With the cost-of-living crisis bearing down on us, it's no wonder that many Aussies are feeling the squeeze from all sides. That is why plenty are getting creative in their quest to outsmart skyrocketing prices.

Some are taking on the challenge by devising strategies to stretch their savings, while others are embracing a touch of spontaneity to navigate this stormy financial climate.

Let's look at how some Aussies are altering their buying behaviour to make ends meet. From sensible tactics to, well, let's just say, less wise choices, we'll explore the wide array of approaches people are taking to make ends meet.

As living costs rise, Australians are spending less on non-essential items and buying cheaper food and clothing brands. Credit: Shutterstock.

1. Saving up for expensive concert tickets

Contrary to what you might expect, Aussies are not completely cutting back on expenses. In some cases, they are opting for spending experiences over commodities. However, this comes at a cost; the recent Taylor Swift concerts that sold out prove this!

Given the poor economic state of things in the country right now, some economists have questioned how much real belt-tightening Australians are actually doing if they still have enough money to splurge on expensive concert tickets.

But AMP Capital's Chief Economist, Shane Oliver, has another explanation for this phenomenon: people are so much more financially constrained these days that they'll forgo essentials in order to save up for something special and life-affirming like a concert ticket.

'People will prioritise and give up on things that they want to have but think that they can do without,' Oliver says.

'When you go through tough times, there are still things that people don't want to miss out on because it brings joy to your life. People are looking for a lift, and to see [their favourite artist] might be the way to provide it.'

2. Grocery store theft

Retail theft is rising, and supermarkets are some of the most affected establishments. Items like packaged meat, infant formula, and other essential grocery items are what thieves are after.

According to the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, the numbers don't lie. Retail theft has skyrocketed by more than 23 per cent in just one year, following a brief lull during the pandemic. And it's not just a local phenomenon; this trend is causing trouble not only in other states but across the globe.

All the supermarkets have started to implement certain security measures, such as tags on their meat to reduce theft, as well as investing in technologies that will help reduce shoplifting.

Unfortunately, the problem is expected to worsen as manufacturers and retailers continue to face difficulties with delivery and production delays, causing prices to go up.

3. Using grocery money for gambling

New research has revealed that almost one in five Australians have actually been increasing their gambling habits in order to pay their rising bills, with 3.6 million people spending more on activities like lotteries and pokies.

Although it may not be the most responsible or conventional means of tackling a financial problem, it's a problem that Financial Counselling Australia's Harm Reduction Campaigner, Lauren Levin, is already familiar with.

Many people think that gambling will help them escape their money troubles, but of course, it never really works out that way in the end.

According to her, it's also unhelpful that gambling companies bombard people with enticing text messages, tempting them with free bets day in and day out. It may seem like a quick way to make some easy cash, but in reality, it only drags victims into deeper trouble.

'Once they have lost it, panic sets in, and they might borrow from family members or banks or even use someone else's credit card to try to recoup the money, which is called chasing losses,' she says.

'We know where that ends.'

​

4. Choosing not to have pets

Shelters and their furry inhabitants are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis, with more owners surrendering their pets and adoption rates falling.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) NSW reported that it's not only pet owners who are cutting corners but pet tech retailers as well, with smart toys, cameras, premium pet food, and other pet-related treatments like visits to dog grooming salons seeing reduced sales.

RSPCA's state shelters are at capacity, and there is a waitlist for people looking to surrender their pets. Adoption rates have also declined by 30 per cent. Less than three years ago, the average stay for adult dogs was approximately eight days. However, it has now increased to more than 34 days.

5. Keeping old vehicles

If you're looking to upgrade your car, you might want to think twice. Motor insurance rates have been increasing sharply recently, with providers hiking up premiums by 14 per cent.

Due to these rising prices, Australians respond by holding on to their cars longer before they decide to replace or upgrade them, leading to more repairs. Manufacturers and retailers are still dealing with delays exceeding 12 months for new vehicle delivery as well, so if you're really feeling the pinch, a car upgrade might have to wait for now.

Key Takeaways

• Australians have changed their spending habits due to rising living costs.
• Allianz Australia's research shows decreased spending on non-essentials like takeaway food and new clothes. However, ticket sales for concerts remain strong as people prioritise entertainment for enjoyment.
• Shoplifting is rising, with retailers and supermarkets reporting increased theft due to the cost-of-living crisis. Retail theft has increased by over 23 per cent in a year, reflecting a change in how some people acquire goods.
• One in five Australians have increased their gambling habits in the past year in an attempt to meet rising expenses. Financial Counselling Australia warns that people use rent and grocery money, leading to a cycle of losses and attempts to recoup them.
• Animal shelters in New South Wales are experiencing increased pet surrenders due to cost-of-living pressures, with adoption rates also down 30 per cent.
• Car insurance rates are rising swiftly, leading to Australians retaining their old cars longer and delaying upgrades or replacements.

These are just some ways Aussies are changing their spending habits in light of the cost-of-living crisis. How about you, members? Have you had to cut back on something or find other ways to budget your finances? Let us know in the comments!

 

[Bikkie mum]

Old cars is what I have my car is a 1997 Holden Commodore ,sadly it maybe on its last legs
put a new battery in last week,car went for a half hour then just stopped,some nice young males helped push it out of the way ,my son came over darn car started ,I drove home son came over checking it out ,**** No water in radiator ?. On Friday battery fitter checked water in it ? son filled the radiator with water car started ok ,but I didn’t drive it ,now I have been told ignition or new key needed ,or new car but no dough re me for one

 

[IAN3005]

With the cost-of-living crisis bearing down on us, it's no wonder that many Aussies are feeling the squeeze from all sides. That is why plenty are getting creative in their quest to outsmart skyrocketing prices.

Some are taking on the challenge by devising strategies to stretch their savings, while others are embracing a touch of spontaneity to navigate this stormy financial climate.

Let's look at how some Aussies are altering their buying behaviour to make ends meet. From sensible tactics to, well, let's just say, less wise choices, we'll explore the wide array of approaches people are taking to make ends meet.

View attachment 25279

As living costs rise, Australians are spending less on non-essential items and buying cheaper food and clothing brands. Credit: Shutterstock.

1. Saving up for expensive concert tickets

Contrary to what you might expect, Aussies are not completely cutting back on expenses. In some cases, they are opting for spending experiences over commodities. However, this comes at a cost; the recent Taylor Swift concerts that sold out prove this!

Given the poor economic state of things in the country right now, some economists have questioned how much real belt-tightening Australians are actually doing if they still have enough money to splurge on expensive concert tickets.

But AMP Capital's Chief Economist, Shane Oliver, has another explanation for this phenomenon: people are so much more financially constrained these days that they'll forgo essentials in order to save up for something special and life-affirming like a concert ticket.

'People will prioritise and give up on things that they want to have but think that they can do without,' Oliver says.

'When you go through tough times, there are still things that people don't want to miss out on because it brings joy to your life. People are looking for a lift, and to see [their favourite artist] might be the way to provide it.'

2. Grocery store theft

Retail theft is rising, and supermarkets are some of the most affected establishments. Items like packaged meat, infant formula, and other essential grocery items are what thieves are after.

According to the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, the numbers don't lie. Retail theft has skyrocketed by more than 23 per cent in just one year, following a brief lull during the pandemic. And it's not just a local phenomenon; this trend is causing trouble not only in other states but across the globe.

All the supermarkets have started to implement certain security measures, such as tags on their meat to reduce theft, as well as investing in technologies that will help reduce shoplifting.

Unfortunately, the problem is expected to worsen as manufacturers and retailers continue to face difficulties with delivery and production delays, causing prices to go up.

3. Using grocery money for gambling

New research has revealed that almost one in five Australians have actually been increasing their gambling habits in order to pay their rising bills, with 3.6 million people spending more on activities like lotteries and pokies.

Although it may not be the most responsible or conventional means of tackling a financial problem, it's a problem that Financial Counselling Australia's Harm Reduction Campaigner, Lauren Levin, is already familiar with.

Many people think that gambling will help them escape their money troubles, but of course, it never really works out that way in the end.

According to her, it's also unhelpful that gambling companies bombard people with enticing text messages, tempting them with free bets day in and day out. It may seem like a quick way to make some easy cash, but in reality, it only drags victims into deeper trouble.

'Once they have lost it, panic sets in, and they might borrow from family members or banks or even use someone else's credit card to try to recoup the money, which is called chasing losses,' she says.

'We know where that ends.'

View attachment 25289​

4. Choosing not to have pets

Shelters and their furry inhabitants are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis, with more owners surrendering their pets and adoption rates falling.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) NSW reported that it's not only pet owners who are cutting corners but pet tech retailers as well, with smart toys, cameras, premium pet food, and other pet-related treatments like visits to dog grooming salons seeing reduced sales.

RSPCA's state shelters are at capacity, and there is a waitlist for people looking to surrender their pets. Adoption rates have also declined by 30 per cent. Less than three years ago, the average stay for adult dogs was approximately eight days. However, it has now increased to more than 34 days.

5. Keeping old vehicles

If you're looking to upgrade your car, you might want to think twice. Motor insurance rates have been increasing sharply recently, with providers hiking up premiums by 14 per cent.

Due to these rising prices, Australians respond by holding on to their cars longer before they decide to replace or upgrade them, leading to more repairs. Manufacturers and retailers are still dealing with delays exceeding 12 months for new vehicle delivery as well, so if you're really feeling the pinch, a car upgrade might have to wait for now.

Key Takeaways

• Australians have changed their spending habits due to rising living costs.
• Allianz Australia's research shows decreased spending on non-essentials like takeaway food and new clothes. However, ticket sales for concerts remain strong as people prioritise entertainment for enjoyment.
• Shoplifting is rising, with retailers and supermarkets reporting increased theft due to the cost-of-living crisis. Retail theft has increased by over 23 per cent in a year, reflecting a change in how some people acquire goods.
• One in five Australians have increased their gambling habits in the past year in an attempt to meet rising expenses. Financial Counselling Australia warns that people use rent and grocery money, leading to a cycle of losses and attempts to recoup them.
• Animal shelters in New South Wales are experiencing increased pet surrenders due to cost-of-living pressures, with adoption rates also down 30 per cent.
• Car insurance rates are rising swiftly, leading to Australians retaining their old cars longer and delaying upgrades or replacements.

These are just some ways Aussies are changing their spending habits in light of the cost-of-living crisis. How about you, members? Have you had to cut back on something or find other ways to budget your finances? Let us know in the

 

[IAN3005]

they have for me. No going out, no eating out, no buying of anything that doesn't sustain basic life, eating once per day, washing clothes once a month in cold water etc, etc

 

[Milica]

sorry to hear Ian - And what about Albo - "i know what it's like to have grown up with nothing" back then who didn't - - many families/people where on a Gov't payment for different reasons and there where suburbs that where just gov't housing - if you already know, do - more about looking after "the people" - we don't need to keep hearing your story - we have our "own" - but now you don't have to watch your pennies! Get real, wake - up to what the Australian people, of "Australia" need-you know the ones that have always been here!

 

[Gsr]

No more takeaway, eating less meat, snack foods, more home grown vegies, much longer time between haircuts, luckily I don’t ever need anything done to my hair apart from a cut. Washing less often, very short showers, the list goes on. We have never frequented coffee shops or restaurants, we only ever eat out for very special occasions, the last being a family lunch for our grandsons 18th. That was our first meal out in two years. We haven’t had a holiday since 2016, we have had two weekends away fossicking and whale watching from the coast in 2018. Nothing since then. Our plan was to travel some of Australia in retirement but even that is fading due to the cost of living eating into any money we have. We own our home and are barely making ends meet between our pensions and my part time earnings, I don’t know how people who are renting can even afford to buy food. My hubby was at our daughters house yesterday and a boy about 9 rode up on his bike and asked if he had any rabbit food for his pet as his family couldn’t afford any, he didn’t but asked if the boy would like some oranges to take home, he said yes please, so hubby and daughter filled his backpack and jacket pockets with fresh oranges off the tree. He kept thanking them and stating that his family would at least have fruit to eat for a week. My daughter told him to come and pick more oranges whenever he needed some as the tree is loaded. She has been giving them away to anyone who wants any, and we have been taking them, with our lemons and lemonades, and shortly the same with our mandarins to the Salvation Army op shop who put them out for anyone to take who wants some. Such a good initiative. Our town also has a citrus rescue operation, where people donate extra fruit which is distributed to anyone in need and any fruit that is not at its best is donated to farmers as stock feed. Saves a lot of wastage.

 

[Tony@51]

With the cost-of-living crisis bearing down on us, it's no wonder that many Aussies are feeling the squeeze from all sides. That is why plenty are getting creative in their quest to outsmart skyrocketing prices.

Some are taking on the challenge by devising strategies to stretch their savings, while others are embracing a touch of spontaneity to navigate this stormy financial climate.

Let's look at how some Aussies are altering their buying behaviour to make ends meet. From sensible tactics to, well, let's just say, less wise choices, we'll explore the wide array of approaches people are taking to make ends meet.

View attachment 25279

As living costs rise, Australians are spending less on non-essential items and buying cheaper food and clothing brands. Credit: Shutterstock.

1. Saving up for expensive concert tickets

Contrary to what you might expect, Aussies are not completely cutting back on expenses. In some cases, they are opting for spending experiences over commodities. However, this comes at a cost; the recent Taylor Swift concerts that sold out prove this!

Given the poor economic state of things in the country right now, some economists have questioned how much real belt-tightening Australians are actually doing if they still have enough money to splurge on expensive concert tickets.

But AMP Capital's Chief Economist, Shane Oliver, has another explanation for this phenomenon: people are so much more financially constrained these days that they'll forgo essentials in order to save up for something special and life-affirming like a concert ticket.

'People will prioritise and give up on things that they want to have but think that they can do without,' Oliver says.

'When you go through tough times, there are still things that people don't want to miss out on because it brings joy to your life. People are looking for a lift, and to see [their favourite artist] might be the way to provide it.'

2. Grocery store theft

Retail theft is rising, and supermarkets are some of the most affected establishments. Items like packaged meat, infant formula, and other essential grocery items are what thieves are after.

According to the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, the numbers don't lie. Retail theft has skyrocketed by more than 23 per cent in just one year, following a brief lull during the pandemic. And it's not just a local phenomenon; this trend is causing trouble not only in other states but across the globe.

All the supermarkets have started to implement certain security measures, such as tags on their meat to reduce theft, as well as investing in technologies that will help reduce shoplifting.

Unfortunately, the problem is expected to worsen as manufacturers and retailers continue to face difficulties with delivery and production delays, causing prices to go up.

3. Using grocery money for gambling

New research has revealed that almost one in five Australians have actually been increasing their gambling habits in order to pay their rising bills, with 3.6 million people spending more on activities like lotteries and pokies.

Although it may not be the most responsible or conventional means of tackling a financial problem, it's a problem that Financial Counselling Australia's Harm Reduction Campaigner, Lauren Levin, is already familiar with.

Many people think that gambling will help them escape their money troubles, but of course, it never really works out that way in the end.

According to her, it's also unhelpful that gambling companies bombard people with enticing text messages, tempting them with free bets day in and day out. It may seem like a quick way to make some easy cash, but in reality, it only drags victims into deeper trouble.

'Once they have lost it, panic sets in, and they might borrow from family members or banks or even use someone else's credit card to try to recoup the money, which is called chasing losses,' she says.

'We know where that ends.'

View attachment 25289​

4. Choosing not to have pets

Shelters and their furry inhabitants are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis, with more owners surrendering their pets and adoption rates falling.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) NSW reported that it's not only pet owners who are cutting corners but pet tech retailers as well, with smart toys, cameras, premium pet food, and other pet-related treatments like visits to dog grooming salons seeing reduced sales.

RSPCA's state shelters are at capacity, and there is a waitlist for people looking to surrender their pets. Adoption rates have also declined by 30 per cent. Less than three years ago, the average stay for adult dogs was approximately eight days. However, it has now increased to more than 34 days.

5. Keeping old vehicles

If you're looking to upgrade your car, you might want to think twice. Motor insurance rates have been increasing sharply recently, with providers hiking up premiums by 14 per cent.

Due to these rising prices, Australians respond by holding on to their cars longer before they decide to replace or upgrade them, leading to more repairs. Manufacturers and retailers are still dealing with delays exceeding 12 months for new vehicle delivery as well, so if you're really feeling the pinch, a car upgrade might have to wait for now.

Key Takeaways

• Australians have changed their spending habits due to rising living costs.
• Allianz Australia's research shows decreased spending on non-essentials like takeaway food and new clothes. However, ticket sales for concerts remain strong as people prioritise entertainment for enjoyment.
• Shoplifting is rising, with retailers and supermarkets reporting increased theft due to the cost-of-living crisis. Retail theft has increased by over 23 per cent in a year, reflecting a change in how some people acquire goods.
• One in five Australians have increased their gambling habits in the past year in an attempt to meet rising expenses. Financial Counselling Australia warns that people use rent and grocery money, leading to a cycle of losses and attempts to recoup them.
• Animal shelters in New South Wales are experiencing increased pet surrenders due to cost-of-living pressures, with adoption rates also down 30 per cent.
• Car insurance rates are rising swiftly, leading to Australians retaining their old cars longer and delaying upgrades or replacements.

These are just some ways Aussies are changing their spending habits in light of the cost-of-living crisis. How about you, members? Have you had to cut back on something or find other ways to budget your finances? Let us know in the comments!

dog rescues are only paying now for price gouging during the pandemic some were charging up to $900 dollars for a dog that came into their care already desexed they changed their practices from rescue to pet shop.

 

[Milica]

No more takeaway, eating less meat, snack foods, more home grown vegies, much longer time between haircuts, luckily I don’t ever need anything done to my hair apart from a cut. Washing less often, very short showers, the list goes on. We have never frequented coffee shops or restaurants, we only ever eat out for very special occasions, the last being a family lunch for our grandsons 18th. That was our first meal out in two years. We haven’t had a holiday since 2016, we have had two weekends away fossicking and whale watching from the coast in 2018. Nothing since then. Our plan was to travel some of Australia in retirement but even that is fading due to the cost of living eating into any money we have. We own our home and are barely making ends meet between our pensions and my part time earnings, I don’t know how people who are renting can even afford to buy food. My hubby was at our daughters house yesterday and a boy about 9 rode up on his bike and asked if he had any rabbit food for his pet as his family couldn’t afford any, he didn’t but asked if the boy would like some oranges to take home, he said yes please, so hubby and daughter filled his backpack and jacket pockets with fresh oranges off the tree. He kept thanking them and stating that his family would at least have fruit to eat for a week. My daughter told him to come and pick more oranges whenever he needed some as the tree is loaded. She has been giving them away to anyone who wants any, and we have been taking them, with our lemons and lemonades, and shortly the same with our mandarins to the Salvation Army op shop who put them out for anyone to take who wants some. Such a good initiative. Our town also has a citrus rescue operation, where people donate extra fruit which is distributed to anyone in need and any fruit that is not at its best is donated to farmers as stock feed. Saves a lot of wastage.

What a thoughtful and giving way of thinking - when trees are loaded with fruit - to utilise it in such ways says a lot about people at the grassroots level helping each other and giving if they can to others who are also in need - we are blessed-fruit along with vegies so important for our health-and could not be tastier than straight off the tree! or out of the ground, thankyou for your kindness:_)

 

[Macarj]

When I do my grocery shopping I only buy whats on special other than milk and bread over the last few years I built a stock of non perishables like cans and flour and frozen stuff and porridge and break fast cereal so now I don't have to buy unless it's on special

 

[Liz]

I shop the specials and am just getting buy. No fancy foods or extravagent stuff like chocolate, if only i could eat it. No concert tickets. Just back to basics. My cat and I are just surviving but don't know for how much longer but certainly wouldnt' surrender her. She is my companion and my soulmate.

 

[Gsr]

Must add that my daughter went down the street and bought a $20 pack of rabbit food and gave it to this young boy who was asking if she had any. He told her his mum has just lost her job and he is looking for a job but no one will employ him as he is too young. He came back to her house today and gave her a flower to thank her for her kindness. She said he is a very polite young boy. I told her if she sees him again to tell him to get his mum to apply at my work as they are having trouble finding reliable workers. My daughter is going to buy another packet of rabbit food to have on hand to give him if he comes back to get more oranges. My daughter and her hubby have no kids, just two very spoilt cats and are huge animal lovers. When they bought their house a young homeless lady had been camping on the front verandah, the house had been empty for twelve months, they used to go down at night and take her a meal and gave her warm blankets and some new clothes. Once they were ready to move in she moved on, they used to see her around town, she was sleeping in a covered trailer that belonged to a local business, now she hasn’t been around for awhile, we hope she has sorted her life out and moved back with her family who also live in our town and with whom she did stay for short periods of time.

 

[Bikkie mum]

With the cost-of-living crisis bearing down on us, it's no wonder that many Aussies are feeling the squeeze from all sides. That is why plenty are getting creative in their quest to outsmart skyrocketing prices.

Some are taking on the challenge by devising strategies to stretch their savings, while others are embracing a touch of spontaneity to navigate this stormy financial climate.

Let's look at how some Aussies are altering their buying behaviour to make ends meet. From sensible tactics to, well, let's just say, less wise choices, we'll explore the wide array of approaches people are taking to make ends meet.

View attachment 25279

As living costs rise, Australians are spending less on non-essential items and buying cheaper food and clothing brands. Credit: Shutterstock.

1. Saving up for expensive concert tickets

Contrary to what you might expect, Aussies are not completely cutting back on expenses. In some cases, they are opting for spending experiences over commodities. However, this comes at a cost; the recent Taylor Swift concerts that sold out prove this!

Given the poor economic state of things in the country right now, some economists have questioned how much real belt-tightening Australians are actually doing if they still have enough money to splurge on expensive concert tickets.

But AMP Capital's Chief Economist, Shane Oliver, has another explanation for this phenomenon: people are so much more financially constrained these days that they'll forgo essentials in order to save up for something special and life-affirming like a concert ticket.

'People will prioritise and give up on things that they want to have but think that they can do without,' Oliver says.

'When you go through tough times, there are still things that people don't want to miss out on because it brings joy to your life. People are looking for a lift, and to see [their favourite artist] might be the way to provide it.'

2. Grocery store theft

Retail theft is rising, and supermarkets are some of the most affected establishments. Items like packaged meat, infant formula, and other essential grocery items are what thieves are after.

According to the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, the numbers don't lie. Retail theft has skyrocketed by more than 23 per cent in just one year, following a brief lull during the pandemic. And it's not just a local phenomenon; this trend is causing trouble not only in other states but across the globe.

All the supermarkets have started to implement certain security measures, such as tags on their meat to reduce theft, as well as investing in technologies that will help reduce shoplifting.

Unfortunately, the problem is expected to worsen as manufacturers and retailers continue to face difficulties with delivery and production delays, causing prices to go up.

3. Using grocery money for gambling

New research has revealed that almost one in five Australians have actually been increasing their gambling habits in order to pay their rising bills, with 3.6 million people spending more on activities like lotteries and pokies.

Although it may not be the most responsible or conventional means of tackling a financial problem, it's a problem that Financial Counselling Australia's Harm Reduction Campaigner, Lauren Levin, is already familiar with.

Many people think that gambling will help them escape their money troubles, but of course, it never really works out that way in the end.

According to her, it's also unhelpful that gambling companies bombard people with enticing text messages, tempting them with free bets day in and day out. It may seem like a quick way to make some easy cash, but in reality, it only drags victims into deeper trouble.

'Once they have lost it, panic sets in, and they might borrow from family members or banks or even use someone else's credit card to try to recoup the money, which is called chasing losses,' she says.

'We know where that ends.'

View attachment 25289​

4. Choosing not to have pets

Shelters and their furry inhabitants are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis, with more owners surrendering their pets and adoption rates falling.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) NSW reported that it's not only pet owners who are cutting corners but pet tech retailers as well, with smart toys, cameras, premium pet food, and other pet-related treatments like visits to dog grooming salons seeing reduced sales.

RSPCA's state shelters are at capacity, and there is a waitlist for people looking to surrender their pets. Adoption rates have also declined by 30 per cent. Less than three years ago, the average stay for adult dogs was approximately eight days. However, it has now increased to more than 34 days.

5. Keeping old vehicles

If you're looking to upgrade your car, you might want to think twice. Motor insurance rates have been increasing sharply recently, with providers hiking up premiums by 14 per cent.

Due to these rising prices, Australians respond by holding on to their cars longer before they decide to replace or upgrade them, leading to more repairs. Manufacturers and retailers are still dealing with delays exceeding 12 months for new vehicle delivery as well, so if you're really feeling the pinch, a car upgrade might have to wait for now.

Key Takeaways

• Australians have changed their spending habits due to rising living costs.
• Allianz Australia's research shows decreased spending on non-essentials like takeaway food and new clothes. However, ticket sales for concerts remain strong as people prioritise entertainment for enjoyment.
• Shoplifting is rising, with retailers and supermarkets reporting increased theft due to the cost-of-living crisis. Retail theft has increased by over 23 per cent in a year, reflecting a change in how some people acquire goods.
• One in five Australians have increased their gambling habits in the past year in an attempt to meet rising expenses. Financial Counselling Australia warns that people use rent and grocery money, leading to a cycle of losses and attempts to recoup them.
• Animal shelters in New South Wales are experiencing increased pet surrenders due to cost-of-living pressures, with adoption rates also down 30 per cent.
• Car insurance rates are rising swiftly, leading to Australians retaining their old cars longer and delaying upgrades or replacements.

These are just some ways Aussies are changing their spending habits in light of the cost-of-living crisis. How about you, members? Have you had to cut back on something or find other ways to budget your finances? Let us know in the comments!

I have really thought about my 1997 Holden its registered to November this year
i will register again then see if I can sell it to a car club that does old cars up be it in the city area or country ,I may even hand my drivers licence into ,but a friend said keep it as you never know when you may need it,what do others think on that please