When Everyday Life Feels Too Expensive: You’re Not Alone

Author: Vanessa Stoykov
Category: Manage Finances

If you’ve been lying awake at 3am doing mental gymnastics over school fees, the mortgage, groceries, and that surprise vet bill—you’re not alone. Financial stress is real in 2025, and it’s hitting people from all walks of life. No matter how much you earn—or how good things might look on the outside—a lot of people are quietly struggling to keep up.

In fact, the National Debt Helpline saw a 12% increase in calls last year, with more than 169,000 Australians reaching out for help. And that’s just the people who picked up the phone. Imagine how many more are suffering in silence, too ashamed or overwhelmed to say anything.

Here’s the truth: it’s OK to admit that things are hard. It’s OK to feel the pressure. What’s not OK is sitting in that stress alone and doing nothing—because the longer you wait, the worse it feels. And help is out there.

Everyone’s Making Tough Decision

This year, more and more people are making the kinds of decisions they never thought they’d have to—like pulling kids out of private school, selling a home that’s too expensive to hang onto, or giving up a second car. And while none of it feels great, these choices are sometimes the smartest, most protective thing you can do for your mental health and future stability.

Debt compounds, but so does stress—and living in a constant state of financial pressure can mess with your sleep, your relationships, and even your physical health. It’s not sustainable. And it’s not your fault.

Talk to Someone. Ask for Help.

The best conversations about money start with one thing: honesty. Whether it’s your partner, a close friend, or a professional, opening up about what’s really going on can unlock practical ideas—and emotional relief.

If you’re not sure where to start, try this:

· Call your super fund. Many funds offer general advice at no extra cost—things like how your super is invested or whether you’re in the right option for your stage of life. But if you want more personalised or comprehensive financial advice (like planning for retirement), you may have to pay a fee. The good news? That cost can often be deducted from your super, and it might be more affordable than you think.

· Reach out to the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. They’re free, confidential, and they’ve helped thousands of people just like you make a plan. Even if you feel like your situation is beyond fixing, they’ve seen it before—and they can help.

· Explore credit mediation. Professional mediators can help negotiate with lenders and credit providers. It might sound formal, but it could give you breathing room.

· Do the research. There are free financial counselling services around the country—many run through community legal centres or not-for-profits. A few calls or clicks could change everything.

Action > Anxiety

Taking action, even something small, will help you feel more in control. And that’s the key. Once you’ve made one step—like calling someone or writing down what you owe—you’ve broken the paralysis that stress creates.

And if it comes to making a big change—like moving house or radically shifting your lifestyle—don’t let shame stop you. You’re not failing. You’re choosing peace over pressure. You’re playing the long game.

Because at the end of the day, your health, your relationships, and your mental clarity matter more than keeping up appearances.

So take a deep breath. Make the call. Start the conversation.

You’re not broken. You’re human. And help is waiting.

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Each day I wake up excited to inspire everyday people to open up and take control of their money, regardless of their history, goals, or savings amount. About Vanessa >>

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Authors

Vanessa Stoykov

Vanessa has been passionate about writing and storytelling since her days of hiding under the doona with her torch to read after bedtime.
Kathy Skantzos

Kathy is a yoga-loving world traveller who also happens to moonlight as a business journalist and writer. She was the finance editor of news.com.au and the Managing Editor of CEO Magazine (Asia) before joining Vanessa and the evo squad.
Shayne Sommer

Shayne is second dan black belt in karate, and a budding romance writer with a difference. Why? Because she writes romance stories that always have a money lesson.
Antoinette Colbran

Specialising in stories for 50+ women, Antoinette draws from her own experiences to help other women avoid the pitfalls and see the benefits of understanding their money situation.
Michael Crooks

Michael Crooks is a more than 20 year writer and documentary maker who has worked with Time Inc and the BBC, who wants to expose the truth from real victims of financial crime to help others avoid their mistakes.
Kim Payne

Kim Payne has spent the past three decades as a speaker, trainer, business coach, and consultant in financial services. She has worked with and transformed hundreds of brilliant, educated, high achievers who are chronically under-living.
Rebecca Pritchard

Rebecca Pritchard is on a mission to help men and women achieve equality when growing a family.
Antony Perring

Ant is a writer, designer and business builder with a love of food, design and good living. He writes on food and money in an easy to do way.
Julie Hyde

Julie Hyde is a leader of leaders. A disruptor and a powerful people enabler who empowers leaders to make big things happen.
Joshua Pennell

As a Dad to four kids and a business owner, Josh is passionate about family and finances and is known as The Family Finance Guy.
Sid Lal

Sid is a serial entrepreneur who set up his first business when he was still in University. Since 2009 he has been heading Bruce Clay, first in India & more recently in Australia.
Lou Johnson

Lou Johnson believes in the power of sharing stories to build empathy, understanding and connection. Growing up surrounded by books and storytelling, alongside her drive to make a difference led her to a highly successful career in book publishing.
David Rae

Dave is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and has been a financial adviser since 2003. He works with a range of clients and has a strong focus on ethical and sustainable investing.
Natallia Smith

Natallia specializes in assisting pre-retiree single women—whether they are never married, widowed, separated, or divorced—understanding deeply the importance of financial stability during life's pivotal moments such as separation, divorce, retirement, and the loss of a loved one.
Mark Hoy

With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Mark established Wollemi Wealth Management in 2013. His business is built almost entirely on referrals and word of mouth — a testament to the trust, integrity, and long-term relationships he forms with his clients.
Derek Gascoigne

Derek Gascoigne is the State Manager for UniSuper Advice in Victoria and Tasmania. Derek has been with UniSuper for over 15 years, and his career in superannuation and financial services spans 27 years and counting.
Annika Bradley

Annika Bradley is Head of Advice Strategy, Research & Technical at UniSuper. She brings over 20 years of experience across investments and wealth management in both the public and private sectors.
Wayne Leggett

Wayne has been a recipient of numerous industry awards and was one of the first to qualify as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). He has been heavily involved in industry affairs at the highest level, including serving as national president of the Association of Financial Advisers (now FAAA).
Conrad Francis

Conrad Francis is the Founding Director of Inspired Money, a Perth-based financial coaching and financial planning, mortgage broking and money coaching firm he established in 2011.
Andrew Beks

Andrew Beks is a Chartered Accountant and the founder of Simplified Business and Accounting.