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Living costs Stories

Kiwi Stories

Living costs stories

NZ households prioritise utilities over telco debts
Bank of New Zealand

NZ households prioritise utilities over telco debts

Cost-of-living pressure is pushing New Zealand households to protect power and water bills first, while telco debts are among the first to slip.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last month
Samsung launches AI heat pump to cut New Zealand bills
Internet of Things

Samsung launches AI heat pump to cut New Zealand bills

Households may trim winter power costs as the system automatically adjusts heating and cooling using room conditions and daily routines.

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Thu, 9th Apr 2026

Global Stories

Living costs stories

PocketSmith launches Open Banking hub for Australians
Software-as-a-Service

PocketSmith launches Open Banking hub for Australians

Australian consumers unsure about sharing bank data now have a plain-language guide as PocketSmith expands its use of consented open banking feeds.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Mon, 4th May 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Living costs stories

Australians research more before buying as costs bite
Data Privacy

Australians research more before buying as costs bite

Rising living costs are pushing 71% of online shoppers to compare more options and cross-check purchases across more channels before buying.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Last week
TELUS gala raises CAD $3 million for youth bursaries
Samsung

TELUS gala raises CAD $3 million for youth bursaries

The record haul will fund bursaries and grants for young Canadians hit by affordability, mental health and education barriers.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 5 min read • Last month
Karmo launches cheaper BYD EV subscriptions in Australia
Fleet Management

Karmo launches cheaper BYD EV subscriptions in Australia

Lower weekly payments could widen access to BYD electric cars as Karmo's novated subscription starts at AUD $126.16 in Australia.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Last month
RBA set to hold as late business payments hit six-year high
Small Business

RBA set to hold as late business payments hit six-year high

Australian businesses face tighter cash flow as overdue invoices jump to a six-year high, reinforcing expectations the RBA will hold rates at 4.35%.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
Mortgages no longer top debt priority for Australians
Data Analytics

Mortgages no longer top debt priority for Australians

Severe financial stress is changing household payment hierarchies, with mortgages now as likely as credit cards to fall behind first in some cases.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last month
AliExpress launches UK summer sale with up to 80% off
Wearables

AliExpress launches UK summer sale with up to 80% off

Shoppers feeling the squeeze are driving demand for discounted home, garden and tech items as 86% worry about living costs, AliExpress said.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last month
Australia's big banks boost provisions as profits grow
PwC

Australia's big banks boost provisions as profits grow

Rising margins pressure and a Middle East supply shock are testing lenders, even as provisions and capital buffers are lifted.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Wed, 20th May 2026
emerchantpay adds Visa Instalments for UK merchants
Buy Now Pay Later

emerchantpay adds Visa Instalments for UK merchants

UK merchants could see fewer abandoned baskets as emerchantpay adds card-linked instalments at checkout for eligible Visa shoppers.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Tue, 19th May 2026
Australian SMEs absorb rising fuel costs, MYOB says
Data Analytics

Australian SMEs absorb rising fuel costs, MYOB says

Fuel now tops cost pressures for Australian SMEs, but most are still swallowing the rise rather than passing it on to customers.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Mon, 18th May 2026
Young Canadians drive faster cashback use on Chexy
Fintech

Young Canadians drive faster cashback use on Chexy

Cashback spending on Chexy is rising fastest among Canadians under 40, highlighting a shift towards immediate rewards on bills, rent and taxes.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Sat, 16th May 2026
Most UK shoppers oppose dynamic pricing for groceries
Customer Experience

Most UK shoppers oppose dynamic pricing for groceries

Britons are far more likely to reject changing grocery prices than embrace them, with fairness and clear pricing still driving loyalty.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Wed, 29th Apr 2026
Two thirds of UK adults worry about finances ahead
Grants

Two thirds of UK adults worry about finances ahead

Household budgets remain under strain as many cut essentials, dip into savings and miss payments, with £23 billion in support unclaimed yearly.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Thu, 16th Apr 2026
Singapore sandwich class turns to crypto for stability
Crypto

Singapore sandwich class turns to crypto for stability

Middle-income households in Singapore are increasingly using cryptocurrency to diversify portfolios and buffer rising costs, a new survey shows.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Wed, 15th Apr 2026
Bucharest tops Europe startup rankings as London slips
Hybrid & Remote Work

Bucharest tops Europe startup rankings as London slips

Lower costs and lighter tax burdens have pushed Bucharest to the top of Europe’s startup rankings, while London fell to 69th globally.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Fri, 10th Apr 2026