Hey Frankie,
Actively reading along. My wife and I have been frugal, now mustaschian, for the length of our relationship (7 years). We have struggled at times given high incomes and a very easy to enjoy lifestyle. Financial strength is one of the great strengths in our relationship, it is years since I have worried about money, autopilot is very firmly engaged. I live just up the coast (Crescent Head if you have ever been) but I visit Newcastle once a week for meetings for my business interests (property development). I would be happy to take some time to run through some information in person or even just catch up for a chat. I am one of those weird engineer mustachian types that love numbers and investments, I can talk for hours on it, but I have found not a lot like to listen.
A few points:
Educate yourself first, I am happy that you're doing it in the right order. Yes, you cannot really go wrong with index funds but one year is not going to make or break it.
Newcastle market is hot, very hot and will stay that way for a few years, however, the fundamental economics have to charge (they don't make sense) or the government has to intervene.
Having been away from Newcastle for a few years, what a change. Seeing the railway line cut has given it a brand new lease of life. Lots of developments and new cafes are really starting to put a spring in step of the city.
I will be in Newy next Tuesday (5th May) and probably for a few days the week after, let me know if something suits.
BFLF