Hello, my name's Santasha Nabananga Bamblet. I'm a proud yor the Order KERNI Whoaltbury and a waddery woman. And before we get started on She's on the Money podcast, I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land of which this podcast is recorded on a wondery country, acknowledging the elders, the ancestors and the next generation coming through as this podcast is about connecting, empowering, knowledge sharing and the storytelling of you to make a difference for today and lasting impact for tomorrow.

Hello, my name's Santasha Nabananga Bamblet. I'm a proud yor the Order KERNI Whoaltbury and a waddery woman. And before we get started on She's on the Money podcast, I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land of which this podcast is recorded on a wondery country, acknowledging the elders, the ancestors and the next generation coming through as this podcast is about connecting, empowering, knowledge sharing and the storytelling of you to make a difference for today and lasting impact for tomorrow.

Let's get into it.

Let's get into it.

She's on the Money, She's on the Money.

She's on the Money, She's on the Money.

Hello, and welcome to She's on the Money Podcast Millennials who want financial freedom. Welcome back to another one of our Money Diaries episodes where we get to talk to one of our incredible She's on the Money community members all about their money story. Let's jump straight into it because this week I got an email and it sounded exactly like this. Hi, Victoria, love the pod and that She's on the Money team. Our story is very different and represents how we have overcome obstacles. We are a family of six who have primarily lived off one income for twelve years. We've lived and worked in rural and remote communities as teachers and principles. Our plan was to save and get back to the city. By the time our kids were in high school. We were getting ahead while our expenses were low until our baby girl got cancer at the age of three. This meant we had to shift to a major city center at a second's notice and never return to our then home. Now, after not one but two cancer diagnoses, our daughter is cancer free, smiling and thriving. Not only that, but we have just bought our second house. I'm working, and we are teaching our kids the value of investing and goal setting. Our story is a complex one, but we believe that there is a valuable message in never giving up and being able to pivot the goalposts. We can't wait to share it with the Shees on the Money Community Money Doris, that is a roller coaster.

Hello, and welcome to She's on the Money Podcast Millennials who want financial freedom. Welcome back to another one of our Money Diaries episodes where we get to talk to one of our incredible She's on the Money community members all about their money story. Let's jump straight into it because this week I got an email and it sounded exactly like this. Hi, Victoria, love the pod and that She's on the Money team. Our story is very different and represents how we have overcome obstacles. We are a family of six who have primarily lived off one income for twelve years. We've lived and worked in rural and remote communities as teachers and principles. Our plan was to save and get back to the city. By the time our kids were in high school. We were getting ahead while our expenses were low until our baby girl got cancer at the age of three. This meant we had to shift to a major city center at a second's notice and never return to our then home. Now, after not one but two cancer diagnoses, our daughter is cancer free, smiling and thriving. Not only that, but we have just bought our second house. I'm working, and we are teaching our kids the value of investing and goal setting. Our story is a complex one, but we believe that there is a valuable message in never giving up and being able to pivot the goalposts. We can't wait to share it with the Shees on the Money Community Money Doris, that is a roller coaster.

How are you? Oh goodness, I'm a bit teary now and that doesn't happen very often.

How are you? Oh goodness, I'm a bit teary now and that doesn't happen very often.

Oh we got you good.

Oh we got you good.

Yeah, I'm not an emotional person. You are? You are? Deep down? I got you. I got you.

Yeah, I'm not an emotional person. You are? You are? Deep down? I got you. I got you.

But isn't it strange hearing back your money story and being like, holy moly, like we are actually so impressive, Like that's crazy.

But isn't it strange hearing back your money story and being like, holy moly, like we are actually so impressive, Like that's crazy.

Honestly, I said to my husband, I don't even remember what I wrote in because there's so much to talk about. So, yeah, that was really surreal.

Honestly, I said to my husband, I don't even remember what I wrote in because there's so much to talk about. So, yeah, that was really surreal.

Oh well, I'm glad it gives you a little bit of a point of reflection. I cannot wait to hear about your daughter. But before we get there, I want to know what grade would you give your money how, Betsy, If I asked you to give them a grade from A through to.

Oh well, I'm glad it gives you a little bit of a point of reflection. I cannot wait to hear about your daughter. But before we get there, I want to know what grade would you give your money how, Betsy, If I asked you to give them a grade from A through to.

F, my first instinct was a C plus.

F, my first instinct was a C plus.

You know me better than that.

You know me better than that.

Yeah, I feel like we're going to have to rejuggle that a little bit.

Yeah, I feel like we're going to have to rejuggle that a little bit.

That's okay, let's go with a C plus and we're going to learn a bit about you and we can talk about it at the end. Money, darrist, I need to know a bit more. Can you tell me in a bit more detail about your money story?

That's okay, let's go with a C plus and we're going to learn a bit about you and we can talk about it at the end. Money, darrist, I need to know a bit more. Can you tell me in a bit more detail about your money story?

Yeah? Okay, So childhood, I don't have a whole lot to say. We didn't talk a lot about money in my household, and I knew little bit so I knew my dad earned more, I knew we weren't well off. I was constantly comparing myself to other families and what they were doing. But we got by. We did all the things. We had family holidays, so local beaches and things, and then kind of in my teenage years, my parents had breaking up on and off, so that was really tough, and I guess things were juggled around a little bit more. Things were never super dier either. They could put food on the table. We were educated, so there's nothing drastic there other than the couple of you know, family breakdowns. But then when we got into our teenage years, I started to realize that I needed to have a job to kind of do the things that I wanted to do. So by fourteen and nine months, I got my first job and that's where I met my husband. Oh really that young? Yes, very so special. Yeah. So I had been working at Coals. He worked at Coals as well, and then I was also working as an assistant at my local dance studio which I danced at and got all my lessons for free. So that was a burden.

Yeah? Okay, So childhood, I don't have a whole lot to say. We didn't talk a lot about money in my household, and I knew little bit so I knew my dad earned more, I knew we weren't well off. I was constantly comparing myself to other families and what they were doing. But we got by. We did all the things. We had family holidays, so local beaches and things, and then kind of in my teenage years, my parents had breaking up on and off, so that was really tough, and I guess things were juggled around a little bit more. Things were never super dier either. They could put food on the table. We were educated, so there's nothing drastic there other than the couple of you know, family breakdowns. But then when we got into our teenage years, I started to realize that I needed to have a job to kind of do the things that I wanted to do. So by fourteen and nine months, I got my first job and that's where I met my husband. Oh really that young? Yes, very so special. Yeah. So I had been working at Coals. He worked at Coals as well, and then I was also working as an assistant at my local dance studio which I danced at and got all my lessons for free. So that was a burden.

Oh that's a money win.

Oh that's a money win.

Yeah. So that happened actually earlier, from about twelve, and my parents didn't have to pay for my lessons anymore. So that was a huge help because dancing is expensive. Ah.

Yeah. So that happened actually earlier, from about twelve, and my parents didn't have to pay for my lessons anymore. So that was a huge help because dancing is expensive. Ah.

Yes, as a dance.

Yes, as a dance.

Child, it was a lot and there were three of us.

Child, it was a lot and there were three of us.

Oh my gosh, yes, it was a lot. Mum and dad were probably like, oh my gosh, thank you money, dirist for taking one for the team exactly.

Oh my gosh, yes, it was a lot. Mum and dad were probably like, oh my gosh, thank you money, dirist for taking one for the team exactly.

So I did that and that actually got me a job as well from eighteen. So I did start teaching my own studios from that point. But even before that happened, I actually got proposed to when I was seventeen, so I was still in high school. Oh my gosh, you just a baby. Yes, so we were babies. My husband was three years older, so he was nine. Oh he was twenty at the time. Actually, oh big dog.

So I did that and that actually got me a job as well from eighteen. So I did start teaching my own studios from that point. But even before that happened, I actually got proposed to when I was seventeen, so I was still in high school. Oh my gosh, you just a baby. Yes, so we were babies. My husband was three years older, so he was nine. Oh he was twenty at the time. Actually, oh big dog.

At that time. I feel like the age difference, it feels a lot more different. Now you've probably two peas in a pod. But at the time you were like, ooh, this older boy is proposing to me.

At that time. I feel like the age difference, it feels a lot more different. Now you've probably two peas in a pod. But at the time you were like, ooh, this older boy is proposing to me.

Yeah, it's pretty wild that that happened.

Yeah, it's pretty wild that that happened.

Now, No, but seriously, I need to know what possesses a twenty year old man to propose to someone in high school. What's he doing?

Now, No, but seriously, I need to know what possesses a twenty year old man to propose to someone in high school. What's he doing?

In hindsight, I have no idea.

In hindsight, I have no idea.

Yeah, I mean, I mean, he wasn't wrong like it worked out, like when you know, you know, like, sir, where's your brain at?

Yeah, I mean, I mean, he wasn't wrong like it worked out, like when you know, you know, like, sir, where's your brain at?

Yeah, and that was exactly where my dad's brain at. Was that when he got sat down with this young twenty year old for a coffee and was being asked if he could marry his daughter.

Yeah, and that was exactly where my dad's brain at. Was that when he got sat down with this young twenty year old for a coffee and was being asked if he could marry his daughter.

I mean he did it properly. That's kind of cute. My dad said, No, your dad's a smart man. I mean, I'm not against it, but like, I just think, at seventeen, you're still a baby, Like, there's so much life to be had.

I mean he did it properly. That's kind of cute. My dad said, No, your dad's a smart man. I mean, I'm not against it, but like, I just think, at seventeen, you're still a baby, Like, there's so much life to be had.

So what happened?

So what happened?

You didn't get married at seventeen.

You didn't get married at seventeen.

We got engaged before graduation and we got married. I was nineteen oh, so you had.

We got engaged before graduation and we got married. I was nineteen oh, so you had.

A bit of time between getting engaged and then getting married.

A bit of time between getting engaged and then getting married.

A little bit but still a baby. So yeah. Then after I finished Grade twelve, my parents and my sisters moved to Sydney. So at that point I was not going with them because I was engaged and you know, had my whole life planned out supposedly.

A little bit but still a baby. So yeah. Then after I finished Grade twelve, my parents and my sisters moved to Sydney. So at that point I was not going with them because I was engaged and you know, had my whole life planned out supposedly.

What did that look?

What did that look?

Like?

Like?

I have to ask, I really have to ask. So when you're like I remember me at nineteen, I don't trust nineteen year old Victoria like I do not like I look at it and I just go other people maybe much better than me. Me though, can't be trusted. So you look back when you were planning things, was it very I guess tunnel visioned, were we're like, no, this is the life I want, this is how it's going to be. And is that how has become or has it completely shifted?

I have to ask, I really have to ask. So when you're like I remember me at nineteen, I don't trust nineteen year old Victoria like I do not like I look at it and I just go other people maybe much better than me. Me though, can't be trusted. So you look back when you were planning things, was it very I guess tunnel visioned, were we're like, no, this is the life I want, this is how it's going to be. And is that how has become or has it completely shifted?

I think it then it was very tunnel vision. I don't remember even considering going to Sydney. It was just always I'm going to stay here, I'm going to go to UNI, I'm going to keep working my jobs, and I'm going to stay with my partner. And I don't remember there being a lot of pushback on that, so I guess my parents just went, yeah, Okay, that's the way it's going to be. You can come visit. So yeah, that's the way we went. I moved in with my husband's parents and his family for a little while before we got our own rental. He pretty much managed the money from there. He's always had an Excel spreadsheet, and from that point on our finances were joined, which I feel then wasn't uncommon as partnerships. We just combined our money and that was the normal as now we look back and go, oh, I don't know if that was kind of the best thing to do for our own financial freedom. Separately, but in saying that we're still making it work.

I think it then it was very tunnel vision. I don't remember even considering going to Sydney. It was just always I'm going to stay here, I'm going to go to UNI, I'm going to keep working my jobs, and I'm going to stay with my partner. And I don't remember there being a lot of pushback on that, so I guess my parents just went, yeah, Okay, that's the way it's going to be. You can come visit. So yeah, that's the way we went. I moved in with my husband's parents and his family for a little while before we got our own rental. He pretty much managed the money from there. He's always had an Excel spreadsheet, and from that point on our finances were joined, which I feel then wasn't uncommon as partnerships. We just combined our money and that was the normal as now we look back and go, oh, I don't know if that was kind of the best thing to do for our own financial freedom. Separately, but in saying that we're still making it work.

I was gonna say it's worked out. I mean in hinds hindsight, it's a beautiful thing, right, Like, I look back, I wouldn't have gotten into forty thousand dollars worth of personal debt by twenty two.

I was gonna say it's worked out. I mean in hinds hindsight, it's a beautiful thing, right, Like, I look back, I wouldn't have gotten into forty thousand dollars worth of personal debt by twenty two.

That's nice.

That's nice.

But at the same time, I think we're just doing the best that we can with the tools and resources that we have, and it wasn't the worst decision. But at the same time, you're kind of like, well, actually, if I was to give someone else advice, I'd say, maybe have your own emergency fund, maybe have your own debit cards. But like, I don't know, you're young and in love. I totally get it.

But at the same time, I think we're just doing the best that we can with the tools and resources that we have, and it wasn't the worst decision. But at the same time, you're kind of like, well, actually, if I was to give someone else advice, I'd say, maybe have your own emergency fund, maybe have your own debit cards. But like, I don't know, you're young and in love. I totally get it.

Yeah, And that's what we did. We went for it, and it has worked out, so that's good. My husband finished UNI and he worked as a teacher, and we made it. When things work, we got a rental, we moved out, We spent a lot of savings on you know, furniture and all of those things, and just lived paycheck to paycheck working out life as a young couple. That was until we got married and we were pregnant with our first child. So I was nineteen, he was twenty two. We weren't quite ready for that adventure, but that's the adventure that we were put on.

Yeah, And that's what we did. We went for it, and it has worked out, so that's good. My husband finished UNI and he worked as a teacher, and we made it. When things work, we got a rental, we moved out, We spent a lot of savings on you know, furniture and all of those things, and just lived paycheck to paycheck working out life as a young couple. That was until we got married and we were pregnant with our first child. So I was nineteen, he was twenty two. We weren't quite ready for that adventure, but that's the adventure that we were put on.

Did you say you got pregnant and then married or you got married and then pregnant straight away.

Did you say you got pregnant and then married or you got married and then pregnant straight away.

I was eleven weeks pregnant when I got married, so we had found out just before the wedding.

I was eleven weeks pregnant when I got married, so we had found out just before the wedding.

Yeah, okay, but that's kind of cute. I mean, in hindsight, terrifying because you were so young, but at the same time, like, I'm such a baby person, so I would have just been like whoo.

Yeah, okay, but that's kind of cute. I mean, in hindsight, terrifying because you were so young, but at the same time, like, I'm such a baby person, so I would have just been like whoo.

Yeah. Then because of money difficulties and just you know, preparing for a child and not really knowing what we were doing, my mom and my sisters had actually moved back to our town at that point, and we decided to move back into them because they had a downstairs space that we could utilize.

Yeah. Then because of money difficulties and just you know, preparing for a child and not really knowing what we were doing, my mom and my sisters had actually moved back to our town at that point, and we decided to move back into them because they had a downstairs space that we could utilize.

And that is so good, especially because like babies are so expensive, especially if you're not planning one, and then suddenly you're like, okay, You're you're going to be a family of three, Like that would have taken so much pressure off, even just having extra sets of hands around.

And that is so good, especially because like babies are so expensive, especially if you're not planning one, and then suddenly you're like, okay, You're you're going to be a family of three, Like that would have taken so much pressure off, even just having extra sets of hands around.

And that was it. The night we brought our first child home, he was crying, he wasn't feeding well, and kind of Mum was just there to be like, he's fine, he's had some milk, it's okay. So yeah, it was good to have the reassurance in all of those things as a first time mum too, because.

And that was it. The night we brought our first child home, he was crying, he wasn't feeding well, and kind of Mum was just there to be like, he's fine, he's had some milk, it's okay. So yeah, it was good to have the reassurance in all of those things as a first time mum too, because.

You just don't know what.

You just don't know what.

You don't know, no, and whether you're nineteen or forty two having your first child, you just don't know.

You don't know, no, and whether you're nineteen or forty two having your first child, you just don't know.

Or thirty three and me, I had literally no clue. And like, don't get me wrong, I adore babies. I've always been somebody that looks at babies and go, that's so nice, like one day, but the second you bring them home and they're yours, I'm like, how did you let me out of the hospital without a license?

Or thirty three and me, I had literally no clue. And like, don't get me wrong, I adore babies. I've always been somebody that looks at babies and go, that's so nice, like one day, but the second you bring them home and they're yours, I'm like, how did you let me out of the hospital without a license?

Exactly? Yeah, what do you mean?

Exactly? Yeah, what do you mean?

I'm just expected to care for this child and know what it needs?

I'm just expected to care for this child and know what it needs?

Like, oh, I know, definitely need a license. You need a license for a lot of things in this world, but being a parent is not one of them.

Like, oh, I know, definitely need a license. You need a license for a lot of things in this world, but being a parent is not one of them.

Exactly. So moved in with my and then what happened. You've got a newborn.

Exactly. So moved in with my and then what happened. You've got a newborn.

We have a newborn. I keep working as a dance teacher. So within two weeks I was back teaching.

We have a newborn. I keep working as a dance teacher. So within two weeks I was back teaching.

Sorry what you were teaching dance? Two weeks Postpardem.

Sorry what you were teaching dance? Two weeks Postpardem.

Yeah, we didn't have a lot of choice in that regard. We just got back to it and I was very calm and collected and took the baby with me and my husband would pick him up from class and that worked. And I've actually done that with two of my four children.

Yeah, we didn't have a lot of choice in that regard. We just got back to it and I was very calm and collected and took the baby with me and my husband would pick him up from class and that worked. And I've actually done that with two of my four children.

But you also loved it, So like two weeks postpardem, as long as you're not doing anything too strenuous, like I'm sure I won't say it's okay, it's okay for you, and I mean, don't get me wrong, pot calling the kettle black. I went back to work so quickly, but it's yeah, individual.

But you also loved it, So like two weeks postpardem, as long as you're not doing anything too strenuous, like I'm sure I won't say it's okay, it's okay for you, and I mean, don't get me wrong, pot calling the kettle black. I went back to work so quickly, but it's yeah, individual.

That's right. So yeah, we did that for a while. Life was pretty good. My husband was working as a teacher, finances were stable. Then he gets offered a permanent position, but not in our local town. We had to move to a regional town in quinn Land for that opportunity, and we had to enter the rental market again and just you know, there were extra expenses with doing all of that. I was jobless because I had to leave my jobs. So we knew we were going to do it. It was just how we were going to make it work.

That's right. So yeah, we did that for a while. Life was pretty good. My husband was working as a teacher, finances were stable. Then he gets offered a permanent position, but not in our local town. We had to move to a regional town in quinn Land for that opportunity, and we had to enter the rental market again and just you know, there were extra expenses with doing all of that. I was jobless because I had to leave my jobs. So we knew we were going to do it. It was just how we were going to make it work.

And what drove that? So like, obviously that sounds like a really good opportunity for him, but going from having him working and you working and all of that support was the driver furthering his career or was it, you know, an income that was much higher than both of your incomes were combined, Like what made you go, this is actually the best thing for our family.

And what drove that? So like, obviously that sounds like a really good opportunity for him, but going from having him working and you working and all of that support was the driver furthering his career or was it, you know, an income that was much higher than both of your incomes were combined, Like what made you go, this is actually the best thing for our family.

It was the permanency with the department that was the driving factor in teaching. And I feel like it's changed a little bit now, But back then it was always that you should do your country service as a teacher, and he hadn't had permanency in our city yet, so he was going from con to contract, doing a year here, six months there. So it was the permanency. He knew he would do his three years country service and then get back to our main city. However, when we got there, his school that he was placed at was very challenging.

It was the permanency with the department that was the driving factor in teaching. And I feel like it's changed a little bit now, But back then it was always that you should do your country service as a teacher, and he hadn't had permanency in our city yet, so he was going from con to contract, doing a year here, six months there. So it was the permanency. He knew he would do his three years country service and then get back to our main city. However, when we got there, his school that he was placed at was very challenging.

No, and you've just taken all of these risks and then it's not good.

No, and you've just taken all of these risks and then it's not good.

Yeah, and he could handle the classroom. It was more that there was no support from the admin staff or the community as such either, so he was in a hard place, not enjoying his job. I had two children by that point, so I was at home, but also starting off in a new dance studio that opened up up there, So I didn't really feel like I noticed how his mental health was because I was so busy with the household stuff.

Yeah, and he could handle the classroom. It was more that there was no support from the admin staff or the community as such either, so he was in a hard place, not enjoying his job. I had two children by that point, so I was at home, but also starting off in a new dance studio that opened up up there, So I didn't really feel like I noticed how his mental health was because I was so busy with the household stuff.

Yeah, one hundred percent, and you're just trying to keep it all together. But then also you've probably got in general, a stressed husband, coming home, working late, doing all of that. It's very hard to keep everything in check.

Yeah, one hundred percent, and you're just trying to keep it all together. But then also you've probably got in general, a stressed husband, coming home, working late, doing all of that. It's very hard to keep everything in check.

Yeah, and coming home and wanting to spend time with the boys and his family and you know, trying to fit as much in as possible. So he decided that he was going to try to become a principal instead of a teacher. So he did a couple of courses to make that happen and ended up getting posted very quickly out to very remote Queensland. So we were kind of between long Reach and the Northern Territory border, so it was two hours to get to long Reach, and I did that weekly just to go to playgroup, two hours for playgroup for a playgroup. Yes. However, expenses were low, so we paid thirty six dollars a fortnight for a small two bedroom Donna type accommodation.

Yeah, and coming home and wanting to spend time with the boys and his family and you know, trying to fit as much in as possible. So he decided that he was going to try to become a principal instead of a teacher. So he did a couple of courses to make that happen and ended up getting posted very quickly out to very remote Queensland. So we were kind of between long Reach and the Northern Territory border, so it was two hours to get to long Reach, and I did that weekly just to go to playgroup, two hours for playgroup for a playgroup. Yes. However, expenses were low, so we paid thirty six dollars a fortnight for a small two bedroom Donna type accommodation.

Thirty six dollars a fortnight. All right, I'm sorry, Sorry, it's sounding much better now.

Thirty six dollars a fortnight. All right, I'm sorry, Sorry, it's sounding much better now.

Yes. It was a town of twenty people when we moved in, so it was very very tiny. The school had five children total from prep to grade six. Yeah.

Yes. It was a town of twenty people when we moved in, so it was very very tiny. The school had five children total from prep to grade six. Yeah.

Wow, that's not even one kid per class.

Wow, that's not even one kid per class.

No, so it was very small, but it was eye opening. It was something that not a lot of people in Australia get to do, so we're very grateful to have had that opportunity when we did, so it was amazing. And then from there we moved to a small town between Rocky and Mackay. So we spent three years there and our rent was still very cheap, which was lovely. We had a nice house, but it was still an hour and a half drive to get my son to KINDI that year, so we did that five days a fortnite and people go, oh, my goodness, you were crazy. Why would you do that drive. But at the time my son had speech delays and we felt that it was important to get him socialized.

No, so it was very small, but it was eye opening. It was something that not a lot of people in Australia get to do, so we're very grateful to have had that opportunity when we did, so it was amazing. And then from there we moved to a small town between Rocky and Mackay. So we spent three years there and our rent was still very cheap, which was lovely. We had a nice house, but it was still an hour and a half drive to get my son to KINDI that year, so we did that five days a fortnite and people go, oh, my goodness, you were crazy. Why would you do that drive. But at the time my son had speech delays and we felt that it was important to get him socialized.

One hundred percent. And also, like your values are overlaying with everything else. Like I feel like for some people they say, oh, an hour and a half, that's unhinged.

One hundred percent. And also, like your values are overlaying with everything else. Like I feel like for some people they say, oh, an hour and a half, that's unhinged.

But then on the.

But then on the.

Flip side, there are people that I know that drive an hour and a half every morning to go to their nine to five job. And they do that every morning and every night, so they're in the car at least three out like because not because they have to, because they want to live in a certain location and then drive to work. Like, we all just make a decision that's right for us, Like, it doesn't mean it's wrong. It just means that some people might not want to do that, And that's cool if it's not for you, But I'm glad it worked out for you guys.

Flip side, there are people that I know that drive an hour and a half every morning to go to their nine to five job. And they do that every morning and every night, so they're in the car at least three out like because not because they have to, because they want to live in a certain location and then drive to work. Like, we all just make a decision that's right for us, Like, it doesn't mean it's wrong. It just means that some people might not want to do that, And that's cool if it's not for you, But I'm glad it worked out for you guys.

So yeah, they were financial benefits of doing that as well. So there was a race payment for living in a remote area, and that meant that twice a year we got like a couple of thousand dollars kind of like a bonus, I guess, and it was per person, so my husband and I would get let's say a thousand dollars, and then for each child you might get five hundred and yeah. It was just a really nice community as well, so we really enjoyed our time there. But coming up to three years, my husband felt like he was ready for a chain, so we did move to a larger school where he was a teaching principal as well, and then eventually got to it open up a new high school, which was very cool. He got on really well with the staff at that school and they opened up. They had two grades to start with, and really felt like we were going to stay there for a long time until our kids started high school, which was really lovely. Our kids. We had three children by that point, fourth on the way.

So yeah, they were financial benefits of doing that as well. So there was a race payment for living in a remote area, and that meant that twice a year we got like a couple of thousand dollars kind of like a bonus, I guess, and it was per person, so my husband and I would get let's say a thousand dollars, and then for each child you might get five hundred and yeah. It was just a really nice community as well, so we really enjoyed our time there. But coming up to three years, my husband felt like he was ready for a chain, so we did move to a larger school where he was a teaching principal as well, and then eventually got to it open up a new high school, which was very cool. He got on really well with the staff at that school and they opened up. They had two grades to start with, and really felt like we were going to stay there for a long time until our kids started high school, which was really lovely. Our kids. We had three children by that point, fourth on the way.

Oh my gosh.

Oh my gosh.

Four babies. Four babies, yes, yeah, so it's a pretty crazy life.

Four babies. Four babies, yes, yeah, so it's a pretty crazy life.

No, I love it. I love it.

No, I love it. I love it.

We love it.

We love it.

I've only got one, but I'm already like, so can we have more?

I've only got one, but I'm already like, so can we have more?

Yeah? Yeah, more babies. We love babies.

Yeah? Yeah, more babies. We love babies.

I think it's so crazy because so many people are like, are you one and done? I'm like, oh no, I'm one and more. Like this has just told me that I need more of these so bad.

I think it's so crazy because so many people are like, are you one and done? I'm like, oh no, I'm one and more. Like this has just told me that I need more of these so bad.

So special.

So special.

So you had three babies and you're pregnant.

So you had three babies and you're pregnant.

Yes, my last one came in a bit of a hurry. We did go into the hospital. I went by myself with my two children who weren't yet at school. Then they said, no, you're not going anywhere. You have to stay, but.

Yes, my last one came in a bit of a hurry. We did go into the hospital. I went by myself with my two children who weren't yet at school. Then they said, no, you're not going anywhere. You have to stay, but.

I have two toddlers following me around.

I have two toddlers following me around.

Yeah, so I think after school, my husband came to pick up the two toddlers and then we had a baby like the next day, which was wild. We had to get people who I didn't know very well to look after the other children at our house.

Yeah, so I think after school, my husband came to pick up the two toddlers and then we had a baby like the next day, which was wild. We had to get people who I didn't know very well to look after the other children at our house.

Oh yeah, that would have been a bit stressful, you would have been. I just want to go home. I just want all my babies under one roof, and I want to look after them, thank you.

Oh yeah, that would have been a bit stressful, you would have been. I just want to go home. I just want all my babies under one roof, and I want to look after them, thank you.

Yeah, And we were just trying to figure out our finances and how that was all going to look. I actually got back to work that year, and I came back as a relief teacher.

Yeah, And we were just trying to figure out our finances and how that was all going to look. I actually got back to work that year, and I came back as a relief teacher.

Sorry, four babies and she's back at work.

Sorry, four babies and she's back at work.

Yeah. So I put my littlest one in daycare and my third child was in like a pre Kindy class at that point, so she was going to do two years at Kindy. So life was getting back on track, was becoming more normal. I was getting some adult time at my job.

Yeah. So I put my littlest one in daycare and my third child was in like a pre Kindy class at that point, so she was going to do two years at Kindy. So life was getting back on track, was becoming more normal. I was getting some adult time at my job.

I need you've gotten to the point where you're like, four kids, I think we're done. So we're through that like baby phase or was this like you're just not sure? Like I feel like there's a mental shift with people when they're like, no, we're now done having babies, so you kind of like can go a little bit mentally, you get a bit more space.

I need you've gotten to the point where you're like, four kids, I think we're done. So we're through that like baby phase or was this like you're just not sure? Like I feel like there's a mental shift with people when they're like, no, we're now done having babies, so you kind of like can go a little bit mentally, you get a bit more space.

That's right. Yeah, and we were definitely at that point. My husband was definitely done. And yeah, we knew we wanted four from the very beginning, so we're like, nope, four, that's it. And we didn't have an easy journey either. We did have a few miscarriages amongst the four, so it was in no way, you know, an easy journey, and people you know, often said why, like you've got two beautiful babies or three beautiful babies.

That's right. Yeah, and we were definitely at that point. My husband was definitely done. And yeah, we knew we wanted four from the very beginning, so we're like, nope, four, that's it. And we didn't have an easy journey either. We did have a few miscarriages amongst the four, so it was in no way, you know, an easy journey, and people you know, often said why, like you've got two beautiful babies or three beautiful babies.

Literally get in the bin. Like I hate when people just don't justify it. It's a it's a really shitty thing that happens. I don't want to hear be grateful for what you've already got. Like, I totally get that, and I totally understand the flip side that there are people out there who have it worse. I get that, but that does not take away from the fact that the thing I'm experiencing is challenging for me.

Literally get in the bin. Like I hate when people just don't justify it. It's a it's a really shitty thing that happens. I don't want to hear be grateful for what you've already got. Like, I totally get that, and I totally understand the flip side that there are people out there who have it worse. I get that, but that does not take away from the fact that the thing I'm experiencing is challenging for me.

Like, oh yeah, and it's more talked about now, which is amazing. So yeah, I'm really grateful that people are able to talk about I'm grateful that I'm able to open up to other people and say, oh, that actually happened to me. But I just didn't talk about it at that stage because it wasn't as spoken about even five years ago.

Like, oh yeah, and it's more talked about now, which is amazing. So yeah, I'm really grateful that people are able to talk about I'm grateful that I'm able to open up to other people and say, oh, that actually happened to me. But I just didn't talk about it at that stage because it wasn't as spoken about even five years ago.

One hundred percent. And it's like this shitty club that no one wants to be a part of. But then when it happens to you, you say, oh my gosh, Like, maybe you didn't talk about it personally, but you've probably noticed that if somebody else mentions it to you, you go, oh, yeah, that happened to me. They go, wait, what, Like you just don't realize how many people in your community are going through the same things. It's why we have to talk about it more often, because when I was going through that, I felt so alone, had no idea that it was so common. But when I started talking about it, people are like, yeah, me too. I was like, sorry, what people in my literal family that I had no idea had been through exactly the same.

One hundred percent. And it's like this shitty club that no one wants to be a part of. But then when it happens to you, you say, oh my gosh, Like, maybe you didn't talk about it personally, but you've probably noticed that if somebody else mentions it to you, you go, oh, yeah, that happened to me. They go, wait, what, Like you just don't realize how many people in your community are going through the same things. It's why we have to talk about it more often, because when I was going through that, I felt so alone, had no idea that it was so common. But when I started talking about it, people are like, yeah, me too. I was like, sorry, what people in my literal family that I had no idea had been through exactly the same.

Thing because it's so common too, and yeah, it's just not spoken about enough. But we're starting to shift, which is very good. So yeah, things were getting back on track and we felt like we were able to well, we had been saving. I'm not going to say we weren't saving. We were always The plan was always to save while we were living more cheaply in rural Queensland, and then by twenty twenty four we were planning to move back to our major city to put our kids through high school and give them the most opportunities with sport and recreation activities and friendship groups and being back home to where our family were as well was really important. Yeah.

Thing because it's so common too, and yeah, it's just not spoken about enough. But we're starting to shift, which is very good. So yeah, things were getting back on track and we felt like we were able to well, we had been saving. I'm not going to say we weren't saving. We were always The plan was always to save while we were living more cheaply in rural Queensland, and then by twenty twenty four we were planning to move back to our major city to put our kids through high school and give them the most opportunities with sport and recreation activities and friendship groups and being back home to where our family were as well was really important. Yeah.

Absolutely, and kids once they get to teenage years, like being rural would be so challenging.

Absolutely, and kids once they get to teenage years, like being rural would be so challenging.

Yeah. Yeah, and we really wanted to be back where we knew, maybe even send our kids to the same school that we went to because we did have good experiences. They were so cute. Yeah, So that was always the plan. So we could see our savings increase and we could see what was going on. Until my daughter was diagnosed with cancer and it was a soft tissued cancer that grew behind her right eye. It was very aggressive and fast growing, so they had to get on top of it really quickly, and she started chemo by the Saturday that week, oh my god. Yeah, and had a couple of other general anesthetics between the Wednesday and the Saturday, so that was really stressful. We lived in a hospital for that week. I actually thought we were going to stay in the hospital for the full kind of nine to twelve months that they told us we would be stuck there because I didn't know. I didn't know what, you know, a cancer diagnosis looked like. So that's when our world really turned upside down. My husband immediately went into logistics because he was still in Regional Queensland working sending our older boys to school. So it was a really really terrifying time health wise, but so logistically yeah, of course we ended up having to stay in Brisbane for the duration of that cancer treatment. She was given six months of chemo and radiation and in that time our savings took a big hit.

Yeah. Yeah, and we really wanted to be back where we knew, maybe even send our kids to the same school that we went to because we did have good experiences. They were so cute. Yeah, So that was always the plan. So we could see our savings increase and we could see what was going on. Until my daughter was diagnosed with cancer and it was a soft tissued cancer that grew behind her right eye. It was very aggressive and fast growing, so they had to get on top of it really quickly, and she started chemo by the Saturday that week, oh my god. Yeah, and had a couple of other general anesthetics between the Wednesday and the Saturday, so that was really stressful. We lived in a hospital for that week. I actually thought we were going to stay in the hospital for the full kind of nine to twelve months that they told us we would be stuck there because I didn't know. I didn't know what, you know, a cancer diagnosis looked like. So that's when our world really turned upside down. My husband immediately went into logistics because he was still in Regional Queensland working sending our older boys to school. So it was a really really terrifying time health wise, but so logistically yeah, of course we ended up having to stay in Brisbane for the duration of that cancer treatment. She was given six months of chemo and radiation and in that time our savings took a big hit.

Of course they did. Even just like all the small things like parking and buying food at the hospital that's overpriced because hospital food is trash and few and far between, Like all of those things just add up so quickly that you would feel buried almost.

Of course they did. Even just like all the small things like parking and buying food at the hospital that's overpriced because hospital food is trash and few and far between, Like all of those things just add up so quickly that you would feel buried almost.

Yeah, So it was very much felt like that, and we were very lucky in the way that people would help out. They would help out by having my youngest child, which was huge help, and they would send uber eats vouchers or you know, things like that, and we actually did stay in a charity house.

Yeah, So it was very much felt like that, and we were very lucky in the way that people would help out. They would help out by having my youngest child, which was huge help, and they would send uber eats vouchers or you know, things like that, and we actually did stay in a charity house.

That's actually such a good present on the side, like if anyone's going through that, they're in the hospital, like you send them er eats vouchers, Like, don't bring them food, give them an umer eats voucher so they can order what they want, when they want, and how they want to do it. Iconic recommendation.

That's actually such a good present on the side, like if anyone's going through that, they're in the hospital, like you send them er eats vouchers, Like, don't bring them food, give them an umer eats voucher so they can order what they want, when they want, and how they want to do it. Iconic recommendation.

That's till we tell people now, Yeah, one.

That's till we tell people now, Yeah, one.

Hundred percent, So tell me you stayed in a charity house.

Hundred percent, So tell me you stayed in a charity house.

We did, Yes, So we lived in a charity called Childhood Cancer Support and they offered housing free of charge to any family who have a child going through a cancer diagnosis. So we were very very lucky that we were in a small apartment, but got moved to a house very very quickly in our stay because we are a larger family.

We did, Yes, So we lived in a charity called Childhood Cancer Support and they offered housing free of charge to any family who have a child going through a cancer diagnosis. So we were very very lucky that we were in a small apartment, but got moved to a house very very quickly in our stay because we are a larger family.

Yeah, one hundred percent. Even just finding accommodation that's appropriate would have been challenging.

Yeah, one hundred percent. Even just finding accommodation that's appropriate would have been challenging.

And there was the option of us splitting up so that my husband would stay in our home up north and my daughter and I would stayed Dowt in Brisbane, but it just wasn't an option. We were told by medical staff that you want to all be together because it is going to be a challenging road. So we did decide to do that. We stayed in the charity house. We live very cheaply on the side of the hospital life, even though things were very expensive, but it did mean that my husband could continue working and hopefully be able to save a little bit on the side as well, just to keep our goals kind of ticking along, even just a little bit, so that will happen. That was six months. My daughter did really well through treatment. I say that and I'm like, oh, did she do well? But she did. She was as healthy as what a cancer patient could be.

And there was the option of us splitting up so that my husband would stay in our home up north and my daughter and I would stayed Dowt in Brisbane, but it just wasn't an option. We were told by medical staff that you want to all be together because it is going to be a challenging road. So we did decide to do that. We stayed in the charity house. We live very cheaply on the side of the hospital life, even though things were very expensive, but it did mean that my husband could continue working and hopefully be able to save a little bit on the side as well, just to keep our goals kind of ticking along, even just a little bit, so that will happen. That was six months. My daughter did really well through treatment. I say that and I'm like, oh, did she do well? But she did. She was as healthy as what a cancer patient could be.

But did you do well? How were you? Because like, she's going through this and like not to minimize it at all, but kids don't know what's going on. They just look to their parent and go if you're okay with this, I guess I'm okay with this, Like what's going on? And so you're trying to be like the rock of this family for this child and three other children and your husband. How did you deal with that?

But did you do well? How were you? Because like, she's going through this and like not to minimize it at all, but kids don't know what's going on. They just look to their parent and go if you're okay with this, I guess I'm okay with this, Like what's going on? And so you're trying to be like the rock of this family for this child and three other children and your husband. How did you deal with that?

I think she was the rock really. I think because she was so smiley, she was so happy. She just did not really stop. It really made it hard for us to kind of be completely broken.

I think she was the rock really. I think because she was so smiley, she was so happy. She just did not really stop. It really made it hard for us to kind of be completely broken.

She's just like, what's up, guys, It's all good, Like it's all good. Are we just going to do this? And then do you think that we could play?

She's just like, what's up, guys, It's all good, Like it's all good. Are we just going to do this? And then do you think that we could play?

Yeah? And for a three year old, she didn't know any different. Like even now, she still thinks that her hospital life is normal. That everybody does that. Everybody does that. That's three. They just spend six months of their life in the hospital getting all my honey chemo pumped into you and vomiting and you know, doing all the awful things. That's a whole other podcast. There's lots of things. But overall, she did okay, and she finished up six months later and we had a beautiful Christmas together. We were able to leave the bubble. So the bubble you have to stay within half an hour of the hospital that you're at while you're on cancer treatment because if things go wrong, they need to be able to get antibiotics into you very very quickly. So we actually did do a trip up to where we moved from.

Yeah? And for a three year old, she didn't know any different. Like even now, she still thinks that her hospital life is normal. That everybody does that. Everybody does that. That's three. They just spend six months of their life in the hospital getting all my honey chemo pumped into you and vomiting and you know, doing all the awful things. That's a whole other podcast. There's lots of things. But overall, she did okay, and she finished up six months later and we had a beautiful Christmas together. We were able to leave the bubble. So the bubble you have to stay within half an hour of the hospital that you're at while you're on cancer treatment because if things go wrong, they need to be able to get antibiotics into you very very quickly. So we actually did do a trip up to where we moved from.

That would have been so nice.

That would have been so nice.

Yeah. So it was really really nice to see everybody and for her to see her Kindey friend and things like that. And she started KINDI in the new year and made some new friends and everything was going really well until again about May, things started changing again and everyone told me, you're seeing things I don't. I'm not seeing what you're seeing. I think it's okay? Was this medical professionals? I did go she got hands, foot in mouth, and I presented to the ed with her and I said, look at her. I right eye doesn't always match up to her left. It kind of looks off to another direction a little bit. It was a major I understand that. And he said, nope, it's aalk good. I've checked her eyes. It's talk good. Then the next week she had a doctor's appointment with her ophthalmologist, her normal ophthomologist, who we love, and she said, oh, no, we can fix that. We'll fix that with surgery later. All good. The scams came back, okay.

Yeah. So it was really really nice to see everybody and for her to see her Kindey friend and things like that. And she started KINDI in the new year and made some new friends and everything was going really well until again about May, things started changing again and everyone told me, you're seeing things I don't. I'm not seeing what you're seeing. I think it's okay? Was this medical professionals? I did go she got hands, foot in mouth, and I presented to the ed with her and I said, look at her. I right eye doesn't always match up to her left. It kind of looks off to another direction a little bit. It was a major I understand that. And he said, nope, it's aalk good. I've checked her eyes. It's talk good. Then the next week she had a doctor's appointment with her ophthalmologist, her normal ophthomologist, who we love, and she said, oh, no, we can fix that. We'll fix that with surgery later. All good. The scams came back, okay.

Okay, but I still feel like something's off.

Okay, but I still feel like something's off.

Yeah, So I rang out oncologist and she was already due for her three monthly scams, so he said, let's bring the scans forward. It ended up being about a week early, and he gave me every reason under the sun why it would not be the cancer. It was fluid sitting behind the eye. It had been caused by the radiation that she'd received, because she had received twenty eight rounds of radiation, which is quite a lot for a little body. She could have a virus, she could have any number of things, not cancer though, But no, it was again a Monday night and it was back. It was the same size that it was no a year before, and yeah, we were thrown back into it, and I could tell people were panicked. The oncologist is usually very calm, very.

Yeah, So I rang out oncologist and she was already due for her three monthly scams, so he said, let's bring the scans forward. It ended up being about a week early, and he gave me every reason under the sun why it would not be the cancer. It was fluid sitting behind the eye. It had been caused by the radiation that she'd received, because she had received twenty eight rounds of radiation, which is quite a lot for a little body. She could have a virus, she could have any number of things, not cancer though, But no, it was again a Monday night and it was back. It was the same size that it was no a year before, and yeah, we were thrown back into it, and I could tell people were panicked. The oncologist is usually very calm, very.

Collected, so ye, it's their job, right, like as much as it's stressful, Like they know how to deal with this.

Collected, so ye, it's their job, right, like as much as it's stressful, Like they know how to deal with this.

And he was a bit more scattered. He was throwing words out there. He was like chemo, radiation, surgery, he was throwing out all the options, and I was like, I don't know what you're talking about. So she ended up having more scans done that week. We saw the surgical team later on and they told us that we would have to remove her right eye to remove the cancer. So we were thrown very quickly back into the whirlwind of me not being able to work, not having somewhere to live because now the charity wasn't an option because we decided to stay in Brisbane, so we had to try to come up with the rent while only being on one income again. And we could just see that, you know, again, our goals were going backwards and backwards and backwards, which was really hard. We kept doing what we were doing. I tried to work in between cycles of chemotherapy, which did work. I was very very grateful. We have a beautiful family who will have my youngest son regularly so that I could go to work. They were so helpful, not just because they're beautiful people, just financially. It has put us ahead.

And he was a bit more scattered. He was throwing words out there. He was like chemo, radiation, surgery, he was throwing out all the options, and I was like, I don't know what you're talking about. So she ended up having more scans done that week. We saw the surgical team later on and they told us that we would have to remove her right eye to remove the cancer. So we were thrown very quickly back into the whirlwind of me not being able to work, not having somewhere to live because now the charity wasn't an option because we decided to stay in Brisbane, so we had to try to come up with the rent while only being on one income again. And we could just see that, you know, again, our goals were going backwards and backwards and backwards, which was really hard. We kept doing what we were doing. I tried to work in between cycles of chemotherapy, which did work. I was very very grateful. We have a beautiful family who will have my youngest son regularly so that I could go to work. They were so helpful, not just because they're beautiful people, just financially. It has put us ahead.

One hundred percent because child care, you wouldn't have been able to go to work, like, especially if you were working casually in between chemo, like, the amount of money it would have cost you to put him into daycare to then go to it, it would have just set you back even further.

One hundred percent because child care, you wouldn't have been able to go to work, like, especially if you were working casually in between chemo, like, the amount of money it would have cost you to put him into daycare to then go to it, it would have just set you back even further.

Yeah, that's right. So, yeah, it was really really hard, and my daughter we're going to get back onto finances.

Yeah, that's right. So, yeah, it was really really hard, and my daughter we're going to get back onto finances.

I know. No, it's okay, like it's such an important story.

I know. No, it's okay, like it's such an important story.

Yeah. So she had nine months of chemo again. So the first time she had six months. This time it was nine months on a high risk protocol, so things were a lot worse this time. Her side effects were awful, awful. She wouldn't wake up for days, she wouldn't eat, she wouldn't drink, and every single cycle was delayed because she was too unwell to start the next cycle. So things just got super duper delayed in all of her treatment, and she was really unwell, which was really challenging. It wasn't until she had a break from chemo that she was able to kind of come back to life reset. They pumped some blood into her to kind of keep her going all the time. But then they had to do surgery, so we had to remove her right eye to get to the tumor. So she's now a little girl who wears an eye patch because underneath that eye patch is a hole.

Yeah. So she had nine months of chemo again. So the first time she had six months. This time it was nine months on a high risk protocol, so things were a lot worse this time. Her side effects were awful, awful. She wouldn't wake up for days, she wouldn't eat, she wouldn't drink, and every single cycle was delayed because she was too unwell to start the next cycle. So things just got super duper delayed in all of her treatment, and she was really unwell, which was really challenging. It wasn't until she had a break from chemo that she was able to kind of come back to life reset. They pumped some blood into her to kind of keep her going all the time. But then they had to do surgery, so we had to remove her right eye to get to the tumor. So she's now a little girl who wears an eye patch because underneath that eye patch is a hole.

Basically is that going to heal over time and we can, you know, get a process or something organized.

Basically is that going to heal over time and we can, you know, get a process or something organized.

Yeah, So she does have a prosthetic at the moment, and she's getting a second one made. It's not as simple.

Yeah, So she does have a prosthetic at the moment, and she's getting a second one made. It's not as simple.

No, you can't just whack one in and call it a day.

No, you can't just whack one in and call it a day.

No.

No.

So if you lose your eyeball, for example, they making you an eyeball and you can slot that into the eye socket with the eyelid keeping it in and whatnot. But for my daughter, she doesn't have an eyelid, so it's her whole eye socket that has been removed, so it's kind of like a ping pong ball size hole where her eye should be. And they did take a flap of skin from her leg as a skin graft, so it's all the skin in there. It's kept clean. We have to clean it. But yeah, prosthetic is just a bit harder because the eye will never move. Yeah wow Yeah, And she's just not convinced. She's now seven. People know her to wear an eyepatch and she's used to that routine. So I'm not sure that having a prosthetic is going to be something that she regularly utilizes at this point of course, But we want to give her the.

So if you lose your eyeball, for example, they making you an eyeball and you can slot that into the eye socket with the eyelid keeping it in and whatnot. But for my daughter, she doesn't have an eyelid, so it's her whole eye socket that has been removed, so it's kind of like a ping pong ball size hole where her eye should be. And they did take a flap of skin from her leg as a skin graft, so it's all the skin in there. It's kept clean. We have to clean it. But yeah, prosthetic is just a bit harder because the eye will never move. Yeah wow Yeah, And she's just not convinced. She's now seven. People know her to wear an eyepatch and she's used to that routine. So I'm not sure that having a prosthetic is going to be something that she regularly utilizes at this point of course, But we want to give her the.

Options I was going to say, and like times will change and things that she's going through will change, and I mean, it would be challenging being a seven year old going through that, but even you know, knowing the challenges that face her as she grows up, like just knowing their options is so nice.

Options I was going to say, and like times will change and things that she's going through will change, and I mean, it would be challenging being a seven year old going through that, but even you know, knowing the challenges that face her as she grows up, like just knowing their options is so nice.

Yeah, that's right. So that's where we're at now. She has been eighteen months out of cancer treatment. She has just actually done her last step in the process. She had her port removed, so all the chemo was pumped through a port in her chest and that has now been removed as of last week. So that is very exciting. We feel like we can move on at this time because now everyone is back at school, I'm working pretty consistently as a relief teacher, and we're back on track. We've just bought a new house. We had to save like crazy and make some sacrifices in that regard, but we also have some pretty solidified goals that we're working towards and just trying to encourage our kids to just be financially aware of what's going on in the world, but also what's going on under our roof and what we're saving for and why we can't buy this, but maybe we can do that. So yeah, we feel like the next couple of years, hopefully going forward, will be our time to kind of get on top of what we want to do.

Yeah, that's right. So that's where we're at now. She has been eighteen months out of cancer treatment. She has just actually done her last step in the process. She had her port removed, so all the chemo was pumped through a port in her chest and that has now been removed as of last week. So that is very exciting. We feel like we can move on at this time because now everyone is back at school, I'm working pretty consistently as a relief teacher, and we're back on track. We've just bought a new house. We had to save like crazy and make some sacrifices in that regard, but we also have some pretty solidified goals that we're working towards and just trying to encourage our kids to just be financially aware of what's going on in the world, but also what's going on under our roof and what we're saving for and why we can't buy this, but maybe we can do that. So yeah, we feel like the next couple of years, hopefully going forward, will be our time to kind of get on top of what we want to do.

And it sounds like you guys are really clear about that too. All I hate to cut you off there, but let's go to a really quick brain and on the flip side, I want to talk about your best and worst money habits, and I want to talk all about investing, So guys, don't go anywhere. All right, we're back. So moving to finance for a bit more. I want to know about your goals. But first, what's your current income as a family, What is your husband earning, what are you earning, what's coming in the door.

And it sounds like you guys are really clear about that too. All I hate to cut you off there, but let's go to a really quick brain and on the flip side, I want to talk about your best and worst money habits, and I want to talk all about investing, So guys, don't go anywhere. All right, we're back. So moving to finance for a bit more. I want to know about your goals. But first, what's your current income as a family, What is your husband earning, what are you earning, what's coming in the door.

Yeah, so I am primarily a relief teacher who takes on short contracts as well at two schools. Last year, I earned sixty thousand dollars excluding super and my husband for the last financial year earned one hundred and fifty thousand dollars as a deputy principal.

Yeah, so I am primarily a relief teacher who takes on short contracts as well at two schools. Last year, I earned sixty thousand dollars excluding super and my husband for the last financial year earned one hundred and fifty thousand dollars as a deputy principal.

That's pretty cool that you, like, not your husband's income, but your income though going through all of that, is still bringing in sixty grand like that's queen behave.

That's pretty cool that you, like, not your husband's income, but your income though going through all of that, is still bringing in sixty grand like that's queen behave.

Yeah, yeah, so that was actually the most This is the first financial year that I've paid some hex off.

Yeah, yeah, so that was actually the most This is the first financial year that I've paid some hex off.

Oh my gosh, how good is that to've gone through all of that and you're like, okay, well finance is good. Have been stupidly stressful, but at least we're coasting.

Oh my gosh, how good is that to've gone through all of that and you're like, okay, well finance is good. Have been stupidly stressful, but at least we're coasting.

Like, oh, we're doing okay, I think.

Like, oh, we're doing okay, I think.

So tell me more about these goals he said before, Like, we've got some pretty clear and big money goals. What are they? What are we working towards.

So tell me more about these goals he said before, Like, we've got some pretty clear and big money goals. What are they? What are we working towards.

At the moment, It is to build up an emergency fund, because that got eaten up by with the house process, and it wasn't really a priority, to be honest, to have an emergency fund at this point. But it is a priority now because my husband is taking a step back next year and going back to the classroom as a teacher.

At the moment, It is to build up an emergency fund, because that got eaten up by with the house process, and it wasn't really a priority, to be honest, to have an emergency fund at this point. But it is a priority now because my husband is taking a step back next year and going back to the classroom as a teacher.

Oh is he excited about that?

Oh is he excited about that?

He is very excited. He needed to break He worked all through COVID, all through my daughter's diagnosis and treatment and all of that, and he needs to get back to what he really really loves, and that is education and being with the children and teaching.

He is very excited. He needed to break He worked all through COVID, all through my daughter's diagnosis and treatment and all of that, and he needs to get back to what he really really loves, and that is education and being with the children and teaching.

Yeah, it would be hard, because it sounds like I'm just making some guesses here, educated guesses. But given he was so happy to move regionally to teach, like it sounds like he is very much a teacher, not a principal like he's I'm sure he's a fantastic principle, but principle is a lot more hands off, whereas it sounds like he's like a hands on kind of guy wants to get in there and help the kids as opposed to sit in an office and tell all the other teachers what to do.

Yeah, it would be hard, because it sounds like I'm just making some guesses here, educated guesses. But given he was so happy to move regionally to teach, like it sounds like he is very much a teacher, not a principal like he's I'm sure he's a fantastic principle, but principle is a lot more hands off, whereas it sounds like he's like a hands on kind of guy wants to get in there and help the kids as opposed to sit in an office and tell all the other teachers what to do.

Yeah, And it got to the point where he was kind of the events planner but also the complaints manager as well. That was kind of what his role involved. He's like, this is not why I became a teacher, This is not why I got into the position that I'm in.