Cash-strapped Australians have revealed the little luxuries they are giving up to stay afloat, including fresh fruit, bread and home internet.
In a post shared on Instagram, She is the money He asked people to name the things they love but “can’t justify.”
Some people revealed that they had to give up their love of expensive gadgets, gym memberships and luxury massages.
But others admitted they had to cut back on simple pleasures, too.
Expensive foods such as olive oil, bread, cheese, salmon, chocolate, fresh fruits and vegetables (especially strawberries) topped the list.
“The bread is ridiculous: some loaves cost almost $5 and the cheapest one still costs $3,” said one woman.
Items such as dishwasher tablets, public transport and even health insurance are other basic items that people are currently lacking.
“Health insurance. I’m really sorry,” said one woman.
Expensive foods such as olive oil, bread, cheese, salmon, chocolate, fresh fruits and vegetables (especially strawberries) topped the list.
Many Australians, worried about inflation, have even switched supermarkets in a bid to save their precious dollars, with one woman refusing to shop at Coles or Woolworths.
“Everything has become very expensive. I’ve been shopping at the market and at Fresh and Save near my house. It’s much cheaper,” she said.
‘“Thank God for Aldi, I only shop online now so I don’t fall into the temptation of buying in supermarkets… I get it! Things are getting hairy,” another woman agreed.
One woman admitted to giving up her rent and being forced to move back in with her parents because living alone was no longer possible on her current salary.
Others revealed that they have been unable to buy new clothes: one mother had not bought anything for herself in years.
Many of the young women said they had stopped going to the salon altogether, some were dyeing their own hair and others were “sporting dark roots” or just letting their hair grow out.
“Who knew that your natural color, if you give it a chance to shine, is actually perfectly fine. This is the best thing I’ve done this year,” one woman said.
Eating out or going to casual cafes (especially on holidays or weekends) is another pleasure and convenience that Australians lack.
“$44 for an avocado on toast and a juice this morning, $4 surcharge on Saturday, what the heck?!” one woman complained.
People were also ditching Botox, cocktails, expensive gadgets, home Internet and Pilates classes.
But many couldn’t believe how “basic” the items were that had become so unaffordable for the average Australian.
“The saddest thing is that none of these are super luxurious,” one woman said.
‘‘It’s sad that we have to find ways to adapt to be able to buy the essentials, we’re in 2024, not 1934,’ another woman agreed.
Others said it wasn’t about giving up life’s little luxuries altogether, but about being more selective about when to enjoy them.
‘YO ‘I think you can still enjoy a lot of those things if you find the right deal. I pay $1.30 for bread, I found a community gym that includes a gym, pilates, yoga and a pool,’ said one man.
“I have a capsule machine, but if I have coffee I go to Woolies during the week and I go to that cute coffee shop at the weekend,” she added.
