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Cost of living pressures getting to you?

You don't know what you don't know. There are many services that may be able to help you through debt or your money and cost of living problems. If you don't know what independent assistance is available to help you then you may fall even further behind and into long term debt and financial hardship. Now finding all these services is easy and free with Affordable SA.

Get in the know and take control with Affordable SA. Its a Helpline, Website and App empowering you with the services that you need to stay in control.

Call today on 1800 025 539, download the affordable app, its free!

Or visit affordablesa.com.au

Its a free, independent and confidential service.

Every year Anglicare Australia tests if it is possible for people on low incomes to rent a home in the private market and whether each property is affordable and suitable for people on low incomes.

This year Anglicare surveyed over 67,000 rental listings across Australia for a snapshot of our rental market that revealing a chronic shortage of affordable rentals across Australia. It comes as no surprise that the market is failing millions of Australians as rents rise much faster than peoples incomes and sending more and more people into financial hardship.

Port Adelaide were real winners in the eyes of families doing it tough in Murray Bridge.

Food Bank organised a Pop Up free food market at the racing club in Murray Bridge last Wednesday for those struggling to make ends meet. Food Bank gathers food from supermarkets and outlets for distribution to needy people. Port Adelaide FC is one of Food Bank's charity partners and made a firm commitment to help out. On the day over 300 locals were able to help themselves to what they needed from a large range of food, from fresh produce to tinned goods as well as enjoying a bite to eat at the BBQ.

Players, managers and port staff worked alongside Food Bank volunteers from the morning set up all through to the pack up at the very end of the day. Handing out food, carrying groceries to cars and pretty much doing everything they could to make people feel that they mattered.

It has to be said that sometimes celebrities and organisations use such events as promotional opportunities to improve the perception of their team brand. Stepping in and helping only when the cameras are rolling or there is an interview on offer. But not this team. Nothing was too much trouble for The Power as everyone in a port uniform showed their true colours in supporting the needy in the region with a huge personal best, good grace and humility.

Thanks to Food Bank and well done to Port Adelaide FC. Their commitment in supporting this event showed true team spirit and meaningful benefit for families dealing with recent events such as the Thomas Foods Fire that has impacted on the local community. This event coming on the back of record making donations from the supporters of the club directly to Food Bank.

There are several agencies that support the local community of Murray Bridge and surrounds each week with community lunches, emergency relief and fresh produce markets several times a year, similar but not quite as big as the Food Bank Pop Up last week. See the Affordable SA App for more food distribution activities and helpful services in this region.

The stigma of being in financial hardship prevents many of us from seeking the help we need until it’s too late. There are many reasons for financial hardship and it is not just a case of people mishandling their finances. Separation or death of a partner, domestic violence, loss of employment, health and mental health issues can rapidly deteriorate our financial wellbeing.

Many of us will go through financial problems at some stage in our lives. Some will waiver in and out of hardship on a regular basis. It is not, as some people would want us to believe, just a case of better money managing or poor choices. Paying for the huge increases in electricity and water bills has caught almost all of us off guard and people who would never consider themselves in financial trouble find themselves dipping well beyond just tightening their belts. Add in such life changes as losing a job or only being able to get casual part time work and many more families are in dire straits.

Payday lenders thrive in these environments and target these vulnerabilities with carefree style marketing ads. It’s never a case of borrowing and just moving on.

Even accessing a pension or regular income payment doesn’t spare you from the cost of living eating into your ability to stay above the threshold. Pensioners can genuinely feel held to ransom as any change to their expenses including medical can put their future security on shaky ground and why they are so vocal about any proposed changes. Losing a life long partner brings not only grief but can throw many financial problems and in particular older women struggling with under valued or interrupted superannuation schemes at a real disadvantage.

There are concessions and hardship assistance available and seeking help early can avoid plunging into long term debt or hardship. Finding the right sort of assistance on your own is difficult and accepting that you need help is a huge step forward in keeping the financial hounds at bay. Most charitable assistance agencies provide dignity as a key component to their assistance.

Last week, Affordable SA received an eloquent plea on facebook from Michelle to all those experiencing financial hardship.

“So I have just found a fantastic resource... and yes they have an app! Affordable SA are here to help South Aussies make it through some very real, sometimes unexpected challenges we face. I was referred through our local Salvation Army Community Support branch yesterday and am already feeling some of the weight from my shoulders being lifted! And I have more support to investigate yet!!

Look I know it’s not easy to stand up in public and say “hey I am actually really struggling”... it’s not even easy to confide in those close to you. (Trust me I have been grappling with that dark neigh sayer in my mind for a few months now.) However like every other stereo-typed, “indiscretion” in our modern day society, unless we share our stories of vulnerabilities, life struggles and the much appreciated life lines offered to us then the perpetual cycle of struggle and hardship will continue and the efforts that those make to help will be tarnished by our silence.

I am not proud to be on struggle street right now (with both health and financial challenges) however i am appreciative enough of the help being offered to have the courage to share my vulnerabilities with my network! If you are struggling, with health, finances, dental, relationships...anything really please come to me and let me pay it forward and help others to link with help as others have been so kind as to do for me.”

Thanks Michelle. We hope things start to improve soon.

Speckle offers an alternative when you need a small loan for life's expenses (without the hidden costs). They are an Australian small lender run by a not-for-profit which means all fees and charges go back into keeping costs as low as possible so more people can borrow better. Loans from $200 to $2000 available within a few days.

Speckle was created by Good Shepherd Microfinance and National Australia Bank (NAB). Speckle loans are issued by Good Shepherd Microfinance.

Call 13 43 23

Good Shepherd Microfinance bring a long history of putting people first in providing fair and affordable finance. They are most well-known for the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) – a safe, fair and affordable loan for people who have problems accessing credit. As a not-for-profit organisation, Good Shepherd Microfinance works closely with local communities to provide access to financial products that meet the essential needs of many Australians.

National Australia Bank (NAB) has joined forces with Good Shepherd Microfinance for over 14 years to help build a stronger and more resilient Australia, providing more people with access to appropriate and affordable financial products and services.

If you are experiencing financial hardship a loan might not be the answer. Call the Affordable SA Helpline on 1800 025 539 or the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. Speak to a Financial Counsellor and review your options, there may be another alternative or assistance available. Financial Counsellors are free, independent and confidential. They are on your side and can help negotiate issues with service providers, debt and budget problems.

AnglicareSA and Thread Together have taken to the streets with mobile wardrobes delivering brand new clothes directly to people in need.

Thread Together works in conjunction with clothing manufacturers and fashion retailers to receive and sort brand new, end-of-line clothes for distribution through its charity partners across Australia. Earlier this month (March) AnglicareSA commenced their initial deliveries to communities in the northern and southern Adelaide suburbs.

Picking out a brand new outfit can make a difference to people's lives and adds a little dignity to those that need it most.

The Charity One Voice is now operating a mobile shower and toilet facility in the Adelaide area for the homeless. This also provides an opportunity to have something to eat and a chat about the needs of people sleeping rough and doing without access to such basic facilitates as a hot shower and a safe environment.

One Voice is a registered charity that has been providing similar facilities in the Eastern States and is working with local charities and services to assist in specific areas that have a need.

This services compliments the Orange Sky mobile laundry service that has been operating in Adelaide for several years. The bright orange Van can be easy spotted near the Hut Street Centre and several other locations. One Voice also stands out of the crowd with a big blue van. This new service will now bring to the Homeless much needed basic facilities within a safe environment throughout the Adelaide area.

The service is so new that they haven't yet listed their locations and times on their website. The advanced notification about locations and times are:

Monday: Church of Christ drop in center, Blair Athol, 11am to 2pm

Tuesday: Faith Works drop in center, Salisbury, 11am - 2pm

Wednesday: Salvation Army, Adelaide, City Centre, 5pm - 8pm

Thursday: Marion Skate Park, Marion, 5pm - 8pm (fortnightly)

Thursday: Marion Life, Marion, 9am - 12pm (fortnightly)

Friday: Salvation Army, Marion 11am - 2pm

Saturday: Adelaide City Center, Adelaide, 10am - 2pm (monthly)

Please check the website for updated locations and times.

Death, taxes and rising Health Insurance Premiums seem to be the new constants in our known Universe. April fools day an appropriate date set for increases each year and fear style advertising abundant on our screens as the funds desperately try to get young people, in particular, to sign up.

Private Health Insurance is usually shrouded by concerns between the cost, and what is best for you and your family’s health. It is a substantial chunk of a family budget that many facing increased cost of living pressures simply cannot afford and need to rely on the public system. Even the traditional middle income earners have less to spend because of huge utilities costs and are choosing to opt out of private funds in droves or cutting down on many extras coverage. This has partly been responsible for sending waiting times up even higher. Western Australia has seen a 12% increase in waiting times since the downturn of its resource boom as many more return to the public system.

Why does health cover keep rising each year? Well, health costs go up each year, more people are claiming more often, an ageing population living longer and the Government actually reduces its contribution each year. Yes reduces its contribution. Which means we have to pay more each year. An average of around $200 more.

The big scary cut off point we are told is when you turn 31 as if you are not in a health fund you will be charged a surcharge. How do we know if this surcharge is worth avoiding? CHOISE has released a simple guide to help (see link below for info). CHOICE is a consumer advocate that provides Australians with information and advice, free from commercial bias. This survey asks a few simple questions and gives you an answer based on strictly financial outcomes. There are assumed variables and carefully worded disclaimers and it should not be taken as a complete and absolute guide. Whilst many would welcome a definitive yes or no, it really depends on preference as it does not consider that many people want some control of what, when and who they can use for treatment, particularly for elective surgery. Joining the waiting list at the back of the queue can be stressful when there is discomfort involved. So there is always a personal choice but usually dictated by the realities of whether you are willing to wait or can afford to jump the queue by paying for private treatment. Many can’t afford the costs and have to put up with serious discomfort as they slowly progress their way to the front of the queue in the public system, and that is not right.

So who is the real winner when it comes to health care? It still comes down to what you want and what you can afford. Like many things in life a lot depends on your income. If you’re in the big dollar bracket then you can expect to pay a hefty surcharge if you don’t have a fund. So you can save money if you stay in the health cover you can afford. If you’re young and reasonably healthy then the odds are in your favour for opting out and continuing with knowledgable ignorance. Experts say that you should put some money away in place of paying for private insurance to manage if things go wrong but good luck telling that to a young adult signing up to a new phone every year or struggling to pay a Hex debt. If you’re in the middle income bracket you can expect a lot of cajoling or sharp pointed sticks prodding you in the direction of just coughing up and paying. Middle income earners is the market where most of the fear advertising is directed. If you’re in the low income bracket with no private cover then please take a number and wait and we'll be with you as soon as we can.

In reality, we are only just hanging on to the belief that the majority of people have access to health care if they need it. No matter what they earn or if they are in a fund or not. Choice and urgency is what is quickly disappearing. Waiting lists for treatment have and will increase and without urgent attention it will spiral out of control and we may just lose the dream of affordable health for all. Cost of Living increases mean that many who have been paying the lion share are opting out and the waiting lists are growing like bread lines in a recession.

So, look at the your scenario well. Do the survey but measure the response with your needs. Check to see if you can get a better deal but be careful as to what that deal is giving you. Unfortunately it all seems a bit of a gamble with your health at stake.

It's festival time in Adelaide and as usual the Fringe sounds the starting gun tonight with its Opening street party and continues with a colossal line up of artists and events running from 16th Feb to the 18th March.

The good thing about living in a festival town is that there is quite a lot of great free stuff surrounding the main acts. Festivals receive quite a lot of public money so always include a lot of free entertainment, street performance and challenging installation works for all to experience. It's all part of the festival atmosphere which could be in an alley way, a tent, pub, Laundromat or Airport terminal?

Even the buskers in Rundle mall are seasoned festival pros and well worth the gold coin you may need to give up to interrupt your shopping. For the last week the oversized luggage pick up at the airport has seen a constant stream of guitars and instrument flight cases pouring off the incoming planes and performers easily spotted by their artistic hair and flair as they Uber their way to old Adelaide town.

The festival glow can be somewhat diminished when you have little to spend and the big-ticket artists are of course, at big-ticket prices. Many people can barely afford the loose change for the hard working street performers and taking a family out to a big night out can put quite a severe dent in your finances. Great artists and performers provide so much inspiration for us and who couldn't do with a good laugh or diversion from the hardship and struggle economics most of us have experienced lately with the cost of living blues.

If you're going to struggle to pay for the festival experience then you need to get you and the family to some of the free stuff on offer. The Fringe starts with the Opening night and street party. This Free event always has big entertainment including the night market which is a good scene setter for your budget festival spending. Fringe in the Mall brings some of the acts free to the people in Rundle Mall. Pull up a pig and enjoy.

A must for the younger kids is the walk down North Terrace for The parade of light where the iconic buildings of North Terrace are transformed into something quite special. If you took the kids to see the "Lights of Lobethal" then this is nothing like that. The LOL is a B&W Western and this is Star Wars with CGI. Bring a few snacks for the kids and the family as you can spend quite a long time seeing all the intrecacies. Starting at 8.30 and finishing at midnight you can usually find somewhere to park within walking distance for a late night cheap family outing.

Offered again this year is the GooseChase which is a free download app scavenger hunt with missions, puzzles and tasks to earn points.

The Fringe is a massive undertaking and the only way to expand is out. This year there are more Regional events planned. Kangaroo Island, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Mount Gambier all have free events and the Adelaide Hills lower their glasses long enough to get into the swing of things with their own local shows. Even the Adelaide Airport will keep the many arriving tourists and daily travelling jet set amused with performers that will not go unnoticed or possibly arrested.

In the end it's all about us having a good time, appreciating and supporting the artists. The fringe is partly the artist being entrepreneurial and some artists will walk away with very little in order to get their talents on show. So purchasing at least one ticket during the festival is always a good show of support for the arts. You can get the best deals by signing up to receive the daily festival email and be ready to pounce on the half priced tickets offered each day. You can go online to see whats on but there is nothing like thumbing through the enormous paper guide, which has become in itself a festival tradition.

The other advantage to seek out is the fringe membership which for under $20 will get you in to a host of special events that include show highlights with big names uttering a few classic lines from their usual monologue to help sell the shows as well as other free stuff.

All this festival frivolity is leading us up to the frantic antics of the State election which may go unnoticed buried between festival acts and Womad or stalled somewhere on the chicane of the Adelaide 500. Mad March in South Australia will be madder than ever with this election shaping up as a real three-ring circus.