It is no secret that the cost of living is rising – quickly – and it’s expected to keep rising throughout 2023. Australians are tightening their spending and saying no to items they normally wouldn’t think twice about. 

Collaborative database Expatisan has ranked eleven cities in Australia, in order of cost of living. Sydney has ranked number one, followed by Melbourne. Wollongong, a coastal town, heavily populated with University students sits in 9th place. 

The Sydney Morning Herald reported during a cost of living inquiry that the Reserve Bank’s head of economic analysis, Dr Marion Kohler said people have different spending patterns, so the cost of living pressures can affect households in varied ways.

Dr Marion Kohler told the Sydney Morning Herald,

“We understand that some people are finding the rise in interest rates difficult to manage and others will have to cut back on discretionary spending,”

“However, high-interest rates are necessary to ensure that the current period of high inflation and cost of living pressures does not persist.”

With that, it is likely we will be putting a halt on our spending until such time. So in spite of this, why not save some dollars by creating budget meals to feed yourself or your family?

Tiktoker ‘Jennnnaaayy’ is a home cook who is setting a challenge for Australias to shop for less. 

@jennnnaaayy

How about we make a soup? Lets go shopping! #Under10DollarMealChallenge #Under10DollarMeal #Shopping #Spon #SavvyShopping #Budget

♬ original sound – Jennnnaaayy | Jen Hanlon

Each week, Jenny uploads short videos where she demonstrates herself shopping and cooking meals for less than $10. Previously, Jenny shopped for meals under $20 but has since decreased her budget. 

Her videos see her shopping at popular supermarkets Coles or Woolworths where she purchases affordable groceries and creates her recipes to then share with her 555 thousand TikTok followers. 

Similarly, the Illawarra Mercury has applauded Corrimal’s Roslyn Regan, as she encourages her Facebook community to share their affordable meal recipes as cost-of-living bites.

From finding 7 chicken drumsticks for $1.92 to $0.90 stock cubes, Jenny is making it easier for everyday Australians to feed their families – on a budget.

@jennnnaaayy

Always check the deli for specials! This week’s under $10 meal challenge shopping trip 13/03/23 #Under10DollarMeal #Under10DollarMealChallenge #Shopping #Groceries #SavvyShopping #Spon

♬ original sound – Jennnnaaayy | Jen Hanlon

Read the thread attached to access my secret recipe…