Living costs stories

Digital ordering and payment options are influencing behaviour, with more people using QR codes to avoid awkward money conversations with friends.

Ransomware gangs are stepping up efforts to recruit insiders, warns NCC Group, as December 2025 attacks jump 13% to 784 globally.

Australian CFOs face a turbulent 2026, juggling AI integration, cost pressures, talent gaps, new ESG rules and fragile supply chains.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Block Earner introduces crypto-back loans to alleviate rising living costs for Australians, leveraging blockchain technology.

Australian retailers are planning to offer bigger discounts this holiday season, with 44% expecting an increase in sales, according to a survey by Fiverr.

Belinda Grant-Geary named Head of Yahoo Finance Australia, overseeing editorial strategy and team, reporting to Euan Black, Director of Content.