In a world where the cost of living is soaring and managing a household on two incomes is challenging enough, imagine the financial acrobatics required to sustain a family of 15 on a single income. This is the reality for Malinda Lange and her husband Erik, a window salesman from Dandenong, southeast Melbourne, who are the proud parents of thirteen children.


The Lange family's story is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of careful planning. With nine kids in school, one in pre-school, and another at home, the family's budget is stretched to its limits. School fees alone amount to a staggering $38,000 a year, a figure that has led the couple to consider homeschooling as a viable alternative to traditional education.


The financial crisis has hit the Lange family hard, and they've had to make some tough decisions to keep their heads above water. They've sold off possessions to cover school fees and have cut back on all non-essential spending. The family's frugality extends to their living arrangements, with many of the children sharing bedrooms to save on rent.


Malinda, who documents her family's journey on social media under the handle @yestheyareallours, has become a master of budgeting. She meticulously meal plans and shops at a combination of fruit and veg shops, ALDI, and Woolworths to keep weekly grocery costs around $500. Despite the large family, Malinda has found ways to keep everyone fed without breaking the bank, with spaghetti and tuna pasta bake being regular, cost-effective meals on the family menu.

The Langes have also had to forgo many luxuries, including branded clothing, which was one of Malinda's admitted weaknesses. Entertainment such as movies, theme parks, and holidays are out of reach, so the family relies on free community events for recreation.

Despite the financial strain, Malinda and Erik have no regrets about their large family. They didn't initially plan to have thirteen children—Malinda preferred even numbers, while Erik wanted eight—but they've embraced their unique situation. The couple doesn't come from large families themselves, which makes their story all the more remarkable.


However, with such a large brood comes a lot of public attention, and not all of it is welcome. The one comment that Malinda wishes people would stop making is the tired joke, 'You need to get a TV.' It's a remark that, while meant to be humorous, has become a source of annoyance for the couple, who hear it far too often.

The Lange family's experience raises important questions about the support systems available for large families and the societal pressures they face. It also highlights the need for affordable education and healthcare, as unexpected medical costs, like Malinda's kidney failure, can add significant stress to an already tight budget.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, the Lange family's story is a testament to the power of love, determination, and strategic planning. It's a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, it's possible to find joy and fulfillment.


We'd love to hear from you, our community members. How do you manage your household budget? Have you found any unique ways to save money or stretch your income further? And for those with large families, what advice would you give to others in similar situations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's support each other through these challenging times.