Cost of living
Shopping pullback another sign RBA likely to hold rates steady
The drop in monthly retail turnover follows better than expected inflation data, giving the RBA more reason to pause rate rises next week, economists say.
- by Rachel Clun
Latest
Exclusive
Industrial relations
‘Thrown under the bus’: NSW health workers divided over wages deal
Physiotherapists, pharmacists and dietitians are furious at Health Services Union boss Gerard Hayes, accusing him of chasing headlines rather than pay rises.Â
- by Alexandra Smith
The Brunch Index: See how inflation is impacting the cost of your meal
To look at how inflation changes, here’s how the prices for the ingredients that make up a classic Aussie brunch have changed.
- by Rachel Clun
Series
Renting
If you think renting in Australia is a mess, you’re not the only one
The cost of rent is at an all-time high while vacancies are at an all-time low. Let us help you make sense of it all.
Record $20b surplus on the cards, but no more cost-of-living relief for now
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has left the door open for more cost-of-living relief in the next budget but ruled out any additional top-ups or tax breaks in this financial year.
- by Rachel Clun
Survival of the fittest: Ordinary families learn to live with nature
Those worried about supply chain disruptions, the cost-of-living crisis and the feeling of being unprepared for emergencies are increasingly signing up for survival courses.
- by Amber Schultz
‘Wealthy families, private schools’: Have universities forgotten who their students really are?
Experts warn funding cuts have led to the rise of universities operating like corporations instead of public institutions. What spiky ideas can fix the sector?
- by Sherryn Groch, Lucy Carroll and Nicole Precel
Dating on a budget: How the cost of living crisis is affecting our love lives
Financial stress is changing the way single people date, but experts believe it could be a blessing in disguise.
- by Nell Geraets
How to talk about financial stress without harming your relationships
Whether speaking to housemates or children, experts say it’s vital to have honest conversations about money in the home.
- by Lauren Ironmonger
Exclusive
Inflation
Half of Australians on financial brink as living costs bite
There’s been a surge in the number of people who admit they are under intense financial pressure as interest rates and inflation eat into their savings.
- by Shane Wright
Analysis
RBA
A new RBA governor won’t mean interest rate relief
Michele Bullock may have a tougher job than her predecessor – taming inflation while also overhauling the Reserve Bank.
- by Shane Wright