Cost of Living

Increased costs for petrol, food and housing are front and centre when it comes to how families are choosing to vote in the upcoming South Australian state election.

As Reserve Bank board members gather for the second day of meetings this morning, they already would have been peppered with dire warnings about the potential impact of the energy shock.

Many Australian families are adjusting their Easter travel plans as eye-watering fuel prices continue to rise.

At 76 and stuck on the waitlist for public housing, Bill Turner is on the brink of homelessness, unable to afford his own rental in a housing market at breaking point — a situation that's left him feeling "deserted".

New data has confirmed a significant rise in fuel costs, with the national average petrol price increasing 17 cents over the week to Sunday, to 198 cents a litre, as analysts warn there's more room for it to rise.

Queensland Energy Minister David Janetzki has written to federal counterpart Chris Bowen warning of major impacts on daily life.

As a Perth charity that provides food and financial assistance for people who are struggling loses its federal funding, there are fears it will have to turn more vulnerable people away.

Financial stress means some families cannot afford their children's dance classes, so Armidale tween Annabelle has started a free dance school to keep their dreams alive.

The head of Australia's biggest independent remote grocery stores network says in 30 years, he's never seen Indigenous communities struggle so much to afford enough food.

In the market for a ready-to-renovate property? Here are some tips to help you uncover a gem, from Grand Designs Transformations host Anthony Burke — and a couple who just did it with little DIY experience.

Remote communities are paying nearly $4 per litre for diesel and NT residents are claiming the price has jumped unfairly this week.

A dire weather forecast for last weekend in Adelaide combine with ongoing cost of living pressures to deliver a huge drop-off in Adelaide Fringe ticket sales, organisers and artists say.

New figures show Australian diesel sales are rising as customers buy more products online, while E10 and LPG sales continue to fall.

Woolworths shares rally 13 per cent on a well-received result. The supermarket's shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 45 cents per share, up from the same time a year ago.

TasWater has continued to press its case for a steep water bill hike, despite the economic regulator's decision to halve its proposed price earlier this month. 

Home insurance premiums continue to rise, with properties in natural disaster-prone areas paying the most. 

Almost 50 new social and affordable homes will be built in Tasmania's north following a green light from council, despite some concern about parking and "anti-social behaviour".

Mark hasn't taken on a hairdressing trainee for years. He's not alone in thinking low-wage apprenticeships just aren't attractive to young people anymore.

A study from Deakin University has found many young women admit skipping meals or forgoing medical attention to save money.

Kay and her daughter, Cat, moved back in together a year ago — along with Cat's husband and their three kids. This is the reality of what it's like living with three generations under one roof.