As the cost of living continues to increase, many Australians are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

In fact, things have gotten so bad that a recent photo of an average grocery haul has made the rounds on social media, sparking a wave of outrage among users.

The photo, which was first posted on Reddit, showed several everyday items, including peanut butter, cheese, bacon, chicken nuggets, nappies, and a selection of fruits and vegetables.

While the picture appeared to be a normal grocery haul, many were shocked when the user revealed the amount of money they paid for the items.

'This cost me $170. Yes, there are some non-essentials, but geez…' the user wrote.

What you can buy in Australia in 2022 for $170. Credit: Reddit.

Thousands of users reacted to the post, with many discussing the impact that soaring grocery prices are having on their day-to-day lives.

Many Aussies admitted that they felt the same pinch during their weekly grocery shopping, with people describing how their bills amounted to hundreds of dollars.

'I feel this today,' wrote one person.

'I bought my groceries online and the total cost came to $160. I decided to go through my order and remove any items I didn't really need… There were none. It was just a coincidence that I needed batteries, pet food, and laundry powder all at the same time.'

Others were equally disturbed by the cost of living crisis that Australians are currently facing, pointing out that record inflation and rising interest rates have made it nearly impossible for people to spend money on luxuries.

'Families must really be struggling right now if single people like me are also feeling the pinch,' one user noted in the comments.

Another chimed in: 'I can't imagine trying to stretch my wage to include everything kids need.'

'When they say the middle class is dead, this is how it died. One overpriced afternoon after another until we all don't have money to spend and collapse the world economy.'

One user even brought up how the rising cost of living has affected how we socialise with each other.

'We only go out like once a month because everything is expensive,' they shared.

'We don't have as much spending cash because groceries and utilities have gone up, and the cash we do have doesn't go as far because restaurants and venues have gone up. My most recent raise "kept up" with inflation on paper but in practice, it definitely hasn't.'

Others shared how much their recent shopping trips cost them.

One person recalled: 'I spent $110 yesterday and that was with $15 cashback and 15 per cent discount.'

'The only thing I bought was super basic and did not have any meat, premade/frozen meals, vegetables, bananas, bread, milk, rice, cheese, vegetables, and a little toilet paper. These essentials will last one person about a week and the total cost was over $100.'

Another shared: 'My grocery bills have definitely increased; it doesn’t help that my family never seems to be happy with what I buy and insist on swapping things for things they feel are better quality.'

The ABS recently reported that the inflation rate has slowed down, with the latest data indicating that the cost of goods and services rose by 6.9 per cent in the year to October, compared with the previous month's 7.3 per cent.

The most significant contributors to the CPI in October were new homes (20.4 per cent), petrol (11.8 per cent), and fresh produce (9.4 per cent).

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices saw a significant drop in October, with the annual increase in prices easing from 9.6 per cent in September to 8.9 per cent.

Key Takeaways

• A picture of an average Australian grocery haul cost $170, sparking a wave of anger and going viral.
• Thousands of comments followed from Australians facing the same squeeze at the checkout.
• The pain for consumers comes despite the latest statistics showing prices at the checkout actually eased last month.

So, while you may still find yourself struggling to make ends meet, it looks like things could be worse. Now we just need things to go back to normal so that the rest of the country (and our wallets) can catch a break too.

What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, have you also noticed that you're paying more for fewer items while grocery shopping these days? Share your stories with us in the comments below

 

[oldgmac]

Used to enjoy treating ourselves to a Dairy Soft butter, but $4.50 last year to a whopping $7.50 this year is beyond our comprehension and budget. Do we blame this price hike to corporate greed or the cows have covid? This is just 1 item not on our shopping list anymore.

 

[BJM]

As the cost of living continues to increase, many Australians are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

In fact, things have gotten so bad that a recent photo of an average grocery haul has made the rounds on social media, sparking a wave of outrage among users.

The photo, which was first posted on Reddit, showed several everyday items, including peanut butter, cheese, bacon, chicken nuggets, nappies, and a selection of fruits and vegetables.

While the picture appeared to be a normal grocery haul, many were shocked when the user revealed the amount of money they paid for the items.

'This cost me $170. Yes, there are some non-essentials, but geez…' the user wrote.

What you can buy in Australia in 2022 for $170. Credit: Reddit.

Thousands of users reacted to the post, with many discussing the impact that soaring grocery prices are having on their day-to-day lives.

Many Aussies admitted that they felt the same pinch during their weekly grocery shopping, with people describing how their bills amounted to hundreds of dollars.

'I feel this today,' wrote one person.

'I bought my groceries online and the total cost came to $160. I decided to go through my order and remove any items I didn't really need… There were none. It was just a coincidence that I needed batteries, pet food, and laundry powder all at the same time.'

Others were equally disturbed by the cost of living crisis that Australians are currently facing, pointing out that record inflation and rising interest rates have made it nearly impossible for people to spend money on luxuries.

'Families must really be struggling right now if single people like me are also feeling the pinch,' one user noted in the comments.

Another chimed in: 'I can't imagine trying to stretch my wage to include everything kids need.'

'When they say the middle class is dead, this is how it died. One overpriced afternoon after another until we all don't have money to spend and collapse the world economy.'

One user even brought up how the rising cost of living has affected how we socialise with each other.

'We only go out like once a month because everything is expensive,' they shared.

'We don't have as much spending cash because groceries and utilities have gone up, and the cash we do have doesn't go as far because restaurants and venues have gone up. My most recent raise "kept up" with inflation on paper but in practice, it definitely hasn't.'

Others shared how much their recent shopping trips cost them.

One person recalled: 'I spent $110 yesterday and that was with $15 cashback and 15 per cent discount.'

'The only thing I bought was super basic and did not have any meat, premade/frozen meals, vegetables, bananas, bread, milk, rice, cheese, vegetables, and a little toilet paper. These essentials will last one person about a week and the total cost was over $100.'

Another shared: 'My grocery bills have definitely increased; it doesn’t help that my family never seems to be happy with what I buy and insist on swapping things for things they feel are better quality.'

The ABS recently reported that the inflation rate has slowed down, with the latest data indicating that the cost of goods and services rose by 6.9 per cent in the year to October, compared with the previous month's 7.3 per cent.

The most significant contributors to the CPI in October were new homes (20.4 per cent), petrol (11.8 per cent), and fresh produce (9.4 per cent).

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices saw a significant drop in October, with the annual increase in prices easing from 9.6 per cent in September to 8.9 per cent.

Key Takeaways

• A picture of an average Australian grocery haul cost $170, sparking a wave of anger and going viral.
• Thousands of comments followed from Australians facing the same squeeze at the checkout.
• The pain for consumers comes despite the latest statistics showing prices at the checkout actually eased last month.

So, while you may still find yourself struggling to make ends meet, it looks like things could be worse. Now we just need things to go back to normal so that the rest of the country (and our wallets) can catch a break too.

What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, have you also noticed that you're paying more for fewer items while grocery shopping these days? Share your stories with us in the comments below

I made a decision to turn my hot water system off during summer. It’s made a considerable difference to my daily energy costs as the hot water system is huge. Where the system is located gets sun practically all day and the water is warm from that.

 

[Pat T]

I made a decision to turn my hot water system off during summer. It’s made a considerable difference to my daily energy costs as the hot water system is huge. Where the system is located gets sun practically all day and the water is warm from that.

Do you not have yo hot water on an off-peak tariff? Ours comes on at 11pm and off at 7am . It is at a much cheaper rate.

 

[BJM]

I made a decision to turn my hot water system off during summer. It’s made a considerable difference to my daily energy costs as the hot water system is huge. Where the system is located gets sun practically all day and the water is warm from that.

No I don’t unfortunately. My bill with the latest price increase has all but doubled from the last quarter. Predicted a 36% rise next year as well.

 

[PawMan]

As the cost of living continues to increase, many Australians are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

In fact, things have gotten so bad that a recent photo of an average grocery haul has made the rounds on social media, sparking a wave of outrage among users.

The photo, which was first posted on Reddit, showed several everyday items, including peanut butter, cheese, bacon, chicken nuggets, nappies, and a selection of fruits and vegetables.

While the picture appeared to be a normal grocery haul, many were shocked when the user revealed the amount of money they paid for the items.

'This cost me $170. Yes, there are some non-essentials, but geez…' the user wrote.

What you can buy in Australia in 2022 for $170. Credit: Reddit.

Thousands of users reacted to the post, with many discussing the impact that soaring grocery prices are having on their day-to-day lives.

Many Aussies admitted that they felt the same pinch during their weekly grocery shopping, with people describing how their bills amounted to hundreds of dollars.

'I feel this today,' wrote one person.

'I bought my groceries online and the total cost came to $160. I decided to go through my order and remove any items I didn't really need… There were none. It was just a coincidence that I needed batteries, pet food, and laundry powder all at the same time.'

Others were equally disturbed by the cost of living crisis that Australians are currently facing, pointing out that record inflation and rising interest rates have made it nearly impossible for people to spend money on luxuries.

'Families must really be struggling right now if single people like me are also feeling the pinch,' one user noted in the comments.

Another chimed in: 'I can't imagine trying to stretch my wage to include everything kids need.'

'When they say the middle class is dead, this is how it died. One overpriced afternoon after another until we all don't have money to spend and collapse the world economy.'

One user even brought up how the rising cost of living has affected how we socialise with each other.

'We only go out like once a month because everything is expensive,' they shared.

'We don't have as much spending cash because groceries and utilities have gone up, and the cash we do have doesn't go as far because restaurants and venues have gone up. My most recent raise "kept up" with inflation on paper but in practice, it definitely hasn't.'

Others shared how much their recent shopping trips cost them.

One person recalled: 'I spent $110 yesterday and that was with $15 cashback and 15 per cent discount.'

'The only thing I bought was super basic and did not have any meat, premade/frozen meals, vegetables, bananas, bread, milk, rice, cheese, vegetables, and a little toilet paper. These essentials will last one person about a week and the total cost was over $100.'

Another shared: 'My grocery bills have definitely increased; it doesn’t help that my family never seems to be happy with what I buy and insist on swapping things for things they feel are better quality.'

The ABS recently reported that the inflation rate has slowed down, with the latest data indicating that the cost of goods and services rose by 6.9 per cent in the year to October, compared with the previous month's 7.3 per cent.

The most significant contributors to the CPI in October were new homes (20.4 per cent), petrol (11.8 per cent), and fresh produce (9.4 per cent).

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices saw a significant drop in October, with the annual increase in prices easing from 9.6 per cent in September to 8.9 per cent.

Key Takeaways

• A picture of an average Australian grocery haul cost $170, sparking a wave of anger and going viral.
• Thousands of comments followed from Australians facing the same squeeze at the checkout.
• The pain for consumers comes despite the latest statistics showing prices at the checkout actually eased last month.

So, while you may still find yourself struggling to make ends meet, it looks like things could be worse. Now we just need things to go back to normal so that the rest of the country (and our wallets) can catch a break too.

What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, have you also noticed that you're paying more for fewer items while grocery shopping these days? Share your stories with us in the comments below

This is why I shop in ALDI. My last fortnight shop was around $150 however there were Christmas gifts in there that would've totalled approx $60. In it certainly is more than what I use to pay but definately not as bad if I shopped elsewhere. I'm absolutely shocked at how much broccoli is $10kg OMG. Glad I'm not broccoli junkie

 

[Pat T]

No I don’t unfortunately. My bill with the latest price increase has all but doubled from the last quarter. Predicted a 36% rise next year as well.

Check with your provider. We’ve had ours for years. I think there is another tariff with different hours but is a bit higher.

 

[Suzanne rose]

No I don’t unfortunately. My bill with the latest price increase has all but doubled from the last quarter. Predicted a 36% rise next year as well.

You should check with your provider otherwise look at a new one. AGL and Origin offer off peak and the best plan

 

[Suzanne rose]

I have noticed a huge increase in all items. My shopping which would be around $250 is now $360

 

[Cheezil]

Doesn't seem to matter how the peasants complain, the wealthy pollies won't care as they can still afford the high life (& are no doubt manipulated by their wealthy cronies in big business as well). Wouldn't be so bad if it were the farmers getting the big bucks for their produce, but I'm betting they aren't!

 

[StephenNikita]

Used to enjoy treating ourselves to a Dairy Soft butter, but $4.50 last year to a whopping $7.50 this year is beyond our comprehension and budget. Do we blame this price hike to corporate greed or the cows have covid? This is just 1 item not on our shopping list anymore.

100% Coles & Woolworths are making there once yearly profit in 3 months now. I don’t buy anything unless it’s on special. Aldi prices have gone up to but no way near the others. That’s where I go

 

[Nana Zorak]

I remember being pleasantly surprised at my first shop in Australia after coming from England as a new chum. It only cost me 25 pounds for a week's worth. The same cost as I had paid in England mind you that was 1965. Things have certainly changed since then. My friend from England working here for his firm told me the cost of electricity is 600 pounds a month. At least we are not as bad as that yet! I will be glad if we reach some normality soon so we know where our money goes!

 

[Pat T]

Doesn't seem to matter how the peasants complain, the wealthy pollies won't care as they can still afford the high life (& are no doubt manipulated by their wealthy cronies in big business as well). Wouldn't be so bad if it were the farmers getting the big bucks for their produce, but I'm betting they aren't!

Why should the lollies complain? The taxpayers are paying theirs.

 

[NotNats]

As the cost of living continues to increase, many Australians are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

In fact, things have gotten so bad that a recent photo of an average grocery haul has made the rounds on social media, sparking a wave of outrage among users.

The photo, which was first posted on Reddit, showed several everyday items, including peanut butter, cheese, bacon, chicken nuggets, nappies, and a selection of fruits and vegetables.

While the picture appeared to be a normal grocery haul, many were shocked when the user revealed the amount of money they paid for the items.

'This cost me $170. Yes, there are some non-essentials, but geez…' the user wrote.

What you can buy in Australia in 2022 for $170. Credit: Reddit.

Thousands of users reacted to the post, with many discussing the impact that soaring grocery prices are having on their day-to-day lives.

Many Aussies admitted that they felt the same pinch during their weekly grocery shopping, with people describing how their bills amounted to hundreds of dollars.

'I feel this today,' wrote one person.

'I bought my groceries online and the total cost came to $160. I decided to go through my order and remove any items I didn't really need… There were none. It was just a coincidence that I needed batteries, pet food, and laundry powder all at the same time.'

Others were equally disturbed by the cost of living crisis that Australians are currently facing, pointing out that record inflation and rising interest rates have made it nearly impossible for people to spend money on luxuries.

'Families must really be struggling right now if single people like me are also feeling the pinch,' one user noted in the comments.

Another chimed in: 'I can't imagine trying to stretch my wage to include everything kids need.'

'When they say the middle class is dead, this is how it died. One overpriced afternoon after another until we all don't have money to spend and collapse the world economy.'

One user even brought up how the rising cost of living has affected how we socialise with each other.

'We only go out like once a month because everything is expensive,' they shared.

'We don't have as much spending cash because groceries and utilities have gone up, and the cash we do have doesn't go as far because restaurants and venues have gone up. My most recent raise "kept up" with inflation on paper but in practice, it definitely hasn't.'

Others shared how much their recent shopping trips cost them.

One person recalled: 'I spent $110 yesterday and that was with $15 cashback and 15 per cent discount.'

'The only thing I bought was super basic and did not have any meat, premade/frozen meals, vegetables, bananas, bread, milk, rice, cheese, vegetables, and a little toilet paper. These essentials will last one person about a week and the total cost was over $100.'

Another shared: 'My grocery bills have definitely increased; it doesn’t help that my family never seems to be happy with what I buy and insist on swapping things for things they feel are better quality.'

The ABS recently reported that the inflation rate has slowed down, with the latest data indicating that the cost of goods and services rose by 6.9 per cent in the year to October, compared with the previous month's 7.3 per cent.

The most significant contributors to the CPI in October were new homes (20.4 per cent), petrol (11.8 per cent), and fresh produce (9.4 per cent).

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices saw a significant drop in October, with the annual increase in prices easing from 9.6 per cent in September to 8.9 per cent.

Key Takeaways

• A picture of an average Australian grocery haul cost $170, sparking a wave of anger and going viral.
• Thousands of comments followed from Australians facing the same squeeze at the checkout.
• The pain for consumers comes despite the latest statistics showing prices at the checkout actually eased last month.

So, while you may still find yourself struggling to make ends meet, it looks like things could be worse. Now we just need things to go back to normal so that the rest of the country (and our wallets) can catch a break too.

What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, have you also noticed that you're paying more for fewer items while grocery shopping these days? Share your stories with us in the comments below

Went to buy a case of 30 Coke Cola cans the other days but didn't as I'm not paying over $45 (25 pound) for it. Looks like this house is going back to tap water. And my electricity bill for 3 mths has gone up by about $300. (166 pounds) per quarter, but have use less and I'm on a very good savers plan.

 

[Pat T]

I remember being pleasantly surprised at my first shop in Australia after coming from England as a new chum. It only cost me 25 pounds for a week's worth. The same cost as I had paid in England mind you that was 1965. Things have certainly changed since then. My friend from England working here for his firm told me the cost of electricity is 600 pounds a month. At least we are not as bad as that yet! I will be glad if we reach some normality soon so we know where our money goes!

The prices will never go down. The supermarkets are on too good a thing.

 

[Johno54]

As the cost of living continues to increase, many Australians are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

In fact, things have gotten so bad that a recent photo of an average grocery haul has made the rounds on social media, sparking a wave of outrage among users.

The photo, which was first posted on Reddit, showed several everyday items, including peanut butter, cheese, bacon, chicken nuggets, nappies, and a selection of fruits and vegetables.

While the picture appeared to be a normal grocery haul, many were shocked when the user revealed the amount of money they paid for the items.

'This cost me $170. Yes, there are some non-essentials, but geez…' the user wrote.

What you can buy in Australia in 2022 for $170. Credit: Reddit.

Thousands of users reacted to the post, with many discussing the impact that soaring grocery prices are having on their day-to-day lives.

Many Aussies admitted that they felt the same pinch during their weekly grocery shopping, with people describing how their bills amounted to hundreds of dollars.

'I feel this today,' wrote one person.

'I bought my groceries online and the total cost came to $160. I decided to go through my order and remove any items I didn't really need… There were none. It was just a coincidence that I needed batteries, pet food, and laundry powder all at the same time.'

Others were equally disturbed by the cost of living crisis that Australians are currently facing, pointing out that record inflation and rising interest rates have made it nearly impossible for people to spend money on luxuries.

'Families must really be struggling right now if single people like me are also feeling the pinch,' one user noted in the comments.

Another chimed in: 'I can't imagine trying to stretch my wage to include everything kids need.'

'When they say the middle class is dead, this is how it died. One overpriced afternoon after another until we all don't have money to spend and collapse the world economy.'

One user even brought up how the rising cost of living has affected how we socialise with each other.

'We only go out like once a month because everything is expensive,' they shared.

'We don't have as much spending cash because groceries and utilities have gone up, and the cash we do have doesn't go as far because restaurants and venues have gone up. My most recent raise "kept up" with inflation on paper but in practice, it definitely hasn't.'

Others shared how much their recent shopping trips cost them.

One person recalled: 'I spent $110 yesterday and that was with $15 cashback and 15 per cent discount.'

'The only thing I bought was super basic and did not have any meat, premade/frozen meals, vegetables, bananas, bread, milk, rice, cheese, vegetables, and a little toilet paper. These essentials will last one person about a week and the total cost was over $100.'

Another shared: 'My grocery bills have definitely increased; it doesn’t help that my family never seems to be happy with what I buy and insist on swapping things for things they feel are better quality.'

The ABS recently reported that the inflation rate has slowed down, with the latest data indicating that the cost of goods and services rose by 6.9 per cent in the year to October, compared with the previous month's 7.3 per cent.

The most significant contributors to the CPI in October were new homes (20.4 per cent), petrol (11.8 per cent), and fresh produce (9.4 per cent).

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices saw a significant drop in October, with the annual increase in prices easing from 9.6 per cent in September to 8.9 per cent.

Key Takeaways

• A picture of an average Australian grocery haul cost $170, sparking a wave of anger and going viral.
• Thousands of comments followed from Australians facing the same squeeze at the checkout.
• The pain for consumers comes despite the latest statistics showing prices at the checkout actually eased last month.

So, while you may still find yourself struggling to make ends meet, it looks like things could be worse. Now we just need things to go back to normal so that the rest of the country (and our wallets) can catch a break too.

What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, have you also noticed that you're paying more for fewer items while grocery shopping these days? Share your stories with us in the comments below

We especially noticed the price if cheese, sliced cheese especially has increased by 25%. Why?

 

[NotNats]

I remember being pleasantly surprised at my first shop in Australia after coming from England as a new chum. It only cost me 25 pounds for a week's worth. The same cost as I had paid in England mind you that was 1965. Things have certainly changed since then. My friend from England working here for his firm told me the cost of electricity is 600 pounds a month. At least we are not as bad as that yet! I will be glad if we reach some normality soon so we know where our money goes!

I remember being pleasantly surprised at my first shop in Australia after coming from England as a new chum. It only cost me 25 pounds for a week's worth. The same cost as I had paid in England mind you that was 1965. Things have certainly changed since then. My friend from England working here for his firm told me the cost of electricity is 600 pounds a month. At least we are not as bad as that yet! I will be glad if we reach some normality soon so we know where our money goes!

25 pound = just over $45 here, that not a bad price for a weeks food. Electricity 600 pounds = just on $1,083 here. My son has higher bills than that (2A + 2K) a few years ago.

 

[Glenys R]

Cost of living - think we will all shortly be nude, cold, no pets and eating grass!

 

[Defiant540]

As the cost of living continues to increase, many Australians are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

In fact, things have gotten so bad that a recent photo of an average grocery haul has made the rounds on social media, sparking a wave of outrage among users.

The photo, which was first posted on Reddit, showed several everyday items, including peanut butter, cheese, bacon, chicken nuggets, nappies, and a selection of fruits and vegetables.

While the picture appeared to be a normal grocery haul, many were shocked when the user revealed the amount of money they paid for the items.

'This cost me $170. Yes, there are some non-essentials, but geez…' the user wrote.

What you can buy in Australia in 2022 for $170. Credit: Reddit.

Thousands of users reacted to the post, with many discussing the impact that soaring grocery prices are having on their day-to-day lives.

Many Aussies admitted that they felt the same pinch during their weekly grocery shopping, with people describing how their bills amounted to hundreds of dollars.

'I feel this today,' wrote one person.

'I bought my groceries online and the total cost came to $160. I decided to go through my order and remove any items I didn't really need… There were none. It was just a coincidence that I needed batteries, pet food, and laundry powder all at the same time.'

Others were equally disturbed by the cost of living crisis that Australians are currently facing, pointing out that record inflation and rising interest rates have made it nearly impossible for people to spend money on luxuries.

'Families must really be struggling right now if single people like me are also feeling the pinch,' one user noted in the comments.

Another chimed in: 'I can't imagine trying to stretch my wage to include everything kids need.'

'When they say the middle class is dead, this is how it died. One overpriced afternoon after another until we all don't have money to spend and collapse the world economy.'

One user even brought up how the rising cost of living has affected how we socialise with each other.

'We only go out like once a month because everything is expensive,' they shared.

'We don't have as much spending cash because groceries and utilities have gone up, and the cash we do have doesn't go as far because restaurants and venues have gone up. My most recent raise "kept up" with inflation on paper but in practice, it definitely hasn't.'

Others shared how much their recent shopping trips cost them.

One person recalled: 'I spent $110 yesterday and that was with $15 cashback and 15 per cent discount.'

'The only thing I bought was super basic and did not have any meat, premade/frozen meals, vegetables, bananas, bread, milk, rice, cheese, vegetables, and a little toilet paper. These essentials will last one person about a week and the total cost was over $100.'

Another shared: 'My grocery bills have definitely increased; it doesn’t help that my family never seems to be happy with what I buy and insist on swapping things for things they feel are better quality.'

The ABS recently reported that the inflation rate has slowed down, with the latest data indicating that the cost of goods and services rose by 6.9 per cent in the year to October, compared with the previous month's 7.3 per cent.

The most significant contributors to the CPI in October were new homes (20.4 per cent), petrol (11.8 per cent), and fresh produce (9.4 per cent).

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices saw a significant drop in October, with the annual increase in prices easing from 9.6 per cent in September to 8.9 per cent.

Key Takeaways

• A picture of an average Australian grocery haul cost $170, sparking a wave of anger and going viral.
• Thousands of comments followed from Australians facing the same squeeze at the checkout.
• The pain for consumers comes despite the latest statistics showing prices at the checkout actually eased last month.

So, while you may still find yourself struggling to make ends meet, it looks like things could be worse. Now we just need things to go back to normal so that the rest of the country (and our wallets) can catch a break too.

What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, have you also noticed that you're paying more for fewer items while grocery shopping these days? Share your stories with us in the comments below

I spend $200 per f/n for two people, I am a pensioner so that is a fixed amount & I can no longer get my little treasures (choc & biscuits) so sad now

 

[EILEEN W]

As the cost of living continues to increase, many Australians are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

In fact, things have gotten so bad that a recent photo of an average grocery haul has made the rounds on social media, sparking a wave of outrage among users.

The photo, which was first posted on Reddit, showed several everyday items, including peanut butter, cheese, bacon, chicken nuggets, nappies, and a selection of fruits and vegetables.

While the picture appeared to be a normal grocery haul, many were shocked when the user revealed the amount of money they paid for the items.

'This cost me $170. Yes, there are some non-essentials, but geez…' the user wrote.

What you can buy in Australia in 2022 for $170. Credit: Reddit.

Thousands of users reacted to the post, with many discussing the impact that soaring grocery prices are having on their day-to-day lives.

Many Aussies admitted that they felt the same pinch during their weekly grocery shopping, with people describing how their bills amounted to hundreds of dollars.

'I feel this today,' wrote one person.

'I bought my groceries online and the total cost came to $160. I decided to go through my order and remove any items I didn't really need… There were none. It was just a coincidence that I needed batteries, pet food, and laundry powder all at the same time.'

Others were equally disturbed by the cost of living crisis that Australians are currently facing, pointing out that record inflation and rising interest rates have made it nearly impossible for people to spend money on luxuries.

'Families must really be struggling right now if single people like me are also feeling the pinch,' one user noted in the comments.

Another chimed in: 'I can't imagine trying to stretch my wage to include everything kids need.'

'When they say the middle class is dead, this is how it died. One overpriced afternoon after another until we all don't have money to spend and collapse the world economy.'

One user even brought up how the rising cost of living has affected how we socialise with each other.

'We only go out like once a month because everything is expensive,' they shared.

'We don't have as much spending cash because groceries and utilities have gone up, and the cash we do have doesn't go as far because restaurants and venues have gone up. My most recent raise "kept up" with inflation on paper but in practice, it definitely hasn't.'

Others shared how much their recent shopping trips cost them.

One person recalled: 'I spent $110 yesterday and that was with $15 cashback and 15 per cent discount.'

'The only thing I bought was super basic and did not have any meat, premade/frozen meals, vegetables, bananas, bread, milk, rice, cheese, vegetables, and a little toilet paper. These essentials will last one person about a week and the total cost was over $100.'

Another shared: 'My grocery bills have definitely increased; it doesn’t help that my family never seems to be happy with what I buy and insist on swapping things for things they feel are better quality.'

The ABS recently reported that the inflation rate has slowed down, with the latest data indicating that the cost of goods and services rose by 6.9 per cent in the year to October, compared with the previous month's 7.3 per cent.

The most significant contributors to the CPI in October were new homes (20.4 per cent), petrol (11.8 per cent), and fresh produce (9.4 per cent).

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices saw a significant drop in October, with the annual increase in prices easing from 9.6 per cent in September to 8.9 per cent.

Key Takeaways

• A picture of an average Australian grocery haul cost $170, sparking a wave of anger and going viral.
• Thousands of comments followed from Australians facing the same squeeze at the checkout.
• The pain for consumers comes despite the latest statistics showing prices at the checkout actually eased last month.

So, while you may still find yourself struggling to make ends meet, it looks like things could be worse. Now we just need things to go back to normal so that the rest of the country (and our wallets) can catch a break too.

What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, have you also noticed that you're paying more for fewer items while grocery shopping these days? Share your stories with us in the comments below

We shop just once a fortnight because it involves a round trip of almost 50 klms. We have shopped at this Coles since it opened in 1982 and now we are aged 79 and 81 living on our Government pensions and with two dogs. Fortunately we own our own home and have no debt. My last checkout total was $295.62. Usually it is well over $300. This visit we did not buy any meat as it was too expensive. Minced beef has almost doubled in a year and even stewing/casserole steak is as dear as rump. We have used up what is left in our freezer. We also bought hardly any fruit or vegetables because there was very little selection with some favourites non-existent. We buy our dog kibble online from a cheap outlet and from Coles we just buy the cheapest tins of sardines and tuna which they love. No tins of dog food for our babies! However Christmas dinner with all the family will be OK because I have turned my accumulated FlyBuys points into FlyBuy dollars which means we do not scrimp on this special traditional family get-together. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and be kind to each other. Remember the reason for the Season.