Garda college - financially

macmathuna1

Hi I'm going through the process of joining AGS and the main thing that worries me is finances while at the college.

I am married and have one child, renting in thurles. I have bills, rent, loans etc to pay so I am wondering what options are available to me.

Ideally a loan that I didn't have to pay back for a couple years? Is that a thing?

Anyone in/experienced in similar situation?

KaWinNee

As far as im aware you get a payment similar to the social. But free board, education and meals.

But im in the same boat.

macmathuna1

Yes you get 184e per week I believe.

Not going to cover the bills at home.

Grand for an 18yr old fresh out of leaving cert.

KaWinNee

I might have to keep my job for weekends to cover my mortgage.

Or just eat into my savings.

We are even thinking about maybe a 6month lease to a tenant, if i get that far 🙈

Jahcork

you can’t work whilst in garda college

macmathuna1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119235300#Comment_119235300

Do you know that for a fact or just repeating something you heard?

KaWinNee

Oh. Didnt know this :(

macmathuna1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119259075#Comment_119259075

You still don't know it for sure ...

Ginger83

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119232614#Comment_119232614

Best of luck with your career but before you consider renting out your home I strongly advise you to read this

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058252042/tenants-refusing-to-leave-even-though-we-are-homeless-help

MarkieMarxx

I was thinking of a credit union loan, I have a job and am salary but would take the pay cut to join a job i want to do, the training would be very difficult financially

macmathuna1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119341447#Comment_119341447

I already have a loan with bank so could top that up but the max I've seen them delay repayments is 3 months I don't know how could make any repayments while on the 184e per week.

weadick

I was in a similar position to you and have since left the Guards. I would advise you to think very carefully before leaving your current job for a 'career' in AGS. Personally for me it wasn't worth the 184 euro a week in Templemore. The job of Garda is not all it's cracked up to be. I'd hate to see anyone go through what I did in the job/training, it's simply not worth it.

Jahcork

I’m currently in a good public sector job on about 40k a year with good opportunities to advance . I have applied for AGS but am in two minds now reading all these comments. How long are you on 184€ a week for ?

macmathuna1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119348040#Comment_119348040

Best part of a year I'm fairly sure, about 9 months

KaneToad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119348040#Comment_119348040

32 weeks.

Salary is good in AGS. The 32 week thing shouldn't dissuade you. But you should consider more than just pay for any career.

TallGlass2

I edited this, cannot delete.

Willie Stroker 1976

Late to this thread, but I’ve heard in the first week in Templemore you meet the Garda Credit union, they have one for gaurds with better interest rates. Supposedly they will off you a loan with low interest that doesn’t need to be repaid until your stationed after training. It’s taken from your wages directly too, heard this from a friend who passed the training in 2019. Said the first week in Templemore guys go in with bangers, the second week loads roll into Templemore in new cars, you can tell they took the loans. If any of you know any serving members currently ask them about it and they will know more about it as I’m just going off what I was told.

weadick

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119544696#Comment_119544696

Yes this is true. Quite frustrating for many trainee guards who might need loans to pay for mortgages or their families, to suddenly see people in week 2 of training rocking up to the college in new Audis and BMW's. The credit unions are mad to throw big loans at new entrants but you are better to avoid the temptation if you can. Plenty of trainees have to repeat exams etc, you might not necessarily make it out after 32 weeks. Plus the money you start on when attested isn't great.

Fluffypatcat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119347231#Comment_119347231

@weadick Can I ask how long you stayed in the Guards for? I'm in the process of going for it.. have passed most stages but still not 100% sure about fully commiting to it, the money whilst training is shambolic really!

JustJoe7240

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119593127#Comment_119593127

Why would someone else’s borrowings frustrate anyone else?

pah

O got a massive 5k loan and bought a 6 year old astra back in the day. They will only loan you what you can afford. If you have a mortgage payment it will seriously affect to your ability to borrow from the credit union. It's highly unlikely they will loan you money to fund the payment of a mortgage loan.

macmathuna1

In the end I got a 10k loan to pay off a boi loan I had. But only have to pay 12e a week back on it until I am qualified . Very straight forward.