Aussie mum says she needed to 'desperately' cut corners earning $140k a year - but others reckon she's doing something 'terribly wrong'
- The TikTokker described it as a 'controversial opinion'
- Her post received a mixed response
- READ MORE: The sad reality of the cost of living crisis in Australia
An Aussie mum has divided social media by claiming she had to make desperate changes to the household budget to survive on income of $140,000 a year.
In what she described as a 'controversial opinion', TikToker Lou @thatmoneymum - who describes herself as 'Just a mum trying to save' - posted her advice on the changes she has made to make her budget go further.
She opened her TikTok by saying: 'It feels embarrassing to admit that six months ago on $140,000 a year, my husband and I were losing money.
'The cost of living creep got us real good and we desperately needed to make a change for the sake of our family.'
She then listed the 'changes we've made to start saving again'.
Lou started by suggesting it is important to differentiate between wants and needs.
'Our generation has honestly been conditioned to buy as soon as that want arises,' she said.
TikToker @thatmoneymum said 'It feels embarrassing to admit that six months ago on $140,000 a year, my husband and I were losing money'
She used the example that although she wanted to buy double-walled coffee cups 'for ages', she waited until she saw them at an op shop because they weren't a necessity.
Lou said the most important factor is tracking their spending.
'This changed the game because it helped us see where we were overspending,' she said.
She created an auto-calculating spreadsheet to help the couple work out where they were overspending.
'We realised food was a massive problem area for us, so we've made a few changes.'
Lou now plans their meals and audits their fridge to avoid waste.
'We shop at our local market and Aldi and Coles and Woolworths only if we're desperate. The prices at Coles and Woollies are literally out of control,' she said.
Lou said the regular price of washing powder at The Reject Shop is the same as when it is on special for half price at Woolies.
Another way she saves money is by buying toys and clothes at op shops.
Lou said she is now 'obsessed' with Facebook Marketplace , buying a $1,700 Bugaboo pram for just $200.
Lou said she is now 'obsessed' with Facebook Marketplace, buying a $1,700 Bugaboo for just $200
She ended the TikTok by saying the couple have 'started practicing for the things that we do have in life.'
'I have a beautiful son and a gorgeous husband, a healthy family and that's more important than anything else.'
Reactions to Lou's TikTok were mixed.
'I just don't understand how this is possible. I earn like $80k and my partner is a med student. I have to pay for her med school tuition out of pocket every semester $7k and I'm doing fine,' one TikToker wrote.
'Wow, double income under 85 thousand making it work,' another wrote.
'I'm on $60k, single parent with a mortgage, no child support and are doing fine... something terribly wrong if you can afford life on $140k.'
The majority of replies to Lou's TikTok were positive.
'Great post. Gen X here, I think we spoilt your generation with instant reward to make up for what we didn't have. Great job changing your mindset.'
'Love the effort you guys are going through. Long term this is going to make a huge difference.'
