We, like a lot of people we know, do struggle a bit financially out here. Things are not a lot cheaper than the UK, in fact, a lot of things are the same price and when you're earning less..... When I do my shopping around Coles I have to buy a lot of home brand stuff, but they're ok. A girlfriend of mine is mortified that she has to do it as she used to shop in M & S food hall! That same girlfriends husband is a spark and he is so miffed at what he earns over here compared to what he earned in the UK, for exactly the same hard graft...oh, but he can be doing it in 30/40 degree heat which makes it worse. He's having no end of problems with the unions on his site too, they are insistant that he join but he doesn't want to and they are giving hime severe grief.

We can't afford holiday abroad because getting out of Perth costs such a lot of money, so we've gone a bought a tent! It's the only way we will get a holiday. Although if any bugs get into it on the first night, it'll be the shortest camping expedition ever!! It'll be in the Quokka the next day!!

House prices are shooting through the roof which makes it very hard for first time buyers to get on the ladder. This is one thing that is concerning us as we were worried in the UK about our childrens prospects of getting a home of their own there. It's getting that way here too now.

As everyone says, the beaches and the parks are free and the environment is cleaner and safer (most of the time) so it's up to you what you are prepared to sacrifice. Good luck.

if I am being over optomistic then thats even worse than I thought how can u live on 750.00 per week - tax .. I have seen adverts that offer bricklayers 250 per day (Perth that is ) also our uncle who lives that area and is in the trade say they are paying $1.17 per brick .. now my maths say that works out alot more than 250.00 per day as hubby can lay easy 500.00 bricks per day .. over here anyway .. maybe slightly different over there .. if u know of any bricklayers than can give me more info pls let me know ..

what type of job do u do

One thing worth considering is that it is quite normal to have to economise.
Families have been doing it for years. Problem is, many families take their 2 car, 2 holiday + house for granted, come over here and regret it.

AUS1000 a week is quite adequate for a family. You won't have enough money to meet all your wishes or even requirements - but then that is what wishes, and budgets are for- for when you have the money saved. Our parents might reno a house over 10 years, and get want they want over a lifetime now people want it done now.

I love the idea of cheap family camping holidays. Really looking forward to all that.

Badge

500 a day think they were giving you the spot the pom wind up The principal contractor charges around $650 - $700 per tho bricks, - GST and he supplies mortar. Gangs of blokes work for the contractor, 4 is the prefered number and they get paid out of his takings, current rates Ive heard of from PM questions are $18 an hour in perth to $26 gold coast.

But Perth had a building backlog that the rest of australia got over a couple of years ago, its usually a bit behind, and rates at the moment would be a bit higher than normal, similar to what happened on the east coast, but when things go back to normal so will wages. 2 of our brickes just went Mount Isa way even out there they are not earnng $500 a day Australian houses are full of large windows most bricks end up being cut, there are very few straight runs on a house, except the garage wall.

This does not seem to be the norm though according to a lot of posts on this site. I'm surprised you are not on the first plane home!
You must be desperate to leave West Brom - I would be

Yes kids prefer them to expensive holidays in hotels. I love camping in France.

Me too Badge!! Just hope the pesky wildlife understand the "NO CRITTERS ALLOWED INSIDE" notice pinned to me tent!!

I saw something in the Age a couple weeks back and it suggested that when you balance the tax and welfare a single income (2 parent) family with 2 kids doesn't start paying tax until about $40,000.

A

first of all do you have any children.

yes one ahed 5yrs

QUOTE=cranni]first of all do you have any children.[/QUOTE]

[/QUOTE]
Here goes- we have been here 9 months, south west, they are crying out for brickies down here in case you are interested.
If you are bringing a good amount of money with you , you will be ok, remember you are coming out for the lifestlye, we dont feel we need a holiday, as it is like a holiday still, my hubby is plumber/gas fitter average wage for tradesmen is about 1000 per week, and then you will have your wage, or centrelink make your money up, family allowance is means tested here, we have 3 kids here, and get 500 per fortnight.
When i start work then the family allowance will go down, i am at college at the moment.
average rent is about 250 per week for a nice place. For 3 of you your food will be about 200 per week [average].
and say about 100 per week for domestic bills, this is a rough example.
My hubby is on half the money he earned in UK but we lovethe lifestyle, and we have a great outdoor life which is mostly free.
The dollar goes further dont compare to the pound.
We are comfortable, but we are all different and it depends what you want.
best of luck Denise

thanks denise .. think u r in dallyellup arnt u .. I`m sure u replied to my post re living there .. anyway r u looking at buying or r u going to rent for a while . how long have u been there for ... how do u find out what family allowance we will get and what amt of tax does ur hubby pay .. ie on 1000.00 per week what do u actually get in ur hand ..


Here goes- we have been here 9 months, south west, they are crying out for brickies down here in case you are interested.
If you are bringing a good amount of money with you , you will be ok, remember you are coming out for the lifestlye, we dont feel we need a holiday, as it is like a holiday still, my hubby is plumber/gas fitter average wage for tradesmen is about 1000 per week, and then you will have your wage, or centrelink make your money up, family allowance is means tested here, we have 3 kids here, and get 500 per fortnight.
When i start work then the family allowance will go down, i am at college at the moment.
average rent is about 250 per week for a nice place. For 3 of you your food will be about 200 per week [average].
and say about 100 per week for domestic bills, this is a rough example.
My hubby is on half the money he earned in UK but we lovethe lifestyle, and we have a great outdoor life which is mostly free.
The dollar goes further dont compare to the pound.
We are comfortable, but we are all different and it depends what you want.
best of luck Denise[/QUOTE]

I just paid our brickie $250 per day, but that was a "cashie" done at the weekend......(Melbourne)

To the OP you are right to be cautious because at least this way you hopefully will be prepared for the worse. If the worse doesn't happen then you can sit back and say phew and smile

Hi Sarah
We our feeling the very same way as you. But if we don't go will we regret it later in life.
Amanda x