How an ordinary Aussie family have been forced to change their spending habits forever as the cost of living crisis bites

A Brisbane couple has shared the sacrifices they’re making to support their family of five as Australia faces a worsening cost-of-living crisis. 

Stubbornly high inflation, soaring interest rates, and high rents all mean the average Australian family is doing it tough.

Sandy and Luke Baxby, who have three kids aged 19, 15, and 14, have made significant lifestyle changes to save every cent they can.

Recently, they made all their children find part-time jobs to cover some of their own expenses, helping to ease the strain on the family budget.

Mr Baxby shared another clever strategy his family uses to save on their electricity bill.

‘We’re timing our use of electrical appliances to align with grid peaks,’ he explained.

To avoid the higher tariffs imposed by power companies, the family runs their most energy-intensive appliances, like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, during off-peak hours in the daytime.

Mr Baxby also rotates his family’s entertainment subscriptions so they can still enjoy streaming services without overspending.

He subscribes to one or two streaming platforms each month and then cancels them before switching to different services the following month.

The Baxbys have also switched dinners at restaurants and takeaway for meals at home

This way, the family never misses out on their favorite shows while keeping costs down.

‘There’s only so many things you can watch,’ he said.

The Baxbys have also switched dinners at restaurants and takeaway for meals at home.

Costly runs to the major grocery stores like Woolworths and Coles have been swapped for meal-kit dinners from The St. Food Co.

Mrs Baxby said the meal costs less than if they went to the supermarket and bought all of the ingredients.

She was also very conscious of saving on food wastage in her household, feeding a family of five.

Mrs Baxby said the last tip was a no-brainer.

She leaves the car at home and finds another way to get to work or university.

In Brisbane, her family takes advantage of 50c public transport fares where they can, and walk wherever else they need to go.

‘You get the benefit of fitness and savings,’ she said.