Australians are increasingly resorting to gathering objects left on the roadside and securing toilet paper from restaurants as the economic downturn deepens.
A Finder survey reveals that around 10% of participants confessed to gathering roadside furniture to embellish their residences.
The study also showed that 7% of people acquire toilet rolls from dining venues, another 7% choose to utilize public wifi rather than investing in home internet services, while some depend on free meals or food donations.
Furthermore, 6% stated they take dog waste bags from parks, whereas others admitted to removing broccoli stalks at supermarkets or opting for the kids’ menu at eateries.
Roughly 4% mentioned they visit a hospital as opposed to seeing a general practitioner.
Camera IconOne in four Australians conveyed they couldn’t handle their financial affairs without using a credit card. NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar Credit: NewsWire
Sarah Megginson, a personal finance expert at Finder, commented that “desperate times call for unusual measures”.
“Traditional methods to cut down expenses are insufficient, pushing many to seek aid programs or partake in behaviors they would normally avoid merely to manage,” expressed Ms. Megginson.
“These are tough times for Australians, and the current economic climate looks especially grim for consumers.
“Family finances are tight, and drastic problems need drastic answers.”
Ms. Megginson advised that modifying utility costs might potentially alleviate financial pressure, with “rapid savings possible in areas like mobile phone and car insurance premiums” that could “significantly assist families under financial stress”.
Financial pressure continues to affect Australians severely, with 80% of Australian households reporting financial hardship according to Finder’s August data.
One in four Australians also conveyed they couldn’t manage their fiscal duties without a credit card.
The bleak figures come after warnings from support services as the need for aid beyond food surges considerably.
Findings from the non-profit Good360 Australia revealed that over 80% of support services in the country report unprecedented demand from communities for non-food aid, including hygiene and clothing products.
Nearly 60% of the 500 participating support services also reported that more individuals are seeking help for the first time.