You don't need me to tell you times are tough - we're all feeling it. The price of petrol, rent, daily essentials and mortgage rates are all up, but wages aren't, and that's a huge problem.
Where the cost of living crisis often stings the most, though, is at the supermarket. Having to put back an item that used to be a staple is a bleak experience, and more and more New Zealanders are panicking at the checkout.
We can't do much but try to cope until something gives - looking at you, supermarket bosses making massive profits - but what can help is sticking together, and having a good whinge.
Thankfully, that's what places like Reddit are made for. Inspired by a similar post on an Australian thread, one user asked Kiwis on the r/newzealand subreddit: "Since money is tight and costs are through the roof, what have you stopped buying as it’s just not worth your money?"
The classic cheese and butter responses were to be expected, but there were lots of other interesting insights into what people are sacrificing at the supermarket.
Olive oil is frequently being replaced with sunflower oil, and Whittaker's chocolate is now dubbed "a luxury item".
Several commenters mourned the loss of the 9-pack of Cookie Time Cookies from their shopping list. "I miss you guys dearly, but always acknowledge you with a slight squint of the eyes and a firm nod of approval as I pass you by in your aisle," one said.
Here are some of the other grocery items Kiwis are now going without:
Olive oil
Fruit juice
Craft beer
Capsicums
Grapes
Ice cream
Smoked salmon
Butter
Cheese
Pork or beef roasts
Chicken
Fresh flowers
Eggs
Risotto rice
Legs of lamb
Biscuits
Chocolate
Ground coffee
And maybe the saddest addition to the anti-shopping list?
"Spontaneity - now everything is planned and budgeted for."
Sigh. I can't tell if I feel better or worse? But a little sense of community goes a long way.
