Will Jenny Macklin really attempt to live on $35 a day to prove that it's a reasonable payment from the Government for single Mothers' support?
I think not.
But the Greens Adam Brandt says he will try for one week to live on the $35 a day allowance. Will be very interesting to see how he manages. I hope he'll be keeping a diary for us to see.
I've rustled up a quick budget of my current living expenses (you can see my $35 a day budget here)- I'm sure everyone of you relying on single Mothers' Government support already know how difficult it is. In fact, it's so difficult that you actually have to become very savvy at how to juggle the finances to make ends meet.
Pay bills late or part pay them, so there's enough money to cover the critical expenses like the electricity bill. Let the seemingly unimportant bills lapse (like the RACV membership) and then reactivate if and when you can. Pay annual bills by instalments monthly, quarterly or 6 monthly, even though it costs more in the long run, you don't have to come up with the bulk yearly amount. Delay paying the school fees as long as you can. Send the kids to school with holes in their shoes hoping it won't rain. Get the kids clothes from the 50cent Op Shop sales days. Say "no" to the kids when they want a birthday party, go to the movies or takeaway food (then suffer the parent guilt-trip that you can't even afford to give your kids a treat) . Scour the Target yellow clearance sections, hoping for a bargain you can afford. Of course, this is only the start of the juggling process you go through.
Then we get to the food and groceries and the Savvy Shopper Syndrome
Chicken and fish rate highly on our menu. Red meat is a rarity - apart from mince.
Purchasing whole chickens rather than fillets or thighs is a much cheaper way to go. At Aldi you can pick up a whole chicken for around $6.50 which will easily feed 4-5 hungry mouths.
I often use Basa fillets from Aldi frozen fish section. $6.99 per kilo, about 6 good sized pieces of fish - can be fried, steamed, stir fried or baked - excellent value here.
Aldi also has a crumbed white fish pack of 6 at $3.49 - much better quality than fish fingers and tastes good.
Also at Aldi, pack of 6 beef sausages $2.46 or bulk packs at even better prices (but don't always have the funds to buy in bulk and freeze).
Noodles, rice and pasta are often on the menu (all no-name brands of course). It's cheap and goes a long way.
Frozen vegetables (peas, beans, corn, broccoli, cauliflower) are by far more economical than fresh. But I still look out for seasonal fresh veggies when the prices are at least reasonable.
Of course, fresh fruit is a must. And if it's too expensive, then we do without or have limited selection.
In the grocery and meat sections, I'm always looking for the real specials. The half price sales and the marked down for quick sales make a huge difference. Especially when it comes to meat and personal bathroom goods, like toothpaste, deodorant or shampoo.
You can probably guess that I'm an Aldi convert and yes you are right. Aldi plays a big role in making my budget go further without compromising too much on the quality of the food items we eat. If you haven't yet experience an Aldi shop, give it a try, you will be very surprised at the difference at the checkout.
Well that's it for now. Can't wait to see the outcome of Jenny Macklin (if she does it) and Adam Brandt's trial at living on $35 a day.
Cheers.
PS: disclaimer - I have no affiliation with Aldi - I'm just a very satisfied customer happy to share the Aldi experience.
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