Inflation and rising electricity and gas prices...how are we supposed to get by?

financial difficulties crisis

Financially challenging times are coming for many families. It’s a hard nut that needs to be cracked together.

Michael Hanl-Landa has some good news from her counselling work: “From our experience, many families have learned to deal with problematic situations as a result of the difficulties in the past few years. The pressure is rising, though. It’s easy to lose the plot and panic because so many things need to be paid.” This often escalates conflicts that have been lying dormant for a long time.

Even social activities with friends are more restricted when there is less money around, which can have a negative impact on mental health.

“The most important thing is to try to communicate with one another in a transparent way. Talk about the situation, explain to family members that money is tight.” Most of the time children understand very well when the situation is explained to them. As a couple, it’s also important to talk about your concerns and look for solutions together. “Don’t hide anything and don’t try to keep up appearances because that will backfire.” There may be many reasons for financial difficulties. The myth that it’s poor people’s own fault they are poor has been repeatedly dispelled by academic studies. There’s no reason to be ashamed. It’s also important to seek help at an early stage.

“The key word is collaboration. We all have to help one another so we can tighten our belts a little,” Hanl-Landa tells us. Specifically, this could be reducing fixed costs by recording expenses in a budget book and looking for potential areas of saving. As well as discount campaigns on necessities, significant savings can potentially be made by buying consumer goods second hand or renting them. Many cities now have exchanges for children’s items and second hand shops that are no longer outdated. Internet platforms also offer new options for thrifty and sustainable consumption. Counselling centres can also help you to get perspective if you have outstanding payments. They can also help you to find and apply for financial support. Ultimately, what you do is individual. It’s important to take action and find your own effectiveness – this will help improve your mental state too.

If you are having financial difficulties, make a free appointment at one of the numerous Austrian family counselling centres. There are also specialist sites that can advise you on support that is available.