Recent polling from the Australian National University has found that Australians are, on average, facing more financial stress now than during any other time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, almost 28% of Australians said they were finding it difficult to get by on their current income. In November 2020, just 18% said the same thing.
These financial pressures are forcing people to change the way they live in significant and often unwelcome ways. We asked Guardian Australia readers to share stories of how they are getting by. While some of these changes have come with silver linings, others can feel themselves falling through the net.
‘We are at our wit’s end’
Sometimes I take my morning shower at the gym to save on hot water costs. I have also gotten used to not using lights at home at night. I walk around with my phone torch so I’m not using power. Travis, Launceston, Tasmania
We were living in Brisbane two years ago and watched the housing prices far outstrip our ability to save for a deposit, even in the outer suburbs. We made the decision to invest our house deposit in a small business. We now live in my parents’ shed. They charge us minimal rent and we help with upkeep on their property. We are very, very lucky to have this option. We are unlikely to have a new deposit saved within three years, even in a small town where there are a few sub-$200k houses for sale. Anonymous, regional Queensland
We have spent most of our lives working in the community sector in both rural and urban areas – at 70, we are now going back to work. We purchased a smaller home with bridging finance and began to furnish it and prepare our other home of 23 years for sale. As interest rates began to rise, we started to liquidate assets to paint, renovate and do up our home, getting it ready for sale, on the advice of brokers, real estate agents and the like. Auction day arrived and no one came to our auction, or anybody else’s. We are at our wit’s end. Geoff, ACT
No socialising, no cards or presents, just phone or internet connecting. I’ve stopped buying clothing, towels, bedding and keep using old stuff even if ragged and holey. Medicines are taken every second day. I shower once a week. My problem is I have a fixed income on the disability support pension and am unable to work, and my rent keeps increasing. I face homelessness with the next rent increase. Anonymous
I made a decision moving into the new year to seriously try out sobriety. Alcohol and the expenses associated with a hangover – takeaway, taxis – were no longer feasible for a single person with a mortgage. I have now gone six weeks without alcohol and it has had a ripple effect on all parts of my financial wellbeing. As I’m waking up clear-headed every day, I am finding it easier to avoid falling into the trap of frivolously spending my money on snacks and takeaway coffees to ease the sluggishness of the working week. Instead of spending a weekend at the pub I’ve been doing more park hangs and camping trips, which are also easier on the purse and good for the soul. Anonymous
Got serious about tracking expenses and budgeting. I spent an entire Saturday estimating what things will likely cost over the course of a year, especially with mortgage repayments about to double. Anonymous
Applied for a government healthcare card to reduce medical expenses and public transport costs. Anonymous, Melbourne, Victoria
I’ve stopped cooking altogether. I’ve managed to cut the gas bills in half, which has meant more money to buy fresh produce. I no longer miss cooked vegetables as I can get by on salads and sandwiches. Anonymous
There is no wriggle room for accounting. I eat once a day. Anonymous, Melbourne, Victoria
• In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978. In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 and ChildLine on 0800 1111. In the US, Mental Health America is available on 800-273-8255
