Living costs stories

Festive food, drink and dining out delivered a surprise December spending lift, as households splurged ahead of Christmas gatherings.

NZ adds more jobs but works fewer hours as high-paid tech roles, casual shifts and young workers’ pay all slide, new data shows.

Karmo’s car subscriptions join Commonwealth Bank’s Cars for CommBank marketplace, offering flexible access to petrol, hybrid and electric cars.

Singapore retail investors back the global bull run into 2026 even as confidence at home in jobs, economy and living costs erodes.

Young Australian men are ditching pub nights for online gaming, as new research shows digital hangouts now rival bars for socialising.

Australian holiday shoppers are spending strategically, forcing retailers to sharpen promotions, personalise offers and boost in-store experience.

Almost 80,000 New Zealanders moved to Australia in 2024 as economic pressure worsens mental health, with over half citing financial stress as their main concern.

A recent study reveals 57% of UK shoppers now prioritise quality and value over brand loyalty, prompting marketers to rethink engagement strategies.

Workplace gifting is evolving as living costs rise, with fewer colleagues contributing but higher average amounts per gift, reports GroupTogether.

Perth startup 1Wheel is revolutionising private car sales in Australia, offering a transparent, no-fee service amid rising living costs.

Clio has launched Clio Payments in Australia, providing law firms with flexible, compliant billing options to enhance client relationships amid rising costs.

New research from Kogan reveals a surge in demand for larger TVs in Australia, with screen sizes expanding from 65 inches to 100 inches by 2024.

Code Institute introduces a €250,000 Spring Scholarship Fund, aiming to remove financial barriers for aspiring software developers amid global economic difficulties.

Tangerine Telecom fights rising telecom costs with innovative mobile billing solutions, offering plans focused on affordability, flexibility, and value for customers' evolving needs.

Amidst rising living costs, 95% of Australians utilise loyalty programmes, with usage up 18% YoY, according to a study by Pureprofile and Retail Doctor Group.

Swoop Holdings reports a 17% year-on-year revenue increase in half-year results, attributing this robust growth to successful acquisitions and a subscriber increase to over 160,000.

Amid rising living costs, Australians are to depend more on promotional deals and discounts in 2024, with spending reductions expected across industries.

Australian shift workers are increasingly taking on multiple jobs, a trend called 'poly-employment', which has reached a 25-year high.

New research by Morgan McKinley reveals Singapore's tech growth held back in 2023 due to a shortage of skilled candidates, with 76% of hirers finding recruitment competitive.

Singaporeans' top Google searches in 2023 were dominated by key events, coping strategies for rising costs, and growing interest in AI.