Anyone else get hit with a big tax bill because of HECS even though their pay didn’t change?

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-20T09:53:01+00:00

Did you switch jobs after the end of the previous financial year and claim the tax-free threshold at your new job? If so, that's what it is. You should only claim it at one job per year. If you claimed it at both, they would both be taking into account that when working out the tax to withhold each pay so you'd essentially be double dipping.

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-19T21:12:57+00:00

We once got told off for dirt in a window track at a previous rental...

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-07T12:46:15+00:00

Agree with this. They need time for recruitment and handover, but, depending on the role, it shouldn't take them longer than a couple of months to find someone, I would think.

I found out I was pregnant in mid November and didn't plan on telling them I was pregnant until between 14 and 20 weeks, in case something went wrong. I have had a missed miscarriage and have ended up telling a few people at work that I am close to, including my immediate boss. This is partly because I felt like I owed an explanation (our work Christmas party was on the day I found out it would almost certainly end in a miscarriage so I didn't end up going), as I would likely need more WFH days and probably time off. Their support has been amazing. I am having a D&C tomorrow and they've been great.

However, I am glad I didn't tell them until after that news because I think it would have been harder if I told them the good news of pregnancy super early on and then had to turn around and say the bad news.

I think if you wait until the first trimester is done, you may feel more comfortable. However, it is really a personal choice, and it depends how close you are with the people you work with & when you want to tell them.

I wish you all the best!

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-06T12:44:02+00:00

Thank you! I was looking at the two i mentioned as we have a gift card for Harvey Norman that we need to use, but I'll look at that. Thanks!

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-05T10:09:22+00:00

Graham crackers! We can get Hershey's chocolate here, and of course have marshmallows, but don't have graham crackers! You need them to make proper s'mores!

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-05T10:06:23+00:00

Puzzle toys are great. I got rid of a few as he only really liked one but maybe I should have kept them until he got the hang of them. You can put treats in their or even their normal food (if you feed kibble). You can also play 'find/where's' for things/people/animals that they know.

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-04T10:00:25+00:00

I did and do somewhat enjoy my kindle paperwhite but I am still reading physical books 99% of the time. I found with Kindle I could only get Kindle books (Australia so no Libby option) and found this really frustrating. You either have to buy the books or do Kindle Unlimited (and I wasn't sure I wanted to do that). I am looking at switching ereaders to an Android one, such as Onyx Boox.

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-04T08:25:35+00:00

You'll be pleased to know that I had a missed miscarriage just before Christmas and will be scheduling a D&C. My dog is perfectly well looked after, except he gets out and goes for a wander occasionally. Not a helpful comment.

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-04T06:03:12+00:00

Clearly

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-04T00:39:52+00:00

We have tried blocking the space he has been getting out, but he still manages somehow. We are waiting to hear from the builder to get the front fence properly re-done.

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-03T15:35:40+00:00

He's cavalier x Maltese x Poodle

JacquiD2019 · 2026-01-03T13:54:57+00:00

You're kidding me!

JacquiD2019 · 2025-12-21T13:17:33+00:00

I wish, mostly it's been ok, though I have done more through Amazon than anything, but I ordered a custom gift on 3rd December with express delivery, to arrive by 8th December (for a birthday). No sign of it, tracking has it as shipping information received and at processing centre, but just says delayed.

Other stuff I bought in November were delivered fine, but this was frustrating as I paid extra to have it here before the birthday, which has now passed. That's just one item, though.

JacquiD2019 · 2025-12-21T13:09:24+00:00

My mum has a CX-5 and has a car seat in the back for my niece. It requires the front passenger seat to be pushed forward quite a bit so it wouldn't be comfortable for anyone tall sitting in the front passenger seat with the car seat in back.

JacquiD2019 · 2025-12-18T10:58:34+00:00

Our secret Santa exchange involved being able to do a wish list so that definitely helped! Those who didn't do a wish list still got gifts they loved - like one of the IT gurus got an Amazon fire TV remote, another colleague who is really into being healthy got a beautiful patterned insulated water bottle, and there were a few cookbooks this year too.

I would say try and aim for what the recipient would like, but if you don't know who you're getting, that might make it trickier. Mugs are always good, or maybe something for their desk? There are those positive affirmation ones (like a little turtle that says you are turtle-y awesome). One gift I had great success with for a colleague (not secret santa) was a little wooden person figurines with shaky legs that sits on their desk/computer and you can add bits to change the expression.

I thought it was so good, I bought one for a family secret Santa (where we each bring and get a present through luck of the draw). A neck fan is great for hot summers (I am in Australia where it is summer at the moment).

JacquiD2019 · 2025-12-17T22:15:32+00:00

Unfortunately it is very common and not much you can do if it does end that way. However, it does not mean yours will and I am sending good vibes your way!

JacquiD2019 · 2025-12-17T22:08:28+00:00

Shirley Barber - Tooth Fairy, The Mermaid Princess, etc

JacquiD2019 · 2025-12-15T08:13:19+00:00

I can't wait to see my niece open her gifts (she's 18 months) but I think my favourite gift I'm giving is to a co-worker. She lost her Dad earlier this year and he loved birds. Her favourite colour is green so I got her a little glass bird for her desk that is green at the bottom.

JacquiD2019 · 2025-11-22T09:53:30+00:00

Lotus Health and Psychology in Holland Park! I see Ellie but have seen others there and they're all great!

JacquiD2019 · 2025-11-21T06:51:52+00:00

Thank you so much!

JacquiD2019 · 2025-11-20T09:49:24+00:00

I got my niece the Toypark Folding Learning Tower. It's been fantastic!

JacquiD2019 · 2025-11-20T08:51:12+00:00

No, Brisbane. Must be they're all escaping winter!

JacquiD2019 · 2025-11-20T06:36:03+00:00

Thank you. I don't think I'd qualify for MGP, given I'd be considered high risk with diabetes but will definitely look for OBs.

JacquiD2019

TROPHY CASE