More than 2 million families forced to choose between power bills and rent

Aussies are skipping power bills, insurance and credit card repayments just to keep a roof over their heads, with millions now being forced to choose between paying the rent and paying for the basics. New research from Finder shows 23 per cent of Australians — or about 2.3 million households — have missed or delayed at least one bill in the past year so they could cover their mortgage or rent. The most common bill left unpaid was electricity and gas, with 8 per cent admitting they had put off an energy payment as housing costs chewed through their budget. Car insurance and credit card bills were next, with 6 per cent of Australians delaying each, while home internet, buy now pay later repayments and home insurance were all pushed back by 5 per cent. Millions of Aussies are skipping paying bills just to keep a roof over their heads. Picture: iStock The figures lay bare the brutal squeeze facing households as housing costs swallow a growing share of weekly income, leaving little left for essentials. Finder money expert Richard Whitten said many Australians had almost no margin for error once rent or mortgage repayments were covered. “When the mortgage or rent takes such a big chunk o...