'We can't afford to do a grocery shop this week'

"We have $400 in the bank, and $3k worth of bills. I hope you like Weetbix," an Aussie mum has said in a viral cost of living clip.

Families across the country are constantly cutting back the supermarket shopping list, due to the cost-of-living crisis. 

But one family is going without groceries altogether this week, as there is no money in the bank for a supermarket shop. 

The mum, @aussiefrugalfamily, on TikTok, posted a video titled, 'a week without grocery shopping' - which has now gone viral thanks to the relatable struggle.

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"I hope you like Weetbix"

She starts her video by saying, "We have $3000 worth of bills coming up really soon, and we have $400 in our bank account. So this week, I'm not going to be doing any grocery shopping."

In the video, she pans through her fridge, freezer and pantry to show what her family will be eating, as they cannot afford to go to the supermarket.  

"We are going to be using whatever is in our fridge, whatever is in our freezer, whatever is in our pantry," she continues. 

"I'm going to be putting meals together for our family of 2.5, and we're just going to see how we go."

"We are going to be eating; I just don't know how well we will be eating. Stay tuned," she concludes the video. 

She captioned it, "I hope you like Weetbix." 

What one family will be eating, as they go without a weekly grocery shop. Source: TikTok

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Cost of living touches everyone

This video has since gone viral, striking a chord with many families. The post was flooded with hundreds of comments sharing their tips to help with budgeting and a dwindling bank balance, while others offered their empathy, given they, too, are experiencing the same. 

"It's crazy that this is what it's come to - choosing between food or paying the bills! Cost of living is insane!" one viewer replied. 

"I divide all my bills weekly. I work out what it will cost per year per item and split it! Helps with cashflow soooo much," said one savvy shopper. 

"Was in this situation for the last few weeks - still did groceries but very limited on what we could get. Hope you’re okay," another added.

And finally, another mum said "I hear you. I have three kids & do it all alone. Three x school fees in altogether at the same time, gas and rates due and health insurance next month."

Enter ChatGPT

Others quickly offered recipes for what she could make based on what was left in her fridge and pantry. Some suggested AI tools to help with meal planning. 

"Weetabix is totally a meal! Especially with bills lol," one claimed.

"Vegemite Toasties all around!" another suggested for their meals. 

"ChatGPT what you have and ask for recipes if you get stuck" was another a great idea that many families have been using. 

In an earlier video, the mum shared that she donated blood for her $75 grocery bill. 

What are you doing to save in the current climate? Tell us in the comments on Facebook.

Originally published as 'We can't afford to do a grocery shop this week'