I didn't count per diem in my figures. I don't know about other guys, but all of my per diem was spent on food while working and the cost for gas, hotels, etc. that you'll need to spend for this job. To count per diem like it's income seems silly to me.

Also, I would add that although I was lucky enough to be a line holder most of my first year, they closed down my base, displaced me, and I am now on reserve far from home. That's RAH's (and most regional's) modus operendi. To be safe I would only count on making 75 hours credit per month for a long time. I would also budget for many moves and commutting. If you're paying for hotel rooms that will really add up. A few years ago I sat ready reserve at a different airline and almost my entire take home check was eaten up by commutting and hotels.