Helpful tips for Financial stress and hardship

Hi @Shaz51 , hopefully I've done the right thing 🙂 Thank you for all your amazing knowledge you have shared with us.

Thank you @tyme 😀

Great tips @Krishna 😀👍

Hi @Shaz51

Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful thread - this is such a great idea 💜

I just wanted to share a few of the things that have helped me - in the hope that they may be helpful for other people too 💜

Several years ago, when I was unable to work, I applied to Centrelink for a Low Income Health Care Card.

Although it’s not an income per se, the Low Income Health Care Card provided me with a small amount of comfort and relief, as it helped to reduce some of the costs associated with everyday living.

For example, I received cheaper medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, I was able to attend bulk billed appointments with my GP and I also received a larger refund in relation to my medical costs once I’d reached the Medicare safety net.

In my experience, you can receive a Low Income Health Care Card even if you’re not currently eligible to receive an income support payment through Centrelink 💜

I’ve included the link to Centrelink’s website, just in case this is something that other people would like to explore further:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/low-income-health-care-card

In addition to the above, some people may also be eligible to receive some support through their state or territory government, such as a reduction in the fees associated with their electricity and gas bills, motor vehicle registration and accessing public transport 💜

Given how we’re a geographically diverse little bunch (and concessions sometimes vary between states 😊) I’ve just shared some links to the concessions that are available in each state, so that people can explore the ones that they may be eligible to receive:

https://campaigns.premiers.qld.gov.au/smart-savings/#category=Cost-of-living

https://www.act.gov.au/assistance

https://nt.gov.au/community/concessions-and-payments/nt-concession-scheme

https://www.concessions.tas.gov.au/

https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/concessions-and-benefits

https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/concessions-and-rebates

https://concessions.communities.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/concessions

I hope that this helps a little bit 💜

Thinking of you and sending hugs your way,

ShiningStar 💜

Thank you @ShiningStar for all those wonderful links and yes we have a low income health care card wich has been wonderful as we are self employed and we receive a discount on our medications for half a year and then no cost for medications for the other 6 months due to the amount of medications we need

@tyme , @Krishna , @TAB , @Former-Member , @Dimity

Thanks for this thread @Shaz51

I have chooks, Mary and Martha, sometimes they perform, sometimes they don’t. I have threatened to turn them into chicken soup!

I grow a few veg and lots of herbs. I don’t know if that saves money but it is nice to have fresh veg from my garden.

I shop at the Butcher, the Baker and markets…costs a bit more but I actually spend less by not going to the supermarket as often.

i have solar panels and a water tank for the garden.

I spend more at pdoc and chemist than the hairdresser.

i have a savings plan for Christmas.

We do all celebrations at home and I cook…saves lots.

Old clothes and toys go to Vinnies and I never buy petrol on Fridays.

I use my library membership and we play board games.

I pay my credit card off every month.

@tyme your tips are great. Thank you for sharing.

Oooo! @Eve7 ! I'd better not take the credit for someone else's ideas! I copied and pasted those ideas from 8 Dimensions of Wellness as @Shaz51 was finding she wasn't able to copy it over using her phone.

@Shaz51 I love this post so much. Thank you for posting, I really have been looking for some tips!

Some things I've been doing

• Food:
  • My partner and I have been cooking cheap but delicious bulk means. Often rice, protein and veggies with lots of delicious sauce and flavourings. Plus we try a new pasta each week
  • Going to the supermarket after 7.30 at night to get marked-down bread
  • This app shows you all the half-price items in coles and woolies
  • I do groceries online and get them delivered. All sale items go on a sale every 4 weeks so I stock up on thinks like soy milk ect
  • Find a local mutual aid, community cook-out or support group!
• Housing
  • If you're in Victoria, Justice Connect has a platform called "Dear Landlord" which started during lockdowns and has templates for asking for rent reductions, challenging eviction ect
  • Many banks have a mortgage repayment pause for 3-12 months. Always talk to a financial advisor about this, but not a lot of people know. Someone else linked them, but the National Debt Helpline has free financial counselling
  • This Justice Connect webpage also has tips for a lot of these housing stressors
• Healthcare
  • Lots of universities have cheap dental care, osteo, physio so their students can learn!

I know none of us are alone in this. Financial stress is something I grew up with and is a massive trigger for me. I found focussing on the things I can control is really useful so I have a budget which I try to stick to. Even when I was on Centrelink, I found it really empowering to know where my money. This might not be possible for everyone, but it's worked for me.