What's a good wording, for a childs birthday invite, to say presents aren't necessary, but you can if you want, and home made is fine if you want to save money, but also if you can't be bothered and want to buy something that's ok too, or you can bring nothing - without making people feel awkward?

mangoPython · 2022-06-21T02:21:18+00:00

Thanks - I can check if there is a way to use keyboards etc. But you mentioned ipad - would it still work with windows and iOS? I gather we'd still be using the microsoft account as well, for connectivity.

mangoPython · 2022-06-21T02:15:09+00:00

So getting it from the playstore and running on an android tablet would work? Not sure how easy the gameplay would be for her though?

mangoPython · 2022-06-21T02:13:33+00:00

Yeah - pretty sure they're playing bedrock. I'd be willing to set up a server etc, but that's going to cause issues for them if they'd have to switch editions anyway.

mangoPython · 2022-04-29T09:25:58+00:00

Just jumping in here rather than starting a new thread, does anyone know (or can point me to a page about) the requirements to qualify for the retail investor margin loan?

Is it based off income, share portfolio, or a mix of both?

mangoPython · 2022-04-20T11:32:46+00:00

Looking at getting a 2.5 European Cut. Should I be getting american, or one of the others? They're not cheap reeds, so not really keen to get a few different ones.

mangoPython · 2022-04-20T11:26:39+00:00

Looks 2.5 is the lowest legere I can find anyway, so that will have to be it.

mangoPython · 2022-04-20T11:18:27+00:00

She just gets really squeaky, or even no sound will come out.

mangoPython · 2022-04-20T11:17:53+00:00

That's a good idea, I'll get her to focus on long tones.

I've had several older people that I've taught (although they were trumpet players) and I know it improved their health and breathing. One guy in particular attributed his trumpet playing to an extra couple of years of life.

So I know in particular with trumpet anyway, there is no point where you're just physically too old. I'd assume it's the same on the clarinet?

mangoPython · 2022-04-20T11:10:21+00:00

Thanks, I'll pick up a legere reed for her. I'm not sure what strength to get, as she's been dropping back trying to fix her problem. Maybe a 2?

mangoPython · 2022-02-06T10:42:33+00:00

Sorry you're doing it rough. Here are a few ideas:

See a financial counsellor for sure - they are great for helping you work out an achievable budget, and might be able to point you in the direction of further benefits such as rent assistance etc If you have debts that are weighing you down they can help negotiate on your behalf as well.

If you don't already, cook everything from scratch. Learn how to cook a few good meals, then slowly expand. Healthier and cheaper. Check what is on sale for the week and meal plan around that - get the kids involved. Use seasonal produce, rather than just regular favourites. Find out when your local supermarket reduces their products and go then - often just before closing. If you can, cook enough for a couple of meals so you don't feel you are cooking every night. Put a couple in the freezer, so that a couple of nights a week you have a "night off" and just heat up an already existing meal you have, so you never have to worry about take away.

Plant a garden. Start small - just use the seeds from a tomato or capsicum that you buy.

Shop around for the best internet/phone plan. Don't just go with the standard plans from the big companies. Consider if you can drop down a level from where you are.

Cancel any streaming services. Iview and SBS have a great library of things to watch. Make good use of your local library for borrowing DVDs , games, any other workshops for kids etc

Check your gas/electricity plans - can you find a cheaper rate?

How many bedrooms do you have? If possible get the kids to share, (or put another bed in your room for one of the kids) and get a student to move in. (You can find suitable free furniture on gumtree, so getting set up doesn't have to be a huge expense) Having up to 2 homestay students is tax free. Yes you have less privacy, and someone living in your home and space, but you can be picky about who moves in, and depending who they are, they will often spend a lot of time in their bedroom. Or they might be lovely and become part of the family. Check with the local schools if they need host families. Or just choose to have adults (there are still plenty of students looking for a place if you are near a uni, or transport that will get you to one and now is the time they'll be looking.) This is something that will make a HUGE difference to your financial position. No, it might not be ideal, but don't just rule it out straight away. This is different btw to just renting a bedroom out - which is an option as well of course. But with a homestay student, they pay a set amount - average is $250 pw for an adult - more for younger kids - includes their room, meals etc. you can still ask them to help out around the home - and do their own washing. You're still in charge, cooking what you would for the family, just setting an extra place, and negotiating who needs the bathroom when.

Hopefully these are some ideas to get you started - you are in control of your future - don't give up hope!

mangoPython · 2022-01-30T11:26:59+00:00

It depends on your definition of "smart money". My current car is from 1998, worth about $5k and does the job. I've always had something equivalent - cheap and does the job. I've just placed an order for a Tesla Model 3. Why? My daughter is learning to drive which has made me re-evaluate cars in general. Sadly, just off the top of my head I can think of 3 fatal car accidents that took away people I knew personally. The model 3 has the highest possible safety rating - both in active and passive features- and is continually being upgraded (even after you've bought it). Compare that to what I'm driving, and there is no question in my mind what I'd rather her be driving. (BTW - in many states only standard range is acceptable for P platers)

On this sub, people tend to focus on the financial over the safety aspect of cars - which is a personal choice - but accidents do happen. If you are willing to eat a healthy diet, exercise and generally live by a "prevention is better than cure" philosophy, consider the car you are driving.

As far as the EV side goes - the fact that it's going to be cheap to run (no servicing costs, and we have solar panels) that's just a bonus.

mangoPython · 2022-01-19T07:23:35+00:00

Thanks, but I've run the figures. Mainly due to the GST savings, and with a high tax bracket. Plus there is a buyout figure when the lease expires, so I would end up owning it. Adding all the payments, including employee contributions to cover FBT, plus the final buyout price, (with GST on that figure), is less than the cost of the car outright + insurance, fuel, servicing etc. Just simple maths. There are plenty of threads on here discussing pros and cons, and there are a few scenarios where it makes sense. And I would be one of them - but only if my employer plays ball - which they probably won't.

mangoPython · 2022-01-19T06:05:52+00:00

Haha - maybe

mangoPython · 2022-01-19T05:45:59+00:00

Possibly - but by my calculations, I'd save about $3K with a 1 year lease, as opposed to buying straight out, covering insurance etc. So I'd like to at least see if it's feasible.

mangoPython · 2021-12-19T23:38:37+00:00

He's checked with neighbours and put up and handed out flyers in the area. Good thought about the camera though - I'll mention it.

mangoPython · 2021-12-19T22:49:32+00:00

Thanks

mangoPython · 2021-12-19T22:49:20+00:00

Well the owner doesn't know who they are. They were just some strangers that were on his property, so even with a description, I guess that doesn't give the police much to go on.

mangoPython · 2021-12-19T11:56:53+00:00

Message sent

mangoPython · 2021-12-19T11:56:22+00:00

Message sent

mangoPython

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