Hell over ‘chop money’

The rising cost of living has badly affected the budgets of families, especially housekeeping money, to the extent that some families have had to cope with steady reduction in their housekeeping budget.

With families focused on keeping a roof over their heads, in addition to settling rising utility bills, fuel and food bills, there is little spare cash for petty luxuries.

Some parents told Weekend Finder that they have to resort to borrowing each month to make ends meet.

According to them, the pressure associated with coping with their financial situation was putting a strain on their relationship with their spouses.

Weekend Finder’s checks revealed that a family of four, which used to spend Ghc20 on food a day at the beginning of the year, now spends Ghc40.

Mr Bright Anane, a 42-year-old security personnel, said despite the rising cost of living, his salary has not been increased.

As a result, he said, his 17-year-old son who just completed secondary school had to work to support the family since there was no money for him to continue his education.

Julius Addy, a 27-year-old taxi driver, explained that even though he is not married, he had to fend for his girlfriend, who he gives an amount of Ghc100 for her monthly upkeep.

Sadly, however, his girlfriend quit the relationship recently due to his inability to increase the monthly upkeep money to reflect the rising cost of living, he said.

Mr Kwame Debrah, a married man, told Weekend Finder that he resorted to buying cheap cooked food as a way of reducing cost, but the family ended up spending more.

He disclosed that the rising cost of living has compelled him to reduce housekeeping money as his salary has not been increased.

He explained that since he has to buy fuel for his vehicle daily, and considering the fact that fuel prices have gone up, he has no choice than to reduce the house keeping money.