He works in construction, she is in accounts, and their five-year-old granddaughter stays with them four days a week. Together, they manage a steady household routine while navigating the rising cost of living in South Auckland. Here’s a closer look at what it costs to feed their family and how they manage their weekly expenses. Reported by Emily Simpson from 1news.
He works as a site manager in construction, while his wife handles accounts. Most of the time, there are three people in the household, as their granddaughter stays with them about four days a week while her mother studies.
Their weekly household income, after tax, is around $2500. Out of this, they spend approximately $300 per week on groceries. He takes care of the shopping, usually sticking to one supermarket—Pak’n’Save—rather than comparing prices across multiple stores.
When it comes to essentials, their pantry and fridge are typically stocked with basics like rice, bread, and canned foods. Meat is included in their meals about three times a week.
They also make sure to buy items specifically for their granddaughter, especially for her school lunches, including grapes and other fresh fruits.
He prepares her lunch every morning before heading to work. Her lunchbox usually includes fruit, sandwiches, and yoghurts. He mentions that yoghurts and Up&Gos are her biggest treats, while muesli bars are avoided, as his wife prefers not to include that kind of food in her diet.
Cooking responsibilities also fall mainly on him. The couple doesn’t follow a strict meal plan and instead cooks based on what they feel like eating. Their meals typically include dishes like curries, chicken, stir-fries, tacos, and nachos.
As for indulgences, they keep it simple. Chocolate is an occasional treat, and ice cream is bought about once every fortnight. They don’t usually keep biscuits or consume much sweet food.
Like many households, they have noticed a clear rise in living costs over the past couple of years. He estimates that prices have increased by around 10 to 15 percent. Despite this, they haven’t significantly cut back on purchases. He acknowledges that they are relatively fortunate, as they do not have a mortgage, which reduces financial pressure compared to many others.
They do buy cheese, with a single block lasting about a month, but they do not spend on alcohol, as neither of them drinks. Takeaways are occasional—once every fortnight or month—usually Chinese food or fish and chips. Dining out happens every couple of months, costing around $150 for the two of them.
Daily coffee is part of his routine, and he assumes his wife likely does the same. Coffee prices have noticeably increased, now typically costing between $6 and $7. They also go out for breakfast roughly every second Saturday, which can cost up to $150 depending on how many people join.
When it comes to financial habits, he didn’t grow up in a household where money was closely monitored, but his wife did. As a result, she takes care of budgeting and managing their finances. While she doesn’t specifically question grocery spending, both of them regularly acknowledge how expensive things have become.
One major advantage for them is that both have company vehicles and don’t need to pay for fuel—something he notes would otherwise make a significant difference in their expenses.
He also takes his granddaughter to the supermarket once a week. Like most children, she is drawn to the items she isn’t allowed to have and often asks for them during their trips.
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