The Cost of Living Crisis: If It Feels Harder, That’s Because It Is

By Jenny Brown – CEO & Founder

Not long ago, I was sitting with Mark and Sue (names changed). They’re smart, capable, doing “all the right things”. Good incomes. A plan. No wild spending.

Yet Sue looked at me and said,
“Jen… why does it feel like we’re running harder but going nowhere?”

Have you found yourself thinking something similar?
Are you earning more than you used to, but feeling like there’s less left over?

If so, you’re not imagining it. And no, it’s not because you’re bad with money.

This isn’t in your head

Let’s clear something up straight away. There is real pressure out there.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, living costs have risen for every household type, roughly 2.3% to 4.2% over the past year. Housing, groceries and energy are doing the most damage. The essentials. The things you can’t simply “cut out”.

And it shows up in how we feel.

The Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index recently dropped sharply, meaning more Australians are feeling pessimistic than optimistic right now.

Does that reflect how you’re feeling?
Do you find yourself pausing before spending, even on things you once felt comfortable with?

The stories we hear every week at JBS

Then there’s Anne, a self‑funded retiree. On paper, she’s fine. But she leaned forward and said quietly,
“I’m okay today… but what if prices keep rising? What if I live longer than we planned?”

Have you ever caught yourself wondering whether your money will stretch as far as you thought?

And then there’s Jess, a single mum balancing a mortgage, kids and life. She wasn’t after miracles. She just said,
“I want to breathe again, and still know I’m building something for the future.”

Can you relate to that desire for some relief now, without sacrificing tomorrow?

Different life stages. Same underlying concern: uncertainty.

Why uncertainty is the real burden

Rising prices are hard, but it’s the not knowing that really wears people down.

When confidence drops, decisions get delayed. Doubt creeps in. The latest surveys show Australians are particularly uneasy about how their family finances compare to a year ago, and far less comfortable making big financial decisions.

Have you put something off lately because you just weren’t sure it was the right move?
Are you waiting for things to “settle down” before acting?

Without a plan, every headline feels personal.

What thoughtful financial planning can do

Let’s be honest. We can’t control inflation, fuel prices or interest rates.

But we can help you take control of what is within your reach.

At JBS, that often means:

• Getting clear on cash flow, so your money supports what matters most to you.
• Stress‑testing your plan, what if costs rise again, or life changes?
• Making sure your super, tax and debt strategies match your real life, not just the theory.
• And most importantly, exchanging uncertainty for clarity and confidence.

For Mark and Sue, it meant finally feeling back in control.
For Anne, it was peace of mind.
For Jess, it was hope, supported by a real strategy.

A gentle next step

Cost‑of‑living pressures probably won’t disappear overnight. But panic doesn’t help. Avoidance doesn’t either.

A calm, flexible plan does.

If any part of this story sounds like you, or someone you care about, maybe this is your nudge to reach out.

At JBS Financial Strategists, we start with a conversation. Not a sales pitch. Not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution. Just time to understand where you are, what’s worrying you, and how we can help you move forward with greater confidence.

If you’d like to talk, we’d love to hear from you.
Because navigating challenging times is always easier when you don’t do it alone.

Connect with JBS Financial Strategists.