winds. I've just been outside to survey the damage - luckily just a few fallen branches - and to give the resident possum his breakfast. Now I'm back indoors, close to the stove and even closer to the laptop.
I've almost finished my tax return and still owe the taxman several thousand dollars. As they say, nothing is certain but death and taxes. And yet, I'm surrounded by people who not only pay no taxes but draw heavily on welfare, be it the dole or our equally generous age pension:
Ag Pension rates
| Pension rates per fortnight | Single | Couple each | Couple combined | Couple each separated due to ill health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum basic rate | $794.80 | $599.10 | $1,198.20 | $794.80 |
| Maximum Pension Supplement | $65.00 | $49.00 | $98.00 | $65.00 |
| Energy Supplement | $14.10 | $10.60 | $21.20 | $14.10 |
| TOTAL | $873.90 | $658.70 | $1,317.40 | $873.90 |
| ANNUALLY | $22,721.40 | $17,126.20 | $34,252.40 | $22,721.40 |
Where did I go wrong? Why did I become a self-funded retiree? Should I have done what they've done and pissed it all up against the wall?
Anyway, there was some good news amongst all the gloom: a letter from the 'Deutsche Rentenversicherung' in Berlin informing me that my German pension has gone from a monthly €88.43 to €92.18, provided I can furnish them with a 'Lebensbescheinigung' countersigned by a local court official to confirm that I still have a pulse.
As soon as it has stopped racing (my pulse, Scots boy! ☺), I drive into the Bay to get it certified.
