Bibbs

Think Rego is done on weight. Also remember there is a 'stamp duty' on buying a car, even seconds hand. Better to get a car with Rego, as putting a car 'over the pits' can be a pain. Any modifications need to be proven/licenced etc. They also check for tints, mudflaps, tyre sises etc. It's a complete ball-ache if you are not mechanically minded (and is even if you are).

Think you'll struggle, unless you are a fair way out from the CBD. A mate is looking to rent a 2 bed place, and is looking over $400 a week minimum. More if it's near a beach or a train line.

I'm almost 40, no kids, and just down the road from Scarborough. It's a great place, you'll have fun (once you've got over the works on the beach front).

I know. Just having a moan. Always wanting something for nothing.

Google maps. Don't need to worry about map updates, and it has traffic on. If you need 'off line' maps, look at MobileMe .. I used it throughout Europe, and then updated it when I had free WiFi. But if you *really* want a SatNav, go to JB HiFi (or similar) and see what they have.

Yup, they are great for the sit down, have a coffee and talk about your experience. Not so good at finding you a job. I had one call, I think about 22 months in, asking if I was still looking as they'd found me something. I was a little sarcastic in my reply, so I'm probably in their naughty list now.

Mazda 3. I've dropped the price, so it's the cheapest on Gumtree/Carsales in the year/model/spec, but people seem to think because they can haggle $1000 off a $12000 car, they should get $2000 off a $9000 car. Unfortunatly, certain nationalities are living up to their stereotypes.

Don't use agencies .. they are rubbish. Go to the companies themselves. (I'm in IT, and got the run-arround from recruitment places for 3 weeks till I went direct). And I also doubt there will be recruiters in CV. They'll all be in the city.

Can you take a look at this rash ..?

IKNOWCB I've managed to swap tenants on my place, without having to re-advertise. So that's a load off my mind. Still trying to sell a car though, which is slow going (apart from the number of calls offering buttons).

Just to add, have a look at Gumtree, I see a few job ads popping up on there (as it's free).

It is in my (and plenty of my friends) situation. Have a look at the CBD pubs from about 3pm on a Friday. Heaving. Beers at 3pm is common, and that's if I don't knock off early in summer. Anyhow, good luck with the job hunt. You got one (crap) offer, now onto the next.

We were without power near Scarborough for a few hours (just as we wanted to cook food for a friends surprise birthday). All good in the end. I'm sure there will be a lot worse to come. Damn I hate winter ..

What do you do?

Still for sale :- http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/doubleview/cars-vans-utes/mazda-3-neo-sport/1112098769

HSV GTS. Almost 2 tonnes of car, which is why the brakes need work.

Spent some time changing the brakes on my car (new disks, pads and fluid) to try and stop some fade i was getting on the race track. Got front and rear tow straps to fit before my next track day. Missing a race day this weekend as I've not got all the bits done in time. Looking at a few new gadgets for the car too. Upgrade to the radar detector, steering wheel paddles and remote start. but I'll wait till after pay day. Got another track day opportunity for the end of the month, so will hopefully get the car sorted in time.

How many seats do you need? Carnivals are the 'go-to' car for the school run I've heard. If a Mazda 3 would suit, give me a shout.

They shouldn't have merged Swanbourne and Hollywood. (I'm an ex Hollywood student)

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=australia+big+4+banks ;-)

Any of the big 4 really. I'm with ANZ. I've got my accounts, mortgage and business with them. They are 'okay', but then all the big 4 are really the same.

Thanks Andy, will keep it in mind.

Cheers for the Update Andrew. Quick question (if that's okay). I'm in my 30's and have about $150,000 in 2 private pensions in the UK. I've been here 5 years now, and would like to transfer them to Aus. Is it straight forward? I've got the forms from one for the transfer, but I never get replies to letters/emails from the other.

Time to start paying more off to really drop the duration.

East Perth is a lot of apartments. Ideal for a "buy and forget" to hide your money. Nedlands - expensive and will always be near the top of the tree in realestate Bayswater - will be searched more due to train airport link, and the hire car company. But it's an improving area. Wembley - expensive, and improving. More apartments are going in. Fremantle - 2nd city