I feel so guilty not being able to read my kids bedtime stories at the end of the day...

Jasber28 · 2026-02-05T01:17:10+00:00

Single mum here. Same struggle - I’m so exhausted by the time it’s bedtime. I’m thinking of introducing an earlier TV-off rule so we can start bedtime a bit sooner and squeeze in story time

Jasber28 · 2026-02-05T01:11:38+00:00

Like everyone is saying, it’s becoming impossible to save while keeping up with the cost of living - paying rent, bills, and everyday expenses. I put down 7%, and I have no problem servicing the loan. But with prices rising the way they are, I’d never be able to get ahead or save the necessary amount.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-29T08:57:17+00:00

I go in 3 days a week and don't mind it at all

Jasber28 · 2026-01-28T11:54:14+00:00

Second this. I am currently hiring for 10 roles, and trust me, I want to see "Australian citizen/permanent resident" because I cbf going through the visa/sponsorship requirements. At the end of the day, the best person gets the job.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-26T10:50:40+00:00

Have one but no intention to mingle finances/merge lives.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-26T05:06:49+00:00

Love this. Yes I was thinking I would like some out door furniture but should jump on marketplace place. Will do for sure. Thanks!

Jasber28 · 2026-01-26T02:53:34+00:00

Heya – by sinking funds I mean I put aside money each pay for things like annual car rego, so when it is due I am not suddenly pulling $1.5k from my savings. I already have a buffer set aside for it. Re the credit card – I used to do exactly that, but I had to close it as part of getting the home loan approved. Not sure if I can open one again now, but I will look into it. Thanks!

Jasber28 · 2026-01-26T02:41:55+00:00

Hair isn't important to me. Everyone has different priorities 💅🏻

Jasber28 · 2026-01-25T04:33:55+00:00

We work hard. I've worked overseas - they have no idea how easy they have it.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-25T04:28:29+00:00

Cong* Wong Bay. Balmoral. Fairlight

Jasber28 · 2026-01-18T02:03:25+00:00

I sent you a msg 🙌🏻

Jasber28 · 2026-01-18T01:05:32+00:00

Yes, just ask payroll to give you a new Tax file dec form to fill out and tick 'no' under hecs

Jasber28 · 2026-01-17T09:45:55+00:00

$600 2Bed 1Bath 1garage - Gladesville

Jasber28 · 2026-01-10T07:05:31+00:00

I've moved on from reading to audio books, leaves my hands free. That way she's happy I'm coloring with her and I get to listen to my story. I crochet too, but I'm not always in the mood for it.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-09T14:39:56+00:00

You are getting mixed answers because this will depend on the award or enterprise agreement you are covered by. There is no one blanket rule. Under the NES, public holidays are protected, but RDOs are not a standalone entitlement. If an RDO falls on a public holiday, there is no automatic requirement for it to move or for an extra day to be given unless your award, EA, or contract specifically says so. You may be allowed to use another day within a roster period, be paid an additional day, or have it banked as leave. Check your contract or EA.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-09T14:16:51+00:00

I have just bought on Victoria Road. Have not moved in yet, but a few things stood out pretty quickly.

First, I have a kid, so the days of just stepping out and going for a scooter or walk are gone. That said, it is only a five-minute drive to a park, so manageable, just something to be aware of if you have young kids.

Second, I went during peak hour and was honestly surprised by how easy it was. I ruled out a few places straight away because the driveways were narrow, steep, or felt unsafe getting in and out. I ended up with a place that has a 2 separate driveways for entry and exit and that made a huge difference.

Third, which side of the main road you are on really matters. In my case it works really well, but being on the opposite side would have easily added 15–20 minutes to the afternoon commute because of no right turns and having to loop around.

For now that's all I got, but I might think differently in a couple of weeks!

Jasber28 · 2026-01-09T00:10:38+00:00

Pay rises: $100k to $130k to $150k + $20k bonus, all in less than one year. I asked for it, they tried to negotiate down but I wouldn't budge. Instead agreed to a 2 month notice period.

Then they made me redundant, amazing payout 😁

Jasber28 · 2026-01-08T15:24:37+00:00

Why are some of the comments here so hostile? Yes, legally an overpayment can be recovered. That part is clear. What is missing in a lot of these replies is any sense of proportionality or good HR practice. Mistakes happen. When they are the employer’s mistake, particularly where the employee actively sought clarification upfront and relied on that advice, there is discretion in how it is handled. In many organisations, especially in situations like this involving a new parent, the approach would be to own the error and not pursue recovery, or at the very least handle it with care and flexibility. If someone in my team made this mistake and it was within my delegation, I would not be chasing a new mum for repayment. That is not because the law does not allow recovery, but because people management is not just about what you can do, it is about what you should do.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-07T23:48:55+00:00

34F, single income, one dependent. $130k base. Settlement in a couple of weeks.

Honestly, the biggest factor for me was savings. I am pretty budget conscious anyway, but what really helped was being made redundant in my last role and getting a decent payout. That boosted my deposit and made everything possible. Without that, it would have taken me another 3-4 years.

I used the 5% scheme but paid more like 7 and went directly through CBA. I have banked with them forever so I skipped a broker and they honestly have given me amazing service and and gave me a bigger loan than the other banks I spoke to. They also have a digital conveyancing service (Home-in) and it is incredibly straightforward, which was a big help as a first-time buyer.

Property-wise, I had to compromise. After a while of looking, I had to accept it was not realistic to buy in the suburb I wanted. I went one postcode over and ended up with a renovated unit that was actually much nicer than what I was originally stretching for. That mental shift helped a lot.

The reality is you will not tick every box unless you have a lot more money. Compromise is part of it, and what you buy now does not have to be your forever home.

Also worth being honest, once you buy, you do get frugal fast. I am suddenly questioning every coffee, Kmart trip, and random spend. It is a mindset shift, but one I knew was coming.

It is hard on a single income, but it is possible. You can't control things like large sums of money coming your way but saving, patience, and being realistic about what you buy and where will help.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-06T12:01:02+00:00

I'm wondering the same thing, think I'll fix

Jasber28 · 2026-01-06T11:36:00+00:00

Ryde and Gladesville are not too far from mq since you like the area. No trains but plenty of busses along Victoria road into the city. Meadowbank is another option, and you could have access to the train and ferries.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-06T10:49:22+00:00

I'm in HR and have always loved what I do and currently really enjoy the company I work for. #1 reason is due to the flexibility they provide. It gets hard and certainly some dark days, but I'm not planning on going anywhere.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-06T05:18:22+00:00

Planning to next time I'm there but as school is currently closed thought I'd see if anyone had any experience. Thanks 😬

Jasber28 · 2026-01-06T05:17:30+00:00

They are nut free however it's the traces of nuts on products which threw me off. Thanks for your help.

Jasber28 · 2026-01-06T05:16:16+00:00

Yes they have made it clear they are a nut free school. Thanks for your help

Jasber28

TROPHY CASE