Cheers to budgeting: Aussie's beer analogy brews laughs amidst rising costs
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In the face of soaring prices and tightening budgets, Australians are finding creative ways to stretch their dollars further.
One Gold Coast local's response to the cost of living crisis has captured the nation's attention, not only for its humour but also for its quintessentially Aussie flavour.
During an early morning stroll, clad in a singlet that's as much a part of the Aussie identity as a love for a good barbie, the man was approached by a Today show reporter.
When asked about his thoughts on the federal budget and its impact on everyday expenses, he offered a comparison that many Australians could relate to: ‘Put it this way, you used to be able to get 60 schooners for 300 bucks, now you only get 30 schooners,’ he explained.
This simple yet effective analogy highlighted the tangible effects of rising costs on everyday pleasures like enjoying a cold beer with mates.
The Today show host, Sarah Abdo, couldn't help but be impressed by the man's straightforward calculation, exclaiming, ‘Brilliant, he's done the maths hasn't he.’
While the man's beer-based budgeting might not be a one-size-fits-all indicator, it's a stark reminder of the increasing prices at the bottle shop and beyond.
The 2024-25 federal budget made it clear that the excise on alcohol is set to bring in a hefty $9.4 billion by the 2027-28 financial year.
This tax, which automatically rises in February and August each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), has seen the cost of a pint and a slab of beer creep up, pinching the pockets of Aussies nationwide.
According to the most recent budget papers, revenue from alcohol excise is projected to reach $2.6 billion for beer, $3.6 billion for spirits, and $1.8 billion for other types of alcohol.
In February, the latest increase in alcohol prices resulted in one litre of pure alcohol being subject to $101.85 cents of excise, up from $100.05, marking a 1.8 per cent increase.
The tax on a pint also rose to 90 cents, while the tax on a slab was expected to increase to $20, as reported by the Brewers Association.
However, it's not just the beer lovers feeling the pinch.
Across Australia, the cost of living has surged, affecting everything from groceries to utilities.
In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled a federal budget that promises some relief, including a $300 energy rebate for families and revised Stage 3 tax cuts.
The budget also included measures to support low-income renters, taxpayers, pensioners, and those in need of mental health services.
He assured that the government's relief measures would not contribute to inflation and asserted that Australia was among the ‘best placed economies to manage these uncertainties and maximise our opportunities’.
However, this year's budget offered minimal support for welfare recipients seeking higher payments or for motorists grappling with rising fuel costs.
For our senior members, the budget has some specific points of interest.
The government committed to a 10 per cent increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance, a freeze on deeming rates until June 30, 2025, and investments in aged care worker wages.
Additionally, the cost of prescription medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be capped, which will benefit pensioners and concession card holders.
While the budget has its critics, the government is clearly attempting to address the cost-of-living crisis on multiple fronts.
However, the effectiveness of these measures in the face of inflation and global economic uncertainty remains to be seen.
Amid concerns over the cost of living crisis, many Australians are seeking innovative solutions to ease financial burdens.
One such example is the story of a brilliant man with a very Aussie response to the situation.
In a similar vein, seniors and households across the country are exploring opportunities to unlock financial assistance to alleviate household expenses.
This includes a $500 bonus for eligible households, offering much-needed relief in these challenging times.
Have you found any clever tricks to manage the rising cost of living? Perhaps you've got a budgeting tip that's as good as the schooner scale? Share your stories and strategies in the comments below.
One Gold Coast local's response to the cost of living crisis has captured the nation's attention, not only for its humour but also for its quintessentially Aussie flavour.
During an early morning stroll, clad in a singlet that's as much a part of the Aussie identity as a love for a good barbie, the man was approached by a Today show reporter.
When asked about his thoughts on the federal budget and its impact on everyday expenses, he offered a comparison that many Australians could relate to: ‘Put it this way, you used to be able to get 60 schooners for 300 bucks, now you only get 30 schooners,’ he explained.
This simple yet effective analogy highlighted the tangible effects of rising costs on everyday pleasures like enjoying a cold beer with mates.
The Today show host, Sarah Abdo, couldn't help but be impressed by the man's straightforward calculation, exclaiming, ‘Brilliant, he's done the maths hasn't he.’
While the man's beer-based budgeting might not be a one-size-fits-all indicator, it's a stark reminder of the increasing prices at the bottle shop and beyond.
During a Today show interview, a Gold Coast man humorously pointed out the impact of the cost-of-living crisis by mentioning rising beer prices. Credits: Shutterstock
The 2024-25 federal budget made it clear that the excise on alcohol is set to bring in a hefty $9.4 billion by the 2027-28 financial year.
This tax, which automatically rises in February and August each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), has seen the cost of a pint and a slab of beer creep up, pinching the pockets of Aussies nationwide.
According to the most recent budget papers, revenue from alcohol excise is projected to reach $2.6 billion for beer, $3.6 billion for spirits, and $1.8 billion for other types of alcohol.
In February, the latest increase in alcohol prices resulted in one litre of pure alcohol being subject to $101.85 cents of excise, up from $100.05, marking a 1.8 per cent increase.
The tax on a pint also rose to 90 cents, while the tax on a slab was expected to increase to $20, as reported by the Brewers Association.
However, it's not just the beer lovers feeling the pinch.
Across Australia, the cost of living has surged, affecting everything from groceries to utilities.
In response, Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled a federal budget that promises some relief, including a $300 energy rebate for families and revised Stage 3 tax cuts.
The budget also included measures to support low-income renters, taxpayers, pensioners, and those in need of mental health services.
He assured that the government's relief measures would not contribute to inflation and asserted that Australia was among the ‘best placed economies to manage these uncertainties and maximise our opportunities’.
However, this year's budget offered minimal support for welfare recipients seeking higher payments or for motorists grappling with rising fuel costs.
For our senior members, the budget has some specific points of interest.
The government committed to a 10 per cent increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance, a freeze on deeming rates until June 30, 2025, and investments in aged care worker wages.
Additionally, the cost of prescription medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be capped, which will benefit pensioners and concession card holders.
While the budget has its critics, the government is clearly attempting to address the cost-of-living crisis on multiple fronts.
However, the effectiveness of these measures in the face of inflation and global economic uncertainty remains to be seen.
Amid concerns over the cost of living crisis, many Australians are seeking innovative solutions to ease financial burdens.
One such example is the story of a brilliant man with a very Aussie response to the situation.
In a similar vein, seniors and households across the country are exploring opportunities to unlock financial assistance to alleviate household expenses.
This includes a $500 bonus for eligible households, offering much-needed relief in these challenging times.
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