The Wildest Party I’ve Been to in Years …

You can’t take my two-year-old anywhere.
 
However, a few Sundays ago I had no choice but to bring him along to a kids’ birthday party.
 
While I was making small talk with the other parents, he covertly snatched two huge slices of birthday cake and disappeared under the table so he could eat them without being told off.
 
A few minutes later he bolted out from under the table, absolutely pinging off his head on sugar …  and that was when it happened:
 
My phone rang and – out of reflex –  I answered: “Hell-o?”

“Hi Scott, it’s Dom Perrottet speaking.”
 
Silence.
 
“The Premier of New South Wales.”
 
A few things went through my head at that moment.
 
First, how did he get my number?
 
Closely followed by … where the bloody hell has that kid gone?
 
The Premier was already launching into his spiel … while I went on mute and frantically darted around the party looking for my sugared-up son.
 
It turned out the Premier wanted to put a copy of The Barefoot Investor in the baby bundle that new parents in NSW are given. Which was a great idea … and one that I graciously turned down.
 
Why?
 
Because he’s facing a State election and I won’t align myself with any politician or political party.
 
“Gotcha!”

I grabbed my son – who went limp as spaghetti – and strapped him into a playground swing seat.
 
“Premier, while I have you on the line, can I pitch you something really important?”
 
“Okay”, he responded.
 
“Higher, Daddy!”

I then proceeded to explain what I pitch every politician (regardless of affiliation) I speak to:
 
Financial counsellors are the greatest secret in finance. They’ll stand beside you in your darkest hour – and help you get back on your feet. They’re independent. They’re unbiased. And, importantly, their service is FREE. However, due to the cost of living crisis, financial counsellors are currently run off their feet!
 
So, between swings, I asked the Premier to consider doubling the number of financial counsellors in NSW so that struggling families will have the best access to financial counselling in the country.
 
Well, this Thursday the Liberal Government announced the policy. And, in the interests of giving both parties a fair go, the Labor Opposition have said they’ll ‘think’ about it.
 
So in the end we all got a bit of cake!

Tread Your Own Path!