A terrible sense of foreboding, as the cost of living crisis begins to bite!

There is most definitely a feeling of unease, right across Australia, at the moment. Traditionally, this country doesn't suffer from recessions in the same way a nation like the UK does, but this time, things feel decidedly different. Australia has a wealth of natural resources, the extraction of which, has helped cushion past recessions. Unlike the UK this has helped us weather previous downturns, but today this country is feeling the effects of a prolonged period of stagnation, high inflation and high interest rates. Like everyone else, Darrell and I are beginning to feel the pinch.

I have spoken much about the high cost of living in Australia and there seems to be no let up, with prices spiralling out of control. When I arrived on these shores, nearly nine months ago, we were paying about $150.00 a week on food. Today, after our weekly shopping trip to Coles, my supermarket of choice, we spent $305.00; this is a huge increase and something that isn't sustainable long term!

Both Darrell and I are particularly canny with money these days, it really is a case of having to be. So far, despite the constant mortgage rate rises, we have managed to more or less double our mortgage payments, and my hope was, we would pay the mortgage off within twelve years. However, interest rates are rising each month, and I am not sure for how much longer, I can continue to increase payments at such an exorbitant rate. With all our bills, insurances, house renovations and savings, we are looking at monthly outgoings of around $8000.00, which isn't small. Thinking short term, things will have to change, and we, like everyone else, will have to make cuts in our budget. Rather than waiting for things to take a turn for the worst, we are doing what is necessary now and hopefully preparing for what comes next!

I work in an industry that is likely to suffer first as any recession takes hold. Selling luxury goods, I am mindful of what could happen going forward, and I am trying to do what I can to protect us. As a person who suffers with anxiety, I am apprehensive about the future, and not sure whether I will be in the same job, six months from today. This is a source of great consternation for me, as I plan for our future in Australia. The long term plans I have are still there, but the reality is, I have put them on the back burner for now.

Working in retail, I am aware of people's spending habits and have seen a distinct drop in the money they are parting with. Everyone I speak to has concerns about the cost of living and are not afraid to speak their minds. Australians are very vocal compared to those in the UK; as a person who loves to listen, I am discovering that not everything is well in my home town. After only a short period living in Australia, I am fully aware of the difficulties on the horizon. Taking soundings from the locals has been a great way for me to prepare for the future here in Perth. In the past I was never keen on taking advice, today I am happy too, especially from people who know just what is about to happen.

As we move from the autumn into winter, there really is a cold chill in the air. The black clouds are circling over Western Australia, as recession looms large. If I am perfectly honest, I am concerned for the future and what lays ahead, but like so much that has happened in my life, I have no control over the outcome. Living at my Aunts in the UK I was sheltered from the worst life could throw my way; in Perth, saddled with a mortgage, and all the responsibility that comes with it, I am very much at the centre of the storm. I am conscious of my current circumstances and fully aware of what I need to do, in order to survive. The difference this time, is the lack of help from the state should I need it and the small network of friends, compared to those in the UK.

Darrell and I are very much on our own now, and that suits us perfectly. It has always been us two against the World, even more so in Australia. Today I remain positive in the face of adversity and nothing is too much to overcome. Thankfully I am a realist and can foresee the future, as I've been here before, for that reason I have been able to consider the difficulties ahead. Darrell and I are far more fortunate than most; our bills remain low, we don't live on the poverty line, and above all we don't live in Britain. Foodbanks, cold banks, utility bills out of control, strikes and discontent just do not happen here.

The cathartic nature of writing allows me to see the raw reality in front of me and keeps me grounded when deciding my next move. Reading over blog entries offers a unique insight into my current thinking and solutions to complications that have happened in the past and may crop up tomorrow. Now is the time to batten down the hatches, cut costs, and dream of future endeavours when times are good once again!

---

---