The Real Cost of Living in Australia Right Now
Inflation hit differently in 2024, and many Australian families are still adjusting their budgets. Here's what we're seeing in real households and how people are adapting their money management.
Grocery Bills That Make You Wince
Last month, Sarah from Brisbane sent us her grocery receipts. A family of four spending $280 per week on basics. That's not unusual anymore, but it would have shocked us three years ago.
The families who are managing best have switched to planning meals around specials, buying more frozen vegetables, and actually using everything they buy. Sounds simple, but it takes practice.
Housing Costs Keep Climbing
Whether you're renting or paying a mortgage, housing probably takes up more of your budget than financial advice suggests it should. The old "30% of income" rule feels like a joke when you're looking at Sydney or Melbourne prices.
Smart families are getting creative — house sharing for longer, negotiating rent increases instead of just accepting them, and some are genuinely considering smaller towns with better internet connections.
The Side Hustle Reality
More people are earning extra income than ever before. Not because they want to, but because they need to. The gig economy isn't just for students anymore.
But here's what we're noticing: the families who treat their side income as bonus money often spend it all. The ones who budget it like regular income are the ones building actual financial security.