My husband refuses to give up his $450-per-month cigarette habit – and it’s forcing me to choose between bills or food
- Wife sought advice on how to reduce her family’s monthly costs
- Hundreds said her husband should quit smoking to save $113 weekly
A husband has been slammed for spending hundreds of dollars on smoking while his wife complains about the rising cost of living.
The woman shared a breakdown of the couple’s expenses and sought advice on what could be reduced.
Many were up in arms over $113 is spent weekly – or $452 monthly – on packets of cigarettes.
If this alone was eliminated, the couple would save an extra $5424 every year to be spent elsewhere, kept in the bank or invested.
The couple’s weekly costs included rent, petrol, groceries, bills and other miscellaneous costs, while phone bills and insurance are paid for monthly.
The wife shared a photo of a list of expenses to the Mums Who Budget Facebook group and wrote: ‘I need to cut back but can’t see where I can any help? Smokes are the hubby and can’t force him.’
In Australia cigarette prices are some of the most expensive in the world, with a packet of 20 smokes costing between $25 and $50, depending on the brand.
By 2026, a packet of cigarettes will cost around $49 – up $10 from the current price -thanks to a massive tobacco tax increase introduced as part of the Federal Budget.
A wife turned to social media seeking advice on what monthly expenses to reduce in a bid to save money. Hundreds were astonished by how much is spent on smoking each week
More than 800 comments flooded the post and many encouraged the woman to ask her husband to stop smoking – deeming it to be the ‘obvious’ choice.
‘Smokes! No one needs them,’ one woman wrote, another added: ‘Would hubby switch to tobacco, that would cut him down to $75 a week.’
A third said: ‘I know you can’t make someone quit smoking but could he consider buying the cheaper smokes?’
In response the wife said she’ll chat with her husband about reducing how often he smokes.
‘I can’t help the smokes but he won’t go to vape or under the table stuff and he earns three times [the amount] I do, so…’ she said.
‘But I will talk about cutting. I have my vices to I love food and cooking and sometime it isn’t cheap.’
However, this too didn’t sit well with other parents who believed food shouldn’t be compared to a product like cigarettes.
‘I don’t think it is fair to compare smoking to you buying food for you and your kids just because you get enjoyment from it,’ one mum commented.
More than 800 comments flooded the post and many encouraged the woman to ask her husband to stop smoking – deeming it to be the ‘obvious’ choice (stock image)
Other monthly costs included $100 Telstra bill, $185 Optus bill, $330 car payments, and $63 for insurance.
Many agreed the phone bills can be reduced further – perhaps to as low as $40 a month on certain mobile plans.
The wife revealed she also shops for groceries at Woolworths and Coles, but admits she could visit Aldi to save more money.
Earlier this year experts revealed some simple ways Aussies can save money.
HPH Solutions financial planner Matt Hearn suggested walking to pick up takeaway from nearby rather than forking out the extra cash for delivery.
Even better, meal prepping rather than buying takeaway is a huge money saver, as is turning off electronics or air-conditioners when they’re not essential.
‘Rather than having multiple streaming services at once, subscribe and binge one service every three months,’ he said.
‘Consider replacing more expensive fitness memberships with cheaper alternatives or start doing free outdoor exercise.’
While it may require a bit more effort, little changes such as this can help Aussies feel better about themselves and their back pocket, he said.
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