Wife faces heartbreaking decision as husband's $452-per-month cigarette habit takes its toll
- Replies 21
We understand that everyone has their own habits and vices, but it's important to recognise when these habits might be impacting both our own lives and those around us.
For one Australian couple, the husband's costly cigarette habit has led to a tough household situation where his wife is forced to choose between paying bills or putting food on the table.
In a post shared on a popular Facebook group, the woman shared a breakdown of her family's expenses and sought advice on how to cut back.
The most glaring expense, as many group members quickly pointed out, was the amount spent on cigarettes – essentially bleeding the family wallet dry at a whopping $113 a week or $452 a month. That adds up to an astonishing $5,424 per year, which could be better used for savings or family essentials.
Australia is home to some of the most expensive cigarette prices in the world, with a 20-pack ranging between $25 and $50, depending on the brand.
By 2026, the prices are expected to rise further to around $49 per pack (on average) due to the massive tobacco tax increase that forms part of the Federal Budget.
In response to the more than 800 comments suggesting her husband quit smoking, the wife defended her partner with a dose of reality: 'Smokes are the hubby, and I can't force him,' she said before revealing that she planned to discuss the possibility of cutting back.
She also acknowledged her own love of food and cooking, saying it 'isn't cheap'.
While we can all appreciate a delicious meal, many others in the group argued that comparing food – essential for, well, life – to smoking cigarettes was a bit of a stretch.
One commented, 'I don't think it is fair to compare smoking to you buying food for you and your kids just because you get enjoyment from it.'
Looking at the couple's other expenses, the list included rent, petrol, groceries, bills, mobile phone plans, car payments and insurance payments.
Many group members suggested reducing phone bills or changing the family's grocery shopping habits from pricey retailers like Woolworths or Coles to more affordable alternatives like ALDI.
Overall, the situation serves as a timely reminder to re-evaluate our expenditures and confront bad habits that might be negatively affecting our families and loved ones.
There are multiple ways to save and cut back on spending in order to lead a more balanced and financially secure life, and sometimes, it requires taking a long, hard look at our actions today to ensure a brighter future tomorrow.
Quitting smoking is a difficult but achievable goal. It's important to remember that there's no single solution that works for everyone; however, there are some tried and tested strategies that can help increase your chances of success.
One of the most critical steps you can take when quitting smoking is to seek professional help. Talking to your doctor or a health clinic can provide you with access to available treatments or medications that could help you overcome the habit. They can also offer guidance on creating a plan that suits your individual needs.
In addition to seeking professional help, taking note of your triggers and setting achievable goals can help you stay on track. Identifying your triggers, whether it be social situations or emotional stress, can help you avoid them by finding healthier alternatives that can keep you distracted.
Setting realistic goals is also crucial when trying to quit smoking. Small goals can be achievable and provide you with a sense of accomplishment that can help motivate you to continue on the journey towards being smoke-free. Creating a quit-smoking plan can also help you stay focused and dedicated to your goal, as well as help you identify any additional support you may need from family and friends.
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) can also be useful in reducing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit smoking. NRTs are available in various forms, such as lozenges, gums, patches, or inhalers, and have been proven to be helpful in decreasing withdrawal symptoms.
Finally, practising relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can also help during tough times. These techniques can provide a sense of calm and help you manage stress, which is often a trigger for smoking.
Remember, with the right tools, support, and planning, anyone can successfully quit smoking and embrace positive changes in their life. There is no shame in seeking assistance, and consulting a trained healthcare professional can provide the necessary guidance and resources to set you on the path to success.
By taking the first step and seeking help, you are empowering yourself to make a significant and positive transformation in your life.
We're eager to hear your thoughts on this story. Has a similar situation ever unfolded in your own life? Perhaps you've successfully conquered a habit or vice that once had a hold on you.
If you feel comfortable, please share your personal experiences with us in the comments below. Your stories hold great value, and we look forward to hearing from you and learning from your journey.
For one Australian couple, the husband's costly cigarette habit has led to a tough household situation where his wife is forced to choose between paying bills or putting food on the table.
In a post shared on a popular Facebook group, the woman shared a breakdown of her family's expenses and sought advice on how to cut back.
The most glaring expense, as many group members quickly pointed out, was the amount spent on cigarettes – essentially bleeding the family wallet dry at a whopping $113 a week or $452 a month. That adds up to an astonishing $5,424 per year, which could be better used for savings or family essentials.
A husband spends $450 per month on cigarettes, causing financial strain for his family. Credit: Facebook, Unsplash.
Australia is home to some of the most expensive cigarette prices in the world, with a 20-pack ranging between $25 and $50, depending on the brand.
By 2026, the prices are expected to rise further to around $49 per pack (on average) due to the massive tobacco tax increase that forms part of the Federal Budget.
In response to the more than 800 comments suggesting her husband quit smoking, the wife defended her partner with a dose of reality: 'Smokes are the hubby, and I can't force him,' she said before revealing that she planned to discuss the possibility of cutting back.
She also acknowledged her own love of food and cooking, saying it 'isn't cheap'.
While we can all appreciate a delicious meal, many others in the group argued that comparing food – essential for, well, life – to smoking cigarettes was a bit of a stretch.
One commented, 'I don't think it is fair to compare smoking to you buying food for you and your kids just because you get enjoyment from it.'
Looking at the couple's other expenses, the list included rent, petrol, groceries, bills, mobile phone plans, car payments and insurance payments.
Many group members suggested reducing phone bills or changing the family's grocery shopping habits from pricey retailers like Woolworths or Coles to more affordable alternatives like ALDI.
Overall, the situation serves as a timely reminder to re-evaluate our expenditures and confront bad habits that might be negatively affecting our families and loved ones.
There are multiple ways to save and cut back on spending in order to lead a more balanced and financially secure life, and sometimes, it requires taking a long, hard look at our actions today to ensure a brighter future tomorrow.
Many commenters suggested that the husband should quit or reduce his smoking habit to save money. Credit: Unsplash/Jonathan Kemper.
Quitting smoking is a difficult but achievable goal. It's important to remember that there's no single solution that works for everyone; however, there are some tried and tested strategies that can help increase your chances of success.
One of the most critical steps you can take when quitting smoking is to seek professional help. Talking to your doctor or a health clinic can provide you with access to available treatments or medications that could help you overcome the habit. They can also offer guidance on creating a plan that suits your individual needs.
In addition to seeking professional help, taking note of your triggers and setting achievable goals can help you stay on track. Identifying your triggers, whether it be social situations or emotional stress, can help you avoid them by finding healthier alternatives that can keep you distracted.
Setting realistic goals is also crucial when trying to quit smoking. Small goals can be achievable and provide you with a sense of accomplishment that can help motivate you to continue on the journey towards being smoke-free. Creating a quit-smoking plan can also help you stay focused and dedicated to your goal, as well as help you identify any additional support you may need from family and friends.
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) can also be useful in reducing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit smoking. NRTs are available in various forms, such as lozenges, gums, patches, or inhalers, and have been proven to be helpful in decreasing withdrawal symptoms.
Finally, practising relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can also help during tough times. These techniques can provide a sense of calm and help you manage stress, which is often a trigger for smoking.
Quitting smoking is a challenging journey, but it is achievable with the right tools and planning. Credit: Unsplash/Kelly Sikkema.
Remember, with the right tools, support, and planning, anyone can successfully quit smoking and embrace positive changes in their life. There is no shame in seeking assistance, and consulting a trained healthcare professional can provide the necessary guidance and resources to set you on the path to success.
By taking the first step and seeking help, you are empowering yourself to make a significant and positive transformation in your life.
We're eager to hear your thoughts on this story. Has a similar situation ever unfolded in your own life? Perhaps you've successfully conquered a habit or vice that once had a hold on you.
If you feel comfortable, please share your personal experiences with us in the comments below. Your stories hold great value, and we look forward to hearing from you and learning from your journey.
.png){kind=icon}
