As costs continue to surge across Australia, the average family is feeling the financial squeeze like never before. Official figures show inflation increased by 5.4% in 2023—the highest rate in over 20 years. With expenses skyrocketing in categories like food, fuel and utilities, many Aussies are being forced to re-evaluate their spending.

However, a recent Reddit discussion revealed there is one item most people refuse to compromise on, no matter how tight the budget gets. When asked about the 'one thing you still won't go without,' over 200 responses poured in.

Even if the cost of living is rising, there are essential items Aussies can’t live without. Image Freepik.

For many Australians, it seems a daily coffee has become a non-negotiable part of their routine. 'My morning latte is sacred,' said Jane. 'Even if I have to cut back elsewhere, I'll always find $5 for a coffee every day.' Having small indulgences can be good for mental health, though it might be more wise to brew coffee at home to save costs.

Beer was another item many declared they wouldn't give up. 'A cold one after work is my reward for getting through the day,' said tradie Simon. Remember though that a beer from the bottle o' is cheaper than from the pub to save a few dollars.

Guilty pleasures: Coffee and beer are the essentials for Aussies after a productive day! Image: Freepik.

Toilet paper was also a thing, with commenters insisting they will never buy 'cheap, scratchy' brands no matter what the price. Dermatologist Dr. Raj agrees that quality toilet paper 'prevents irritation that can lead to infection.' For a more affordable option, he suggested buying toilet paper in bulk or choosing the store's home brand.

High-end brands of pantry staples like butter and cheese also had passionate fans unwilling to downgrade. Nutritionist Peta Klein said swapping to lighter, low-fat varieties can help achieve the flavour people love while slashing calories and costs long-term.

Key Takeaways

• The cost-of-living crisis in Australia has caused many Australians to abandon some of their favourite products, but some indulgences are still too important to give up.
• A Reddit discussion revealed that many Australians refuse to go without their daily dose of caffeine, whether it is Dare Iced Coffee or a brew from their local café.
• Other expenses Aussies are unwilling to give up include beer, high-quality toilet paper, and certain food products such as Lurpak butter and good quality cheese.
• High prices for everyday items including cheese and butter continue to shock consumers, leading to spending adjustments and cutbacks on non- essential items.

As inflation continues to impact budgets, getting creative with money-saving strategies seems key to avoiding complete sacrifice of life's little indulgences. What are your must buy items even in tough financial times, members? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[MariaG]

Being on a pension, one has always had to manage on a strict budget.
The cost of living has risen, as we all know, and quite frankly I have nothing left to give.
We don't smoke, drink alcohol, gamble, go to the movies or party. Shopping for groceries, except bread and milk, is carried out once a month and always with a list.
The only places we might cut back on are lunch at a cafe once a week and a special ice cream cone we pick up when going for a drive to nowhere.
I suppose we could cut our electricity and water but those are things that are pared back as far as they can be. The only thing left would be not to cook, refrigerate or have showers.
We have had to stop some specialty medical treatment that is not covered by Medicare, but it is what it is.
I generally don't think in terms of things I could not do without. We live in a manner that befits the necessities of life with very few luxuries.
In a nutshell, we live within our means and maintain a strict budget. I can live without a morning coffee, however, do admit the desire to have a daily cup of tea. Sanity has to prevail at some point after all.

 

[Luckyus]

As costs continue to surge across Australia, the average family is feeling the financial squeeze like never before. Official figures show inflation increased by 5.4% in 2023—the highest rate in over 20 years. With expenses skyrocketing in categories like food, fuel and utilities, many Aussies are being forced to re-evaluate their spending.

However, a recent Reddit discussion revealed there is one item most people refuse to compromise on, no matter how tight the budget gets. When asked about the 'one thing you still won't go without,' over 200 responses poured in.

View attachment 34717

Even if the cost of living is rising, there are essential items Aussies can’t live without. Image Freepik.

For many Australians, it seems a daily coffee has become a non-negotiable part of their routine. 'My morning latte is sacred,' said Jane. 'Even if I have to cut back elsewhere, I'll always find $5 for a coffee every day.' Having small indulgences can be good for mental health, though it might be more wise to brew coffee at home to save costs.

Beer was another item many declared they wouldn't give up. 'A cold one after work is my reward for getting through the day,' said tradie Simon. Remember though that a beer from the bottle o' is cheaper than from the pub to save a few dollars.

View attachment 34718

Guilty pleasures: Coffee and beer are the essentials for Aussies after a productive day! Image: Freepik.

Toilet paper was also a thing, with commenters insisting they will never buy 'cheap, scratchy' brands no matter what the price. Dermatologist Dr. Raj agrees that quality toilet paper 'prevents irritation that can lead to infection.' For a more affordable option, he suggested buying toilet paper in bulk or choosing the store's home brand.

High-end brands of pantry staples like butter and cheese also had passionate fans unwilling to downgrade. Nutritionist Peta Klein said swapping to lighter, low-fat varieties can help achieve the flavour people love while slashing calories and costs long-term.

Key Takeaways

• The cost-of-living crisis in Australia has caused many Australians to abandon some of their favourite products, but some indulgences are still too important to give up.
• A Reddit discussion revealed that many Australians refuse to go without their daily dose of caffeine, whether it is Dare Iced Coffee or a brew from their local café.
• Other expenses Aussies are unwilling to give up include beer, high-quality toilet paper, and certain food products such as Lurpak butter and good quality cheese.
• High prices for everyday items including cheese and butter continue to shock consumers, leading to spending adjustments and cutbacks on non- essential items.

As inflation continues to impact budgets, getting creative with money-saving strategies seems key to avoiding complete sacrifice of life's little indulgences. What are your must buy items even in tough financial times, members? Let us know in the comments below!

Been down that road, more than once sit there and read the paper, then turn around and wipe your arse with it!!!

 

[MariaG]

Been down that road, more than once sit there and read the paper, then turn around and wipe your arse with it!!!

I'd call that re-purposing. Very trendy right now. LOL

 

[magpie1]

I can't go without my morning coffee, the one you make at HOME......and NOT the one in the trendy coffee shop that costs $10-$15 a throw.....that's insane.

 

[margaretritchie48]

My mum is 100 and I am 75. I will never give up my private health. I will give away eating out etc. Everyone has different properties, so we must accept other peoples needs.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I like my Nescafe Hazelnut Coffee sachets, but I buy them in bulk when they are half price so works out to less than 40 cents a cup and my two little dogs love Aldi's liver treats so they are the two things that are always on my shopping list.