November 26th 2024.
According to a recent survey conducted by Nine.com.au, it seems that Australians are in for a tough Christmas this year when it comes to the cost of living. The survey, which gathered responses from 581 readers, revealed that the rising cost of living is causing many Australians to tighten their belts and cut back on their holiday spending.
The survey found that nearly half of the respondents, 49%, said they will be reducing their spending on gifts, food, and drinks due to the financial strain caused by high inflation. One reader shared their disappointment, saying that the rising cost of groceries and other living expenses has put a damper on their holiday spirit. "Sadly, exchanging gifts this year will be at an all-time low. It's so disappointing," they said.
Other readers mentioned that they will be sticking to a tight budget and cutting out certain expenses in order to make ends meet. "I can still have Christmas despite being on a tight budget. We'll make our own decorations and just have fun doing it," one respondent shared. Another said that they will be forgoing presents altogether and focusing on homemade cards and the simple pleasures of spending time with loved ones.
However, not all respondents are feeling the financial strain this holiday season. 36% of the readers said they won't be making any changes to their spending habits, while 15% were unsure if the cost of living will affect their Christmas budget. But according to research by The Salvation Army, it seems that the majority of Australians will be feeling the pinch this Christmas. More than half of the respondents in their survey said they will be spending less on food, and 48% admitted they will be cutting back on gifts.
It's clear that many Australians are feeling the pressure of the high cost of living, with some struggling to afford even everyday expenses like bills and groceries. It's no wonder that the holiday season, which is typically associated with generosity and abundance, is causing stress and financial strain for many. But amidst the challenges, there are also stories of resilience and creativity, as some readers shared their plans to make the most of the holiday season on a tight budget.
The survey, which is conducted once a fortnight, reflects the views of the Nine audience on 9Nation, an online community of readers and viewers. It's a reminder that the impact of the cost of living crisis is being felt by many Australians, and it's a topic that needs to be addressed and discussed in order to find solutions and support those who are struggling.
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