Struggling Logan families are finding ways to save where they can, and discount shopping is becoming a new way of life for many.
Logan Village residents, Felicity and Adrian O’Donnell support a family of seven and are struggling to make ends meet.
“At the end of the week, our pays only cover so much and to have a budget of $250 doesn’t go far when you have three teens and two other children aged between 10-12,” Mrs O’Donnell said.
“When it was just the two of us, we could live off two-minute noodles and packet pasta no problems, we didn’t have any real worries and prices were low back then. But the need to support our children is the most important thing to us.
“Buying from bigger name brand stores doesn’t get you a lot now days.”
So she has learned to shop around.
“We go to Lighthouse Care and get their $25 shopping trolleys. This helps with cupboard staples, vegetables, some fruit and kids’ snacks,” she said.
“Definitely check out your local food banks like Lighthouse Care (Loganholme) and Twin Rivers (Eagleby), you can get free bread and heavily discounted items in some places.
“We aren’t fussy on the best before dates, as they are only an indicator not a used by date. And when it comes to milks and other cold items, freezers are a wonderful thing.”
Mrs O’Donnell said Aldi is also one of our other favourites for cheap finds, along with discount butchers. And bulk is another way to save.
“When you buy in bulk, freeze things if you can and they last much longer. Also, the cheap discount stores sell cleaning products and snack foods very cheap, so stock up on those while you can,” she said.
The O’Donnell family have also made sacrifices to cut costs in other areas.
“We have dropped the paid TV subscriptions, as there is plenty of free to air to watch. We also dropped our internet back and had to cut our gym memberships for now and re-evaluate our insurances,” Mrs O’Donnell said.
Do you know a way your community is helping tackle the cost of living? Let us know via email media@mycitylogan.com.au
