09 May 2023 , 09:43
719
0
A single dad uses a single lightbulb to light up his home by taking it from room to room in a bid to keep costs down.
Martin Bongiorno, who lives in a rental property in Bateman's Bay in New South Wales, says he became strict with his personal finances after a workplace accident left him dependent on compensation payments.
But he found himself in trouble and unable to pay his $2,000 (£1,071) electricity bill, so was forced to rack his brain for novel ways of saving money.
He told ABC: "I have one lamp positioned in the middle of the room and if I need to move from one room to the next, I just take out the light bulb and move it to the next room."
It's one of a number of cost-slashing measures that Martin currently employs to reduce his living expenses.
Shop prices 'are yet to peak and will remain high' as inflation hits new heights
He also refuses to eat food that need cooking, forfeits hot showers, and refuses to turn on the single bulb until it's completely pitch black outside.
Martin now spends around AUD$15 (£8.03) per day on food and AUD$20 (£10) on energy per day. It came after his rent was increased by $40 (£21) per week.
He said that constantly worrying about money and having to calculate each expense has become draining.
"You're constantly in this sort of survival mode," he explained. "It's exhausting because you realise this is not a temporary thing."
The Australian Government has offered to stump up AUD$500 (£267) to help more than five million households pay their energy bills as part of a means-tested scheme. Some businesses will also benefit from the one-off payment.
Australia like many other countries is facing a cost of living crisis. Last month the public was warned to expect steep hikes of up to 31 per cent.
But in some parts of Australia, property prices are so cheap that someone with a London flat could afford to buy their own private island.
Poole Island, located in the Whitsundays off Queensland, Australia, has been listed for $995,000 Australian dollars (£530,000) after a previous deal fell through.
About 20 hectares in size, the island has two separate properties on it - one built in the late 19th century, and another more modern home from the 1980s.
It also has a handmade rock swimming pool, which offers stunning views from a high vantage point out into the surrounding sea. A private slipway provides access to down to the beach, with a shed used to house machinery.
8 money changes coming in February including Universal Credit and passport fees
The island comes complete with a 215-metre runway, which is designed for small aircraft or helicopters coming from Airlie Beach or Bowen back on the mainland.
Private Islands Online Australia’s Richard Vanhoff told 7NEWS.com.au that a contract to buy the island collapsed after they lost touch with the bidder.