A Brisbane couple have shared the sacrifices they are making to support their family of five as Australia faces a worsening cost of living crisis.
Persistently high inflation, rising interest rates and high rents mean the average Australian family is struggling.
Sandy and Luke Baxby, who have three children aged 19, 15 and 14, have made major lifestyle changes to save every penny they can.
Recently, they forced all their children to look for part-time jobs to cover some of their own expenses, which helped relieve pressure on the family budget.
Mr. Baxby shared another smart strategy his family uses to save on their electric bill.
“We are synchronizing the use of electrical appliances with the peak demand of the network,” he explained.
To avoid the higher rates imposed by electric companies, the family runs their most energy-intensive appliances, such as washers, dryers and dishwashers, during off-peak hours of the day.
Mr. Baxby also rotates his family’s entertainment subscriptions so they can continue to enjoy streaming services without overspending.
You subscribe to one or two streaming platforms each month and then cancel them before switching to different services the following month.
Sandy and Luke Baxby have revealed the sacrifices they are making to keep their family of five afloat as Australia is hit by a cost of living crisis.
The Baxbys have also swapped restaurant dining and takeout for meals at home.
This way, the family never misses their favorite shows while keeping costs low.
“There’s only so much you can see,” he said.
The Baxbys have also swapped restaurant dining and takeout for meals at home.
Expensive trips to big box grocery stores like Woolworths and Coles have been replaced by ready-made dinners using prepared food. St. Joseph Food Company.
Ms Baxby said the food costs less than if they went to the supermarket and bought all the ingredients.
She was also very conscious of the importance of saving food in her home, feeding a family of five.
Mrs Baxby said the last piece of advice was obvious.
Leave the car at home and find another way to get to work or college.
In Brisbane, his family takes advantage of the 50 cent public transport fares whenever they can and walks everywhere they need to go.
“You get the benefit of being fit and saving,” he said.