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Cost of living: if you can’t afford as much fresh produce, are canned veggies or frozen fruit just as good?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> The cost of living crisis is affecting how we spend our money. For many people, this means tightening the budget on the weekly supermarket shop. One victim may be fresh fruit and vegetables. Data from the <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/australians-consuming-fewer-vegetables-fruit-and-less-milk#:%7E:text=Paul%20Atyeo%2C%20ABS%20health%20statistics,278%20to%20267%20to%20grams.%E2%80%9D">Australian Bureau of Statistics</a> (ABS) suggests Australians were consuming fewer fruit and vegetables in 2022–23 than the year before. The cost of living is likely compounding a problem that exists already – on the whole, Australians don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables. <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-guide-healthy-eating">Australian dietary guidelines</a> recommend people aged nine and older should consume <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/five-food-groups/fruit">two</a> serves of fruit and <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/five-food-groups/vegetables-and-legumes-beans">five</a> serves of vegetables each day for optimal health. But in 2022 the <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/dietary-behaviour/latest-release">ABS reported</a> only 4% of Australians met the recommendations for both fruit and vegetable consumption. Fruit and vegetables are crucial for a healthy, balanced diet, providing a range of <a href="https://theconversation.com/were-told-to-eat-a-rainbow-of-fruit-and-vegetables-heres-what-each-colour-does-in-our-body-191337">vitamins</a> and minerals as well as fibre. If you can’t afford as much fresh produce at the moment, there are other ways to ensure you still get the benefits of these food groups. You might even be able to increase your intake of fruit and vegetables. <h2>Frozen</h2> Fresh produce is often touted as being the most nutritious (think of the old adage “fresh is best”). But this is not necessarily true. Nutrients can decline in transit from the paddock to your kitchen, and while the produce is stored in your fridge. Frozen vegetables may actually be higher in some nutrients such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25526594/">vitamin C and E</a> as they are snap frozen very close to the time of harvest. Variations in transport and storage can affect this slightly. <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf504890k">Minerals</a> such as calcium, iron and magnesium stay at similar levels in frozen produce compared to fresh. Another advantage to frozen vegetables and fruit is the potential to reduce food waste, as you can use only what you need at the time. As well as buying frozen fruit and vegetables from the supermarket, you can freeze produce yourself at home if you have an oversupply from the garden, or when produce may be cheaper. A <a href="https://www.growveg.com.au/guides/freezing-vegetables-and-herbs-the-garden-foodie-version/">quick blanching</a> prior to freezing can improve the safety and quality of the produce. This is when food is briefly submerged in boiling water or steamed for a short time. Frozen vegetables won’t be suitable for salads but can be eaten roasted or steamed and used for soups, stews, casseroles, curries, pies and quiches. Frozen fruits can be added to breakfast dishes (with cereal or youghurt) or used in cooking for fruit pies and cakes, for example. <h2>Canned</h2> Canned vegetables and fruit similarly often offer a cheaper alternative to fresh produce. They’re also very convenient to have on hand. The <a href="https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can#gsc.tab=0">canning process</a> is the preservation technique, so there’s no need to add any additional preservatives, including salt. Due to the cooking process, levels of heat-sensitive nutrients <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jsfa.2825">such as vitamin C</a> will decline a little compared to fresh produce. When you’re using canned vegetables in a hot dish, you can add them later in the cooking process to reduce the amount of nutrient loss. To minimise waste, you can freeze the portion you don’t need. <h2>Fermented</h2> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723656/">Fermentation</a> has recently come into fashion, but it’s actually one of the oldest food processing and preservation techniques. Fermentation largely retains the vitamins and minerals in fresh vegetables. But fermentation may also enhance the food’s nutritional profile by creating new nutrients and allowing existing ones to be <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9352655/">absorbed more easily</a>. Further, fermented foods contain probiotics, which are beneficial for our <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10051273/">gut microbiome</a>. <h2>5 other tips to get your fresh fix</h2> Although alternatives to fresh such as canned or frozen fruit and vegetables are good substitutes, if you’re looking to get more fresh produce into your diet on a tight budget, here are some things you can do. 1. Buy in season Based on supply and demand principles, buying local seasonal vegetables and fruit will always be cheaper than those that are imported out of season from other countries. 2. Don’t shun the ugly fruit and vegetables Most supermarkets now sell “ugly” fruit and vegetables, that are not physically perfect in some way. This does not affect the levels of nutrients in them at all, or their taste. 3. Reduce waste On average, an Australian household throws out <a href="https://www.ozharvest.org/food-waste-facts/">A$2,000–$2,500</a> worth of food every year. Fruit, vegetables and bagged salad are the <a href="https://www.ozharvest.org/food-waste-facts/">three of the top five foods</a> thrown out in our homes. So properly managing fresh produce could help you save money (and benefit <a href="https://endfoodwaste.com.au/why-end-food-waste/">the environment</a>). To minimise waste, plan your meals and shopping ahead of time. And if you don’t think you’re going to get to eat the fruit and vegetables you have before they go off, freeze them. 4. Swap and share There are many websites and apps which offer the opportunity to swap or even pick up free fresh produce if people have more than they need. Some <a href="https://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/environment/sustainable-lifestyles/community-fruit-and-vege-swaps">local councils are also encouraging</a> swaps on their websites, so dig around and see what you can find in your local area. 5. Gardening Regardless of how small your garden is you can always <a href="https://www.gardeningaustraliamag.com.au/best-vegies-grow-pots/">plant produce in pots</a>. Herbs, rocket, cherry tomatoes, chillies and strawberries all grow well. In the long run, these will offset some of your cost on fresh produce. Plus, when you have put the effort in to grow your own produce, <a href="https://mdpi-res.com/sustainability/sustainability-07-02695/article_deploy/sustainability-07-02695.pdf?version=1425549154">you are less likely to waste it</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/229724/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evangeline-mantzioris-153250">Evangeline Mantzioris</a>, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cost-of-living-if-you-cant-afford-as-much-fresh-produce-are-canned-veggies-or-frozen-fruit-just-as-good-229724">original article</a>.

Food & Wine

I can’t afford olive oil. What else can I use?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a> If you buy your olive oil in bulk, you’ve likely been in for a shock in recent weeks. Major supermarkets have been selling olive oil for up to A$65 for a four-litre tin, and up to $26 for a 750 millilitre bottle. We’ve been hearing about the health benefits of olive oil for years. And many of us are adding it to salads, or baking and frying with it. But during a cost-of-living crisis, these high prices can put olive oil out of reach. Let’s take a look at why olive oil is in demand, why it’s so expensive right now, and what to do until prices come down. <h2>Remind me, why is olive oil so good for you?</h2> Including olive oil in your diet can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve heart health through more favourable <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1548">blood pressure</a>, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/7/9/5356">inflammation</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0939475319302662">cholesterol levels</a>. This is largely because olive oil is high in <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/4/12/1989">monounsaturated fatty acids</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8300823/">polyphenols</a> (antioxidants). Some researchers have suggested you can get these benefits from consuming up to <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1041203/full">20 grams a day</a>. That’s equivalent to about five teaspoons of olive oil. <h2>Why is olive oil so expensive right now?</h2> A European heatwave and drought have <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2024-04-27/olive-oil-alternatives-what-you-can-use-in-cooking/103761718">limited</a> Spanish and Italian producers’ ability to supply olive oil to international markets, including Australia. This has been coupled with an unusually cold and short growing season for Australian <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-08-02/record-olive-oil-price-set-to-increase-again/102675452">olive oil suppliers</a>. The lower-than-usual production and supply of olive oil, together with heightened demand from shoppers, means prices have gone up. <h2>How can I make my olive oil go further?</h2> Many households buy olive oil in large quantities because it is cheaper per litre. So, if you have some still in stock, you can make it go further by: <ul> <li> storing it correctly – make sure the lid is on tightly and it’s kept in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet. If stored this way, olive oil can typically last <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6218649/">12–18 months</a> </li> <li> using a spray – sprays distribute oil more evenly than pourers, using less olive oil overall. You could buy a spray bottle to fill from a large tin, as needed </li> <li> straining or freezing it – if you have leftover olive oil after frying, strain it and reuse it for other fried dishes. You could also freeze this used oil in an airtight container, then thaw and fry with it later, without affecting the oil’s <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00217-022-04078-9">taste and other characteristics</a>. But for dressings, only use fresh oil. </li> </ul> <h2>I’ve run out of olive oil. What else can I use?</h2> Here are some healthy and cheaper alternatives to olive oil: <ul> <li> canola oil is a good alternative for frying. It’s relatively <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/canola-oil">low</a> in saturated fat so is generally considered healthy. Like olive oil, it is high in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23731447/">healthy monounsaturated fats</a>. Cost? Up to $6 for a 750mL bottle (home brand is about half the price) </li> <li> sunflower oil is a great alternative to use on salads or for frying. It has a mild flavour that does not overwhelm other ingredients. Some <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/conjugated-linoleic-acid-versus-higholeic-acid-sunflower-oil-effects-on-energy-metabolism-glucose-tolerance-blood-lipids-appetite-and-body-composition-in-regularly-exercising-individuals/6C035B5C6E9FD7C9D6D7F806ADA56983">studies</a> suggest using sunflower oil may help reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising HDL (good) cholesterol. Cost? Up to $6.50 for a 750mL bottle (again, home brand is about half the price) </li> <li> sesame oil has a nutty flavour. It’s good for Asian dressings, and frying. Light sesame oil is typically used as a neutral cooking oil, while the toasted type is used to flavour sauces. Sesame oil is <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6428">high in</a> antioxidants and has some anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame oil is generally sold in smaller bottles than canola or sunflower oil. Cost? Up to $5 for a 150mL bottle. </li> </ul> <h2>How can I use less oil, generally?</h2> Using less oil in your cooking could keep your meals healthy. Here are some alternatives and cooking techniques: <ul> <li> use alternatives for baking – unless you are making an olive oil cake, if your recipe calls for a large quantity of oil, try using an alternative such as apple sauce, Greek yoghurt or mashed banana </li> <li> use non-stick cookware – using high-quality, non-stick pots and pans reduces the need for oil when cooking, or means you don’t need oil at all </li> <li> steam instead – steam vegetables, fish and poultry to retain nutrients and moisture without adding oil </li> <li> bake or roast – potatoes, vegetables or chicken can be baked or roasted rather than fried. You can still achieve crispy textures without needing excessive oil </li> <li> grill – the natural fats in meat and vegetables can help keep ingredients moist, without using oil </li> <li> use stock – instead of sautéing vegetables in oil, try using vegetable broth or stock to add flavour </li> <li> try vinegar or citrus – use vinegar or citrus juice (such as lemon or lime) to add flavour to salads, marinades and sauces without relying on oil </li> <li> use natural moisture – use the natural moisture in ingredients such as tomatoes, onions and mushrooms to cook dishes without adding extra oil. They release moisture as they cook, helping to prevent sticking.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/228788/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> </li> </ul> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-cant-afford-olive-oil-what-else-can-i-use-228788">original article</a>.

Food & Wine

Can’t afford a gym membership or fitness class? 3 things to include in a DIY exercise program

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lewis-ingram-1427671">Lewis Ingram</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-bennett-1053061">Hunter Bennett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saravana-kumar-181105">Saravana Kumar</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> With the rising cost of living, gyms memberships and fitness classes are becoming increasingly unaffordable. But the good news is you can make <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28655559/">just as much progress at home</a>. Cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and flexibility are the <a href="https://www.acsm.org/docs/default-source/publications-files/acsms-exercise-testing-prescription.pdf?sfvrsn=111e9306_4">most important</a> components of fitness. And each can be trained with little or no equipment. Let’s look at why – and how – to fit them into your DIY exercise program. <h2>1. Cardiovascular endurance</h2> Cardiovascular endurance exercise (or “cardio”) forces the heart and lungs to increase the supply of oxygen to the working muscles. Heart disease is a <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death">leading cause of death</a> and cardiovascular endurance exercise helps keep the heart healthy. The best thing about cardio is you don’t need any fancy equipment to do it. Walking, jogging and running are great options, as are cycling, skipping rope and swimming. There are two approaches to maximise cardiovascular endurance: <ul> <li> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8897392/">high-intensity interval training</a> (HIIT) – short bouts of hard exercise (around 80% to 95% of your maximum heart rate) interspersed with lower intensity recovery periods (around 40% to 50% of your maximum heart rate) </li> <li> <a href="http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26664271/">low-intensity steady-state</a> (LISS) exercise – aerobic activity performed continuously at a low-to-moderate intensity (around 50% to 65% of your maximum heart rate) for an extended duration. </li> </ul> Both are great options. While high-intensity interval training can be more time efficient, low-intensity steady-state training might be more enjoyable and easier to sustain long-term. No matter what you choose, <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity">aim for</a> a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardiovascular exercise each week. For example, you could try 30 minutes, five days per week of low intensity cardio, or 25 minutes, three days per week of high-intensity activity, or a combination of the two. How do you know if you’re exercising at the right intensity? Smart watches that measure heart rate can help to monitor intensity. Or you can rely on the good old-fashioned <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25536539/">talk test</a>. During low-intensity activity, you should be able to speak in full sentences. Conversely, short phrases (initially) or single words (towards the end) should be all that’s manageable during high-intensity exercise. <h2>2. Muscle strength</h2> Next is muscle strength, which we train through resistance exercise. This is important for bone health, balance and metabolic health, especially as we age and our <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30276173/">muscle mass and strength declines</a>. Aim for two days per week of whole-body resistance exercise performed at a moderate or <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity">greater intensity</a>. Try to build two weekly sessions that target the major muscle groups. This could include: <ul> <li>squats – lower to the ground from standing by bending the hips, knees, and ankles while keeping the chest up tall before returning to standing by straightening the hips, knees and ankles</li> </ul> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.physio-pedia.com/Hip_Hinge">hinges</a> – fold forward at the hips by pushing your bottom back to the wall behind you, keeping your back straight. A slight bend in the knees is fine but aim to keep your shins vertical </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7196742/">push-ups</a> – if a full push-up is too difficult, you can place your hands on a raised surface such as a step or a chair </li> <li> horizontal and vertical pull ups – using something like a portable chin up bar, which you can buy from sports supply stores </li> <li> vertical pushes – pushing an object (or weight) vertically from the top of your chest to an overhead position. </li> </ul> Once you have selected your exercises, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35873210/">perform</a> 2–3 sets of 8–12 repetitions at a moderate to greater intensity, with about 90 seconds rest between each set. As you progress, continue to challenge your muscles by adding an extra set to each exercise, or including dumbbells, changing body position or wearing a backpack with weights. The goal should be to progress slightly each session. However, if you have any underlying health conditions, disabilities, or are unsure how best to do this, see an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. <h2>3. Flexibility</h2> Improved flexibility can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3273886/">increase your range of motion</a> and improve your ability to manage daily life. While we don’t know the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3273886/">best means of increasing flexibility</a>, the most basic and readily accessible is static <a href="https://www.topendsports.com/testing/flex.htm">stretching</a>. Here, we lengthen the muscle – for example, the hamstrings, until we feel a “stretching” sensation. Hold that position for 15–30 seconds. While the precise intensity of this stretching sensation <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26347668/">remains elusive</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29506306/">around 5–10 minutes</a> per week per <a href="https://exrx.net/Lists/Directory">muscle group</a>, spread across five days, seems to provide the best results. <h2>How to stick with it?</h2> The best exercise is the one that gets done. So, whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy it. After all, it’s about creating an ongoing commitment to exercise that will deliver long-term health benefits. It’s also important to ensure you’re ready to exercise, especially if you have any underlying health issues, have been previously inactive, or are unsure how to start. A <a href="https://www.ausactive.org.au/apss">pre-exercise screening</a> can help you to determine whether you should see a doctor or allied health professional before starting an exercise program and for guidance on the next steps. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/206204/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lewis-ingram-1427671">Lewis Ingram</a>, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-bennett-1053061">Hunter Bennett</a>, Lecturer in Exercise Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saravana-kumar-181105">Saravana Kumar</a>, Professor in Allied Health and Health Services Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cant-afford-a-gym-membership-or-fitness-class-3-things-to-include-in-a-diy-exercise-program-206204">original article</a>.

Body

A guide to affordable art

The art world can seem intimidating from the outside, but buying striking pieces of art is one of life’s great pleasures and can transform a room instantly. What’s your style? Go and see as much art as you can to help determine the style you’re most drawn to. Look for student sales at art schools, auctions, antiques fairs and local galleries. Flick through art history books, go to museums and do some online research about any artists you like. Keep an open mind. When we think of art we tend to think of paintings, but look at photography and sculptures too. You might discover that’s where your art heart lies. Prints vs originals Many people write off prints as nothing more than posters, but a print is still an original work of art. The artist creates each print by hand, creating an original image on a surface such as wood, rubber, stone or metal, applies colour and then creates a print on paper. They make great entry-level art. Reproductions are more like inexpensive posters, and there’s nothing wrong with starting off with some posters you love, beautifully framed and well positioned. Original works are naturally the most expensive way to buy art as they are one of a kind. Imagine a best-selling author only allowing one person to own their book, or a director only letting one person see their movie. You are buying the art in its entirety: the idea, the craftmanship, the artists’ time, talent and the materials and any future gain in value. How do I make a good investment? Unless you’re planning to become a serious art collector, the most important two questions you should ask yourself when buying art are: do I love it? Can I afford it? Buying something in the hope its value might go up is risky. If there’s an emerging artist you like whose career trajectory seems to be on the up, then go for it and you might get lucky. But still don’t buy it unless you love it. Should I buy online? You’ll find an enormous choice online. Research the artist, try to see some of their work in the flesh before you take the plunge, and make sure you measure up so you know exactly the size of the artwork and whether it will look good in your space. How do I display it? If you buy from a gallery, ask them for framing advice or to frame it for you, or take it to a framer to make sure you’re making the most of it. Talk to them about whether UV glass would be suitable, to protect the art from sun damage. Always hang art at eye level and in a place where you will get the most enjoyment from it, and never in the bathroom where there’s too much moisture. Image credits: Getty Images

Art

Will you be able to afford to retire?

It was once likely that you’d die before retiring; it’s now highly probable that there will be a gap of several (or even many) years between when you permanently leave the workforce and when you die. How are you going to survive when you’re no longer willing or able to swap your time for money? A friend recently remarked to me that his work made him feel like a consumable part in a big machine. That sounds brutal, but there is a truth in it, and a revelation that we have to use our productive time to set ourselves up for life after we’ve ‘worn out’. So how do you plan to survive once you’ve retired? Here are four possible sources of income to pay your lifestyle expenses: Welfare The age pension is a subsistence payment that’s barely enough to survive on. It isn’t an option you’ll want to rely upon solely in your retirement years. Even when used as a supplement to other income, the age pension is still welfare—it’s not an entitlement nor a return of taxes paid. And don’t forget, the age pension is only available to those with insufficient income or assets to look after themselves. Any financial plan that causes you to rely on a subsistence payment in retirement is surely a poor one, leading to a poor outcome. Compulsory super Do you know that superannuation has a two-fold meaning? The more well-known one is your retirement savings available for survival once you retire. However less well-known is this: a stage in life when you become obsolete for full-time work. The superannuation (aka super) that employers deduct from your pay is sent directly to your nominated superannuation fund. The money invested in superannuation is usually locked away until after retirement and can’t be easily accessed. The profits made are concessionally taxed and reinvested to boost your super balance. A burning question many people wonder is ‘will I have enough super to survive in retirement?’ Sadly, the answer for many is no. The gap might be able to be closed if you qualify for the age pension or draw down on your superannuation balance or other assets, but the reality is more likely that you will have to downsize your living standards to lower your living expenses. Voluntary super What about occasionally topping up your superannuation account voluntarily by making some extra contributions? Well, that may be a good idea if you’re not too far off retirement (10 years or less). However, for others, locking away inaccessible money for decades may result in a severe loss of flexibility, which makes this option quite unattractive. There are also limits on how much can be voluntarily contributed on tax-effective terms. Super sufficient You can, of course, save and invest outside the superannuation regime, in your own name or using an entity such as a company or a trust (e.g. family trust, unit trust). These are non-superannuation assets, and they generate non-superannuation investment income. Such income can be used to pay for your lifestyle expenses at any time, not just after you’ve retired, or better yet, used to purchase other non-superannuation assets or to make voluntary contributions into your superannuation fund. While investing profits outside superannuation may be taxed at higher rates, the money is not locked away until retirement, and so you can use it to fund your financial freedom and avoid having to work until you are at least 60 years old. The ideal goal to aim for is to be what I call ‘super sufficient’ - an outcome where your investment income exceeds your tax and living expenses, so you can live independently without the fear of running out of money because you’ll never have to eat into your capital. So, which option is best? Well, the answer depends on your circumstances, choices and chances. Time is the biggest consideration. The less of it you have, the fewer options are available. If you’re in your 60s or older and don’t have much investment income or capital, then your choices are limited, and you’ll likely have to reign in your living expenses and perhaps rely on the age pension. Younger people need to make the most of the time they have left until retirement, because the longer your investing horizon, the greater your ability to benefit from compounding. Don’t limit yourself to one option; be smart and keep your options open. Consider all the options in some sort of combination: the age pension (to the extent you qualify for it), money inside superannuation (topped up when your circumstances say it is sensible to do so) and wealth outside of superannuation that you can access as needed before you retire. You might be lucky some of the time, but you can’t be lucky all of the time. I’ve found that while luck does have a role to play, investing skill is a far bigger determinant of an investor’s long-term success. If you want to improve your chances, your choices, or your circumstances, then invest inwards by improving your financial knowledge and ability before investing outwards and acquiring investments. Edited extract from Steve McKnight’s Money Magnet: How to Attract and Keep a Fortune that Counts (Wiley $32.95), now available at all leading retailers. Visit www.moneymagnet.au Image: Getty Images

Money & Banking

If cities don’t want homeless encampments they should help people, not punish them

This summer, homeless encampments in cities such as <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/tents-structures-downtown-eastside-vancouver-removal-1.6545853" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vancouver</a> and <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-14/in-a-vacant-lot-in-watts-a-homeless-camp-gets-swept-away-by-l-a-along-with-the-brush" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles</a> and <a href="https://www.coastreporter.net/in-the-community/homeless-camp-on-toredo-street-dismantled-police-report-5325829" target="_blank" rel="noopener">others</a> were dismantled. The reasons varied. In Vancouver, it was fire hazard concerns on Hastings Street, a major artery in the Downtown Eastside, where the encampment had sprung up over several blocks. In Los Angeles, the encampment was on city-owned land intended for other uses. There, officials have gone even further to curtail encampments, with the city council <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/tension-boil-at-la-city-council-meeting-over-controversial-homeless-encampment-ban/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approving a ban</a> on homeless encampments within 500 feet of schools and daycare centres. Encampments of those experiencing homelessness have become a fixture in large cities as well as smaller communities. It should not be surprising that people who are unsheltered seek out the relative security, community and resources encampments can provide. Yet, the ineffective, and often punitive, responses by various levels of government are alarming. These policy failures are most evident in the troubling encampment evictions occurring across North America. More than <a href="https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/how-many-people-are-homeless-canada" target="_blank" rel="noopener">235,000 people are estimated to be homeless in Canada</a>. In addition to these visibly homeless, another <a href="https://www.acto.ca/production/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Factsheet-4-Homelessness-in-Canada-and-Ontario2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">450,000 to 900,000 are among the “hidden” homeless</a>: those staying with family and friends because they have nowhere to live. Policing not the answer <a href="https://www.canadahousingcrisis.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our country has a housing crisis</a>. Homelessness results from a severe shortage of affordable housing, poverty and insufficient support services. For people who end up homeless, it is a tortuous and difficult route. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/488929/original/file-20221010-58630-5we8hv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/488929/original/file-20221010-58630-5we8hv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/488929/original/file-20221010-58630-5we8hv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/488929/original/file-20221010-58630-5we8hv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/488929/original/file-20221010-58630-5we8hv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/488929/original/file-20221010-58630-5we8hv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/488929/original/file-20221010-58630-5we8hv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/488929/original/file-20221010-58630-5we8hv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A group of people stand in front of a brown building carrying a banner that reads: where are we supposed to go?" /></a><figcaption>A woman addresses the crowd during a protest against Vancouver’s removal of a homeless encampment on the sidewalks in the Downtown Eastside, August 16, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck</figcaption></figure> For many, their path to living on the streets starts with childhood trauma, mental health issues and substance misuse. For others, in low paying jobs with no savings or family support, they can be one pay cheque away from homelessness. Regardless of how they end up homeless, people deserve to be treated with dignity and understanding. Instead, shockingly, police have been carting away belongings from encampments, leaving people with few options of where to stay, other than another street or park. Even worse, <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/tents-structures-downtown-eastside-vancouver-removal-1.6545853" target="_blank" rel="noopener">evictions have turned violent</a>. Los Angeles is not the only city that has tried to enforce bans on people sleeping in public space with so-called vagrancy by-laws. When Victoria tried to enforce city by-laws to that effect in 2005, homeless people took the city to court. The B.C. Supreme Court sided with the unhoused people, <a href="https://commons.allard.ubc.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1358&context=fac_pubs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying that it was an infringement of their rights</a>. A similar court decision occurred in 2021 when residents of a <a href="https://nst.ca/win-for-homeless-residents-of-crab-park-vancouver/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CRAB Park encampment</a> in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside challenged an injunction by the Vancouver Parks Board forcing an eviction. Elsewhere in British Columbia, the city of Prince George was <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/prince-george-apologizes-homeless-1.6396206" target="_blank" rel="noopener">forced to apologize</a> for the trauma it caused by destroying part of an encampment even though a judge ruled that the encampment must remain because there is not enough adequate accessible housing in the city to justify its closure. Dismantling encampments has a dire impact on people’s lives. It severs social relationships, causes stress, and increases fear and distrust of authorities. It dehumanizes unhoused populations even more. Long-term solutions needed It is clear that dismantling encampments is not the answer. Some people, even if they have been provided with shelter, will opt for encampments. In other cases, which occurred in Vancouver this summer, there was no shelters or other housing available. And in previous encampment evictions, some residents were offered <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/majority-people-moved-strathcona-park-1.6009673" target="_blank" rel="noopener">substandard SRO housing</a>, the same kind of housing some were fleeing when they opted for living on the streets. By-laws and practices which target activities like sleeping on streets, parks or in cars and panhandling <a href="https://www.nlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Overview-of-Homeless-Encampments-Brief.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">criminalize individuals</a>. And the consequences of criminalizing homelessness disproportionately falls on racialized people. Marginalized communities often face discrimination in accessing housing and other services which is compounded if they have a criminal record due to homelessness. <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220314/dq220314b-eng.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ten per cent of the off-reserve First Nation and Inuit populations</a> have experienced homelessness in Canada. In 2020, the last year that a <a href="https://council.vancouver.ca/20201007/documents/pspc1presentation.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">homeless count was conducted in Vancouver</a>, 39 per cent of the city’s homeless population was Indigenous even though they comprise two per cent of the total population. People who identified as Black, Hispanic and Arab were also significantly over-represented compared to their percentage of the general population. As the federal Housing Advocate Marie-Josée Houle said in a September visit to Vancouver’s homeless encampments, “<a href="https://thetyee.ca/News/2022/09/08/Housing-System-Failed-Everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the housing system has failed everyone there</a>.” Homeless encampments have become a last resort because of lack of better housing alternatives. The <a href="https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/en/resources/unsafe-conditions-people-experiencing-homelessness-a-pressing-human-rights-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shelter system</a> is overcrowded and too restrictive for many people. But sanctioning encampments should not be the only solution. Encampments can be unsafe and dangerous places, and provide little opportunity for moving out of homelessness. We need a holistic approach to ending homelessness that addresses the reasons for homelessness. For those who fall into homelessness out of economic necessity we need more plentiful affordable rental housing, rental assistance and stronger rent controls to ensure that renters’ rights are upheld. For those struggling with multiple health and substance issues, we need more <a href="https://www.homelesshub.ca/solutions/transitional-housing/permanent-supportivesupported-housing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">supportive housing</a>. For Indigenous people experiencing homelessness we need more, better funded, and culturally appropriate housing and services. For those ending up in encampments we need to ensure, at the very least, that their <a href="https://www.make-the-shift.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/A-National-Protocol-for-Homeless-Encampments-in-Canada.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rights are upheld</a>. Homeless encampments are not going to go away any time soon. The federal government has already declared housing to be a human right. We must work to end homelessness now.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/192133/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; background-color: #ffffff;">Written by Penny Gurstein. Republished with permission of <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" href="https://theconversation.com/if-cities-dont-want-homeless-encampments-they-should-help-people-not-punish-them-192133" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; background-color: #ffffff;">Image: Getty Images

Real Estate

Auckland leads by example to battle housing affordability

Relaxing planning rules could be the solution for the housing crisis, by both increasing the housing supply and helping rent and property prices to fall by as much as 12.5 percent, according to new research. After Auckland “up-zoned” three quarters of the city in 2016, meaning that townhouses, terraces and units were allowed to be built within 20 kilometres of the CBD under the city’s planning laws, the number of homes in the New Zealand city has increased by five percent over the past five years, according to the report, The Impact of Up-zoning on Housing Construction in Auckland. Dr Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy, a University of Auckland professor of economics and one of the report’s authors, said that relaxing planning laws helped increase housing supply significantly “The punchline is the policy did encourage, certainly, higher rates of construction and dwelling stock,” Greenaway-McGrevy told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/property/news/how-to-make-housing-cheaper-according-to-new-research-20220725-p5b4e0.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Morning Herald</a>. “And it will increase over time.” As for housing affordability crises in other countries and cities, Greenaway-McGrevy said broad applications of up-zoning - rather than selective applications attempted in other countries - was the key to Auckland’s success. “The point of difference [in Auckland] is just the sheer pervasiveness of the up-zoning policy. We’re not talking about transit-oriented up-zoning areas. We’re talking about the close-to-blanket inner suburban area of Auckland,” he said. “We’ve had a larger area of construction and a much higher uptake.” “If cities are considering up-zoning they really need to shy away from only small, targeted areas that are permitted to build up and think about implementing the policy more broadly. “I certainly think any policymakers or commentators thinking about how to tackle housing affordability in Sydney and Melbourne should look to Auckland in greater detail.” He said up-zoning can also decrease the construction cost of property types that aren’t land-intensive, such as townhouses, apartments and terraces, while also meaning that fewer households would be consigned to far-flung urban areas and required to use carbon emissions-heavy commuting. Greenaway-McGrevy added that these benefits far outweigh the costs of preserving a city’s heritage by banning high-density properties within a certain proximity. “At this point, is it worth, as a society, preserving those character neighbourhoods when it comes at the cost of housing that costs 10 times incomes or more, forcing young families into these really long commutes where they don’t have time to spend with their kids?” he said. “If you’re interested in preserving the heritage of a suburb, I’d suggest we focus on the people, and the kinds of people and kinds of families that make up those suburbs rather than the buildings.” Peter Tulip, the chief economist for the Centre for Independent Studies, said the research showed that allowing for more buildings to be constructed resulted in a reduction in property prices. “A substantial relaxation of planning restrictions would enable more construction and hence less expensive housing,” Tulip said. “A standard rule of thumb is that every percentage point in the housing stock lowers the cost of housing by 2.5 per cent. So, a 5 per cent increase in housing stock would lower the cost of housing by 12.5 per cent.” Meanwhile, Grattan Institute’s economic policy program director Brendan Coates said increasing the stock of homes across Australian major cities would reduce rental costs and property prices by at least 10 percent. He noted that current planning laws heavily favour existing homeowners, and that prioritising heritage over supply would turn our cities into “living mausoleums”. “There’s a trade-off: you can either accept more housing will be built that have good access to amenities … Or you accept your kids or your grandkids don’t have a home near where you live, and Australia as a society will be poorer than it should be because we fail to build the housing we need to accommodate our growing population,” Coates said. “Heritage, for example, is an incredibly expensive way of protecting our memory of our cities’ history. You basically turn Australian cities into living mausoleums.” Image: Getty Images

Real Estate

The most affordable international destinations

Now that international borders are beginning to open, many are searching for an unforgettable overseas holiday that won’t break the bank. As global tourism hubs kick back into gear, there are plenty of great deals to be found to get people out and exploring. Here are just some of the cheapest international destinations that should make their way onto your travel bucket list sooner rather than later. Fiji With return airfares currently on offer from under $600, the sandy shores of Fiji have something for everyone. Whether you're into adrenaline sports or swanning around in luxurious resorts, you will no doubt find what you're looking for on this picturesque island. Fiji offers experiences such as snorkelling, quad bike adventures and skydiving, as well as day clubs, hot springs and the most relaxing beach experiences in the world. Singapore This city-state offers big ticket attractions the whole family can enjoy, world-class shopping and dining, and a rich cultural experience for everyone who visits. With a return airfare going for less than $500, this bustling city getaway is a must-see for any keen traveller. This great year-round destination boasts theme parks, child-friendly hotels and some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Bali Bali has long been a fan favourite destination for cost-savvy travellers, with prices continuing to be ridiculously low. The Indonesian paradise boasts a rich heritage and culture, with over 20,000 temples offering a once in a lifetime experience. The key to Bali is relaxation, with local cuisine being followed by an hour-long massage that costs less than a cup of coffee in Australia. Thailand From picturesque beaches, exciting nightlife and incredible food all for insanely low prices, Thailand is a must-visit location. The Thai Government has shared another reason to visit, by reopening Maya Cove (the cove made famous by The Beach) after a three-year closure. With over 1,400 gorgeous islands anchored in cerulean waters, there is a spot for everyone to relax like royalty, costing next to nothing. Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

Affordable housing lessons from Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore: 3 keys to getting the policy mix right

Affordable housing is a critical problem for Australia’s biggest housing markets. Five Australian cities are in the top 25 with “severely unaffordable” housing in a <a href="http://www.demographia.com/dhi.pdf">2019 Demographia survey</a> of 91 major metropolitan markets. Sydney was <a href="https://www.mortgagebusiness.com.au/breaking-news/13059-australia-s-housing-market-remains-severely-unaffordable">ranked the third least affordable</a> of the 91. The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/meet-australias-oldest-person-to-buy-their-first-home-this-spring/">average age of first-time buyers in Sydney has reached 38</a>. And, <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/how-much-of-our-wages-do-we-spend-on-rent-in-australia">on average, tenants spend more than 30% of their income on rent</a>. Those who entered the <a href="https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/applying-assistance/expected-waiting-times">Sydney market 10-15 years ago are more likely to find their housing affordable</a>. Cities with housing affordability issues have introduced various policy packages in response. This article compares the policies of Singapore, where housing is relatively affordable, Hong Kong (the <a href="http://www.demographia.com/dhi.pdf">world’s least affordable private housing market</a>) and Sydney. Our review shows a need for coherent and coordinated housing policies – a synergistic approach that multiplies the impacts of individual policies. Housing has direct impacts on people’s well-being. A housing market that works well may also enhance the economic productivity of a city. If not handled properly, housing affordability issues may trigger economic and political crises. Our review covers several aspects. <h2>A balance of renters and owners</h2> First, an affordable housing system needs to be about both the rental and ownership sectors. In Singapore, <a href="https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/about-us">public housing provided by the Housing and Development Board</a> makes up 73% of Singapore’s total housing stock, which includes public rental and subsidised ownership. HDB flats house over 80% of Singapore’s resident population, with about 90% owning their homes. The average waiting time to get public housing is three to four years. Public housing is also important, although to a lesser extent, in Hong Kong. In this city, <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/2182106/why-public-housing-shortfall-will-remain-thorn-hong-kongs#targetText=Public%20rental%20housing%20estates%20found,cent%20of%20Hong%20Kong's%20population.">44.7% of the population live in public housing</a>. The <a href="https://www.housingauthority.gov.hk/tc/about-us/publications-and-statistics/prh-applications-average-waiting-time/index.html">average waiting time is three to five years</a>, depending on household type. In both cities, subsidised rental and subsidised ownership are an integral part of the public housing system, which aims to improve housing affordability. Sydney takes a very different approach. <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/hou/296/housing-assistance-in-australia-2018/contents/social-housing-dwellings">Social rental housing provides only 5.56% of housing</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/focus-on-managing-social-housing-waiting-lists-is-failing-low-income-households-120675">covers only low-income households in “priority need”</a>. The average waiting time to get into social housing is <a href="https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/applying-assistance/expected-waiting-times.">five to ten years</a>. Although there are other policy measures to support home buying and rental (such as the National Rental Affordability Scheme), these are not integrated with the public housing system in Sydney. Rather, the goal of these policies is to support the private housing market. <h2>It’s not just about housing supply</h2> Second, housing affordability needs to be backed up by demand-side policies – i.e. policies to help tenants and owners to develop financial capacity. Despite its heavy state intervention, Singapore’s public housing stresses the responsibility of individuals. The <a href="https://www.cpf.gov.sg/Members/AboutUs/about-us-info/cpf-overview">Housing Provident Fund</a> is a <a href="https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2019/03/15/singapores-mechanism-design-approach-to-housing-policy/">form of forced savings</a> for housing, retirement, health and education, among other things. It is <a href="https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/84e6/28299b345dcba34d328112424990cf1cabc2.pdf">integrated with the pension system to enhance the efficiency of savings</a>. Forced savings are not available in Hong Kong and Sydney for housing purposes. Since 2017 <a href="https://theconversation.com/budget-needs-a-sharper-policy-scalpel-to-help-first-home-buyers-76791">first home buyers in Australia have been able to draw on their voluntary superannuation contributions</a> for a deposit. <h2>Work-life balance matters</h2> Third, action on housing affordability needs to take employment and its location into account. Ultimately, the reason people find it hard to afford housing in certain locations is because they need to achieve a work-life balance. Both <a href="https://www.citymetric.com/transport/no-hong-kong-has-best-transport-system-world-mtr-trams-boats-4148">Hong Kong</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Singapore#Public_transport">Singapore</a> have developed extensive public transport systems. These offer affordable options for people to travel efficiently to and from work. In Hong Kong, the average daily commuting time by public transport is 73 minutes. Some 21% of the residents have to travel for more than two hours a day. In Singapore, average commuting time is 84 minutes, with 25% exceeding two hours. In Sydney, the average time is 82 minutes, but 31% take more than two hours. This means a significantly <a href="https://moovitapp.com/insights/en-gb/Moovit_Insights_Public_Transport_Index-1678">larger proportion of Sydney residents spend more time on public transport</a>. Among the <a href="http://theconversation.com/another-tale-of-two-cities-access-to-jobs-divides-sydney-along-the-latte-line-96907">worst-affected are white-collar workers from the city’s west and southwest</a>. <h2>Lessons from the 3 cities</h2> So, what we can learn from these cities’ experiences with housing affordability? Cities take very different approaches to these issues. Each approach has its own merits and issues. A key argument against public housing has been that it might give the tenants less incentive to save for housing. It might also not be popular with mainstream voters because of the cost to taxpayers. Singapore’s approach seems to be a midway solution. The government plays a bigger role in providing housing, but does not waive individual responsibilities. Providing public housing and at the same time demanding individuals and employers contribute can send a strong signal: people are encouraged to join the labour force. So far, Singapore faces the least housing affordability issues. Hong Kong and Sydney are much more liberal in their approaches to housing. In Sydney, only the poorest benefit from the public housing system. The younger generation is struggling to get on the housing ladder. In Hong Kong, people are forced to buy housing in the commercial market if their income is even just above the eligibility line for public housing. The severe unaffordability of private housing in Hong Kong, even for young professionals, brews social discontent. Combining these three perspectives, Sydney’s housing, savings and public transport systems are far from well synergised to offer a competitive package of affordable housing. The <a href="https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities">30-minute city plan</a> prepared by the Greater Sydney Commission might improve the situation. However, similar to Hong Kong, current policies are weak in building the capacity of young people to own homes.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123443/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/youqing-fan-483837">Youqing Fan</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bingqin-li-425950">Bingqin Li</a>, Associate Professor and Director of Chinese Social Policy Program, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chyi-lin-lee-368009">Chyi Lin Lee</a>, Associate Professor of Property, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/affordable-housing-lessons-from-sydney-hong-kong-and-singapore-3-keys-to-getting-the-policy-mix-right-123443">original article</a>. Image: Bill Roque/Shutterstock

Home Hints & Tips

ALDI releases insanely affordable family dinner option

If you’ve ever been drawn to the convenience of a meal kit - where everything is included and you just have to cook it - this is the news for you. ALDI, known for their exclusive and own-brand food products that have attracted so many loyal fans, has launched its first series of DIY cooking kits. So what sets these apart from the dozens of other meal kits? For one thing, you can pick them up during your weekly shop and avoid the online ordering and commitment that comes with subscription-based kits. The second, and most important thing, is the low price, at just $3.99 a kit. Though they aren’t as comprehensive as kits such as Hello Fresh, they are still worth it. Unlike the standard sauce with noodles or rice kits already available in supermarkets, these ones include all the veggies you’ll need, already prepped. The one thing you’ll need to pick up yourself are the necessary proteins and carbohydrates. Though the kits require you to purchase your noodles and chicken as well, they still feed a family of four for about $14, or $3.50 per person. Plus, you can easily substitute items for ones you prefer. Each kit comes with a QR code that takes you to demonstrations that will walk you through each recipe, saving you from having to worry or plan dinner when you’re out of energy or time.

Food & Wine

Couple build dream “tiny home” for less than $35k

A couple has revealed the inside details on to how they built their dream “tiny home” for a little less than $35,000. Trysh Martinez, 31, and her husband Saul Martinez, 32, says they began the build on their home back in August 2018, using materials they bought locally. “My husband and I both have student loans and we didn’t want to take out any more loans or a mortgage or pay for ongoing rent,” Trysh explained to Jam Press. “The financial reasons were reinforced by our plans to be travel rehab therapists, like travel nurses, but rehabilitation therapists who work for 13-week hospital contracts all over the country. “By living tiny, we are seeking financial freedom and a more conscious and purposeful living with less material things to focus on the more important aspects in life.” The pair proudly took on a majority of their renovations and only looked for help when it came to the electrical, plumbing, roofing, and custom cabinets. They also loved the designing process and took it upon themselves to decorate the little home. “Saul did a lot of research and planning based on other YouTube videos,” Trysh said. “He had a general sense of the design plan, like dividing the house areas: kitchen, living area, bedroom loft, bathroom, storage loft, but the details of the build were build-as-you-go to adapt based on what materials we could find for reduced costs.” Trysh says her and her husband also developed a new-found strength within eachother. “I also think the whole project strengthened our relationship,” she said. “We got to see each other’s strengths and weaknesses. “I personally saw Saul’s character through the ups and downs of the build. “I was able to first hand see his tenacity, patience, and calm demeanour even in the most stressful moments, as well as his quick problem solving, resourcefulness, and very effective budgeting.” The most challenging part of their transformation was finding the right land. “Looking for land and the thought of having to move abruptly is pretty stressful,” she said. “Tiny house city ordinances in San Diego have recently changed and they are more lenient for allowing tiny houses now, but prior to that, we felt like we were walking on eggshells and feared having to move or getting cited by the city. “Should we decide to move, it would take another long and thorough search to find the perfect land we could park at and that makes the mobility aspect tougher in reality.” Trysh says anyone thinking of building their own home should thoroughly research before taking the leap. “Watch YouTube videos, ask other DIY tiny house builders, and look into all the different ways and approaches you could do to maximise your budget, time and space while making it as custom and unique as you’d want your house to be,” she said. “Identifying your priority areas - the areas you anticipate will be most frequently used in the house -always helps in deciding square footage and amenities.” Image: Instagram <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_8YPvqhll3/" target="_blank">@tryshka</a>

Real Estate

The coronavirus survival challenge for NZ tourism: affordability and sustainability

Until a trans-Tasman travel bubble is <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-04/trans-tasman-bubble-coronavirus-what-might-happen-next/12212580">established</a>, there is little doubt the New Zealand tourism industry will <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/413845/covid-19-domestic-travellers-eyed-to-keep-tourism-sector-viable-after-lockdown">rely entirely</a> on domestic travel post-COVID-19. Without underplaying the impact the pandemic will have on discretionary spending in both countries, however, there may be a silver lining to the crisis. New Zealand is in the fortunate position of having an <a href="https://tia.org.nz/about-the-industry/quick-facts-and-figures/">already strong</a> domestic tourism sector. Domestic tourists spent NZ$23.7 billion annually (or NZ$65 million a day) pre-COVID-19, compared to a total spend of NZ$12.7 billion (or NZ$47 million a day) by international visitors. <a href="https://openrepository.aut.ac.nz/handle/10292/11857">Research</a> pre-COVID-19 showed 65% of New Zealanders wanted to explore more of their country, a figure expected to increase. True, New Zealanders generally don’t have the deep pockets international tourists have. Their higher overall spend is a reflection of their numbers, not their bank balances. But with the big ticket tourist attractions now missing the bigger spenders, the market will rule. Regional tourism organisations, attractions and operators may need to rethink their offerings and their pricing. While tramping the <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/walking-and-tramping/great-walks/">great walks</a> may be perfectly affordable for a family of four, taking the family on a whale watch, a bungy jump or a cruise on Milford Sound may not be – especially as parts of one big holiday. Indeed, it has been found that <a href="https://openrepository.aut.ac.nz/handle/10292/11857">price</a> is the major decision-making factor for 30% of New Zealanders when it comes to holidays. So this is also an opportunity to give New Zealanders back a piece of the summer pie – not only for the COVID-19 recovery but in the longer term. Summers have tended to be characterised by a large influx of international tourists, with Kiwis settling for shoulder seasons (and unfavourable weather) to tramp the famous tracks when they are <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/99088942/tourists-outnumber-new-zealanders-on-the-great-walks--and-the-gaps-growing">less crowded</a>. But domestic tourists who have grown accustomed to off-peak holidays away from high-cost destinations will soon tip the scales. Now is the time for operators to win back their hearts. With New Zealand’s gradual easing of its strict lockdown (possibly to the stage of allowing non-essential travel by mid-May), tourism can clearly support the economic revival of local communities. The challenge is how to reinvent New Zealand tourism as an initially purely domestic industry. Overall, only a handful of New Zealand destinations have depended entirely on international tourists. These also happen to be the places most heavily associated with overtourism in the past. Given that the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14616688.2020.1759131">growth model</a> driven by short-term, dollars-first business thinking has led to an <a href="https://www.noted.co.nz/money/money-economy/nz-tourists-should-we-limit-number-visitors">unsustainable</a> tourism market, might this also be a chance to restore some equilibrium? That will mean no more killing the goose that lays the <a href="https://www.pce.parliament.nz/publications/pristine-popular-imperilled-the-environmental-consequences-of-projected-tourism-growth">golden egg</a>. Some hotspots, such as the <a href="https://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/">Tongariro Alpine Crossing</a> and <a href="https://www.thecoromandel.com/activities/must-do/hot-water-beach/">Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach</a> may be managed by restricting visitor numbers. Such strategies have long been in place in other places, such as the <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/milford-track/">booking requirement</a> for the Milford Track. We have also seen tremendous problems associated with too many cruise ships in too small places. Akaroa is a prime example, and limiting both the number of visits and the size of vessels may be a feasible <a href="https://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018685520">future strategy</a>. As part of our own research (yet to be published) into the pressing issues of overtourism we conducted interviews with various tourism stakeholders around New Zealand, including city and regional councils, the Department of Conservation, residents and operators. This took place just before New Zealand’s strictest lockdown level was imposed, without any real foreknowledge of the eventual economic impact of COVID-19. Nonetheless, our interviewees shared very similar sentiments when it came to how the industry can evolve sustainably only if New Zealanders themselves embrace the behaviours they expect (and sometimes demand) of foreign tourists. According to our subjects, too many Kiwis still hold on to a past when the country’s population was half its current size and SUVs and large motorhomes didn’t crowd the roads and parking lots. Initiatives such as the <a href="https://tiakinewzealand.com/">Tiaki Promise</a>, which promote environmental and cultural sensitivity to tourists, have largely targeted international visitors. These now need to turn the lens inwards so that Kiwis become better ambassadors within their own backyard. Kiwis love their country, but they will now need to truly discover what it has to offer, not only for a weekend of tramping or a quick getaway, but for their main summer holiday. And they will have to become better kaitiaki (or guardians) of their homeland in the process. The absence of international tourists will be a huge challenge, but also an opportunity. If we get it right, when those foreign visitors are allowed to return (most likely at first from Australia) we will have found ways to grow – or limit – their numbers and their expectations so that our tourism industry can thrive as well as survive. Written by Sabrina Seeler and Michael Lueck. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-coronavirus-survival-challenge-for-nz-tourism-affordability-and-sustainability-137256">The Conversation.</a>

Cruising

The $7.50 cult buy from Bunnings that leaves your home SPARKLING

A $7.50 surface cleaner has fast become a cult buy for those who want to make the surfaces on their home shine to a whole other level. The Diggers Multi-Purpose Surface Cleaner is a bottle of lavender-scented methylated spirits which is designed to disinfect and deodorise kitchens, bathrooms, glass and floors. The product, available from Bunnings, has caused a rave online for its versatility and budget-friendly price tag. “Used this for the first time today...I have white bamboo floor boards in my lounge dining room. ...I will never use another product,” one online reviewer wrote. “Thank you so much for this time saving product. No streaking as advertised.” One mum said she uses the cleaner to clean not only her kitchen and bathroom, but her kid’s toys as well. “A simple and easy to use product, can be used to clean all hard surfaces in the home,” she wrote. The handy item comes in three scents, lemon, vanilla and their most popular, lavender. The solution seems to be a Godsend to those looking for a spotless home, and with a convenient pump spray and plenty of product in the bottle, what is not to love? Will you be purchasing the $7.50 surface cleaner? Let us know in the comments below.

Home & Garden

10 Aussie island escapes that are surprisingly affordable

Want to live the island life on a budget? These are the islands for you. 1. Fitzroy Island, QLD Off the coast from Cairns, Fitzroy is one of the most unspoilt islands on the Great Barrier Reef. It’s great for both ocean adventures and inland hiking, with a stunning fringing reef that’s perfect for both beginners and experts. It’s an easy day trip or there’s one reasonably prices resort on the island. 2. Bremer Island, NT Sitting just off the northeastern tip of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Bremer Island is a back to basics unexplored paradise. You’ll sleep in tents and use shared bathroom facilities, but be rewarded with some of the best fishing in the country and authentic interactions with the local Yolngu people. 3. Cocos Islands, WA This pristine piece of paradise is around 3,000 kilometres northwest of Perth with Oscar-worthy white sand beaches and turquoise water. Tourism is largely unknown in Cocos, so once you’re here you’ll find great value resorts and barely another traveller to be seen. 4. Picnic Island, TAS There’s plenty of super luxe accommodation in Tassie, but you can have your own private island experience at a reasonable price on Picnic Island just around the corner from the legendary Wineglass Bay. There’s exclusive accommodation for 10 guests and each night the island comes alive with penguins tottering ashore. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/41184/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (416)"/> 5. Lady Elliot Island, QLD One of the few true coral cays in the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is a wildlife wonderland with an abundance of turtles, manta rays and more populating the surrounding waters. There’s only one resort on the island, an unpretentious eco property with simple and affordable rooms. 6. Christmas Island Just south of Java, Indonesia, in the depths of the Indian Ocean, Christmas Island is one of the most far flung Australian territories. It’s also a natural wonder and scuba diving mecca, all available for around half what you would pay in popular places like the Whitsundays. 7. Fraser Island, QLD The largest sand island in the world is just off the coast from Hervey Bay and is a stunning sweep of beaches, four wheel drive tracks and rocky outlooks. The resorts on the island are pretty pricey, but most people come here to camp. Pitch a tent at a gorgeous sandy campsite and soak it all in for practically nothing. 8. King Island, TAS What's not to love about an island that’s best known for its cheese? Floating in the Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania, King Island is a rugged little patch of land surrounded by stunning beaches and growing some of the tastiest produce in the country. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/41185/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (417)"/> 9. Rottnest Island, WA Around 20 kilometres off the coast from Fremantle, Rotto is the favourite island getaway for all West Australians. It’s a flat, sandy outcrop dotted with secluded beaches, winding bike paths and friendly quokkas. Plus there’s lot of cheap self-contained accommodation and campsites. 10. Magnetic Island, QLD A 25-minute ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is in the northern half of the Great Barrier Reef and is the perfect place for a laid back Queensland break. Half the island is national park, making for great hiking, as well as excellent snorkelling and diving offshore. Accommodation options range from camping to budget holiday homes and classic island resorts.

International Travel

5 affordable craft ideas to try at home

Craft ideas allow you to have a creative outlet and also bond with the people you are doing the activity with. These ideas can be used with family or friends and will leave you with a fun-filled afternoon and a beautiful creation to show at the end of the day. 1. Candle painting <a href="http://www.kidspot.com.au/things-to-do/activities/candle-painting?ref=collection_view%2Cart-activities" target="_blank">Candle painting</a> is fascinating for children as the wax of the candle creates a “secret message” to appear through watery paint. You can write or draw something special and then have it magically revealed once the paint is on the paper. This craft is relatively cheap only requiring a white candle, watercolour paint, paper and paintbrush. 2. Origami <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/12/the-art-of-mindful-origami/" target="_blank">Origami</a> is not only a fun craft idea but it also requires a lot of focus and thought. There are so many origami shapes available to make online so within a group everyone can still have their sense of individualism while doing this craft. This craft will definitely have you cultivating your focus and levels of patience. 3. No-sew bunting <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/11/great-ways-to-repurpose-your-vintage-handkerchiefs/" target="_blank">Bunting</a> is a popular party decoration that will add to any room. It doesn’t require much time and effort but still leaves you with a beautiful decoration. For this craft activity, you will need material (bandanas and handkerchiefs are easy to use), hot glue and twine. Make sure you leave a foot of twine from either end of the bunting from hanging. Just cut out diamonds in your material and glue the twine to the top side and fold material over to cover the twine. 4. Flower crowns Although you may think that <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/nataliebrown/heres-how-to-make-your-very-own-flower-crown" target="_blank">flower crowns</a> would be an expensive craft, instead of buying your flowers pick your blooms from your garden. You will need floral wire to tape the flowers to and then once you have your desired look, stick on your heard and wear it for all to admire. 5. Card-making Card making is a classic craft activity where you can express your gratitude to someone they love. It now only allows you to be creative with your design but is also the perfect opportunity to express your thankfulness to someone in your life through a personalised card. This craft can be kept to a budget but it is a good idea to buy a few special decorations to make the cards look great. What is your favourite craft activity? Let us know in the comments below.

Art

5 affordable (yet still amazing) holidays for seniors

Just because you’re headed overseas, doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Here are five affordable (yet still amazing) holiday ideas for seniors. 1. Cook Islands Rugged, tropical beauty, an idyllic climate and welcoming locals combine to make the Cook Islands a great option for anyone looking to have an island escape. It’s a region that’s renowned for snorkelling, diving and beautiful panoramic views. 2. Hawaii The allure of this part of the world is certainly no secret to travellers, but even if you’ve been before there’s never been a better time to revisit Hawaii. Rugged cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, a rich culture and some of the best beaches in the world reward all travellers. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28549/image__498x245.jpg" alt="hawaii" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> 3. Sri Lanka Tourism is opening up in Sri Lanka in the moment, and there’s a very good reason for this. Home to ancient Buddhist ruins, colourful locals, rich cuisine and some of the Indian Ocean’s best beaches, Sri Lanka is increasingly becoming a desirable location. 4. Malaysia Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences have resulted in the melting pot that is Malaysia, which offers holiday options to suit travellers of all budgets. Beaches, rainforest and some of the best food you’ll find anywhere, makes Malaysia well worth the trek. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28548/image__498x245.jpg" alt="mauritius" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> 5. Mauritius Just eight hours from WA, Mauritius is an idyllic island nation in the Indian Ocean, full of rewards for travellers willing to make the trek. Rainforest, waterfalls, hiking and some of the most interesting wildlife you’ll find anywhere in the world make Mauritius a must-visit. Have you been to any of the countries we mentioned, and if so which ones? Do you have any other suggestions for affordable holidays seniors can take? Share your thoughts in the comments, we’d love to hear from you. Related links: <a href="/travel/international/2016/09/10-european-villages-you-havent-been-to/">10 European villages you haven’t been to</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/09/5-most-expensive-cities-in-the-world/">5 most expensive cities in the world</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/09/pug-and-cat-hike-the-spanish-camino-together/">Pug and cat hike the Spanish Camino together</a>

International Travel

5 tips for making affordable calls overseas

Sometimes you just have to make a call overseas, but as anyone who’s ever had a five minute conversation with international roaming switched on would agree, this can be a very expensive process. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve put together a simple guide to international calling, with five expert tips to making and receiving calls overseas without it costing a fortune. 1. Turn International Roaming off This is the first and most important thing you should do. Your provider is required to send you an SMS when you’re about to start incurring international roaming charges. Heed this warning, and turn international roaming off before you go! 2. Buy a prepaid SIM in Australia Your local provider probably offers a range of travel packs catering for travellers who want to make cheap calls and texts overseas. There is also a range of prepaid SIM packages that are exclusively geared towards catering for travellers and can provide services if you’re visiting more than one country. Your phone may have to be unlocked though, so check with your provider. 3. Buy an overseas SIM when you arrive This is a good idea if you’re just visiting the one country for an extended period of time. Local SIM cards geared at travellers are available at most airports, while you can visit a supermarket or department store to buy a local SIM (provided your phone is unlocked) and use the same provider the locals use. This is a useful, relatively inexpensive alternative for extended holidays. 4. Use apps and wifi Make sure you download these apps before you go, but if you do that you’re golden! Download communication apps like Skype, iMessage of WhatsApp and as long as you can get to a Wi-Fi hotspot you can communicate with anyone, wherever. Skype offers a cheap rate for calls, iMessage allows you to communicate between Apple devices and WhatsApp offers connection between platforms. 5. Go without a phone Sometimes having our conveniences when they’re overseas can distract us from taking in the sights and sounds of the experience. There’s a certain freedom that comes with arriving in a city where no one can contact you, and you won’t get any annoying texts from telecommunications companies when you’re fast asleep. It’s definitely something worth considering.

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ALDI releases insanely affordable family dinner option

Couple build dream “tiny home” for less than $35k

The coronavirus survival challenge for NZ tourism: affordability and sustainability

The $7.50 cult buy from Bunnings that leaves your home SPARKLING

10 Aussie island escapes that are surprisingly affordable

5 affordable craft ideas to try at home

5 affordable (yet still amazing) holidays for seniors

5 tips for making affordable calls overseas