An Australian father with a full-time job says he's had to rent out a bedroom in his house as the cost-of-living crisis escalates.
Single father Steve Whittington told Today he was doing everything he could to keep his bills down as interest rates remain stubbornly high.
It comes as the Reserve Bank announced it would keep interest rates on hold yesterday, but flagged another hike could be on its way.
The interest rate has been unchanged since November 2023.
Whittington said he has "become numb" to the idea interest rates would fall, saying the RBA was not prepared to take any risks.
"It's really disappointing," he said.
He started renting out his bedroom for short-term rental accommodation to save money.
"An Airbnb is a less disruptive solution for my family, it probably brings in about $800 a month," he said.
"I've been doing it for four months now. There is significant disruption, but it does allow me not to rent out my bedroom when my kids are here."
Whittington said although it's "far from ideal", it does make a difference.
"But even with that, I was at the Aldi checkout (yesterday) and $46 worth of groceries, was declined," he said.
"That's the first time that's happened to me in my life.
"And that's pretty embarrassing for a full-time professional, who works in a pretty well-paid profession."
