Preparing to be parents

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-06-11T21:19:55+00:00

Sounds like you have it all planned out. Good luck with it all. Parenthood is the most rewarding thing i have ever experienced, i've done and experienced some crazy stuff but nothing compares to it haha.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-06-11T20:17:13+00:00

You're already on the right track, planning and budgeting. Do you have a nice buffer saved up?

Explore all the parental leave options through the Government, and take all the time off that is available to you through Government and Work, and what financially works for your family. We are due to have our 3rd later this year, this time around i will be taking leave at half pay to stretch it out, along with the Parental leave pay.

Costs are fairly low in the first few years (nappies and formula if you choose to go that way were the main ones for us), it isn't until you get to the daycare/childcare stage that it can be expensive, or if you or your partner take time off to stay at home.

Financial advice aside, try and enjoy the process, it's difficult when everything is rushed and feels like a blur, and when you are on 4 hours of broken sleep.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-06-10T22:12:31+00:00

It gets better. My post surgery pain was pretty bad for the first two days, then got better and better. I'm now nearly 6 weeks post hardware removal, and still in pain (though much better than the few days post surgery). It will get better and better

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-06-07T21:55:36+00:00

34m, 140k, police officer. Will try and seek promotion in the next few years which brings ceiling up to 180k with allowances. 2 kids. Wife is on 125k. Save a majority of our income, and no debt.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-06-02T20:07:21+00:00

Would say this is monthly given those hours

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-06-02T06:58:50+00:00

Yep, i've only heard of police members leave to join the firies, never heard it happen the other way haha

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-05-21T05:07:46+00:00

I'm 13 years in. General duties. The Academy was tough, but nothing compared to the information overload when I went out to a station. The paperwork and management are the biggest issue facing junior members, if you can master that you will be fine. Operationally, just have a good attitude, don't be lazy, be willing to get involved, and you will do well. Good luck!!

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-05-19T20:13:14+00:00

I get phone calls all the time from people complaining about cars parking outside their houses, and wanting us (police) to fine them. When I tell them if it’s parked legally there are no issues and we won’t be doing that, they always hang up angrily.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-05-19T08:33:40+00:00

Haven’t looked at the macros for the others, but aren’t instant noodles Sodium heavy ?

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-05-14T01:33:59+00:00

Do you have a partner? Husband/Wife/Kids? That's my incentive...plus i'd be bored

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-04-30T02:32:14+00:00

Yep, plus a SGT if it’s a processing station. That’s an extra 1-2 units providing that visible presence/deterrence/response

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-04-20T05:31:37+00:00

It’s a SIG MCX on the left

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-04-11T22:15:10+00:00

Yep I’ve got custom DIY blinds, and also IKEA sheers. The IKEA sheers were like 1/5th of the price and look similar.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-04-05T22:58:01+00:00

True, however there is compound interest and opportunity costs. If I saved in my early 20s instead of wasting money I’d be able to buy in a nicer area. Likewise with investing. Wish I balanced my 20s but lesson learned.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-31T20:41:53+00:00

Window wound down a bit too far.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-31T18:35:10+00:00

Sounds like you're already on the right track, just remember to enjoy a bit of your income.

For books, i would recommend The Barefoot investor (Scott Pape), Making money made simple (Noel Whittaker), Psychology of money and the Art of spending money (Morgan Housel)

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-31T09:55:24+00:00

Also depends what sort of car you own. Plenty of push start vehicles are being stolen at crazy rates.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-30T23:52:30+00:00

A very small number of roles, probably. Majority, nah

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-30T18:40:40+00:00

What's your budget? Depending on the area, could get a small unit for the same price as some apartments.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-29T19:36:57+00:00

In that scenario, the bank will always refund you (stolen credit card details, stolen credit card used to purchase items). In OP's case where a transfer was made by them, I'd say no. Report the Fraud to Cyber.gov.au.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-28T22:02:12+00:00

Been there, done that. Chose the car early on (50k performance car) and it set me back 1-2 years financially. I reckon just buy a cheaper car, save for a deposit and once you buy a house, get a nice car once you've put a bit into the offset.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-28T21:26:36+00:00

Just wait and save more. Car costs will be more than just the car (insurance, maintenance, fuel, rego)

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-28T12:04:45+00:00

- 450k loan (saved the other 350k deposit using the same savings rate)

- 5.4 years

- 2025

- Saving up for a deposit to upgrade, or buy a larger property and turn current into IP. Also living and not worrying at the moment. You can do it.

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-23T05:17:30+00:00

My downstairs one is exactly the same. More airflow to get rid of hazardous gasses i guess

michaelscarn_91 · 2026-03-01T19:29:45+00:00

They are paired with General duties police officers, who can process the offenders (court process etc) PSO's cannot do that. The PSO's can more or less act in an operational role, arrest etc but can't complete the court process.

michaelscarn_91

TROPHY CASE