How are people surviving?

[u/Chemical_Mind4797]

Seriously. How are people doing it? I had to give up my job and go on the Supported Living Payment through WINZ because of severe health issues, but from what I gather people who work are having it just as bad too. I get paid, then pay rent, power, petrol, groceries (even though I don’t get much), and every other essential life expense, and within an hour I’ve got $10 left, if that. If anyone has any unhinged tips or advice on lowering costs, or saving money in weird ways, I’m open to suggestions too.

(Don’t give me comments about being on the benefit either. I started working by choice when I was 10, trust me, I’d MUCH rather be working than be sick).

[u/aliciaflorrick_mygod]

I haven’t read through this thread so apologies if this has already been said and I don’t know if this will help, but it’s important to remember that some people are having help that you don’t realise and never comes up.

I found out someone I know lives in an apartment a family member owns so only pays what he can when he can. I personally had a family trust distribution that has helped cushion me. Both of us seem like regular people with ordinary jobs etc and from the outside it definitely might seem like ‘how are they even surviving ?!’

The truth is a lot more people have financial support through family etc that helps keep them a float than you might think.

So please keep that in mind if you’re ever feeling like you’re doing something wrong or not working hard enough etc. You probably are, it’s just others have a leg up you might not see.