How is everyone holding up with the crazy cost of living right now? I know for sure that, like me, your grocery bags have been getting lighter and emptier than ever before. And it's not just groceries. The average cost of housing, fuel, utilities, education, and even entertainment have become more expensive than ever. Every single day, it feels like living is becoming harder to afford. And it doesn't seem like things are going to get better anytime soon.
The thing is, it’s not just us here in Australia. Rising cost of living is a global problem. The entire world has been hit by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the truth is, the Australian economy hasn't fully recovered from the inflation. On top of that, political and economic instability — like tariffs on Australian goods and rising inflation — are making everything more expensive. The wages of workers aren’t keeping up, and the value of the AUD is shrinking faster than we can keep up with.
As single mums, we feel this the hardest. Our families depend on us, and sometimes it feels like we’re juggling too many things at once. Whether you’re working, relying on child support, or doing both, the expenditures are incredibly tough on our budget. I get it. I see you. It affects all of us. We’re all doing our best just to get through the day.
The good news? We’re not alone in this. As Australians, there’s a whole community of single mums who understand exactly what you’re going through. And while we wait for federal government action, let’s make the most of what we can control, together. Here’s some practical advice to help us all cope with increasing expenses and decreasing budget without compromising our kids' quality of life:
General Advice on Coping with the Rising Cost of Living in Australia
Reduce Spending
I'm sorry to have to say this again; you’ve probably heard this a thousand times. And trust me, I get it – sometimes it feels like there’s no room left to cut. You’ve already cut back on everything you possibly can, but the reality is, sometimes there’s just not enough to get by. If you’re already living on bare minimum, it’s tough to hear people tell you to cut back even more. But here’s the thing: even though it feels like you’re at the end of your rope, there are still small, manageable tweaks that can ease the burden. Have a look at your current expenses — groceries, bills, healthcare, subscriptions — every little thing. If you're like me, you might be paying for services or items you barely use. That’s money that could go elsewhere.
I’m not here to tell you to skip the morning coffee if that’s what gets you through the day. I get it; sometimes the little things keep us sane. But take a breath and give yourself some grace. If you’re already stretched thin, just know you’re doing the absolute best you can.
Find Free or Cheaper Alternatives
Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice nutritious food for your kids just because it’s cheaper elsewhere. It's about finding creative solutions. Maybe you can buy from a local market or discounted grocery store? Sometimes, the cheaper option for a daily necessity is just as good. I’ve been there, trying to make every dollar stretch as far as it can. A friend of mine left Sydney to move back in with her parents for a while to save on rent. Sometimes, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it most. If you're fortunate enough to have that option, it might ease some of the financial burden while you figure things out.
Involve Your Kids
Protecting our kids from harsh realities is a concern for many parents. But here’s the truth: talking to your kids about how to navigate the complexities of finances can actually bring them closer to you. I remember a boss I had once who, after losing her husband, sat down with her four sons and explained the family’s financial situation. She showed them all their average household bills, the pay slips, and really opened up about how they could all work together to lower their living standards.
Sometimes, we forget that kids can handle more than we think. Let them in on the reality. Explain why certain adjustments are being made, and help them understand that the family needs to be a team. They’ll appreciate it more than we realise, and they’ll feel empowered knowing they’re contributing to the solution.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported the rising cost of living across all types of households. Here are several practical ways we can adjust our standard of living in light with the financial stress of Australia's ongoing economic crisis:
Coping with the Cost of Living in Australia: Food and Household Savings
- Eat More Beans. Beans are a godsend: cheap, full of protein, and versatile. I know it’s not the fanciest meal, but they’re filling and nutritious, which is what matters most. Toss them into a salad, soup, or wraps, and you’ve got yourself a hearty meal.
- Frozen Food. Frozen veggies and meals are a lifesaver. They’re better for your budget than fresh produce, and they last so much longer. I know it’s not always ideal, but when you’re running low on funds and time, frozen food can make sure your kids are still eating well.
- Cook in Season. When something's in season, it's cheaper and tastes so much better. You’ll usually find seasonal produce at the local market for a fraction of the cost. This is one of those small wins that can make a difference.
- Cook for Yourself. I know it feels like you don’t have a second to spare, but home-cooked meals are a lifesaver for your wallet. Plus, meals at home are often healthier than restaurant meals. Even a simple pasta dish or a stew can last for days. I try to cook in batches whenever I can.
- Lower Quality Meat Cuts. Look, I get it. You want the best for your kids, and sometimes that means going for the leanest cuts of meat. But if you're in a pinch, lower quality cuts (like chicken thighs or beef chuck) can be just as tasty when slow-cooked and seasoned right.
- Chicken and Fish Instead of Red Meat. Chicken and fish tend to be cheaper and still pack a solid protein punch. They're often more affordable, and you can make them last through multiple meals.
- Drink More Water. Water is free and it’s great for the kids. I know it’s tempting to buy juice or soda, but water helps keep everyone hydrated and feeling good. When you can, keep a jug of water in the fridge and make it fun for the kids to drink more.
- Instant Coffee. Sometimes, you’ve gotta make do with what you’ve got. Instant coffee isn’t as fancy, but it gets the job done, and it’s a fraction of the price of a café latte every day.
Coping with the Cost of Living in Australia: Food and Household Savings (cont.)
- Local Food Pantry. There’s absolutely no shame in reaching out for help. Food pantries are there for a reason: to support families when times are tough. I know it can feel humbling, but trust me, you’re not alone in this. Accepting help from a food pantry can free up some funds to cover other essentials.
- Never buy full price. There’s always a sale around the corner. Wait it out or check discount stores before making that purchase.
- Stop shopping at big supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths. Aldi, local markets, and even bulk stores can be cheaper. Based on the price of groceries alone, it's worth trying around to compare. Aside from that, I'm still angry about a large supermarket profitting off this pivotal moment in history.
- The Reject Shop. Great for snacks, toiletries, and cleaning stuff. Just check the unit prices and stock up.
- Coupons. A little searching online or on apps can get you discounts or cash back. Every bit of extra cash helps.
- Up protein for kids, especially for breakfast. Protein helps keep them full longer, so less snacking and better energy for school.
Coping with the Cost of Living in Australia: Home and Utilities
- Turn Off Lights and Unplug Appliances. I know the electric bill can skyrocket fast, and that’s just one more thing to worry about. But turning off lights and unplugging appliances when you’re not using them can save a surprising amount over time.
- Utilise Hardship Options on Bills. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your utility providers if things are tight. Many companies offer hardship programs that can give you a break during tough times. You don’t have to do this alone.
- Talk to Your Employer About Working From Home. If you can, working from home can save money on petrol, lunches, and even give you some tax deductions. It might not be an immediate fix, but it can take some of the pressure off.
- House Sharing. If you’re open to it, consider house sharing with another single mum or a trusted friend. It might feel like a big step, but with the exorbitant property prices, it could halve your rent and bills, making life a little easier. Talk to your landlord if this is possible.
- Charge your small devices at work/in school. It’s cheeky but harmless. Saves a bit on power, especially if your kids always have something plugged in.
- Ditch the dryer. Cut a significant portion off your electricity bills by utilising the sun in drying your laundry, if possible.
Dealing with the High Cost of Living Amidst Rising Fuel Prices: Transportation and Mobility
- Walk More. Walking is free, good for your headspace, and you’ll save heaps on fuel or transportation expenses.
- Public Transport. As Australians, we're lucky to have an efficient mass transit system. Buses and trains can be a lot cheaper than driving every day — and less stressful too.
- Keep tires inflated properly for fuel efficiency. It sounds small, but properly pumped tyres use less petrol. Easy savings!
- Sell your car. If you live in a small town or a city with an efficient transport system, you may not need your own car. To be honest, the maintenance cost of cars can easily be more of a liability than an asset. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have great mass transit, so consider if you really need a car.
How to Cope with the Rising Cost of Living in Australia: Lifestyle and Personal Care
- Cut your gym membership. The thing is, you don't have to pay to move your body. YouTube workouts, walks with the kids, or running around at the park are all great alternatives in this financial landscape. All free and just as effective.
- Repeat clothes. No shame in outfit repeats. Me and my little one use the same pajama for the whole week. Saves us on water and detergent ... and good for the environment, too!
- Learn to sew. Sewing helps fix clothes or make small gifts. And YouTube has free tutorials for everything.
- Opt for cheap holidays. For now, you might need to forego travelling with the kids. There are surely leisure activities you can do in your neighbourhood.
- Learn to cut your hair, do manicure/pedicure, etc. DIY beauty saves heaps. It can be a fun self-care moment at home and even a source of income.
- Evaluate your skincare. You don’t need a dozen products. Find one or two that work and skip the rest. My mum had the best skin and her regimen consists of soap, sun screen, and Vaseline.
- Generic supplements and medicines. The chemist’s own brand usually has the same ingredients for less. Always ask the pharmacist for generic options.
- Check your insurance premiums. Many Australians I know have already ditched their insurance providers. After all, we all know how hard the claims can be. But if this is not possible, shop around for better options.
- Find a part-time job. Check this article if you want to see the best jobs with flexible hours.
- Limit social media to stop comparison and temptation. It's easy to feel behind when scrolling. Remember, people post their highlights, not their real life. Also, you don't get influenced to add unnecessary knick knacks to your cart.
Coping with the Rising Cost of Living in Australia: Helping Other Single Mums
Lastly, let’s not forget that we’re all in this together. Helping others, even in small ways, can lift everyone’s spirits amidst the financial pressures. Maybe you can swap clothes with another mum, or offer to share a meal. Every little bit helps, and sometimes that solidarity is what gets us through the cost of living crisis.
We’re all doing our best to hold it together ... and that’s enough. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, I want you to know you’re doing an amazing job. This season will pass, and we’ll come through stronger.
Final Thoughts on Dealing with the High Cost of Living as an Australian Single Mum
Living in Australia has become harder for individuals and families alike, no doubt. It’s unfair, and it’s exhausting, but you’re not alone. So many Australian households are finding themselves in the same struggle, and while we wait for better times and financial stability, we’ve got each other. While waiting for the government to intervene, you’re showing up every day, doing what you can to keep your family afloat. That’s worth celebrating. Things will get better, but until then, we rise together as Australians.
And remember: you’ve made it through every hard day before this. Just like millions of mums throughout history, you’re tougher than you realise. So, take a breath, and know that this too shall pass.
