Incomes What do you survive on

[DirtyDawg]

Been offered a Job

Building supervisor... Holden Rodeo 4wd dual cab ute (new) , Laptop, Mobile phone , net connection plus $65K
incl super , holidays etc...
being self employed for so long I wouldn't know how this stacks up.

I haven't said yes or no....but I might give it a shot over summer (aircon vs bricklaying 40deg days) but my concern is the $65k do people survive on a $1000 per week?
What is the consensus?

[Vern]

Depends on your lifestyle, probalbly works out to around 80k+ a year seen as you don't pay for car, phone, super, holidays etc...
Being self employed i know i'd struggle on those sort of dollars

[Ken]

get out there and sling those bricks ya slacker :D:D

[JDNSW]

More than twice my income, and well over the Australian average - so I guess that it is possible to survive on.

John

[JohnE]

If you don't owe anything, morgage etc have minimal dependants its ok.
And a garanteed income.
A job change at any stage in your life is an experience.



john

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I guess that would depend on what your expenses are?

[gumby190]

I have 2 kids & a wife to support & I rent.

I get the same.
Rodeo, Laptop & phone.

I manage to survive quite well it's pretty good money really.

[procrastination inc]

If you can't manage on that, you need a slap.

I run a family of 6 with 2 private cars and 2 private motorcycles on about $55k.

The trick: don't buy crap you don't need

[waynep]

I get the same.
Rodeo, Laptop & phone.

.

hmmm.......maybe there's something they're not telling you ;) ..no wait you're in NSW he's in WA ...you're OK

[Bigbjorn]

Well, a single income family with an unskilled worker as the breadwinner has to survive on less than $30,000 p.a. An ASO4 Commonwealth Public Servant, (Supervisor) is currently getting a bit over $50,000. At the other end of the scale, I have a rellie getting $68 per hour driving road trains near Karratha on construction works associated with new mines. He works ten x twelve hour shifts then has 36 hours off,on an eight week cycle. He averages $19000 per month. The $65000 plus fringe benefits is realistic for a building supervisor, and has probably risen dramatically over the last few years.

[Outback 1]

whatever you earn it's never enough lol:p

[Quiggers]

He averages $19000 per month.

Crikey! Where do I sign up?

GQ

[MickS]

Crikey! Where do I sign up?

GQ

Why would you want to leave God's country GQ? :)

[Phoenix]

Heck, we used to survive on $20k a year for a while, I'd love to be bringing in that much, it's double what i'm on now.

[incisor]

Heck, we used to survive on $20k a year for a while, I'd love to be bringing in that much, it's double what i'm on now.

me too...

such is life....

[CraigE]

You own your own home do you not, so should be OK.
If you are buying in the curent market you would need to earn $100,000 plus to be able to maintain any form of lifestyle as well.
And we all know you like your toys!!
We survived on around $70k for the last few years. Have had a decent pay rise coming down here, but also paying $400pw to rent a house. Buying is out of the question a present as a decent house down here is $450,000 plus. What you get for $300,000k down her is a hovel and that is about all we can borrow at the moment.
Also depends were you live, Perth can be cheaper, but can also be dearer.
Country you pay a premium on everything.
As said acompany car can add up to $20k to your salary depending on how much private use you are allowed and if you can use the same fuel in your private car.:angel::wasntme:

[Dinty]

G'day All, I know of a chap who sits on his backside driving trucks around a mine site, dont know what the hourly rate is ( but a damn site more than a Reg/nse gets) but he clears $125,000 pa, his wife works full time as well and they struggle, they seriously need to look at what they do cheers Dennis:wasntme:

[UncleHo]

G'day Folks :)

It sure beats my $13,000 PA Disability Pension and I have to buy Food and Petrol at the same prices you all do:( then there is rent, been on that pension long before super was compulsory.

"All Pensioners are well off" :eek::D:D:D:D


cheers

[WhiteD3]

Been offered a Job

Building supervisor... Holden Rodeo 4wd dual cab ute (new) , Laptop, Mobile phone , net connection plus $65K
incl super , holidays etc...
being self employed for so long I wouldn't know how this stacks up.



DirtyDawg, do you have a trade or qualification? Where's the job?

59k + 9% super = 65k + car (20k) = 85k.

If you're not a trady and its in Perth then ok, but if you are and its not, then its way too low.

[mittadisco]

What an irrelevant self gratuitous question. You need to stop worrying about money and live each day as if it's your last. I'd think that most people reading this question as to how much you 'survive' on as being none of your business. And I'm not making any pontification as to what you should 'survive' on.

[disco2hse]

Going from self-employment to working stiff was real difficult for me. Gross pay was around half what I got before and therefore necessitated a change in lifestyle. On the other hand, having a regular income made up for that, and having paid holidays, oh joy :)

The other thing to think about is taking orders from the man :mad:

[FenianEel]

Here's an option:D

[rovercare]

What an irrelevant self gratuitous question. You need to stop worrying about money and live each day as if it's your last. I'd think that most people reading this question as to how much you 'survive' on as being none of your business. And I'm not making any pontification as to what you should 'survive' on.

Not at all, if you don't want to answer.........then don't;)

Depends on your situation, If you own your home, then you laughing, I'm on 110k plus O/T, my missus, works, probaly worth 30k, BUT, we live off her wage, I spend money I make wrecking Rover's on the shed and car's and my money goes on, nice things and pays for the house, we "COULD" easily drop to 60k combined and live much that way, But wouldn't be paying off my house at such a rapid rate:eek:

Company car's are fantastic things:)

[Tyrepower]

I earn, she spends. 200k wouldn't be enough.
I have a couple of part time jobs, both pay more than my full time job. I just can't make the part time full time.
The other consideration is tax time:(:(You can't claim what you used to.:mad::mad:

[Bigbjorn]

Crikey! Where do I sign up?

GQ

Don't know, but the work is associated with a new mine for Fortescue Minerals Group. They are living in single demountables about 150kms. from Karratha. He works 10 x 12 hour shifts, has 36 hours off, starts again on the other shift. He does this for 4 cycles and then has 10 days off. The employer flies him to Perth and thence to any capital city in Oz. and return for his 10 days off. He is not working directly for FMG but as a wages driver for a contractor. They apparently have a constant turnover of staff, owing to climate, isolation, domestic problems. He says the conditions are pretty rugged.

[DiscoDan]

I'm in the service industry on a little under that and we have salepersons earning up to 200k however they are worst off than me.

Its not how much you earn as your debts are the bits that count.

Average income and low debt is way better that High income and high debt.

Why keep up with the Joneses?

[cdrtravis]

The other thing to think about is taking orders from the man :mad:

I'm looking at moving from self-employed to employed and that is certainly a consideration that it foremost in my mind. I like to do things my way!

Other comments are absolutely right. Low debt is the best thing and cash in the bank to call on at any time is a great comfort.

[dobbo]

I probably could survive on 65k



But I like my liver and kidneys in my own body

[Bigbjorn]

"All Pensioners are well off" :eek::D:D:D:D


cheers

Well, having worked at DSS, I can say this:- Any pensioner who receives a part DSS pension due to income or assets is comfortable. A pensioner whose sole income is the DSS pension is not. They are battling. DVA pensioners are generously treated, and, in comparison, quite well off, particularly TPI's who could almost be called rich. War widows and TPI's whose pensions predate 1985 are still entitled to receive a DSS pension also. This outrageous anomaly was stopped quite some time ago but those already double dipping were allowed to continue.

[RonMcGr]

Well, having worked at DSS, I can say this:- Any pensioner who receives a part DSS pension due to income or assets is comfortable. A pensioner whose sole income is the DSS pension is not. They are battling. DVA pensioners are generously treated, and, in comparison, quite well off, particularly TPI's who could almost be called rich. War widows and TPI's whose pensions predate 1985 are still entitled to receive a DSS pension also. This outrageous anomaly was stopped quite some time ago but those already double dipping were allowed to continue.

Gee Brian,

I'm a TPI with a DFRDB super pension, and I would not say I'm rich :(

However I have far more spending money than I did as a WO1 in the Army :)

Tax went from $13,000 down to $4,000.
Wage compared to pensions was a lot higher, but the tax makes a huge difference.

[chosen]

Well now...

I remember back in the day (2000 - 2003) I was living in share accommodation (rent was cheap) :) , I had a Subaroo Fiori 780cc panel van 4.5 litres/100kms!!! :D I was paying for my studies up front (bachelors degree) :eek: and I was able to go out with friends most weeks as well as go down to York's (450km round trip) a couple of times a term.

I was not only studying full time but I was working a couple of nights a week and picking up work on some weekends but at tax time I had only turned over between $9,500 - $13,000 each year for those 3 years!!! :confused: How did I do that???

Since then I have been self employed (successfully) but have in the last month sold my business equipment in favour of going back to study next year to become a teacher - I'm not sure how I'll do my second degree with a double major and earn money enough to pay for everything in light of the current cost of living???

I guess life is what you make it, the amount I am told to expect to earn with my two degree's as a High school teacher in the private sector when I get out is around $48-50K p.a. for the first year or two. I would be happy with an offer similar to yours!!! :cool:

:confused: BTW anyone got a flexible hours job in Adelaide for me next year :confused:

Chosen

[sam_d]

It doesn't matter how much you earn you'll always find a way to spend enough of it to be skint again two weeks short of your next payday :)

[Tote]

I can only compare to the IT industry in Canberra. 65K plus a car would equate to about $80K package, this would put you at the lower end of the market. An executive level one in the public service would earn $85-90K and be expected to supervise a small team of 5 or so people.
Hope this helps
Regards,
Tote

[BigJon]

It doesn't matter how much you earn you'll always find a way to spend enough of it to be skint again two weeks short of your next payday :)

But I get paid weekly...

[Bigbjorn]

I can only compare to the IT industry in Canberra. 65K plus a car would equate to about $80K package, this would put you at the lower end of the market. An executive level one in the public service would earn $85-90K and be expected to supervise a small team of 5 or so people.
Hope this helps
Regards,
Tote


The public service in Canberra does not resemble the real world. In DSS regional offices, an ASO4 supervises 6-10 ASO1's to 3's and maybe a youth trainee or two and is a decision making position referred to as "A Delegate of the Secretary". An ASO5 is a Section Manager responsible for 3 or 4 ASO4 led teams. Low level SOG's are Assistant Regional Managers and Regional Managers managing a regional office with staff from 100-200. ASO4's in Canberra make the tea.

[Roverray]

I reckon you could at least push it to a 130 dualcab ...........no?

[EchiDna]

$65k plus car is around about equivalent to someone self employed (and under reporting cash income) on about $55k - depending on the degree of under reporting...

I hope you self employed blokes don't take offence at the under reporting income comment, but it is common.

As a (relatively) cash rich, asset poor wage earner, I'm stuck waiting for my kids to enter school for the missus to be able to return to work to be able to afford to buy a house... my work type means I've got to live in/near the city so the size of debt required to buy a house is crippling. *sigh*

[Bigbjorn]

Gee Brian,

I'm a TPI with a DFRDB super pension, and I would not say I'm rich :(

However I have far more spending money than I did as a WO1 in the Army :)

Tax went from $13,000 down to $4,000.
Wage compared to pensions was a lot higher, but the tax makes a huge difference.

Correct me if I am wrong, but a TPI generally receives a TPI pension and a service pension of some kind. Usually around $1500 per fortnight, the TPI component is non-taxable, and is not asset or income tested. Totally & Permanently Incapacitated is the name of the pension, not a qualification, Many TPI's work or have worked after receipt of pension. Some even worked full-time. A single DSS pensioner receives less than $600 per fortnight and does not get the generous medical treatment package that DVA pensioners enjoy.

[stevo68]

I haven't said yes or no....but I might give it a shot over summer (aircon vs bricklaying 40deg days) but my concern is the $65k do people survive on a $1000 per week?
What is the consensus?Look I have to be honest, I read this and re read it as I don't get it....seriously. Reason being you should be able to answer that question yourself. I'm self employed, whilst my income may fluctuate over a 12 mth period, in some cases "making hay whilst the sun shines", I have a pretty good idea of what I need to earn to fund my lifestyle, commitments, family, children, food in mouths etc etc.

If someone asked me or offered said package, straight away the answer would be no.....I couldn't survive.....V8 D3's aint cheap to run :). But seriously it is because I know what I need to earn each week. I'm surprised nobody else has picked up on the same line of thought. Unless I am missing something, I cannot understand how one couldnt know the answer to the question as it seems pretty obvious :D

Regards

Stevo

[FenianEel]

A single DSS pensioner receives less than $600 per fortnight
So what?How can you compare the two?

and does not get the generous medical treatment package that DVA pensioners enjoy
Neither should they.
It's not generous - they earned it!!

[hiline]

Look I have to be honest, I read this and re read it as I don't get it....seriously. Reason being you should be able to answer that question yourself. I'm self employed, whilst my income may fluctuate over a 12 mth period, in some cases "making hay whilst the sun shines", I have a pretty good idea of what I need to earn to fund my lifestyle, commitments, family, children, food in mouths etc etc.

If someone asked me or offered said package, straight away the answer would be no.....I couldn't survive.....V8 D3's aint cheap to run :). But seriously it is because I know what I need to earn each week. I'm surprised nobody else has picked up on the same line of thought. Unless I am missing something, I cannot understand how one couldnt know the answer to the question as it seems pretty obvious :D

Regards

Stevo


not wrong mate ;)

we all live different lives so we all need different income :D

and if $65 plus aint enough keep doing your bricklaying :p

[Bigbjorn]

So what?How can you compare the two?

Neither should they.
It's not generous - they earned it!!
Whuy should one class of pensioner get paid 2 1/2 times as much as another!
No complaints about generous medical treatment for incapacities as a result of war service in a war zone. I object, as a taxpayer, to paying pensions & providing private hospital treatment for diseases of aging and indulgence, obesity, prostate problems, smoking related diseases, alcoholism etc. Many service disability pensioners (and DSS Disability pensioners too, but they find it harder to get) have little or nothing wrong with them. Obtaining pensions by virtue of relentless intervention and appealing by the RSL advocates, who find no shame in coaching applicants in symptoms etc. to the point where a number of medical practicioners believe applicants are reading a prepared script and acting a part. PTSD in particular.

[RonMcGr]

Whuy should one class of pensioner get paid 2 1/2 times as much as another!
No complaints about generous medical treatment for incapacities as a result of war service in a war zone. I object, as a taxpayer, to paying pensions & providing private hospital treatment for diseases of aging and indulgence, obesity, prostate problems, smoking related diseases, alcoholism etc. Many service disability pensioners (and DSS Disability pensioners too, but they find it harder to get) have little or nothing wrong with them. Obtaining pensions by virtue of relentless intervention and appealing by the RSL advocates, who find no shame in coaching applicants in symptoms etc. to the point where a number of medical practicioners believe applicants are reading a prepared script and acting a part. PTSD in particular.

Because us "burnt out" ex servicemen usually don't live that long anyway.

Brian,

If you feel strongly about it, you are most welcome to my back with many crushed discs, rheumatic neck from crushed discs, knees and feet problems from running in full battle order wearing steel soled GP boats. Bladder cancer, leukemia, ulcerative colitis, endless skin problems from blood poisoning (defoliants) and depression. Every night I go to sleep I'm at war and in the thick of it.

Being in the Infantry in Vietnam was no picnic..

[RonMcGr]

Correct me if I am wrong, but a TPI generally receives a TPI pension and a service pension of some kind. Usually around $1500 per fortnight, the TPI component is non-taxable, and is not asset or income tested. Totally & Permanently Incapacitated is the name of the pension, not a qualification, Many TPI's work or have worked after receipt of pension. Some even worked full-time. A single DSS pensioner receives less than $600 per fortnight and does not get the generous medical treatment package that DVA pensioners enjoy.

TPI's do get that pension untaxed and most get some form of service pension.
I don't. I have a super pension.

Any TPI who is able to work more than 8 hours a week should and would loose that pension. I did work for a while when I left the Army, until the Physciatrist said give it up or you will go out in a box.

[aclo]

Mmmmmm.. The more I earn the more She spends......

[EchiDna]

personal budgeting is something everyone should do and like stevo68 I reckon it should be a dead easy question to answer...

you can still do it via your banking records from previous years and or GST statements...

[JDNSW]

To quote from Robert Heinlein "Teenage daughters will spend more than a man's income - no matter how high that income is"

John

[sclarke]

That is the Going Rate for a Base Trady in Vic, from there you just keep asking for more...

Could i survive on it???

I used to....

[DirtyDawg]

What an irrelevant self gratuitous question. You need to stop worrying about money and live each day as if it's your last. I'd think that most people reading this question as to how much you 'survive' on as being none of your business. And I'm not making any pontification as to what you should 'survive' on.
get ****ed:2up:
Now that was gratifying
to all the others thankyou for you advice....it was appreciated..

[rovercare]

That is the Going Rate for a Base Trady in Vic, from there you just keep asking for more...

Could i survive on it???

I used to....

In industry.....roughly 65k plus or minus a phone or car

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Fascinating thing is I am a permy government employee. I don't really get paid that much, but I'm sure it is more than some and for that I am grateful. We are probably better off than many because we own our house, and that is more luck than anything.

At any rate, the interesting thing is I've worked with a lot of contractors. They early lots more than me... maybe twice, but they don't really seem to be all that much ahead. Often they live from pay to pay. I guess it's all about expectations.

[landyfromanuthaland]

Who makes a grand a week? thats good coin,

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Who makes a grand a week? thats good coin,
A grand a week is pretty common here. I don't think it buys what a UK grand does.

[dobbo]

Who makes a grand a week? thats good coin,


An average working person.

[rovercare]

Who makes a grand a week? thats good coin,

$1450.....................net:eek:

[taff]

Been offered a Job

Building supervisor... Holden Rodeo 4wd dual cab ute (new) , Laptop, Mobile phone , net connection plus $65K
incl super , holidays etc...
being self employed for so long I wouldn't know how this stacks up.

I haven't said yes or no....but I might give it a shot over summer (aircon vs bricklaying 40deg days) but my concern is the $65k do people survive on a $1000 per week?
What is the consensus?

give it a go nige, you've nothing to lose as you've still got all your tools to do the odd hobble or go back to it if it isn't working out.
i've just taken a job doing something i've always to do. though it's probably 3 to 4 times lower the wage and nearly twice the hours, but i can't wait to start.
whilst were adjusting to the difference in money coming in, i'll do hobbles though i've been working my ass off to put some away ready and if it doesn't work then i'll just go back to what i'm doing now

[LandyAndy]

Hi Dawg
I was once a Supervisor for a ceiling company.
In the end I chucked it in because of the out of hours phone calls.
How many times you rang your supervisor at 5am,or 9pm???? Not only all your subbies will be onto you but customers too!!!!!
It really gets to you in the end,almost like being on call 24hrs a day.It really thins down the value of that pay package!!!!!
Back to laying bricks for you sonny:D:D:D:D
Must admit I really enjoyed it for the first 12 months.
Andrew

[tombraider]

Who makes a grand a week? thats good coin,

I make around $1700 pw Nett doing 5 on 5 off shifts..

My wife does an 18week rotational roster, she pays more than that in TAX per week :eek:

But she buys cool toys!

[GregTD5]

Can you live on 65 K per year ?
I guess it comes down to what you are used to living on and whether you own your house or how much you need to pay it off.
The car, phone etc are a good saving, and at least you know its a regular consistent income that you have.
Worst case, if you find its not enough $, you go back to what you were doing before.
As a supervisor, you get to choose subcontractors. As I have a mini loader (Dingo) I'm happy to come and do some some site cleanups etc.

All the best,

Greg

[EchiDna]

...My wife does an 18week rotational roster, she pays more than that in TAX per week :eek:...



what does she do? what kind of hours?

thats supporting about 8 centrelink 'clients' :)

[Disco Steve]

I survive on $28k pa. but I'm only 18.

[EchiDna]

for reference - I knocked back $65k PA, +car (or an additional $13k, my choice) +super +phone +potential 10k bonus in Darwin last year... reason being we couldn't find anywhere to live that we liked for under $350 a week and the company refused to pay for any relocation costs... as the sole bread winner, it just didn't leave much/anything left over at all! and with the price of bananas at the time... Sheesh!

maybe I should have taken it - it was a close run thing...

[bblaze]

I have simple needs, I work 20hrs a week and get p*ssed off if I need to work more.You dont need a lot of money if you dont treasure material things.
Cheers
blaze

[Disco Steve]

for reference - I knocked back $65k PA, +car (or an additional $13k, my choice) +super +phone +potential 10k bonus in Darwin last year... reason being we couldn't find anywhere to live that we liked for under $350 a week and the company refused to pay for any relocation costs... as the sole bread winner, it just didn't leave much/anything left over at all! and with the price of bananas at the time... Sheesh!

maybe I should have taken it - it was a close run thing...

I knocked back $60k a year to work on a oil rig as a unskilled labourer.

[dobbo]

what does she do? what kind of hours?

thats supporting about 8 centrelink 'clients' :)

disgusting isn't it

with the exception of retired service folk and the aged they should have no work, no money.

[LandyAndy]

Hi Andy
Mate of mine made $100000 a year after tax 2 years in a row as a driller mining.
Now has gone back to his trade,painting and building renos.
BUT ONLY DOES A FEW DAYS HERE AND THERE when he wants the $$$$ or its a good job!!!.
He is 40 single and partying on,paid the house and toys off in 2 years.
Andrew

[Vern]

$1450.....................net:eek:
But your to tight to put fuel in my RR:p

[rovercare]

But your to tight to put fuel in my RR:p

Man I was wild, I vowed never to run a big stinking oiler out of fuel the once I ran mine out, So bloody lucky my mates shed was open to get tool's.......................and anyway,who the hell doesn't keep tools in tha back of their rover:mad: only needed a shifter:D

Glad you batteries are good but:eek:

[EchiDna]

I knocked back $60k a year to work on a oil rig as a unskilled labourer.

not enough to get me out on a rig even with no trade/skill and being a young fella such as yourself... the type of jobs an unskilled worker would get to do out there would be just really crappy!

even if it was 4 weeks on 4 off or similar i wouldn't consider it...

[Vern]

Man I was wild, I vowed never to run a big stinking oiler out of fuel the once I ran mine out, So bloody lucky my mates shed was open to get tool's.......................and anyway,who the hell doesn't keep tools in tha back of their rover:mad: only needed a shifter:D

Glad you batteries are good but:eek:Don't need tools if you keep fuel in it:p

[Disco Steve]

not enough to get me out on a rig even with no trade/skill and being a young fella such as yourself... the type of jobs an unskilled worker would get to do out there would be just really crappy!

even if it was 4 weeks on 4 off or similar i wouldn't consider it...

I am going to do it in 2009. they offerd me a position after I get my plumbing liscence.
150,00k a year:eek: not bad for a 20yo.

[LandyAndy]

When my mate was doing it,went in as unskilled,but he is a hard worker,they get big bonusus for extra meters drilled.
3 weeks on 2weeks off fly in fly out.
All expenses except your beers are covered.
Perfect for any single person.
Im itching for the mines again for the $$$$ but I really like coming home to my family/shed/homebrew etc every nite.
Come the new year its time to decide to make the jump.
I could really enjoy a property on the coast around Esperance!!!!
Andrew

[shorty943]

Well, I'm looking forward to the DVA pension rise next March, as promised by the Minister in Charge "just call me" Bruce Bilson.

The table at the bottom shows my new pay rate.

I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm considered 100% disabled.

Next March, my pension goes up to $347 per fortnight.
Makes me want to jump for joy. If I could jump.
:mad:

[rovercare]

Well, I'm looking forward to the DVA pension rise next March, as promised by the Minister in Charge "just call me" Bruce Bilson.

The table at the bottom shows my new pay rate.

I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm considered 100% disabled.

Next March, my pension goes up to $347 per fortnight.
Makes me want to jump for joy. If I could jump.
:mad:

Disabled how??

Don't mean to be rude, but a pension, dole, etc, should ONLY be enough money to survive, not live an embelished lifestyle....Nothing personal

I can see myself being abused here:(

[EchiDna]

I am going to do it in 2009. they offerd me a position after I get my plumbing liscence.
150,00k a year:eek: not bad for a 20yo.

that's more like it :)

how many weeks on/off? (should be about 50% on, 50% off, FIFO to nearest capital city)

[shorty943]

Disabled how??

Don't mean to be rude, but a pension, dole, etc, should ONLY be enough money to survive, not live an embelished lifestyle....Nothing personal

I can see myself being abused here:(

No abuse. Try set straight, instead.

DVA, Department of Veterans Affairs.

Smashed back, left shoulder, left hip, twisted spine.
Entered the Navy at 15 years old, pensioned out, at 24, busted and no good no more, for lifting heavy things.
Years on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.
One off them got me one night.:(

No probs, it only hurts when I'm conscious:D.

[OLR-067]

someone tell me what's wrong with this place if a 20yo plumber is on 150k and a pensioner(for whatever reason) is on 9k a year.....to me, that just wrong....

Paul

[George130]

The public service in Canberra does not resemble the real world. In DSS regional offices, an ASO4 supervises 6-10 ASO1's to 3's and maybe a youth trainee or two and is a decision making position referred to as "A Delegate of the Secretary". An ASO5 is a Section Manager responsible for 3 or 4 ASO4 led teams. Low level SOG's are Assistant Regional Managers and Regional Managers managing a regional office with staff from 100-200. ASO4's in Canberra make the tea.
Depends what area you work in. I have always worked in the wrong areas as even when I was an AS02 I was doing the tasks of most AS06's.

As for the salary question. It's more than we were on until 2 months ago when the wife started working again. We are also paying off a mortgage. Even now we arn't much over the $65,000

[EchiDna]

someone tell me what's wrong with this place if a 20yo plumber is on 150k and a pensioner(for whatever reason) is on 9k a year.....to me, that just wrong....

Paul

the plumber is on an oil rig for a start... so basically double wages and half the work compared to working in town - you could say it's equivalent to $75k on dry land without most of the risks, isolation and training required.

tradies are in short supply - it's a seller's market at the moment...

for the pensioners on $9k a year, they better hope they don't have debts and can live a simple life :)

[Disco Steve]

that's more like it :)

how many weeks on/off? (should be about 50% on, 50% off, FIFO to nearest capital city)

No 3weeks on 2weeks off.

[Bazz67]

I live up in the North West of WA, a little more than that, no company car, no company phone, high rental prices, high fuel costs, 3 Boys to feed. I wouldnt mind going back to Perth with that sort of deal to give it ago. Work out what the extras above the 65k and work out how much it would take to earn that doing the job your doing now.

I suppose you have to weigh up your options, do u want to have a stuffed back in a few years or sitting pretty in an air conditioned ute watching your mates do the hard yakka. Mind you there is nothing wrong with hard yakka.

Good luck if you take it on.

Thanks
Bazz

[Disco Steve]

someone tell me what's wrong with this place if a 20yo plumber is on 150k and a pensioner(for whatever reason) is on 9k a year.....to me, that just wrong....

Paul

That 150k a year is not easy money. 14hr days 6 day weeks for 3 weeks straight. Dirty and Danderous job.

[Ralph1Malph]

tradies are in short supply - it's a seller's market at the moment...


Perzackary!
10 yrs ago, I remember we (Army) PAID businesses to place our apprentices for short periods of time to gain exp. Don't need em, dont want em, their labour is not worth the effort, rather emply exp on similar wage etc etc.:mad:
Today, we place them to the business who 'gives us the best deal' in regards to trg and exp. We have businesses who send people around to pick our trainees up for the day!:o
Make hay whilst the sun shines coz as a tradie the wheel will turn again.
BTW my salary is freely avail on web if you look hard enough, so no secrets there BUT I admit I am a self professed profiteer on w/e!
Viva la tradie shortage!:twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted::twis ted:

Ralph

[EchiDna]

more dirty and dangerous than anyone will freely admit mate...
if you take it, you will earn it trust me...

[CraigE]

Disabled how??

Don't mean to be rude, but a pension, dole, etc, should ONLY be enough money to survive, not live an embelished lifestyle....Nothing personal

I can see myself being abused here:(
I agree and disagree. There are many people who deserve to be on a pension and should get it and more with pride, they should not be made live like paupers for something that is outside their control. Then there are the bludgers that use every excuse under the sun not to work and are determine long time unemployed and usually easier for centrelink to put them on the pension. Makes the employment figures lok better because these people ar not considered to be activelly looking for work. These people should get nothing.
People who have worked their entire lives in low paying jobs should be assisted. I know lots that have worked harder than me in low paying jobs for 20-40 years and have only just scraped by. The sad thing is most of these people are probablly a lot better workers than half the tossers in the mining industry that earn $150k pa.

[Disco Steve]

more dirty and dangerous than anyone will freely admit mate...
if you take it, you will earn it trust me...

well its better than 60 hour weeks at $600 a week.

[abaddonxi]

Well, I'm looking forward to the DVA pension rise next March, as promised by the Minister in Charge "just call me" Bruce Bilson.

The table at the bottom shows my new pay rate.

I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm considered 100% disabled.

Next March, my pension goes up to $347 per fortnight.
Makes me want to jump for joy. If I could jump.
:mad:

I reckon that'd be about the same as most forum members budget for repairs.

Hope you're making lots of cash in the hand dollars, 'cos that isn't enough for anyone to live on.

It's a pretty sad reflection on society, it should be at least enough to fix the car on.;)

Cheers
Simon

[OLR-067]

Don't get me wrong disco steve...great that you can get that sort of dollars...might get the old man out of retirement..40 years must be worth a packet:eek:....but more importantly however I just find it a little insulting that a pensioner is worth so little in this economy....we seem to be well on our way to a US style system...

[shorty943]

Don't get me wrong disco steve...great that you can get that sort of dollars...might get the old man out of retirement..40 years must be worth a packet:eek:....but more importantly however I just find it a little insulting that a pensioner is worth so little in this economy....we seem to be well on our way to a US style system...

Never been one to deny others the fruits of their hard labour.


140,000 ex-service pensioners.
Volunteers to the defence of the nation.

When injured, the government "deems" that 25% of the "national weekly average male earnings" per fortnight, is sufficient for our needs.

I suppose we shouldn't complain, we could be dead.:mad:

[Disco Steve]

Don't get me wrong disco steve...great that you can get that sort of dollars...might get the old man out of retirement..40 years must be worth a packet:eek:....but more importantly however I just find it a little insulting that a pensioner is worth so little in this economy....we seem to be well on our way to a US style system...

I understand what you mean. But thats the way its going and I cant stop it, might as well make the best of it.

[87County]

all this is very interesting and does bring up the vast gulf that exists between the well-paid and pensioners of all types which makes me think of anotrher thread to start...

just how much does a couple need in super to be able to retire???

[DirtyDawg]

Gentlemen, My Posts always seem to invoke a good clear response and brings up issues I had not thought of.
Firstly, I need a change, Bricklaying in Summer is not fun anymore, unlike most other trades there is no shade working on a concrete pad day in day out my thermometer often reads 60degree's on forecast days over 40:eek: on the pad.
Secondly I'm 42 I have two properties here in WA and some land in southeast Tassie of which are nearly paid for So money isn't a big issue
thirdly the big carrot for this particular job is the offer to buy into the company as a unit trust holder after 12months, 8 of the 9 supervisors there have done this and are sitting on a decent salary after profit share.
Lastly like Jason said I have my tools if I don't like it I can go back to my 150k+ back busting job and buy more houses:D.

It was good to get the scope of things, you guys on pensions I feel for you especially the Military Pensioners you deserve more and if a Govt levy was to be put in place to boost yours I would give it over with a smile year in year out, Medical disabled pensioners the same, for the run of the mill I hit 65yrs and don't have a pot to pizz in category you get what you deserve think of it as getting all those years of tax back, My dad is in this category and it makes me sick to see how he has squandered his life .
When my generation gets time to retire there will not be a thing called a pension, self funded , consider that and on top of our heavy income tax, we pay tax on our self funded pension on its way to our bank and when it comes out again:mad:

In conclusion I am going to take the job, Mon to Fri 8 till 5.. opposed to mon/tue to friday lunchtime 6 till 2:D will be the only hurt.....I'll give a go, got nuthin to lose. thanks for all your helpful contributions, except for mittadisco's freakin sermon which pizzed me off:p
but everyones is entitled to an opinion and I respect that.;)

[hiline]

:BigThumb:being self employed myself i don't think i would last long in a job that requires you to be there everyday for the same hrs:(

take today for a example:D
taking from today till Tuesday next week off ....

going camping with family and friends over the long weekend:firedevil::beer:


no amount of money could out do that ;)
thats all the wealth or money i need:D


good luck with the new job DirtyDawg

[taff]

onya nige, welcome to the club. i start mine in the beginning of december also 8-5 and half day every other sat. :eek: :D




Gentlemen, My Posts always seem to invoke a good clear response and brings up issues I had not thought of.
Firstly, I need a change, Bricklaying in Summer is not fun anymore, unlike most other trades there is no shade working on a concrete pad day in day out my thermometer often reads 60degree's on forecast days over 40:eek: on the pad.
Secondly I'm 42 I have two properties here in WA and some land in southeast Tassie of which are nearly paid for So money isn't a big issue
thirdly the big carrot for this particular job is the offer to buy into the company as a unit trust holder after 12months, 8 of the 9 supervisors there have done this and are sitting on a decent salary after profit share.
Lastly like Jason said I have my tools if I don't like it I can go back to my 150k+ back busting job and buy more houses:D.

It was good to get the scope of things, you guys on pensions I feel for you especially the Military Pensioners you deserve more and if a Govt levy was to be put in place to boost yours I would give it over with a smile year in year out, Medical disabled pensioners the same, for the run of the mill I hit 65yrs and don't have a pot to pizz in category you get what you deserve think of it as getting all those years of tax back, My dad is in this category and it makes me sick to see how he has squandered his life .
When my generation gets time to retire there will not be a thing called a pension, self funded , consider that and on top of our heavy income tax, we pay tax on our self funded pension on its way to our bank and when it comes out again:mad:

In conclusion I am going to take the job, Mon to Fri 8 till 5.. opposed to mon/tue to friday lunchtime 6 till 2:D will be the only hurt.....I'll give a go, got nuthin to lose. thanks for all your helpful contributions, except for mittadisco's freakin sermon which pizzed me off:p
but everyones is entitled to an opinion and I respect that.;)

[JDNSW]

........... on top of our heavy income tax,..........

I always feel a bit amused when I hear people talking about this - most seem to have forgotten that the top marginal tax rate is the lowest it has been since the introduction of income tax. For a substantial part of my working life I paid 67 cents in the dollar marginal rate, and so did most other people in the seventies and into the eighties making a bit more than the average (if they were on wages or salaries where the opportunities for avoiding tax were minimal).

This is something that ought to be remembered by those complaining about the cost of upkeep of the elderly. These taxes paid for your upbringing and education etc.

John

[numpty]

I always feel a bit amused when I hear people talking about this - most seem to have forgotten that the top marginal tax rate is the lowest it has been since the introduction of income tax. For a substantial part of my working life I paid 67 cents in the dollar marginal rate, and so did most other people in the seventies and into the eighties making a bit more than the average (if they were on wages or salaries where the opportunities for avoiding tax were minimal).

This is something that ought to be remembered by those complaining about the cost of upkeep of the elderly. These taxes paid for your upbringing and education etc.

John

True John, but this doesn't mean we pay any less tax these days...what with the GST and tax on tax (excise) on fuel and grog. Just gives you the opportunity to decide what you spend that money on, and therefore pay the tax.

[87County]

Gentlemen, My Posts always seem to invoke a good clear response and brings up issues I had not thought of.
Firstly, I need a change, Bricklaying in Summer is not fun anymore, unlike most other trades there is no shade working on a concrete pad day in day out my thermometer often reads 60degree's on forecast days over 40:eek: on the pad.
Secondly I'm 42 I have two properties here in WA and some land in southeast Tassie of which are nearly paid for So money isn't a big issue
thirdly the big carrot for this particular job is the offer to buy into the company as a unit trust holder after 12months, 8 of the 9 supervisors there have done this and are sitting on a decent salary after profit share.
Lastly like Jason said I have my tools if I don't like it I can go back to my 150k+ back busting job and buy more houses:D.

It was good to get the scope of things, you guys on pensions I feel for you especially the Military Pensioners you deserve more and if a Govt levy was to be put in place to boost yours I would give it over with a smile year in year out, Medical disabled pensioners the same, for the run of the mill I hit 65yrs and don't have a pot to pizz in category you get what you deserve think of it as getting all those years of tax back, My dad is in this category and it makes me sick to see how he has squandered his life .
When my generation gets time to retire there will not be a thing called a pension, self funded , consider that and on top of our heavy income tax, we pay tax on our self funded pension on its way to our bank and when it comes out again:mad:

In conclusion I am going to take the job, Mon to Fri 8 till 5.. opposed to mon/tue to friday lunchtime 6 till 2:D will be the only hurt.....I'll give a go, got nuthin to lose. thanks for all your helpful contributions, except for mittadisco's freakin sermon which pizzed me off:p
but everyones is entitled to an opinion and I respect that.;)

I reckon it sounds like a good move and if, as you say, it doesn't work out, you can always go back to what you were doing

had to page back to p2 to find mittadisco's post :)

[JDNSW]

True John, but this doesn't mean we pay any less tax these days...what with the GST and tax on tax (excise) on fuel and grog. Just gives you the opportunity to decide what you spend that money on, and therefore pay the tax.

To a large extent you are right - but as you say there is a shift to indirect taxes. But there used to be a whole range of hidden taxes - for example wholesale sales tax, which, while it was levied on only some goods, on many of these it was at far higher rates than GST is today - and since it was at the wholesale step, retailer's profit percentage was added to it. In addition, there used to be additional costs of manufacturing protection, which while not exactly a tax, had the same effect as far as prices go. And the level of the marginal rate has a big psychological effect.

And society as a whole is so much more prosperous, that the tax "burden" is less of a burden, even though the amount of tax as a proportion of GDP is as high as it has ever been. Of course, a lot of this extra prosperity is spent on things which were either non-existent or rare fifty years ago - for example, mobile phones were virtually non-existent, indeed less than 50% of houses had phones at all, many homes did not have a car, particularly in the cities, very few houses had television, and so on.

And there have been major improvements in non-monetary ways as well - life expectancy is way up, rate and perhaps even number of road deaths is down, virtually no polio, very little TB, very few children die these days of the diseases which fifty years ago were still killing thousands a year (although it was a lot better than it had been twenty years before, and the really big advances were in the early years of the 20th century.


John

[Ralph1Malph]

And society as a whole is so much more prosperous... Of course, a lot of this extra prosperity is spent on things which were either non-existent or rare fifty years ago - for example, mobile phones were virtually non-existent.
John

I had a conversation with a colleague at work today about similar things. He was complaining that his son and D-I-L couldn't afford to buy a house on his single wage. I commented that expectations had risen well above the achievable.
For example, my parents first home that they purchased together in 1972 was a 3 bed, single dunny, 1 bathroom, one combined lounge/dining and totalled about 9 squares of plain brick veneer. I asked if his son and D-I-L would accept that now as they are 'cheap' first homes. No way I was told, they need a double garage for their 2 cars and a rumpus room big enough for their home theatre!
Does anybody not see the irony here? Materiel goods are fine and dandy but the priority is all wrong in some cases IMHO.

Ralph

[JDNSW]

.........
Does anybody not see the irony here? Materiel goods are fine and dandy but the priority is all wrong in some cases IMHO.

Ralph

It probably has mostly been like this - I find myself having to guard against telling people that their priorities are wrong, just because they are not my priorities. But by the same token, I don't have to listen to their complaints about what they don't have as a result.

I have set my own priorities through life - if I had put making money as a higher priority, no doubt I would be a lot richer today, for example. But I look at the people I know who put money first and think "do I really want to be like them?"

John

[Captain_Rightfoot]

We have a 3 bedroom highset brick house. It's very small by todays standards. I keep having this strange feeling that I'm supposed to upgrade to a mansion, but I just can't see a reason to go into 150k of debt. hmmmm.

[vnx205]

Back in 1849, Charles Dickens had a comment on the question of how much income you need.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pound ought and six, result misery.Charles Dickens (http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Charles_Dickens/), David Copperfield, 1849
English novelist (1812 - 1870)

[RonMcGr]

I had a conversation with a colleague at work today about similar things. He was complaining that his son and D-I-L couldn't afford to buy a house on his single wage. I commented that expectations had risen well above the achievable.
For example, my parents first home that they purchased together in 1972 was a 3 bed, single dunny, 1 bathroom, one combined lounge/dining and totalled about 9 squares of plain brick veneer. I asked if his son and D-I-L would accept that now as they are 'cheap' first homes. No way I was told, they need a double garage for their 2 cars and a rumpus room big enough for their home theatre!
Does anybody not see the irony here? Materiel goods are fine and dandy but the priority is all wrong in some cases IMHO.

Ralph

Ralph,

Interesting :)
My kids are the same.

However when I was a young Soldier in Sydney, we had three tiny kids, lived in a Army House that was very tiny and the rent was quite high, considering what I was paid.
It was a Labor government at that time, and we felt like second class citizens. The civilians in the street would not give us the time of the day because we were Army trash!

My whole wage went to the wife to keep us alive and I kept a dollar as spending money. This was 1984.

Over the years things got slightly better as my rank increased, but we could never afford to buy a house on the one wage.

When I left the Army, 30 years later, I was able to buy a house almost outright, from my payout.

Mind you that was 30 years.
The young ones of today are disappointed if they cannot buy a house soon after they think about it.

I did could not afford a my first new car until 1992 :)

Now I'm doing better than I ever had, though I should say, "some people are not happy about that". Once I was Army trash and now to some, I may be considered a DVA "bludger".

I can live with that :D
It is better than having rottentomatoes thrown at me at the Melbourne airport in 1970 :(

It takes all kinds to make a world and as we become more "worldly", our expectations increase.

Rant over!
36 volt for power, copper boilers for washing clothes, kero fridges and slow combustion stove s for hot water that ran out of wood! was NOT fun :mad:

[RonMcGr]

Ralph,

Interesting :)
My kids are the same.

However when I was a young Soldier in Sydney, we had three tiny kids, lived in a Army House that was very tiny and the rent was quite high, considering what I was paid.
It was a Labor government at that time, and we felt like second class citizens. The civilians in the street would not give us the time of the day because we were Army trash!

My whole wage went to the wife to keep us alive and I kept a dollar as spending money. This was 1984.

Over the years things got slightly better as my rank increased, but we could never afford to buy a house on the one wage.

When I left the Army, 30 years later, I was able to buy a house almost outright, from my payout.

Mind you that was 30 years.
The young ones of today are disappointed if they cannot buy a house soon after they think about it.

I did could not afford a my first new car until 1992 :)

Now I'm doing better than I ever had, though I should say, "some people are not happy about that". Once I was Army trash and now to some, I may be considered a DVA "bludger".

I can live with that :D
It is better than having rottentomatoes thrown at me at the Melbourne airport in 1970 :(

It takes all kinds to make a world and as we become more "worldly", our expectations increase.

Rant over!
36 volt for power, copper boilers for washing clothes, kero fridges and slow combustion stove s for hot water that ran out of wood! was NOT fun :mad:

Hey guys,

Sorry if this sounded like sour grapes :D

It was not intended that way.
I loved my life in the ADF and if I was able to start again, I would not change one bit, other that todays rules, FAR better on the body, less damage :D

[DirtyDawg]

Ron, when I first joint the army I too wanted to be a twenty year man..but it is funny how things go with serviceman..I did 10yrs and a further 10 as a reserve..

My best mate joined in 1978 (navy) retired last year with his pension, but he was a "Clearance Diver" and spent 5yrs attached to SASR..he retired owns a very swish property, a 7.3m brand new aluminium pleasure craft, newish Toyota Landlooser, a 2003 Saab 95 turbo and lives a nice life now as a offshore commercial diver who earns $21000 after tax for 25days work..
So not all ex serviceman suffer...oh by the way he is entitled to DVA as during his service he broke 12 bones in training and is classed as 87% disabled..but he still can at 46yrs age run 5km in 16minutes..
I think we are all responsible for where we are unless you are confined to a wheel chair as a quad, you can move forward if you really want to.

[RonMcGr]

Ron, when I first joint the army I too wanted to be a twenty year man..but it is funny how things go with serviceman..I did 10yrs and a further 10 as a reserve..

My best mate joined in 1978 (navy) retired last year with his pension, but he was a "Clearance Diver" and spent 5yrs attached to SASR..he retired owns a very swish property, a 7.3m brand new aluminium pleasure craft, newish Toyota Landlooser, a 2003 Saab 95 turbo and lives a nice life now as a offshore commercial diver who earns $21000 after tax for 25days work..
So not all ex serviceman suffer...oh by the way he is entitled to DVA as during his service he broke 12 bones in training and is classed as 87% disabled..but he still can at 46yrs age run 5km in 16minutes..
I think we are all responsible for where we are unless you are confined to a wheel chair as a quad, you can move forward if you really want to.

Very true :)

He was a clearance diver?
Did very well then, they are the best in the Navy, those that pass the course are very fit. One of my Soldier did that course and passed it. He told me what was involved.

As for myself, I'm really happy with what I have and doing what I can :D

Cheers,

[olbod]

Ron, we had kero lighting and frig, the same copper,slow combustion stove, tank water and a wireless that ran on big dry cell batteries etc.
Anyone remember "Blue Hills", Mo, Jack Davey,
"Hop Harrigan" and "Dr. Mack".
Over the years we have lived in similar conditions in the
outback and times without any of these luxuries.
I would be quite happy to live that simple existance
full time, but my Wife, perhaps not.
I dont need goodies and toys and lots of stuff.
What I am trying to say is that I disagree !
It was fun.
Cheers.
Robert.
PS:
If those Idiots had grown the tomatoes themselves,
they would not have wasted them !

[Grimace]

240k / annum - its enough.

[RonMcGr]

Ron, we had kero lighting and frig, the same copper,slow combustion stove, tank water and a wireless that ran on big dry cell batteries etc.
Anyone remember "Blue Hills", Mo, Jack Davey,
"Hop Harrigan" and "Dr. Mack".
Over the years we have lived in similar conditions in the
outback and times without any of these luxuries.
I would be quite happy to live that simple existance
full time, but my Wife, perhaps not.
I dont need goodies and toys and lots of stuff.
What I am trying to say is that I disagree !
It was fun.
Cheers.
Robert.
PS:
If those Idiots had grown the tomatoes themselves,
they would not have wasted them !

Hi Robert,

Yes, Blue Hills by Gwen Merridith (sp).
Sunday nights we used to lie on the lounge floor and listen to Sunday Play house, this was BT, Before Tele :D
Mind you, back then things were simple.
The people in Adelaide had an accent, the ones in Melbourne had a different one, the said things like "Schoo-el and Ford Fullcon". We used to get the runs by drinking water in either place as it was different to the rain water on the farm.

No with airplanes and travel, it raely happens unless you go overseas :)

Cheers

[rovercare]

240k / annum - its enough.

You earning that....BS:D

[Outlaw]

he meant 24k :p

[spudboy]

240k / annum - its enough.

That's more than the Prime minister :eek:

[ellard]

Hi there

Gotta love the mining industry:

4 on 4 off = $100K +

PS but get more fun out of driving my older series vehicles than my Toyota.......

Wayne

[Jojo]

Mate,
that's much more than I was getting ...as a doc with all this on-call and night time work, overtime, etc. and I didn't get anything else, like computers, mobile, car and this stuff. We survived, two kids, wife not working due to my working hours and were able to keep three Landies!
Cheers

[RonMcGr]

That's more than the Prime minister :eek:

But nowhere near the amount paid to the top Goose at Telstra :eek:

[DiscoMick]

Obviously, none of us are in the same class as Britney Spears, who earns US$737,000 a month - and spends it all, according to today's paper (can't find a link, sorry).
Court papers reveal her monthly expenses include:

Mortgage $49,267
Clothes $16,000
Entertainment, gifts, holidays $102,000
Dining out $4758
Charitable contributions $500
Child support to her ex-husband $15,000
Spousal support $20,000.

(She had to temporarily surrender custody of her sons to ex-husband Kevin Federline because she defied a court order.)

According to the court documents she does not save or invest any of her income.

Now I reckon if my monthly income was $737,000 I could probably manage to squirrel away a few bucks here and there, even after filling my garage with Landies! Don't you think?

[BRINDO75]

i make 90,000 thats 5,500 in the hand a month and im broke every month. its mainly becouse of the 240,000 morgage and a 30,000 personell loan that never gets smaller. i have 2 kids and im married. soo i dnt think i could afford to live on 65,000 . unless the wife went to work.u can send a slap if u like cos i think its unreal that im broke every month.

[CraigE]

Geez, is this thread still going???
:p

[spudboy]

i make 90,000 thats 5,500 in the hand a month and im broke every month. its mainly becouse of the 240,000 morgage and a 30,000 personell loan that never gets smaller. i have 2 kids and im married. soo i dnt think i could afford to live on 65,000 . unless the wife went to work.u can send a slap if u like cos i think its unreal that im broke every month.

Ouch! That's gotta be about $25,000 a year in INTEREST (not tax deductable either).

I know ziltch about finance, but would things be cheaper if you consolidated your personal loan into the house loan. I would guess the personal loan is a much higher interest rate than the house loan at the moment.

There are a couple of finance type members here who would have proper advice, but it might be worth investigating.

[BRINDO75]

im about to go see sumeone about consolidating. its a bit of a hand full at the moment

[rovercare]

im about to go see sumeone about consolidating. its a bit of a hand full at the moment

The best solution is not to spend so much:angel:

[Vern]

The best solution is not to spend so much:angel: says you;)

[rovercare]

says you;)

Yep:D

I don't get no hand outs:p

[DiscoMick]

The only way to organize real savings is to save something BEFORE you spend anything.
So, for instance, have 10% say of your income diverted off to a separate savings account every month. Then, plan the rest of your spending with what's left. At first, it will seem hard, but once you adjust your spending to limit it to the other 90%, it will soon seem quite natural. And you can happily spend the 90% knowing you've already saved the 10% - conscience clear. Just a thought.

[87County]

hmmm!


http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/blair-paid-539000-for-threehour-jaunt/2007/11/08/1194329399745.html


sort of obscene isn't it?

[inside]

So, for instance, have 10% say of your income diverted off to a separate savings account every month.
This is how the wife and I saved for our house deposit. I highly recommend setting up a ingdirect account. It's linked to your everyday savings account and you can set it up so it takes an amount of money from this account every 2 weeks, every month etc. No fees ever, high interest rate and very simple to use. They are offering 7% at the moment, you could have a $1 in there earning 7% if you wanted. Although now that I have a house loan every spare cent goes on it and I don't use my ing account much any more.

[Studio54]

Politics, religion and money...all taboo subjects.

[shorty943]

Well, having worked at DSS, I can say this:- Any pensioner who receives a part DSS pension due to income or assets is comfortable. A pensioner whose sole income is the DSS pension is not. They are battling. DVA pensioners are generously treated, and, in comparison, quite well off, particularly TPI's who could almost be called rich. War widows and TPI's whose pensions predate 1985 are still entitled to receive a DSS pension also. This outrageous anomaly was stopped quite some time ago but those already double dipping were allowed to continue.


Hey Brian, what do I have to do, to who ever, to get some of that.


I am a DVA pensioner, and we are NOT treated well at all.
Or maybe they just don't like the Navy.
DVA, treat us as some kind of second class impost.

I HATE article 41, and I am not too impressed by those who defend DVA. They are contemptous in the extreme. Dismissive and insulting. At least that is my personal experience.

100% disability due to injuries in service, works out to 12.5% of the weekly, and no TPI.
25% of the national weekly average per fortnight.
That's my lot. It sucks.
DVA and their article 41.

[DirtyDawg]

Shorty, complain to the minister, this time of year (elections) things get looked at as every Govt employee answers to someone;) also it helps when you CC your complaint to a television Current affair program like "Today ,Tonite".

[RonMcGr]

Hey Brian, what do I have to do, to who ever, to get some of that.


I am a DVA pensioner, and we are NOT treated well at all.
Or maybe they just don't like the Navy.
DVA, treat us as some kind of second class impost.

I HATE article 41, and I am not too impressed by those who defend DVA. They are contemptous in the extreme. Dismissive and insulting. At least that is my personal experience.

100% disability due to injuries in service, works out to 12.5% of the weekly, and no TPI.
25% of the national weekly average per fortnight.
That's my lot. It sucks.
DVA and their article 41.

Mate, I found his remarks insulting as well.
However you get that from a lot of public servants, who WE paid Tax to support!

[MickS]

Obtaining pensions by virtue of relentless intervention and appealing by the RSL advocates, who find no shame in coaching applicants in symptoms etc. to the point where a number of medical practicioners believe applicants are reading a prepared script and acting a part. PTSD in particular.

You're kidding....:mad:




Mate, I found his remarks insulting as well.
However you get that from a lot of public servants, who WE paid Tax to support!

Here, here......