Reality check - monthly budget
Nov 27th 2005, 12:59 am
#1
A former regular of BE
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Carramar, Perth
Posts: 6,241
Reality check - monthly budget
I finally got around to putting together a family budget last night so I could figure out how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself.
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
Nov 27th 2005, 6:45 am
#2
Living the dream downunde
Joined: Oct 2002
Location: MeadowBank, Sydney, Aussie Land of Sea,Sun and Seashells
Posts: 355
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Sorry but an MOT is a pink slip here 
Originally Posted by worzel
I finally got around to putting together a family budget last night so I could figure out how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself.
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
Nov 27th 2005, 7:05 am
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Gold Coast QLD
Posts: 551
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Pink slip ! 
We only have one of those when we sell it or dump it which ever comes first 
We only have one of those when we sell it or dump it which ever comes first
Nov 27th 2005, 9:40 am
#4
Never been to Australia
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Homeless
Posts: 495
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Originally Posted by worzel
I finally got around to putting together a family budget last night so I could figure out how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself.
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
We were going to rent to start with but with the prices still jumping don't know whether to just buy.
Kevin
Nov 27th 2005, 9:42 am
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 154
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Am cracking up laughing at your first sentence... "how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself." - cant she just take what she needs & leave you the rest?
Mrs Leezo
Mrs Leezo
Originally Posted by worzel
I finally got around to putting together a family budget last night so I could figure out how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself.
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
Nov 27th 2005, 9:51 am
#6
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: A land far far away
Posts: 1,149
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Originally Posted by worzel
I finally got around to putting together a family budget last night so I could figure out how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself.
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
Nov 27th 2005, 9:55 am
#7
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,147
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Originally Posted by leezo
Am cracking up laughing at your first sentence... "how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself." - cant she just take what she needs & leave you the rest?
Mrs Leezo
Mrs Leezo
lol....that was my exact thought too!!!!
Nov 27th 2005, 10:49 am
#8
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,172
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Originally Posted by worzel
I finally got around to putting together a family budget last night so I could figure out how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself.
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
The good news is that cost of living is similar on the whole to the UK.
We seem to spend an awful lot more on groceries but that is probably because we are still stocking up with store cupboard ingredients and aren't thinking about the cost of things as clearly. Insurance is more (house and car if you include Compulsory Third Party on your rego) but then you don't need a TV licence or an MOT.
Utilities seem about the same (don't have many bills to go on yet). Petrol is half the price but then you will probably run a thirstier car and do more miles which evens itself out.
We aren't planning on holidays as we can sit in the sun at home and do local things which saves a lot.
But the thing I had taken for granted is that I won't have a company like the one I last worked for in the UK paying me silly money over here and Sam isn't planning on working either. So our income will be only 60% of what it was in the UK. We were hoping to offset that by having a smaller mortgage but house prices are rising so fast in Perth that won't be as true as we hoped.
Time to get a job methinks!
Its good to hear how it all is in reality
Nov 27th 2005, 10:53 am
#9
What's happening dudes?
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: Bayside Brisbane
Posts: 20,647
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Originally Posted by leezo
Am cracking up laughing at your first sentence... "how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself." - cant she just take what she needs & leave you the rest?
Mrs Leezo
Mrs Leezo
Nov 27th 2005, 5:56 pm
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Noosa Heads
Posts: 3,507
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Originally Posted by tiredwithtwins
lol....that was my exact thought too!!!!
Worzel we found groceries incredibly expensive. Our weekly shop here in the UK is between £45-75 a week, that includes specialist foods we need cos of allergies etc There it was $400 a week!
Last edited by glittababe; Nov 27th 2005 at 7:14 pm.
Nov 27th 2005, 6:04 pm
#11
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,172
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
has it ever occurred to anyone thats its none of our bloody business how Iain and Sam run their finances!!!!!
He was trying to be helpful and give us all an idea of what to expect.
He was trying to be helpful and give us all an idea of what to expect.
Nov 27th 2005, 9:32 pm
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 154
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Chill out - I believe that the remarks were tongue in cheek & not meant to be offensive.
I couldnt care less about how others run their households, that is exactly their business I just found it amusing that he posted that he wasnt sure how much to give her - surely if the boot was on the other foot & she was working & him at home then she wouldnt be deciding how much to give him in spending money, he would just take what he needed. But then again if she was deciding how much to give him you can bet your ass that she wouldnt be posting that on an open forum for all to see & comment.
Mrs Leezo
I couldnt care less about how others run their households, that is exactly their business I just found it amusing that he posted that he wasnt sure how much to give her - surely if the boot was on the other foot & she was working & him at home then she wouldnt be deciding how much to give him in spending money, he would just take what he needed. But then again if she was deciding how much to give him you can bet your ass that she wouldnt be posting that on an open forum for all to see & comment.
Mrs Leezo
Originally Posted by Rooksie
has it ever occurred to anyone thats its none of our bloody business how Iain and Sam run their finances!!!!!
He was trying to be helpful and give us all an idea of what to expect.
He was trying to be helpful and give us all an idea of what to expect.
Nov 27th 2005, 9:38 pm
#13
Bitter and twisted
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Upmarket
Posts: 17,503
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
Originally Posted by leezo
Am cracking up laughing at your first sentence... "how much to give Sam each week for housekeeping and herself." - cant she just take what she needs & leave you the rest?
I am given pocket money and that's the end of it
G
Nov 27th 2005, 9:44 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Williamstown
Posts: 140
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
The wife does all the finance in our house mainly due to the fact that I spend it too easily and seeing as she managed to come out of university with only a £2000 student loan I'd say she is emminently qualified to do it.
Included in the monthly budget are allowances for each of us to spend on whatever we want. If she wants to waste it on shoes and handbags then that's her lookout
It will be interesting to see how far our monthly income goes in Australia. I was hoping it would go a bit further than it does in the UK.
Included in the monthly budget are allowances for each of us to spend on whatever we want. If she wants to waste it on shoes and handbags then that's her lookout
It will be interesting to see how far our monthly income goes in Australia. I was hoping it would go a bit further than it does in the UK.
Nov 27th 2005, 9:50 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 154
Re: Reality check - monthly budget
We went from 2 salaries to 1 when we moved to Perth & manage just fine on a Sparky's wage.
You just need to shop around for everything & try a little bit of haggling - some places will give you discount for cash sales - though dont think this works in the supermarkets.
Depending on where you work you will probably get paid less for your job in Aus, though we find that the money is not an issue here as the life is so good.
Mrs Leezo
You just need to shop around for everything & try a little bit of haggling - some places will give you discount for cash sales - though dont think this works in the supermarkets.
Depending on where you work you will probably get paid less for your job in Aus, though we find that the money is not an issue here as the life is so good.
Mrs Leezo
Originally Posted by stokesy43
The wife does all the finance in our house mainly due to the fact that I spend it too easily and seeing as she managed to come out of university with only a £2000 student loan I'd say she is emminently qualified to do it.
Included in the monthly budget are allowances for each of us to spend on whatever we want. If she wants to waste it on shoes and handbags then that's her lookout
It will be interesting to see how far our monthly income goes in Australia. I was hoping it would go a bit further than it does in the UK.
Included in the monthly budget are allowances for each of us to spend on whatever we want. If she wants to waste it on shoes and handbags then that's her lookout
It will be interesting to see how far our monthly income goes in Australia. I was hoping it would go a bit further than it does in the UK.