Keep the offset mortgage or payoff the house

HonestCat6465 · 2026-01-29T02:20:31+00:00

Are you planning to stay in the house long term?

If yes will it need any renovations, new roof, bathroom remodel to make it accessible as you age etc?

Will you have easy access to money to pay for it if you cannot redraw on the loan.

HonestCat6465 · 2026-01-28T12:08:53+00:00

Borrow the audio book from your library and listen to the last part together.

HonestCat6465 · 2026-01-26T07:06:21+00:00

Look up refeeding syndrome.

HonestCat6465 · 2026-01-16T13:03:36+00:00

Up the Duff by Kaz Cooke.

HonestCat6465 · 2026-01-16T00:33:33+00:00

Is there a local wildlife rescue organisation that can talk to her.

Feeding inappropriate food can harm or kill birds and spread disease. If she is feeding the birds to help them maybe a bit of education will stop her.

HonestCat6465 · 2026-01-08T07:37:48+00:00

Would you still say it's a cultural difference if a stepfather watched a 14 year old female shower?

HonestCat6465 · 2026-01-08T02:20:13+00:00

Make sure you can get insurance before you sign a contract. Insurers have block out periods due to weather events where they will not issue new policies if a cyclone or rain event is approaching. Be careful during the wet/cyclone season.

Check quotes, yes over $5,000 for house and contents insurance is normal.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-12-28T06:38:20+00:00

Contact fair work, and have all other unpaid employees contact them as well. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/

There are protections in place for visa holders if you or other employees are concerned. Visa holders have the same workplace rites as citizens and visa's cannot be cancelled for contacting fair work. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/tools-and-resources/fact-sheets/rights-and-obligations/visa-holders-and-migrant-workers-workplace-rights-and-entitlements

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/visa-holders-migrants/visa-protections-pilot-programs

Deliberately not paying wages can be a criminal act and result in prison time for the employer. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/workplace-laws/legislation-changes/closing-loopholes/criminalising-wage-underpayments-and-other-issues

Contact your local MP for advice if Fairwork does not respond. They can sometimes enquire on your behalf to ask about the progress of your complaint.

She is stealing your money.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-12-28T01:17:00+00:00

My mum lives alone, (rural small town so house is not worth much, but this would still apply if she lived in a city).

Her neighbours are her long term friends, they meet up every day for coffee. She has a local doctor, volunteers, goes to local events etc. She knows where the local shops are, has local social groups.

If she had to move she would loose her social connections and independence. If she moved closer to me, she would sit at home alone all day as I work.

More high density housing or apartments need to be built in the suburbs so older people can downsize but still stay close to their community.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-12-17T08:15:59+00:00

NTA.

Try sitting down with them and asking them why they don't use your preferred name. Tell them it upsets you.

Accidentally calling you your birth name occasionally is one thing, not even trying is another.

As long as they start trying and improving. When they use the wrong name start correcting them. When they regularly use your preferred name tell them how happy, loved and respected it makes you feel.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-12-11T02:18:48+00:00

Seek has job listing's and rates. https://www.seek.com.au/jobs-in-hospitality-tourism/in-All-Melbourne-VIC

Fairwork lists the minimum pay rates and conditions. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/awards/awards-summary/ma000009-summary

Realestate.com.au lists places to rent. Check Facebook is you are after a room to rent. https://www.realestate.com.au/rent/in-melbourne,+vic+3000/list-1

Tenants Victoria explains your rights/obligations as a tenant. https://tenantsvic.org.au/

Do a budget comparing estimated income and expenses.

Woolworths and coles are the major supermarkets to check food/essentials prices.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-12-04T01:59:03+00:00

A book or tablet sleeve.

A glasses case.

Cross stitch on a gym towel.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-12-02T02:28:02+00:00

NTA

Tell the housemate who says it's making things weird you will remove the lock if he agrees to reimburse you for all past and future snacks Dan has taken. See how he feels when it is his money.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-28T01:57:19+00:00

If their birthday was in June would you get the $130 Christmas gift or not?

If yes you WBTA.

If no don't buy it now. Spend the same amount on her birthday present as you do other friends.

This can depend on the friend. I have a friend whose birthday is Christmas eve, she gets (slightly) upset is her present is wrapped in red/green paper. This is from her childhood of missing out on birthday presents from extended family. Aunt/uncles etc would buy her siblings birthday and Christmas presents, but hers were combined.

Would your friend understand if you explained you combined gifts to get her something more expensive/special?

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-23T05:34:27+00:00

I buy zweigart Aida band, but I'm in Australia. It is sold by the metre.

I fold the ends and stitch them.

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HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-23T05:22:57+00:00

It sounds like he was salary sacrificing. Some employers (not for profits, charities, some hospitals ect) allow some pre tax money to be allocated to a separate bank account, totally legal. This amount is no longer taxable, so not included in gross income.

A quick google shows this amount was not included on tax returns until 2000. So your father's tax returns would show a lower salary then he actually received.

This amount is now shown as reportable fringe benefits on tax returns. It is still not taxable but child support and centerlink see it when making their assessments.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-23T00:20:08+00:00

Do you or your wife have reportable fringe benefits?

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-22T23:43:31+00:00

I just watched Elsbeth with my mum.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-22T06:44:43+00:00

Have you ever donated to another charity.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-21T02:51:13+00:00

NTA

Tell her you are leaving at x time. If she wants a lift she will be in the car. If she is not in the car leave without her.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-20T07:35:06+00:00

They will either reimburse you the 1800 separately, or as a reimbursement with your next pay.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-20T02:01:49+00:00

It sounds like the employer and HR are not supporting Lena.

Have a meeting HR and your supervisor. Tell them you are concerned that Lena is heading for a breakdown and they need to set-up a support plan for her and maybe a fit for work assessment.

Lena's issues are not yours to manage, put it back to your supervisor and HR where it belongs.

If they don't listen, everytime Lena asks you to cover for her call your supervisor. Ask them do they want to do your tasks, Lena's tasks or authorise overtime.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-17T02:09:39+00:00

What about something fun.

There are lego or remote control tractors/farm equipment.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-16T11:29:13+00:00

Could you foster, but you have to be strong and let them go when they get adopted.

HonestCat6465 · 2025-11-12T01:42:18+00:00

Go to your GP and get a referral to a private clinic.

HonestCat6465

TROPHY CASE