A father of six says his family now shops at multiple supermarkets and small shops to find the cheapest prices as the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets.
Moses Fukuyama says many households have already carefully planned their weekly, fortnightly and monthly budgets, but the recent increases in the cost of living have forced families to rethink how they spend their money.
Insert: Fukuyama on multiple supermarkets 25th June 26
Fukuyama says some families are cutting back on food, while others are changing their eating habits because healthier food options have become more expensive.
He says many people are quietly dealing with financial hardship, even though their struggles are not always visible.
Looking ahead to tomorrow's National Budget announcement, Fukuyama hopes the government will introduce measures that provide meaningful relief for struggling families.
He says while people understand there are global factors affecting fuel prices, Fiji must also focus on helping its own people cope with the increasing cost of living.
Fukuyama also believes the government should continue investing in key areas such as health and security while ensuring support reaches the people and communities that need it most.
He says he is also worried about the future his children will face, pointing to growing concerns over the rising cost of living, drugs and HIV.
Fukuyama says while he remains hopeful through his Christian faith, prayers must be matched with action from leaders and society to improve the lives of ordinary families.
He is encouraging people to support one another, budget wisely where possible and seek help if they need it.
Fukuyama is also calling on businesses and market vendors to keep prices as affordable as possible, saying everyone is facing the same challenges and Fiji will get through them by working together.
A Ra mother says the rising cost of living is forcing more parents to say no to their children's requests as household budgets come under increasing pressure.
Sulueti Bale says families are finding it harder to make ends meet because the cost of living is no longer keeping pace with what many people earn.
Speaking ahead of the National Budget announcement, Bale says she hopes the government will introduce measures to help ease the financial burden on families.
Insert: Bale say there is no balance 25th June 26
She says while some civil servants may be coping, people who rely on weekly wages are finding it much harder to manage the increasing cost of everyday essentials.
Bale says parents are now having to put their family's needs before their wants and make difficult decisions about spending.
She says there was a time when parents could afford to give their children the things they wanted, but now many families have to draw the line because they simply cannot afford them.
Bale also shared her concerns about the future of her children, saying challenges such as the rising cost of living and the growing drug problem make many parents anxious.
She says while no one can predict what the future holds, parents must remain hopeful, continue praying and do their best to guide and support their families through these difficult times.
The 2026/2027 National Budget will be delivered at 10am tomorrow.
